From the monthly archives:

December 2008

Facts About A Rottweiler

by Pet Care on December 31, 2008


In order to be totally in tune with what your Rottweiler is thinking or to understand why he or she behaves in a certain manner, you will what to go back in time and learn about the history of your dog’s breed. Many today still fear the Rottweiler, just as they did many years before now. The Rottweiler was always considered a smart dog and one that would scare off thieves. This is as true today as it was in the past.

To fully understand and to take full advantage of the nature of the Rottweiler, it cannot be stressed enough why it is so important to take a few moments and understand where this breed comes from and what its ancestors went through. By doing so, you may actually walk away better equipped to handle your own Rottweiler. It doesn’t take but a moment to educate yourself so that next time a guest in your home is scared of the look the Rottweiler has, you can share knowledge with them and lessen their fear.
This breed originally started many years ago and its ancestry even goes all the way back into the times of ancient Rome. Back then, the breed started as a Mastiff type dog, which was known as the Roman drover. During the day, while soldiers would travel, the drovers would herd cattle and then protect the soldiers during the night. This breed served as an excellent alarm in alerting the soldiers of surprise attacks.

But eventually, during the time of the many travels of Caesar, some of the drovers ended up being left behind for various reasons. It was the Germans who adopted the breed and took them in to breed them as dogs that would serve their needs like the needs of the soldiers were served. The Rottweiler actually got its name from the town where the dog became known as the dog of the butcher. This town was called Rottweil, Germany and it was here that the Rottweiler was able to show off what it can do.
Although it seemed that the benefits the Rottweiler gave could not go, the railroad came through and suddenly there was no longer a need for the Rottweiler to pull barges and carts. This meant that the main purposes that this breed was used for was now gone and it was not looking so great for the Rottweiler as they were jobless and soon to be homeless. But then, in 1910, the Rottweiler was recognized as a police dog and helped not only the police on the streets but also did their part in World War II.

Then it was in 1931 that the American Kennel Club Stud Book finally admitted the Rottweiler and for a decade, the popularity of this breed was shown, as it always seemed to make the top ten of the American Kennel Club’s registered breeds. But in 2000, that ended when the Rottweiler dropped into eleventh place but the breed still keeps a warm spot in the hearts of many. The Rottweiler is still one of the most loved, feared and respected dogs to date and with the history behind them, it is understandable.

The Rottweiler is much more then a dumb guard dog as this breed is dedicated to their owners, not out of ignorance but out of love and respect. It is important to get as much Rottweiler information as possible when thinking of bringing

Pomeranian 101: Pomeranian Pictures

by Pet Care on December 31, 2008


Just because a photo of a dog says that it’s a Pomeranian picture doesn’t mean the dog in the photo will be a good representation of Pomeranians. Unfortunately, because of their extreme popularity in the last century, Pomeranians have been bred for quantity rather than quality. Since they are small and portable, they are make excellent stock for puppy mills and unscrupulous dog breeders. Lovers of Pomeranians know this. When they see a picture labeled as a Pomeranian, they want a good example of a Pomeranian looking back at them.

If you are searching for Pomeranian pictures to illustrate you articles or web pages, you certainly don’t need to alienate your readers by having pictures of inferior Pomeranians. Their eyes will go right for the Pomeranian pictures and have your article or web page judged before they’ve even read a word. If you are not sure of what breed a dog is, don’t risk alienating readers by misidentifying the dog!
Your best bet for Pomeranian pictures would be from the American Kennel Club, Pomeranian Savvy.com or even from Wikipedia, which has good collection of free Pomeranian pictures. Compare any free Pomeranian pictures you find to the breed standard in order to properly illustrate a Pomeranian. Avoid black Pomeranian pictures, as those unfamiliar with dogs often get them confused with the all black Schipperkes. Also, be sure you know what time period the Pomeranian picture is from. The breed has gone through quantum changes in the last 200 years.

You are better off with Pomeranian pictures that best conform to the Pomeranian information of the average Pomeranian. The average Pomeranian is about eleven inches in height at the shoulder, has pointed ears, profuse fur, a fox-like head with bright eyes, a curled puffy tail and orangey-red fur, or fur that’s a dark peaches and cream color. Pomeranians do come in a wide variety of colors, but not all of them are recognized as true Pomeranian colors.
When looking through any number of Pomeranian pictures, you will notice a wide variety in color, coat length and even how long the ears are. Only a small number of Pomeranian pictures look anywhere near the average Pomeranian, let alone the breed standard. Although diversity is encouraged in the human world, it is not encouraged in the dog world.

It is important to get pictures of subjects that look like what most people think Pomeranians should look like. They look like a little bit larger versions of puppies all of their lives. You will know the right Pomeranian picture not by the dog’s color, size or pose, but by the way you are about to automatically say “Awww!” The camera loves even malformed Pomeranians. This is one of the most photogenic breeds on the planet, which is why you will find thousand of Pomeranian pictures to enjoy and wade through.

It is impossible to take bad Pomeranian pictures. Finding Pomeranian information is as easy as going to your local library.

Choice Of German Shepherd Mixed Breeds

by Pet Care on December 31, 2008


The American Kennel Club has registered the German Shepherd dog in its club since 1908. Actually in the 19th century it was bred for herding, because of its strength, intelligence and its excellent temperament. At that time it was already a German Shepherd mix because it was a cross breed between three types of shepherd dogs found in three different regions of Germany. They were the long-haired, short-haired and the wire-haired shepherd dogs. Used extensively by the police and the army, they became excellent guard dogs and guide dogs. They were also used for search and rescue purposes.

The Shepadoodle is a new hybrid dog, which is a cross breed between a German Shepherd and a Standard Poodle. It is one of the recognized crosses of hybrid dogs by the American Canine Hybrid Club. There are other combinations of cross breeding with German Shepherds, but unfortunately not all purebred dogs are 100% purebred, and hence it often becomes a multi generation cross.
Another name for the German Shepherd is the Alsatian. This dog is known for its obedience and loyalty, and because of these characteristics it is often used as a working dog. It learns extremely fast because of its intelligence. It can be trained very well and is always eager and alert to learn. But it is mainly a bold and confident dog, which can be direct and fearless. It is more or less a family dog, sometimes even a one-man dog and dislikes strangers.

The German Shepherd mix could, like any other mixed breed, be freed from some of the genetic diseases which are typical of the German Shepherd breed. Such a disease is hip dysplasia and often in the German Shepherd Mix the genetic disease could be absent because of the mixed breeding. Normally mixed breed dogs live a healthier and longer life than the purebred ones. Of course if both the parents have the same genetic disease, there is a great possibility that the disease will be automatically transmitted to the German Shepherd mix.
Cross-breeding between the German Shepherd and the sweet-tempered dogs like the Golden Retriever, the Labrador Retriever and the Collie are not recommended, as the German Shepherd mix retains more of the neurotic characteristics of the German Shepherd breed than the better temperament of the other purebred parent. The cross breed could then be shy but aggressive.

The cross with the Alaskan Malamute is also not recommended, because it’s stubborn and aggressive temperament is overbearing in the German Shepherd mix. In the bargain the hybrid dog can be a source of danger to families, if it does not receive proper handling and training. The same can happen by cross breeding the German Shepherd with the Chow Chow, the Akita, the Rottweiler and the Doberman Pinscher.

A good and successful German Shepherd mix is the cross breed with the Great Dane which makes it an affectionate, loyal and a pure family dog.

German Shepherd mixed breeds have a longer and healthier life than their parents. The purebred German Shepherd is a fearless and loyal family dog. The common cross breeds and the cross breeds to be avoided with the German Shepherd and a lot of German Shepherd information is available in this article.

The Oldest Breed Known To Man – Meet The Toy Chihuahua

by Pet Care on December 31, 2008


There are many people in the world who love the toy Chihuahua not only for its diminutive size but also for their very sweet temperament. This dog is the smallest of all the dog breeds known to man and also the oldest. Its origins can be traced to a place in Mexico after which it is named. The Aztec bred this dog for their royalty in ancient times. However, at that time the Chihuahua was slightly larger than what it is today.

By description, everything about this dog is cute and endearing. It has a tiny apple shaped head, eyes that seem too large for their head and sharp, pointed upright ears. Its eyes are slightly bulging and the muzzle is tiny and sharp. Do not be taken in by its looks though –the toy Chihuahua might look extremely fragile, but this dog is muscular and quite strong for its size
The attractiveness does not stop with its looks. The toy Chihuahua makes a wonderful pet as well. They get exceptionally attached to their owners and their behavior is more or less like that of a child. This is why this breed is a hot favorite for senior people all over the world.

You will find that in spite of its diminutive size the toy Chihuahua can be a good guard dog as it can bark furiously whenever it feels that anything can intrude into their world. Generally the Chi as it is fondly called all over the world, is a fun loving dog that is both comical and entertaining.

These dogs love pampering and you will often find them curling under your blanket in the bed or in your favorite armchair. When you have a Chihuahua you need to be very careful where you sit as these dogs can be killed if you sit or step on them by mistake.
When you choose a toy Chihuahua as your pet you get a lot more than that. You get endless entertainment, as these dogs are extremely comical in their behavior; you get a faithful companion who will never leave your side as long as they live. You get an excellent guard dog that will keep you alerted about any possible intrusion in your home. And lastly you get an animal that will love you unconditionally and demand nothing less than that from you.

You need to be careful not to spoil these dogs as they behave just like small children in their demand for attention and your love. They love luxuries and your company; therefore you will find them more often sleeping in your bed than in theirs. Training needs to be imparted very early, as these dogs can be very strong-headed when they grow into adults. This is one of the reasons why most owners find it extremely difficult to housebreak the toy Chihuahua.

The Chihuahua types of dogs are excellent for you if you like living indoors and prefer to curl up with a book and bowl of popcorn instead of taking a walk outside. If you are planning to acquire a toy Chihuahua and need to have more Chihuahua information, this article could be just what you are looking for.

Why Your Bichon Shih Tzu Is The Best Dog Ever

by Pet Care on December 31, 2008


If you’re looking for a little dog with an enormous personality, the Bichon Shih Tzu mix is the dog for you. This sought-after breed is a cross between the French lap dog, the Bichon Frise, and the Chinese lap dog, the Shih Tzu. Breeders have refined both breeds for centuries to create happy canine companions who want to be the center of your world.

Your Bichon Shih Tzu mix wants to go everywhere with you. His small size makes him easy to carry in a messenger bag or handbag, and his coat does not shed, so you will save a lot of wear and tear on your furniture and upholstery from not having to constantly remove dog hair. And allergy sufferers in your family will thank you for getting a mixed breed instead of a purebred Shih Tzu.

If you look at Bichon Shih Tzu pictures, you can easily see that the mixed breed’s flat facial features come from the Shih Tzu, and the fluffy coat comes from the Bichon Frise.
The Bichon Shih Tzu loves the camera, and if you like digital photography, the hard drive on your computer will soon be full of Bichon Shih Tzu pictures. Be sure to take plenty of shots during each photo session to ensure that you get one or two good portraits of your dog.

This mixed breed Bichon Shih Tzu is too active to pose for pictures, so grab your camera and start snapping away while your dog plays. As the dog begins to get tired and moves more slowly, you’ll have more time to set up clear shots. Take a variety of pictures at eye level with your dog, and be sure to capture any unusual features, like distinctive markings on the feet or tail.

Some of the most appealing photos are taken when the dog looks directly into the camera. Holding one of your dog’s favorite toys or treats behind the camera will encourage your dog to look into the camera lens.
A veterinarian should examine your new Bichon Shih Tzu as soon as you can schedule an appointment. At the vet clinic, your dog can get any necessary treatments, like de-worming and vaccinations, and you can schedule an appointment to spay or neuter your dog.

If you don’t already have a veterinarian, consult friends and family members who have pets to find out where they go for veterinary care. Very soon you will have a list of veterinarians from which to choose. Select the recommended vet clinic closest to your home, as you will want your dog to be a Bichon Shih Tzu picture of perfect health.

At your Bichon Shih Tzu’s first appointment, the veterinarian will examine the dog’s eyes, ears, mouth, and coat, and will listen to the dog’s heart and bowel sounds. Fortunately, cross breeding has eliminated some problems specific to each pure breed, like the Shih Tzu’s watery eyes and wheezing and the Bichon Frise’s sensitive skin.

It’s fun to compare pictures of your Bichon Shih Tzu with Bichon pictures and Shih Tzu pictures to figure out which characteristics descended from which breed. Gathering Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu information from a variety of sources is a good way to keep up with changes in breeding and care. Consult with your veterinarian about the best care for your Bichon Shih Tzu mix.

Aquarium Fish: Make Your Special Aquarium More Appealing

by Pet Care on December 31, 2008


Aquarium fish can be fabulous and attractive for most people who love to keep fish at home. Even if there is no aquarium fish is maintenance free, but at least there are some fish that easier to keep than other fish.

The best and easiest aquarium fish that you can look after in your aquarium is those which are tougher in health and more forgiving of any mistakes, like the freshwater fish. These fish are proper for the beginners who likely to make more mistakes in keeping fish. The freshwater fish are the Betta, the common goldfish and the plecostomus.

Bettas

The Betta which is also famous as the Siamese fighting fish is maybe one of the easiest aquarium fish to take care of as well as being one of the most good-looking fish. He has a robust physical constitution and has been famous to live in small bowls successfully, unlike other fish. He also produces less waste than goldfish.

Nevertheless, the betta is an aggressive fellow and often fights with other fish. He will muder another male Betta because he was breed to battle in fish fights. Female Bettas are more social with other tropical fish. They are drabber in color and have much shorter fins than the male bettas. They can eat the same foods as the other tropical fish with a particular desirability to bloodworms.

Widespread Goldfish

Many hobbyists claim that the common goldfish and its close relation, the Comet Goldfish are the easiest aquarium fish to keep. These goldfish are much more social than the Bettas and they have dazzling colors. They don’t require special diets and they can tolerate just about any decoration you want to plop into the aquariums.

But not all goldfish are easy to take care of. You must identify that the egg-shaped goldfish that have bubble eyes, swim slowly, no top fin or have long fins are not considered easy to take care of. They should not live in the same aquarium with common or comet goldfish. It is because they swim so fast that the fan-tailed or egg-shaped goldfish will never be able to get their fair share of food.

The Plecostomus

The name “plecostomus” refers to a family of aquarium fish that has hundreds of types. Some of the plecostomus are harder to take care of than others. They are bottom feeders like catfish or Chinese Algae Eaters and require their own kinds of food.
But any plecostumus you may see in your local pet stores amongst other tropical fish should be easy to keep.

The plecostomus are relatively strong and tough if you compare them with other kinds of aquarium fish. You must be careful since they are quickly to overgrow in the aquarium they live in. It is regularly occur unpredictably and there is still no reason that can explain that occurrence.

In order to maintain your good-looking fish alive and have their pleasant place to live, you must be aware of their foods and their habitats. You can have a book or search on the internet to get the best thing for your fish. This is to sustain your aquatic hobby.

Want to know further about aquarium fish? Let’s explore more on the links here and you will get much more about aquarium as well as any thing related.

Long Distance Moving Companies can Take Stress Out of Relocating with your Dog

by Pet Care on December 30, 2008


Now that you know you and your pet have a move ahead of you, it’s time for the organizing. Whether you have a long distance move and will need a long distance moving companies or a shorter local move and will require a Florida moving company, you still have plenty of preparation you can do to ensure your move goes easily. Before you do anything else, contact your veterinarian and ask for a copy of your animal’s records. Keep these in a special place, preferably carrying them on your person, so you’ll have the information you require at any time during the move. Once you settle into your new house, you’ll have your animal’s records with you to give to your new vet.

The next step to take is to make your moving checklist for your animal. On this list, you need to place all of the contact info for your relocation company at the header of the page. The easiest thing to do is make a list and cross items off as you accomplish them. It’s a good idea to make your pet’s own list and staple it together with your personal list. On the list, you’ll need to write down those items which are necessary to have at hand while traveling. These items will include: any medication your pet requires, pet food, plastic containers to portion the food into (it’s simplest to put a couple days of food into pre-measured portions for the trip), a bag or container of treats, a collapsible water bowl, a cozy blanket , your pet’s bed, and your pet’s favorite toy.

Now that you have all of your needed items together, you might want to follow a few things on the actual day or days of the move. It’s best to feed your pet several hours before traveling. While traveling, it’s best tomake stops frequently, about every 2-3 hours, to allow your pet to have bathroom breaks. Always offer your animal water from the collapsible water bowl during these stops, since your pet may be nervous and might get dehydrated with all that’s going on. It’s best to use spring water for your animal, as water supplies in different places can differ quite a bit, and you want to avoid any stomach upset while traveling.

When you get to your new house, it’s best to confine your pet to a small area with the use of boxes or a baby gate. Make sure your animal can still view you so he can feel safe. It’s best to put your pet’s bed and food bowls in a familiar place. If you had his bed by the fireplace in your old house, then do your best do duplicate that placement in your new house. It will help him to get used to the new house and make him feel more safe.

As you settle into your new house, remember your animal might be puzzled and a bit lost in the first few days. Try to stick to the same schedule for feeding, walks, and play time as you did before you relocated. Dogs are very adaptable animals, and you might be surprised at how quickly your furry friend gets used to the new environment! If you have a short move, or a long one, by following these tips relocation with your pet will be simple and easy!

Diet Guidelines For Essential Dog Nutrition

by Pet Care on December 29, 2008


Part of being a responsible dog owner is to make sure that your dog has a well balance diet. Be sure that you include foods with protein, carbohydrates, and good fats. By providing your dog with a well balanced diet you are making sure that she has a long, happy, and healthy life. A proper diet will also provide her with a beautiful coat and bundles of energy.

The question that many people have is… What is the proper balance for my dog’s diet? Follow this general rule of thumb…

2 - 25% protein
20 - 35% fat
40 - 60% carbohydrates
Along with these essential nutrients you should also provide your dog with vitamins and minerals.

However, keep in mind that dogs have very different needs than us. One of the most important supplements that they need is vitamin B1. This is because dogs are not very good at storing vitamin B1 in their bodies and it is absent from many dog foods.

Feeding your dog only lean meat will not provide them with necessary nutrients. In nature, dogs eat their entire prey which contains everything they need. As good owners we shoud try an make their environment as natural as possible.

Studies have been done to look at the habits of dogs and what they eat. These studies have shown that dogs prefer cooked and mushy food over those that are raw and meaty. However, dogs are not usually very picky and many will eat almost anything we give them. So we need to ensure that we are giving them the best.

Most dog owners tend to feed their dogs commercial dog food. These often have essential vitamins and minerals. The manufacturers know that the dog food must be stored easily so they package them in convenient ways such as bags or cans. Dog owners just love that. The downside is that usually the more convenient and attractive the packaging, the more expensive the food. Wouldn’t you agree?

This is why many dog owners are turning to home cooking for their dogs. The problem here is that it can be hard to provide our pets with the proper balance in their diet this way. The things that we eat and cook for ourselves are not good for them.

The key is to do some research and make sure that you are providing your dog with the best possible source of her nutrition to ensure healthy pets.

Things can go wrong if we are not careful with what we are giving our dogs. For example, too much milk powder in their food may cause scouring because some dogs have a hard time digesting lactose. Instead of creating your own recipes a better way might be to search for recipes that have been time tested.

Another is consideration is to be careful of bones. Although dogs do enjoy chewing on a good bone, you should try to avoid most of them. Small, cooked bones are more likely to splinter posing a risk for your dogs. So try to stay away from cooked chicken bones, lamb chops, and fish bones. Fish bones are probably the worst of all.

You will learn what is best for your dog over time. You can make a note of any food that she avoids as this particular meal may not sit well with her. Just remember to follow the unique requirements of your dog’s diet. This will ensure that your dog is happy and healthy.

Download a FREE copy of “39 Simple Tips to Keep Your Pet Healthy“.

Handling Tips For Cat Behavior Issue

by Pet Care on December 29, 2008


Your cat brings you joy as she curls up on your lap and purrs herself to sleep. She provides you with endless entertainment as she chases her feather wand with enthusiasm. But from time to time, she might also drive you crazy as she scratches your favorite chair, executes sneak attacks on your ankles, or stops using the litterbox.

Whatever “issues” you or your cat may have, we have information that can help you address them. Never get angry with your cat behavioral problem, if you can read this understanding cat behavior

Some behavior problem of your cat:

Why Do Cats Scratch?
It’s normal for cats to scratch objects in their environment for many reasons:

To remove the dead outer layer of their claws.

To mark their territory by leaving both a visual mark and a scent – they have scent glands on their paws.

To stretch their bodies and flex their feet and claws.

To work off energy.

Because scratching is a normal behavior, and one that cats are highly motivated to display, it’s unrealistic to try to prevent them from scratching. Instead, the goal in resolving scratching problems is to redirect the scratching onto acceptable objects.

Training Your Cat To Scratch Acceptable Objects

*Cover the inappropriate objects with something your cat will find unappealing, such as double sided sticky tape, aluminum foil, sheets of sandpaper or a plastic carpet runner with the pointy side up. Or you may give the objects an aversive odor by attaching cotton balls containing perfume, a muscle rub or other unpleasant odor. Be careful with odors, though, because you don’t want the nearby acceptable
objects to also smell unpleasant.

*When your cat is consistently using the appropriate object, it can be moved very gradually (no more than three inches each day) to a location more suitable to you. It’s best, however, to keep the appropriate
scratching objects as close to your cat’s preferred scratching locations as possible.

*Don’t remove the unappealing coverings or odors from the inappropriate objects until your cat is consistently using the appropriate objects in their permanent locations for several weeks, or even a month. They should then be removed gradually, not all at once. For more information, you can check out this link http://catsecretsrevealed.terapad.com/

Bird House Plans - Great to Spend Your Spare Time

by Pet Care on December 28, 2008


Bird house plans can be used as your extra time filler. making these bird house plans isn’t as difficult as you are visualize. You can guide your children.

Creating these bird house plans isn’t difficult. You should just collect all the materials that are needed to make the eastern bluebird nesting box. The materials for these bird house plans are pretty easy. All you require is one piece of six by six clumb (rough cut), a drill, and galvanized nails (to avoid rusting). Now, you are ready to produce great bird house plans.

Creating the Bird House

The primary thing you must do to make the bird house is to compute and blot the wood so that you will have pieces for the underneath, sides, and roof. Then you must drill a crack to be used as the entry crack for the birds. The crack have to be an inch and a half across.

Next, you will nail jointly all of the sides onto the underneath. One thing that you shouldn’t forget is you can require entry to the inside of the box, then for the second side only use three nails rather than four so that you will have a side that swings out to be able to replenish the box with seed. to lock lock the swaying side, you can use a screw rather than a third nail. It is going to be easier to remove when you require to check the inside of the box.

This bird house have to not be put beneath the tree. You have to lie it in an uncovered place or on the edge of the open place. The most essential thing is puts it four to five feet from the land.

You must also make sure that it is also towards east or north to avoid much sun and wind. If you lie it in the end of March, you will have experience to interest the birds prepared to lay eggs.

produce the bird housed plans isn’t as difficult as you are visualize. You can produce it on your own or if you have already understood about produce it, you can also teach your child to do that.

So, what are you waiting for? Find out more about Bird house plans and have a thorough understanding about bird house by clicking the links here!