From the monthly archives:

January 2009

How To Pottytrain A Dog

by Pet Care on January 25, 2009


No, it’s not a dream nor is it a miraculous act, but it is possible to house train your puppy in 7 days or less! This easy schedule will not only free up alot of stress and undo aggrivation for you but also for your puppy! They will want to go to the paper or to the door with pride!

First off, you are going to be using a positive approach! NO MORE SCOLDING OR PUNISHMENTS! It is critically important that you do not scold or punish your puppy! Secondly you need to set up a schedule that you must adhere to every day and be consistent. If it is cold in the morning you can pick up some cheap dog clothes and put them on your dog, if your dog is cold.

Here is a sample schedule:

6:30 AM: Immediately upon waking, remove your puppy from his crate, leash him up, and take him to his potty area, wherever that may be. Allow him to focus by staying quiet as he sniffs and circles the area.

When he starts to eliminate his wastes, offer praise and start repetitively giving a potty command such as “Go Pee, Go Pee”. As soon as he is done, offer more praise and a treat if you like. Now take your puppy back to his crate.

7:30 AM: Exactly one hour later, give your dog breakfast and then take him outside to the potty area approximately 20 to 30 minutes later. Immediately return him back to his crate until the next potty break.

10:30 AM: It’s time for another potty break.

12:30 AM (Noon): Take your puppy outside to his potty area and follow the same routine. Afterwards, come inside and feed the dog lunch and then some playtime.

3:30 PM: It’s time for another potty break.

5:30 PM: Take your puppy outside for another potty break and then back inside for some dinner. You do not have place him back in the crate until the next bathroom break.

During this time at night, try to play with your puppy as much as you can. This is a good time to tire him out a bit for his nighttime sleep. But keep a close eye on his behavior in case he starts to sniff and circle an area in the house before using the bathroom. If you cannot keep a close eye on him, simply put him back in his crate.

9:00 PM: If your puppy is sleeping at this time, wake him up for one last bathroom break. Follow the same potty routine and then put him back in his crate until the next morning potty break. Start the entire routine all over again. Before you go be sure to view these awesome deals on dog dresses and dog pajamas, these will be great additions to your dog supplies that you currently have.

By sticking with this schedule, you are giving your puppy regularity and they will give you a puppy that is potty trained and a house free of accidents. However, you must still figure in that not every plan is perfect nor is every puppy and a few accidents may happen. Just remember the “positive approach” and keep puppy’s confidence level high!

Cat’s Waste Getting In The Way? Toilet Train It

by Pet Care on January 24, 2009


If you can toilet train a dog, you can surely toilet train your cat, too. One of the problems for pet cat owners is how their little furry and purr-ty friend spreads his “bombs” all over the place. Sometimes, they will resort to letting others train their cats how to dispose these “bomb” properly. But why should they try to let others train their cats when they can do it by themselves? If you have the same problems with your cats, try to find a guide or a learning tool from the Internet that will help you train your cat in the fastest and effective manner. Right now, there are many guides you can see all over Cyberspace and to help you out with your searching, you can try to follow this link and see what the best training guide is for you and for your feline friend.

Where To Find Labrador Rescue Groups

by Pet Care on January 22, 2009


Your vet will have good contact information on local Labrador rescue groups. Ask your local newspaper for contact information for local Labrador rescue groups or look it up on the Internet. Sometimes your local Labrador breeder would be happy to act as a Labrador rescue group.

An excellent source of information for a Labrador rescue group is your vet. Your vet is always deeply concerned about the well being of all animals and they always have contact information for the animal rescue groups they prefer and they would be more than happy to supply you with that information. If you do not already do regular business with a vet then just contact the vet closest to you and they should be able to help you out.

People always miscalculate and forget the value of their local newspaper when it comes to finding important community contact information. Chances are that your local newspaper either publishes the contact information for a Labrador rescue group at least once a week or has the information available for people that may want it. Give your local newspaper a call and ask if the can give you contact information for any Labrador rescue groups.

The Internet is one of the greatest communication tools ever created and you can use it to find local Labrador rescue groups to help you out. Even if all you find are the websites of national Labrador rescue groups you should still check out the sites because those groups usually have satellite offices and one of them may be close enough to help you find some assistance for a poor Labrador and get that abused or abandoned dog out of its abusive situation.

Check your area for any reputable Labrador breeders and chances are that they would be willing to act as the Labrador rescue group for you. Many reputable breeders have no problem taking in abused or abandoned Labradors because the breeder does not want to see an animal suffer any more than you do. So contact a breeder and explain your situation to them and ask them if they would be able to take in this poor neglected animal and give it a second chance at life.

Never turn your back on an abandoned or abused Labrador or any other animal that is suffering. In many cases all you have to do is make a phone call or two and an animal rescue group will come out and take care of the situation. Every animal deserves the chance to be happy and no pet deserves the horror of being abused or abandoned so if you see a situation that requires immediate attention then track down contact information for a local animal rescue group and give a pet a second chance.

If you need Labrador rescue information then this article can help. This article will help you find important Labrador information if you need to rescue an abused animal.

Yorkshire Terrier History

by Pet Care on January 22, 2009


If you took a trip back in time to 1870, you probably would have a hard time recognizing a Yorkshire Terrier. In about one hundred thirty years, the breed has gone through tremendous changes in their looks and in their functions. But the Yorkshire Terrier has adapted to the great changes that the Industrial Revolution brought to the economy and to family life. Yorkies back then weighed about thirty pounds and came in more colors than just blue and tan.

Back in the 1870’s, word was getting around about the great pups from a sire named Huddersfield Ben, who was born in 1865. Huddersfield Ben was considered an ideal dog – a champion ratter as well as being friendly and handsome. Any dog that resembled Huddersfield Ben had to have been from Yorkshire, where Ben lived. Yorkshire dog breeders kept their breeding methods secret so they could be assured of buyers. His puppies eventually became known as Yorkshire Terriers.
The Yorkshire Terrier did not originate in the English country of Yorkshire, despite their name. The breed became famous when they were perfected in Yorkshire. Huddersfield Ben’s ancestors came from various tough little Scottish breeds of terriers, which are thought to have included the Scottish Terrier, the Clydesdale (or Clyde) Terrier and the Paisley Terrier. All of these breeds (except the Scottie) are no longer with us, but do live on in the form of Yorkshire Terriers.

The Scottish breeds inevitably bred with the terrier breeds already in Yorkshire, which experienced a great wave of Scottish immigrants in the late 1800’s. The Scottish breeds were purposefully put to breeds that were known for killing rats. Yorkshire Terrier information sources guess that these breeds included the Maltese, the Skye and the now extinct breeds of Black and Tan English, Waterside and quite possibly the Manchester Terrier (which still survives, but is considered an extremely rare breed). The result was a rat-killing machine that was extremely friendly with people.
As time went on, the need for big working dogs decreased. People were living in smaller homes and needed smaller dogs they could physically control easily. The Yorkshire Terrier filled this niche admirably. They were a hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Not only did they make great guard dogs, but were affectionate and did not need a lot of exercise. They were introduced to America in 1872.

Over the last century, Yorkshire Terriers have become ever smaller. The original Yorkies were about thirty pounds and came in several colors. Today’s show Yorkies are not to exceed seven pounds and must be steel blue and tan (and have those colors in specific proportions). The hot trend is top breed Yorkies that tip the scales at three pounds, which has lead to concerns about the health of breeding such small dogs. The Yorkshire Terrier, as of 2006, is the second most popular purebred dog in America.

The Yorkshire Terrier was a much larger breed in the beginning. Many books that include large sections on Yorkshire Terrier information can be found at the library.

A Dog Food Secrets Book To Save Your Dog

by Pet Care on January 22, 2009


Humans have cookbooks in hand to learn all about cooking, all about the secrets of good food and good cooking. Don’t you know that there is a dog food secrets book, too? And what is the purpose of this book? Of course, not to let your dog learn how to cook and what to eat. It’s you who’s going to learn what to give to your dog and what not to give to your dog. Are you not aware that commercially-available dog foods can be dangerous for your mutt’s health? There was once a man who lost his loved one- his dog and he found out, with the help of a local vet, that the cause is dog food, commercial dog food. Now, he gathered a team of researchers to help find out what is best for dogs when it comes to food and he came up with this book. If you are a dog lover 100%, this is what you need to learn right now and this book is what you need to have.

The History Of Poodles

by Pet Care on January 22, 2009


The Teacup Poodle is very similar to the Toy and the Standard Poodle except for the size. Teacup Poodles weigh anywhere between two and four pounds where the next size Poodle, the Toy Poodle, is ten pounds at maturity. Teacup dogs get the name teacup because they can almost fit into a teacup. These dogs are intelligent, obedient and elegant dogs. They have a non-shedding fur, which makes them very popular. They are very perceptive dogs and love companionship.

Many Teacup Poodle owners have two Teacup Poodles because after having one they know they need another to keep each other company when the owner is away. Teacup Poodles almost become like a child to their owners. They are good dogs and very spoiled dogs. They tolerate being dressed up and having bows put into their fur because it pleases their owner. Celebrities carry their Teacup Poodles everywhere they go, whether it is to the dentist, lunch or dinner parties. They sometimes bring them on the TV set when they are being interviewed.

If you want to buy a Teacup Poodle it would cost you between eight hundred and one thousand dollars. These dogs are considered designer dogs. Their country of origin is France and they come in many colors. Centuries ago they began working in circuses entertaining people and, therefore their personalities as performers, with their charm and intelligence, has evolved into what they are today. All of the European courts, especially the French, enhanced the fad of the pampered pet, which has given the Poodle its position today. Teacup Poodles are, indeed, pampered pets.

The Teacup Poodles grew in popularity in its early years because of their smaller size and, therefore, were cheaper to feed and easier to maintain. The Toy and the Teacup Poodle are the most popular of all of the Poodle varieties. The Teacup Poodles make a mannerly, yet lively, companion for every lifestyle. However, when choosing a Teacup Poodle for a family be sure to consider the delicateness of a four pound dog if there are young children in a home.
Teacup Poodles should be no taller then eight inches tall or weigh more then four pounds. These dogs are very healthy dogs as long as get the proper nutrition in their diets. Sometimes they can get a low sugar hit and a little karo syrup on your finger will take care of this problem. But if food is left out for him during the day there should not be any problem of low sugar.

However healthy these dogs are they are considered to be quite fragile and delicate. They cannot jump off or on a bed or sofa and must be watched carefully so they do not fall off. They can very easily break one of their legs if they were to fall off a bed or a sofa. These dogs are great fun to have around and quite the conversation piece because of their size. They are easy to care for and have a genuine personality and will be very loyal to their owner.

There are several varieties of Poodle types but the Teacup Poodle is the most popular. Any generic Poodle information will teach you how to care for your Teacup Poodle.

Black Pomeranians Are Happy Dogs

by Pet Care on January 22, 2009


The black Pomeranian is not much different then the red and brown variety of Pomeranian, except it is black. It is a very intelligent dog and can be quite fierce when protecting its owners. The black Pomeranian has a pleasant temperament and makes a good first family pet. Even though a small dog, the black Pomeranian has a medium bone structure and is very sturdy. Its legs are in direct proportion to its body.

The outer coat of the black Pomeranian is short and coarse, while the undercoat is coarse but much longer and pushes the outercoat straight up. This can sometimes give the black Pomeranian a look of a guard dog. This beautiful coat should be groomed often to maintain its luster. The training for a black Pomeranian should begin early and be very consistent or your little dog will take advantage of your very good nature. Just because they are small in stature does make them any easier to train. They are just like any size dog when it comes to training.
Black Pomeranians range in size from four to seven pounds. They are very short dogs with sturdy legs. Their tails are set high and curl around to lay flat on their back. These dogs are small dogs, but are not brittle. They could be considered heavyweights of their class because of their sturdy nature.

The black Pomeranian will need to be bathed monthly and brushed twice a week. Their black coat tends to pick up the dirt more readily and black will show most anything it picks up. Grooming should start at an early age so the black Pomeranian will be used to this rigid routine. The black Pomeranian is very popular and usually the first pups to be sold. Some feel it is the uniqueness of the coat color which makes them so popular. These dogs should be exercised daily and if living in an apartment should be walked twice a day.
The black Pomeranian is a very intelligent dog and should be trained with consistency. These dogs want to be trained because they want to please their owners. Because of their pleasant temperament black Pomeranians make great pets. Hundreds of years ago they were used as guard dogs and herding dogs. They come from Eastern Europe and early accounts have them in Iceland. The red and brown coated Pomeranian is the most recognized and there is not much difference in characteristics between the different color coated dogs except for their color.

They make great companion dogs in any environment. They definitely love their family and want to be lap dogs. They will be very protective of any children in their home and make great watch dogs. What this dog lacks in size he makes up for in looks and personality. He is one of the more beautiful breeds and has been a member of the American Kennel Club since 1900.

The most popular of the Pomeranian types are the black Pomeranians. Finding out as much black Pomeranian information as possible should help you understand the breed.

Specific Standards For The Chihuahua

by Pet Care on January 22, 2009


The American Kennel Club standard for the Chihuahua breed is that they should be almost square in appearance, although the standard tolerates a slightly longer body for the female dog for the purpose of reproduction. The most important part of the American Kennel Club standard for the Chihuahua is that the skull be apple shaped with a tail that is carried very high and being of moderate length. The tail should ideally be curved in shape or at the very least form a semicircle with the tip pointing down to the loin region. Generally the Chihuahua will be greater in length than they are in height at the withers. Overall the Chihuahua is a compact dog that has a temperament of highly spirited intelligence while their behavior is neither snappy nor withdrawn. The Chihuahua should be small and dainty with an alert, quick, lively and very courageous behavior and temperament.
The Chihuahua standard set by the American Kennel Club states that the head should be well rounded with an overall “apple dome” shape. They should have lean cheeks and jaws with a muzzle that is moderately short, slightly pointed and has a definite stop. Eyes should be large and round, but not protruding. The eyes should be set well apart with the center of the eye being on a plane with the lowest point of the ear. While lighter eye color is permissible, the preferred color is dark or ruby. The ears should be at an angle of about forty-five degrees while being large and flaring. The scissor bite for the jaw should be regular and complete. And the upper teeth should closely overlap the lower teeth and be set square to the jaws. The jaw should be strong. The neck should have a slight arch and be of medium length.
When it comes to gait and movement the Chihuahua should have a stride that is springy, long, energetic and active while providing good reach and drive. The Chihuahua should have hind legs that move almost parallel to each other when viewed from the back, causing the foot prints of the hind feet to fit directly into those left by the front feet. Often when they increase speed the limbs will show a tendency to converge towards the center point of gravity or a single track. The dog should have free and springy movement while keeping their head raised and firm with no visible effort. For shorthaired dogs the coat should be glossy with a soft texture. For the longhaired Chihuahua the coat should be fine, silky and smooth or slightly wavy. All shades and color combinations are allowed by the standard. For a Chihuahua the ideal weight is between 1.5 and 3 kg. While lower weights are accepted, higher weights are disqualified.

The Chihuahua standard is very specific about placement of facial features and overall head shape. Quality Chihuahua information can provide you with the specifics of the standard.

Shih Tzu Information And History

by Pet Care on January 22, 2009


Purebred dogs have been recognized for years by revered organizations like The American Kennel Club (AKC), which holds competitions for pure breeds. Pure breeds are defined as “of or belonging to a recognized strain established by breeding individuals of unmixed heritage over many generations.” Examples of purebred dogs include the Shih Tzu and the Maltese. In addition to being two of the oldest breeds, these breeds have an established lineage or pedigree.

Though pure breeds are still very much in demand, a new type of dog is becoming popular. Mixed breeds, or hybrids, are the result of mating two different pure breeds. Mixed breeds used to be known simply as “mutts”, but hybrids are different in that both parents have documented ancestry.

The most common breeds to mix are poodles and pugs, possibly because of the cute-sounding names that result. The Shi-Poo is a Shih Tzu/Poodle mix. The Puggle is a Poodle/Pug mix. A mix of the Shih Tzu and Maltese breeds is referred to as Mal-Shi.
The Maltese Shih Tzu, or Mal-Shi, has characteristics of both the Maltese and Shih Tzu breeds. Mal-Shi are known to be social, non-shedding and even hypoallergenic small dogs with straight to wavy, silky fur. An adult Mal-Shi weighs only 6-10 pounds. This hybrid is thought to have the best characteristics of its Shih Tzu and Maltese parents.

The Shih Tzu (pronounced sheet-sue) breed dates as far back as 17th century Tibet, China. This toy breed is thought to have resulted from the cross breeding of the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese. Shih Tzu means “lion”, which is why they are referred to by the Chinese as “lion dogs”. The Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy dog with a double coat of long silky fur in varying colors. This breed is energetic, alert, intelligent, and also very stubborn. Shih Tzu owners usually tie up the hair above their eyes in a bow or ribbon. Shih Tzu have health problems such as frequent eye infections, inability to withstand high temperatures, and fur that is prone to matting and uncleanliness. Daily brushing and tying up of the hair is necessary and a “pet clip” can be done if the dog is not competing.
The Maltese part of the Maltese Shih Tzu dates back 28 centuries. The breed originated on the Island of Malta and has not changed in the intervening years. Physically, the Maltese has one layer of fur that is long, silky, straight and pure white in color. The fur is also hypoallergenic and sheds very little. Maltese have dark, expressive eyes and a black nose..

The Mal-Shi comes from two breeds with long histories and it is no surprise that owners believe this mix benefits from both lines of ancestry. Maltese Shih Tzu, or Mal-Shi, dogs have the multi-colored, silky fur and energy of the Shih Tzu as well as the hypoallergenic quality of the Maltese. Temperamentally, Mal-Shi dogs are energetic, sociable and alert. They are also difficult to housebreak. Perhaps the Mal-Shi, like the Shih Tzu-which is the product of a Lhasa Apso and Pekingese cross breed, will one day become recognized as a pure breed by the American Kennel Association.

It is important to know the many positive characteristics of Shih Tzu mixed breeds such as the Maltese Shih Tzu, or Mal-Shi. Shih Tzu information and Maltese Shih Tzu mixed breed information is provided in this article.

Houseplants That Can Kill Your Pet

by Pet Care on January 22, 2009


Houseplants add beauty and charm to your home. They also are a producer of oxygen and very good for the environment, however some of them are not very good for your dog! Actually some of them can kill your dog! Lots of dog breeds are primarily indoor dog and because of an owner’s home or preference some dogs are kept indoors for most of their days and nights. Some common indoor or patio house plants are : caladium, alocasia, elephant ears, philodendrons, and skunk cabbage. They are very beautiful but if your dog even nibbles on a tiny leaf, the enzyme in all of them called calcium oxalate can cause a quick and agonizing death for your beloved canine companion! Calcium Oxalate looks like a small crystals that become embedded in their tongues and mouths emenses swelling of the back of the tongue, thus preventing the dog from breathing, and ending in death by suffocation. You will want to view these nice dog strollers and cheap dog clothes that will be great for you and your doggy.

Just like with Poinsettias, Mistletoe is a beautiful yuletide tradition and involves a kiss; but if your dog gets a hold of it this can result in the kiss of death! In the spring and summer months, a popular flower that many brides and bridesmaids carry are Jasmine flowers. They are beautiful and fragrant and look delicate against a beautiful gown or dress. However, if a dog gets ahold of these beautiful and exotic blooms they can cause a toxicity in the dog’s body and results in death. These are attractive because of their smell and sometimes a dog may see them discarded or in the trash as with Mistletoe when it’s used, and out of curiosity will sniff and taste the plant not knowing it is a threat! Puppies eat everything and anything they come in contact with, so finding one of these plants in the trash or discarded in or around their area spells out death for them! Also while were on the subject of dogs be sure to check out these nice pet carriers on wheels that are great for traveling.

Be a responsible pet owner! A dog’s life is more important that any houseplant! There are many houseplant choices that are pet-friendly and are just as fragrant and beautiful to look at! If you have to have these plants, you are risking your dog’s very life, but you can do the responsible thing and keep them out of your dog’s area and keep all leaves, blooms, petals, etc., cleaned up. However even with the best precautions you can still chance an accident so the clear advice is to choose dog-friendly plants and avoid ones that are dangerous to your beloved pet! If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, bring both the toxic plant and your dog immediately to your vet or nearest animal hospital! Every minute counts! By bringing the plant, finding an antidote will be easier for your vet and will take less time in saving your dog’s life! Keep in mind, however, that your veterinarian cannot be expected to know as much as a botanist would, but proper diagnosis and the correct treatment of specific plant poisoning is at the vet’s fingertips through the national Poison Control Center if additional help is needed.