From the monthly archives:

January 2009

Helpful Tips During Your Cat Training

by Pet Care on January 17, 2009


Behavioral problems in cats, such as avoiding the litterbox, excessive meowing and other attention-seeking behavior, biting and painful or destructive scratching can be corrected by first eliminating physical causes, then instituting a program of gradual retraining, with the help of these resources. Remember that there are no bad cats, only uninformed cat caregivers.

Tips To Make Your Cat Behavaior Correct at Home:

1.Give your cat something to do. Many cats misbehave because they’re bored, especially if they’re indoor cats. Make sure your cat has plenty of toys to play with, and that you spend time with her, playing and petting her.

2.Positive reinforcement is better than negative. It’s better to catch your cat using the litter box or using the scratching post and reward her with positive words, petting and a treat, than it is to yell at your cat when you find urine on your carpet. If your cat is meowing for attention, yelling at her gives her what she wants. Don’t yell at her

3.Make the misbehavior less appealing. If your cat is urinating on the carpet or a piece of furniture, clean up the stain and the smell so your cat has to find a new spot, hopefully the litter box (tips to clean cat urine).

You can also cover the area with aluminum foil–most cats don’t like the texture and sound of aluminum foil. If your cat is scratching furniture or drapes, perhaps putting double-sided sticky tape on the area, spritzing a citrus scent, or taping aluminum foil to the area would discourage them.

If you love your cat, then why dont you solve there behavioral issue. Start now from ultimate cat secrets revealed

Guide Lines To Follow When House Training Your Puppy

by Pet Care on January 16, 2009


When you are in the process of house training a dog , there are many issues you you should consider. You should maintain a schedule throughout the entire process. Another important key to house training a dog is to be calm. You have to stay in the routine for a prolonged time so your puppy is fully house trained. Dogs must be given adequate time to eliminate their bowels after eating. Give them time to digest their food and then go out with them knowing they will have to relieve themselves soon. It is better for you to rewarding the dog when they go outside and eliminate than yelling at the dog when they have an accident.

Labrador Training: The Best Way

by Pet Care on January 14, 2009


Labrador training starts early, at twelve weeks your dog should already be learning simple things like how to associate with people, other dogs and getting into a car. Labradors are loving dogs and don’t do well with harsh training. The best way to go about Labrador training is to use lots of praise and positive reinforcement. The earlier you start the easier your job will be.

The longer you leave training the longer you are allowing bad behavior to set in and remain a habit. One of the first things you can teach a puppy is how to answer to its name or to calls. This is a very basic command but it’s an important one. Without it you will have unruly dogs that will not obey you. Make training fun and keep it short but consistent. Repeat training every day and this is the best way to make progress.
Practice the same commands everyday with your dog and make sure to have plenty of rewards with you. As Labradors are very loving dogs it’s important to keep up the praise and constant patting every time something is done right. Teaching your dog to walk to heel is important, as Labrador training should work to break the bad habit of straining on the lead. Labradors are very enthusiastic and it can be tough to stop them straining ahead of you to check out everything.

Find a quiet place to start your walking at heel Labrador training. This minimizes distractions and will make training go a lot smoother. Put the lead on and keep it close to you, don’t let the lead out too much. You should make sure that you start walking ahead of your dog. Either pull the dog back when it goes past you or walk faster so it is harder to keep up. Repeat heel the whole time and walk in zigzags and figure of eights to make it interesting.
How do you feel about a full-grown Labrador sharing your bed? Remember that Labradors shed quite a bit. If this is not an inviting prospect then don’t let your puppy sleep with you. This will only encourage your dog to sleep on your bed and cause all sorts of problems once it’s too old to be doing that. Avoiding Labrador problem behaviors means anticipating what your dog will be like, as it grows older. Keep this in mind as you decide what your dog can and cannot do in your home.

If you would not be pleased with your dog breaking the rules then don’t break the rules yourself. Allowing one thing one day and then not allowing it another will confuse your dog. It will not know how to behave or what it should do. Dogs love routine and you can provide that by being consistent and doing the same things at the same time. Remember these basics when you start Labrador training.

Once you are clear and firm, Labrador training is easy. This article summarizes dog training books in an easy to read article.

How To Train A Toy Poodle

by Pet Care on January 14, 2009


All poodle varieties are basically the same and that includes the Toy Poodle. They have the same normal traits such as their gentle and sweet nature, as well as their loyalty to their owners. They are intelligent, non-shedding, elegant and obedient, and very perceptive. They are third in line after the Standard and Miniature poodle.

The Teacup poodle is the only poodle that is smaller than the Toy Poodle. A Toy Poodle can weigh ten pounds at full maturity and the standard poodle is anywhere from twenty to thirty pounds at full maturity. While the Teacup poodle usually weighs no more then four pounds. The Toy Poodle is popular because it is not quite as delicate as the Teacup poodle, but is still quite small and cuddly.

A Toy poodle does not shed. Most dog lovers will tell you that a non-shedding dog is a very pleasant dog to have around. However, all Poodles need a lot of grooming in order to keep them free of tangles. The Toy Poodle will make a great family pet because it is great with children.
Toy Poodles are rather expensive dogs. They are so popular now that a Toy Poodle puppy can run anywhere from eight hundred to one thousand dollars. These dogs are usually carried in designer carriers and can be seen on television quite frequently. They are available in many colors and first originated in France. They are pampered pooches and can be found at many dinner parties and luncheons sitting right next to their owners.

Their roots go back centuries when poodles would entertain in circuses all over Europe. Then it was quite gauche to have a poodle at Court sitting with the King or Queen. These royal families would pamper their poodles in outlandish ways. This was actually the beginning of the personality trait of the pampered poodle. Toy Poodles evolved having the same traits. Toy Poodles are very cute and adorable and are great dogs to have as a first pet. They are very loving and loyal dogs and make great companions for children, as well as adults.
The Toy Poodle is a small dog but is very hearty and strong. They will always want to sit on your lap and sleep in bed with you. Because of their size it is hard to turn down their requests for such cuddling. These dogs are very healthy dogs and any breeder that tries to tell you otherwise should be reported to the American Kennel Club.

When you decide to purchase a Toy Poodle it is a good idea to first read up on the subject of poodles. You will need to ask the breeder specific questions and you must know if he gives you the right answers. An individual who does not have any questions for the breeder will usually not be sold a dog. Breeders are very careful whom they sell their Toy Poodles to. Because these dogs are small they use up their energy quite quickly. They will need small meals throughout the day in order to keep up their energy.

There are several Poodle types but the Toy Poodle is the most popular. Poodle information in libraries and the internet will contain generous amounts of material on the Toy Poodle.

The Bichon Frise: A Mediterranean Breed

by Pet Care on January 14, 2009


The Bichon Frise is descended from the Barbet or Water Spaniel, much like his cousin the Caniche and was originally known as a Barbichon, which was later shortened to Bichon. In addition, there are four different categories of the Bichon, which include the Bichon Bolognais, the Bichon Maltais and the Bichon Tenerife as well as the Bichon Havanais, and all of these categories came out of the Mediterranean region. The breed was always bred to be companion dogs and nothing more.

The Bichon Frise was a great (and, still is) companion dog and from its very early days was the companion of its owners, many of whom were sailors and thus were taken on sea voyages overseas and even became bargaining chips while being taken from one continent to another. In fact, the Bichon Frise was well received in Spain and it was the Spanish sailors that introduced him to the Canary Islands in Tenerife.
The Bichon Frise, from the time of the Renaissance was called the Bichon Tenerife, which obviously alludes to its origins from the Canary Islands. But its early masters, the Spanish sailors of the early fourteenth century, affectionately named it the Bichon Tenerife. It later became a pet most favored by both Italian and Spanish nobility and only in the reign of Francis I during the sixteenth century, did the Bichon Frise become established in French royal courts and its popularity peaked under the reign of Henry III of France towards the latter part of the sixteenth century.

Also, the famous Spanish painter named Francisco de Goya painted the minute Bichon Frise in the portrait he made of the Duchess of Alba that led to the continuing popularity and fame of the breed. In fact, the Bichon Frise was the subject of other paintings as well, and one such painting was even to become a postage stamp in Yemen. And, in the nineteenth century, under Napoleon III’s reign, the Bichon Frise came to enter the French royal court as well.
The history behind the Bichon Frise is both interesting and intriguing, which saw him being elevated to the favored pet of nobility and royalty until later becoming a street dog following the end of the reign of Napoleon III. In the late nineteenth century he had to become a commoner. Interest in the Bichon Frise was once again renewed after World War I, and it was bred under strict control, and on March 5, 1933 the official Bichon Frise Standard was adopted by Societe Centrale Canine of France.

The first Bichon Frise to be whelped in the United States was sired by Eddie White de Steren Ver in the year 1956 and a few years later some other breeders acquired the Bichon Frise and this was the beginning of the Bichon Frise in the United States. And, in October 1972, the Bichon Frise entered into the American Kennel Club Stud Book as a non-sporting group, which is the brief history of this breed in the U.S.

The history behind the Bichon Frise goes back to ancient times, and so there is a lot to learn about how it has survived the many ups and downs over the years. If you are looking for the history of this breed, you need to read this article that provides pertinent Bichon Frise information on the subject.

Valuable Information On Yorkshire Terrier Types

by Pet Care on January 14, 2009


Yorkshire Terriers are adorable dogs, and not only do they make great family pets but they are also excellent little watchdogs. They are constantly alert and on guard and will notify you through the night if there are any noises or disturbances outside your home.

There are actually a few different Yorkshire Terrier types that you can choose from, but basically there are two major types known as standard and miniature. The standard Yorkshire Terriers are those that you normally see which are already quite petite in size and fragile. Then there are the miniature Yorkshire Terriers which are even smaller, if you can believe it. Both Yorkshire Terrier types are mischievous and energetic. They are very loving, kind, and loyal, and even great to have around the kids which is very important because there are few types of dogs that do not pose any danger to children. They also tend to be quite dominant and stubborn, which can pose problems when you are trying to train them.
The miniature Yorkshire Terrier is also known as the teacup Yorkshire Terrier and actually only grows to be about three pounds when fully grown. They are adorable dogs, but do not be fooled by their small stature because they really are great watchdogs. Yorkies are a young breed that was developed in North England and which quickly became a popular pet, especially for women because they could fit the dogs in their purses.

There are a few differences between these two Yorkshire Terrier types, and for one the coat on the miniature Yorkshire Terrier is much different than that on the standard Yorkie. It tends to have the same thickness but does not grow as long. You can usually always tell the difference between the two types because of this, but also because miniature Yorkshire Terriers tends to have a much lighter colored coat as well. These dogs are actually able to fit in a teacup, which is how they got their name.
You should always put serious care into the process of choosing a dog, and the same applies when you are trying to decide between the different Yorkshire Terrier types. Once you have determined the specific type of Yorkshire Terrier you are interested in, the next step is to find out where you can go to get one. Keep in mind though that an AKC Yorkshire Terrier, registered by the American Kennel Club, must meet exacting standards in order to compete. If you really want a show quality dog you need to find a breeder that follows the AKC guidelines.

The best place to look for a Terrier is online. If you have access to a computer and the Internet then you will really have a great advantage because you will be able to educate yourself more on the breed origin, temperament and requirements of the dogs before deciding on any. You will also be able to browse through various breeders’ websites in order to find the most reputable and respectable one to buy from. Remember that any good breeder will be more than willing to answer any questions and provide you with any information that you are interested in.

Regardless of whether you choose the miniature or standard Yorkshire Terrier types, you will fall in love with them the second you bring one home. You should get as much Yorkshire Terrier information as you can before trying to decide whether you want the miniature or standard Yorkshire Terrier for yourself.

All About The History Of The Chinese Shar Pei

by Pet Care on January 14, 2009


Because of China’s zoophobia, the Western World would never have heard about Shar Peis if not for the diligent efforts of Hong Kong businessman Matgo Law. Shar Peis became victims of the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Along with many other Chinese traditions and art forms, Shar Peis were outlawed and mostly destroyed. Matgo Law managed to rescue some and get them spirited away to Western countries. He started exporting Shar Peis in 1973. By the 1980′s, there was a craze for Shar Peis, which led to much indiscriminate breeding.

Many reliable Shar Pei information sources have come to the conclusion that the dogs sent to America were particularly inferior. These dogs are thought to have inherited several health problems (such as skin disorders and inverted eyelids) and had some nasty tempers to boot. But they are the only gene pool of Shar Peis available. They will always be a rare breed and need experienced, confident, physically strong owners.
It is thought that Shar Peis were bred to be strong all purpose farm dogs. They were to have a fierce appearance, could work all day and guard both master and property from man or beast. It is unknown when the emphasis on wrinkles developed. This was most likely when Shar Peis became star performers in another field – the dog-fighting pit. Wrinkles and loose skin meant another dog couldn’t get a good grip and, even if they did, the loose skin could help protect vital organs. Even today, Shar Peis are not great around other dogs.

Sadly, the dog-fighting pit is responsible for the development of many breeds especially bulldog types being developed in England about the same time Shar Peis were being honed to their current look in China. Unlike Shar Peis, the bully breeds in England (including the Old English Bulldog and the much-maligned Staffordshire Bull Terrier) were selected to be aggressive with other dogs but be eager to please any person.
Today, the Shar Pei is bred to be a companion and show dog, although they do often work as guard dogs and sometimes farm dogs. It is now known that they need special consistent training from puppyhood in order to be socially acceptable canines. It is harder, but training a Shar Pei is possible. However, only those experienced in training and living with large, active dogs like Rottweilers or Boxers should attempt to take on a Shar Pei.

Shar Peis were bred to be independent – not to be team players. The life of a fighting dog is especially harsh, so a certain stoic fortitude has had to keep the Shar Pei alive to this time where it can now socialize with others. Getting and keeping a dog’s attention is crucial for training, and with a Shar Pei, this is an uphill battle. But some Shar Peis have won the American Kennel Club’s Good Canine Citizen certificate, which is hard to get.

The Shar Pei has an interesting history that is not completely known. There is lots of incorrect Shar Pei information out there.

Beagle Mixed Breeds

by Pet Care on January 14, 2009


The history of the breed of dog called the beagle is largely unknown. Some say the breed dates back to 200 A.D. The breed began to be referred to as “beagle” in the 1800s. Beagles have been popular as hunting dogs and family pets as far back as 19th century England. This sturdy, independent breed was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1885. Though often still used as hunting or scent dogs due to their superb sense of smell, beagles are also loved for their affable temperament. Their positive traits are so in demand that desire for a beagle mix has arisen.

A beagle mix may be the result of either mating two purebred animals of different breeds (crossbreed or hybrid) or mating a purebred beagle with a dog of questionable ancestry (mixed breed or “mutt”). The benefit of mixing breeds or types of dog is that the resulting puppies will have traits of both parents.
A mixed breed is actually a “mutt,’ or what many would call “All American.” A beagle mix that results from breeding a purebred beagle with a non-registered dog would be considered “All American” because, like many Americans, it has an uncertain ancestry. A crossbred beagle on the other hand can trace its ancestry since it is the result of mating two purebred dogs of differing breeds. Crossbreeds, or hybrids, can be registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club though they cannot compete in AKC competition. Some examples of recognized hybrid beagle mixes are: the “Poogle” (Beagle/Poodle), “Puggle” (Beagle/Pug), and “Beabull” (Beagle/Bull dog).

A beagle mix will have characteristics of both its parents. Even in crossbreeding, the resulting puppies, for example, “Poogles” will have a mixture of the traits of both beagle and poodle. Purebreds are so popular (and expensive) because there is consistency in temperament, body dimensions, and known characteristics of their specific breed. Purebred beagles are also eligible for AKC (American Kennel Club) registry and competition.
In crossbreeding, the most popular breeds to cross are pugs and poodles. They are also the most common type of beagle mix. “Poogles” and “Puggles” are growing in popularity, in part, due to their cute-sounding names. Crossbreeds like these, which are often called “designer dogs,” are thought to have overall better traits such as temperament and health due to being out-bred. They are the result of parents with two separate types of genetics and this may make them genetically superior to purebred dogs.

Proponents of purebred dogs disagree. Though purebreds are the result of in breeding and may have genetic defects due to this, they also have a documented lineage and are also predictable in body structure, overall temperament, and health. In short, you know what you are getting when you buy a pure breed. There is no predictability of the traits a beagle mix or other crossbreed will have mixed breed, or “mutt” owners love their dogs regardless of lineage.

Beagle mixed breeds, crossbreeds, and purebreds are popular. This article contains important Beagle information about mixed breeds.

Florida Moving Company: Moving Your Pet Simply

by Pet Care on January 13, 2009


relocation is difficult for the whole family. Pet dogs que in on this stress and feel the pain as well. Your pet will have to adapt to a new location and possible a new routine, just as you do, but he won’t comprehend what is happening to him. While it is tempting to ignore some of your pets needs during the hectic relocation time, it is vital that you stick to patterns and schedules as much as you can. There are things you can accomplish before, during, and after the relocation to make sure your pet is happy and stress-free through the whole move. Be sure to add these things to your moving checklist.

Before the relocation:

• Take your pet to the veterinarian. Make sure all his immunizations are up to date and that he is in perfect health overall. Ask the doc about giving your pet meds for carsickness or stress on the day of the relocation. Check out the licensing and other pet-related laws in your new city.

• Make sure your animal has a collar with his rabies tag and a nice large tag with his name and your new phone number. He is most likely to escape and get lost in the first week in your new house, so don’t put this off!

• If you will be utilizing a crate, let your pet see and get used to it. Give him treats inside the crate so he thinks of it as a positive thing.

• If you don’t have a crate, call your long distance relocation company and see if they have temporary carriers you can rent. Try to get it a few days early so your pet can get used to it.

• If you are shipping your animal by long distance moving companies or by air, there will be specific instructions. Be sure to schedule the transport well before the relocation day. For example, your Florida moving company should be able give you the name of a good animal transport company.

Throughout the relocation:

• Keep your pet enclosed in a bedroom or other safe room on relocation day. You don’t want him out in the main part of the place, where there will be a lot of chaos and confusion. It would be easy for a pet to run outdoors to avoid the relocation-day chaos, and then get lost. Small pets can get underfoot and may get stepped on or injured in the course of moving furniture.

• Make sure your pet has his favorite toys to keep him happy.

• It will be attempt to stick to your pet’s feeding/walking/ potty routine as much as you can.

• If you need to make an overnight stop with your pet, make sure the hotel can accommodate your pet. Many hotel chains are pet-friendly, but not all of them. Be sure to plan ahead!

After the relocation:

• Your pet will require time to settle in to the new home. Show him where his new eating and sleeping areas will be.

• Take him out in the lawn, if there is one, on a leash first. Start with small walks around the community, then expand as your pet gets used to the area.

• Find a new vet as soon as you can. Find out the phone number of the nearest emergency vet, too.

All in all, relocation is difficult for everyone. If you remember to treat your pet as a member of the family, who has the same fears and anxieties about relocation, everything will be all right.

Dog Food – The Choices

by Pet Care on January 12, 2009


Whether your dog is a fussy eater or not, making homemade dog food for him is one of the healthiest things that you can do. Of course, it is easier to make dog food for your dog if he isn’t a fussy eater. Otherwise, you will probably have to go through a trial and error period where you prepare batches and batches of homemade dog food until you find a recipe that he will actually eat.

Making your own homemade dog food with this recipe is easy and will give your dog the best all natural dog foods available. Just remember that in the wild your dog would catch small prey and eat the whole thing. This consisted of the meat, bones, organs, even the heart, brain and eyes (which are high in taurine). The vegetables they would get were in the stomach and digestive tract of the animals already partially digested. If you make your all natural dog foods to imitate your dogs prey hey will enjoy optimum health and love you for it.

Meats need to be fed one animal at a time. In the wild your dog would not eat more than one kind of meat at once. The meat should be ground or served in chunks which are easier to eat. Larger pieces will cause your dog to hold them with their feet to rip the meat apart, which can get messy.

Do not feed any fat that has been cooked which can lead to problems with your dog’s pancreas. Remember in the wild your dog would only get the fat that was on the animal and eaten raw. Use the skin that comes on the meat of in the case of beef the fat riddled throughout the meat.

Meats that cause trichinosis should never be fed like pork, bear, seal, ground squirrels, etc. However specialty meats like moose, ox, venison or bison are very pure and nutrient dense and can be fed in smaller quantities occasionally. Soft boiled eggs are also a good protein source, feed shells and all.

Using these simple guidelines you can make your dog the best all natural dog foods from your own homemade dog food recipe so your dog can enjoy optimum health. Your dog will love you for it Premium Dog Food.