Getting A New Shih Tzu Puppy To Tolerate Grooming

Writen by Connie Limon

All Shih Tzu puppies need to learn to tolerate grooming at an early age. Grooming your Shih Tzu is more than cosmetic. A matted Shih Tzu is uncomfortable and subject to skin irritations and infections.

Unclipped toenails will grow and curve, distorting the Shih Tzu's foot to the point of crippling. Dirty ears can become infected and induce pain-related aggression and/or hearing loss. Lack of grooming can cause a Shih Tzu serious discomfort.

Shih Tzu is not born with warm feelings toward being groomed. A Shih Tzu needs to learn to enjoy grooming. This is easiest if started sooner, rather than later. In time, your Shih Tzu will learn to love the extra attention it receives while being groomed.

Allow your new Shih Tzu puppy a couple of days to settle in to his new home and family routine. Take the first few days to familiarize all family members with the new Shih Tzu puppy's housetraining, feeding and crating routines, and to establish basic house rules.

During this time start preparing your new Shih Tzu puppy for grooming by practicing positive association touching exercises. You will need a container of treats. You can do the touching exercises in any order, several times a day, and repeat each one a half-dozen times before moving on to the next one. Try the following exercises in five- to 10-minute sessions.

10 Positive Association Touching Exercises:

1.	Scratch your Shih Tzu puppy under the chin, and then feed it a tiny treat from your other hand.  2.	Touch each paw, and then feed the Shih Tzu puppy a treat from your other hand.  3.	Rub each ear.  Feed your Shih Tzu puppy a treat after each rub.  4.	Stroke your Shih Tzu puppy's back, then offer a treat.  5.	Run your hand down your Shih Tzu puppy's tail, squeezing softly, then feed your pup a treat.  6.	Slip one hand under the Shih Tzu puppy's chest and lift gently, and then feed your Shih Tzu puppy a treat.  7.	Lift each paw, and feed a treat after each lift.  8.	Massage each hind leg from hip to knee, and feed a treat after each leg.  9.	Slide your hand from each shoulder to the ankle, and feed a treat after each.  10.	Run your fingers over your Shih Tzu puppy's face, cheeks and muzzle, and feed your Shih Tzu puppy a treat.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

Top 5 Things To Consider In Choosing A Type Of Pet

Writen by Marian Brown

Pets are a wonderful addition to many households. Over 60 million dogs, 70 million cats, 6 million rabbits and 2 million birds call our houses "home". This does not consider the millions of fish, reptiles, small mammals and other "exotic" animals we keep as pets. With this number of pets and the choices we have, it is important to choose the one that fits us and our lifestyle the best. Keep these 5 points in mind when considering adding a new or additional pet to your household.

1. Your Time Commitment

Before considering any type of pet, carefully examine your schedule. Look at the amount of free time you have now or could make available for your new pet. If you work 12 hour days, a pet that needs a lot of personal attention and interaction shouldn't be your first choice. What activities, if any, are you willing to give up to spend time with your pet for relaxation, for exercising, for training, for cage cleaning, etc.? Be very realistic in this initial assessment.

2. Your Space Available

Examine your surroundings and see what type of pet would really "fit". If you live in an apartment, a horse might not be your first choice unless you have the financial resources to board it. Just because you live in an apartment doesn't mean you can't have a large breed dog. Look for breeds that can adapt to the space and are more docile.

3. Your Financial Resources

The initial purchase of the pet is just the first outlay of cash. Your pet will need the basic supplies like bedding/cage, food, food dispensers and a "wellness" check with your veterinarian (in most cases). Ongoing costs include food and veterinary care. If you are on a limited budget, examine how much you can spend per month on your pet and save for those emergency needs.

4. Your Family

This might seem like it should come first, but, if you've taken the time to research the first points, then you can assume the choices left on your list are feasible. Now consider, how would this pet really fit into my family? If you are single, do you have someone who would take care of the pet if you were out of town or ill? Could you afford a pet sitter? Do you have any family members with allergies or health concerns? What about a mental "phobia" to a particular animal? Will it be a welcome addition or a burden?

5. Your Legal Ability to Own It

So, you've made it to consideration 5 and have the perfect pet picked out. Now, can you legally own it? If you are looking at a dog or cat, you might not have too much to worry about unless you rent or live in an apartment. But, if you are looking at an "exotic" pet – even a ferret or hedgehog – can you legally own it in your state/city/county? Ferrets, for example are illegal in California and you can't have a hedgehog in Denver. Dogs that are labeled "aggressive" breeds may also present some legal challenges and you should consider these before choosing your breed of dog for a pet.

Marian Brown is a pet owner, rescuer and has been active in holistic health care for pets over 15 years. She is editor of http://www.hhnews.com to join our free email newsletter and to find out more about holistic pet care products.

Canine Arthritis Risk Factors

Writen by Margaret Svete

As the owner of a dog with arthritis, I know how difficult it can be for you and your dog. Even though arthritis can occur in dogs of any breed or at any age, certain factors can greatly increase the risk of your dog developing cancer.

According to Novartis Animal Health the top factors are:

Genetic predisposition. You may be surprised to learn that up to 70% of certain breeds including Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds will eventually be affected with canine arthritis.

Obesity: Overweight dogs tend to develop arthritis years three years earlier than lean dogs so it is important to make sure that you control your dog's weight.

Joint Abnormalities: Conditions such as hip dysplasia put extra stress on animal's joins, increase a dog's risk of arthritis. In addition if your dog has surgery such as a knee replacement surgery, like my Wanda did, your dog will likely develop arthritis around that joint.

Stress and Trauma: Injuries to ligaments, tissue and bones, and constant physically demanding activities also increase the risk by putting pressure on joints. To alleviate this, you can invest in a dog ramp or steps.

Infection: Bacterial, viral and fungal infections, including Ehrlichiosis, Lyme Disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever can affect joints and contribute to arthritis.

If your dog is diagnosed with canine arthritis, you have several options of treatment. Canine arthritis treatments include exercise, diet, supplements, and/or pain control medication. For more information on canine arthritis, visit http://www.allaboutdogcare.com.

Margaret Svete, best-selling author, television and radio personality, and dog rescuer helps dog owners discover easy dog care tips. Subscribe to the premiere dog care ezine, The Dog Enquirer, at http://www.allaboutdogcare.com

Guide To Training Your Dog Part 3 Using Clickers And Bridge Words When Training Dogs

Writen by Sara Edan

Every dog owner wants their dog to be responsive and to obey commands, but we certainly don't want to hurt or harm our animals in any way. By using the un-invasive click and bridge commands you will never need to yell at your dog, hence there will be no negativity in your dog's environment.

The first thing you will need to clicker training is a clicker. A clicker is just a little box like device that makes a clicking sound each time you press a button. Clickers are really cheap and only cost about a dollar from your local pet store. They are usually widely available but if you can't find one you can substitute the clicker for a bridge word. A bridge word is a word that you say every time you're about to initiate a command or reward your dog.

The ideal bridge word will be short, and said in a high pitched voice. The word "yes" is an excellent bridge word, as is the word "good." A bridge word should be said in a higher pitch than normal conversational words and said fast so that it is recognizable every time.

When you use positive reinforcement's like clickers and bridge words and combine them with rewards and when you do this over and over again, you will find that you don't need to force your dog to learn anything. Rather, your dog will be eager to work with you and obey you. It is best to use tasty treats for your dog's rewards; because they are easy to use and your dog will love them.

Sara Edan is a professional Dog Trainer in New York and provides free information on training your dog. For more free Dog Training Articles then please visit my site at: http://www.dogtrainingarticles.info/

The Mystery Of The Bunyip

Writen by Susanna Duffy

There are Dreamtime stories of frightful monsters, some mythological and some which may be real creatures. Some of them are evocative of prehistoric animals, which supposedly became extinct long ago. It's been speculated that some of these animals may have still been living in Australia a mere two hundred years ago. Perhaps they are still to be found.

The Bunyip first came to the notice of Europeans as they started moving into areas formerly occupied by Australian Aborigines. The whole continent seemed a harsh and unfriendly place to the white settlers. The sun glared on eyes used to softer, wetter climes, the colours were too bright and the native animals grotesque.

Indeed the fauna was so peculiar that the notion of a savage beast lurking underwater in wait to seize the unwary seemed perfectly reasonable. After all, Europe had plenty of phookas, nixies, dixies, kelpies, selkies, merrow, mermaids and all manner of marine boggarts, why shouldn't there be one in the Great Southern Land?

Unfamiliar with the country, the settlers regarded the Bunyip as just one more bizarre Australian animal. Indigenous legend told of him, that he was to be found in and around water, just below the surface, waiting for an unsuspecting traveller to seize and devour.

There were many attempts to capture a specimen throughout the 19th century. Sightings of a strange water creature were common near waterholes and estuaries but, although many claimed to see the creature, it was always from too far away, and it moved too fast, to accurately describe.

Also, encounters with the Bunyip were commonly at dusk, when the shadows deepened under the mangroves.

So the descriptions vary widely. Some say the Bunyip has a long neck, tusks and flippers. Or that he is scaley, with a tail like a horse and a head likea bird. One day he appears as a huge snake with a beard and a mane and the next day he looks like a brutish and furry half-human.

If you do come across the Bunyip, it will be near water. And most commonly at night. Creeks, lagoons, billabongs and rivers are his habitat and he will emerge from the dried up river bed or waterhole when you least expect him. He especially loves the wetlands around estuaries.

If you hear a loud bellowing cry, stay away from the water.

Is the Bunyip a prehistoric survivor? The Diprotodon was an Ice-Age marsupial that co-existed with the early Aborigines before becoming extinct. Is this what is still remembered? Or perhaps there's a Lost World full of dinosaurs somewhere in the Outback, a lot of dreamers have thought so.

There were many sightings of the Bunyip in the 1930s with reports of beasts emerging from caves by creeks at night and pouncing on sheep. But this was the time of the Great Depression. Plenty of tramps had humped their bluey and taken to the road, for going bush, waltzing matilda, was the only viable option for many men in those hard times. The logical place to strike camp for the night is near water, and a sheep is an easier animal to catch and cook than a possum when you're hungry.

Tramps by the riverbanks and Dipotrodons in the bushes are pretty rare these days, but one Australian creature you don't want to bump into is the saltwater crocodile!

Susanna Duffy is a mythologist and life-long collector of ancient tales and forgotten lore. She presents a weekly radio programme in Australia and a fortnightly ezine with customs and celebrations, folklore and fable, tall tales and true from our legendary past.

Ph Levels In The Discus Tank

Writen by Alden Smith

Because it is imperative that discus fish have optimal water conditions, much has been written about this subject, This is the plan put in place to insure proper PH water levels in our hatchery.

Allnut Enterprises' breeder, Nick Lockhart of Noblesville, Indiana, has many ingenious ideas as to how to accomplish things in the hatchery. We begin our experiment with two matched pairs: two red melons, and two leopardskins. They are lovely, friendly fish, and have been getting acclimated to our tanks and the aquarist since the end of June.

Initially, we begin to prepare for the new arrivals by setting up the tanks in this manner: water was tested for PH and nitrite levels, and a proper ecosystem for active bacteria was begin by populating the tank with cichlids that Nick has been raising prior to the purchase of the discus. When we felt that the water/bacteria levels were correct, we set up the meeting with the breeder, and made the trip to Bloomington, Indiana.

Upon arrival at home base with a travel time of about an hour and a half, we immediately begin to acclimate the pairs to their new home. We were advised by the breeder to let them acclimate to the new tank water by "floating" the bags containing the fish for approximately one hour to equalize the temperatures, and to add a cup of water to the bag from the tank to equalize PH levels.

We did not, however, follow this procedure. We took approximately six hours to acclimate by adding a cup of the tank water to the bag each hour, and keeping a close eye on the discus and PH levels, because they were stressed from the trip. A Hanna PH digital meter was used for testing, which gave us a very accurate reading. As large changes in PH in a short period can shock the discus, we were careful in this approach. Our water at the time matched the water in PH levels from the breeder closely.

Because the two pair were bought for breeding purposes, Nick was not comfortable with the PH level, which at that time was at approximately 7.5, high for optimal breeding conditions of 6.5-6.9. What to do?

We had read that hanging a mesh bag of peat moss would help to lower the PH, but were not happy with the idea of having debris from the Peat in our tanks, which are kept scrupulously clean. We knew there had to be a better way to accomplish this goal.

Because Nick lives in town, and has city water, he uses a Reverse Osmosis filtering system to insure that the water is free of chemicals and suitable for the aquarium. Knowing that Peat Moss will lower the PH in an aquarium system, and having a large bag left over from making culture for Grindal and White Worms, he took a 5 gallon pail, and drilled a series of holes around the perimeter of the bottom of the pail, using a 3/32" drill. He then lined the bottom of the pail with a think layer of regular aquarium filter floss, and topped that off with a thick layer of Peat Moss, with the finished pail being about two-thirds full.

The outlet hose from the RO system was then allowed to drain into this pail. Setting the pail over the top of the holding tank, the water slowly drained down through this medium into the holding tank.

Initial test of the recycled water showed a drop in PH to below the base of 7.0. We have been adding the water to the discus tanks slowly through water changes so as to not shock the fish, and at our business meeting this weekend, Nick informed me that the PH levels in the discus tanks are now at approximately 6.6, which is the optimal level for breeding discus.

Cost of the project? If you already are using an RO system, and have a holding tank, you will spend a twenty dollar bill getting the Peat Moss and filter floss. Not bad, considering a breeding pair of dicus can run you $425 dollars!

Alden Smith is CEO of Allnut Enterprises, a diversified company, and is involved with discus breeding. His website is http://www.kingdiscus.blogspot.com

How To Install An Emergency Brake On Your Horse

Writen by Andy Curry

Imagine being on a horse and he bolts. You pull those reins to slow him down but it's no use. He resists and the fence posts go whizzing by you as you panic and pray he doesn't shift his bodyweight and you fly off his back into a post.

It's scary to be on a horse that runs on his own volition and can't be slowed down. Many people will sell their horse because they're so scared of that happening again. How do you keep a horse from bolting like that?

There is a way to temper your horse even if he spots something that scares him and he wants to run in fear. I call it, "Installing an emergency brake."

This is done on the ground while you're doing ground training. Every time you work with your horse you should spend a few minutes doing this – even if you know your horse "gets it." It simply cannot be done enough.

What does it look like when you use the emergency brake on your horse? While you're riding, you reach down to either rein. You tightly grab the rein, slide it up your legs along the seam of your pants up to your hips. At the same time, you are loosely holding the other rein. As you do this, your horse's nose will be pointing back towards his rear end.

Why does this work? Ever try to run forward while looking backwards? Need I say more? (There are exceptions. Some horses are so limber they will run forward with their nose buried in their sides – but not many)

But you can't simply get on your horse and expect to pull his head back if he takes off. You must do some ground work first. And here's what you do.

Put a halter on your horse and hook a lead rope to the halter. Stand on the left side of your horse. Stand by your horse across from his back leg. Take your right arm and put it over his rump. Next, pull the lead rope towards you and rest your left hand on his back.

At this point your horse will resist some. If he pulls his head forward you hold the lead rope in place. Eventually he will move his head back towards you and give into the pull you have on the lead rope. The second he moves his head back towards you then you release the lead rope tension and praise him. In other words, when you see the lead rope has slack in it because he moved his nose back towards you, then release.

Eventually, you want him to touch his nose to his body. That's the goal you're shooting for because the more his head comes around the better control you will have. Also, there's a second goal you're shooting for. When you pull the lead rope around to bring your horse's head back, you want it to be where you don't pull. He moves his head back for you. As you pull on the lead rope his head moves back with no exertion from you. His head follows. It's called being responsive. This is important because when you're riding your horse and you have to pull his head around you don't want to have a tug of war while you're riding a bolting horse. You want him to automatically do it.

At first your horse won't be able to touch his nose to his body. So you start with small successes. At first you pull his head back towards you until you get resistance. When you do, hold the lead rope tension. Don't make the tension more or less, simply hold it there. The second he looks back toward you more and creates slack in the lead rope, you give him immediate relief and take the tension off the lead rope completely. Then you tell him what a good boy he is. Pet him too. Let him know that's just what you wanted.

As you do this, you will want him to bring his head farther and farther back until he begins to touch his nose to his body. Don't try to get him to touch his nose to his body within the first one or two ground sessions. That's rushing it and you likely won't make it happen. This takes time to get your horse to understand what you want him to do.

Remember to do this on the other side of your horse too. What your horse can do on his left side, he should be able to do on his right side.

When you have your horse touching his nose to his side, then you're ready to get on him and test his emergency brake. Get on your horse and go for a test ride. If he starts to run and you don't want him to, grab a rein and pull his head around. Don't jerk the reins…pull. Then boot him into a circle. When he slows down or stops like you want him to then release the pressure. Remember to do it on the left and right reins.

If your horse doesn't easily touch his nose to his body while riding him, then you need to have him practice it more. Also, before you go riding have him touch his nose a few times on each side with the bit in his mouth. Doing these things will cinch your riding into a pleasant experience.

About The Author

Andy Curry is a nationally known horse trainer and author of several best selling horse training and horse care books. For information visit his website at www.horsetrainingandtips.com. He is also the leading expert on Jesse Beery's horse training methods which can be seen at www.horsetrainingandtips.com/Jesse_Beerya.htm.

Communication And Social Organization In The Animal Kingdom

Writen by Michael Russell

Many people who watch snake charmers play music to their cobras often marvel at the way the snakes seem to respond to the music. But research shows that snakes cannot hear high-pitched sounds. If a cobra is blindfolded, you can play music for hours and the snake will sit still. If you remove the blindfold and wave your arms, the snake will raise its head and spread its hood. Therefore, the cobra does not respond to the music, but to the movements of the snake charmer.

To find out how animals communicate, we must observe them carefully; we must carefully monitor the signals passed from one animal to another, as well as study their responses. Scientists and biologists have studied the ways in which animals communicate by observing animals in their natural environments, as well as in zoos, aquariums and laboratories. They have also had to travel to jungles or mountaintops to follow and document the movements and responses of the animals they observe. Other electronic instruments can turn these sounds into pictures on paper, called sound spectrograms, which can be more accurately examined and compared. Scientists also need to bring binoculars, cameras, recorders and other hardware to keep track of all the howls, cries, songs, grunts and barks of the animal world. As you can see, human hearing plays a very little part in the study of animal communication.

Observations and experiments have shown that all animals have a certain "language". It is not a language like ours, for animals do not communicate with words or sentences. But they do have many signals-- they employ body movement and a number of sounds to produce a response in another animal perceiving it. The signals play an important part in the social life of these animals. Most of these signals have to do with parent-young relationships, food hunting, avoiding enemies, meeting of the sexes and keeping in touch with other members of a group.

Vocal signals are constantly exchanged between many mother animals and their young. The hen calls for her chicks with different signals that can mean either food, sleep, or an emergency. Young chicks are also able to give distress calls that alert their mothers. This call is also important when the young birds leave the nest. It makes it possible for their parents to find them if they are accidentally hidden from sight and get lost. There is also a constant calling back and forth between baby and mother among deer, cows, sheep and goats.

Calls of alarm or distress, as well as a special kind of movement associated with it, are common in the animal kingdom. Many birds avoid enemies this way. Gulls are often pests on the landing strips of airfields, so playing fake alarm calls is a way of getting rid of them. Many kinds of deer have hisses or barks that warn the herd of danger. Alarm calls by baby monkeys and apes immediately bring their parents to their side. Warning calls by prairie dogs are signals for these animals to dash into their holes.

Animals also use their voices to produce food calls. The call brings many of the same species and from all directions, like what seagulls do when they spot a huge school of fish. Animal that hunt other animals have special hunting cries. The gray wolf calls the pack with a long smooth howl when it finds food. While the hunt is on, short rapid barks keep them together. When the prey is being pulled down, the wolves howl and snarl like a bunch of dogs.

All animals have ways of attracting members of the opposite sex with they are ready to mate. Sometimes males make thumping sounds and turn into different colors so they can provide a sound and a sight signal to the females. Some female snakes attract males by their movements and their odor. Odor is also a powerful signal used by voiceless mammals. Often there are special glands in their skin that give off powerful scents. These are then deposited on trees or rocks for prospective mates to follow.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Animals

Grooming A Longhaired Cat

Writen by Paul Hegarty

A longhaired cat ought to be groomed on a daily basis, this helps keep the coat tangle-free. Use a soft brush to groom the coat first. Work your way from your cats head to his tail brushing in the direction that the hair is laying. Gently brush his belly and tail. Then use a wide-toothed comb to gently comb through the hair.

If your cat has any knots or matted hair, gently ease the knot out with a comb or brush. Holding the knot in one hand whilst brushing with the other will prevent any pain to your cat from pulling on the coat. Longhaired, flatter-faced cat breeds need their eyes cleaned and dried weekly or even daily. Fluid cannot drain through the tear ducts properly and they are therefore prone to weeping.

If your cat starts getting fussy and giving you signs that she has had enough, you can groom the sides of her face. You can also give your cat the occasional treat.

If you think your cat may have fleas, you can end the grooming session with running a narrow-toothed comb through the coat. Grooming should not aggravate your cat, but be a pleasurable experience that can build trust and confidence. Start grooming sessions gradually with short sessions so your kitten or cat does not become bored. Never restrain your cat if they become stressed during a grooming session. Instead stop the session and try again later when they are more relaxed.

The result of grooming your cat whether it is a quick weekly brush or a daily intense grooming session is a happy cuddlesome cat. Your cat will look good and feel great.

Guide to Cats. Get information on buying, owning and caring for your cat, learn more about Cat Grooming.

Paul Hegarty is the owner of Learningfromdvds.com, Price compare Fitness DVDs, read reviews, download free E-books. Read this month's e-book on "How To Spot A fraudulent Email". Grab your free copy today.

Early Plans For A Shih Tzu Kennel

Writen by Connie Limon

In planning your Shih Tzu kennel the primary consideration should be your pet's security and comfort. However, before looking up the price of a chain-link fence, be sure your kennel will not violate any local building codes, ordinances or zoning regulations.

A water source is another important design consideration. Is your proposed kennel location close to a water source? If not, you will have to carry water daily to the kennel, or extend a water line to the kennel. One of the best solutions here is to have running water inside your kennel and outside water spouts as well. This will save you a lot of time and energy when cleaning and providing your Shih Tzu with fresh water daily.

Consider the location of your kennel relative to existing electric sources and sewer lines. Be sure you are able to tap into existing sewer lines legally.

Another reason for locating your Shih Tzu kennel near existing electric sources is the possibility that you may have to leave your Shih Tzu more than you thought you would. Nearby power makes it easier to keep your Shih Tzu comfortable in the heat (using air conditioning) and in the cold (using heating systems).

You might ponder about combining projects. If you have an outside work-shop or storage shed, perhaps you could make the Shih Tzu kennel part of one of those buildings.

Consider your neighbors. If one of two equal locations would make for quieter housing, choose that site. A well-located kennel can raise the value of your property. However, be aware that a poorly situated kennel can have the opposite effect.

If you will be building runs, consider that most Shih Tzu kennel owners increase the number of their Shih Tzu. You may only need two runs to start out with, but may need four eventually.

For a home Shih Tzu kennel to be useful and comfortable for the Shih Tzu, it must provide room for exercise. The run surface can be concrete, or gravel and dirt. The easiest surface to clean and disinfect is concrete. Concrete is also the most expensive choice. Prolonged confinement on concrete should also be avoided. You will also need to provide some grassy areas for your Shih Tzu to exercises.

If you decide to go with gravel it is certainly easier to install than concrete. Fewer tools are needed and the job does not necessitate contracting skilled labor. Other than the occasional weed that comes up through the stones. Gravel offers home Shih Tzu kennel builders a sound, practical alternative to concrete.

Never opt solely for dirt-surfaced runs. Although a dirt-surfaced run may be more comfortable for your Shih Tzu, it is a nightmare to you at bath time when the weather is wet and your Shih Tzu have romped and rolled in the mud.

Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies from top champion bloodlines. We have standard and smaller imperial/teacups. Sign up for our newsletter and purchase online at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

Dog Training And Obedience

Writen by Janie Stewart

Obedience training is one of the best things you can do for your dog and yourself. In fact, a well trained dog is by far a happier dog! Why? Because a trained dog requires much fewer restrictions, so the more reliable the dog, the more freedom he/she is given.

Dogs are social animals and without proper training, they will behave just like animals.(A dog is a pack animal. It prefers to be with companions) They can soil your house, chew your belongings, bark at everything that moves, dig up your back garden, attack other dogs and even attack you or your children! Training serves to strengthen the bond between a dog and his owner. It builds communication and mutual respect, and effectively demonstrates to your dog that you're the leader of the pack without resorting to smacking or hitting. Dogs have their own personalities and mindset. They can be stubborn, dominant, submissive, or fearful, characteristics that can make them difficult to own and train.

Obedience training is also an easy way to establish the social hierarchy. Training can be accomplished at home, in an obedience class, or with a private trainer. When your dog obeys a simple command he/she is showing compliance and respect for you. A well-behaved, obedient trained dog is a pleasure to own because he can go virtually anywhere without being a risk or nuisance to others or themselves ( an untrained dog loose near traffic is an accident waiting to happen). At the end of the day dog obedience training really benefits everybody. Remember dog ownership is a big responsibility and there is nothing fast and simple about it, consistency is important in dog training, in fact patience, persistence and consistency are the most important concepts in any kind of teaching. Obedience training should be fun and rewarding for both you and your dog.

When searching for a trainer or instructor to help with training your dog there are different types of training available, remember an obedience instructor works with people not dogs, then the people work with their pets. Whereas a dog trainer teaches your dog to obey, then teaches you how to get the dog to listen to you.

Author is a long term dog trainer and rescuer, see more of her articles on dog training and obedience here, remember a well trained dog is a happy dog and happy dogs make happy owners!

Pet Health Alert Chocolate Poisoning In Dogs

Writen by Greg Cryns

Cocoa beans, cocoa bean shells, cola and tea contain a natural ingredient called theobromine that can kill your pet when ingested. Dogs often cannot metabolize this fast enough to avoid poisoning. The amount of bakers chocolate to produce the adverse reaction is about 1 ounce for every 2 pounds of dog weight.

If your dog has symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting along with lethargy and muscle tremors you should want to take him to the vet quickly. If you are sure your dog has eaten chocolate do not wait for the symptoms to appear. In that case poisoning is very likely to occur and you may lose your pet if you hesitate to take action.

Dogs love sweet products. Make sure to keep your chocolates in tightly closed containers placed high up where they cannot reach them. Be particularly careful on holidays like Christmas or Halloween when dogs can easily pick up chocolates off the floor.

Cocoa bean mulch also contains theobromine. Garden retailer suppliers do wash this product before selling it but the best practice is not to allow your dog near this product.

The ASPCA now has a new service providing pre-recorded information on more than 125 petcare topics, including health issues and behavioral problems: 1-888-252-7387 (24hrs)

Greg Cryns is the owner of http:http://www.gochihuahua.com Go Chihuahua addresses issues for chihuahuas and other dog breeds Greg is also the founder of http://www.nursingprogramsonline for nurses and http://www.go-law-school for lawyers

Tips For Buying A Horse Online

Writen by Cris Mandelin-Wood

More and more folks are looking to the Internet to find their next cat, dog or horse. While this offers a convenient solution and broader selection outside of ones locality, it can be fraught with unseen expenses and potential heartache. It seems inevitable that buying horses online will become more the norm than the exception as the Internet grows. With that in mind, following is a short list of what one should do when looking to purchase their horse through an online source.

1. Call the seller - don't just email. You'd be surprised at how many folks have never spoken a word with the seller until after the money changed hands.

2. Ask for a recent video. Most Internet-savvy sellers already have videos on hand and will have no problem with that request. Some sellers will not have access to a video camera, and in that case, you need to try to find someone who can go to where the horse is and check him out, or, better yet, go yourself if possible. Of course, your requirements in a horse and budget will determine if it is worth all the time and money spent making sure the horse is what you want. A $1500 animal might not warrant a $300 plane ticket plus other expenses. It would really be best to look more local for your next equine friend in that case.

3. If you seem fairly certain that the horse is for you, hire a local vet to go over and give a check to your prospective horse. If one doesn't do anything else here, hiring a vet should be the minimum that is done when buying a horse online. Just doing the standard Coggins and general overview for transportation purposes won't cut the mustard. Have the vet look over the teeth, eyes, hooves, muscle condition and coat condition. A horse is finely attuned to everything in and about it - if anything is wrong it usually shows up in the eyes or coat at the very minimum. Ask the vet for an objective opinion as to if the horse is sound and easy to manage. A vet chose their field because they had an extraordinary affinity towards animals - they have more skills than just their medical knowledge when it comes to animals, or in this case, horses - make use of them.

4. Ask for references for previous horse buyers from the seller. If this is a one-time sale with no other references available - then depend on a phone interview with pre-determined questions. A caring, honest seller will gladly answer your questions as well as ask you plenty too.

5. Make sure you have insurance coverage for the transport. Most commercial horse transporters will carry a certain degree of insurance to cover accidents and mishaps, however, it would behoove you to carry extra insurance on your horse, especially in the event he/she falls ill during or after the transport.

6. The very best advice is for a potential owner to make the trip themselves, inspect the horse personally, bring in a local vet for checks, and spend time communicating with the horse to assure him/her that everything will be fine once they arrive to their new home. Making the trip with your horse will help them to become accustomed to you as their one constant and will pave the way for a much smoother homecoming.

This is but a short list of what one should be looking at when buying a horse online. You may get lucky and hook up with a seller who has all of the above and more ready for your look-see, but just to be on the safe side, it's best to know at least some of the minimums that need to be addressed. Always keep the horses well-being in mind when deciding that you just have to get that beautiful looking Paint horse who happens to be 2000 miles away. If the horse isn't feeling 100% in the first place, and you put him through the stress of an uncomfortable long haul, you may be doing some major harm to the frightened horse that could end up being a heartbreak for all concerned.

Cris Mandelin-Wood owns several websites covering pets. Animal welfare issues are of special interest.

Convert An Aggressive Dog To An Obedient Pooch

Writen by Flora Wells

Does your dog run and jump on you? Does he bite? Does he suffer from fear aggression? If he does read on...

There is a new guide on dog training called SitStayFetch at Clickbank. Maybe you have already seen it, if not you are bound to soon.

I understand you may have questions. Does this guide really work? Can I train my dog to obey me? Will it end my dogs aggressive behaviour? You have come to the right place.

On the sales page of the website it states "Dog Obedience Training Secrets To Transform Your Dogs Behaviour Problems!" and "Put an end to your stress and annoyance of your dogs behaviour problems!... And slash your dog obedience training time in half by using techniques that give you immediate results!!"

Here's my review;

Point One: Dog Behavioural Problems

SitStayFetch has compiled a complete list of 25 most popular dog behavioural problems, based on real life cases and provided the best techniques to overcome them. As a helpful conclusion they also included step by step photos and are available for consultation by email. Very handy and for those who are new at obedience training a real help.

Point Two: Trainer Secrets

SitStayFetch has the resources to teach you how to be like a professional trainer of dogs utilizing their unique knowledge and experience. They produce immediate results for the owners who have already tried the advice given from the guide and I think, a big hand for the way the dog responds.

Point Three: Testimonials

Apart from mine, SitStayFetch has thousands of customers worldwide who are testimony to the usefulness of the guide and the obedience of their dogs. Indeed it goes to prove their information is vital, relevant, friendly and beneficial. There guide is thorough, there doesn't seem to be any problems it doesn't cover.

My Conclusion: Is it a Good Buy?

The guide is precise, covering topics such as nipping and biting to teaching your dog to obey simple commands.

But the question is 'Does it stop aggressive behaviour?'

In my opinion, the guide will alleviate many dog owners worries. SitStayFetch's style is friendly, rewarding and doesn't rely on futile theories or punishment. SitStayFetch is pooch friendly and will go a long way in bridging the gap between man and his dog.

Over all an A+ for a well delivered guide!

If you would like more information on how to teach an aggressive dog, please visit http://www.domaininvestments.co.nz/30.html

German Shepherd Breeders

Writen by Ken Marlborough

Good German shepherd breeders will ask questions. They want to know why you want a German shepherd dog and they'll ask for a veterinary reference to investigate how well you can take care of your other pets. But you need to be curious, too.

Check out your breeder by visiting his home—where most good breeders keep dogs and treat them as members of the family. The dog's environment should be clean and well maintained. Dogs should be happy to meet people, and not shy away from visitors. He should also breed only one or two types of dogs, and be well aware of 'breed standards'. Breed standards are a very complex set of physical and mental characteristics that the kennel clubs believe comprise the ideal specimen of a particular species. Standards vary wildly and usually depend on who you ask. What matters when you talk to the breeder is that he or she has his or her own set of opinions regarding what makes a good German shepherd and what does not.

Most important, a good breeder encourages you to make multiple visits to let the puppy get to know you better, prior to you taking it home.

A good breeder will also require proof from your landlord or condominium board stating that you're allowed to have companion animals in your home. And he'll want to know which family member will be responsible for care. Finally, he will ask you to sign a contract stating that in the event you cannot keep or care for your dog, you will return it to the breeder. If your breeder meets these standards, you're in the right place to find your new friend.

German Shepherds provides detailed information on German Shepherds, German Shepherd Breeders, German Shepherd Kennels, German Shepherd Puppies and more. German Shepherds is affiliated with Golden Retriever Training.

Dog Training Collars A Useful Tool

Writen by Simon Oliver

Dog training can be an intimidating task. But aside from shelter, food, and vaccination, it is a responsibility of every dog owner. Because training must begin when a dog is a pup, it can be an especially challenging process. A young dog has a short attention span and may become uninterested with long, tiresome training sessions. Likewise, if a dog trainer is over-enthusiastic, the puppy may feel overwhelmed. But if a dog owner can learn these few guidelines, such problems can be overcome.

A training collar can make a big difference. Some collars have concise, electrical impulses that help control the dog and while many people view this as inhumane, the fact that it could actually save a dog's life may dwarf this concern. For example, if your dog bolts out in front of a moving vehicle, a shock to its collar might make it return home. These electrical impulses may seem harsh, but they act as immediate, sometimes necessary commands. As long as such a collar isn't abused, it can be a useful tool for training, especially for hunting dogs that need to be controlled over long distances of land and water. For those who are turned off by the idea of a "shock" collar, there are some modern collars that send just a harmless tone to the dog.

As long as you use training collars properly and humanely, they can be valuable and immensely useful tools.

Simon Oliver has an interest in Pets and Recreation related topics. To access more information on dog training collars or on fancy dog collars, please click on the links.

Preventative Medicine Is A Must For The Shih Tzu Show Dog

Writen by Connie Limon

A Shih Tzu show dog kennel should practice preventive medicine as the means of maintaining optimum health. The Shih Tzu show dog must be available for showing for extended periods of time. Preventive medicine is much more practical and is kinder to the Shih Tzu.

The Shih Tzu show dog must have routine checks for parasites and a strict maintenance of inoculations. Being in the show ring presents more chances of being exposed to disease germs. It is imperative that the Shih Tzu show dog that has been traveling from show to show be kept separate from the home crew once returning home. This can be compared to the older sister or brother who goes to school and brings home the chicken pox to all younger brothers and sisters. Extra precautions should be taken by the Shih Tzu show dog kennel to prevent possible spread of disease germs to the entire kennel and/or any Shih Tzu puppies for sale present among them.

Three very serious diseases to which all dogs are susceptible are:

1. Distemper
2. Hepatitis
3. Leptospirosis

These diseases are serious because they are frequently fatal. Fortunately, there are effective inoculations against all three.

Fleas and ticks are present in almost all parts of the country during warm weather. They are easy to pick up and sometimes quite difficult to get rid of, especially in the case of a long-coated Shih Tzu. Fleas and ticks also are capable of causing a dog to become infested with worms and sometimes diseases.

The simple rule to follow is to consult the veterinarian whenever there is the least question concerning the health of a Shih Tzu show dog. This is especially true in the case of the various diseases of the skin or conditions that result in seasonal irritants. These problems need to be treated promptly in order to prevent a chronic condition leading to the ruin of a Shih Tzu show dog coat, but is also detrimental to the over-all health of the Shih Tzu.

Toy Dogs, which include the Shih Tzu, have physical problems that are peculiar to them. The Toy dogs also have a few advantages over other certain classes of dogs. Many of the special problems affecting Toy dogs are the direct result of having been bred down to their present size. Toy dogs are actually a creation of man mainly for an amusing house pet.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She is publishes a FREE weekly newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Designer dog clothes are offered on the website. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

How To Train Your Dog Once You Realize That He Is Not A Human

Writen by Anne Clarke

Training your dog can be a long and difficult task. If you already have or are planning on getting a dog, you need to be sure that you are completely up to the challenge. Training your dog is not a simple, one-week or one-month task – it is something that you will continually have to do, 'til death do you part.

Here are some tips to help you train your dog:

· First of all, you must realize that your dog is not human. Therefore, you should not attribute so many human characteristics to him. For instance, your dog did not pee on the rug because he is "angry" at you – more likely, he was marking his territory or he simply needed to be let out sooner! Because our dogs are not human, we should not try to remedy their problems as though they are. We should not punish an "angry" dog by sending him to his dog carrier or try to win his affection back by filling him up with treats. Rather, we should be sure to let him outside when he needs to go outside.

· Again, dogs are not human. It is in their nature to work for their food. In other words, you should not simply give it to them without having them earn it. For instance, rather than simply giving your dog his food in the morning, take him for a long walk and then feed him. Or go out and run him around your back yard. You can even have him carry around a weighted doggie pack before you give him his food. Do not give him his food before he earns it. This may seem harsh, but it is the way that it works in the animal kingdom. Out in the wild, a dog would have to work hard, chasing down his food, before he could get it, and sometimes he would not get it and would have to wait until the next day for a meal.

· It is important to be consistent! You cannot simply make your dog work for his food three days out of a week and then simply give it to him the other four. Owning and caring for a dog is a full-time job.

· Make sure that your dog understands who is the pack leader. (In case you are wondering, the pack leader should be you!). You will both get along much more easily if you make it clear from the onset that he is the subservient one in the relationship and that you are the one who gives him his food, etc.

· A system of rewards and punishments can be used to train dogs. The key is, you need to reward or punish them immediately, otherwise they may not understand what the reward/punishment is for. For instance, when you take your dog outside and he pees outside, immediately give him a treat. If, on the other hand, you let him outside, then he pees, then he frolics and chases a bird, and then you give him a treat when he comes back in, he may connect the treat to going outside, rather than for peeing outside.

· Also, a reward system works best if it is not always expected. In other words, if you give your dog a treat every single time he pees outside, it will not be as effective as if you only give it to him some of the time (and it makes it a lot easier for you, too). Otherwise, in the former reward system, if you miss a few days, your dog may start peeing inside again. In the latter situation, your dog will be used to not getting a treat for a few days, but will still be expecting one in the future if he continually goes pee outside.

· Learn about your dog breed. Different dog breeds react differently to different situations – they are bred for different purposes, and they have different capabilities. Make sure that you know as much about your own dog breed as possible so that you know how best to train your dog.

As you can hopefully realize, training a dog can be a lot of work, and only those who are up to the work should consider owning a dog. Remember, the more time that you spend working with your dog, the better your dog is going to work with you. Also, realize that your dog is not human – this can be a hard concept to grasp, but the sooner you do, the better your relationship with your dog will be.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on dogs and dog training, please visit Dog T-Shirts.

Is A Collie Puppy Right For You

Writen by Ron King

The television series "Lassie" made Lassie the beloved symbol for Collies in America. Your new Collie puppy won't measure up to the wonder dog, but you'll most likely find him a wonderful family dog.

The Family Protector

The Collie was originally bred to herd sheep, and still has a strong protective instinct, which makes them an excellent choice for a family dog. The American Kennel Club classifies the Collie as part of the Herding Group. These dogs weigh 55 to 80 pounds and stand 22 to 26 inches tall.

The Collie is strong and graceful and has lots of endurance. This dog's almond shaped eyes seem to sparkle with intelligence, whether they are brown or blue in color. The Collie's ears -- 3/4 erect with 1/4 folded -- make its appearance both alert and appealing. The coat can be either rough or smooth. The rough coat is longer and fuller than the smooth coat. This breed can come in sable and white, tricolor (black, white and tan), or blue merle (tortoise shell) colors.

The Collie enjoys living in the midst of an active family. This breed is not a good choice for apartment living, since it's a large dog and loves to spend time outside. A home with a big yard is ideal. Although the Collie is friendly and outgoing, this dog is protective of its family and takes its duties as a watchdog seriously. Your Collie will bark at intruders, whether they are people, cats, squirrels, or pieces of trash blowing around the yard.

Stubborn, But Trainable

The Collie can be quite headstrong and can get into a lot of mischief as a puppy. You should consider attending puppy obedience classes with your Collie, since it is easier to train a small puppy that hasn't developed bad habits than a 60-pound dog that has. Also, be firm with your puppy about staying on the floor if you do not want Collie hair on all of your furniture. Once you allow your dog onto the furniture, he will feel that he has a right to be there any time you leave the room.

The Collie breed has few health problems. Eye diseases and PRA (a genetic defect leading to blindness) are the most common problems these dogs face.

A Good Eater

Collies can pack away a lot of food. These dogs have a tendency to overeat, so it is best to give them 3 small meals a day. If your Collie develops a bulge around his middle, talk to your veterinarian about switching to a food that promotes weight loss.

Although a rough coated Collie has long hair, the dog does not need extensive grooming. Brush through your dog's coat several times a week to avoid mats, paying close attention to the hair around his face, behind his ears, and around his legs. A smooth coated Collie needs only occasional grooming.

If you want a medium-sized dog to protect your family and play with the kids, the Collie may just be the perfect pet for you.

Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visit New Pup learn more about this subject.

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

Surprising Health Benefits For Pet Owners

Writen by Patricia Wagner

Did you know that there are key health benefits that can result from owning a pet? Having one can enhance your physical, mental and social wellbeing.

1. How can a pet help your physical health?

Owning a dog, for instance, will encourage you to get more exercise. With your faithful friend at your side, you're much more likely to go for a walk. Walking is one of the best health activities you can do. While walking you're also more likely to socially interact with your neighbors because your special pal often acts as an ice-breaker.

Research led by Dr. Karen Allen at the State University of New York at Buffalo shows that pets can help lower blood pressure. Stockbrokers with high blood pressure were studied to see what happened when they adopted a pet dog or cat. Researchers concluded that having a pet nearby helps control increases in blood pressure due to stress.

In his studies Alan Beck, ScD (Professor of Animal Ecology, Purdue University) found that the simple act of petting your dog slows your heart rate and causes your blood pressure to drop.

An added health advantage from pet ownership is that patients may live longer after heart attacks. Some doctors recommend that a heart attack survivor adopt a dog because research has shown that a faithful canine companion can help prolong an owner's life.

2. How Can A Pet Improve Your Mental Health?

Sharing your life with a cat may help your mental health. A study conducted at Australia's University of New England found that people who own feline friends may experience fewer psychiatric disturbances than those without cats.

Pets can help their owners overcome depression through their companionship and unconditional love. They seem to possess the natural ability to help you relax and enjoy life more.

Pets can also help when you experience times of loneliness. English poet, Alexander Pope, has stated that histories are more full of examples of the fidelity of dogs than of friends. According to a Chinese proverb, dogs have so many friends because they wag their tails, not their tongues.

When you take care of a pet you have to develop a routine of getting out, buying food and providing exercise. This can help fight off depression and loneliness. The simple responsiblity of pet care can help you get your mind off yourself and your problems.

3. How can a pet enhance your wellbeing in the area of relationships?

American Animal Hospital Association President, Link Wellborn, believes that pets are more than just a member of the family - they're central to a healthy lifestyle.

Pets help lessen tension between family members and add a lot of fun and unconditional love to the homes where they live. When pets do cute and funny things - which they often do - family members react by laughing and being more relaxed.

If you don't have a pet yet, consider making one part of your family, but make sure you have the time and resources necessary to provide a stable loving home for your new friend.

If you choose a dog as your new pal, remember this wise old saying. "A dog is man's best friend." That's true in more ways than one. You'll get unconditional love, companionship, loyalty and relaxation in return for your investment of time and material resources.

What a bargain!

Patricia Wagner offers informative tips and a f^ree newsletter to help you live a more more energetic lifestyle. Check out http://www.a-to-z-wellness.com. She is also an artist and you can view her original paintings at http://www.artbywagner.com

Ticks On Your Dog What To Do

Writen by Dina M. Giolitto

Once though of as a mere harmless but annoying pest, ticks are of growing concern for their Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease-carrying ability. Learn the facts, and keep your dog tick and disease-free.

Ticks are a despicable lot of parasitic bloodsuckers. They bide their time in wooded areas, stay close to ground level and wait for an unsuspecting mammal to shuffle on by so they can descend upon him and sink those nasty little teeth in for a long meal of blood, blood and more blood. Once a tick has embedded itself into your dog, it will hang on indefinitely, taking in copious amounts of blood until it is bloated and gorged. If you find a corn kernel-like object hanging from your dog's ear or elsewhere on his body that turns out to have legs, it's probably a tick that's been feasting for hours. Remove it immediately, check your dog thoroughly for more ticks, and then call your veterinarian for further direction and advice.

Check Your Dog Regularly for Ticks

If you live in or near a wooded area, perform a routine tick check on your dog. As a good dog owner who's been looking out for your dog's best interests and ensuring him a happy life, you should already be familiar with the "chassis inspection." If not, now is as good a time as any to get familiar with it. Have your dog sit down in front of you and run your hands all over his body. Check his ears and the undersides of his paws. Don't forget those out of sight areas like his belly and the place where his leg bends into his body. He won't like these intrusions at first, but if you're gentle and speak to him softly in that special voice reserved only for him, your dog will eventually grow to tolerate the tick inspection and may even enjoy it.

Tick Removal

If the tick is well-embedded into your dog's flesh, use a tweezer to grip it firmly, as close to the skin as possible. You want to remove the entire tick without leaving the embedded head behind (I know- disgusting, but necessary). If you take some skin along with the tick, that's okay- it's more important to get the head out than than fret over a little lost skin. If you find that the head has remained imbedded and you can't remove it, keep a close eye on the area. Your dog's immune system will likely create a small site of infection around the head as a way to dislodge it. That's perfectly normal; it's just his body doing its thing to ward off disease.

Once the tick is out, save it in a jar and send it off to school with your little ones for show and tell. Just kidding about the show and tell.... but you really should hold the tick captive in a jar if you can. You'll have it as a specimen to show your vet "just in case" your dog starts exhibiting signs of Lyme disease.

Complications of a Tick Bite

Ticks pose the threat of disease - not just mild illness, but serious, debilitating diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (prevalent in the western United States), Lyme Disease (prevalent in the Northeastern US), and other less commonly known bacteria-bourne illnesses that can lead to serious complications including paralysis and death.

You can choose not practice tick prevention, thereby engaging your dog in a little "Russian Roulette" each time a tick bites... or you can do the smart thing, which is keep him tick-free and consequently, disease-free.

Tick Control

Many of the same products that afford protection against fleas also repel ticks, particularly the "spot on" applications such as Frontline®, that can be applied to the skin between your dog's shoulder blades once a month for maximum protection. Ticks can also be controlled with the traditional flea prevention methods such as dipping, bathing, spraying and powdering.

Talk to your vet about which tick repellant is right for you, as he has access to your dog's medical history and can offer advice based on prior health records.

Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.

Liked this article? Have more of the same emailed to your inbox each month. Sign up for the Copywriting and Marketing Ezine from Dina at Wordfeeder.com and learn to write search engine friendly web copy and market your web based business for free.

Aquariums Bringing The Ocean To Us

Writen by Michael Russell

I was talking to an old friend of mine quite recently and he mentioned his hobby which was collecting tropical fish. Let me say now that this is a hobby that holds absolutely no interest for me at all. However, after talking for a while with him, we moved around the reasons why this is actually an extremely popular pastime, and what type of aquarium he owned, how it added to his lifestyle, how it fitted in as a piece of "furniture" in his home and what maintenance of this rather large glass bowl entailed. I have visiting my friend's home on a number of occasions and had noted that his aquarium does somewhat dominate the domestic scene of his living room.

I happened to visit him after our conversation and I went there with the intention of looking more closely at his hobby and asking what I felt were a few pertinent questions on what he did to replenish the aquarium and how in fact he kept it clean!

My reaction was quite different on this visit. I made a point of taking stock of this enormous glass cube. Let me say before going any further, I have no knowledge of what fish or other creatures reside in this aquarium, my interest was more how it fitted into my friend's family lifestyle.

First of all, it was massive! It took up a complete wall. My estimation was that it must have been around six feet wide - don't know the metric equivalent sorry - the part that was visible at the front would have been around three feet high. Imagine, it was like having an enormous television set just showing a picture of colourful fish consuming a complete wall in your living room. Yet, large as it was, and attractive and plentiful were its contents, the thing that fascinated me was that it was so serene. A radio was playing some rock music in another room, but the hypnotic effect on me was astonishing. I had never put myself in the situation where I could check out this well-held theory before, but - yes - the image had such a soothing effect that conversation in the background was pretty well ignored. In fact, the questions for my friend were completely forgotten.

Imagine then the effect of a theme park aquarium. I don't know if they are called that, but I am sure you know the sort of place I mean. Dark room, walk under glass walls and ceilings and see amazing creatures of the deep swimming effortlessly above you.

I moved away quite quickly from the description of my friend's aquarium but it was time I compared the two feelings - the theme park aquarium to the domestic variety. Do you know, the feeling was almost identical? The only difference was that I was visiting the larger version with my grandson and looking after him precluded giving it much concentration.

I wonder if it is the glass that generates the hypnotic feeling or maybe just the smooth swimming of the fish within the bounds of an aquarium. I know I should consider the freedom of these water creatures and respect their perceived environments, but I could not help but feel they seemed reasonably happy where they were. I am sure that you will have your own opinions.

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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Aquariums
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How To Choose The Right Groomer

Writen by Connie Limon

There is nothing quite like having your dog professionally groomed. Even if you desire to groom your dog at home, a professional groom is always a treat. You end up with a fabulous-looking dog without all the work. Make it an outing you and your dog can enjoy together.

Your professional groomer should be chosen with care. Start looking before you purchase your dog. Most professional groomers are people who are devoted to dogs and will take very good care of your dog during the grooming process. However, there are always some groomers you want to avoid. So how can you know before you experience a grooming session with your dog?

Considerable experience is required to deal with the many ranges of coat textures and individual dog requirements. Even more important is the knowledge of varying temperaments of the numerous breeds of dogs. You might ask the groomers in your area which breeds they groom the most to get an idea of their experience with your particular breed. You might ask to visit the groom shop and witness the groomer or groomers on the job before you take your own dog for a groom. Ask the groomer how they been grooming as well as how long they have been involved with dogs in general. At least two or three years of working at a kennel or at a grooming parlor would prove a great asset in learning about dog breeds, their characters and the different handling they require.

Most dogs respond to kindness favorably, but some need a firmer hand than others or a sterner voice. If you have a dog that appears to want to snap during the grooming process, you might consider having the dog evaluated to distinguish between fear and bad temperament. Once you have determined the cause of the behavior proper treatment may alleviate the problems of snapping during the grooming process. Grooming is such an essential part of any dog's good health and good looks. It needs to be taken serious by the dog owner and made as enjoyable as possible for the dog as well as the groomer. Some groomers will refuse to groom a dog with behavior problems. It is important to start your dog out on the right track to avoid future problems.

You should ask the groomer if they have ever been bitten and how often. Be wary of the dog groomer who says they hate doing any certain breed of dog because of the nasty, snappy temperament. It could be the groomer and not the breed or the dog. However, most groomers do care and are passionately devoted to their job. Many groomers will grow to love the dogs they groom on a regular basis.

In the U.S. you should ask if the groomer is licensed or certified. Some states require on the shop to be licensed and not the groomer. Some states require that the groomer is licensed to handle pesticides.

Most professional groomers will record and maintain specific information from you. This should include your name, one or more telephone numbers, your pet's age, name and number of your vet and any specific health problems, moles or allergies.

Take your puppy for grooms at the earliest possible date, even if it is just for a brush. This will help the groomer and your dog become accustomed to the grooming session and to begin a successful relationship.

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies. Purchase online from Stain Glass Shih Tzu. Purchase unique hand made dog clothes and dog bows at: http://www.littleguysdogclothesshop.com

Baking Your Own Homemade Dog Treats

Writen by Todd Jones

Baking your own homemade dog treats isn't as difficult as you might think. Many dog owners believe that store bought dog treats are the only option for when they want to reward their canine companion with a delicious treat. The benefits of making your own homemade dog treats are both financial and nutritional.

Store bought dog treats can be very expensive and do not always provide the highest quality of nutritional content. However, making your own homemade dog treats can help you to save a great deal of money. The ingredients used in homemade dog treats are usually common household ingredients that you are likely to already have on hand. You may need to shop for a few specialty ingredients but for the most part you can bake basic homemade dog treats with the contents of your pantry and refrigerator. Those who want to provide their dog with nutritious treats at an affordable price may find that despite the time investment homemade dog treats are a great value for the money.

In addition to the monetary reasons to create your own homemade dog treats, these treats can also be a better nutritional value for your pet. Many store bought dog treats use fillers, byproducts and preservatives in their treats but when you make homemade dog treats you can ensure that you only use high quality ingredients that provide excellent sources of nutrition for your dog.

To find free homemade dog treat recipes, check out Todd's website at: http://homemade-dog-treat-recipes.com

The Noble Skye Terrier

Writen by Stephanie Hetu

With ancestors who were a breed of tenacious terriers, most often used for ratting (hunting vermin), the Skye Terrier has become less a working dog and more a dignified companion animal»since the latter part of the 17th century.

Long before the reprieve from work, however, the Skye Terrier had an involved life and unique start: it is said that the first Skye Terrier came from ancestors who survived the wreck of the Spanish Armada, swam to shore of the Isle of Skye , and mated with the terriers living there in North-western Scotland in 1588. For the next hundred years, the breed spent its days hunting badger, fox, stoat and other predators and vermin.

It is also said that while the Skye Terrier has developed to the Cairn Terrier, it shows better, having»possibly»been bred with Clydesdale terriers to appear with a coat and stance (and overall look) that is more profound, more dignified, more sophisticated and at the same time calmer than the game and lively Cairn has. Though still bred for these physical and temperamental characteristics in Scotland and also in England, the Skye exists in limited numbers.

But those that do live among us do so mostly in retired capacities. The Skye Terrier, that is, at 9 to 10 inches and 19 to 23 pounds, is no longer a highly skilled tracker and hunter but is still a highly skilled watchdog, devoted and loyal to its human charges. With high intelligence and a lively temperament, then, it needs to do some activity, such as exercising on daily walks and having enough room to move energetically»whether in a city or country setting.

And though the Skye Terrier needs minimal bathing (as it is prone to dry skin and allergies), this noble breed also needs a fair amount of grooming. The long hair needs pin-brushing or metal combing on a weekly basis, and needs to have its long forehead and eyebrow locks clean, free of mats, and unobtrusive to its ears (which can get infected if blocked).

But the exercise and grooming requirements are minimal for such a noble breed, one that was owned by such royalty as Queen Victoria»so the care (and the love, of course) of this loyal, lively, loveable and loving Skye Terrier is much deserved and well worth it.

Stephanie Hetu
Happy Terrier Dogs
The largest selection of information about terrier dogs!

Dog Health Questions

Writen by Peter Emerson

There are lots of questions that dog owners should ask regarding their dog's safety and health.

How often should the dog visit the veterinarian? For most dogs, they should visit their vet once a year for their vaccinations. For puppies, they should visit their vets more often since they require frequent vaccination boosters. If your dog has a medical problem, he should visit the vet more often. When your dog is six years old, you can take him to the vet twice a year for a thorough check up to find out if he is healthy or if a budding disease may be cropping up that needs immediate attention.

How do I know if my dog is sick? It is important to know your dog well and watch out for any changes in his over all appearance, behavior, eating, and drinking patterns. Other common signs include not having any appetite for food, changes in water consumption, changes in consistency of his wastes, vomiting, changes in behavior, weight loss, and frequent urination are other tell-tale signs of problems. Some obvious signs include whimpering in pain and limping.

Should I neuter my dog? If you are not planning on breeding your dog, then you can choose to neuter him. Health advantages include less aggressive behavior. Furthermore, neutering reduces their risks of developing testicular and prostate cancer in male dogs. Female dogs won't get mammary cancer, womb infections, and diabetes. Neutering is usually performed on dogs that are six months old, although it can be done in very young puppies.

How do I stop my dog from eating grass? When dogs eat grass, they usually vomit. It is believed that dogs in the wild have access to vegetation in the guts of the prey they eat. Our modern dogs make up for this seeming lack by eating grass. There is a grass marketed especially for dogs that, once sprinkled on dog food, will cause the dog to stop eating grass.

There are lots of dog questions that remain in the mind of dog owners. It is important to ask your vet about any dog health concerns.

Dog Health provides detailed information on Dog Health, Dog Health Problems, Dog Health Questions, Dog Health Care and more. Dog Health is affiliated with Small Dog Houses.

A Few Ideas About Choosing A Pet

Writen by Vivian Gilbert Zabel

Pets need attention, feeding, fresh water, exercise, and a commitment from owners, unless the pet is a pet rock. Therefore, choosing the right pet means more than liking its appearance.

Dogs come in different sizes and personalities. A boisterous, energy-filled breed or individual dog might frighten a young child or wear on an older person. A large dog needs a place to run and frolic, space to match its size. Dogs need ample outdoor time unless the owner doesn't mind cleaning messing, even if the dog is paper broken. Dogs depend on attention from an owner, affection as well as being fed and watered. They are protective and good company but deserve the care due them. Some dogs do well around children while others don't. Be sure to research different breeds to discover which will fit into your life style.

Cats are more independent than dogs on a whole. They are capable of being inside twenty-four hours a day as long a litter box is provided and kept clean. Not as socialized as dogs, perhaps, they still need attention. Long haired cats require regular brushing. All need to be de-fleaed and medical problems resolved. Some cats do not tolerate young children; some do. Cats need opportunities to climb, which can be provided through cat condos or perches.

Even low maintenance pets take some care. Fish are mainly hands-off pets, but even with automatic feeders, their water needs to be changed regularly. Hamsters require a clean cage, and automatic feeders and waterers need to be refilled. No matter how little daily care any pet may need, time and energy must be available to do what needs to be done.

Any neglected animal suffers. A pet that wants social attention but doesn't receive it suffers as much emotionally as one not receiving necessary physical consideration. In fact, the lack of human contact can cause an animal to develop physical problems. Therefore, the time a prospective owner would have for a pet must be considered when choosing one.

Also the amount of space needed for any given pet should be ample. Someone living in a small apartment shouldn't have a Great Dane or a German Shepherd, for example. Larger animals need space to run and move. Two walks on a leash doesn't give large animals enough exercise.

Every would-be owner needs to study the needs of a possible pet and examine his ability to meet those needs. The only pet around that needs nothing from an owner is a pet rock, which can be placed anywhere and only need dusting occasionally.

Vivian Gilbert Zabel is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/.This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pet Forums.

Solve Your Dog Behavioral Problems Today

Writen by Jamie Thompson

Dogs are consider man's best friends. This means that for every dog you have at your house, consider them as your best friend because if not, you will be encountering dog behavioral problems that you do not want to ever happen. To avoid such problems, caring of your dogs should start upon their birth until its death.

What causes Dog behavioral problems?

Most people believe that dog behavioral problems occur due to lack of communication with the dog, lack of caring, lack of time and even lack of training. Other says that it is due to the dog's genetics. However, expert says that this problems can be resolved if there's enough exercise to the dog. It suggested that at least 20 minutes of walking in a day is already an appropriate way to exercise your dog.

Below are some training methods to solve your Dog behavioral Problems:

As the owner of the dog, make him or her as part of your family. This means that include the dog during your family discussions and always talk to him or her.

It is obvious that this may be to late to have this tip but to have a proper obiedience training for your dog, it should start at a very early stage. It would be better if you would correct any dog behavioral problems at a very early stage.

It should be the same as when you discipline your children, you should set boundaries as to when such behavior is acceptable or not acceptable. This is also true with dogs.

It should be the same as when you discipline your children, you should set boundaries as to when such behavior is acceptable or not. This is also true with dogs.

Now, think of your dog. Stop dog behavioral problems so it will not end up in animal shelters.

Now you can quickly & easily resolve your dog behaviour problems such as barking, licking, urine and fecal marking using these powerful secrets. Transform your dog behaviour problems now! Click on the website link for more details: Solve Your Dog Behavioral Problems

Aquarium Saltwater Marine Basics

Writen by Carl Strohmeyer

These basics are intended for a marine fish aquarium, not an advanced marine reef aquarium. They are based on my experience of keeping and professionally maintaining marine fish (and reef) aquariums for over 27 years with one of the largest aquarium maintenance companies in Los Angeles, California.

[1] Filtration; Good filtration is a must for a successful marine aquarium. There are many different filters available too.

Canister filters are good for their capacity, but can become Nitrate factories is not rinsed very regularly. I do not recommend Fluvals due to their poor impeller design. Via Aqua. Eheim, Jebo, and Magnum are the ones I recommend.

Wet/Dry filters are good, but usually are poor mechanical filters. The bio ball media in them also should be rinsed regularly in de-chlorinated water to prevent a buildup of organic material, increasing nitrates.

Sump systems with live rock, plants, and sponge filters work well. The live rock is excellent for aerobic filtration (ammonia and nitrite removal) and anaerobic filtration (nitrate removal). The live plants and green algae are good for nitrogen fixing and phosphate removal. The sponge filter is a simple to clean aerobic bio-filter and mechanical filter.

Hang on back filters are very limited, but can be used too, especially if combined with other bio filters. Internal filters are also limited, but once again are good combined with others.

Filter redundancy is also important, as filters/pumps can break down. Extra filters also increase bio and mechanical filtration. An economical combination would be a sponge filter, internal filter, and a hang on back (power filter).

[2] Lighting; A 10,000 K Daylight bulb is a start, better would be a 50/50 daylight/ 420nm actinic bulb, or better yet would be one of each.

[3] Test Kits; an ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, ph, and KH (alkalinity) test kit are all important.

[4] Water Chemistry; Start with a good marine salt and mix it to a specific gravity of 1.019- 1.021 for fish. Change water regularly (see my blog Reasons for aquarium cleaning). Add trace elements and aquarium buffer. SeaChem makes an excellent product called Reef Calcium which maintains KH, adds calcium and magnesium. Many products available do not add both calcium and magnesium (such as Kalkwasser), and they are BOTH necessary together for proper chemistry and fish health. It should be noted, that unlike freshwater fish which absorb the water around them, marine fish drink the water constantly, which affects their internal body chemistry to the surrounding water.

[5] UV Sterilization; UV Sterilizers are in my opinion, not essential, but are VERY important. UV Sterilizers help with disease prevention and also help maintain a proper Redox Potential (oxidation properties of water). The Redox Potential is often overlooked by many aquarists. For more information please see my article about "Why Use an Aquarium or Pond UV Sterilizer - How UV Sterilization Works"

[6] Proper Fish and feeding; do not over crowd a marine aquarium. The amount of fish depends on the aquarium surface area and the type of fish. My article "Basic Aquarium Principles" addresses this subject. Feed your marine fish according to the type of food they naturally eat in the wild. Aquatic based foods such as HBH Marine Flake or Spirulina 20 Flake are good generic fish foods for Tangs, angels, clown fish, ECT. (Angels also need sponge in their diet).

This is a basic article, for more information, find a good local dealer, see my blog "Aquarium Answers", or "Aquarium Information".

By Carl Strohmeyer

http://aquarium-info.blogspot.com/

http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/

Weaning A Bottlefed Kitten

Writen by Anne Pottinger

Weaning normally occurs at 4-5 weeks of age, but keep in mind that some kittens take longer, particularly without their mom to show them the ropes. You will know that a kitten is ready to begin the weaning process when it is biting the feeding nipple and is able to lick formula from your finger.

The next step is to persuade the kitten to lap up formula from a spoon. Once they've accomplished that hurdle, try offering formula in a small, flat dish.

If the kittens appear to need encouragement to lap from a bowl, dip your fingertip in the formula and let him lick it off your fingers as you move them down to the bowl. DO NOT push their nose into the dish as they can aspirate the fluid and develop pneumonia! Once the kittens become accustomed to lapping liquids you can add weaning formula or baby cereal by combining them with the formula. While the kittens are grasping the art of eating from a bowl you will still need to bottle-feed them and monitor the amount of formula and food they are consuming. Always offer food from the bowl first, and then offer the bottle. When you see they are eating well from the bowl begin to decrease the amount of formula they are receiving from the bottle.

At that point, you can mix the kitten formula with baby food into a gruel and try to get the kittens to lap it up from a dish or a spoon. We recommend Chicken Baby Food but any meat flavor will do, just be absolutely sure there are no onions in the list of ingredients. You can also try using Dr. Hill's A/D brand which is sold at any veterinarians. Eventually, you can mix canned kitten food (we recommend Wellness, Avo Derm, Nutro Max Kitten or any other premium brand of kitten food) with formula, gradually reducing the amount of formula until the kittens are eating just the food. Try to buy high quality food for the kittens (from the vet or pet food stores). Much of what is sold in supermarkets is junk food and will not help your kitten thrive. It is not uncommon for weight gain to slow and minor, temporary diarrhea to occur during weaning.

Some kittens grasp the concept right away; others take days. Keep bottle feeding while weaning to make sure they get enough to eat. Reduce bottle feeding as their solid-food consumption grows. If you give dry food, moisten it, because kittens can't chew dry food well until they are about 8 weeks old.

Never make the mistake of rushing the weaning process. It may seem slow and often messy, but it is an essential part of learning for the kittens and they are doing the best they can without their mother to help them. Never give up and NEVER get upset!

Remember, these changes in diet can quickly cause diarrhea, so keep an eye on your kitten's stools. Diarrhea can be life-threatening to a young kitten if left untreated; however a dose of antibiotics prescribed by your vet will get them back on track again.

Anne Pottinger is the owner, director and publisher of 4PetsOnline.com a pet and domestic animal website with a difference. This user-friendly website contains hundreds of pages of information covering pet selection and care advice, as well as many humorous and often poignant articles.

She is always available to answer pet and domestic animal related questions.

Curing Dog Travel Anxiety Through Homeopathic Method

Writen by Michael Louis

There are times when the dog has to go with you on certain places. There is always a need to take dogs to another place, especially when their owners travel and they do not have somebody else to take care of them. Most of the time, dogs are brought along during its owner's vacation time maybe because of the owner's love or they are left with no other choice.

Either the case, the dogs should have the ability to travel along. But problem arises if the dogs have some travel disorders, usually referred to as dog travel anxiety. Dog travel anxiety means that the dogs are very afraid of riding a car or any other vehicle. Dogs could even have car phobia, which is a bigger problem to solve.

In the U.K., the homeopathic method of curing dog anxiety is developed and is widely used. It was seen effective and a lot of people are trying it. Take a look at what homeopathy has to offer. Read on the following:

1. It provides fast relief from dog's fear of travel, relocation, and motion sickness. Homeopathic pet products are working like human medicines. It works as fast and as effective. A lot of credit is due to veterinarians who are constantly developing products for your good old beloved dogs.

2. It is non-sedating. Homeopathic remedies do not sedate the dog to help it with its restlessness and anxiousness. It has a well-blended formula of proven ingredients to cure the dog without giving it clear, glassy eyes.

3. It is in liquid form. Homeopathic remedies are usually administered in a liquid state so as to make it easier to give. You can easily add it to its water or food. You an also give it directly. Just place several drops on his tongue.

4. It is proven safe. Homeopathic remedies are basically made of natural herbs and medicines. This, on its own, makes it safe and effective. Homeopathic remedies have come a long way in research and medicinal science.

5. It is multi-functional. These remedies do not only focus on travel anxiety alone. Most of the time, it can also be used as treatment for the dog's fear of loud noises and being alone. Dogs can also be afraid of fireworks and thunders. Some remedies could be an all-in-one package.

6. It is veterinarian recommended. A lot of veterinarians across the U.K. are recommending the use of homeopathic remedies to cure dogs as compared with any other options. Veterinarians know best.

7. It is widely available. Homeopathic remedies can be availed from all specialized pet shops and clinics all over U.K. and other countries as well. You will not have any problem looking for the right homeopathic remedy for your dog. You can even buy it online.

8. It can be used on your other pets too. Homeopathic remedies are known to be effective not only on dogs but on your cats as well. It is known to have a trans-species use. So that means a lot of savings too.

Pets need special care and attention, especially if they are going through some problems and hardships. Although they are only pets and not humans, they deserve as much. Pets have always been a part of families. Most of the time, they are not regarded as merely pets, but family members as well.

Michael Louis is a dog lover with a passion for knowledge. This passion has made him a successful publisher of the-dog-stop.com. This site is your one stop information resource for dogs.

Breeding Gouramis

Writen by William Berg

Gouramis are a quite popular chocies among fish hobbyists. For novice fish breeders, breeding gouramis can be an appealing challenge. Getting them to spawn and raising the fry can be a rewarding experience.

Gouramis are labyrinth fishes. They have labyrinth, which is an air-filled breathing hole, located under the gill covers. This kind of fish can often be seen going to the surface of the water to take in fresh air, making them survive waters with low oxygen levels. There are many different types of gouramis, which all originally came from South and Southeast Asia. Most species are easy to breed, however a few species like Helostoma temmincki (the Kissing Gourami), Osphromenus goramy (the Giant Gourami), Sphaerichthys osphromenoides (the Chocolate Gourami) are rather difficult. Some of the favmost popular species include the Pearl Gourami (Trichogaster leeri), the Dwarf Gourami (Colisa lalia) and the Honey Gourami (Colisa sota). And these are the species I am going to say a few words about breeding.

The pearl gourami is one of the most beautiful of all the gouramis. The body and fins have lovely mosaic pearls that shine in the lights. The length for female can reach 10cm, 12cm for male. These gouramis love shallow, warm (around 27 C), and slowly flowing waters. They are very calm fish and easy to keep. They eat just about anything; however green flakes and Grindal worms are preferable. The breeding aquarium should be 80 cm in length or larger, with some suspended and anchored plants. The aquarium should be filled with about 15-20cm of water with no air or filtration, temperature 29C. Up to 2000 eggs can be laid in one spawning. When the fry become free swimming the male should be removed from the aquarium. The female should be removed right after spawning.

The dwarf gourami has diagonal turquoise blue stripes on their reddish orange body. The males are larger and more colorful than the females. The male becomes very brightly colored at spawning time. Their nature and needs of treatment are similar to those of the pearl gouramis, they will eat anything they are being feed, however they prefer live foods and prepared mixtures. Best spawned in a separate aquarium especially setup for this purpose. Place a well-conditioned pair into a 40-liter or 60-liter, thickly planted aquarium with a lot of floating plants. The spawn can consist of 300 to 700 eggs. After spawning is completed, the female should be removed. The male will tend the spawn until the fry become free swimming, and then he should be removed too.

The males of honey gourami have beautiful bright orange-yellow color. The females are plain, have slightly shaded brownish orange body with a silvery fluorescent glow. They prefer aquariums with some thickly planted areas and with some open swimming areas. They usually eat anything you provide them with. These fish are moderately easy to breed, though a little more difficult than the dwarf gourami. For a pair, prepare a 40-liter aquarium without air stone or filter. The male will build a large bubble nest. The eggs will when laid float up into the bubble nest, where the male will guard over them until they hatch and the fry becomes free swimming, which is when he should be removed. The female should be removed right after spawning.

About The Author
William Berg is an experienced aquarist and writes for http://www.aquaticcommunity.com and have articles featured on alot of other aquarium sites such as http://www.clownloach.info

Free Dog Training Tips Easy Steps To You Leading The Pack Part 3

Writen by ONeal Hendrix

Be a leader, a dog will follow.

From the last two articles, remember King and his dominant dog behavior? King was the leader of his pack -- Mom, Dad, 2 kids. King set the rules in the house and didn't hesitate to enforce them, with growling, snapping, and even biting. I introduced 3 simple dog training steps to help you begin to take the leadership role back from King.

Then there was Queenie and her family (especially Mom), who gently took the leadership position. Queenie learned dog manners and wonderful dog behavior through Mom's gentle but firm positive dog training methods and her consistency in teaching Queenie house rules. Queenie was eager to learn and to please and received lots of praise and tons of treats. With humans as pack leaders and dogs as pack members (preferably at the bottom of the hierarchy!), the whole household is calm and happy.

Let's talk about your household. Your angel might not be as dominant or aggressive as King, and you may have worked with her some but not quite enough to have a dog similar to Queenie. Time is sometimes a factor -- with our lives as busy as they are, sometimes it's difficult to make time to for even short periods of dog training. But if you'll give it a little effort, the payoff will be tremendous. You can change your dog's behavior in no time at all.

I want to give you a few more new recommendations for regaining leadership in your pack. But first, I want to review some of the ones found in the first two articles. For the complete list, go to http://www.best-dog-articles.com.

SOME REVIEW STEPS

Get their attention first -- say Fido's name before you say the command.

Be kind -- Use a gentle voice, give commands and direction calmly and lovingly.

Let's play -- YOU start and end all games. Keep them wanting more.

Let's EAT -- YOU eat before feeding the dog.

Praise, praise, praise -- Pour on the praise for good dog behavior and good manners.

NEW STEPS

1. Are you sick?!

One of the first concerns with new or unwanted behaviors (e.g., excessive urination) is a health concern. Get a vet check to address any health concerns that might cause behaviors your dog has no control over.

2. Down every day!

Put your dog in a "down" position for 5-10 minutes every day. This reinforces for your dog that you are the leader. Beginning this program may involve many jump-ups. Just gently and firmly put the dog back down. (No need to restart time.) You will notice that the breaks of command quickly fall away. It's fine for your dog to sleep through this one!

3. Do that AGAIN!

Dogs love routine. They have incredible internal clocks. One activity that dogs love and that routine is important is mealtime. I suggest feeding dogs two times a day (no running buffet) within an hour window each time (e.g., 7-8AM and 5-6PM). Watch your dog -- if you do something regularly, they come to expect it and act appropriately. Other activities that can become routine are morning or evening walks, Saturday errands, the time you come home from work. If it's a regular thing, your dog knows it's going to happen.

4. Brush, brush, brush the coat!

One activity you both can enjoy is grooming. Daily gentle grooming reinforces a loving relationship with your dog. This can become prized private time for both of you.

5. Through the paces-- Every day!

Obedience training is very important to do every day, even for 5 minutes at a time. Try to avoid the military commando approach. Be consistent and kind, get your dog's attention first, praise, praise, praise for his willingness and compliance to your commands. Practicing obedience reinforces that you are the leader.

CONCLUSION

That's it! You now have the arsenal for regaining the leadership position in your pack and getting some good dog behavior practices in place. Emphasizing the positive in your dog training efforts pays off exponentially -- your dog will be your friend for life and won't be scared of you. When you establish yourself as leader, dogs respect you and will work so hard to please you. Take the time to get these easy steps into your daily routine and watch the changes magically occur.

Wishing you a calm and happy adventure with your canine companions.

[This article is the third in a 3-part series about changing dog behavior using positive dog training methods.]

O'Neal Hendrix is a premier professional dog trainer in Atlanta, GA. For many years, she has "worked miracles" with dogs and their owners. Check out her dog toy recommendations for all dog breeds and temperaments!