From the monthly archives:

October 2008

Are Labrador Puppies Right For You?

by Pet Care on October 29, 2008


When you are looking to buy Labrador puppies you should know certain things about the breed. This will help you on how to choose the right Labrador puppy and it will also help you decide if this is the dog for you. The first important thing is to research the appearance of the dog, how should it look and how it should behave. These are important to look out for when selecting your puppy.

The typical breed characteristics of friendliness and loving devotion are true of many Labradors but not all. Some Labradors can be aggressive and dominating, it all comes down to how they were bred and socialized. Choosing the right breeder is just as important as choosing the right Labrador puppies. Otherwise you might have a puppy that will grow up with a temperament you were not expecting and health problems that burn a huge hole in your pocket.
When you buy from a pet shop you will not be able to see the parent’s of the Labrador puppies on sale. This is already an obstacle in choosing the right Labrador puppy. Puppies in pet shops are often not properly socialized because they are taken away from their mothers too young. Pet shops cannot answer everything about a puppies’ ancestry, for example are there hip problems three or four generations ago?

You are also not able to observe the puppy in its natural environment, with its mother and brothers and sisters. A good breeder will be able to provide you with all the certificates you ask for without hesitation. This may seem like a lot of trouble to go to, but you want a puppy that will grow into a healthy dog. Otherwise you could have a puppy that grows up to have hip problems, eye problems and other health problems.
X-rays are not proof of Labradors puppies‘ hip health or its parent’s health. OFA certificates are. You should know that sometimes breeders who do not have such certification would use x-rays to prove to health of their dogs. Be wary of such breeders, they are likely to have too many litters in a year or at any one time. Ideally a breeder should only have one litter at a time to better concentrate on the puppies.

If the breeder tells you that he makes plenty of money by selling puppies then be aware that you might have a puppy mill on your hands. Labrador puppies should grow into healthy, active Labradors that love to be outdoors and engage in plenty of activities. If your puppy is quiet or inactive then you know something is wrong, Labradors are most playful and energetic as puppies. The extra money and time you spend on choosing the right Labrador puppies could save you a lot of money in the future.

Choosing the right Labrador puppies is not hard when you know the basics of the breed. This article will help you learn how to choose the right Labrador puppy.

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Boston Terrier Rescue In Your Area

by Pet Care on October 29, 2008


Locating a Boston Terrier rescue can be a difficult task, but there are some simple tips that can make it painless and easy. The first step is to know what kind of animal rescues are in your area. Many specialize in certain breeds and are very familiar with those. If you can find a Boston Terrier specialist nearby, call them and talk to them about what kind of dog you want to get.

The Boston Terrier is a spunky breed, so be prepared for a dog with a lot of energy. A simple Internet search should reveal what rescue locations are in your area. The Internet can help a lot because the rescuers generally have descriptions and pictures of the dogs on their web sites. Search through these, then call the location to set up a time to go and meet the dog. If you have other pets, you may want to discuss bringing them with you so you can ensure that the dogs will get along.
Once you have found a Boston Terrier rescue nearby your search is not over, however this is the fun part. You now need to find the dog that is right for you, no small task but a something that is worth your while. Contact the shelter and get familiar with the people that work there. Try to find out as much as you can about how they take care of the animals they bring in and about how many they have. You may also want to find out information on what vets they work with and whether or not they have any veterinarian facilities on site. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with the people you are getting your companion from. Most of the dogs that have been brought into rescue have been mistreated, but it’s comforting to know a little bit about the environment that they are currently in.
After finding Boston Terrier rescue that you want, you now need to figure out which dog will work best for you. The Boston Terrier can be a bit of a finicky breed so plan to take the time to get know one before bringing it home. Also make sure that this is the dog breed that you want, and if so get in contact with the shelters to plan some time to look at the dogs. Once there make absolutely sure that the dog you are planning to get will work for you. I can’t stress enough how hard it can be to find that right dog. Boston Terriers are wonderful companions and some of the best dogs I’ve ever had have come from shelters. A little work and research to find the right shelter and the right dog makes all the difference in the world, take the time to make the right decision.

To find information on Boston Terrier rescue simply use this article. Finding Boston Terrier information can be fun, but you have to take your time.

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French Bulldog Rescues Needs Help

by Pet Care on October 29, 2008


Most states have a Bulldog rescue and can be contacted by telephone or the Internet. If you find a French bulldog in need of help contact your nearest rescue league representatives as they are very eager to help. Rescue units have also created websites with photos of the French Bulldogs waiting to be adopted. The websites are very useful as they provide very good information about the history, special needs and characteristics of any particular dog they are sheltering. One can also find lists of events for participating in fundraising activities and donations.

It is essential that the future owner is willing to commit to providing consistent time and care for this breed as any neglect will lead the dog to behave quite obnoxiously. French Bulldogs are people oriented and thrive in a loving and nurturing environment needing to feel that they are part of the family. Bulldogs are intolerant to heat and need to be in an air-conditioned area. If the dog exceeds its level of heat tolerance without any emergency intervention death is imminent. A Bulldog cannot be left outdoors for long periods of time.
The French Bulldog rescue is a non-profit and volunteered staffed organization active in the United States. The main goal is to find suitable homes for unwanted, stray or abandoned French Bulldogs. The rescue places hundreds of dogs each year into foster homes.

The majority of dogs are torn from mothers in their first weeks of life and they often have terrible health problems, genetic disorders and behavior problems from bad breeding, neglect and abuse. They need to be kept cool in the heat of summer. If they are having difficulty breathing and are panting a lot then they need cooling down immediately. Give them a cool bath or shower even an ice cube will help to cool them down. They require a good deal of your attention and they are best kept indoors in an air conditioned place. French Bulldogs require patience and understanding and it is important that the potential owner and dog are correctly matched.
To begin finding information about a French Bulldog rescue in your area look to your local pet fairs, dog fairs or pet supply stores. They set up information tables for anyone who is interested. The Internet is also a direct route to any of the individual French Bulldog rescue websites. The sites provide adoption forms, descriptions and photos of the many the French bulldogs waiting for placement as well as information about responsible dog ownership.

The dog and owner must be thoroughly matched and the volunteer staff at any French Bulldog rescue will give careful consideration to ensure this part of the adoption process is achieved. The dogs can be quite challenging as they are very messy when eating and drinking. Consequently if you abhor untidiness then reconsider adopting this special dog. They need a lot of attention due to grooming requirements. The bulldog will develop painful infections if their wrinkles are not cleaned regularly. It is very important to be patient and understanding with bulldogs as they are quite stubborn and only wish to do what they want to do. They require constant attention and love as an ideal home environment.

French Bulldog rescue centers aim to place stray and abandoned Bulldogs into suitable homes. If you want to foster a stray bulldog this article provides general Bulldog information.

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Finding A Golden Retriever Rescue

by Pet Care on October 29, 2008


A Golden Retriever rescue centre can be found in many states in the U.S. Most rescue units have created websites with photos of the Golden Retrievers available for adoption. The websites are very informative as they provide very good information about the history, special needs and characteristics of any particular Golden Retriever they are sheltering. One can also find lists of events for participating in fundraising activities and donations.

If you are looking to volunteer or adopt, a Golden Retriever rescue highly values and needs your help. The work is not for the faint hearted but it is rewarding. The rescue units are always looking for volunteers to adopt the animals and anyone can fill out an adoption form on the respective websites. Even if you don’t have time the rescue centers have urgent need for short term or emergency based foster homes. The rescue units also have a very high need for volunteers as area coordinators, moving dogs and food as necessary within your area, checking shelters for possible adopters, and taking phone calls.
The mandate of a Golden Retriever rescue is to assure that their many stray, abandoned and unwanted dogs get placed in suitable homes. They are not for profit organizations operated solely by volunteers. On a yearly basis the rescues are proud to state that they have placed hundreds of dogs in loving homes.

The organizations are working in union with local shelters as well as helping the many surrendered dogs brought to them by their original owners. Although most rescues request a small donation this covers part of the cost for spaying, neutering, providing up to date vaccinations as well as giving heartworm testing for intestinal parasites.

The rescues would be nothing without its wonderful, supportive and dedicated staff. Anyone wishing to volunteer at a Golden Retriever rescue will find a variety of work tasks to choose from. The volunteer staff persons are comprised of animal loving folks who want to aid their furry friends. Be sure to visit your local pet supply store, local pet fairs or dog shows to get more information about how you can help a rescue unit in your area.
To begin finding information about a Golden Retriever rescue in your area look no further than your local pet fairs, dog fairs or pet supply stores. They set up information tables for anyone who is interested. The Internet is also a direct route to any of the individual Golden Retriever rescue websites. The websites provide adoption forms, descriptions and photos of the many the golden dogs waiting for placement as well as information about responsible dog ownership.

The main source of revenue and support comes directly from donations and individual volunteers. Presently the rescues are urgently seeing volunteers to help them reach their main goal of placing animals into stable and supportive homes. The need for foster homes is greater than ever now! Thanks to the unrelenting work of many volunteers who are not professionals but simply animal lovers, hundreds of dogs are placed into happy homes each year. There are also benefits to joining a Golden Retriever rescue email list because you will personally receive the latest news about Golden Retriever home placements in your area.

A Golden Retriever rescue aim to place stray and abandoned Golden Retrievers into suitable homes. This article will give general Golden Retriever information to individuals interested in volunteering or fostering a dog.

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What You Need To Know About Bad Pug Rescue Centres

by Pet Care on October 29, 2008


Perhaps you have decided to open your home and open your heart to an abandoned Pug. Pugs make great companions and have even temperaments. Adult Pugs from a Pug rescue centre will often be fully trained and already up to date on shots and vet care. You could try to find a Pug at your local all-pet animal shelter, but the workers and volunteers there are very overworked. Also, because of the rapid turnover, they do not get to know much about the animals they have for adoption.

Where can you find a good Pug rescue centre? You can ask your local animal shelter or even a Pug Meet-Up group, on line or in person. The quickest and most effective way is to look online. You might be leery of doing this because of some dog-related computer scams. If you use your common sense and look out for certain warning signs on a website, then you will safely avoid the scammers.
A legitimate Pug rescue group will not offer to ship their dogs and almost never have puppies available. They often will not allow potential adopters to be more than a few hours’ drive from the foster home. A legitimate Pug rescue group will base their adoption process a lot like the process for adopting a human child. This is to not only discourage impulse adopting, but to make sure the Pug doesn’t get abandoned again.

You always should be able to visit the home or shelter where the Pug is being fostered before you agree to any adoption of any specific dog. In this way, you get to not only see what the Pug is like, but what conditions the Pug is being kept in. If you see any Pugs kept in extremely unsanitary conditions, made to live in backyard pens or in stacked crates, please get out of there and call the SPCA.
Remember ever to lay any money down for a Pug that you’ve never met. This way you can avoid scams and other potential heartbreaks. You will be expected to provide your own transportation both to and from the Pug rescue centre. You should also be able to visit the Pug rescue centre or foster home where you can not only see your potential Pug, but also see under what circumstances he or she is living in.

Most Pug rescue centres are a network of foster homes and not one central building. Get to know about Pugs in general before you visit. They often are a noisy breed and naturally chunky. If you not aware of how a healthy Pug behaves, looks or sounds, it will seem that all of the Pugs are quite ill when they are acting normally. All Pug rescue centres charge adoption fees of a few hundred dollars, so expect that. Anyone giving away Pugs for free doesn’t care where the Pugs will wind up.

Pug rescue dogs make great pets and usually have some training already. You can get quality Pug information from any reputable breeder.

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We All Love Beagle Problem Behaviors – Not!

by Pet Care on October 29, 2008


You are considering adopting a Beagle, but wonder what are the pros and cons of the breed. Information from breeders and the American Kennel Club (AKC) tend to gloss over any potential problems with your new dog, while highlighting the breed’s strong points. You need to know what the most common Beagle behavior problems are before you bring one home.

Compared to some breeds, the worst Beagle behavior problems are more annoying than anything else. Some, like wandering, can be easily prevented through regular exercise, supervision when outside and neutering. Beagles, as well as other dogs, have only recently moved indoors with people. It’s only natural that there are still some Beagle training pains to go through. A lot of Beagles are given up to shelters; sadly, because their owners would not take the time to learn about Beagle nutrition, exercise requirements or personality.
The most common Beagle behavior problem is wandering. Beagles have been known to ignore the invisible fences that keep in most dogs and still set off to explore. This is due to Beagle genes. Beagles were bred for fox hunting – in fact they are miniaturized versions of the English Foxhound. This means they are bred to run around for miles and miles every day.

You don’t need to look up in any dog training book to know what the prevention of wandering is. You need to take away your Beagle’s reasons for wandering off in the first place. Neutering is essential here, especially before the dog is two years old. You also need to give your Beagle regular daily exercise of playtime and at least a half hour walk every day. Remember – a tired Beagle is a good Beagle! Even if you have a fence, you should still keep an eye on your Beagle. They are escape artists.
Wandering and separation anxiety can be dealt partially with proper nutrition and exercise. Your new mantra is “A tired Beagle is a good Beagle”. Too rich a diet will make your Beagle bounce off of the walls. And Beagles worship food, so they will easily overeat. Proper exercise also makes your dog more prone to nap when you are gone instead of tear a room apart in separation anxiety.

The good news about Beagle problem behaviors is that many other breeds of dog also have them. You can pick up any dog training book and know that the techniques inside will apply to Beagles. Be sure an annual check up is part of your Beagle’s life, as this can help prevent medical conditions that may cause Beagle behavioral problems. For example, if your Beagle suddenly snarls when you pat him, perhaps he has arthritis and can’t help being grouchy. Your vet can be of great help with any and all Beagle behavior problems.

You can find lots of articles such as this one on dog problem behaviors, including proper Beagle training. This author hopes to one day author a line of breed specific dog training books.

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Why Do German Shepherds Wind Up In German Shepherd Rescues

by Pet Care on October 29, 2008


If you know anything at all about the current pet overpopulation crisis in the country, then you are already planning to adopt a homeless animal rather than buy from a pet store or a breeder. You already know that incredible pets can often be found at animal shelters and breed specific rescue centers. By doing your homework and learning all you can about different dog breeds, you have enough German Shepherd information to know if a German Shepherd is right for you and your family.

German Shepherds, although incredibly popular, also are abandoned in incredible numbers. Most people are not aware of the needs this intelligent, active (and shedding) breed has before they bring one home. They might want a German Shepherd just because of the looks, or to have as a status symbol. Unlike their owners, volunteers at German Shepherd rescues across the nation get to know the dogs in their care.
Good German Shelter rescues will work very closely with each dog in their care and take time to get to know the dog’s preferences and quirks. Good German Shepherd rescues will never let you adopt a dog right away. You will have to fill out a lot of paperwork, often give them a letter on your character written by your vet, and answer a lot of questions about your (possibly lack of) German Shepherd information. Be very suspicious of any organization that calls themselves a German Shepherd rescue and that ships dogs to you without asking you any questions. The dogs for sale might be stolen or very sick dogs.

Good German Shepherd rescues will not let you walk away with a dog for free, either. This is to discourage those lowlifes who sell dogs to laboratories and sell bait dogs to dog fighting rings. Expect to pay up to $400 (US) in order to adopt your dog. This fee is incredibly low in comparison to buying a puppy from a breeder.
You can find a good German Shepherd rescue by going online and doing a search, but asking your vet, by asking your local all pet animal shelter or by looking through the classifieds of a dog magazine. You could also contact the American Kennel Club (AKC), which would get you into contact with the breed club. But many German Shepherd rescues are small operations run out of people’s homes, so they might not advertise.

They usually have websites, though. Petfinder.com is quickly becoming the most comprehensive resource on the web for matching homeless animals with those people looking to adopt. First, you will talk on the phone or via e-mail, and then you will fill out a lot of paperwork. If all goes well, then you meet the dog the German Shepherd rescue think best will match up with you. Be patient with them in finding you a furry friend. There’s no point in adopting a German Shepherd only to have to put him or her back into a shelter.

Anyone who loves German Shepherds should support their local German Shepherd rescue. There would be a lot less German Shepherds in shelters if everyone thinking of getting a dog learned basic German Shepherd information first.

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Chihuahua Problems You May See

by Pet Care on October 29, 2008


Any breed of dog comes with their share of breeding and behavioral problems. The Chihuahua is no different and Chihuahua problems can range from a fragile build to a fragile constitution. Before you go ahead and bring that Chihuahua home you may want to check out some of the issues you will have to deal with when it comes to training and owning a Chihuahua.

A Chihuahua is not going to make a great gift for your kids. Chihuahuas do not react well to the noise and clatter caused by children along with all of the rapid moving around that kids will do. This sort of activity will cause your Chihuahua to feel a lot of stress and tension and can bring about a biting response that also does not go well with kids. Chihuahuas are also fragile and cannot take the abuse a child may give it intentionally or unintentionally.
Everyone loves the little Chihuahua and finding a Chihuahua to take home is usually pretty easy. But you should be very careful with breeders that try and sell you Chihuahuas weighing less than four pounds for an extremely high price. This is a common Chihuahua problem where the shady dealer will try and sell what seems like a trendy little dog to an unsuspecting owner. Smaller Chihuahuas that weigh less than four pounds are not healthy and have very fragile bones. You should not be taken in by their small size.

Everyone thinks it is cute when the little Chihuahua barks or snips at someone that tries to take something that the Chihuahua thinks it owns. Everyone thinks it is cute except the Chihuahua, to them it is serious business. If this sort of behavior is not taken care of immediately it can lead to uncontrolled barking and potentially escalating to the point of your dog biting at everyone it sees.
Probably one of the biggest Chihuahua problems known to many a Chihuahua owner is the problem of housebreaking a Chihuahua. Chihuahuas hate the elements and they will avoid going outside any way they can even if it means relieving themselves in the house. Some people try to install a doggie door so the dog can let itself in and out but in the end some owners are forced to accept a dog that uses a litter box. That is just the way it is when you live with a Chihuahua.

Chihuahuas come in all different types of personalities. Some will listen to commands while others may never hear a word you say. What kind of Chihuahua you have really depends on how they grow up over time. You are going to have to spend a lot of time with your Chihuahua, not only trying to get it to understand what you want it to do but also just learning what kind of personality your dog has so you know what training approaches to try.

If you want to know what to expect with your Chihuahua training then read this article. You can use this article, along with dog training books when preparing to train your Chihuahua.

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Support Your Local Rottweiler Rescue

by Pet Care on October 29, 2008


Rottweilers are victims of their own success. Rottweilers are such impressive dogs that many people want one just to be fashionable, or because they think a Rottweiler would be cheaper than buying a home security system. Rottweilers are big, powerful dogs that often do not know their own strength. They are very good with children, but often not so good with adults. They need regular exercise in order to burn up their natural exuberance.

In this way, most Rottweilers and Rottweiler mixes that wind up in Rottweiler rescues or your local animal shelter arrive through no fault of their own. Rottweilers have also been abandoned just because they somehow physically do not measure up to the breed standard. Some are abandoned because they have health problems prone to big dogs like hip dysplasia that the previous owners could not be bothered to pay vet bills for. Very, very rarely do Rottweilers enter shelters or rescues because of being vicious.
There are many ways to find a good, reputable Rottweiler rescue. You could ask your vet, your local Rottweiler breeder or your local animal shelters if there are any Rottweiler rescues in your area or your state. You could also check the classified of Rottweiler periodicals, or even all-breed dog magazines, which often have advertisements for Rottweiler rescues. You might even check out a dog show to see if you can find any Rottweiler rescues. These are all great ways to learn a lot about dogs, especially Rottweilers.

But the fastest way of finding a Rottweiler rescue is online. If you go to a website called “Rottweiler Rescue Groups Nationwide” there is a comprehensive list of Rottweiler rescues in America. Keep in mind that there is no oversight organization for any animal rescue center, including Rottweiler rescues. However, they all must be non-profit organizations that can show you their registered charity number.
You should never be allowed to immediately take or “reserve” a dog to be shipped to your home from legitimate Rottweiler rescue groups. If you come across a website claiming they are a Rottweiler rescue, with puppies available for a price with no questions asked, then this is just a front for a puppy mill or for a dog thief. It should take at least two weeks from you filling out an initial adoption application to bringing home a Rottweiler.

You will be vetted and have more background checks done on you than when you applied for a mortgage. This is a sign of an excellent Rottweiler rescue. They will check your home, that you are not in trouble with the police for animal cruelty charges, and often need a letter of reference from your veterinarian before you can even meet a prospective Rottweiler for adoption. A good Rottweiler rescue will also let you call them long after the adoption for Rottweiler information on training and behavior tips.

National Rottweiler rescue groups save hundreds of dog lives every year. Searching the Internet is another way to get good Rottweiler information.

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Top Dog Training Tips

by Pet Care on October 28, 2008


So you have a dog at house or may be are you planning to get a new puppy? One of the most tedious tasks in keeping a lovable dog is to train the pet correctly. Nobody wants their to spoil your equipments or bite the guests who come to to see you. Hence you have to make sure that you train your dog correctly.
When you plan to train your dog, you must understand that it is a good idea to start at the earliest. In fact start puppy training when your dog is approximately 4 to six weeks of age. Although it is never too late to teach a dog, beginning the training early will surely make things much simpler. But what is the best method to train a dog? There are many techniques and methods anyone can use to train their dog. However most of the dog owners will agree that reinforcing positive behavior is the best trick to go.

Give Rewards Not Punishments
Let us this go more deep into it. Much like our children, dogs also respond better to rewards and treat than punishments. Every time the puppy performs your instructions correctly, give him some sort of rewards. At home you can speak to children in a language they can understand. Yet, our children disobey our suggestions. However when a puppy disobeys your instructions it is mostly because the dog didn’t realize what exactly you need from him. That means, you need to find better ways of training.
Many times it is found that people hit the dogs nose with magazines or newspaper every time the dog does something wrong. This is completely wrong. In fact this could end up in negative results. Your dog might have accidentally run into trouble and if you punish him for something which is not his mistake, then the dog will not be motivated to follow your instructions. Another common mistake performed by the dog owners is that, they shout at the dog. This will confuse your puppy. Are you screaming because you are happy or are you shouting because you are angry? Be firm in your tone, but do not shout. I am sure everyone who dealt with children knows how to be firm in their commands yet friendly. This holds true for puppy potty training as well.

Barking Dogs..
Dog owners often found that their dog is unnecessarily barking. Before you run to the nearest pet shop to buy a barking collar, please remember that a dog can bark due to many reasons. Your dog may bark if he is hungry, thirsty or if the weather is really hot or cold. Pets are like us and they feel hunger and Thirst. During extreme climate conditions to stay indoor. Learn more about dogs here.

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