All About The Breed: Cane Corso

by Pet Care on January 30, 2012


A huge, powerful dog, the Cane Corso can trace its origins back to Roman times. The name comes from Latin, and derives from “cane”, meaning dog, and, “cohors”, meaning protector, so it literally means, protection dog.

This is an ancient breed with a documented history going back to at least 1500 A.D. They were used by the Romans for all types of work including, guarding, herding, droving, and hunting. They were also commonly used as dogs of war, fighting alongside the Roman legions, and it is likely they featured in gladiatorial fights against wild animals.

During World War II, the breed’s numbers were seriously decimated, and they may well have become extinct were it not for the S.A.C.C. (Societa Amatori Cane Corso), an organization that was formed to revive and preserve the breed.

The Cane Corso is an incredibly powerful dog that stands up to 27 inches at the shoulder and can weigh as much as 115 pounds. These dogs look extremely intimidating, but are not aggressive by nature, although they will most certainly respond if attacked.

With those close to them they are extremely protective, affectionate and loyal. They are good with children, and make excellent pets. They are also highly intelligent, and respond well to training.

The Corso has a very unique coat that is almost leathery to the touch. Coat colors include black, brindle, fawn, and gray. White patches on the chest, toes and nose are also permitted by the standard. The overall impression of the dog is of athleticism, power and strength, rather than bulk. The neck is thick and heavily muscled, with a short muzzle and immensely strong jaw.

With any dog this powerful, training is an absolute must. Cane Corsos, especially males, can be dominant dogs so it is important to start that your puppy gets obedience training.

Also be sure to maintain discipline in the home and don’t let the dog get away with liberties. These dogs do best with an experienced owner who is able to exert dominance and keep them in check.

Socialization is also imperative because, as a breed with a strong protective nature, they are naturally suspicious of strangers.

The Cane Corso is an active dog who requires daily exercise. The ideal living situation for a Corso is with an active family that includes the dog in activities. Be careful though not to over-exert the dog (especially in hot weather) because they overheat quite easily, due to their shortened muzzle.

It goes without saying that this dog will not be happy cooped up in an apartment. A house with large garden is preferable, but the dog will still need a long daily walk on a leash.

Good names for a Cane Corso can be hard to find. The best advice is to search one of the online dog names, sites, and my personal favorite is Puppy Names HQ. This site has thousands of excellent dog names, including a mega-database of boy dog names to pick from.

Beeper Collars Are Amazing Training and Hunting Gear When Out Within the Field Along with your Hunting dogs

by Pet Care on January 30, 2012


Beeper collars are applied for each tracking also as training k-9s. Beeper collars operate by applying a radio frequency signal that is definitely either transmitted from your dog or for your dog, based on which type of collars you are applying.

Tracking applying beeper collars

Radio frequency tracking collars will emit a beeping sound which will be transmitted from the transmitter attached towards the collar on your dog for your receiver. Tracking beeper collars are specifically helpful when hunting with pointers or setters, two bird dogs that have a tendency to cover a great deal of ground. They are able to help a hunter in obtaining a pointer by sending him a signal to help him find the dog. Because the beeping sound begins to obtain more frequent, the hunter then knows that he is closing in on his dog.

Whenever you are applying tracking beeper collars, bear in thoughts that the range that is definitely stated on the collar might be affected by the line of sight. If your dog is amongst barriers including trees, inside a ravine or even behind a hill, this can influence the signal and even put your dog out of range. Beeper collars can also be applied when hunting with several k-9s applying numerous pitches. Hunters need acute hearing to become in a position to distinguish amongst the pitches as they relate to unique k-9s.

Training applying beeper collars

You’ll be able to also use beeper collars as an powerful training process for bird dogs or any other type of dog. These operate the opposite way of tracking collars in that the receiver is attached towards the collar of the dog as well as the hunter is in manage of the transmission signal. The dog receives a beeping sound when he misbehaves as a kind of correction. Whenever you are applying a beeper collar to train your dog, you need to also use voice commands simultaneously.

It is actually essential that you only use the beeper after the dog has committed the infraction and as close towards the moment as possible. By applying the beeper collar, voice commands and very good timing, you may get your dog to understand inappropriate behavior and eventually will recognize commands by your voice alone. Training a dog to hunt also a to become a sociable pet takes patience but is effectively worth the effort. You’ll be able to start off training a dog applying a beeper collar at about six months old. Most k-9s will catch on quicker after you are applying this sort of training device along with voice commands and praise.

Employing beeper collars will not hurt your dog. They’ve been proven to become an powerful approach to each track and train k-9s. You’ll be able to come across a wide wide variety of dog beeper collars on the net for your dog or k-9s. When applying beeper collars, you must make sure you adhere to the directions and spot the transmitter or receiver to ensure that it faces forward, towards the nose of one’s dog, so as to send or receive a radio signal.

Dog Training Advice That Anyone Can Try

by Pet Care on January 29, 2012


Training your dog might seem like a difficult, intimidating task to take on. Many pet owners choose to send their dog to a professional trainer. This is a good option, but the following article has many tips that will help you train your dog on your own and in your home.

In order to potty train your dog, it is important to praise them when they are successful at going outside. Dogs are more likely to continue their good behavior if they know they will get praise afterward. Tell them what a good dog they are, and give them a hug and kiss.

Switch your rewards if you find that your dog no longer works as hard for them. Dogs can get bored with their treats just like humans do. Picking a fragrant reward or trying a reinforcement that is not food-based might just might help cure your dog of his reluctance!

Dogs can get bored during training. Doing the same thing over and over for endless time periods, will assure your dog will not be a good student. Try to vary your routine and put time limits on the amount of time you practice different behaviors. When your dog feels like an experience is new, he will respond quicker.

Dogs and puppies that exhibit play biting behavior can be both irritating and dangerous. Although play biting is a normal dog behavior, it is important to teach your dog that mouthy play is unacceptable. When your puppy nips you playfully, make a loud noise and move away, ignoring the puppy. This will teach bite inhibition in a way the puppy understands.

Don’t let your dog ‘own’ the furniture. To a bossy dog, the furniture is his fortress, giving him much more status than sitting on the floor. If your dog becomes possessive about the furniture, deny him access until he is ready to move for any human being, including a child or stranger. Stand with an erect posture and use a firm voice. Don’t use food to entice your dog off the furniture if he has already growled, as he will think he has been rewarded. Wait until he gets off the furniture on his own, and don’t allow him back up.

One of the most important commands a dog can learn is the recall. When you call your dog to come to you, he should do so immediately. Make sure when you’re teaching him, that you do it at home and also out around distractions because you want him to respond in all situations. Always call him to you with a happy voice tone and never call your dog to come to you when he is in trouble; this could make him leery to come to you when you call him.

Be consistent at all times when training your dog. Dogs need repetition when it comes to learning and remembering rules and rituals. If you are consistent one day, but not the next day, it confuses your dog. Dogs understand consistent black and white training, not various shades of gray.

It’s easy to let your dog run free when you bring him home for those first few weeks, only to want to later correct behaviors when they aren’t adorable anymore. Avoid communication breakdown by starting your training schedule immediately with your new dog, so he has the right idea from the start.

Following the tips in this article will ensure you have a well-trained dog. There are many options for training, including using professionals or doing it yourself. Whatever path you choose, you need to know that your dog can understand your commands and be in control in any situation you are in.

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Akbash Breed Profile

by Pet Care on January 29, 2012


The Akbash is a breed of Turkish origin that is widely used as a sheep guardian in that country. Said to possess the speed of a sighthound and the strength of a mastiff, this formidable dog stands up to 34 inches tall at the shoulder, and can weigh as much as 140 pounds.

The coat of the Akbash is smooth, and short to medium in length. The dog sports a thick mane around the neck, designed to protect it from predators. Coat color is white, sometimes with biscuit coloration on the ears.

The Akbash breed is believed to be at least 3000 years old and may be much older than even that. In fact, archeological evidence suggests that similar dogs were used as sheep guardians by the ancient peoples of Turkey as long ago as 8000 BC.

The Akbash is similar to other giant livestock protection dogs from around the world including the Great Pyrenees, Kuvasz and Komondor. They are natural protective, with an independent nature and intelligence that allows them to work without human supervision.

The breed is accredited by the United Kennel Club (UKC), although, not currently by the AKC.

These are brave, loyal and intelligent dogs who bond closely with their family but are somewhat suspicious towards strangers. This of course makes them excellent guard dogs. They can also be excellent companion dogs if properly trained and socialized. They are naturally sweet-tempered and particularly good with children.

Training an Akbash will at times try your patience, because although they are highly intelligent they are also independent thinkers. Thousands of years of breeding have taught them to make their own decisions, so they won’t obey a command just because you say so. Leadership and positive training will get results, but they do require an experienced handler.

If you’re looking for a name for your Akbash, I’d recommend Puppy Names HQ, a site with an extensive database of male dog names and female dog names to choose from.

The Akbash coat is quite easy to maintain, although they do shed quite a bit, so regular brushing will be required. The coat has no “doggy odor”, so bathing is neither required, nor recommended.

This is a very healthy breed with no notable health concerns. Like many large breeds they are prone to hip dysplasia, but otherwise they are basically sound. Median lifespan is 10 years, similar to other breeds of this size.

Quite obviously a dog this large, and this active, is not suited to living in an apartment. At the very least you’ll need a large garden, but the Akbash will be happiest in the country, and would prefer to have a job to do.

State To State Movers: Obtaining Your Fish To A New Abode

by Pet Care on January 28, 2012


If you are about to produce a long move, you may wonder should you will need to give away your pets if they may be fish. All you’ll be able to take into consideration is them sloshing about and obtaining handled roughly within the transport. But remember that this isn’t the way it has to become. Moving with fish could be straightforward with help from state to state moving companies. What you’ll be able to do is always to find 1 from the many moving businesses that specialize in their capability to move pets, and that even applies to fish. If you know you’ll need to move fish, you need to do a thorough internet search to find movers who have a great deal of expertise moving odd factor for example aquarium tanks. It isn’t just a matter of obtaining them from 1 spot towards the other. Specifically when you have a large tank for your fish, you have to question the firm to make sure that you simply are hiring 1 that knows about this and will come out to take a appear so they may be sure what is required to become completed.

Only ask the ones that provide you with a prompt response and a quote that you simply feel comfy with at least initially. You won’t know for sure what the quote is till they see the tank. You may be supplied by them having a travel tank that must be prepped to ensure that it really is prepared and waiting. Do not put fresh water within the travel tank but instead use the water the fish are familiar with from their normal tank. There is bacteria they may be utilized to in that larger tank. Put in an air rock to make sure that the water is oxygenated since if it isn’t your water based pets will probably be suffering.

Make sure the movers know that a travel tank isn’t to become packed along with other issues from your home. It must travel with you inside your own auto. That means you’ll have the ability to control what goes on with the atmosphere. It is going to also make sure that they may be not sloshing about and obtaining spilled, as well as protecting them from any other concern that could develop on the road. It all seems straightforward, and it really is in many ways, however it demands some forethought and organizing and analysis. Once you do that you simply will probably be pleased you did within the long run. Your fish will make it back to their original tank but inside your new residence exactly where you’ll be pleased to watch them for many hours of fun and relaxation.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog In Focus

by Pet Care on January 28, 2012


A native of Turkey, the Anatolian Shepherd is a big, muscular dog that specializes as a sheep guardian. With a solid build, a large head and a thick neck, these dogs stand as tall as 30 inches and can weigh up to 150 pounds.

The Anatolian is a powerful breed, capable of taking on most predators. However, the body is lean rather than bulky, with the thick coat making them look heavier than they actually are. The tail is long and when the dog is alert it curls up over the back. The coat is usually fawn, and the dog sports a black “face mask”.

This is a breed with a long history. They are originally from the Sivas-Kangal region of Turkey, where they are still revered and considered to be the Turkish national dog and a great treasure. They have been sheep guardians in their native land for hundreds of years, and have also been put to work as hunting dogs, and dogs of war.

These dogs are afraid of nothing and will take on wolves, bears and other predators to protect their flock. The are particularly rugged and can live outdoors in any temperature.

To understand the Anatolian’s temperament you have to appreciate the job they were bred to do. They are guardians first and foremost and much of their behavior relates to this task. These are highly protective dogs who will lay down their lives to protect their flock, and that includes their human family.

As long as you are prepared to accept the dog’s protective nature, this can be a good pet. You’ll preferably need some experience with dogs though, as the Anatolian can be a challenge and requires an assertive leader. Having said that, they are exceptionally good with kids, and easily accept other pets, plus you’ll be getting an outstanding guard dog.

One problem you should know about is there tendency to bark at night. This is due to that famous protective instinct, but it can be addressed with training and socialization.

A good source of names for your Anatolian is puppy names hq. With thousands of puppy names including a huge list of cool dog names, you’re bound to find something you like.

The Anatolian is a robust, healthy breed with few major health concerns. Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and eyelid entropion do occur, but none of the dread diseases present in some dog breeds. They can live 12 years or longer, a long time for such a large breed.

One health related problem specific to this breed, is a slow immune system. This makes them sensitive to most forms of anesthetic.

The Anatolian coat is easy to maintain, requiring only the occasional brush down. Twice a year, however, they shed heavily, and during this time you’ll have to give the dog a good brushing every day.

The Anatolian requires quite a lot of space, so apartment living is definitely out. A house with a large garden will be fine, bur remember, the dog will still need to be walked daily.

American Foxhound A Breed Apart

by Pet Care on January 27, 2012


Standing 25 inches tall and weighing up to 75 pounds, the American Foxhound is an athletic, medium-sized hunting dog. It is closely related to the English Foxhound, although with a sleeker, and somewhat taller profile.

These are very athletic dogs, with long legs, that cover the ground quickly. The head is long and slightly domed, with widely set eyes. The ears hang down and are set close to the head. The coat is short and harsh and comes in four variants, red, tri-color, black and tan, and blue.

This American Foxhound is one of the earliest American hunting breeds, and descends from English Foxhounds that arrived in the US in the sixteen hundreds. The more athletic build of the dog is believed to have been achieved by cross breeding with French hounds. These dogs are very fast movers, and have excellent scenting abilities. A characteristic of the breed is their unique bark when tracking.

These days, the American Foxhound is still used extensively for hunting and field trials. But they can also make a good pet for the right owner. This comes however, with a number of provisos. These are incredibly energetic dogs who not only want to work, but actually need a job to keep them happy.

The ideal owner for this dog would be someone with a love for the great outdoors. The dog will enjoy hiking and jogging, but will prefer to have a job to do. Someone with a job where they can involve the dog would be a good fit. If you cannot meet this dog’s exercise requirements, you should definitely look elsewhere.

Having said that, for the right owner, an American Foxhound will make an excellent pet. Like most hunting breeds they are very sociable and gets on particularly well with kids. They are accepting of other dogs, but less so of non-canine pets, so you’ll have to keep an eye on them. They also tend to be wary of strangers.

If you’re having trouble finding good dog names for your American Foxhound, I’d recommend Puppy Names HQ. This site has a huge database of puppy names, including many excellent cool dog names.

This breed is all but free of genetic health problems, although they are prone to putting on weight, so you’ll have to control food quantities and ensure steer away from junk food and table scraps.

Grooming is easy as the American Foxhound coat is short, and requires only a weekly brush down to keep it in good condition. The breed does however shed heavily, and brushing more regularly may help to control this.

These energetic dogs need a lot of space an a lot of exercise to keep them happy. Apartment living is definitely out of the question, and while a house with a large garden will suffice, ideally this dog needs to be in a country environment. Extensive daily exercise is an absolute must, regardless.

Dog Vaccinations: What All Dog Guardians Need To Know

by Pet Care on January 27, 2012


There’s been a lot of discussion about dog vaccinations recently. Some veterinarians believe booster shots are over done and should only be given every three years. Other are adamant that annual shots are needed to adequately protect a dog from disease.

While the ideal frequency may be debated, few dispute the fact that vaccinations are a must. Millions of dogs all over the world are vaccinated every year, and only a tiny percentage have any adverse reaction.

The vaccines may not offer full protection against every disease, but an unvaccinated dog is at much greater risk, so why take the chance? Until there is documented clinical proof that vaccines are a threat to dog health, it is definitely advisable to have your dog vaccinated.

Dog vaccinations protect against the most common canine diseases including, parvovirus, distemper and rabies. The initial shots are given to a puppy between the age of 6 and 8 weeks. Thereafter shots are given at scheduled intervals until the pup is 15 weeks old. Booster shots are then given annually, although some veterinarians recommend once every three years.

It is common practice to administer the core vaccines in combination. This is commonly referred to as a five-in-one and protects against the following diseases;

Distemper: A deadly disease that causes convulsions, seizures, and failure of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. It is highly contagious and spread via contact with discharge from the nose and eyes of an infected dog.

Canine Hepatitis virus: A fast-spreading disease that attacks the abdominal organs, usually causing death within 6 – 10 days. Normally spread via the urine, faeces or saliva of an infected animal.

Leptospirosis: A bacterial disease that causes severe damage to the digestive tract, liver and kidneys. It is transmitted via infected urine and has an extremely high mortality rate.

Parainfluenza: Spread through the air, or through physical contact, this is a common and highly infectuous form of kennel cough.

Parvovirus: An extremely contagious viral disease that has a particularly high mortality rate among young and old dogs. Parvo mainly attacks the intestinal tract, lymphoid tissue, and immune system, usually resulting in death if not treated.

In addition to these core vaccines, your dog will usually also be inoculated against rabies.

Why Dog Vaccinations Are Essential

Dog vaccinations are important for a number of reasons, chief of which is the health of your pet. But there are many other valid reasons for vaccinating your dog, some of them required by law.

Many city ordinances require it, and if you intend to travel with your dog, particularly abroad, you will need to provide proof of vaccination. If you want to take your dog to obedience classes, or put him into kennels, or doggy day care, you’ll need to provide a vaccination certificate. Ditto if you want to take your dog to a pet friendly hotel or resort.

All of these are good reasons to have your dog vaccinated. But the most important one will always be the health and well-being of your pet.

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Health Issues Regarding Maltese Terriers You Should Look Out For

by Pet Care on January 26, 2012


Thankfully they do not have scores of health troubles just like most other terrier dog breeds, although you have to be also aware that there some particular Maltese terriers health concerns. So below are some of the most average health concerns that this certain terrier dog breed can confront. Specially if you have a Maltese terrier, you have to be acquainted with what are the signs and symptoms of these health concerns and how to remedy them.

Eye infections – The hair that can be found around the eyes of the Maltese terriers is one distinct characteristic of this terrier breed. And through that, it is effortless for them to acquire eye infections. So for you to avoid eye infections, you should snip the hair near the eyes habitually. Eye irritation can occur when you don’t trim it and that could cause eye infections which can also be a reason why your dog develops blindness.

Slipped Stifle – Slipped stifle happens when the joint locates on the back leg of your dog which has the ability to bend will slip from time to time. When it comes to Maltese terrier health concerns, this is among the most frequent. When the slip occurs it will initiate a limp. Fortunately it does amend on its own even devoid of your help but it can also cause your dog to endure surgery but that simply happens when the problem persists and when your dog is stricken from considerable aching.

Collapsed Trachea – The trachea is the part of the dog’s body that allows air to pass through from the nose all the way to the lungs and when this part collapses, it is a serious health problem. And this is also a known health concern among Maltese terriers. The most probable sign that you will notice when your dog has one is when he has chronic cough with a pairing sound that is like a goose’s honking. Again, operation will be the most the most basic method to take care of it but that would alone be the case when it is not treated for a prolonged time. Thankfully it can also be treated with medication.

Liver Shunts – When a Maltese terrier has just come out his mother’s womb, they may have already have the health disorder called liver shunts. Liver shunts is a problem in which the liver does not obtain a sufficient amount of oxygen that it needs to function after birth. It is understood that liver shunt exists due to the inadequate blood circulation inside the puppy’s body. This health concern that the Maltese terrier could have can be dreadfully fatal so it is vital that it should be detected directly then and there. A successful surgery procedure should resolve the problem. Maltese terriers are one of the more most popular dog breeds for good reason. They are cute, and generally healthy and fun dogs.

Canary Bird Health

by Pet Care on January 26, 2012


Canary Bird Health
Written by: Simon23

The Canary is a popular pet across the globe with many proprietors enraptured by it’s beautiful singing voice, this makes Canary bird health a popular topic of discussion Amongst the myriad fans of this enchanting creature.

Canary health in many ways is not so different from human health; a Canary’s needs incorporate a clean living environment, typical exercise, good diet and preferably the company of other Canary’s. The most important aspect is keeping the cage clean, droppings should be removed every day and the base and walls of the cage disinfected once a month with a mild disinfectant. The majority of Canary health troubles arise from a dirty cage.

The cage should be positioned out of direct sunlight and away from the wind in order to reduce any fast temperature changes, the Canary is native to the West coast of Africa and one should take care not to let them get too cold. Covering the cage in the evening to inspire healthy sleep patterns is certainly recommended; good rest patterns are important to a healthy immune system.

The next important contribution to the Canary’s immune system will be the diet; a good canary mix with additional important is a good choice. The complement meals incorporate small pieces of fruit for vitamin content and small quantities of cuttlefish in order to supply calcium. Birds that are pregnant or who seem to lack vibrancy in their color can advantage from small quantities of egg too. This is probably due to the variety of amino acids, which can really improve Canary bird health.

A often overlooked part of Canary feeding is grit; small quantities of sand and grit are required for the bird’s digestion to function at peak level.

Which Canary health ailments should an owner be looking out for? Air sac mite bird infection and parasitic feather mites are two common parasitic infections. The Air Sac mite lives within the respiratory system and symptoms include changes in the bird’s voice, coughing, “bob-tailing” and a generally unhealthy demeanor. Feather mites are generally easier to spot, look out for balding, irritation and the presence of holes in feather shafts. Both ailments are easily treated with sprays, usually involving moxidectin, which has very few side effects on Canary bird health.

Respiratory Tract infection is one of the most dreaded Canary health troubles and is induced by a yeast infection. This infection is usually noticed only after some time so look for early symptoms such as weakness and respiration troubles. The best cure is prevention; just adhere to with the uncomplicated guidelines on hygiene, rest and diet in order to ensure good Canary health.

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