Behavior Problems in Dogs

Behavior Problems in Dogs

There are many behavioral problems in dogs that leave us wondering, why are they doing that? What are the causes and what can I do to stop such behavior? The more frequently reported behavioral problems are described below.

Destructive behavior
Destructive behavior is one of the most common complaints from dog owners, and hence necessitates the most in-depth discussion. A dog quickly ceases to be ‘man’s best friend’ when he/she scratches up a prized rug, chews up a favourite sweater, or eats an expensive pair of shoes. Destructive behavior is due to many causes, including separation anxiety. Many owners are gone from the house for many hours during the day, and the result is that the dog has more opportunity to develop destructive behavior The problem with this is that owners come home and see the chewed object and will punish the dog at that time. The dog will not associate the act of destruction to the punishment because they will not understand exactly why you are upset. They will act ‘guilty’ because they know you are upset, but they will not associate your anger with their act of destroying the object. Therefore, do not punish a dog for its behavior unless you catch him in the act.

Another reason for destructive behavior is lack of environmental stimulation. Boredom may be a cause, or at least a contributing factor, especially in young or large animals that do not receive adequate exercise. Animals need environmental stimulation. Obtaining a second pet or providing interesting and interactive toys for the dog may help. For example, a hollow toy filled with solid treats or peanut butter encourages the dog to interact with the ball to get at the treats.

Finally, destructive behavior could also occur due to barrier frustration. This may result if the dog has been punished by being put in a closed room or into a fenced yard, or it may be caused by the presence of something very desirable on the other side of the barrier. In these cases, the dog will try hard to break through the barrier and may destroy the door frame or door knobs, for example.

To treat destructive problems, one must determine the exact cause of the behavior and remedy the cause accordingly. For example, a young dog that is chewing furniture but not doorways is mostly likely in need of more environmental stimulation. Increasing exercise, providing another animal companion, putting the radio on, decreasing anxiety, or giving a chew toys only when the owners are away are other treatments.

Preventing such behavior is always easier than trying to treat it. Puppy owners should avoid giving the puppy old shoes or a piece of rug to chew on because the animal will not be able to differentiate between an old sneaker and the new leather dress shoe. Dog toys should be provided, but they should be a type and texture that the dog can easily distinguish from forbidden objects. It is also a good idea to be consistent when presenting toys to the dog and make it obvious that the toy indeed belongs to the dog. Puppies should be left in their crate when the owners are gone from the house. The crate should not be the place where you confine the dog as punishment. The crate is their ‘den’ and the puppy should learn that it is their own safe haven.

Aggression
Aggression is also a common complaint from dog owners and is a serious threat to public safety. Refer to the article on aggression and biting at http://pets.ca/articles/article-dog-aggression.htm for more information. Biting should be discouraged during puppy-hood. Refer to the article on what to do if you have a ‘mouthy puppy’ here: http://pets.ca/articles/article-dogmouthy.htm

Excessive barking
Excessive barking can be disruptive to you and the neighbours. But before considering a drastic surgery such as debarking (which is not recommended), determine where and when the dog is barking. If it occurs only when out in the backyard alone, the solution is to keep the dog indoors and accompany the dog on a leash outside. More commonly, dogs bark at strangers or visitors to the house. This is due to territorial behavior and the dog is simply protecting his/her property – that may include you. It is your task to teach the dog to stop inappropriate barking. Use positive reinforcement to modify the dog’s behavior For example, when the dog barks, call him/her over or command him/her to sit and reward with a tasty treat. Do not use negative punishment because it may cause fear in the dog, which may exacerbate the barking problem. For more on eliminating barking problems, refer to the article here: http://pets.ca/articles/article-dog_barking.htm or here: http://pets.ca/articles/article-bark-alone.htm

Jumping up on people
Jumping up on people is a common behavioral problem that is usually minor, unless the dog is very large or the owner has small children. The problem persists because the dog continues to receive the attention that he/she wants. The best solution is to train the dog that jumping up will get him/her no attention. Ignore the dog completely when he/she attempts to jump up on you. Look upward and fold your arms across your chest so the dog receives no physical or visual contact. Command the dog to sit calmly. Once he/she sits, you may reward with attention. Be consistent and have the entire family participate in this training. The dog will soon learn that jumping up will get no attention.

Pica
Pica is defined as the abnormal ingestion of materials that are not normally food. These include soil, gravel, or feces. Puppies are notorious for eating inappropriate objects that must be surgically removed from the gastrointestinal tract. Occasionally, pica may be a sign of a deficiency in their diet, but more frequently, it is simply due to the animal’s own curiosity. One of the most troubling forms of pica is the ingestion of feces (coprophagia). Unless the feces contains parasites, coprophagia affects the owner’s aesthetic values more than the dog’s health. However, to change such a habit, owners can sprinkle pepper on the feces to make it less appealing to the dog. Another approach is to inject hot sauce into the center of feces so the dog cannot smell that it has been been altered.

Excessive licking
Self-mutilation is a behavioral problem caused by excessive licking and/or biting of the animal’s own body. The affected areas can progress to lick granulomas (hairless areas of thickened, irritated skin) or more serious infected wounds. An indication of the dog licking at an area is discolouration of the fur. Saliva will cause fur to redden in colour. In the absence of other diseases that cause itching (such as parasites or allergies), this self-mutilation has a psychological cause. Boredom, changes in the environment or other stress factors are examples of possible causes.

Tail chasing
Tail chasing is a phenomenon that is often humorous to people. However, it should be considered a behavior problem and should not be encouraged. The cause is unknown. Restraint seems to exacerbate the problem, so eliminating cage confinement and distracting the dog while he/she is chasing may help. Tail chasing is also often a sign of boredom and inadequate exercise.

Phobias
Dogs have an interesting variety of phobias, including fear of thunderstorms, fireworks, street noises, or cars. Occasionally, the phobia can be traced to a bad experience that the dog had in the past. A common phobia is fear of thunderstorms. Those dogs may become frantic or try to run away during storms. In severe cases, the dog will try to escape by clawing through doors, or jump high fences. The presence of the owner or a blanket to cover the dog often helps. Progressive desensitization for thunder phobias is a commonly used treatment method. A good quality recording of thunder is played quietly to the dog while positive reinforcement is given, such as treats. The volume of the recording is increased progressively as the dog becomes more and more comfortable with the noise. This can be done daily in 10 minute sessions. If the problem is very serious, calming medication may be needed during storms.

Car chasing/running away
Car chasing or running away are problems that can be prevented by keeping the dog on a leash, under voice control or in a sturdy pen at all times. If you wish to let your dog off-leash, do so in a fenced backyard or designated fenced dog park. Once a dog has learned to chase cars or to roam, it can often find ways to escape confinement, so restraint as well as behavioral modification methods should be used. For example, squirting the dog with a water pistol or frightening him/her with a loud noise (i.e. an empty pop can filled with pebbles dropped on the ground behind the dog) can discourage the dog from running onto the road.

Digging holes
Digging holes in the yard is a problem that arises when the dog is trying to escape from the yard when confined as punishment. Dogs also dig to keep cool or to catch rodents. If the dog is left outdoors during hot weather, ensure the dog has a cool shelter with plenty of water available. Eliminate rodents and put chicken wire where the dog likes to dig to deter it. If the dog is a natural digger like a Terrier than digging has a genetic component. Consider giving the dog an area where it is allowed to dig.

By Amy Cheung - Pets.ca writer

Addison's Disease in Dogs

Addison's Disease in Dogs
The inconspicuous adrenal glands are small but important organs which serve many functions in maintaining hormone levels. Diseases that affect the adrenal glands may have deleterious effects on the body. Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is a disease of the adrenal glands that results in a deficiency of either glucocorticoids or mineralocorticoids or both.

Glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, are involved with protein, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and therefore affect blood glucose levels. Mineralocorticoids are adrenal steroids which have an effect on ion transport by epithelial cells, resulting in a loss of potassium and retention of sodium. In the case of a dog with Addison’s disease, the decreased production of glucocorticoids and/or mineralocorticoids will be reflected in blood biochemical values.

Addison’s disease is often referred to as “the great pretender” because the signs it causes are nonspecific. Clinical signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, increased drinking, and vomiting. All of those signs can be attributed to a wide range of other diseases, so it may sometimes be difficult to diagnose. However, when a dog has repeated episodes of the above signs, Addison’s should be a suspect. This is especially true if the episodes were precipitated by a stressful event, such as a busy party or loud thunderstorm. Most cases of Addison’s disease are related to an immune-mediated process which destroys the adrenal tissue.

Occasionally, a dog may suffer from an acute episode of Addison’s disease which presents as generalized weakness, a low heart rate, heart arrhythmia (abnormal heart beat), collapse and shock. The dog will find him/herself in the emergency room and will require immediate aggressive fluid therapy, steroids and electrolytes to recover.

Although Addison’s disease can occur at any age and affect any breed or sex, it is most common in young adult female dogs. Addison’s disease has been reported in dogs as young as eight weeks of age, but the mean age of dogs at the time of diagnosis is 4 years. Breeds that may be genetically predisposed to developing Addison’s disease include the Great Dane, Portuguese Water Dog, Rottweiler, Standard Poodle, and the West Highland White Terrier.

The first step in diagnosing the disease is using a blood panel to analyze blood biochemistry levels. Addisonian dogs have unbalanced sodium and potassium levels due to the kidney’s inability to regulate those electrolytes. Liver enzymes and kidney values are also commonly elevated. To reach a definitive diagnosis, blood cortisol levels must be measured. An adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) test is performed. This test involves two blood samples. The first blood sample is drawn and then the patient is given an injection of ACTH. A second blood sample is taken a few hours later. Cortisol is measured in both samples and the two results are compared. A patient with Addison’s has a low baseline cortisol level that fails to rise after stimulation with ACTH. ACTH normally stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Failure of the adrenals to respond to ACTH results in an inadequate production of the hormones, which leads to the clinical signs associated with the disease.

Treatment of Addison’s disease involves supplementing the dog with both types of adrenal steroids. One steroid, called prednisone, is given at a very low dose to boost glucocorticoid levels. Another drug called fludrocortisone acetate helps replenish mineralocorticoid levels. Both drugs are given orally. An alternative to oral medications is an injection of desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP), which is given about once per month. The clinical signs of Addison’s disease usually disappear after fine-tuning the treatment protocol, and protocols may vary from dog to dog. Close monitoring of blood levels to ensure that the medications are working as they should is important.

For an acute Addisonian crisis, the dog is treated as an emergency case. Aggressive treatment with IV fluids, steroids and glucose are indicated. Once stabilized, Addisonian dogs have a good prognosis and can continue to live long, happy lives.


By Amy Cheung - Pets.ca writer

Kids and Dogs Safety Tip Sheet

Teaching children the do's and don'ts regarding animals is among one of the most important lessons you'll ever teach them. Animals are everywhere and though many are domesticated, this does not automatically make them safe. For example, in the US alone, 1-2 million dog bites occur annually.

Today many homes are raising children along with the family dog. Naturally kids delight in hugging, petting, and playing with their pets. But unfortunately, many children grow up believing that all dogs are gentle and friendly like their pets, and commonly fall victim to a dog attack, simply because they'd never been taught when it's not okay to approach a dog.

Start teaching your children the following safety guidelines regarding dogs when they are quite young, and continue reinforcing these precautions frequently.

Never run up to a dog.

Never attempt to touch a neighbor's dog through a fence.

Never touch a dog that is growling, showing his teeth, or barking hysterically.

Young children must never approach dogs without a grown-up's supervision.

Always hold your hand out first and allow the dog to sniff your hand.

Never grab at a dog.

Don't approach a dog that is a watch dog protecting his property.

Never attempt to touch a dog that is eating or in possession of a bone or a treat of some sort.

Never hurt the animal by pulling it's tail or fur for example.

If the dog is leashed, ask the dog's owner permission to pet the dog first.

Keep your face away from the dog's, when approaching or playing with them.

Don't make loud noises or sudden moves when approaching a dog. Speak softly to it.

If a dog is chasing you, stop running, as this encourages him to chase you.

Avoid eye contact with an aggressive dog, and back off slowly and non-threateningly.

Do not touch, or attempt to touch, the animal's eyes.


Brought to you by: World Wide Information Outlet - http://certificate.net/wwio/, your source of FREEWare Content online.

Copyright (c) by Sheila Blythe-Saucier. Founder and owner of Safety Net-Child Safety Consultants, Sheila Blythe-Saucier is in the business of protecting children from the hazards that exist in their homes and communities.

An R.N. for the last 20 years, Sheila extensively researched and authored a child safety book, which lead to the development of her usiness. Through a home inspection covering over 600 hazards commonly found in and around homes with young children, parents receive an education on protecting their kids fully, in a few hours time.

Diabetes in Dogs

Diabetes Mellitus can affect both cats, dogs and humans. It can be a debilitating disease if left untreated, managing it can be a challenge! Imagine having to chase around your cat and dog on a daily basis because they didn't like their shots, and who can blame them. Once an effective treatment for this disease is established cats and dogs can go onto live long, healthy and practically normal lives.

When most people think of diabetes, they think of diabetes mellitus. This is a common disease that is very easy to diagnose in both cats and dogs, but can sometimes prove difficult to manage.

Diabetes Mellitus Type I is a condition in which not enough insulin is released by the pancreas, so glucose cannot be utilized by cells for energy. Insulin acts as a transporter to carry glucose into cells. An insulin deficiency means the glucose stays in the blood instead of passing into the cells. This usually occurs when the beta cells (the cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin) have been destroyed. If enough glucose builds up in the blood, glucose will eventually start coming out in the urine, causing your cat or dog to drink large amounts of water and to urinate excessively.

There is also a Type II Diabetes Mellitus that occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin and/or the beta cells of the pancreas are dysfunctional. Obese patients are particularly susceptible to this type of diabetes.

Dogs and cats develop diabetes mellitus for many reasons. Dogs can get it because of immune mediated disease in which the dog's own antibodies attack and kill the pancreatic beta cells. Cats often get the disease from the accumulation of a special kind of protein around the beta cells. Both dogs and cats can develop the disease because of inflammation of the pancreas (called pancreatitis), hereditary defects of the pancreatic beta cells, obesity, other illnesses, and infections. All dogs that develop diabetes must be supplemented with insulin. For around a third of all cats with diabetes, the disease may be managed through other means, such as dietary changes.

Excessive urination and water consumption are probably the most well known features that accompany all forms of the disease. Other signs of diabetes mellitus include a ravenous appetite and weight loss in spite of excessive food consumption. Because the cells of the body are not receiving nutrients, the animal is really in a state of starvation, so the brain sends signals to the animal's body to tell it that it is very hungry. In the meantime, the body begins to break down its own resources to survive (i.e.muscle and fat) and weight loss ensues.

Another problem associated with diabetes is cataracts, which can develop because hyperglycemia (excess glucose in the blood) can cause water to accumulate in the lens of the eye, causing swelling and disruption of the fibers of the lens. This process is irreversible and can lead to blindness within a matter of days in more severe cases.

Diabetic patients are also predisposed to urinary infections because the excess glucose in the urine may cause bacteria to grow more readily.

Diagnosis of this disease is made through observing the signs of the disease, detecting excess glucose in the blood, even when the animal has not eaten anything, and noting glucose in the urine. These lab results are easily obtained and can give a quick and definitive diagnosis.

The goal of treatment of the diabetic patient is to reduce the clinical signs and to prevent any complications of the disease. Sometimes successful treatment of diabetes can be as simple as feeding a high fiber diet and controlling the animals weight.

When insulin is required to control the diabetes, it can sometimes be difficult to determine the right amount to give. If too much is given, then the animal may become hypoglycemic (too little glucose in the blood), which could have life-threatening effects. If too little is given, the diabetes will remain uncontrolled. The only way to accurately determine the correct level of insulin is to feed the animal, give the insulin and then take blood samples every two hours until the level of glucose in the blood peaks and goes back down as the insulin has its effect. This is called a glucose curve. This can prove to be frustrating and time consuming in the first instance but it is really the only accurate way to tell if the insulin is working as it should.

If you suspect that your pet may be diabetic or you have more questions regarding diabetes mellitus, please contact your local veterinarian.

Taking Care of Fish Habitats

Taking Care of Fish Habitats
By Kiya Sama

Habitats for Fish

1. Choose aquarium size carefully. A 10-gallon tank is a good size to begin with, though the bigger the tank, the easier it is to care for. Keep the fish population within reasonable limits. Allow at least a gallon of water per inch of fish; one expert says that you should have only one big fish or tow or three little fish in a 10-gallon tank.
2. For the aquarium you need: a hood with a light, a heater, a thermometer, a filter, air pump, a gang valve, airline tubing, gravel, a fishnet, water conditioner, and food.
3. To set up the tank: (1) rinse it out with tap water; (2) assemble the under-gravel filter and put it in the tank; (3) rinse the gravel (but not with soap or detergent) and add to the tank; (4) set up the air pump, connect the airline tube to the air stem on the filter and to the gang valve; (5) pour in the water and put in water conditioner (in amount suggested on the package); (6) set up the heater, but do not plug it for 15 minutes.
4. To introduce the fish: place the plastic bag containing the fish on top of the tank water for several minutes. Then open the bag, but leave the fish in it for a few more minutes before removing it.
5. About one-fifth of the water should be changed once a month.

Fishbowls for Freshwater Nontropical Fish

1. Fish in fishbowls are not easier to care for than fish in aquariums for tropical freshwater fish, but the initial investment is less.
2. You can buy bowls from pint-sized to two gallons.
3. The water is at room temperature, so you can raise only goldfish or Siamese fighting fish.
4. Siamese fighting fish must be raised alone. You can put one goldfish in a small bowl, up to three in a large one.
5. Change the water twice a week. The night before you change it, let the new water sit so that the chlorine dissipates.

General Dos and Don'ts

1. In the first month, test the water every day; after that, weekly. Water temperature of about 74F, works for most fish.
2. Don't put the aquarium in direct sun; use a fluorescent light on the tank.
3. Do not overfeed fish. Feed them once a day, only the amount of food they will eat in about 30 seconds. Otherwise the food and waste material from the fish begin to break down and create toxic byproducts. You can buy slow-release feeder tablets for times when you are away.
4. If fish get sick, take them to the pet store. Take little fish in a half-filled mayonnaise jar. Take big fish in trash can liners half-filled with water in a five-gallon bucket; blow some air into the bags. Also take a sample of tank water (3-4 oz.).

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kiya_Sama

Protecting The Family Pet

Protecting The Family Pet
By Thaddeus Collins, Fri Dec 9th


Ever since the beginning of time there has always been the petand the family, today's pets have become an integral part of thefamily, and even considered by some to be a part of the family.With this relationship being so vital, protection of the familypet is a major concern of many pet owners.

Each year millions of pets are reported lost or found, but alarge majority of these members of the family are never reunitedwith their owners. The main reason for this is lack ofidentification is because most pets do not have a pet collar oridentification tag to contact the owner if they are found, andthe ones that do contain obsolete or outdated contactinformation. There are many ways to tag a pet, but the petcollar is, and has always been the most recognize method ofidentifying the pet, and its owner for those who find a lost pet.

The remedy for this dilemma seems simple, just buy them a newpet tag every time you move or change contact information. Theproblem with this solution is that buying them a new tag withevery change can become a bit expensive in an upwardly mobilesociety. The best alternative is to register with a service thatprovides a unique tracking number for your pet, and providesfree lifetime updating of your contact information.



One company that provides this service is RecoveryPets.Com, andtheir website is located at http://www.recoverypets.com. Theservices they offer includes pet registration with a uniqueidentification number, and the register will receive a petidentification tag and pocket card with this identificationnumber on both items. The service is internet based and isaccessible from any computer in the world that has internetconnection, and they provide unlimited lifetime of contactinformation, along with a webpage that contains a description ofthe pet, photograph, and up to ten contact numbers or emails.

Ensuring that our pets are safe is a major concern for many petowners, and providing a way to recover a lost pet is just asimportant. With the advent of the internet, recovering pets hasbecome increasingly easier, but it still takes an undertaking onthe part of the owner to make sure that their four legged familymember is protected.

About the author:Thaddeus Collins is the owner of RecoveryPets.Com and theyspecialize in the global recovery of lost pets using a uniquetracking number. For more information visithttp://www.recoverypets.com


We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to pets that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

And again, thank you to those contributing daily to our pet door website.

Moving Your Pet

Moving Your Pet
By dan the roommate man, Fri Dec 9th


Getting through the emotional stress of moving is difficultenough for adults and children. But what about pets, a specieswith whom we can't even level? Pet owners are often baffled bytheir pets' behavior during and after a move. Sometimes it's apersonality change, a regression in housebreaking habits or asudden unexplained illness. Even if you don't notice somethingthat dramatic, there's no question that your faithful companionis feeling stress. How do you move your pet and keep the strainto an absolute minimum -- both to yourself and your beloved pet?

If you're planning a cross-country move by air, call theairlines first -- before you make any reservations -- and findout which ones allow pets as "animal passengers." Approximately750,000 pets make airline trips every year. Most of the majorairlines, such as American, Delta, Continental and Northwest,will allow animal passengers provided outdoor temperatures arewithin a certain range. Pets may be brought on board with theirowners as "carry-on baggage," or placed within the cargo sectionof plane as "checked baggage," weather permitting. Airlines alsohave established regulations regarding the number of petspermitted per flight, both on board and in the cargo section; aswell as number of pets permitted per passenger; and size andweight limitations for carry on and checked baggage. If at allpossible, book a direct flight to avoid the additional stress ofplane changes.

If you're contemplating having your pet travel in the cargosection of the plane, you may want to consider first thatbecause this area is in the belly of the plane, you won't haveaccess to your pet at any time during the flight. While thecargo area is both heated and pressurized, this area isn't lit,so unless you tranquilize your pet first, the experience islikely to be traumatic. And you should note that the safety ofsome varieties of tranquilizers has been questioned. Thesesubstances can have a dramatically different effect upon yourpet at high altitudes.



The federal Animal Welfare Act defines the guidelines for thetransportation of animals


by air, ground and water; however, asan added protection, some airline carriers take a particularlystrict approach and require passengers to submit a certificateof acclimation form signed by their veterinarians, permittingthe animal to be in temperatures below 45 degrees; as well as aninterstate health certificate.

As your moving date approaches, try to maintain your pet'sroutine, including feeding, exercise and play times. When youbegin to box up your belongings, and particularly when themovers arrive, you may want to consider recruiting a friend topet-sit to avoid undue stress for your companion. Make sure yourpet is wearing updated identification, and that you're carryingsome kind of identification for your pet, including recentphotos. If your pet escapes at any time during your move, you'llbe prepared.

Veterinarians also recommend that if you pack a water supplyfrom the home you're leaving. Changing water sources could causeyour pet stomach upset and ultimately, dehydration. Keep yourpet's food as bland as possible; this isn't the time toexperiment with new brands or varieties. Check with your vet forhis or her recommendations. Bring your pet for a thoroughphysical exam prior to your move, and make sure you obtain yourpet's updated records from your vet. If your vet can't refer youto a new health-care provider in your new hometown, call theAmerican Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) at (800) 883-6301for a list of local veterinarians in your new hometown.

Another tip: Several weeks before your move, find out what theregulations are in your new home state regarding the importationof animals. These laws often vary from state to state and evenamong counties.

Coming next week: Stay tuned for some enlightening tips specificto the moving of cats, dogs, birds and other small critters suchas gerbils and hamsters. Each one of these pets possesses a setof personality characteristics unique to the species, and theyaffect how well your pet is able to adapt to the movingexperience.

MoreMoving Advice


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About the author:Since 1989 dan the roommate man has helped 1000's of people findroommates. Need help? Contact him at 800-487-8050 orwww.roommateexpress.com


We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to pets that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

And again, thank you to those contributing daily to our dog training website.

Reservoir dogs

Renting With Pets
By dan the roommate man, Fri Dec 9th


It's disappointing when the only thing holding someone back fromthat perfect apartment is a "no pets allowed" clause. Ratherthan going through the extra effort of finding a rental unitwhich fits their personal criteria and accepts their pet, somepeople think they have no other choice than to leave Fido orFifi behind. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) hascreated a web site dedicated to easing the difficulties offinding a great apartment that will welcome both you and yourpet.

According to the Humane Society, 'moving', and 'the landlordwon't allow' are the top reasons given by pet owners whenrelinquishing their dogs or cats to animal shelters. BrookeCounty Animal Shelter puts anywhere from twenty to thirtyanimals to sleep per day. "It's not something we enjoy. We tryto save as many animals for as long as we can, but we can onlydo so much," says one employee.

Making an extra effort to find a place which will accept youalong with your pet may be time consuming, however, HSUS pointsout the benefits of pet ownership:



# Pets provide companionship. There are few things moresatisfying than the attention and affection of a good friend.Wagging tails, contented purrs, and adoring looks are all wayscompanion animals communicate with people and demonstrate theirdevotion. Many people talk to their pets and consider themmembers of the family.

# Pets give us someone to care for. When you add


up the smalldaily acts of caring for a pet - feeding, grooming, exercising -the sum total is a pet owner with a feeling of being needed.Having that sense of purpose and responsibility is a valuablelearning tool for children and can help fight loneliness,boredom, and depression, especially in the elderly or sociallyisolated.

# Pets help people be more sociable. People out walking theirdogs have a greater tendency to socialize with passersby; theirpets give them security and provide a ready-made topic forconversation. Even among families and friends, pets provide afocus of conversation and activity.

# Pets stimulate exercise. Pets promote vitality through activeexercise - such as brisk walking and outdoor games - or therapyfor disabled hands through regular grooming of pets.

# Pets comfort with touch. The gentle stroking of a pet canreduce stress and lower blood pressure and, when combined withquiet talk, create a feeling of relaxation, intimacy, andcloseness.

Hoping to reduce the number of animals unnecessarily put tosleep, the Humane Society attempts to bridge the gap betweenreluctant landlords and pet lovers by addressing the needs andconcerns of both parties. Visit the HSUS web site at:http://www.rentwithpets.org/

Also See: # Moving Your Pet # Pet Policies: Pleading Your CaseSuccessfully # Are Your Pets Soiling Your Chances of SellingYour Home?


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About the author:Since 1989 dan the roommate man has helped 1000's of people findroommates. Need help? Contact him at 800-487-8050 orwww.roommateexpress.com


We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to pets that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

And again, thank you to those contributing daily to our reservoir dogs website.

Avenue Q Broadway Show Review

Avenue Q Broadway Show Review
By Al Terry, Sat Dec 10th


A fictional tale of people and puppets living together in theharsh enviorment of New York City streets, telling the story ofall the generations of young hopeful adults who come to the bigcity to chase their dreams and find their identity as theybecome adults.

The show opened on July 10, 2003 at the Golden Theatre in thetheater district of New York's famed Broadway. The production isan original musical which has won praise from critics, bringinga breathe of fresh air to Broadway. The musical score includesgreat songs, mixed in with puppets and people dealing with thedifferent problems, such as an internet addict and a sexualidenty crisis. The storyline goes very deep into adult problems,as the idea of reading about puppets, you make think this ismore of a light hearted event, however some dark issues aredealt with,


all the while bringing you closer to the character,whether it be a human or a puppet.

Avenue Q made its official debut off Broadway at the VineyardTheater, once critics and viewers began applauding it's work, itwas moved onto Broadway to the John Golden Theatre where theproduction continues to gain a fan base and sell out shows. Mostwho see the show feel it is the best production on broadwayright now, and i would have to agree.



Avenue Q took home 4 Tony awards in 2003 including, includingBest Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book.


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About the author:Webmaster of Avenue Q Broadway Show Tickets


We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to pets that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

And again, thank you to those contributing daily to our pet meds website.

Veterinary pet insurance: the best way to maximize your pet's healthcare benefits

Veterinary pet insurance: the best way to maximize your pet's healthcare benefits
by ROBERT SCOTT
At present, most of the pet owners are securing their pet’s life with pet insurance policies. Since every pet faces injuries and other health hazards, these policies enable their owners to provide them with the best healthcare benefits in every situation. In fact, these policies are effectively helping pet owners in arranging best medical facilities whenever their pets are injured or ill. These policies are offering suitable financial back-up to all pet owners so that they may never need to worry about arrangement of finance during illness or injury of their pet. However, these policies charge a fixed amount of premium every month but they cover every veterinary expense form the very first day of buying the policy. Basically, veterinary pet insurance policies are the best way to deal with monstrous expenses of your pet’s treatment, as these policies offer maximum medical benefits. Therefore, if you are a pet owner and worried about the ever-increasing medical expenses of your pet, then throw your all worries aside, as these policies are there to lighten your financial burden. With these policies you can be rest assured that you will never have to disturb your budget for your pet’s expensive treatment.
Veterinary pet insurance covers a wide range of long and short term treatments of your pet, so that your pet’s healthcare needs may met with the most advanced veterinary treatments and procedure available. If you really plan for your pet’s long term health with annual wellness examinations and vaccination, then these policies can help you in preceding your plan without any financial obstacle. In fact, with the help of veterinary pet insurance you can perfectly mange your veterinary expenses, as these policies reimburse all your eligible expenses for accidents, illness and routine preventive care. Moreover, these policies also cover clinic visits, lab fees, X-rays, surgeries, prescriptions and hospitalization expenses of insured pet.

Always get a policy that is well suited to the requirements of your pet; for making highly beneficial selection, you can go for major healthcare plans, as these plans cover A to Z healthcare and hygiene expenses of the insured pet. For people, who are seeking superior insurance plans for their pets, there are many high valued veterinary pet insurance policies available in the marketplace. Such policies are perfect for pets, who are suffering from any long term disease like diabetes. For long term diseases, these policies offer special lifetime coverage facility, so that all minor and routine check-up expenses may also get covered.

Since pets are also the members of your family, it becomes your responsibility to maintain their quality of life. In fact, with veterinary pet insurance you can improve their quality of life by providing them with every possible care. Usually, these insurance plans use a benefit procedure which is associated with the department of insurance therefore, the pet owner can be rest assured about authenticity of these insurance policies. Therefore, simply contact a licensed clinic, pay for the treatment and file a claim for reimbursement. Once your claim is approved your medical expenses will be reimbursed within one week.

Robert Scott is a veterinary doctor and through ages having been dealing in pet insurance. If you want to know more about Pet Insurance,Dog insurance,Pet insurance Online,Veterinary pet insurance.you can visit www.insuranceforpets.net

Cat health insurance-Takes care of your pet

Cat health insurance-Takes care of your pet
by ROBERT SCOTT
Pet is dear to all. Once a person brings a pet home, it becomes an important member of his family. He or she takes care of it like any other family member. People usually prefer to have a cat at home. Cat is a very sweet creature and a person feels happy enjoying time with it. He enjoys its jumping and various other activities. After a long tiring day at work, when a person returns home, he feels relaxed on spending some time with his pet. Cats are very sensitive and they require extra care. Without your notice, your pet may meet with an accident or may eat some rotten food. In this case, it requires immediate treatment. Sometimes, a person may not be able to bear the expenses of the treatment and hence, he opts for the cat health insurance.
Cat health insurance provides reimbursement coverage for your pet's eligible medical treatments, surgeries, lab fees, X-rays, prescriptions and more. Whenever, your pet suffers from any sort of diseases, it is always wise to consult a vetenary doctor. It is beyond the capacity of the owner to understand the problem of his pet and to suggest any medicine. Before the disease of your pet becomes chronic, you should immediately take it to a good vetenary doctor. Proper care can only help your pet to get rid-off its problem quickly. Many a times, your pet incurs various diseases and sometime the cost of treatment of those problems may be very high. And, if you are not in a position to bear the expenses of the treatment then cat health insurance will be a great help.

With cat health insurance, all your worries of providing a good medical treatment to your pet will be solved. You will feel tension-free and would not panic on your pet’s treatment. With this insurance, you can undertake any sort of treatments. Your pet entertains you and at the same time provides you loyalty, love and companionship. So, it is your key responsibility to provide it with the best treatment at the time of necessity. You feel really annoyed and guilty if you are unable to bear the expenses of the treatment of your beloved pet. One always wants their pet to be in a good health and eat and drink properly.

There are many insurance agencies that provide cat health insurance. You can get the information of those agencies on the internet. You can also apply for the insurance policy online. Before applying for one, you should understand all its policies. An insurance agency understands the needs of his client and provides various treatment facilities to the pet owners. Pet insurance helps you cover the rising costs of vetenary care, so you need not have to choose between your pet’s well-being and your finances. Whenever, his or her cat suffers from any pain, the owner can understand its pain by its facial expression and gets it treated from a good vetenary doctor. The treatment of some diseases of a cat may be very expensive and a cat health insurance can help the owner in this case.

Robert Scott is a veterinary doctor and through ages having been dealing in pet insurance. If you want to know more about pet insurance,Pet insurance Online, Cat health insurance , Veterinary pet insurance. you can visit www.insuranceforpets.net

Help your pet lead a fulfilling life with cheap dog insurance

Help your pet lead a fulfilling life with cheap dog insurance
by ROBERT SCOTT
Like all children, even I was very fond of dogs and dreamed of a house full of dogs when I grew up. Now it seems that I am gradually trying to accomplish my dream since we already have three dogs, two Labrador Retrievers and a Beagle who is just three months old. People often wonder as to how one can juggle a house and a job with three dogs thrown in to be looked after and pampered. I tell them that once you come back home from a hard day at work or after you have just finished slogging at home, a welcoming lick form a dog can chase all your worries away. I can see all you dog owners nodding your head vigorously and I know I am right. However, a word of caution, keeping a dog is not just about his food and games and a cheap dog insurance can make life much easy.
I often wonder why people go in for stress relieving therapies when all they need to do is bring home a pet. Life can become very fulfilling if you have dogs around you because of the selfless love and devotion that they shower on you. On the same note, it is also important for pet owners to provide the best care possible for their dogs. Getting cheap dog insurance helps you provide not only for his regular check ups at the vet but also for all sundry expenses that you might have to undertake for your pet. The cheap dog insurance can cover the grooming costs and many other incidental costs that might arise on behalf of your pet.

Unplanned incidents like a pet getting lost or perhaps injuring your neighbor or his property in some manner, can be sufficiently covered by cheap dog insurance. All you need to do is search out a reliable and reputable company that provides such coverage. You could either surf the internet for such websites or even check out the yellow pages to get the information about the right insurance company providing pet insurance for concerned owners. Also, the vet or other pet owners might be one of the best sources to provide good references for the insurance company and you could accordingly approach them for a suitable plan for your dog.

Cheap dog insurance is beneficial for you and your pet in more ways than you thought possible. The obvious advantage is financial. If you compare the insurance premiums payable each month, to the actual expenditure which you would otherwise have to undertake from your own pocket towards your pet you can the huge amount of dollars that you can save. Also the insurance provides coverage for even the most unpredictable and unforeseen circumstances that would have otherwise landed you in a fix. A pet insurance for instance, may even provide for the a circumstance where you need to cancel a holiday in case your pet falls ill. So consider all options and select the best deal that provides the maximum benefits to both you and your beloved pet.

Robert Scott is a veterinary doctor and through ages having been dealing in pet insurance. If you want to know more about Pet Insurance,Dog insurance,Pet insurance Online,cheap dog insurance.you can visit www.insuranceforpets.net

Vaccines For Your Labrador Dog

Vaccines For Your Labrador Dog
by RICHARD CUSSONS
Vaccination is one of the most important and simple steps to make ensure the good health of your Labrador dog. However, some dog owners took it for granted maybe because they do not understand the importance of vaccination and how it affects their Labrador dog.
A new born puppy is not naturally immune to diseases, they only get their protection against diseases from their mother’ milk. Newborn puppies need to suckle immediately after they are born to obtain immunity; however, this protection lasts for just a few weeks after they are weaned. Puppies five weeks of age could be immunized.

So how does vaccination work? Vaccination is simply stimulating the dog’s immune system to protect itself against diseases. It is a process wherein an antigen or infectious agent is being introduced into the dog’s body. Once a vaccine is administered, the antigens must be recognized, responded to and remembered by the immune system.

Vaccines are grouped into two categories, the core and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines include rabies, canine distemper, canine parvovirus and canine hepatitis virus. Non-core vaccines for dogs include bordatella or kennel cough, canine parainfluenza virus, leptospirosis, corona virus and Lyme disease. Puppies five weeks of age are at high risk of Parvovirus, so it is important to ask for your veterinarian’s recommendation prior to vaccination.

Vaccines can be currently administered in two ways, intranasal (through the nose) and by injection. Injectable vaccines are given into the muscle (intramuscular) or under the skin (subcutaneous). Some vaccines can be given either way, while some should only be given one way. It is important to read the vaccine label to know the proper administration and avoid committing mistakes and problems. On the other hand, some vaccines which protect against kennel cough and other respiratory diseases are manufactured to be given as drops into the nose. These vaccines are effective in providing faster protection compared to those given through injections. Intranasal vaccines are less likely to cause allergic reactions; however, they may need to be given more often than Injectable vaccines.

Regular vaccinations can prevent your dog from contracting diseases but some dog owners are concerned of the dangers of vaccinating repeatedly. Fortunately, experts say that repeated vaccination won’t harm your puppy’s health condition.

The best thing for you to do is to continue vaccinating your dogs according to local laws and most of all, the recommendations of your vet. There is no evidence to suggest that repeated vaccination poses danger to the dog so there is no reason for alarm or panic.

Richard Cussons is not just a writer but also a great lover of dogs. Discover more about Labrador at this site dedicated to Labrador dog.

Pond Fish - Basic Care

Pond Fish - Basic Care

Fish. For most people the only thing they know about these scaly creatures is whether they taste better with lemon or tarter sauce. For Pond owners however, a little more information is needed. If you're a new Pond owner who has just purchased, or are thinking about purchasing, Koi, goldfish or other pond fish you might have a few questions. How do I introduce new fish into my pond? What do I need to do to make my pond suitable for them? How do I maintain my new friends?

Fortunately I know a little bit more about fish then the topping they taste best with. Here are a few basic tips all future pond fish owners need to know.

Before purchasing fish you must first have your pond suitable for life. Meaning there should be no (zip, zero, nada) Ammonia, Chlorine, Chloramines or Nitrite in your pond water. A test kit will be needed to determine the level of those parameters. A de-chlorinator can be used to rid the pond of Chlorine, Chloramines and Nitrites. And a water change can be conducted to do away with Ammonia.

A filter is crucial to maintain Ammonia levels. A Biological filter is the best choice. Be sure the filter can support a pump that is able to move the total gallons of your pond AT LEAST once per hour. So if you have a pump (assuming your pump is big enough for your pond) that has a GPH of 950 you would want a filter with the capacity of at least 950 (although a 1000 would be better.)

Once you have your water levels up to par, and proper filtration unit has been installed it's time to purchase the new additions to your family- which is exactly what they will become. After selecting the right fish there are a few things you need to know when introducing them into your pond.

A bagged fish generally only lasts for 45 minutes, assuming the correct water to Oxygen ratio has been applied. Be sure your drive home is less than 30 minutes away. If this is not the case tell a sale associate so special measures can be taken. An additional supply of Oxygen can be given to you.

Once you are home, let the bagged fish float in the pond for 15 minutes before releasing it. This will regulate the water temperature and help to prevent it from going into shock. If however, you feel that your fish is stressed or the ride home took longer than 30 minutes, gradually fill the bag with some pond water to speed the regulating process.

Once the water from the bag is about the same temperature of your pond water you can place your new fish into the pond. Do not pour the water from the bag along with your fish into the pond. Use a net to drain the water from the bag outside your pond and then release your fish into its new home.

Now that your new friends are swimming pretty what has to be done to maintain them? Here are a few tips:

1. Test your pond water for Ammonia, Nitrite, pH, Oxygen, Carbonate Hardness, and General Hardness once a week for 2-3 months for new ponds. Once the pond is pretty much established, you can test as needed.

2. Do not over feed your fish. They eat Algae, Aquatic plants (especially lilies) and small bugs found in your pond. Only feed them fish or Koi food twice a week. This, along with regular filter cleaning, will help prevent high Ammonia spikes.

3. Keep in mind the changing seasons. As fall and winter come around, special accommodations will have to be made: A de-icer for climates that tend to drop below freezing and Wheat Germ food (no matter the climate,) for the fish slowing metabolism.

Then it is time to enjoy! Fish, whether they are specific breed Koi or simple comets, add to the beauty and placidity of your pond or water feature. They become dearly loved pets and extended members of your family!

For more information visit us at http://www.coolponds.com

4 Tips For Training A Dog

by Terry Edwards

So you want a dog that follows your commands and is obedient? Then some training will be required. In this article I will give you some simple tips for training a dog that you can follow and use to positively modify the behavior of your pet so they become a "best friend" and not your worst nightmare.

1. Use hand signals.

Dogs can only understand a very limited vocabulary. In fact, most of the communication you're going to have with the dog is through body language and voice inflection. Don't neglect the body language aspect. In this case, hand signals can go a long way. In fact, a dog can be trained almost completely with hand signals if you know you're doing. The key is to keep their focus as you teach them with hand signals. This means to take away all distractions.

2. Keep your verbal instructions simple.

Like I said before, dogs do not have a good grasp of vocabulary. This is why most of dog trainers will only use one word phrases like sit, heal and fetch. But beyond that, if you're going to punish your dog verbally, it is better to say "bad!" then to say, "that was a very bad thing you just did".

3. Consistency is the name of the game.

Training a dog comes down to consistency. Consistently reinforces good behavior, and consistently punish bad behavior. But beyond that, consistency works in other ways as well. When you first begin potty training your canine, consistently take them out at the same time to the same location. You want to have your dog make simple associations; and the best way for them to make those associations is worth consistency.

4. When training a dog, monitor them closely.

This follows right on the heels of being consistent. The last thing you want to do is have your dog only behave around you. You want your dog to behave when you are present of course, but also when you are absent. This means that when you are going through any training, you have to keep a constant eye on them to make sure they are not chewing up things and going to the bathroom when you're not around. That way when you catch them doing something wrong you can punish them swiftly so they can make a simple association between their act and why they were punished.

By the way, you can find many more Dog Training Tips as well as get 10 FREE dog behavioral lessons just by going to: http://www.DogObedienceTrainingA-Z.com

Choosing a Cat Bed

By Liz Canham

You have a bed of your own, so why shouldn't your cat? It's true to say that if you buy a bed or even several beds for your cat, he will probably still use your three piece suite, your own bed or indeed anywhere he wants, but you'll feel better able to move him on if he has his own special place to sleep.

There are all sorts of cat beds, ranging from the very basic to the positively opulent. You can try to fit one in with your décor but frankly, unless your wallpaper has colourful mice or paw prints all over it, you are probably on a loser there! The best you can hope for really is a colour that doesn't actually clash with that of the room that the bed will be kept in. However, you should really be more concerned about how the bed will be for your cat.

Some of these cat beds are similar to dog beds but smaller, i.e. an oval foam filled cotton cover with a fairly rigid base and sides with a lowered part of the side for the cat to walk in (as if they couldn't jump over the sides anyway). These can be good as there is usually room for a bit of fleece or blanket inside, which is not only cozy for the cat, but keeps the cover of the bed a bit cleaner that it might otherwise be.

Another foam filled type of cat bed is similar to that described above but a little more like a traditional dog kennel in shape being completely covered over with a door shape for entry. Cats have a nesting instinct so some like this arrangement. Equally, if there are other animals or small children in the house, your cat may feel more secure with his own little "house" to retire to for peace and quiet. These beds can actually be heated but unless your cat is very old, this really shouldn't be necessary.

Most cats moult on and off throughout the year, so some sort of mat or blanket to put on their favourite chair can be useful. You can whip it off and hide it if visitors come and the furniture shouldn't be too hairy.

If your cat is a real heat junky, you can buy a sheepskin hammock type arrangement, which you can hang on a radiator. However, this won't be suitable for an old cat as agility is the key when getting in and out of these things.

Cats often like bean bags. This are an inner lining filled with small polystyrene balls with an outer cover that can be removed for washing. Placed in a corner or other warm spot, your cat will soon get to like this arrangement.

Unless you introduce your chosen cat bed into the house when your cat is very small, your cat will probably pay it no attention at all for some time. If he ignores it completely, try picking him up and putting him on the bed while you stroke him for a while. If this approach fails, try inducing him with catnip toys or treats. Make sure that the bed isn't in a thoroughfare and is somewhere away from draughts, maybe raised a short way off the floor.

If you have more than one cat, make sure that each one has its own bed. If they choose to swap around between themselves, then that's their business, but never expect them to share a bed, although they may want to, particularly sibling kittens.

If you want to make the cat bed multi-functional, buy one of those beds cum activity centres with a scratching post but be sure that you have plenty of room for it!

Liz Canham is the proud owner (or maybe servant) of three cats and is webmistress of The Cat Lover Blog Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Liz_Canham

Looking For German Shepherd Breeders

By Jan Ryan
The family wants a German Shepherd pup and now they are looking to you to go get one from someone that the whole family can trust and look to for advice on raising the new family member. The problem is that you have no idea how to find a good German Shepherd breeder. Well that is no problem, which is why you looked up this reference article. You can find a reputable breeder in a combination of ways. I emphasize the combination because you will need a lot of advice to find the right breeder for you.

You can start your search, simply enough, in your local phone book. Sometimes breeders advertise in the phone book and sometimes they don't. You should use more resources than just the phone book but it can be a starting point. Just remember that some of the best breeders only do business through referral so that may be why you do not see a lot of breeders in the phone book. A breeder that is choosy about their customers may be better anyway.

You will never get better advice on your pet than from your vet so your vet should be one of the main sources of information you use to find a German Shepherd breeder that you feel like you can do business with. If you currently have pets and do business with a vet then ask your vet for a referral to a good breeder. If you do not have a vet then the process of looking for a breeder is the perfect time to start a relationship with a vet. Any vet referral is sure to be a good one to a reputable breeder that you will be able to do business with for a long time.

Many breeders also list themselves on the national breeder registries like the American Kennel Club and others. A national breeder registry sets a standard for the member breeders that are listed with them and that is something you can use to see what a prospective breeder's breeding philosophy may be. Plus you can probably rest assured that if they care enough about their business to list it with a national agency then they may be worth talking to.

It may not mean that breeders are not good German Shepherd breeders simply because they are not listed with a registry. After you search the registries you may want to also do a general search of the Internet. The Internet brings us all together and puts a world's worth of information at your fingertips. You can use that information to find the German Shepherd breeder that will work best with you and you may even luck out and find one with a website that you can look over to find information about their breeding schedules and usually a lot of cute pictures.

Your search for the perfect German Shepherd breeder in your area should consist of many different sources of information. You should talk to as many qualified people as you can and utilize all the tools at your disposal before you make this very critical decision. Making the wrong decision about a German Shepherd breeder can be something you will have to live with for a very long time so make sure you do a detailed search and find the breeder that is right for you.

Jan Ryan has written hundreds of articles on all things canine, including dozens about German Shepherd Dogs. The German Shepherd has a great personality, which is better than most humans. New dog owners should know basic German Shepherd information before bringing home a German Shepherd rescue dog. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jan_Ryan

Different Types of Collars For Your Labrador Training

By Richard Cussons

Collar is one of the most indispensable tools for your Labrador training. A collar is a piece of material, could be made of nylon, metal, cotton or leather, and placed around the neck of a dog. It is often used for control, identification, fashion and other purposes. Imagine taking your dog for a walk without a collar and a leash. Your curious little one may end up running everywhere without thinking of his safety. What if a speeding car is coming towards him? Poor little dog...

Identification is another purpose of your dog's collar. Information such as dog's name, owner's name and address are placed on dog collars so that in case of loss, there is a greater chance of seeing your dog again. No more poor owners worriedly looking for there lost dogs in every corner of the street.

There are different types of collars. There are basic collars as well as training collars. The different training collars are as follows:

Slip collars- Slip collars are also termed choke chains, slip chains or choke collars. They are often made of braided nylon, cotton or leather and form a loop around the top of the dog's neck, just behind the ears. The leash is attached to the ring that goes over the back of the dog's neck. The ring could either be dead or live ring. When the leash is attached to the dead ring, the collar does not constrict on the dog's neck. However, attach it to the live ring and the chain will slip tighter when pulled and slips looser when the tension is released. It is important that you know the proper use of this collar because improper may lead to injury and even death of your beloved companion.

Prong collar- Prong collars are also termed pinch collars. This is used to control or correct the dog by yanking on its neck if he does not comply. Prong collars are series of chain links with blunted open ends turned towards the dog's neck. When the collar is tightened, it pinches the loose skin around the dog's neck. Prong collars can also be turned inside out with the prongs facing away from the dog's skin. Some trainers place rubber tips on the end of the prongs to protect your dog's skin from scratching or puncturing.

Martingale collars- Martingale collar has two loops; the smaller one is the control loop which tightens gently when pulled to prevent dogs from slipping out of the collar. Martingale collar has limited constriction on the dog's neck and applies even pressure.

Electronic collars- Electronic collars are sometimes called remote and shock collars. To correct the dog, electronic collars deliver an electrical stimulus to the dog. The level of stimulus varies depending on the dog. If the dog continues to disobey, the intensity is increased.

Whatever the type of collar you are going to use on your Labrador training, it is always important to consider the proper use and fit of the collar. The collar should not be too loose or too tight for your dog. And do not forget to ask an expert on the proper use of these collars.

Richard Cussons trains different breeds of dogs. Learn more about Labrador training and other information pertaining to Labradors. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Cussons

Converting A Seawater Tank To A Freshwater Aquarium

By Logan Heckendorn

Do you have a seawater tank that you want to turn into a good-looking freshwater aquarium? You can do that. Let's talk how you could go about it.

Scrub off the inside of the tank, first. Use water and vinegar. Use some scrubber which you could get rid off just after this operation. Your old sand would probably be easier and cheaper just to throw away and replace with new sand. Technically, it is possible to remove salt from sand by soaking it for days in freshwater and filtering it but the better option would be just to get new gravel for your freshwater aquarium.

Remember, the key here is cleaning the tank as well as possible. There can be no excuse to not doing that. Scrub everything off continuous times with the vinegar and water and use a lot of water and brushing to get rid of all the materials. A few rescrubs might be useful. It takes time but it can even be fun (depends on the way you look to it).

As for decorations, you need to get all the decorations to soak in a diluted bleach solution for a few days to clean them. You must make sure there are absolutely no remains from the saltwater aquarium on your decorations before you can use them. Scrubbing them off later might help too. Basically - it's simple - clean it as well as possible.

Basically, you are going to need new equipment. If the filter is new in your saltwater aquarium and it is compactable with the freshwater aquarium, there is a chance you could keep it. However, in most cases, it would be better just to throw it away. Same with other mechanical parts. Mechanical devices have many small parts in them so they are extremely hard to clean. And the bacteria might kill the habitants of your freshwater aquarium, so the best thing to do is to be safe and to replace everything.

Converting a tank, you are going to need to do a lot of cleaning and soaking and re-cleaning and re-soaking and them filling and re-filling the aquarium with water many times until you can be sure. It's a tough process. And still, oftentimes you cannot be sure. So it's probably best if you invite an expert in aquariums to help you out. If not, educate yourself a lot more on the topic. If you can do it - chances are finally you will have your fancy freshwater aquarium.

Logan Heckendorn is an author that writes about freshwater aquariums since they are among his most significant interests. Logan also runs based on his freshwater aquarium hobby called The Freshwater Aquarium Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Logan_Heckendor

3 Simple Steps to Change Your Parrot's Bad Behavior

By Mikael Rieck

To be the lucky owner of pet parrot can be a stressful experience. Whether you have parrots, macaws, conures, parakeets or any other type of pet parrots, you will need to train them to some extent. So far you may have experienced a lot of problems with your pet and you might even have been bitten or attacked by it. Maybe it hasn't been you but someone in your family or guests that came by that upset the bird when they got to close to the cage. This is a normal reaction but it doesn't have to be.

Parrot birds are originally wilds animals living the the great forests of the world. Their instincts have are making them behave in a certain way. But it is no more than that... A behavioral pattern that can be changed through the right form of training. Unfortunately there are many parrot owners that never go as far as to start that training. They believe that because the parrots are originally wild animals, then it is okay for them to scream all day and even bite if you come to close. Let me tell you this: It is not okay!

Most pet parrots are born in cages and have never had to use their natural instincts to survive. They have been around humans all of their lives and have never had to be aggressive in any way. The reason that a parrot starts behaving this way is due to a lack of training. That means that the cure to behavioral problems like biting and screaming is no more that intensive training that will learn the parrot to be disciplined. Parrots are clever animals and they are easy to learn new ways of behaving.

You will find that once your parrot have calmed down and are no longer aggressive towards humans, it will become a much happier and balanced bird. You can actually see the mood change and the correlation between you as a pet owner and the parrot as a pet will improve greatly.

So How Do You Train It?


They were first thing you will need to work on is your own attitude and mood. Just as you can influence other humans in a negative way by being stressed or angry, so will you also experience difficulties training your pet if you are not in a good mood. You'll find that your parrot will often tend to copy the mood you're in so be sure to stay happy, open and willing to give it your all. When you are well rested and in a positive mood you can begin the training of your parrot.

There are three basic training steps that you should always start out with. There is no right or wrong step to begin with so just start with one of the three. The key here is not that things are perfect but rather that you act and that you do it continually over a longer period of time. Repeating the training process every day until you get the results you want is the secret to success.

If your parrot doesn't trust you when you first start out you will need to build on that trust first. You can't teach a parrot that doesn't trust you anything. Start out with the three exercises in a slow and gentle way so that trust can be built or restored.

The 3 Secret Steps to Success
Giving Treats by Hand:

When offering your pet parrot a treat you have to make sure that you more your hand very slowly towards it. Make it feel that you are a person that it can trust and that you won't do it any harm. Remain positive, certain and strong. At first your parrot might scream at you or even try to bite you. If it bites, go get a thick pair of gloves so that you won't be affected by its biting. Train this exercise several times a day for as many days as it takes to have your parrot accept and even enjoy that you're giving it treats.

To Step Up:

You will want to learn your parrot to feel comfortable with you and the easiest way is to learn it to step up into your hand. When practicing this step you have to say the words "step up" in a repetitive stream so that the parrot will learn that the words "step up" means that it should automatically step into your hand. Starting out (wearing gloves if it tends to bite), press your hand against its belly in a clear and slow movement. Press towards the birds belly until it is forced to step into your hand. Do it gently and as many times as possible. Repeat the process daily for as long as it takes and don't stop until you have your parrot stepping voluntarily into your hand on command.

Talk to Your Bird:

Parrots are talking birds and many of them can get quite good at it. Start out with the word "hello" and keep repeating it until your birds has learned to say it in a clear tone of voice. DO not move on to other words until it has learned the first one. Take one word at a time and only move on to the next when it gets it right. Remember to reward it with treats and positive words and gestures. It is actually no different that when teaching children how to talk. Be patients and it WILL come.

Use about 20 minutes per lesson and only one or two times a day for two weeks will produce incredible results. It doesn't take that much effort as the key is in the repetitive process. I wish you the best of luck.

The author runs the PetInsurancePro.com website and has a special section about pet insurance for birds. Come visit the website for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mikael_Rieck

Cat Allergies

A Deeper Look At The Cause And A Promise For Permanent Relief
By Eva Marklund

Having helped quite a number of people be free from their cat allergies using TAT, (Tapas Acupressure Technique) I have made some really interesting observations. My philosophy is based on the more and more accepted theory that the allergy problem lies within the body's energy system, and the cause is a disharmony between the body's energy and that of the allergen. It is this disharmony that causes a disruption, or blockage in the energy system which is what sets off the cascade of an inappropriate immune response which result in the allergy symptoms. The object then is to retrain, or balance the energy system so it is in harmony with the cat allergen. Once that happens, the allergy symptoms go away completely.

This is a workable theory, as it can be observed time and time again using effective modern techniques. (TAT is only one of several-but probably one of the fastest and most effective.) But then, what is it that causes the energy system to become unbalanced in the presence of the allergen? Is there any connection at all with the mind? Anyone interested in the mind-body connection have read stories of how someone got the phone call that their mother had died as they are watching a bouquet of yellow roses. Ever since that incident that person was allergic to yellow roses. (Not red ones, or pink ones-only the yellow ones...) The person was even allergic to yellow plastic roses... Or the case when someone was in a rollover accident, pinned under the car in the grass, gasoline fumes wafting, and after that they get violently ill when around rag weed? Or the verified cases when someone who is a multiple personality has one personality that has an allergy, and the other is not... (They are in the same body, but they have different memories...different memories causing different chemistry.)

So, then, what can be an emotional cause for someone to be allergic to cats? Well, the causes can vary quite a bit, but in my experience, a frequent reason for someone's allergy has to do with the bad rap cats have had for hundreds of years. I'd like to mention here, that it makes no difference if you like or love cats. The bad rap is pervasive. Let me explain... Your mind is like a computer. Some of the data you get is like those temporary internet files- easy to delete. Then some data gets saved onto your hard drive... Data that came to you from authority figures when you were a child, or data that came when you were in a state of acute stress or fear. That kind of data was accepted without you having a chance to decide whether you wanted it or not, or whether it was true or not. But, let's get back to the cats... There are "Truths" about cats that resonate within our society. Let's see if you recognize any of them:

"Cats are sneaky".

"Cats attack without even being provoked".

"Cats are mean".

"Cats are stalkers".

"Weird people have cats". (as in the village "witch")

"Cats can steal a baby's breath..."

"Cats aren't safe around babies."

"The crazy cat lady"

"Black cat crossing in front of you means bad luck".

Add to that the FACT that in medieval times you could be burned on a stake for owning a cat. Even liking cats could get you killed. So, many of these things are silly, yes? But, for a child that was told these frightening things, it was not so silly, and could very well have been saved onto the "hard drive" Now, most of these things are completely on an unconscious level. But,,, these things get into your inner mind, and even though you don't believe them consciously, they are like a computer program. They will continue to run until you delete them. I see this all the time working with cat allergies. And I also see that when the issue, or misinformation gets resolved the allergy goes away, for the most part, permanently.

Let me share a story. (Details have been changed for anonymity ) Donna was severely allergic to cats. She would have reactions being around someone who had been in contact with a cat. One of her favorite pastimes was garage sales, and shopping in second hand stores. Invariably there would be some item that had been in contact with a cat, requiring Donna to always carry her meds and plenty of tissue on her shopping trips. Add to that, her grandson lived with 4 cats. When coming to her home he would have to undress in the garage, head straight for the shower and dress in the clothes that Donna provided for him. Donna sure had some serious reactions to cats... Gathering some info about Donna's allergy, she shared that it started when she was pregnant with her first son. Ever since then (34 years ago) she had had severe reactions around cats.

So we did the allergy eliminating session with TAT which at the conclusion includes a statement where you state how you would like to feel around cats. (Or how your body would like to feel) Donna stated "I want to be safe around cats" Now that took me by surprise, since I had already asked if she was afraid of cats, or had a dislike for cats. Or if she had had any incidents with cats. (Most people with cat allergies are not afraid of cats, on the contrary they like them) Then she said, almost with an embarrassed chuckle,

"Well you know that thing about cats stealing the baby's breath and all..." adding dismissively, "But that's just an old wives tale"

So, reading this, you may have light bulbs going off... Donna's allergy started when she was pregnant with her first child. She has, even though she rationally knows it is not true, had the belief implanted that

"Cats steal the baby's breath" Now, what better way for Donna to protect her baby from dying by a cat "stealing it's breath" than for her to get so seriously ill, a cat could never possibly come anywhere close to her baby? See, this is how the inner mind works... (Fascinating, no?) So, we did neutralize that belief using TAT and she had no allergic reactions whatsoever when around cats for a few months.

Then late one evening I get a call from Donna. "Heeeeeeelp!! I had a bad reaction to a cat yesterday."

I was curious to find out what had happened... Donna had visited a friend who had a newborn baby boy. As they are visiting the family's cat want to join in. As the cat gets closer to the baby, the baby's father says: 'Don't let the cat get to close to the baby, It is not safe" So that was the problem. We had not completely neutralized the (totally unconscious) fear Donna had about cats and babies. We did some more TAT addressing the baby issue, and she has not had one reaction since. Donna could have spent the rest of her life avoiding cats, avoiding people who have had contact with then, and taking medication when going out shopping. But, she only needed to clear a misconception she had gotten, probably at a very early age, in order to be completely allergy free, which she is today.

To experience the effects of TAT for yourself, I have a free TAT session you can download on http://www.catallergyfree.com

To find more resources on how you can be free of your Cat Allergies and to download a FREE TAT Session, please visit http://www.catallergyfree.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eva_Marklund

Celebrity Pet Names

Celebrity Pet Names
by Bob
AndersonAs a pet lover, I am always curious to know what my favorite celebrities have as their pets and what they name their lovely pets. We all know that naming our pet is an important step. It seems like celebrities too take some time off from their busy schedule to name their pets. I must say that some of them do surprise me.

Here you will find pet names that some of the famous celebrities have used to called their pets.

Tinkerbell - Paris Hilton (Dog)

Socks - Bill Clinton (Cat)

Rex - Billy Joel (Dog)

Mort - Angelina Jolie (Rabbit)

Splash - Ted Kennedy (Dog)

Angel - Chuck Norris (Dog)

Bob - Sandra Bullock (Dog)

Clara Bo - Kate Hudson (Dog)

Dylan - Renee Zellweger (Dog)

Flossie - Drew Barrymore (Dog)

Hugo - Marilyn Monroe (Dog)

Indo, Zhaki - Will Smith (Dog)

Roger - Steve Martin (Dog)

Solomon and Sophie - Oprah Winfrey (Dog)

Barney - George W. Bush (Dog)

Dash - Queen Victoria (Dog)

Dave - Dick Cheney (Dog)

Bearlie and Bella - Justin Timberlake (Dog)

Bing and Bong - Mariah Carey (Dog)

Boomer - DMX (Dog)

Peggy Sue - Paula Abdul (Dog)

Blue Maximillian - Martha Stewart (Dog)

Sui - Steve & Terri Erwin (Dog)

Mabel - Brad Garrett (Dog)

Bubba - Minnie Driver (Dog)

Buffy - Barry Williams (Dog)

If you know more celebrity pet names, please send it to support@petboro.com I will be more than happy to add them.

Petboro.com - Pet Classifieds & Directory Listings

Your Dog Will Thank You If You Read These Doggie Diet Tips

by NS Kennedy
Although it was once common practice to feed dogs whatever scrapes came from the dinner table, today we realize that there is much more to feeding an animal than we thought. It is important to give them foods that will provide them with a healthy life and a long one too. In fact, there are a number of researchers who dedicate their lives to understanding just what your pet should and shouldn't eat. You can bank on what they have found that should be in your dog's diet.
It is important to provide your animal with the right type of food. That means that you should give her food that is right for the dog's age and activity levels and that is right for her size as well as her health. You'll find a wide selection of products to choose from in your pet store. It is wise to purchase the best quality of food for your pet that you can afford to buy. Realize that if you purchase poor quality food for your animal, his health can be lacking.

Your pet's diet should include some dry food because the crunch will help to keep her teeth clean and it will also help with gum health. It provides the fiber in your dog's diet that is necessary. You can use wet food, but don't give them too much of it. For example, pour some over your dog's dry food instead of giving them the whole can. If you are interested in providing your pet with home made foods, find dog specific recipes throughout the web to use. It is important not to give your dog leftovers from your meal though. You need the food to provide nutrition to your dog based on his needs. Things like fats, and fillers in human food, as well as spices, can make a dog sick. As a puppy, your dog needs to eat frequently throughout the day, about three or four smaller meals, until they are about three months old. Then, cut it down to only three meals a day for the next three months. Ideally, your adult dog should each twice per day. You should provide your dog's food to them for up to twenty minutes. At that point remove it if they have not eaten it and are not in the process of doing so. This will help to stop picky eaters. You do need to provide a constant amount of clean water for your pet to drink as well.

Ideally, you will need to get recommendations about the amounts of food to feed your dog from your vet. Sometimes, information is also available on the food bags as well. Not sure if your pet is eating the right amount? Here's a test. If you run your hand against the dog's side, you should feel her ribs without pressing. If you can not feel them without pressing, she may be overweight. If you can see them, though, she is underweight.

Best Pet Health Information is a resource which will help you find infomation, hints and tips to keeping your dog happy and healthy. http://www.best-pet-health.info This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and live links are included intact.

Scoop Free LT1 Fresh Step Refill Litter Cartridge

Crane Adorable One Gallon Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier
Scoop Free LT1 Fresh Step Refill Litter Cartridge, 6 Pack
Price: $95.94 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
Availability: In Stock. Ships from and sold by Amazon

Product Features

6 refill cartridges pre-filled with Fresh Step crystal litter
Designed for use with the ScoopFree automatic litter box
Offers unbeatable odor control and absorbs wetness on contact
Replace cartridge every 20 to 30 days for 1 cat, every 10 to 15 days for 2 cats
Measures 22 by 14-1/2 by 2-1/2 inches each

Refill Cartridge for the Scoop Free¿ Automatic Litter Box. Comes with Fresh Step® Crystal litter. The box is completely cleaned each time the disposable litter cartridge is replaced. Crystal litter does not clog the rake or form smelly and space hogging clumps. They won't form cement on the bottom of the box, either. Lasts up to 30 days with one cat and up to 15 days with two cats. Designed for use with Scoop Free¿ Automatic Litter Box. Product Information: Each refill cartridge measures 22''L x 14.5''W x 2.5''H.

*Buy Crane Adorable One Gallon Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier Here*

Angels' Eyes Tear-Stain Eliminator for Dogs and Cats

Angels' Eyes Tear-Stain Eliminator for Dogs and Cats

Angels' Eyes is the first product specifically developed for BOTH DOGS & CATS to eliminate unsightly tearstains from the inside out! Angels' Eyes also helps to eliminate staining around the mouth and their coats due to licking.Other products are topical requiring high maintenance and yet will only remove the tear stains temporarily causing it to return worse than before. Angels' Eyes starts working before the tear stains begin and never adds food dyes or wheat which can have negative effects on your pet. Our bottles contain 30 gr net (1 oz) and 120 gr net for multiple dogs or cats' owners. Just sprinkle Angels' Eyes daily on regular food. After 3 months, reduce it to 4 times a week. After 6 months, reduce it further to twice a week. As you keep trimming the stained areas, the newly grown coat will be totally clear. The growth pattern of your pet's coat will determine if it will be completely tear stain free anywhere from 3 to 5 weeks.

Ingredients
100-percent pure beef liver, tylosin as tartrate

Nutrition Facts
Crude protein (min.) 67.6%
Crude fat (min.) 10.6%
Crude fiber (min.) 0.1%
Moisture (min.) 6.0%
Ash (max.) 4.8%

Special Instructions
Puppies (up to three months): 1/8-teaspoon daily
Dogs 2 to 5 pounds: 1/4-teaspoon daily
Dogs 5 to 8 pounds: 1/2-teaspoon daily
Dogs 8 to 12 pounds: 3/4-teaspoon daily
Dogs 12 pounds and up: 1-teaspoon daily

Kittens (up to three months): 1/8-teaspoon daily
Kittens 2 to 5 pounds: 1/4-teaspoon daily
Cats 5 to 8 pounds: 1/2-teaspoon daily
Cats 8 to 12 pounds: 3/4-teaspoon daily
Cats 12 pounds and up: 1-teaspoon daily

Warnings
Safe during pregnancy and for puppies over six weeks old.

In rare cases pets may not like changes to their food and not eat enough. If this happens, put Angels' Eyes in their water. When mixing, add the water to Angels' Eyes. Do not pour the powder into the water.

Angels' Eyes Tear-Stain Eliminator for Dogs and Cats, 120-Gram Bottle