Does Your Dog Dig

Writen by Larry Combs

Dear Fellow Dog Lover,

I assume you love your dog, or you probably wouldn't be reading this. But, looking at your "battle-field" of a yard filled with holes sometimes makes it tough to love your dog like you want to. You look out the window, and there he is digging like crazy, for no apparent reason. As if there is something buried there that he HAS to have right now! My Border Collie used to drive me nuts!

So, I started checking around. Calling every dog expert I could find trying find someone who knew the answers. Then, Bingo! I found a trainer in who actually had some ideas.

He said most dogs don't dig for no reason. They smell something that intrigues them and compells them to dig. It could be many things. From moles to mold.

In my case it was mold from an old decaying tree stump just under the surface. "Buster" had dug a virtual "foxhole" around the area.

Here's what I discovered. First, there are some commercial products you can by like "Keep Off" and "Repell" and I had some success with them. But, they soon loose their effect. Either they simply wear off, or get washed away by rain, etc. But the attraction to dig remains.

Here's what I did that actually broke Buster forever!

The trainer who finally helped told me to put Busters stool in the holes. I said "will that really work?" And he said "Well, unless your dog likes digging in s---." I grabbed my shovel and everytime I cleaned up after Buster's "business" I put the stool in the hole. It worked almost immediately. Everytime Buster dug a new hole, I started filling it with poop. Within a week Buster gave up and quit digging.

So, since you need to clean your yard anyway, you might give it try. Get a couple bags of top soil, put in the poop, fill with the soil and plant some grass seed. Soon you'll have your yard looking like a yard again.

I hope I have been of some help. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to email me at jennasgifts@cinci.rr.com

Wishing you and your dog happiness always,

Janet Combs

If you would like to learn more about training and caring for your Bichon Frise go to http://www.combsinfo.com

Celebrities Discover The Amazing Chihuahua

Writen by Bill Knell

Some say it started with the Taco Bell dog. A five hundred million dollar ad campaign featured a talking Chihuahua which continually repeated the slogan, "Yo quiero Taco Bell," which is Spanish for "I want Taco Bell." Then came the Legally Blond films and the unstoppable Bruiser. The topping on the cake was when Paris Hilton appeared on the cover of Seventeen magazine and later tried living The Simple Life on Fox TV with Tinkerbell, her pet Chihuahua. Celebrities have discovered what many pet owners already knew: Chihuahuas are the best dogs to own and care for. In the process, they've set off a Chihuahua Craze that is reaching towering proportions.

When most people think of Celebrities and their toy dogs, Yorkshire Terriers, Toy Poodles, Pekinese, Lhasas and Shih Tzus usually come to mind. That's because famous folks like Audrey Hepburn, Zsa Zsa Gabor and Mia Farrow were regularly photographed with their beloved pets. In Audrey's case, it was a Yorkie. In her early days of fame, Mia Farrow was rarely seen out in public without her Lhasa. Zsa Zsa and Eva Gabor loved to walk through the hot spots of Beverly Hills and be photographed with a multitude of Toy Poodles, Pekinese and Shih Tzus. But times have changed!

The always innovative Madonna may have set the standard for change not long ago when she sported her beloved Chihuahua, Chiquita, for a press photo op. Noah Wyle, one of the hot stars of ER, was recently photographed with his Chihuahua while on holiday. Jennifer Lopez has also joined the exclusive club of famous Chihuahua owners. Younger celebrities like Britney Spears, Hilary Duff, Paris Hilton, Christina Ricci, Jordon, Reese Witherspoon and members of Simple Plan have found themselves attracted to these fabulous canines and brought a huge amount of attention to them.

Chihuahuas make great pets because they are very low maintenance, the world's smallest dogs and longest lived breed. Celebs love the fact that Chihuahuas prefer the company of humans more then they enjoy being with other animals and can easily accompany their owners everywhere. Chihuahuas love to be held or carried around in their very own shoulder bag and that makes them especially attractive to busy celebrities and people who are always on the move.

Unlike most toy dog breeds, the Chihuahua is not a created one. The first widespread mention of Chihuahuas occurred during the mid to late 1800's in weekly or monthly tabloids that specialized in tales of the American West. Highly fictionalized accounts of the small dogs spread by these publications claimed they were actually a mix of rodent and canine or had been magically created by Medicine Men. In reality, Chihuahuas were first noticed along the Arizona-Mexico border by settlers, ranchers and those passing through. This lead to the animals becoming originally-known as Arizona Dogs. Once it began obvious that these cute little dogs were actually coming out of the Chihuahua region of Mexico where they had been discovered in the early 1800's, the regional name stuck.

For the first time ever this past year, Chihuahuas have made the top ten list of most registered or licensed dogs in many areas of the USA. There can be no doubt that part of their popularity comes from the media exposure the breed has received and the fact that big-name celebrities are favoring the breed. But it also has to do with the fact that Chihuahuas are small, very easy to care for and live a long time.

Most Chihuahuas eat dry dog food and feed once every couple of hours or as their hunger moves them. A small, full bowl of dry food and dish of water easily gets them through an entire day. Chihuahuas are known for being healthy, hearty dogs that do well in virtually any situation. They can easily deal with temperatures of forty to ninety degrees Fahrenheit. When it gets a bit too chilly, doggie clothes solve the problem. When it gets too hot, Chihuahuas are always happy to enjoy their owner's air conditioning. Most have few health issues and live from fifteen to nineteen years of age, with an average lifespan of sixteen years.

Those wanting to breed Chihuahuas are often surprised to find that they can give birth up to twice a year, normally have from one to five puppies and take just sixty-five days to give birth. Few have problem births and the survival rate of pups is very high compared to other toy breeds. Chihuahua puppies are ready to be adopted by eight weeks.

Because celebrities are constantly exposed to new situations and always on the go, they can appreciate the fact that most Chihuahuas tend to attach themselves emotionally to one person or family and rarely bolt if given the opportunity. All Chihuahua owners appreciate the intelligence of the breed. They are very easy to train and adjust well to change. In areas where it's legal, Chihuahuas walk obediently near their owners without a leash.

Chihuahuas come from the same parent breed of dogs that Chinese Cresteds, Mexican Hairless Dogs and Xolos do. These are known to be the most ancient of all dog breeds still existing today. Drawings of what appear to be Chihuahuas are found throughout the world, some being thousands of years old. This makes us wonder when and where the Breed actually originated? Most Chihuahuas are either shorthair or longhair, come in an amazing variety of colors and purebreds tend to weigh from under a pound to no more then six pounds fully grown.

As Chihuahuas are featured in more and more films, television shows and become the beloved pets of an ever growing list of the rich and famous, we should all remember that they are more then just the hot breed of the moment. Chihuahuas are great pets that are very loyal to their owners. If you are planning to adopt a Chihuahua, do so because the breed is attractive to your needs, desires and lifestyle, not because Paris owns one. You can read more about Chihuahuas at http://tiny.azpuppies.com and find free dog training and health tips at http://doggiestyle.billknell.com

Author's Email: bill knell@cox.net
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Bio: A native New Yorker now living in Arizona, Bill Knell is a forty-something guy with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Bill has produced many successful videos and hosted a top-rated cable TV show sponsored by Time/Life Books. He's written hundreds of articles on a wide variety of subjects and you've read about Bill in The New Yorker Magazine, The New York Times, Omni and hundreds of local, national and international publications worldwide. A popular Speaker, Bill Knell presents seminars on a number of topics that entertain, train and teach.

Why Your Dog Should Have A Bed

Writen by Mike Steele

Like humans, your dog will enjoy a quality dog bed for all of the same reasons we do. Quality beds provide warmth, support, as well as a sense of security for your dog. Providing your pal with a bed of their own does far more for them than what is listed above.

When a pet owner asks what items they will need for their pet, a quality dog bed should be near the top of their list! Aside from the usual collar, leash, food and water dishes. Providing your dog with a bed should not be an option as their benefits far outweigh their cost.

A few benefits of providing a quality bed for your dog:

• Insulation: Quality beds provide your dog with insulation from both the heat of the summer or the bitter cold of winter and fall. Beds such as the Snuggle Ball Bed, provide warmth and comfort for your dog, especially in the winter months.

• Personal Space: Providing your dog with a bed allows them to have their own space. A place, where they can curl up, and relax, adding an additional sense of security for your pooch.

• Cushion/Support: Especially for older dogs, as well as dogs with other joint or bone problems. Beds such as the Orthocare Bed and Ortho Mat Bed are specifically designed to aid in relieving of pets with sore joints, bones, or other problems due to age, weight, or other joint related problems.

• Shed & Dander Control: Providing your dog with a bed can also aid, by providing you with a "main" area in which a majority of their shedding and/or dander issues can be contained. Reversible Bolster Beds, provide you pet with an additional laying surface, should you not have time do your doggie's wash. Durabeds are also available, which are incredibly easy to clean; just wipe down with a wet paper towel!

• Injury Prevention: Using a dog bed in your home can help reduce the chances of "furniture hazards", such as jumping off the couch; often your pooches favorite place to lay, especially when you are away.

• Protection from the Elements: Providing a pooch who lives outdoors most of the time with a bed is critical. The Outdoor Bed is tough and water repellent and can be used inside or out. Easy to clean, this bed is also specifically treated to eliminate mold, fungus, or other outdoor hazards which may affect your dog.

Spend some time determining which bed is best suited for your dog, remembering that this will become a favorite resting place for your pooch! Unfortunately, low quality beds are easily torn and often first to "break-down", never truly offering your dog the benefits of a higher quality bed. Shop around, as there are many good choices out there. Most importantly, think of the bed as an investment, because many High Quality beds will last the lifetime of your dog, and by purchasing one of these, so will their benefits!

Mike Steele

http://www.dog.com/

Could A Golden Retriever Be The Right Dog Breed For You

Writen by Andy Matthews

Intelligent, and keen to learn, they were originally bred to retrieve game, but they have readily adapted to new roles as guide dogs for the blind, drug detection work, and competing at the highest level in obedience. However, before you rush out and buy one of these charming and friendly dogs, you need to be sure that the Golden Retriever is the right choice of dog for you, and your family.

Owners of Golden's owe a debt to Lord Tweedmouth of England who first introduced them as a definite breed during the 19th century. Bred with a natural working ability, they were easily classified as members of the Sporting Group. This is a high energy dog, and is going to need plenty of brisk exercise, especially in the early years.

The Golden likes to keep busy. Retrieving a ball on your walks will help him to burn up most of his abundant energy. Keeping them occupied when they are young is important. Trust me, they will find ways to entertain themselves, such as demolishing every shoe you possess.

The Golden Retriever is a large, muscular dog, standing 22 to 24 inches tall, and weighing in at 55 to 80 pounds. They have kind eyes, and a broad head, which may offer a clue as to why they are so intelligent. Coats are quite dense, and colors range from a deep, honey colored gold to a light golden.

They are average shedders so frequent grooming is advisable if you don't want dog hair all over your furniture. To prevent mats from developing brush him through with a good bristle brush, paying particular attention to the area behind his ears.

Golden's will be okay in an apartment providing you exercise them frequently. They need a good daily romp in the park as well as walking on the lead. If your a keen gardener, fence off an area for your dog, as most Golden Retrievers also love gardening. While they are at the puppy stage, they love to dig, and also enjoy chewing up the shrubbery.

Goldens Retrievers are large dogs, and they like to eat. So this is an expense that you need to consider. Healthwise, they are prone to hip dysplasia, and can suffer from eye problems. Skin allergies are quite common, and you should consult your veterinarian straight away if you detect a problem.

This breed make excellent family dogs. They are friendly towards everyone, and kind and gentle with children. Golden puppies are naturally boisterous, and you could find that toddlers may accidentally get bowled over when your pup is playing.

Because they are eager to please their owners this breed is relatively easy to train. You can find a dog training method that works well with a Golden. And you could also arrange to attend obedience classes with him. This will help to socialize him, getting him used to other dogs and people. Training your Golden Retriever when he is a small puppy, is a much better idea, than waiting till he is a 70lb adult and a real handful to control. So is the Golden the right dog for you? There's no doubt that they make loyal and loving family pets, their huge popularity is testament to that. But, popularity can also bring with it its own problems.

A healthy, even tempered Golden Retriever is a real pleasure to own. So, if you've made your mind up to get one of these beautiful dogs, make sure that you choose a reputable breeder to buy your puppy from.

Andy Matthews is the best friend of Suki, a 2 year old Cocker Spaniel, who has tirelessly built from scratch http://www.top-dogs-names.com. Check it out it's kind of unique!

Colours Shapes And Sizes Make For Different Types Of Goldfish

Writen by Mark Sturge

The types of goldfish vary, and the characteristics that make this diversity evident are recognized in their scale colouring, the shape and size of the goldfish, the look of their tails, and of course, by their different names. Nevertheless, regardless of how one goldfish may look, or if it has a different title from the next, all goldfish come from the same family, originating from the gibel carp found in the streams of China.

The only reason why there are so many unique looking types of goldfish is because they have been purposely bread to look different.

Why? It may or may not come as a surprise to you but appearance matters to goldfish enthusiasts, and may be something you will want to consider yourself when looking at the types of goldfish that are available on the market.

For instance, did you know that goldfish are available in more colours than just gold? In fact, there are goldfish that are coloured yellow, red, bronze, blue and even black! What's more is there are some goldfish that have a mixture of colours in their scales. However, although goldfish scales can come in more than one shade, hue, or splash of colour, many types of goldfish are also categorized by their tails.

There are four types of goldfish tail categories that you can consider when selecting your goldfish. The four categories include the single tailed, double tailed, double tailed without dorsal fin, and the double tailed with dorsal fin. While each type of goldfish in these categories has differences within their own groups based on their colour, body and fin size, the one feature which remains constant within their grouping is their shape. Take for example the single tailed goldfish, which has three goldfish within its category: Comets, Commons and Shubunkins. Although each of these types of goldfish has a slender body shape, Comets generally have gold scales and a long single fin tail, whereas the Shubunkins is bigger in size, and has calico coloured (a mix of violet, orange red and black) scales.

Aside from these noted differences, you will discover that the single tailed goldfish, as well as the double tailed goldfish, share the same slender body shape characteristic; while both the double tailed goldfish with the dorsal fin and those without, feature an egg shaped body. Moreover, the double tailed with the dorsal fin, and those double tailed without the dorsal fin are unique types of goldfish that have exotic characteristics. Some of these characteristics include a wen (head growth) seen in the Oranda and Pearlscale goldfish, and telescope eyes, as seen in the Telescope and Moors goldfish.

As you can see, there are many aspects to consider when it comes to choosing from the different available types of goldfish. Just remember, depending on the fish you want, certain care methods will be required that are based on different characteristics for each of the goldfish types.

Mark Sturge is webmaster of goldfish-answers.com. A site where you can learn all about goldfish care and the different types of goldfish to choose from.

Grooming Your Poodle

Writen by Robin Darch

Poodle grooming can be a daunting task, but a necessary part of owning this particular breed. Well-groomed poodles have healthier skin and coats and grooming also helps prevent health problems.

A poodle's hair never stops growing, so a full clipping is necessary every six to eight weeks. If you can afford it, it may be best to pay someone else to groom your poodle. The steps involved can be labor intensive and it is sometimes best left to a professional.

Choose your groomer carefully and take advice from other poodle owners in your area. You might want to consider scooping out different breeders in the area. Visit their shops without your dog and pay attention to how the facility is managed. Look for a clean shop and a groomer with a gentle hand and manner.

If money is an issue, you can use a professional groomer every second time. You can maintain your poodles grooming yourself in between visits and save money.

To maintain your poodle's cut between visits, you will need some quality dog grooming tools. Your groomer can often purchase professional tools for you at a discount, or you can find quality tools at a good pet store or at a dog show.

You will need a high quality pair of clippers and scissors. Keep your clippers in top working condition by cleaning the blades and oiling them regularly. Dull blades can scrape the skin of your poodle and cause clipper burn. Look for a pair of clippers that have a many blades, this way you can rotate the blades during the grooming session if need be.

You will also need quality brushes and combs to maintain your poodle's cut between grooming sessions. Your dog should be well brushed at least twice a week, if not daily.

Even though poodles don't shed as much as other dogs, they do lose hair. That hair remains in the dog's coat until you brush it out. Brushing will also keep your poodle's coat shiny by distributing the skin's natural oils.

Ask your groomer for brush recommendations, as the right brush will depend on what type of cut your poodle has. Bi-weekly brushing sessions can be a great way to bond with your dog. Gentle but vigorous brushing will make your dog feel good and increase circulation in the skin.

You can bathe your poodle as often as once a week. Using a raised tub with a non-slip mat will make the experience more pleasurable for you both. To start, use warm water to soak your dog's coat to the skin.

Since poodles are water dogs they naturally shed water so it might take some effort to get the coat completely wet. You can use a mild dog shampoo to bathe your poodle.

Make sure to rinse the shampoo out of the dog's coat thoroughly. Any leftover residue can be irritating to the dog's skin. After your poodle's bath you can let the dog air dry for a curly look, or brush out the hair while blow-drying to give the coat a smooth and fluffy look.

Robin Darch, of PRT Specialised Services Limited has a website, My Pet Dog to help you find all the information you need about pet dogs, dog grooming and training.

Ten Tips For Caring For Your Betta Fish

Writen by Adam Short

Betta fish, also called Siamese fighting fish are one of the most popular types of fish found in homes across the world. Their vibrant color and active lifestyle seems to draw in fish fanatics as well as those who have never had fish before. Betta's are relatively easy to care for and their low maintenance is particularly appealing to people who would like to have fish but don't have a lot of time to care for them.

Once you bring your Betta's home you should begin to familiarize yourself with their movements and typical behavior patterns. When you look at your fish after you've had them for awhile you'll know if something is wrong, if they are not feeling well, or if the water in their bowl is not in the best condition simply by being observant.

1. Make sure the jar or bowl that you keep your Betta in is big enough so that he can swim around and not bump or tear his fins or scales. Also be sure there is plenty of surface area so that he can get enough oxygen.

2. Your Betta will thrive in the cleanest water that you can provide for him. He does not require a filtration system, but you should change out a third of his water every three days so it stays fresh and clean and keeps your finned friend from getting bacterial or fungal infections. Aged water (water that has set out for twenty four hours) is what should be used to replace the old water.

3. Do not put your Betta fish with other Betta's. They are called Siamese fighting fish because they are, in fact, fighting fish. They will tear at one another, often causing the death of at least one fish before they stop. Betta's can be coupled with algae eaters, guppies, or corydorus catfish safely.

4. Use a turkey baster to clean small particles of uneaten food or debris from the bottom of the bowl or jar. Allowing this debris to sit at the bottom of the jar will cause the water to become cloudy, unsanitary, and to smell awful.

5. The PH of your tank should be at exactly 7.0. You can get a PH testing kit at your pet store along with solutions to minimize or increase the PH of your water.

6. When you clean the plants, rocks, or decorations in the bowl you should never use soap on them. It's very hard to completely rinse all soap from these items and the soap residue can harm or even kill your Betta. Instead, use warm water and an abrasive brush to clean his things.

7. Keep your Betta tank, jar, or bowl covered! Your Beta will jump and you don't want him to end up flopping on the tabletop! Keeping the water level at least two inches from the top of the tank should also cut down on this problem.

8. Your Betta is a meat eater and likes live foods, such as brine shrimp the best. Frozen bloodworms are also a good choice for your meat eater. Most Betta fish will happily eat the Betta pellets sold at most pet stores. For a special treat every now and again you should offer some live food! You'll have fun watching him eat it up!

9. Do not decorate your Betta bowl with rocks or marbles that may cause your Betta to get stuck between or under them. Be sure that they are a flat smooth surface that provides no risk to the health of your fish.

10. Remember that your fish is a living, breathing responsibility. You need to feed, clean, and care for your Betta just like you would any other pet. If he's sick take him to the vet, if he's hungry feed him, if his home is dirty, clean it.

That's it! These ten tips for caring for your Betta fish will have you well on your way to keeping a healthy fish. Internet Betta Groups or library books can be a great source of information should you want to learn more about your finned friend!

Adam Short is the owner of Betta Fish Center and co-wrote the above article with Amanda Fenton. Amanda has been caring for Betta fish for over 25 years. She is a contributing writer to http://www.bettafishcenter.com - site providing information and tips on betta fish care.

The Shih Tzu Common Health Issues

Writen by Don Krnel

Although disease affects all different breeds of dog, certain breeds are more prone to certain ailments than others, due to their particular anatomical structure, genetic make-up, or other factors. In this article, we will briefly describe some of the most common ailments that affect the Shih Tzu.

Eyes and Ears: Because of the anatomical structure of the Shih Tzu's head, their eyes are especially vulnerable to being injured. This can be caused by collisions with foreign objects, encounters with other animals, rough play, etc. Eye injuries are probably the most avoidable of all ailments that affect the Shih Tzu and can be prevented to a large degree by providing a safe environment for the dog to play in, with special care taken to removal of potentially injurious objects. Shih Tzu should always be supervised when interacting with other animals and should discouraged from rough play. Another important preventive measure is to keep the eyes and eye area as clean as possible. Avoid allowing crustiness or dirt to accumulate. When grooming, it is recommended that the hair covering the eye area be left at a reasonable length as it protects the eyes from dirt and debris.

A genetically linked disease that often affects the Shih Tzu is Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or PRA. PRA is basically the de generation of the retina and retinal tissue over time and can lead to blindness at an early age. If a dog is suspected of having PRA, veterinary care should be provided. As PRA is an inheritable disease, dogs that suffer from the affliction should not be bred.

Shih Tzu are also very susceptible to ear infections. Ear infections are generally not serious and can be treated easily by a veterinarian. Some preventive methods include keeping the inside of the ears immaculately clean and free of hair and other debris.

Bones, Joints, and Internal Organs: Another genetically linked disease that affects ShihTzu is Hip Dysplasia. Hip Dysplasia is a degenerative disease that affects the function of the ball-and-socket joint of the hip. This can be an extremely debilitating disease and cannot always be corrected by surgery. Dogs suffering from Hip Dysplasia should not be bred.

Renal Dysplasia is an inherited disease that affects normal kidney function which, in turn, affects the overall health of the dog. Although Renal Dysplasia is more prevalent in older dogs, it can also affect young puppies and in some cases, can be fatal. Dog with Renal Dysplasia should not be part of any breeding program.

Other Concerns: Just as in humans, some Shih Tzu suffer from abnormal thyroid function. This can be treated with medication prescribed by a veterinarian, although the dog may have need of the medication for the entirety of their lives.

Shih Tzu also seem to be prone to certain types of allergies including food allergies, flea allergies, and hypersensitivity to environmental substances. This can lead to any number of secondary ailments, such as irritated skin, hair loss, and overall poor health. Allergy testing can be performed by a veterinarian and can be treated with medication.

Learn more about Dogs and Puppies on Don Krnel's site dogsandpuppies.info

What To Look For To Buy A Healthy Betta Fish

Writen by Mary Jensen

Many of the betta fish available to buy at stores are already sick from being kept in unhealthy conditions. You'll have a better chance to find a healthy fish from a pet store than a convenience store. Your best chances would be to purchase one directly from a breeder, however. In any case, you want to choose a healthy fish to have the best start, giving it a good chance for a long life. Did you know that Betta fish can live up to five years? A fish that starts out sick, however, may only live up to six months after purchase. It's easier to care for a healthy fish than to revive an unhealthy one.

Here are the different aspects to look for when choosing your fish:

Environment: Are the cups clean or are they full of dirty water? Is there a bad smell in the air? It could be from dead fish.

Color: Bettas are known for their vibrant coloring. Of course, there are variations that are pale or white. More likely, however, the dull color is a sign of stress or poor health.

Behavior: You want an active fish, floating upright, not spending too much time on the bottom. If a fish is motionless it could be sleeping. Don't tap on the glass as that will stress it out. Be subtle trying to get his attention.

Body: The body should be full and sleek, with no noticeable bumps. If it has white splotches it could have a fungus.

Fins: The fins should be free of wholes or tears, and spread fully instead of clamped together.

Scales: The scales should be flat and smooth. They shouldn't be loose or peeling.

Gills: Gills should be smooth, not red or stringy.

Eyes: The eyes should be dark and clear. They should not be bulging or sunken.

If something just doesn't look or feel right, pass on that fish and look at another one. It's good to trust your instincts. If there are many healthy fish to choose from, then go with personal preference.

You can use these same signs to watch the health of your betta fish after purchase. There are many resources on the web that you can find to increase the health and longevity of your fish. Put "Betta Care" in the search engine to get started. Good luck with your new fish!

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pet Forums.

Belgian Malinois Protector Of Home Family And Livestock

Writen by Evan Richer

The Belgian Malinois is a medium/large size dog that weighs between 40-80 lbs and is between 22" to 26" in height. Their name is pronounced MAL-in-wah. They are one of four Belgian Sheepdogs and are very work oriented and are protective of home, family and livestock.

The AKC recognizes the Belgian Malinois in the colors of fawn to mahogany to red with a black mask, ears and tips. Minimal white on the chest and feet is permitted. The short, smooth, straight and hard outer coat and dense undercoat require minimal grooming and are very easy to care for. Regular washing is not recommended as their coat has water proofing.

This intelligent, energetic, protective breed is still more of a working dog than companion. They have a strong drive to work. The Belgian Malinois makes an excellent farm dog, watchdog, police dog and herding dog because of their instinct to protect their family, home or whatever else they are trained to protect. They can make a great family pet as well. Early socialization is a must for children, other dogs and pets. In fact, they do best if they are socialized from the time they are born. They can be dominant towards other dogs. Early, consistent, firm but not harsh training is important. They are harder for a novice to train than someone who is more experienced. The Belgian Malinois has a lot of energy and loves to be on the go. They require a yard and plenty of room to run and play. They are not meant to be indoors all day. They enjoy being with their family and are not meant to be left alone for long periods of time as they will get bored and find some way to fill their time.

Originating in Belgium, the Belgian Malinois is one of four Belgian Sheepdogs. Their name comes from the Belgian city of Malines. It is recognize as its own breed by the AKC however, in some countries, all four Belgian Sheepdogs are considered to be one breed. The Belgian Malinois is popular in Belgium and is used for herding, police work and as a search and rescue dog.

A breed with such a strong work drive, protective instinct and high energy makes an excellent watchdog and farm dog. They do best with families that are active and will meet their work and exercise needs. An active, busy Belgian Malinois is a happy Belgian Malinois.

Learn more about the Belgian Malinois or discuss Dogs with other dog lovers at http://www.deardoggy.com

Using Dog Leash Training To Control Your Pooch

Writen by Kevin Simmons

Many pet owners don't like using a leash, for a wide variety of reasons: "My dog stays right next to me." "He pulls the leash too much." "My dog wants to explore on his own terms." "I feel like a leash restricts my dog, and I don't believe in that."

However, in order to keep your dog safe, you require control of your pet. Your dog also needs to know this, to ensure he's aware who the boss is. And, once you train your dog to not pull on his leash, or other bothersome behaviors (take a course through a local dog obedience school), you'll figure out just how fantastic dog leash training really is.

A dog that doesn't have any boundaries, such as a leash and an owner, doesn't realize that others have boundaries that he is required to respect. Proper dog leash training will show your pet what is expected of him at all times, no matter what is thrown at him. You cannot control if another dog attacks your pet, runs out into traffic, gets distracted by a wild animal or is so excited that he's not paying attention to his surroundings if your dog is unleashed. But with some dog leash training and a few commands he recognizes, you'll have the utmost of control in almost any situation.

Essentially, you are teaching your dog respect with a leash. And this training requires frequent, consistent, and appropriately timed positive reinforcement. Without a leash, this is pretty difficult.

If your dog, for instance, doesn't respond well to the command, 'Come', then using a leash can help with this skill tremendously. Try it the next time you go for a walk. Put the leash on your dog, and go for a leisurely walk where you know he'll be tempted to do something he's not supposed to. When he does it, gently say, "Come". If he does not respond right away, use the leash (once again, gently – you don't want to choke or otherwise hurt your dog!) to tell him what is expected of him, while saying the word, "Come" again. Repeat this until your dog comes to you, and then praise him instantly.

Do this consistently over a couple of days, and you'll notice just how much easier it gets each time. Soon, you won't even need to remind your dog of your command with the leash – he'll just respond appropriately and immediately, and you'll praise him just the same.

Learning how to control your animal using dog leash training is an important respect lesson for both of you, and should be used regularly to achieve the highest results.

(c) 2005 dog-training-info.com. This article may be republished as long as these bylines are included.

Kevin Simmons is the webmaster of http://www.dog-training-info.com. Please visit the site for more free dog training articles. Online URL for this article: http://www.dog-training-info.com/dog-leash-training.htm

An Introduction To Dog Beds

Writen by Ken Marlborough

Some people are so attached to their pets that they wouldn't dream of asking them to simply curl up on the floor to go to sleep. Pet owners, especially dog owners, have created an industry for dog beds that rivals the bedding industry for humans in both creativity and profit margins.

Just as dogs come in a variety of sizes -- from toy Chihuahuas that fit in the palm of your hand to Great Danes who are large enough to command most of the back of that family SUV -- so do dog beds. The very first designs for dog beds stressed comfort and ease of cleaning for the small, medium, large and extra large pooch in your life. Today there is a dizzying array of options for dog beds. There are dog beds designed to look like real beds so the lucky canine doesn't feel left out, dog beds designed to look like real furniture, and dog beds for that aging canine, designed to accommodate his creaking bones and stiff joints. There are dog beds made out of fabrics designed to blend in with the décor of your home and there are dog beds that can accommodate a dog who likes to stretch out while he naps versus the type who prefers to curl up into a ball.

No longer is it sufficient to simply walk into a pet store, find a comfortable looking bed for Rex, choose a color that matches your décor, (or his) and leave. Today you have to take many factors into consideration when making decisions about your dog's sleeping quarters.

The first thing to think about is where in the house you intend to place the bed. Some people put the dog's bed in the living room, so the dog has a place to lounge other than the family sofa. Other people put the dog bed in their bedroom, so the dog can be close without needing to jump into their bed. Some other things to consider are the size of your pet, and his sleeping habits.

There are also extras such as eucalyptus treatments and cedar filling (both to repel fleas), foam filling for the comfort of arthritic animals, and various Velcro attachments. Washing and cleaning are factors to take into account as well, both in terms of everyday wear and because of the dirt incurred from other uses for the bed such as a carrier liner or car seat protector. Gone are the days when buying a dog bed was simple and easy, but the tradeoff is a truly mind-boggling array of options.

Dog Beds Info provides detailed information about small and large dog beds, as well as designer, orthopedic, and discount dog beds. Dog Beds Info is the sister site of Bird Cages Web.

Training Your Dog To Be Groomed

Writen by Michael Russell

Grooming can be a pleasure for the dog and owner, or it can be a nightmare. A dog must be taught to be groomed and this is not always an easy prospect. Of course you would be much better off to start with a young puppy so that it becomes used to being groomed early on, but unfortunately this can not always be the case. Dogs who are older and are placed in adoptive homes from shelters, for example, may not have gotten used to this process at an early age.

Many owners will ignore the grooming when they find out that they can't control the dog to do it. (Or they will spend big bucks with a groomer). However, it is very important that a dog with a long coat or a double coat be groomed on a regular basis. The coat that has mats can block air from getting to the skin, causing hot spots. A dog that is not groomed is not pleasant to be around, it will either be smelly or it will drip shedding hair off onto the furniture or your clothes. Sometimes this is one of the reasons some dogs are banished to live outside rather than in the home! Furthermore, grooming the dog on a regular basis will stimulate the skin and keep the dog healthier, in the same way that a human must wash the scalp and brush the hair to maintain a healthy scalp.

Training a dog to be groomed is not too difficult if you make up your mind to do it and get the right equipment. Getting the equipment is a small expense compared to the expense of taking the dog to a groomer. A good pair of clippers is indispensable if you have a dog with a long coat. The usual cost for clippers is about $80.00. A comb, with both wide spaced and close spaced teeth is around $7.00. An undercoat rake is around $5.00, a pin brush, $12.00 and a slicker brush, $5.00. Then of course, there are nail clippers, which will run around $12.00. Dogs with short coats will not require as much, a grooming mitten or a slicker brush will be plenty. These products are just basics but are a good start and certainly will be paid for after only or two groomings at a professional groomers!

Some folks go all out and purchase a grooming table with an arm and a big fancy dryer. As a matter of fact, most "show people" with "show dogs" will have that and much more, but the average pet owner merely needs to make sure that they have the basics.

Once you have the equipment, it is necessary that you learn how to control your dog so that you can groom him. Here is where the "training" comes in. Both long coated dogs and short coated dogs should be trained to lie or sit quietly during the grooming process and should know to roll over and expose their bellies and should allow you to handle their feet and clean their ears. Start by putting the dog into a down position and follow through with the word "stay!" then simply start to brush the dog, gently. For heaven's sakes, do not start right off the bat with yanking out big mats. Simply start in places you know the dog will enjoy being brushed, usually just along the top of the back and the shoulders. Gradually work into the places that are more tender. Push or pull the dog as necessary into the positions you need to, but be gentle and firm and speak to him as you brush. Work through the coat gently and persuade the dog with a treat to distract him when it is going to be a touchy spot. When you do get to places where mats build up and the skin is tender, this is where the clippers can come in mighty handy. Simply clipping out the mats between the hind legs and behind the ears is way easier on the dog's tender skin and certainly works just as well if not better than yanking out those mats with a comb.

Building up to longer sessions is necessary. Keep the grooming sessions short and gradually make them longer. Grooming often, several times a week, a bit at a time, will get the dog used to being handled and combed. Just keep in mind that one step at a time will eventually lead to a dog that will love to lie down and get a nice grooming. It is a great time to bond with your dog and it is something that you can make the time for, if you just make up your mind to do it. Both of you will be happier, in the end.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dog Training

The Best Pet Products For Your Pet

Writen by Amelie Gam

The love for pets pushes their owners to try to do everything possible to keep them healthy and fit. The best pet products from the best pet supply stores are needed and a lot of research has to be done to offer the right care to those animal members of the family.

Although not a primary concern for many (because they are not aware of the existing dangers), pet nutrition plays an important role in the care of an animal. Many pet owners go to a pet supply store and buy pet products, but they are not always very careful. They sometimes make mistakes by buying canned food and thinking that it is equivalent to meat. Feeding their pet with that food every day is not a good idea, because it may contain toxins and preservatives that can harm their pets. Some of them are dangerous even for the owners. So, when you decide to buy food for your pet, be very careful and avoid those containing organophosphate pesticides (Ops). The seven OPs that must be avoided are: hlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, tetrachlorvinphos, malathion, diazinon, phosmet, and naled.

The ideal food for a pet is the one made at home and combined with several vitamins bought from a pet supply store. But in many cases the owners do not have the time to prepare the food themselves. Luckily, there are some alternatives such as ready-to-eat freeze dried and frozen materials or raw meals. Pets will just love this kind of raw food. These food products have supplements and can be a good substitute in case you can't feed your dog with bones for example. They can also be found in any pet supply store so there is a double advantage: they are nutritious and easy to buy.

One must give special attention to the pet supply store from where you buy the food. A pet supply store situated in a good area can provide food of higher quality and the risks of this food being expired or rotten are substantially reduced. Of big importance is the producer of these food products. Some of them may seem a little expensive, but, in most cases, they are better than cheaper products. Made from natural food (for example from chicken raised without steroids and hormones) and containing important vitamins, fats, minerals and fatty acids, these products are important for the health of your pet. The assistance offered by the employees of your pet supply store is also very important in deciding what kind of food is suitable for your pet.

If you are not satisfied with what you found in different stores or you just don't have the time to search, the internet is a very good alternative. You can look for advice regarding the best food and the best pet products and find out that everything can be available very quickly at the push of a button. Buying for your pet online is very easy. All you need to know is what kind of food you want and then start filling your cart. If you are unsure what kind of food or other pet products are good, just use an internet search engine and type "pet products" and you will be given a list of websites that offer pet products. They will help you find out more about the food suitable and also other important advice regarding the health of your pet.

Online shopping for your pet doesn't refer only to food. It also gives you the opportunity to find other pet products. This kind of shopping gives you access to online forums with veterinarians or food experts. This type of shopping is for those who prefer staying at home with their children or even with their pets than going into a pet supply store. The only major disadvantage in online shopping is that you can't see the products with your own eyes until they are delivered. In some cases one can be disappointed by the delivered pet products. In a pet shop, products can bee seen and no surprises can be expected. However, if a surprise can occur in a "live" store, you won't be able to detect it right then and there. The expired products will surely affect your pet. This is why online stores are better.

The time of delivery is also very important in the case of online shopping. If bought from the nearby area, the products are delivered immediately and help save time for searches and bargains. The search is a lot more pleasant because it is done from the comfort of your own home. But, if the pet products are ordered from a different area, it can take some time until they are delivered. Then there is the problem of shipping fees which are cheaper if the pet products are purchased directly from a pet supply store. However, online shopping saves time and a lot of headaches. In many shop, especially on the web, there are a lot of special offers for pet products. Although they are appealing, the owner must be very careful if he wants to buy a large quantity of food or other pet products. The expiration date needs extra attention. One must also check the products to find out if they are OPs free and in case of some pet products, such as leashes, he must make sure that they are not dangerous for their pet and for the other members of the family.

If you've decided to buy online for your pet, be sure you can find hundreds of pet products and lots of advice for pet owners. There is a lot of information available. Pictures together with pet products that have a very friendly design will make your online visit a delight. If you are not satisfied with your findings, you can always use the internet search engines and look some more for the perfect pet products. You will eventually find exactly what you want.

If you don't know what the best Pet Products are or what Pet Supply Store to choose, don't worry! You've found the right place to start looking.

Puppy Protocols Introducing A Young Dog Into Your Family

Writen by Niall Kennedy

Introducing a puppy to your home can cause a lot of upheaval. You might need to move furniture and make your home dog friendly, or just change your lifestyle to make sure you are available to exercise or feed your new pet, when she needs it.

A puppy is very much like a baby.

They are cute and cuddly. They tug at your heart and you just have to give in to them. But, doing so will likely spoil that puppy into an annoying pet rather than a trusted friend. While the world of puppy can be a rewarding one, it can also be quite nerve wracking as well.

Just like children, puppies need you to watch over them virtually all the time. They like to explore and they are likely to get into things that they shouldn't. This can prove to be something that injures them or even poisons them, though. Puppies use their mouths to explore the world around them. If it has an interesting taste or texture, the dog is likely to keep at it. Now, if this is such a thing as an electrical cord, it can prove to be fatal to them.

So, what do you do if you can't be there all the time to watch your puppy? You can use baby gates as well as barriers of other types to lock off dangerous areas to your pet. Put your pet in a welcoming area where you spend time in. Provide them with toys, water and a soft place to lie and they are set to go.

Training for a pet begins from the time you allow them to enter your home.

Experts agree that the first thing a puppy needs to learn is that you are the leader of the pack. You need the dog to understand that you are the boss. They instinctively look for a leader because dogs are pack animals. If you don't take on this role, the animal will think that he is the leader instead. You don't have to be aggressive at it though. Subtle things tell your puppy that you are in the leadership role. If you are harsh with the puppy, you will make them afraid of you and they will not be able to bond with you at that point.

At a young age, you can teach your puppy to sit. To do this, simply put your hand on his chest and the other on his rump. Say the command 'sit' and push down on their rump and up on the chest. When she does it, praise her verbally and give her a treat. Keep practicing this with her. Whenever you give the dog its food, make her sit before you give it to her. This is a "nothing in life is free" technique. The dog learns that you are in charge and that to get his food he must obey you.

Lastly, it is important to note that the best techniques for raising your animal are those that surround compassion, patience and love.

Best Pet Health Information is a resource which will help you find infomation, hints and tips to keeping your puppy happy and healthy. Dog News Center publishes news and articles about dogs and puppies.

http://www.best-pet-health.info This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and live links are included intact.

How To Stop Your Dog From Barking

Writen by Chris S

Training your dog to stop barking is one of the biggest issues you will face as a dog owner.

Excessive dog barking is a real pest for dog owners, their families and also the neighbours. But it is a fact of life that just as us humans love to talk, our dogs also love to communicate through their barking.

So it is a natural thing for your dog to bark, it's just when the barking is excessive that it becomes a big problem, and a nuisance for all concerned.

Dogs bark for any number of reasons, finding out the trigger that sets your dog off is the key to solving the barking problem. Once you identify why your dog is barking or howling too much, you can then start to plan a solution to this behavioral problem.

One thing to keep in mind is that your aim is not to completely stop your dog from barking, rather just controlling it.

Why Do Dogs Bark Excessively?

• To express their needs (being bossy)

• They are staking out their territory

• To alert other members of their pack (you and your family) of impending danger

• When playing, through sheer excitement

• Barking at other animals like squirrels or possums (my dogs get really cranky at possums, I'm in Australia)

• If they are isolated

• If they are separated from their pack (you and your family)

• If they are trapped behind some type of barrier such as a fence or window. They may be able to smell, see or hear something that they can't get at (like the postman)

• They don't realise that barking is unacceptable and just do it for fun or out of habit

• To express dominance

• They bark because their owners have inadvertently rewarded their excessive barking in the past (this is important to understand)

• Lack of physical or mental stimulation

• They may be uncomfortable or stressed for some reason. Things such as they feel threatened or they don't have an appropriate place to sleep.

• The dog may bark because he hasn't been properly socialized.

• May be looking for a response or some attention from his pack

• Always keep in mind that although your dog may appear to be barking at nothing, in actual fact he probably is reacting to something. This is due to your dog having a much more acute sense of smell and hearing than us humans.

How To Stop Your Dog From Barking

The most important thing is to clearly communicate to your dog, what is acceptable behavior and what is not (in this case we are talking about excessive barking, but this rule applies whenever you are correcting any behavior problems).

One of the most common mistakes us dog owners make is to inadvertently reward our dogs excessive barking. When our dogs are excessively barking we actually reinforce the behavior when we do these things:

1. Yell and scream at the dog - this just gives them the attention they were craving.

2. Let them inside - this rewards their behavior.

3. Give them a comforting cuddle or some praise - this communicates to your dog that you are happy with them. What you want to communicate is that this nuisance barking is inappropriate.

Once you have established the reason why your dog is barking, you can then apply one or more of these proven techniques:

• Totally ignore the barking. This is a tough one to enforce but is very effective if your dog is barking to get attention. Just ignore your dog, don't even look at him. His barking will probably get worse to start with, but once he realises that it is not getting him anywhere, he will stop.

• Following on from the above technique, you must reward or praise your dogs good behavior. If your dog is behaving appropriately in a situation where he would normally be barking you must let him know you are happy with him.

• If you catch your dog in the act of barking, say No! and spray him with water. If you are consistent and use this method every time your dog barks, you will break the habit. This method uses the power of negative association. Every time your dog barks something unpleasant happens to him.

• Shield your dog from the distraction or cause of the barking. This could mean filling in any gaps in your fence or drawing the blinds.

• Obedience training helps with any behavioral problems. A properly trained dog will be easy to control and eager to please you in any situation. You can teach the Quiet! or Stop! command to stop your dog from barking.

• If you believe your dog is stressed you can try to make his area feel comfortable and secure to him. Put the radio on for him, provide some good chew toys and get a suitable kennel that he'll love.

• Give your dog lots of attention as well as plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

• When you see that your dog is about to start barking, call him over, get him to sit, then praise and reward him.

• Teach your dog to perform an alternate behavior to the excessive barking. If your dog goes off every time someone phones you, teach your dog to perform the down and stay command instead.

• Some people have had good success using Citronella Collars. Each time your dog barks, the collar sprays a mist of citronella into the air which causes your dog to stop barking. Similar to these collars are one's which emit high frequency noises that your dog doesn't like.

• Anti Barking Shock Collars are also used in cases of severe nuisance barking. These collars provide a correction or negative association each time your dog barks, in the form of a mild shock.

• A controversial method to stop your dog from barking is Debarking Surgery. This is a method I have never tried on my dogs and don't think I ever would. If your dog has a chronic barking problem it may be worth discussing this option with your Veterinarian.

• If your dog barks excessively while you are at work or are not home with him you can try this technique. When you arrive home ignore your dog, just go about your business for a while. Once your dog has settled down then go to him and pay him attention. Otherwise your dog will think his barking has caused you to come home. This will just encourage him to bark more and more, until you arrive home.

Whichever method you decide to use to stop your dog from barking make sure you are consistent and always reward appropriate behavior.

Chris Smith is a dog owner and creator of http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com
Find out the best techniques to successfully obedience train your dog at home.
Why not establish a proper relationship with your dog, built on trust and respect?

Dog Training Sit And Release

Writen by Samantha Abbott

Dog training begins with the basic commands. Sit and release are very important and should be taught to every dog. These basic commands will provide the foundation for your dog's obedience training. They are essential for your dog to learn in order for him to be a good citizen.

Hold a treat or toy in front of your dog's nose, just out of his reach. If your treat is food, make sure it is very small pea-sized pieces of food. Slowly move the treat above and behind your dog's head, luring him into a sit position. Say your dog's name, then give the command, "Sit." At the exact second your dog sits, praise him by saying the word "good."

To let your dog up from sitting, give him a release command such as "free" or "break." Do not use the word OK as your release command as this is used too commonly during normal speech.

Your dog will most likely not sit the first try, but will make movement toward the sitting position. Praise him for any movement that gets him toward the sitting position. Be careful not to hold the treat or toy too high or your dog will lift his feet off the ground.

Repeat these steps throughout your training session, which should last between five and ten minutes. Your dog will not only begin to associate the verbal "sit" command with sitting, but will start associating your hand signal too.

As your dog learns, start giving the sit voice and hand commands before you use the treat. Once your dog begins to sit on command, stop using the treat and simply reinforce with praise when your dog sits. Gradually increase the time from initiating the sit and giving your dog the release command.

Within a week, your dog should sit when you tell him to. You and your dog will build on what you learn this week with more complex commands

Visit my Dog Training Clinic web site for more information on dog and puppy obedience training. http://www.dogtrainingclinic.com

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If you have the Cutest Puppy on the Planet, enter the contest here. http://www.cutestpuppyontheplanet.com

Meet The Beauceron

Writen by Evan Richer

The Beauceron is a large dog that weighs between 75-110 lbs. Their height ranges between 24" to 27 ½". Loyal, protective and territorial, the Beauceron makes an excellent watchdog that will ward off any intruders or those that they perceive as a threat to their family and home.

Although the Beauceron is not currently recognized by the AKC, an application for recognition has been filed. Acceptable colors for Beaucerons include black and tan or tri-color (black, tan and grey). They are double coated with a medium length, dense, coarse and straight outer coat and a dense undercoat. Their coat is easy to care for and requires minimal grooming.

This large, energetic dog is extremely protective of family and territory. They can be aggressive with animals they don't know or strangers. However, when raised with other dogs, pets and children from puppyhood they can do well. Because of their size, they are recommended for older, well behaved children. When outside, they should be in a secured yard. They can be calm with their family, but are an overall energetic breed that requires plenty of exercise, play and time to run. Early training is recommended as they can have a stubborn streak. Once trained, they will follow their master's commands. With a strong herding instinct, they have a tendency to herd family and other pets. They like to be with family.

Dating back to 16th century France, the Beauceron was bred to herd sheep. They are also known as Berger de Beuce and Bas Rouge (Red Stocking) for the markings on their legs. They were used during WWI and WWII to detect land mines and find the wounded. Their high trainability makes them excellent at this job as well as in police work. The Beauceron has a natural guarding instinct and has also traditionally been used as a guard dog and watchdog.

With such a high instinct to protect their home and family, the Beauceron makes an excellent guard dog. Homes that can appreciate their loyalty and protective drive are essential. They are also very energetic and work well with families that enjoy outside activity.

Learn more about the Beauceron or discuss Dogs with other dog lovers at http://www.deardoggy.com/

The Rottweiler Guardian And Protector

Writen by Michael Russell

The Rottweiler is a breed whose history is somewhat shrouded. One theory has it that the ancestors of the breed were the dogs which were brought to Europe as War Dogs by the legions of Rome and some were left behind as the Legionnaires marched onwards. In any case, in the city of Rottweiler, a flourishing commercial and agricultural marketplace in southern Germany, for many centuries there was a breed of dog with the general appearance of the Rottweiler of today. This dog was used for its droving abilities and as a guardian against marauding animals and thieves. The animal was such an excellent protector against thieves that it has been noted in history that the moneybags for trade at the market were carried around the necks of these dogs.

The Rottweiler of today is noted for its high intelligence and trainability. In Germany, which requires strict control of the breeding population and is the home of the Ring Sport of Schutzhund, the Rottweiler is a superior competitor and often a strong contender for some of the highest titles. The dog has gained in popularity in the United States where it has continued to serve mankind in many areas, including a dog for military use, a guide dog for the blind, a police dog, a search dog and a family guardian and pet.

The Rottweiler should have a compact and muscular appearance. The head is square with a definite stop and bold look to the eye. The ears are folded over neatly and set high and are not overly long. The neck should be of solid proportion and strongly set on the shoulders, which should be well laid back for strength and pulling power. All in all, the entire appearance should be one of strength and solid power. The color of the Rottweiler is shiny black with rich tan markings above the eyes, on the cheeks and jaws and upper chest, a tan blaze mark should appear between the forelegs and on all four legs.

The character of the Rottweiler is willing, anxious to please and highly intelligent. He is also quite a happy dog, playful and with great spirit, never tiring of fun and games as long as it is with people that he loves. He is somewhat of a clown as a puppy and young dog, often not maturing and becoming "steady" until after the age of two. He will give great affection to people that he considers belong to him and will remain faithful and loyal. This is a dog that must be brought up as a social dog however, for he carries within his genetic history a fierce guarding and protective instinct and needs to learn early on that people are to be his charges and are not a threat. The Rottweiler has great strength and courage and a protective nature and when this is channeled in the right direction he will be the faithful guardian he is meant to be. However in the hands of an ignorant or irresponsible owner, this dog can do great damage because of those same instincts.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dogs.

About Baby Bunnies

Writen by Glenn Livingston, Ph.D.

Well, first, if you want to have bunny babies you should read everything you can on the subject and also talk to your local animal shelters and rabbit rescue organizations. (Rabbit overpopulation is a big issue,... it's usually better to adopt than to breed).

In any case, here are a few essentials you'll need to know about rabbit babies:

* Rabbits breed very quickly. A female can have a litter of as many as nine babies each month. They can have as many as 200 baby bunnies in one year. In fact, females can get pregnant again as quickly as 24 hours after giving birth.

* You'll be able to tell if the female is pregnant a few days after conception. Because her hormones are wreaking havoc with her, she will become moody and aggressive. You'll also be able to feel her nipples growing. Continue to feed her unlimited hay, fresh greens and limited pellets. The mom-to-be should be housed separately for her own health and comfort.

* Once the babies are born, their mom will clean them off. Then, you should remove them from the living area to check on their conditions and take away any babies who did not survive. Keep the nest box with the bunnies inside then take them to nurse from their mom in the morning and in the evening each day.

* You'll notice the bunnies are born with their eyes closed and naked. Their fur will begin to grow immediately, but it takes time to fill out. The babies will begin opening their eyes when they are between 10 and 13 days old.

* You'll want to make sure the babies continue to nurse until they are at least two months old. By the third week, they'll want to start exploring outside of the nesting box. Make sure you have a flat, comfortable surface for them to run around on. You don't want them to stand on wires because they have tiny feet that could easily get stuck, causing them injury. Refer to the Dietsection of our book (below) for ages the bunnies can begin eating pellets, hay and fresh vegetables and fruit.

* When the babies are seven weeks old, you'll want to allow them to nurse from their mother only every other day, in order to prepare them for the weaning stage. When they are two months old, you'll want to wean them completely from their mother's milk.

* You can tell a male from a female when the male's testicles drop.

* Start putting the babies in different living quarters when they are approximately three months old.

Rabbit Care Secrets You can get the book here: http://www.rabbitsecrets.com/R.htm is the book with literally hundreds of "word of mouth" tips and tricks - secrets which are next to impossible to find in books and pet stores. This is the gold which only comes from years and years of hands on experience... including all the hard to find Rabbit information people just can't locate with internet searches or trips to the library!

Alarm Clock Kitty How To Stop Early Morning Meowing

Writen by Andrew Markison

Meow! Meow! Meow! I bury my head underneath my pillow. Meow! Meow! Meoooooow! The high pitched meowing persists and penetrates through my feather stuffed shield. Meow! Meow! Meow! My eyes open only with the greatest of efforts. Grudgingly, I drag myself out of my warm bed and look at the clock; 3:47 am. I reach over to the night-stand and turn on the light, pain is the result, the light, so bright, the light is, so, so bright. My wife rolls over on her side and I can see the annoyed look on her scrunched up little face. "Must.... feed.... demon... cat...." I say to myself as I trudge to the kitchen to empty a can of cat food into the little yellow cat dish. The cat has by this time woken up the entire household and I wouldn't be surprised if the neighbors were also awake.

Our cat is a loud cat. Unnervingly loud. 747 jet-engine loud. And there was a time that she woke up every morning before even the sun had the nerve to peek over the horizon. Our loveable little ball of fur wanted to be fed. While the rest of the household was fast asleep our sweet little kitty wanted to have some food to suck down her gullet. This caused quite a bit of frustration for us, especially since this was not a one time thing. No, this was indeed becoming her morning ritual. Every morning, our cat would sit in front of our door and meow at the top of her little kitty lungs the most blood curdling meows I had ever had the displeasure of hearing. Our initial reaction, after caving in and feeding her several nights/early mornings in a row, was to put her in the laundry room before my wife and I went to sleep at night. This, however, was not the best solution in the world, our cuddly little black mass didn't seem to like it very much and after a while she wasn't the warm and cuddly cat we knew before.

There must to be another solution to this dilemma. Fortunately, there is. What your cat is, is what has been termed as an "alarm clock kitty", what that is, is a cat that wakes up very early (or stays up very late) and begins to meow at approximately the same time every single, bloody day in expectation of being fed. Unfortunately for those of us who enjoy sleeping at night this is a natural behavior in cats and while the problem may not happen to every cat owner it happens to many. So what can you do? Even though cats have been domesticated animals for thousands of years now dating back to ancient Egypt, they still have retained most of their wild instincts and this is a cat's natural instinct; hunt and feed. Cats are predatory animals, they hunt, and the cat's natural time to hunt generally falls between dusk and dawn because most of the prey they hunt are nocturnal (rats, mice and other rodents). So, if you can't or don't want to let your cat out at night to hunt on her own what should you do?

Training your cat to stop this behaviour may be fairly easy, but be warned, it will take a little patience on your part but a good night's sleep may be the reward. What you need is a cat toy, preferably a mouse or something similar, a piece of string and a stick. Attach the cat toy to a string and the string to the stick. While you are watching your bedtime TV or doing whatever your before bedtime ritual is take your cat toy and play a hunting game with her. Cats love to chase things because of their hunting instinct. Play with your cat for about 15 minutes, enough time to tire your cat out and give her the satisfaction of having hunted. During your game create as realistic a hunting scenario as you can, make noises like a mouse (or whatever animal you are emulating) squeaking or scurrying through the brush. Let your cat catch the toy from time to time so that your cat will feel as if she was involved in a successful (rather than a frustrating) hunt. Towards the end gradually slow down the game drawing your little hunt to a close. Your cat will probably be sufficiently tired by this time. At the end of the game feed your cat something you know she likes. You don't need to feed her a full sized meal, but feed her an amount sufficient enough to satisfy her hunger. A handful of cat treats or a little piece of left over pork chop may be sufficient. Then go to sleep. In all likelihood your cat will be satisfied and will not continue her ritual of waking you up every morning.

You may need to continue your hunting game with your cat for a week or two before the early morning meowing goes away, and even after it does its a good idea to play this game with your cat from time to time in order to keep the behavior from returning and to keep your cat feeling like an accomplished hunter. But if you follow this routine you should be able to satisfy your cat and get a little shut eye at the same time.

Andy Markison is an illustrator, graphic designer, animal lover and pet owner living in Germany. His website, ZapGraphix.com, sells fun and humorous pet related merchandise.

Dog Breeds So You Want A New Best Friend

Writen by Allen Shaw

So you want a new best friend. Well why not choose a new best friend known for its undying loyalty and dependability…a dog. But what kind of dog should you get? Simple…first you need to understand your reason for getting a dog.

For example, are you looking for a protector? Then maybe a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler is what you are looking for. Are you more interested in a dog known for its ability to do tricks so you can impress your friends? Then any dog in the terrier or poodle families may be the best choice for you. Maybe you're overly impressed with the "cuteness" factor of toy breeds.2 Cocker Spaniels, Chihuahuas, or Shih Tzus may be for you. So let's take a look at the different breeds.

It can be a daunting task to decide on what kind of dog to buy. There are breeds from which to choose. So how do does the inexperienced future dog owner decide. Simple. The first thing every future master should know is that all dogs, no matter their breed, can be lumped together into four major groups; Working dogs, Sporting Dogs, Toy Dogs and the Mutt. First you have to know why you want a dog. So let's look at the four categories.

WORKING DOGS

Working dogs include German Shephards, Rottweilers, Collies, Hounds and nearly all of the larger breeds. These are breeds known for the fierce loyalty, their quick minds and their ability to learn quickly. Shephards and Rottweilers are good for protection and search and rescue. Retrievers and Setters are highly valued to hunters for their ability to swim and track prey. Collies are known for their instinctive herding ability and have been a very important member of the rancher's families for hundreds of years. Hounds are fantastic trackers and are used by search and rescue teams all over the world because of their incredible sense of smell.

SPORTING DOGS

Retrievers and Setters are the two major exceptions to the rule that most large breeds belong to the working dog category. Retrievers and Setters are highly valued by the sporting and hunting communities for their instinctive ability to retrieve. Hunters use Labrador Retrievers for hunting various birds, especially ducks. Labs are known for their love of the water. That, combined with their innate love of the game fetch, makes the lab the number-one choice of hunters and other sportsman.

TOY DOGS

Toy breeds seem to have the most press in recent years thanks to their popularity with celebrities. Paris Hilton and Britney Spears have brought the Chihuahua back into the spotlight. Jessica Simpson is pushing the lovability of the Maltese. The strongest drawing card for these breeds is the all-powerful "cute factor." These are the breeds, which also include Shih Tzu's, Terriers, Pugs and Dachshunds, which are routinely spoiled to the point that their owners no longer realize they even have a canine. They are convinced they have a little human in the house.

MUTTS

Of the breeds available, Mutts are probably the most plentiful and the most diverse. Everything from a Cockapoo (part Cocker, part Poodle) to a Rottsund (part Rottweiller, part Dachshund) is available. Mutts come in all shapes, sizes, colors, temperaments and personalities. And they can be found in every Humane Society and Rescue Society in the world. They can be smart and they can be stupid. They can be cute and they can be downright ugly. And the best part…with a Mutt, there's definitely a dog out there for everyone.

There are of course other things to consider when buying a dog. What is its reputation with children? How big do they get? What are the health problems associated with a certain breed? Am I going to show the dog or is it primarily going to be a pet? All good questions, and all should be thoroughly researched before deciding on a certain breed. But before you consider the answers to breed-specific questions, you should understand your own reasons for owning a dog. If you are looking for a protector and go to the local pound and take home a Chihuahua, neither you or Tinkerbelle are going to be happy. So before you do your research and decide to buy a dog, do a little soul searching. If you understand and accept your own reasons for getting a dog, it will make you a more understanding owner. That understanding translates to a happy dog. And isn't that what all dog owners want.

Use with active URLS.

Allen Shaw is a successful author who provides pet tips and information on dogs and dog breeds. Read articles on different breeds at Dogs 'N' U.

Looking After Your Dog Part Two A Comfy Bed For Your Dog

Writen by Niall Kennedy

Your dog needs the comfort of a warm bed in much the same way as you do. Purchasing a dog bed is considered by many as being extravagant. However, it's far from being a luxury item, and is in fact a necessity. You would not want your dog to sneak onto your couch or curl up on your bed. You can avoid such a situation by providing your dog with a comfy bed of its own.

As dogs grow older, they tend to suffer from arthritis. Therefore, sleeping on a hard and cold floor can be a painful ordeal for them. Such sleepless nights may in turn render your dog lethargic and unwilling to go for a walk or exercise. Orthopedic dog beds aid in relieving such symptoms. A warm dog bed will provide the much needed comfort for your dog, especially on a cold night.

A nice dog bed makes your dog feel a bit more secure, and enhances its health and emotional wellbeing. Dogs are territorial and typically favor a particular area where they like to lie down more often. This is where you should place the dog bed.

With an elaborate range of designs and makes, dog beds can be quite fashionable as well. According to need, you can buy a small, large, quilted or water-proofed dog bed.

Another aspect that you need to consider while buying a dog bed is its appropriate size. You may have a rough idea of this by gauging the area covered by your dog in its natural sleeping position. Also ensure that the bed type is something that suits your faithful canine friend.

Investing in a dog bed is as essential as providing good food for your dog. Don't choose a dog bed just because it's easy on the pocket. Your main concern should be durability and comfort. A good quality dog bed may last the lifetime of your dog, while a cheaper one may wear out quickly. Therefore, give the best to your faithful canine companion.

Niall Kennedy is a lifelong dog lover and has worked in several pet sanctuaries. Best Pet Health Information is a resource that brings you information about many aspects of dog health and care. You will also find great deals on medication for dogs such as Frontline, Advantage and Revolution. http://www.Best-Pet-Health.info. Dog News Center - Dog Article Directory - Submit Your Articles Now

Copyright Best-Pet-Health.info All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact.

An Ounce Of Prevention Is Worth A Pound Of Bite

Writen by Steve Allison

One of the most common misconceptions people have is that their own dogs won't bite. While everybody feels some level of respect for a big, growling dog we are becoming too nonchalant about our own dogs. How confident are you that your dog will never bite anyone?

Do the words - Wouldn't hurt a fly come to mind? We all think that our own dogs are gentle natured until they prove us otherwise. Dog owners often claim their dogs are completely comfortable with children. I myself was bitten as a child it happens often and even usually mild mannered dogs can snap. Children are a little more vulnerable and a little snap that wouldn't injure an adult can have dire consequences for a well-meaning child.

Dogs can inflict potentially life threatening injuries. Luckily my injuries were only superficial. Some corrective surgery and a few years of healing and the physical evidence have all but gone. Many are not as fortunate.

Tragically for the most part, these kinds of bites are completely avoidable. Dogs don't bite people without provocation right? Not quite. It's true it does take some provoking to get a usually mild mannered dog to bite the triggers aren't as obvious as you would think.

So why do dogs bite?

Experts still disagree as to whether dogs bite because of human provocation or breeding. While it is indisputable that certain breeds of dogs do bite more than others it's also hard to argue with thousands of year's worth of domestication. People have been trying to breed the aggressive out of the dog for the most part anyway.

There are some human behaviors that can provoke even docile dogs:

-Fiddling with their food: don't disturb your dog (or any dog) while they are eating.

-Sudden movements can upset dogs, if a strange dog is growling at you its best to back away slowly.

-The old saying let sleeping dogs lie is true. Don't startle a dog that is sleeping.

-Dogs have a powerful sense of territory, and may become upset when someone unfamiliar threatens their space.

-Don't try to disrupt a dog fight.

-Dogs have strong maternal instincts and if there are puppies you should be careful not to startle the mother (or any adult dog the area).

-Dogs can be confused about the cause of their own illness or pain; they might think it was the owner who caused the pain and bite.

-Dogs become afraid just like humans any dog can bite if it feels it is in danger.

-All dogs experience some form of possessiveness. Tread carefully if a dog is growling at you chances are you're on his turf.

-Looking a dog in the eyes is seen as a challenging of dominance. If a dog is growling at you lower your eyes and back away slowly.

Preventing dog bites starts with the owner. If you have a dog you can reduce the risk that your dog might attack someone with some of these suggestions.

-Have your dog spayed or neutered. Not only does it prevent many kinds of health problems later in life, it drastically reduces the aggression levels in male and female dogs.

-Start socializing your puppy at a young age. Get your puppy used to being in a busy and unfamiliar environment as soon as he is vaccinated.

-Invest in some kind of formal training program. This will give you an immense faith in your dog and strengthen the relationship between you two.

-Take your dog to the vet regularly and make sure all his vaccinations are always up to date. Get your dog licensed and keep up to date on all his paperwork.

-Never let your dog wander freely. Your dog should be contained on your property and you should be able to control his access to the street.

By following these very few and common sense steps you can reduce an attack or bites by a wide margin. Be a responsible owner and start working with your puppy or dog today.

Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu's and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, Carpet Secrets and Moving Secrets Guide

Training A Puppy To Walk On A Leash

Writen by Chris S

The good thing about training a puppy to walk on a leash is that you can prevent any problems before they eventuate. It's much easier to start leash training early on with a puppy, than to re-train an older dog with established leash behavioral problems.

Having a properly leash trained puppy makes life much simpler and safer for the dogs future. And of course it means that taking your dog for a walk is an enjoyable experience, for both you the owner and also your dog.

How To Train A Puppy To Walk On A Leash

The first step can take place as soon as you get your young puppy home. Just get your pup familiar and comfortable wearing a collar. A simple buckle collar is fine for this purpose. Put the collar on when you feed your puppy or when you are playing with him. Most puppies don't have a problem with the collar, it may just take a little getting used to. If your puppy is rolling around or trying to scratch the collar off, don't take it off him at this time. Wait till he has settled down or forgotten about it, then take it off.

The next step is similar to the first, it involves the leash. This time get your dog used to the look and feel of his leash. For young puppies all you need is a light weight, thin leash. You can upgrade to a fancy leather leash when your puppy is properly leash trained if you like. Put the leash on your puppy and just let him check it out and drag it around with him (always under your supervision). Once again your goal is to make your puppy comfortable with the leash and not fear it in any way.

When your puppy is comfortable wearing the collar and dragging the leash around (may take up to a couple of weeks) it is time for you to pick up the other end of the leash. Make these first leash training sessions short, sharp and fun. And always keep in mind that your goal is to communicate to your dog that pulling on the leash is never acceptable. Therefore you must never reward his pulling by giving in to him. Be consistent with your message to him and always praise his good behavior (in this case, walking on a loose leash).

To start with just walk around the house with the leash in hand, and your puppy trotting along side you. Give him plenty of vocal praise, petting and even a few treats. At this early stage puppies love to follow their owners around, you should use this to your advantage. If your puppy pulls on the leash (which he will, don't expect him to just know this stuff) immediately stop. Don't yank him back over to you with the leash, just call him over and praise him when he comes. Then set off for more of a stroll and repeat this correction each time your dog pulls on the leash. It must be every time he strains on the leash, you have to teach him that when he pulls, it gets him nowhere. The same correction applies when your puppy sits down while you are walking. Don't yank him forward to you, just stop and call him toward you.

This leash training method results in your dog not pulling and you not pulling, just a nice loose leash hanging down between you and your dog. It will take a bit of persistence and patience on your part, but it is well and truly worth it.

Chris Smith is a dedicated dog owner and creator of http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com

Discover the right way to obedience train your dog at home. The latest cutting edge and proven techniques.

Pet Loss

Writen by Steven Quid

When a beloved pet dies, some people simply accept the pet loss, as a regular part of life. People that have strong feelings for their pets are deeply affected by their grief. In taking responsibility for owning a pet, we accept the burden of every aspect for that pets life.As a pet grows from a baby to adult, that pets responsibility and affection becomes a way of life to us. This mutual bonding becomes an exchange of need and fulfillment between owner and pet. It's ironic that we become dependent on our pets as well. We rely on their needing us.

When a pet eventually dies, as we all must, we are never prepared emotionally, from our pet loss. We first get an extreme case of separation anxiety. Our routine and patterns are disrupted abruptly by the loss of our pets. Understanding the phases of grief and mourning that other people have gone through, can help us through our loss and bereavement. Often the way we react depends upon the circumstances of how our love ones pass, and how attached we were to them.

Shock and Disbelief

This usually is the first stage. Weather the pets death was sudden or expected. It doesn't seem real. We have trouble accepting the truth, and are not equipped to handle the reality of the pet loss. We all experience this to some degree.

Anger

When the numbness wears off, we are often overwhelmed by anger. This emotion must be released and let go. Withheld anger can become a potent force in self destructiveness. It is common to feel anger when something we love is taken away from us.

Depression and Grief

We feel overwhelmed and very sad at the loss of our love one. All we seem to care about is the loss of our pet,and our own misery. Appetite loss, and difficulty to sleep are signs of this emotion. Depression is the most normal of the stages to our pets death. We need some time And privacy to recover through our depression and grief.

Give Yourself Time

The length of time to recover varies with each individual. Some need more time and support than others. We have to give time for release of grief without diminishing the memory of our pet. We never lose a sense of bereavement for a pet. But we do learn to be less and less overwhelmed by their death.

Moving On

No matter what method you choose, a Pet Memorial, or Garden Memorial etc... You should offer a simple eulogy to help closure to the event. It's a chance to be involved with the final experience with your pet. And to realize your loss and express feeling about it. It will give you a chance to say, "You are gone, but not forgotten"

Your relationship with your pet is very special. Keep them in your heart and they will never be forgotten.

Pet Loss Click Here!

Shih Tzu Color Highly Prized Colors And Markings

Writen by Connie Limon

By the 1930's, the Peking Kennel Club was faced with the existence of a variety of colors. The Peking Kennel Club wanted to do justice to the facts of history regarding the highly favoured Imperial color of "Tawny or honey-coloured or Golden - The Yellows." At that time, their Shih Tzu standard read: "All colors permissible, single and mixed. Tawny or honey-coloured highly favoured." The British Shih Tzu standard read: "All colors permissible," but adds the words, "a white blaze on the forehead and a white tip to the tail are highly prized." And now the French Shih Tzu standard of the mid-1950's comments "honey-colored and white are rare and much appreciated."

It has been said the color "white" in Shih Tzu is recessive and such Shih Tzu should not be bred. However, there is fact that a leading French breeder in Peking - not the Countess d'anjou - had a large number of all-white Shih Tzu. There is question of who actually appreciated the all-white Shih Tzu. Was it the Westerners more than the natives of the Peking? This question arises out of the fact that there seems little doubt that a "a pure white dog, being the color of mourning to the Chinese people, was not an asset, because the Chinese people truly hate to be reminded of death." The aversion did not apply to the white markings on the head or the tail. This could also account to the scarcity we now have of the all-white Shih Tzu. Down through time, the American Kennel Club judged them in the Miscellaneous Class, which ran "all colors are allowable but in general the darker shades predominate. The white blaze, collar, socks and tail-tip combine to create a highly prized ensemble" of a Shih Tzu.

Since the Chinese regarded the yellow-colored Shih Tzu as especially precious we can also understand that it was particularly difficult for westerners to get hold of them. In the Lion Dog Through the Looking Glass (a publication during the 1950's) it is told that the black and white, and grey and white were the first found on the market at street fairs in China, yet even in their cases exportation was at first forbidden. It seems to me we can conclude, the Shih Tzu owners and breeders of Peking, The Chinese People, were extremely possessive of the Shih Tzu in their favoured color, of Yellow, yet were also somewhat possessive of all of the other colors as well. The Shih Tzu was surely very highly treasured by the Chinese people in those days. They were selfish with them. Makes one think they knew something about them very secret and most likely it was something that brought them great emotional pleasure. All humans are drawn to anything that brings them great emotional pleasure.

When it did become possible to export specimens of the breed, the least favoured colors were the most easily obtainable. Some years later, in the Great Britain show ring the dominant colors were black and white, grey and white and shades of brindle and white with a few solid blacks. Even today, these are the same exact colors I started out with in my breeding of the Shih Tzu. I have a few of the Chinese Yellow, honey, or golden colors. Most plentiful to purchase for me has been the black and the white, the grey and white and the brindles. I still tend to believe our deep hershey chocolate color is a "new" color in the breed, as is the "blue." The American Kennel Club has just recently added the color "blue" to their list of colors on their AKC registration forms.

Color in the Shih Tzu is so fascinating and to me are the most beautiful shades of several basic colors of the black, gold and grey. We might even owe the highly prized white tips to the tail and on top the head to the very early French breeder who had the all-white Shih Tzu that left us few descendants. White still seems to be harder to find, and does not seem as popular as the blue and chocolate in the years of 2000. I have one white female, Bailey of whom I am hoping to produce other solid whites, but also the chocolates and blue's as I mate her to my different males. Visit us and sign up for our NEW weekly ezine for future breedings to see what we come up with.

Connie Limon publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Coupons for shih tzu puppies and other products are offered to subscribers. Updates of available puppies. Sign up at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com