I Love Animals

Before purchasing for yourself a Siamese cat or a rag doll as your pet, make sure that one, you’re not allergic to cats and secondly, your place of living allows house owners to have pets. If you have a problem with any of the two options, you might have to reconsider your decision to own a pet after all.

But if there’s no problem with any of those, here are our general tips to help you take good care of your pet cat.

There’s a reason why cats are said to have nine lives so if you’re planning to own a pet cat, be aware that the normal lifespan of a pet cat kept indoors could reach up to 17 years or so. If that’s okay with you then great, proceed with your purchase of a pet cat.

When you do finally own a pet cat, do keep in mind that your pet cat has to be neutered or spayed before he reaches maturity. This is a necessity if you don’t want your house to be reeking of your pet cat’s urine. The best possible time for spaying would be before your pet cat is seven to eight months old.

With pet cats, you must have dry food ready for their consumption at all times. Letting your pet cat live on a daily and regular canned food diet will only result to having a malnourished pet cat and surely you don’t want that? And although dogs can certainly consume and stay healthy with cat food, this is not a vice versa thing with pet cats.

With pet cats, a vaccination is necessary to prevent and minimize the chances of your pet cat experiencing respiratory problems later on. It’s better to have your pet cat vaccinated as early as possible. In fact, your pet kitten must be vaccinated several times just to make sure that your pet cat will experience the desired outcome.

Always check and feel your pet cat for scratches, burns, wounds and other things that could result to infection or pain for your pet cat. If your children are fond of playing with your pet cat, there could be times that they’ve left a rubber band around the neck of your pet cat for a long time, long enough to form a bruise.

And that’s the end of our article on pet cats. Hope you have fun with your pet cat!

There once was a man who wanted to make money utilizing his pet dog. So what did he do? He took all of his dog’s expenses and deducted them on his taxes, dog food, leashes, dog food bowls, veterinary bills, etc. His rationale was that his dog acted as a watchdog for his home and was therefore a security system, an allowed deduction by the IRS.

Was his deduction legal? I have no idea, I’m not an accountant. But I can certainly sympathize with the man. Pets, dogs especially, can be an expensive endeavor. In any given year you will spend on your dog hundreds of dollars on veterinary bills and medical treatments, hundreds or thousands more on dog food, and then you’ve got equipment, leashes, collars, and such. Your annual dog maintenance bill could easily reach into the thousands. What if you could take your love of dogs and turn it into a money making venture? Thousands have and are much better off for having done it.

There are several traditional ways to turn your dog-loving self into a pet entrepreneur. Thousands have gone into the dog training industry. These professionals spend thousands of dollars and years learning their craft. Dog training can be a tough and competitive industry, but very rewarding for those who are successful.

Thousands more have turned their love of dogs into a career as a dog groomer. This is another dog career that requires extensive training and ongoing learning. Commissions can be high, though, given enough clientele.

Within the last decade there have been an increasing number of pet professionals in the pet sitting/dog walking industry. This can be a fun dog-job for a pet lover. This job provides variety and a good living.

None of these pet careers compares, however, to a burgeoning new industry for people who wish to make a care working with dogs. Direct sales has typically been a career dominated by products marketed to people. Only in recent years has this business model been adopted to cater to pet products.

The pet food industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. Pet owners for years have purchased their pet food at grocery store or big box pet outlets. The pet foods purchased are typically full of fillers, preservatives, rotting animal carcasses not fit for human consumption, covered in throw-away grease purchased from restaurants, and completely lacking in nutrition.

A few pioneering companies are fighting this trend. These companies are creating quality dog and cat foods without these damaging by-products, and are selling them in a way never before attempted in the pet industry; direct sales and network marketing.

These new pet food representatives are finding an opportunity to not only provide superior pet foods and supplements but to line their wallets in the process. A successful pet food representative can quickly build a network of consumers who find that their pets are healthier and happier due to quality food, but are also saving money on vet bills, allergy treatments, and smaller portions. Representatives are able to harness the power of the internet, word-of-mouth, print advertising, etc. to build their business effectively. Representatives work part time, full time, and around their own schedules.

Do you love dogs? Do you want to have a career working with dogs and other pets? Consider becoming a pet food representative.

Rewards just may be the single most important motivator in shih tzu training. Obedience training through the use of rewards and other positive reinforcements has long been recognized as the most effective method of reaching most dogs and getting the best possible results.

Making obedience training fun, and even making it a bit of a game, can be very important to keeping both the shih tzu and the handler motivated and willing to learn. Incorporating a period of playtime at the beginning and end of every training session will make sure that every session begins and ends on a good note.

The most basic of all obedience commands is heeling, or walking with the handler on a loose lead. This is usually the first obedience behavior that is taught, and it is an easy one to teach through reward training. Begin by fitting the shih tzu with a quality, properly fitted training lead and training collar. If you are unsure of how to fit the training collar, be sure to ask a dog trainer, or the manager at the store where the equipment is purchased.

Start walking with the shih tzu, always being cognizant of the shih tzu’s position relative to your own. If the shih tzu begins to forge ahead, gently pull on the leash. This will engage the training collar and give the shih tzu a gentle reminder to slow down. It may be necessary to apply greater pressure at first until the shih tzu learns to accept the correction.

If the dog begins to fall behind, slow down and gently urge the shih tzu forward. The use of a lure, or a favorite toy, can be very useful when teaching the shih tzu to walk at your side. By keeping the lure at the desired position for the shih tzu, he or she should quickly learn the desired location.

Always be sure to provide plenty of praise, treats, toys and other rewards when the shih tzu does what is expected of him. Shih Tzu learn best by positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement means that when the animal does what the handler wants, it receives a reward, which can be anything from a pat on the head to a treat to a favorite toy. At the beginning of training, even the slightest attempts to please the owner should be rewarded.

Training by using reprimands and punishment is not nearly as effective as training by using rewards. Dogs can become discouraged and confused by excessive amounts of punishment and reprimands. Reprimands may be required from time to time, to correct potentially dangerous behaviors like chasing or biting, for instance, but reprimands should be short and directly attributed to the problem behavior at hand. After the immediate danger has passed, the training should continue with reward based training and positive reinforcement.

For instance, if you come home and your shih tzu is chewing the furniture or other inappropriate item, immediately give the shih tzu a sharp “No” or “Off” and take the item away. Then immediately give the shih tzu one of his toys or other items that he is allowed to chew on, and praise the shih tzu enthusiastically when he takes the toy and begins to chew it. This will teach the shih tzu to associate chewing some items, like his toys, with praise, and chewing inappropriate items with reprimand.

It is very important for the shih tzu to make these associations, since it is very hard to change negative associations once they have formed. It is always much easier to train proper obedience behaviors the first time than it is to go back and retrain a problem shih tzu later on. That does not of course mean that retraining is impossible, it simply means that it is more difficult.

Teaching a shih tzu puppy, or an older shih tzu, to associate the behaviors you value, such as coming when called, sitting on command, walking at your side, chewing only on toys, etc. with happy, fun times is the basis of all successful shih tzu training.

Have you heard of acrylic fish tanks before? If not and you are in the market for a new fish tank, you are urged to examine them. Acrylic fish tanks are rapidly becoming the most preferred type of fish tanks available on the market. One of the reasons for that is because they have a number of benefits. If you would like more information on acrylic fish tanks and why you should think about owning one, you will want to read on.As it was stated above, acrylic fish tanks are rapidly increasing in popularity. One of the many reasons for this increase in popularity is due to their reliability. This reliability encompasses a number of different features, including strength. Acrylic fish tanks, when compared to glass fish tanks, are stronger. What does this mean for you? This means that by owning an acrylic fish tank, you are less likely to experience distortion or a broken fish tank. In fact, that is why most acrylic fish tanks come with a warranty, many of which are lifetime warranties.In addition to the acrylic that is actually used in an acrylic fish tank, the seams are stronger as well. Acrylic aquariums are sealed by using molecular bonds, instead of silicone seam strips, which are used on glass aquariums. This means that the seaming on acrylic fish tanks will last longer than the sealing that can be found on most glass fish tanks. In fact, aftertime, it still appears as if the sealing on an acrylic fish tank is just as good as the day it was first purchased!As much as we would like to prevent our fish tanks, even acrylic fish tanks from showing signs of wear and tear it will happen. This is most commonly seen with scratches. The good news is if you own an acrylic fish tank and it does get scratched, it can easily be repaired. In fact, you don’t even have to hire a professional to repair the scratches on your acrylic fish tank. There are a number of kits that you can purchase, from most on and offline fish tank supply stores, which will allow you to repair your own acrylic fish tank scratches, right in your own home!Another one of the many reasons why you should think about owning an acrylic aquarium is because of the supplies that you will need. Of course, you will still need to purchase a number of fish tank supplies and accessories, but you may find the supplies needed are less than those needed with glass fish tanks. One of the reasons for this is because acrylic fish tanks provide your tank with top of the line insulation. This insulation will either help to keep your fish tank warmer or your fish tank cooler. When your fish tank water reaches it average temperature, you may find yourself having to use your aquarium chiller or your aquarium heater less. In the long run, this may end up saving you a little bit of money!When searching for an acrylic fish tank, you may find that they are priced higher than most traditional glass fish tanks. You will not want the price to steer you away from purchasing an acrylic fish tank. As it was mentioned above, there are a number of reasons why you should own an acrylic fish tank. In fact, the above mentioned benefits are just a few of the many that exist! Essentially, this means that no matter how much you pay for an acrylic fish tank, you are getting a great value for your money. This point is important to keep in mind because the cost of acrylic aquariums often prompts many first-time fish owners to purchase glass aquariums. However, it is important to note, that some later regret their decision to do so.If you like what acrylic fish tanks have to offer, you are urged to at least examine them. To examine or purchase an acrylic fish tank today, you will want to visit FishTanksDirect.com; they have a large selection of fish tanks available for sale, including acrylic fish tanks.

A familiar looking wrinkly and long eared dog, the Bloodhound breed is more than one thousand years old. Originally bred in Belgium by the monks of St. Hubert, the monks selectively bred Bloodhounds with other hounds to perfect the scenting ability of this breed. Bloodhounds were brought into England and eventually America. Bloodhounds have the strongest scenting ability of all hounds and are known for the ability to track scents over long distances that may be days old.

Today, Bloodhounds are bred for the specific purpose of tracking human beings and are used to track victims of disasters or used by the police to track down suspects. Part of the Bloodhound history includes being used in the United States to track down runaway slaves. However, Bloodhounds are not hunters. They do not enjoy killing the prey, just capturing it. They will surround the prey and bay to let the master know its location. Male Bloodhounds will grow to between 25 and 27 inches and weigh 90 to 110 pounds. Female Bloodhounds will average 23 to 25 inches in height and 80 to 100 in weight. This large breed of dog will live about 10 to 12 years.

Bloodhounds have shorthaired coats that are easy to care for and can be black and tan, liver and tan and red and tawny. However, even with regular cleaning, Bloodhounds are sometimes described as having a strong ‘dog’ odor that will not go away. Bloodhounds tend to drool more than most dogs, and are also prone to howl and snore more as well. Described as kind, patient and affectionate, Bloodhounds are a good family dog and do well with children. In fact, many Bloodhounds will allow children to climb all over and will not react in any way. However, exercise caution when Bloodhounds are around children. This large dog may knock over smaller children accidentally.

Bloodhounds need firm and consistent training since they can be strong-minded. This is especially true (and especially important) when out with a Bloodhound, as they will take off after a scent that has caught their attention. Bloodhounds can live in any environment, provided they are exercised at least once a day. Bloodhounds can have medical problems including bloat, stomach cramps, hip dysplasia and ear infections. A padded bed is recommended to avoid calluses on the joints. Some tend to get entropion, where the eyelids turn inward.

There is a website that has great information on Bloodhounds and most other breeds of dogs. It has details that pertain to a dog breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2007

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Dogs are a man’s best friend. That has always been the belief ever since. Why not? Because of their care, loyalty and sweetness to their owners, people will have a hard time not loving them.

Unfortunately for some dog owners and some people, the dog becomes their worst enemy. Just imagine the life of the mail man. The mail man has been always portrayed in movies or cartoons as a biting post of dogs. This is not a stupid joke. I have a n uncle who worked as a mail man and got bitten by a dog.

In fact, there are more people aside from mailmen that get victimized by dog bites. Every year there are 4.7 million people that get bitten by dogs. Among the 4.7 million people that get bitten, 17% needs medical attention. Also, 10-20% of tragic bite victims are killed by dog bites.

Since this has been a growing problem, certain breeds have been banned in some U.S. states. Here are the top 10 breeds that cause dog bites in no particular order. Rottweilers, pit bulls, huskies, German shepherds, Dobermans, malamutes, St. Bernards, chow chows, Akitas and Great Danes.

The dog’s behavior of being aggressive or non-aggressive greatly depends on the owner’s responsibility and training of the dog. Here are several steps that the owners can take to make their dog safe around other people.

• Make your puppy have social interaction with other dogs and people after it gets vaccinated. This will help the puppy feel that other dogs and humans are not threatening. The puppy will then learn to be friendlier. Bring the puppy to the park, pet store or even puppy classes.

• Spraying or neutering the dog will greatly help reduce the risk. When the dog is neutered some of its territorial instincts like territorial aggression are reduced. Most fatal dog bites (80%) are caused by non-neutered male dogs. So trying to neuter your aggressive male dog will help keep it safe around other people.

• Always remember to restrain your dog when interacting with strangers or in a public place. You can’t predict your dog’s behavior even though you may say that it’s really friendly. Try to restrain him with a leash when in a public place. Also prevent strangers from interacting with the dog because the stranger might startle him or her. When leaving the dog alone in your yard, remember to enclose him on a fence that will be suitable for its size.

• It is the dog’s nature to bite anything, so training it to not bite anything will greatly help. Distraction will work on a dog when it is biting anyone. Try to make a quick sound such as a clap or saying “ow”. After, make the dog chew the chew toy. It will greatly help in training if the dog is rewarded when biting the right stuff.

• Always watch your dog’s behavior. When the dog is really aggressive and can’t be trained, get help from the vet.

Being able to follow these things can help prevent the risk of your dog to society. Instead of becoming public enemy number 1 it could be America’s sweetheart. So be a responsible owner.

We understand. One day you are walking in the mall, and just happen to pass the pet store. Oh, why not just take a break from shopping and take a look at the cute little puppies. All puppies are so adorable when they are small. Who can resist those eyes, that cute little face and the tail just seems to wag so hard when someone comes near their cage. The pet shop worker says, “Do you want to hold one?” Sure, you have time for a cuddle. Fifteen minutes later you are hooked.

Well, you have been thinking about getting a dog someday. But wait,….before you decide to take that puppy home.

There are important factors to consider BEFORE falling for that cuddly ball of fur.

1) What are your living arrangements? Do you live in a single family home with a fenced in back yard? Or an apartment on the 5th floor without an elevator?

2) What is your schedule? Do you work? Unable to be home for 8 hours or more every day? Maybe an older dog who is already housebroken would be a better choice. There are always dogs available for adoption at your local Humane Society.

3) What are your family dynamics? Are there small children who may not always remember to close the door fully when they go outside? Or may leave small toys on the floor that a puppy can chew or even swallow?

4) That puppy may be very small now, but what size will he/she be when fully grown - which only takes about a year. A Bichon will be approx. 12 lbs. fully grown whereas a golden retriever could be around 70 lbs.

5) Do you know the characteristics of the different breeds. Some breeds are more suitable for children than others. Some breeds are more suitable to apartments, some require more exercise area. Some breeds need professional grooming on a regular basis.

6) Do you want a male or female? Are you prepared to have him or her neutered or spayed. Are you ready for the expense of properly caring for a dog?

All these and many other questions need to be answered before you decide to bring a new addition into your household. A dog is a commitment of 8 to 15 years or more. It is very important that the decision be made carefully and involve all members of the family.

But if you are sure that you have thought it through and this is the ONE for you……. Hold onto that little fur ball, and tell the pet shop worker, “I’LL TAKE THIS ONE”.

Life without a Pet is a dull life indeed !!

Visit www.fourpawsboutique.net for a large large selection of Dog Clothes and Costumes, Dog and Cat Carriers, Beds, Collars, Leashes, and various other fine pet products for “YOUR FRIEND WITH FOUR PAWS”.