Boston Terriers Great Family Pets

Writen by Steve Allison

The Boston Terrier has been called the ultimate family dog. Many owners say that your family is not complete until you have a Boston Terrier or two. And it's easy to see why owners give glowing reports of the interactions between their Boston Terriers and their children. Not only will your children benefit from this playful and cuddly furry playmate - they will have a loyal friend for life.

Boston Terriers are intelligent, friendly and outgoing. They love to be around people and will benefit from a loving family "pack". Typically eager to please these dogs are so lovable you won't want to consider another breed. If you have young children and intend on buying or already own a Boston Terrier, here are some rules about making the relationship between the children and the dog as trouble free as possible.

1. Good socialization means a good family dog.

Boston Terriers are easy to socialize. Take your puppy with you in the car or out on errands whenever you can. The puppy should get used to being around people and other dogs. Although it is not recommended that you take your puppy into public places before they have received all their vaccines - you can take your puppy in the car with you when you fetch the children from school.

2. The dogs may not be treated aggressively

Children need to be taught not to tease or bother the dog while eating. Any dog gets aggressive if disturbed while eating and this has resulted in many tragic bites. Letting your children feed the dog is a great way to get them involved in caring for your dog. If your dog does growl you should discourage him by saying "No" and making it clear that growling is unacceptable behavior.

3. A few sessions with a dog trainer are a good idea

Even if your Boston Terrier is well behaved; a dog trainer can reassure you all that your dog is aware of the boundaries in your family.

4. The puppy may not bite the children - even playfully.

Teething puppies are no problem; their gentle little bites don't hurt now - but they will when your dog gets teeth! Rather encourage a policy of "no bite". Offer toys and other appropriate outlets for the play bites.

5. Make the boundaries clear

As with any dog - boundaries are the key. Your puppy should not be allowed to roam the house freely until he is properly housetrained. This is a fun process in which you can involve the children. The puppy will need to be taken out every time he needs to go and the children will benefit from taking them outside and waiting until they have done their business. Following these tips should assure you of a family friendly Boston Terrier.

Having a dog in the house, particularly a Boston Terrier - can be a wonderful positive experience for your children too. Your children will learn many valuable life skills from their dog. They benefit by learning the value of respect. They learn responsibility (children should be encouraged to take part in caring for the dog too). In addition they will learn patience, kindness and compassion. Your dog will develop a special relationship with your children. Boston Terriers are generally content to be played with. If socialized correctly they are tolerant and will even allow the kids to play dress up with them.

The positive effect a dog can have on your family is amazing. Boston Terriers are intelligent and child friendly. Proper training and teaching children to respect and love the dog will ensure your Boston Terrier becomes a valued part of your family.

Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu's and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, Carpet Secrets and Moving Secrets Guide

Swim And Be Seen In An All Glass Aquarium

Writen by Low Jeremy

Swimming colored fishes in a tank they say is therapeutic. Others believe that viewing fish or schools of fish in a tank gives you a calming effect. It temporarily puts off any worries that you have in mind.

But you will not feel relief or enjoyment if the fishes you are to see are confined in an indistinguishable home. Hence to provide you with viewing satisfaction, an all glass aquarium has been created.

An aquarium is set to be the shelter of ornamental fishes. Plants that can survive in water are also placed in aquarium to augment its beauty as well as provide nourishment with fishes. One type of aquarium is an all glass aquarium, which has been well loved by individuals who have pet fishes for quite a long time.

There have been applauds and criticisms to all glass aquariums. Here are some of its advantages and disadvantages.

Using an all glass aquarium provides you with many benefits such as:

• It is cost-effective to buy glass aquarium compared to other types of tanks.

• It is scratch-resistant.

• The frame of glass aquariums are made of customary width, hence you can ensure that it will not easily be broken.

• There are varieties of color available. You can choose your preferred color for your all glass aquarium.

On the other hand, there are some posed disadvantages whenever you use all glass aquariums.

• Without proper care it can result to brokerage that will result to more serious problem such as possible death of fishes.

• Leakage may be one of your dilemmas if your glass aquarium develops a crack.

• Once you decide to empty the tank for general cleaning, it is weighty to carry.

However with proper handling and care you are most likely to avoid any destruction to your glass aquarium. It is not only the fishes you must take good care but its shelter as well. Just like how you give utmost concern to your own home.

Clear and easy to view – that is what you get from an all glass aquarium. Now you do not have to worry about not seeing all the fishes in its shelter nor will you worry about gaining enjoyment from fish viewing.

With a glass aquarium your pet fishes will most likely convey to you that they swim and they want be noticed. Watch them, feel the relief and be amazed.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Aquariums, please visit http://aquarium.articlekeep.com

Correct Supplies For Cleaning Your Dog

Writen by Paul Callis

The winter season is soon to be upon us, and what a time it is for pets and dogs especially to be covering themselves in all forms of dirt and grime from outside of the home. For the dog, it is a time for fun and games romping around in muddy wet fields, rolling in every corner of dirt possible, but for you the owner it can be fun to watch, but very annoying and stressful, when it is time to take your dog back home, and clean itself up, before it decides to run riot when it gets back, and leave paw prints all over your cream carpets and furniture.

Keeping your dog clean at this time of year is essential. To keep on top of this your dog needs regular grooming on their coat, this should have been taught to you at dog training level, and hopefully you will have listened if you went to train your dog, and will have picked up lots of good god cleaning habits as well as good training techniques.

Regularly give your dog a good brush which can be purchased from any pet store when you are purchasing your monthly pet supplies. Remove any loose hairs, which do not want a place on your best living room carpet. Help stimulate the dog's skin as well with brushing, and you will find your dog loves it, and it can be great fun for the two of you. If your dog id long haired or short haired, at this time of year you must check that the hair around the paws is all trimmed down. This is to help prevent mud and dirt attaching to the paws as easy, helping the cleaning process after walks become a lot easier. Whilst cleaning you should always try and inspect their ears, making sure they are clean with no changes from your last look, and regularly maintain your dog's toenails. Lastly while you are checking around the ears, give the teeth a good clean, and make sure they are all looking healthy.

A great piece of advice in the winter season, and in fact any season that is muddy is once you have taken your dog for a walk, always have a tray of water before you bring your dog back inside so you can stand the dog in it and rinse off the paws of all the dirt and mud. If you have more than one dog, then this process will be great fun and a real test of your other dog's obedience. If your dog is like mine then it will want to roll around in everything, therefore a good wash down with the garden hose is your best bet, and if you have an outside dog house for him, then even better still.

Always make sure after you have rinsed your dog off, you give them a good rub down, as in this weather all of us are prone to getting run down and getting colds, and imagine how you would feel if you was drenched with a cold hose in minus zero degrees, and then left to stand and dry – I can imagine not very happy, and would no doubt be ill over the next few days. Therefore treat your dog as you would like to be treated.

More information on Pet Supplies can be found at the author's website at http://www.epetsupplies.info

Preparing Your Home For A New Puppy

Writen by Eric Shannon

While excitement and anticipation will be at the top of the list when bringing home a new puppy for the first time, preparing for his arrival should rank highly on the list. Just as you would have to prepare a home when you have a toddler, pet owners also have to take certain precautions when "puppy-proofing."

Before you begin preparing your home for a puppy, you should think about the front yard and garden. First, check fences and gates to be sure there are no holes massive enough for him to get his head stuck in or escape through. Watch for litter and trash cans, which can be knocked over, giving your new puppy the opportunity to eat things that might make him sick. Also, know where you are treating your lawn and garden with pesticides, and then don't let your puppy in that area. In addition, produce sure that all chemicals and more harmful products are put away out of your new child's reach.

Next, you will have to inspect your home as if a strange toddler is coming to live with you! Just like toddlers, puppies will think everything is new and exciting. They don't know when something is dangerous or can't tell if that "interesting" remote control will get them into trouble.

In addition, when restructuring your home for the new puppy, you should keep these tips in mind:

Make sure all electrical and cable wires are either in a space your puppy will not have access to, or hide them under rugs or carpets. Don't keep wires where your puppy may gnaw or chew on them.

Just like a toddler, your puppy will investigate each element, including low cupboards. Just when you believed having a puppy was simpler than an infant, he'll learn to pull those cupboard doors open! Think about installing locks or "child-proof" devices.

So far, so good, right? Well, that's only if you remember that in reality your puppy has the brain of a little kid. Soon you'll be getting ready for afternoon walks to the park, three a.m. trips to the bathroom, (more officially, outside) and lots of snuggling. So, while preparing your home for your puppy, think of him as a member of your family. Get him a bed that is chew resistant. Line it with comfortable, washable, bedding and then place it in a favorite place just for him. Be sure it's somewhere he'll be safe and comfortable.

Preparing your home for your new puppy is a lot to handle, so you can look at buying a puppy pen until everything settles down. Just like a baby's playpen, a puppy pen will offer an area for him to play without roaming the home. By doing this, you are also saving your furniture and more objects from being chewed on. (Don't worry—he'll hopefully grow out of this!)

One last thing to think about when preparing your home for your puppy is any stairs that you might have in the home. If you have an open basement or even 2nd floor, utilize toddler gates to confine his run area to avoid accidents. Infants and puppies aren't aware of danger and don't understand that they may fall down steps and get hurt.

The bottom line to think about while preparing your home for the new puppy is, just like a baby, they will require cuddling, attention and there will obviously be a lot of wet kisses!

Eric Shannon is a freelance author who also publishes the Dog Lovers Report, which is a biweekly newsletter with a very large readership. He also runs Beds For Doggies, which carries a large selection of Dog Beds, Dog Couches, and Dog Furniture.

Dog Communication How To Communicate Effectively With Your Dog

Writen by Brigitte Smith

Effective communication with your dog maintains the pecking order in your home and ensure that you remain the top dog. Allowing your dog to dominate you in any way is unhealthy for your dog (as well as potentially dangerous for you, particularly if you have a big dog).

Failure to understand your dog's behaviour and how to properly train your dog is the cause of dissatisfaction with their dog. Some people will even give up on their dogs and could even abandon them in some instances. All because they failed to properly communicate and undersrtand their dog. What a terrible tragedy!

Actually, your dog really does communicate with you for much of the time you spend together. So not learning to understand your dog's body language is similar to living your life with someone who speaks another language, and never learning to communicate with that person by learning any of that other language.

Two way communication with anyone in your life is obviously important, and especially with your dog who does "speak another language".

Dogs love to play, but their primary concern is often their position in your "pack". Dogs will always make attempts to get to the top dog position if you allow this to go on.

Some dogs do this as a game to see how much they can get away with, (my Kara is like this). Other dogs can actually take this issue very seriously, and may threaten any "pack" member who doesn't defer to them - sometimes even including their owner. Large dogs often like to jump up and stand with their front paws on the owner's shoulders. This can be a friendly gesture, but is often actually a posture of dominance.

A better greeting to encourage your dog to use is to have your dog sit and then for you offer a greeting to your dog. In this way, the dog has assumed a subordinate posture, and you retains your leadership role and your position as the "top dog". And your dog loves this exchange with you. The important thing is that your dog understands his/her position in the "pack".

One of the most tragic misinterpretations of body language I've heard about involves what's called the canine grin. Many dogs, when they are happy and excited, pull their lips back in a happy grin, which is actually a submissive gesture. They are simply very happy, but some owners have actually misinterpreted this submissive grin as a snarl and, heaven forbid, a few have even had the dog euthanized because of what they thought was aggression in their dog.

Isn't this tragic? And all because the owner hasn't taken the time and trouble to understand what their dog is actually trying to communicate to them.

I'm sure you're in the category of people who can understand what your dog is saying, just like me.

On a lighter note, I was only talking to a friend recently (also a dog lover - she has four Jack Russell crosses) about how we often know just what our dog is saying. I was telling her how Jet, my Staffie holds her own with other dogs. In fact, it's a pretty brave dog who will take my Jet on.

Some time ago, when Jet and I were walking past a house in our street where there is a large Japanese Fighting Dog, it escaped and decided to have a domination fight with Jet. I couldn't believe it, but Jet won!!! (if you don't know what Japanese Fighting Dogs look like, they're about four times the size of Jet).

Anyway, ever since then, when we walk past, that dog races to its gate and starts to bark. Then Jet stops, looks directly at the dog, barks non-stop for several seconds and then turns and keeps walking.

I said to Isadora, my friend, that Jet's saying to the dog: "Now, you listen to me ... I thought I got this straightened out with you before - Don't you mess with me!" Isadora laughed, but understood completely. She commented that people who don't have dogs would probably think we were mad to think that we know what our dogs are saying!

(c) 2005, Brigitte Smith, Healthy Happy Dogs

Brigitte Smith is a dog lover with a special interest in holistic health and wellness for dogs. For your free dog health report, click here: http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com

For info on innovative dog training that works, click here: http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com/BrainWork

Dog Houses

Writen by Kent Pinkerton

Dogs, like all of us, need a haven to turn to, when they need to rest or sleep or simply to idle away their time. And for their comfort, we do need to buy or make a dog house.

Making a dog house can be a tedious job, especially for those who have practically no experience or skill at carpentry. Dog houses can either be made from scratch by buying required materials and tools, or assembled together by buying dog house kits, which include all materials as well as instructions for assembling them into a dog house. Spirit Elements, House of Hammocks, Scott's Dog Supply, Inc, KITGUY, and seeFido are some companies that sell dog house kits. Insulation and shipping costs are usually extra. Kits cost anywhere from $99 to $600.

Hundreds of dog houses, all of different designs, prices, material, and sizes, flood the market. It can be extremely confusing in selecting the right house for our dog. Before going on this exciting journey of dog house choosing, customers should always keep in mind their budget, the size of their dog or dogs, and finally, about the type of dog house they really want and which will suit them and their dogs the best.

Research shows that among wooden dog houses, cedar houses are usually preferred by all customers. Multitudes of beautifully-designed dog houses exist, which are built with cedar wood. Cedar Chalet Dog House, seeFido, Pet Street Mall, House of Hammock, B4UBuild, Angelical Cat House, Wal-Mart, and Spirit Elements are some companies which sell wonderful cedar dog houses in an amazing variety of designs.

Petmate, Future Pets, and Petsmart offer igloo-shaped and other portable dog houses. Luxury houses and other custom dog houses can be obtained from companies like La Petite Maison and Lilliput Play Homes.

Whatever be the shape, size, and type of dog house, it is always advised to keep it clean and free from bacteria. After all, dogs deserve a comfortable home too, just like us. The responsibility to provide them one rests with us.

Dog Houses provides detailed information about dog houses, dog houses for sale, small dog houses, large dog houses and more. Dog Houses is the sister site of Dog Tags Web.

Shiba Inu History And Breeder Information

Writen by Lane Jordan

The Shiba Inu is a small, active Japanese breed dog. Shiba's are the smallest of the six original Japanese breeds. Shiba's are most similar in terms of appearance of the Akita, except quite a bit smaller. Originally, Shiba Inu's were bred for hunting purposes in the mountains of Japan. Shiba Inus have also been called the Shiba Ken. The word 'Shiba' means 'small' in Japanese, while 'Inu' simply means 'dog.' This is obviously testament to their size as Shibas range from just 14.5 to 16.5 inches in height for males and 13.5 to 15.5 inches for females. Males can weigh up to 23 lbs. and females usually weigh around 17 lbs. After nearly becoming instinct during the later stages of World War II, Shibas have become one of the more popular Asian dog breeds today.

Shibas have a double coat. The outer coat is made up of straight hair, while the undercoat is more of a soft, denser hair. The undercoat sheds about two to three times every year. They have a surprisingly large amount of fur for such a small breed. Shibas can be black and tan, red with black tipped hair and a cream undercoat, or just a light red. Shiba Inu puppies are very cute and fluffy until they reach their teens. At this point they are still cute, but the fluffiness begins to subside. Many Americans have recognized Shibas for their fox look.

Shiba Inus are very autonomous and smart dogs. They have a tendency to be unreceptive with people they are not familiar with. Their independent temperament can make them difficult to train. They are very alert dogs with the ability to move swiftly on nearly any terrain. Although they are generally very healthy dogs, Shibas have had a history of dealing with luxating patella, hip dysplasia, and cataracts. They certainly are not considered to have many health issues relative to other breeds.

For more information on Shiba Inu puppies and breeder information visit: Pets4You.com - Dogs | Cats

Keeping Multiple Rabbits

Writen by Glenn Livingston, Ph.D.

These rabbit tips are about the frequently raised issue of keeping multiple rabbits.

You've adopted Thumper and are completely thrilled with her. She makes you laugh when she binkies. She cozies up to you when you're lying on the floor reading, and you love being a bunny mom or dad.

But, you wonder, is she lonely when you're not at home with her? If your bunny is going to be alone for eight hours or more a day, you should give serious consideration to adopting her a friend.

It's a simple fact that some rabbits have the perfect personality for bonding with another rabbit, and some bunnies just have to be single buns. A single bunny, who is spoiled and lavished with love and attention, can be just as happy as a bunny who is bonded with another bunny (who are both spoiled and lavished with attention by their devoted bunny owners.) Many bunny experts will argue, however, that all bunnies are happiest when they have both a bunny and a human companion.

It is extremely important that before you get your bunny a companion you have her spayed or him neutered. Both rabbits should be altered, and it's best to wait until two weeks after the operation to introduce your rabbit to a new friend. This time period will allow your bunny to fully recover from her surgery. If you have a male bunny, it will also give his body time to be rid of its hormones. (For up to two weeks after neutering, males are able to impregnate fertile females.)

Or, you might want two bunnies right from the start. You can find many already bonded pairs at shelters and rescues - you won't have to worry about the process of helping them bond. (You may find bonded trios for adoption as well.)

We should also dispell some common myths. While it is true same sex pairs generally don't tend to get along very well upon first meeting, that doesn't mean it is impossible to bond two girls or two boys. It is possible if you have patience and understanding of the bonding process. It's also possible to bond a tiny dwarf bunny with a larger rabbit. The size is not the dominant factor.

Before you introduce a new bunny to your present bunny, you should consider having a few "dates." (Really, bring your bunny to a shelter and arrange some contact with potential bunnies).

Not all bunny dates are love at first sight, so it's important to have an idea of what to expect. First, you shouldn't be surprised if one bunny mounts the other bunny. This is more of a sign of dominance than anything else. It's the bunny saying, I want to be top dog.e surprised if your little girl mounts the boy she's meeting; she's just setting some ground rules for what she expects from him.

If the boy mounts the girl, and she doesn't react, that's a good sign that the bonding should go fairly smoothly. If she runs away when he tries to mount her, don't worry. The way to know you're going to have to take time and have patience with the bonding is if the girl turns around and tries to attack or becomes in any way aggressive when the boy tries to mount her.

Another common reaction upon first introductions is one the chase. (One bunny chases the other). This is perfectly fine, if the chased bunny doesn't turn around and fight back. If the chased bunny does fight back, separate the two bunnies and realize the bonding process is going to have to move more slowly than you had hoped for.

In fact, don't be surprised if there are fights during the bonding process. It's not the end. It just means you should be prepared to take things slow. There's bound to be some scrapes between bunnies, and this is normal. You can stop a fight by yelling noy making a loud noise.

Rabbit Care Secrets You can get the book here: http://www.rabbitsecrets.com/R.htm is the book with literally hundreds of "word of mouth" tips and tricks - secrets which are next to impossible to find in books and pet stores. This is the gold which only comes from years and years of hands on experience... including all the hard to find Rabbit information people just can't locate with internet searches or trips to the library!

Hiring A Pet Sitter Choosing The Right Care Giver For Your Pet

Writen by Therese Kopiwoda

The next time you go away, whether it's for business or pleasure, you might want to consider hiring a pet sitter to come into your home to care for your pets. Employing the services of a professional pet sitter will allow your pet to stay comfortable in his own home, gives you peace of mind knowing he's safe and in capable hands, and frees you from having to rely on friends or relatives. Before you hand over your keys and wave goodbye to Rover and Fluffy though, take time to educate yourself about pet sitters and the services they provide. Interview a few pet sitters, get to know them a bit, and ask questions. Find out about their experience, how frequently they'll visit your pets, how long visits last, what they'll do while with your pets, how they'll handle emergencies, and fees. In addition to general information about their services, you'll want to cover a few very important points, as listed below.

· Insurance and/or bonding: This won't prevent accidents from happening but it will protect you and the pet sitter to a certain extent should a mishap occur. Most sole proprietors are insured, and most services that employ pet sitters are bonded and insured. It's a good idea to ask for proof of insurance.

· Pet emergency provisions: If your pet becomes ill when you're away, it'll be important for your pet sitter to know what measures to take if you cannot be reached. He or she should have your vet's contact information, and the type of treatment and/or amounts you authorize if you cannot be contacted.

· Pet sitter emergency procedures: Ask what measures will be taken if your pet sitter becomes ill and is unable to care for your pets, if he or she is unable to get to your home due to inclement weather, or in the event of a natural disaster.

· Key security: Ask how the key will be identified and stored. Keys should not be attached to anything with your name or address on it, and when not in use, ideally they should be kept secure in a locked safe or other secure enclosure. Most pet sitting businesses will also offer to keep your key for future pet sitting assignments.

· Contracts and other forms: Be sure that your pet sitter provides you with a written contract detailing such things as dates, times, services agreed upon, emergency procedures, key security, rates, etc.

· References: Ask for names and contact information for a few clients. Take time to talk to these people and ask about their experiences and whether or not they'd hire that particular pet sitter again. Many pet sitters are also happy to give references from other pet care professionals such as veterinarians, groomers, or trainers.

· Pet issues: Inform your prospective pet sitter of any health problems, behavioral issues, or other important factors regarding your pets. Giving your pet sitter as much information as you can about your pet will enable her to give the best care possible.

· Home issues: As with pet issues, be sure to inform your pet sitter of any oddities about your home that may arise in your absence (toilet that overflows, doors that don't lock properly, security alarms, etc.).

Because pet sitting is a personal service, you and your pet need to be comfortable with the person you invite into your home. Look for a sense of professionalism with a personal touch, be sure to take into account your gut feeling, and observe your pet's reaction to the pet sitter you interview. With a little bit of preparation and investigation, your pet will be able to stay safely in his own home while you're away, and will be there to eagerly greet you with love and affection when you return.

To locate a pet sitter, dog walker, or dog daycare in your area, or to learn more about the services they provide, go to http://www.petsitusa.com.

© 2005 PetsitUSA.com All rights reserved.

Therese Kopiwoda is a professional pet sitter and the owner of PetsitUSA.com. Founded in 2003, PetsitUSA.com allows pet owners to locate professional pet sitters, dog walkers, and dog daycares, and learn about the services they provide. For more information, go to http://www.petsitusa.com.

Your Dog Is A Social Animal And Needs You

Writen by Brigitte Smith

Your dog is a social being, just like you! He/she loves walking in the park with you, playing ball or chase with you, and just being with you. Even when he/she's lying around the house or the backyard having a snooze, your dog is well aware of your presence, or absence, and appreciates every minute you spend with him/her. If you have a family, your dog loves being part of your family and no doubt has a special relationship with most, if not all, of the family members.

I have a Rottweiler, Kara, and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Jet. They're both female and both just turned 9 years. I've had them since they were puppies, and they're definitely members of my family. I love them to bits and would be lost without them.

I'll bet your dog is much like mine when it comes to interacting with you.

I know my dogs are always beside themselves with joy and excitement whenever I come home - regardless of whether I've been away for a week, or just popped out for 10 minutes! What human gets that excited to see you? No one? I thought so. I don't know any human who's even half that happy to see me.

Kara often stands and wags her tail when I walk past her in the house or when I talk to her. And Jet doesn't move from her comfortable position lying down. But her tail thumps up and down on the floor. Just goes to show that every dog has his/her own unique personality. Just like us.

And my dogs just love being let in from outside. They consider their place is in the house - just like the human members of the household!

And why not? Dogs really can be a man's (or a woman's or a child's) best friend. They rarely ask for anything. So long as you feed them regularly, and show them some love and attention, they're happy. And a happy dog is the first step to a healthy dog. (Don't get me wrong, dogs don't have to be allowed in the house to be happy - mind you, my dogs would like me to believe that this is the case!)

Consistency when dealing with your dog is very important. And I'm talking here about both the initial teaching/training of your dog, and also the reinforcement of those teachings throughout your dog's life.

It's essential for your dog's wellbeing for you to be consistent when disciplining, playing with and just simply spending time with, your dog. But it's also important for other members of the household (and even frequent visitors) to treat your dog in a similar manner where possible. This is particularly so if your dog has any problem behaviours, such as jumping up at people. If you don't also ask your family and your visitors to make it clear to your dog that this is unacceptable, your dog is unlikely to curb the jumping altogether. And this may simply perpetuate the problem.

Dogs who experience consistency tend to be better behaved dogs, and, guess what? You guessed it - better behaved dogs are happier dogs, and happier dogs are healthier dogs!

So you know what to do - love your dog, spend quality time with your dog, and make sure you're consistent.

About The Author

(c) Brigitte Smith, Healthy Happy Dogs, 2004

Brigitte Smith is a dog lover and owns 2 dogs - a Rottweiler and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Brigitte has a special interest in improving the health and possibly extending the life of your dog.

You can subscribe to the Healthy Happy Dogs ezine - for free tips, information, strategies and resources for a healthier happier dog - at: http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com; Brigitte@HealthyHappyDogs.com

Dog Breeds Affenpinscher

Writen by Dorian Regester

The Affenpinscher is an ancient breed although its origins are not recorded. It was known in Germany in the seventeenth century and is thought to be the foundation breed for the more familiar Brussels Griffon and perhaps the Miniature Schnauzer as well. The American Kennel Club classifies the breed as a toy but elsewhere it is considered a terrier. The original job of the little bristle faced imp was a traditional terrier task as stable rat catcher.

BODY TYPE:

Height: 10 inches (at shoulder)
Weight: 7-8 pounds
Ears are erect and usually cropped to a point.
Tail is docked and carried high.

PERSONALITY:

Loyal and devoted pal. Tends to be a one-person dog.
A mark of its terrier blood is the tendency for the Affenpinscher to become hyper excited.
Headstrong and quite fearless against any size aggressor.
Carries itself with a comical seriousness.
Intelligent but not particularly trainable. The Affenpinscher has a mind of its own.

COAT:

Harsh wiry coat is short on the body, longer on head and legs. A definite mustache and beard give the dog a monkey-face expression.
Black is the preferred color but black with tan markings, red or gray mixtures are allowed.
Moderate upkeep. Should not be bathed too often as this destroys the crisp, wirehaired feel of the coat.

TIPS:

Affe means ape or monkey in German.
An excellent companion for those whose physical activities are limited.
For its size, the Affenpinscher is a good watchdog.
This breed is quite rare and finding a puppy may be difficult.

HEALTH CONCERNS:

The tiny size and fearless nature can lead to broken bones.
Teeth require special care
Slipped stifle (subluxated patella) can cause the dog to have a "hitch" in its movement.
Prominent eyes are subject to scratches and ulcers.
Fungal infections in wrinkle between nose and eyes.

For more information:

Affenpinscher
Dog Breeds

Why Do You Need To Have A Dog Seat Cover For Your Car

Writen by Taylor Fox

Who doesn't love to travel with their dogs? Some of us do not just bring our dogs to walk in the park, we also love to bring them with us wherever we go. Our dogs are our very best friends.

When we go visiting our friends or on an outing, we bring along our beloved dog with us. Most often, we travel to our destination by car.

Most of the time, our dog will be sitting in the rear seat of the car.

As a dog owner, we know that dogs have some undesirable habits. Firstly, dogs tends to drool and the saliva would be dripping onto your leather seat of your car. When you do not clean it immediately and the saliva dries up, it would cause a terrible stain mark on your beautiful car seat. It is very unsightly. Furthermore, you have to use a special car leather stain removal product to undo the damage. Hence, it is time consuming and costly if you are going to bring your dog out.

Secondly, dogs sometimes leave their paw prints behind on your seat. That will cause a ugly mark on your car seat too. To make things worse, sometimes the dog moves around in the car and its sharp paws would certainly scratch your car seat. That is permanant damage to your car seat. The only solution is to change your car seat cover and this can cost an arm and a leg sometimes.

Thirdly, if you do not clean your dog before letting him into the car, your dog will bring along mud, grass and dirt from outside of the car and onto your car seat. Can you imagine the time you'll have to spend vacuuming and cleaning your car seat every time you bring your dog out? And what happens when it is a rainy day? Your car seat will be a huge mess of mud, grass, dirt and rain that is brought in by your dog. It dirties your expensive upholstery or even your brand new leather seat cover that you just got installed.

Not only that, what if you have kids who sit at the rear of your car? They will be exposed to the dirt and germs that are brought in by the dogs.

Fourthly, if your dog is too short to look out of the window, he would find ways to increase his height to see what is happening outside the car. So, your dog may stand on your leather arm rest and scratch the leather in the process of doing so. As you know, once your leather is scratched, there is nothing much you can do but to change to a new one. That is costly as compared to getting dog car seat cover.

Fifthly, when you make a turn or stop at the traffic light, sometimes your dog will slide off the car seat. This may cause unnecessary injury to your dog, and you would spend more money to bring your dog to see the vet. And if your dog suffers a serious injury, it is definitely too high a price to pay for a simple trip with your beloved dog. With a dog seat cover in place, it is safer for your dog as it is unlikely for your dog to slide off the seat.

Dogs are intelligent animals. If your dog had the bad experience of sliding around the back seats when you made a sharp turn, it will learn to find its own grip the next time you make a sudden turn or step on the brakes abruptly. It will learn to grip your car seat with its paws. Thus, it would scratch your car seat and cause permanent marks on the car seats.

If you don't want scratches or holes in your seat covers, you need to prevent your dog from getting to them with its teeth and nails. But don't even think of using discarded bedsheets or blankets to cover the seats. These don't work very well -- your dog can easily move them around and more often than not, the sheets will end up in one corner and your seats will be exposed. Use a proper dog seat cover and you'll never face this problem!

In conclusion, buying a dog seat cover for your dog is good investment for your car, your dog and yourself. You can protect both of your beloved car seat and your dog.

Copyright 2006 Taylor Fox

Taylor Fox is the owner of the Seat Covers for Dogs site. Find all the tips and advice for seat covers for dogs at

http://www.seatcoversfordogs.com

Seat Covers for Dogs is the sister site of http://www.customsheepskinseatcovers.com .

This article is available for reprint in your ezine, website or e-book. You MUST agree not to make any changes to the article and the RESOURCE BOX MUST be included WITH A LIVE LINK back to our website.

Choosing The Right Horse

Writen by Paul Hegarty

If you have no desire to train a horse or have a green horse (young inexperienced horse), then you ought to look at buying a horse that is around 5 years and older. That way the horse has had a number of years where he has been ridden and taught. If you are looking to learn a particular sport and compete, then it could be to your advantage to buy a school master.

This is an older horse that has successfully learned and usually competed in a sport and is looking for a little less action. The owner may not think the horse is ready for retirement and would be an excellent teacher for a beginner rider starting out. Depending on the age and health of the horse, you could learn and begin to compete on the same horse. Or you could learn on the older horse and buy a younger horse once you start competing. Of course that leaves you with another question of what to do with the older horse?

How much can you afford to spend on the horse? This question helps you decide whether you buy a young horse, an older horse, or even a foal. If you are seriously looking to compete you may be more concerned about bloodlines. Bloodlines relate to a horse's ancestry. Typically horses with good bloodlines are pricier, so buying a foal could cut the cost however you have to then wait a number of years until you could compete with your purchase.

It should be noted that a foal with excellent bloodlines and good conformation (body proportion) can cost far more than a horse with an unknown or unproven bloodline. Usually a horse that has good bloodlines or has proven himself in a sport is going to cost you the most. Not only do you consider the cost in buying the horse, but in also purchasing all the equipment you'll need for riding and caring for your horse.

Do you already have all the tack necessary, riding gear and grooming equipment? This can add up to a tidy sum and you may need to lower your budget so that you can buy all the equipment you need.

Your horse guide. Get information on buying, owning and caring for your horse, learn about Feeding Your Horse.

Paul Hegarty is the owner of learningfromdvds.com. Price compare Educational DVDs, read reviews, download free E-books. Read this month's e-book on "How To Spot A fraudulent Email". Grab your free copy today.

Cats The Cruelty That Is Claw Removal

Writen by Michael Russell

Cats' claws are part of their balancing mechanism, which is why they are able to spring high onto a surface and remain there without falling. If they do fall or the leap is too far, they can catch hold of some surfaces, such as tree bark, with their claws and thus save themselves from a tumble to the ground. Apart from the extremes of leaping and climbing, the claws provide balance for normal walking, running and stretching. In addition, the claws are the cat's weapons, for use against other animal, or indeed human, threats and enable them to dig so that this fastidious creature can cover up it's toilet area with fresh earth.

Cats scratch objects to mark their territories. There are glands in their paws containing a secretion, which transfers to the scratched area and which is detectable by other cats, although not by human noses. They also scratch to remove the old, rough-edged claw which falls off to reveal a new claw beneath.

It beggars belief that a person will put their own possessions above the contentment of their pet, but it is a fact that this does happen. Some humans (fortunately, relatively few), in their own selfish way, don't want their expensive furniture or carpets ruined by a scratching cat, so they solve the problem by having the cat's claws surgically removed. This can only be done by a vet and many vets will require a medical reason to do so and will not pander to the vanity of a human. However, some will undertake the required operation, particularly if the alternative is the destruction or re-homing of the cat and others just have no scruples at all.

In addition, cat owners should be aware that de-clawing a cat can change its personality completely. It may be in pain and it will certainly be confused. It may not be able to jump at all even onto the armchair or the window sill and it may not be able to enjoy a game of football. It may become introverted or even aggressive (it will still have teeth, so beware). In short, it will be miserable and you will be the cause - can you really live with that?

Anyone who decides to have a cat knows full well that cats do scratch on occasion, so if they're not prepared to put up with that, why have a cat, why not adopt a small dog or a goldfish - now that won't harm the precious furniture, will it?

In any event, there are plenty of ways to prevent cats from scratching the furnishings. Contrary to what dog owners would have you believe, you can train cats.

Firstly, buy a scratching post and introduce your cat to it. Alternatively, you can use a rush floor mat. When the cat starts to scratch, pick it up and place it by the post or on the mat. You may have to demonstrate what it's supposed to do but it will soon catch on. Imagine the fun you can have, crawling around on the floor, pawing at a piece of cat furniture!

Secondly, in exactly the same way that a dog only understands a human's tone of voice, not the actual words that they're saying, so does a cat. If you say the cat's name loudly then "NO" in a stern tone, wag your finger at the cat, then pick it up and put it outside or by the scratching post or mat, it will soon understand that clawing at the carpet or sofa is not acceptable behaviour. However, you must be consistent. You can't ignore the scratching one day, then shout about it the next and never, never hit your cat or threaten it, particularly after the event. It won't have a clue why you're angry.

Thirdly, as with dog training, reward lessons learnt with treats, tickles and cuddles.

If you really can't train your cat, just put a throw over the sofa and enjoy its company. What are a few rips or tugs in the cover of your armchair compared with the purring companionship of a happy cat?

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Cats

Ill Take My Cat

Writen by Jeffrey Dorrian

The battle between cats & dogs has been waged since the dawn of time. Seemingly opposites, cats & dogs can be seen as metaphors for the two sides of our own psyche. The desperate side of us that wants nothing more than to be loved; and the independent side, that can take care of itself.

The dog loves everyone. He is sloppy and carefree. He is unashamed of his feelings and will walk through fire if it pleases his owner. Dogs will wear funny hats for us, point at birds for us, they'll even go out in the snow to fetch the newspaper at the end of the driveway for us. In exchange for this embarrassing level of devotion, they depend on us for everything. Dogs must be walked, fed, and bathed by their owners. They can't take care of even the most basic needs in life. Dogs need us. They really, really need us.

Cats, on the other hand, don't need anyone. They can take care of themselves. Cats are wholly and completely self-sufficient. Cats prefer to be left alone. They don't want to be bothered with the pettiness of our silly lives. Cats won't be made fools of. They have too much self-respect. A cat won't come running to lick your face when you come home. He's got other things on his mind. While, the dog has been sitting there for 9 hours waiting for your return, the cat hasn't even noticed that you left.

Take your dog out for a walk and you'd better bring a poop bag to dispose of the giant deposit he's going to make on your neighbor's lawn. Cats can take care of their own bathroom needs, thank-you very much. All they need from us is a relatively clean litter box. Heck, if you let the cat outside, he'll very neatly take care of his business, and not on the neighbor's lawn, where everyone can see it. The cat will sneak quietly behind the bushes to relieve himself, and then cover it up so we don't have look at it.

It's natural for a cat to adapt to whatever situation life presents. Why do you think cats on the loose are called "alley cats" while loose dogs are called "strays?" It's natural to assume that a dog is lost if he is without a human companion. Cats can live their whole lives without human contact. Cats can catch birds or mice to eat, find warm places to sleep, and even bathe themselves. A stray dog won't catch and eat a squirrel. No, he'll degrade himself by digging through a garbage can to find the leftover tuna noodle casserole you threw away.

A dog will be your best friend for life, as long as you feed him. It's true that dogs are very loyal, but that loyalty can be swayed very easily by anyone with snausages to offer. Cats don't give their affection away like dogs do. You must earn a cat's trust and devotion. Being loved by a cat is the ultimate indication of your value as a being on this planet. If a cat trusts and respects you, you can be sure that you are truly worthy! If a dog loves you, it's probably because you smell like bacon.

Jeffrey Dorrian is the soap guy. Really, that is his website http://www.thesoapguy.com He has been making premium olive oil soap for the past five years.

"Handmade soap is a true inexpensive luxury anyone can enjoy."
handmade soap

How To Get Your Dog To Stop Pulling On The Leash

Writen by Pat Doyle

It is really miserable walking a dog when he is constantly pulling on the leash. You can't really take a relaxing walk when your arm feels like it is almost being pulled out of the socket and you are constantly yelling at your dog. I had this problem with my dog, and here is what I found out.

1. Use a harness or halter, not a collar.

This is very important, both for your dog's health and for your peace of mind. I didn't realize until I found out in obedience class, that pulling on the leash is very bad for the dog's neck and can leave lasting problems. Duh! I guess I should have figured out that it can't be good for the dog, but I truly did not realize it. So I went right out and got a harness for my dog.

Right away, I had more control of her, and she did not pull nearly as much. The way the collar chokes the dog itself causes the dog to pull more. With the harness, things went much better.

2. If the dog pulls, walk in the opposite direction.

Just turn around and start walking the other way. Don't get angry or even say anything. The dog will soon realize that you are the one who controls where the two of you go, and how fast.

You will have to repeat this a lot. For a while, I had to do this a few times at the beginning of every walk, until the dog remembered. But it sure made the rest of the walk very pleasant.

3. Hold the leash close to your abdomen.

If your arm is stretched out, then a sudden pull by the dog will have you feeling like your arm is about to get pulled out. If you keep your hand close to your body (just above the waist seems to work fine), then you have much more control. If necessary, use both hands at first. But keep them close to your body.

4. Be matter-of-fact about it all.

Don't get upset and yell at the dog. Just matter-of-factly, go along where you want to go. The dog will have to follow. The dog will soon learn to go where you want.

If you get all upset, you give a lot of control to the dog. She could be just trying to get a rise out of you. If she pulls, just calmly walk in the other direction. Don't even look back. If she lags behind, just keep going. Keep your hands close to your body and this will be pretty easy to do, especially if you are using a halter.

It would be a real shame if you avoided going on walks with your dog because of the pulling. Dogs need walks. They need the exercise and the variety of seeing something other than their own back yard. And the exercise is good for you too. So try these tips, and I think you will see a big difference.

Pat Doyle is the creator of the popular website http://doggiewoggie.com. She has also started the new website http://cute-dog-pictures.doggiewoggie.com.

This article may be republished as long as you keep the full text, author's name, and website links with the article.

Doggin Las Vegas Where To Hike With Your Dog When In Sin City

Writen by Doug Gelbert

Sunset Park at East Sunset Road and S. Eastern Avenue is a traditional urban recreational park with ballfields and playgrounds. While lacking an extensive trail system, there is fresh green grass and shade trees aplenty that will be a welcome sight for any dog visiting Las Vegas. A paved trail traces the edge of a prominent artificial pond and beyond that is a patch of undeveloped mesquite-dunes land similar to what all Las Vegas looked like before the coming of neon.

For some serious hikes with your dog head out of town to the northeast and Valley of Fire State Park. The stunning red sandstone rock formations that give the Valley of Fire its name are the result of great shifting sand dunes. Two thousand years ago the Basket Maker people traveled here and left rock art reminders of their visits that can be seen today. In 1935 the Valley of Fire, now 34,000 acres, was dedicated as Nevada's first state park.

Dogs are welcome on all nine short interpretive trails, all easily accessed from the main park roadways. In many places the hiking is over fine red sand trails. The feature trail here is the White Domes Loop Trail in the far northern section of the park. The path circles through rock formations and a slot canyon on its one-mile odyssey. Look for the stone ruins of a movie set from The Professionals when Lee Marvin led a crew of four hard-edged adventurers on a rescue mission for a kidnapped woman. Many movies have used the Valley of Fire as a backdrop but this is the only set in the park as filmmakers are no longer allowed to abandon their sets.

The quick hikes in the Valley of Fire are especially attractive for dogs visiting in the summer when the sun's rays bouncing off the red rocks make the landscape appear on fire - and feel like it. Canine hikers visiting Las Vegas in more hospitable weather can also enjoy red rocks just west of town, heading out West Charleston Boulevard to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

A 13-mile scenic drive winds through the iron-tinged sandstone mountains and climbs about 1000 feet. Parking areas are liberally sprinkled along the route that provide access to 19 hiking trails. Many of the routes explore side canyons with only moderate elevation gains of a few hundred feet.

The most difficult of the Red Rock Canyon trails is the climb along the Turtlehead Peak Trail. This five-mile round trip is never too punishing as it makes its way to the 6,323-foot summit. Your purchase is sweeping views of the Calico Hills and the city of Las Vegas.

To reach Valley of Fire State Park take I-15 north out of Las Vegas for 55 miles to the Valley of Fire Road. Head east to the park's West Entrance Station.

copyright 2006

Doug Gelbert is the author of over 20 books, including The Canine Hiker's Bible. To subscribe to his FREE Newsletter on hiking with your dog and receive a copy of Rules for Dogs in 100 of the Most Popular National Park Service Lands, visit http://www.hikewithyourdog.com In the warmer months he leads canine hikes for hikewithyourdog.com tours, guiding packs of dogs and humans on hiking adventures. Tours, ranging from one-day trips to multi-day explorations, visit parks, historical sites and beaches.

Zoonotic Diseases Caused By Your Pets Worms

Writen by Keith Perrett

A zoonotic disease, loosely defined, is a disease that can be transmitted from an animal to a human. These diseases can be transmitted by direct contact, by vectors or by the consumption of animals and/or animal products.

While many animal diseases are zoonotic, we are going to highlight some of the more common ones caused by worms.

A) Hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum)

These are distributed worldwide and are found wherever dogs live.

In dogs they can cause anaemia(bloodloss), weight loss, loss of appetite, poor growth,bloody stools, coughing and localised skin inflammation, especially of the feet, legs and abdomen.

In humans they are responsible for a condition known as Cutaneous Larval Migrans. The migration of the larval stages causes localised skin inflammation, especially in the lower leg region

Preventative measures include:

1) Regular removal of dog faeces from the environment and avoiding contact with dog faeces and soil contaminated with dog faeces.
2) Disinfection of Kennels etc
3) Regular Deworming (pets and people!)
4) Basic Hygiene - washing hands after playing with dogs, before meals etc.

B) Roundworm (Toxocara canis) are also distributed worldwide.

Usually only dogs up to about 8 months old are infected. Symptoms include poor growth, weight loss, pot bellied appearance, coughing, occasional vomiting, slimey diarrhoea with worms sometimes visible.

In humans they are responsible for a condition known as Visceral larval Migrans. The larvae migrate through the body and the symptoms experienced by the person depend on where the larvae end up in the body.Common symptoms include a fever, muscle pains, coughing, loss of appetite, blindness (usually only one eye) etc.

Prevention is the same as for hookworm.

C) Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is one of the best known of the zoonotic diseases that involve pets and is the disease that leads many pregnant women to (unfairly) toss the pet cat out the door!

Although cats play a major role in the life cycle of Toxopllasma gondii, the causative organism, humans can in fact become infected 3 different ways, only one of which is direct contact with cat faeces.In fact, cat ownership is not a big factor for human infection with Toxoplasma.

The three ways that humans can become infected:

1) Eating undercooked meat
This is THE major route of infection for humans, NOT contact with cat faeces. In one study , up to 60% of infections were as the result of the consumption of undercooked meat.

2) Transplacental Infection
The foetus is infected while still in the uterus. This infection is the result of the mother becoming infected during pregnancy.

3) Ingestion of the organism shed in cat faeces.

Preventative measures thus involve cooking meat properly, wearing gloves when gardening, washing hands and utensils after working with raw meat and cleaning litter trays out daily.

Zoonotic diseases are a real threat to humans, but in most cases a little common sense and basic hygiene practices will prevent you becoming infected with any of these diseases.

Keith Perrett is a qualified Veterinarian http://www.pet-health-for-humans.com

Is Fido Running The House Gain Control Of Your Dog Today In A Few Easy Steps

Writen by Ann Griffin

Is your dog pushy, shy, submissive, demanding, or aggressive? Chances are that you've got a dog that could benefit from strong, fair leadership on your part. This program is a non-confrontational way of asserting yourself as a leader of the pack! Training should be fun and stress free, not an ongoing battle with your dog. Every pack needs a leader, and at minimum one dog plus one human equals a pack. Someone needs to take that leadership role and that leader should be you. Dogs are much happier without the "weight of the world" on their shoulders, being a leader is stressful and they'd much rather let you take the reigns and make the rules. Many common behavior problems can be directly related to a lack of leadership on the owner's part. Your dog will be ten times more likely to obey your commands when it really counts if he sees you as his leader. Without that respect, he will likely ignore you, so this is a valuable goal to work on and will make all the difference in how well trained your dog is.

Now don't worry, you don't need to be a Drill Sergeant to be a leader, in fact you should be having fun with your dog! Dogs judge "rank" through small, daily interactions not big battles. This makes it easy for you to integrate 'house rules' into your daily life that will have a profound impact on how your dog views your relationship.

Say Please: No more freebies, your dog will have to start working for what he wants. Well mannered dogs "say please", that means they Sit or Down for treats, meals, throw of the ball, going outside, etc. No more rushing the food dish or bolting out doorways, make use of the commands your dog already knows to manage his behavior. Use your interactions with your dog as training opportunities and you'll find that you practice commands many times through out the day without needing to set aside 20 or 30 minutes.

Furniture: Snoozing on the sofa is a privilege, not a right. And many dogs simply haven't earned that right yet. If your dog is non-aggressive then you can allow him up ONLY with permission. Insisting that he "say please" and sit or down first will ensure that he knows the sofa is yours, not his. Any attempts at sneaking up should be met with an unemotional off as you guide him off with the leash or collar.

Aggressive dogs should not be allowed on furniture without first being taught how to get off on command. Period. If your dog acts aggressively when on furniture (or when you are on 'his' furniture) then set your dog up for success and simply deny him permission onto the furniture. He very clearly is telling you that he is not ready for that privilege yet. Maybe someday. But not now. Keeping a leash on the dog in house will make it easy for you to guide him off should he sneak up, without risking a bite.

Attention: This is by far the hardest rule for most families. It's very common to pet the dog without even realizing that we're doing so. But in dog language petting and fussing over a dog often can be considered a submissive behavior, and you certainly don't want your dog to think of you as submissive toward them! You can combat this by asking for a command prior to petting. You can lavish your dog with as much attention as you like, but make him WORK for it!

Any attempt by the dog to make you pet him (nose nudging, pawing, smacking you with a toy) should be ignored. In dog language he is saying 'Hey, human, PET ME NOW!" the dog is ordering you to pay attention to him and if you respond by petting or tossing the toy then you will have told your dog that he has you well trained. Ignore these outbursts and your dog will accept that you no longer obey his orders. Once he gives up and walks away then you can call him over, ask for a sit, THEN give him attention.

Remember, the attention itself is NOT the problem. Who initiates the interaction can cause the problem. Make it on your terms and your dog will respect you for it.

Leash Pulling: If your dog is walking you then he's probably got the wrong idea about who's the leader of your pack. Dogs should walk on your left and slightly behind you. No sniffing or peeing on walks, that can be done at will in your yard. Walks should be more of a training exercise then simply physical exercise. We recommend at least one 20 minute walk per day. This is good mental and physical stimulation. A tired dog is a more well behaved dog!

Crate Time: Many dogs will benefit from at least 3 hours of crate time per day. Having your dog follow you around the house all day may be cute, but it will also encourage separation anxiety, meaning your dog may panic or display destructive behaviors once you are out of sight. Even if you're home, give your dog some "alone time" in his crate and encourage him to be relaxed and calm on his own. It's a skill you'll be glad you've taught!

Important points

1) Enforce every command you give - Simply put, if you ask your dog to sit, lie down, off or whatever else you need to be prepared to follow though on that command should the dog ignore you. Giving a command and then allowing the dog to ignore it will greatly set back any training already done, and your dog will likely ignore you again the next time.

If a command is given, make it happen.

2) Leash your dog! In the house! Yes, in the house. If your dog has a habit of ignoring commands, being aggressive or in general giving you the doggy version of the finger, give yourself an easy way to take control of situations by leaving a collar and 6 foot leash on the dog in the house. This eliminates the urge to chase a dog, grab the collar, or otherwise agitate an aggressive dog. It will save both you and your dog a lot of stress in the long run.

3) Being a strong leader for your dog should be a way of life, not something that is only done for a week or so and then forgotten about. You will get back from your dog what you put into his training. If you are consistent, your dog will be as well. Respect is earned, often through time and consistency. Don't be tempted to stop the 'house rules' once your dog shows improvement or the training you've done up to that point will simply be wasted and you'll be back to square one.

4) Have fun with your dog! Praise him for good behavior and enjoy the connection your making with your dog as your relationship improves. You are working toward a partnership with your canine companion, enjoy the journey just as much as the results.

Ann Griffin is the owner of http://www.CentralPetz.com an online resource for pet owners to find training and behavior articles, forums and training information.

Irish Dog Names And Their Meanings

Writen by Clare O Hagan

The Irish have a special regard for dogs. They are part of our culture, our history. There is much mention of them in Irish stories and myths. The tallest dog in the world is the Irish Wolfhound, bred originally to hunt stags and wolfs. Well known dog breeds from Ireland include the Irish Red and White Setters the Irish Water Spaniel, the Kerry Blue. We have the terriers: The Irish Terrier, the Wheaten Terrier, and The Glen of Imaal Terrier. The Irish dog breeds mentioned were bred for working. They are hardy, intelligent, and courageous, and very good looking dogs.

We have made a list of Irish names that would suit a dog. In addition to well known Irish names and their meanings, we have introduced new ones. We have suggested dog breeds that would suit the names. We have included words that sound right, they are at times, whimsical and poetic.

Enjoy reading the list of names and their meanings. Thank you.

Anlan – great hound or warrior, this name has a majestic ring to it
Bannon – white - wheaten terrier
Blaine – thin - greyhound, whippet
Bran, Brenna – raven, Bran is the name of an adventurer
Caha – showery mountain - Caha is two syllables, good when calling a dog
Cara – friend – every dog
Cargan – little rock – would suit a small breed of dog
Carrig - rock
Carey – dark (Black Labrador)
Conan – hound – has a protective ring to it
Conor – lover of hounds
Conry – king of wolves/hounds
Crolly – shaking dog – perhaps a spaniel or waterdog
Derry – descendent of the red haired one, or oak wood
Donn or Dun – brown - chocolate Labrador
Dougal – black strand
Egan – small fiery one -any terrier
Emly – Lake marsh of the yew tree - any beautiful dog
Finn – river in Donegal, blond haired
Fintan – white fire
Flynn – dark red
Grainna – she who inspires terror – perhaps a small wirey terrier
Hugh - fire
Kasey - brave
Kelly - warrior
Kerry – descendant of the dark one – Kerry Blue
Kyla - attractive
Lana – peaceful, attractive
Lorcan - fierce
Madden – little dog
Murphy – hound of the sea
Nola – Noble
Orla – golden princess
Paddy – short for Patrick
Quinn - strong
Rory – Red king
Ryan – little king
Rua – red – red setter
Sion – fairy hill – where the author was born
Tara – rocky hill, assembly area
Tory – mountain like
Tressa - strength
Tynan – Dark
Tullia – quiet and peaceful

©2006 Clare O Hagan - http://www.clareohagan.com

Clare O Hagan is co-owner of O Hagans Irish Store. A genuine lover of dogs, Clare and fellow artist Denise Wyllie, design, produce and sell, dog clothes with an Irish twist. http://www.clareohagan.com

The artists are affiliated to leading Women's Health Institutions internationally. See their art at http://www.wyllieohagan.com

Canine Distemper

Writen by Ron Swerdfiger

What is Canine Distemper?

Canine distemper is a highly contagios disease caused by a virus (paramyxovirus) which attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervus systems of dogs. Although dogs are the most commonly affected, Canine Distemper is also seen in foxes, ferrets, mink and many other carnivores. These infected animals are often the cause of the spread of this disease to domesticated dogs.

At normal temperature the virus can remain active in infected tissue for several weeks, provided the infected source does not dry out, or become exposed to ultraviolet radiation (sun light). At below zero, the virus can remain active for several months. At temperatures of 32°C or greater, the Canine Distemper virus will be destroyed very quickly.

How can the Virus spread?

Canine Distemper is spread through bodily secretions (nasal fluid for example} The most common form of transmission is airborne. Dogs become infected by breathing in particles secreted by infected hosts. For several weeks after recovery, a dog will still carry the virus which can lead to further contamination if not properly quarantined.

What are the symptoms?

Upon contracting the virus, dogs often appear "normal" for several days. The initial symptoms of the disease are runny nose, water eyes and a sore throat. The dogs temperature will increase to approximately 103.5°F (39.7°C). Over the next couple of days the symptoms worsen with the tonsils becoming enlarged, and the dog developing diarrhea. After approximately four weeks of treatment the virus begins to affect the brain. The dog will start twitching which will gradually turn in to larger convulsions The convulsions normally become so frequent and violent, that euthanasia is often carried out at this stage.

Are all dogs at risk?

Yes. Puppies younger than 4 months of age, and dogs who have not received vaccination, are at the greatest risk of infection. However, all dogs are susceptible to the virus. Canine Distemper was at one time the leading cause of deaths in domesticated dogs. Due to understanding of the virus and the ability to treat secondary symptoms, Canine Distemper only become a concern in isolated outbreaks.

What is the treatment for Canine Distemper?

At this time, there is no cure for the actual virus which causes Canine Distemper.. Treatment mainly consists of controlling spread and severity of secondary ailments such as , vomiting, diarrhea and fluid discharge. In the later stages of canine distemper, the use of anti-consultant drugs may help to control twitches and spasms. Constant nursing care is needed to make the dog as comfortable as possible.

Is there anyway to prevent canine distemper?

Have your dog vaccinated!!! Pups should be vaccinated at 6 weeks of age, and re-vaccinated every 3-4 weeks until 16 months old. Adult dogs should be vaccinated every year. Like most disease, prevention is often the only viable solution. Be cautions of where you are taking your dog. Since the most common transmission of Canine Distemper is air born, dog parks, kennels, even grooming facilities can be ideal places for dogs to contract the virus. Raccoons, skunks, foxes, and other carnivores are often the catalysts for outbreak. For this reason ALWAYS be cautions of wild animals. Never let your dog have contact with an unknown animal.

Ths website only provides BASIC information about canine distemper, your veterinarian is always your best source of health information. Consult your veterinarian for more information about Canine Distemper and its prevention.

For more great articles and tons of other great info visit our Dog forum, visit Ron's blog or visit our Pet blog

Animal Care Pet Pests Are Back

Writen by Bill Knell

While most Garden Buffs can hardly wait for spring and summer to arrive, many pet owners fear this lovely time of year. They know it's the beginning of flea and tick season. While the exact time when these tiny pests appear en masse to torture pets and humans alike may vary, a wise Pet Owner starts to prepare for their arrival as the snow melts, flowers bloom or the temperatures start to climb.

Preparation can help avoid infestation. Flea and ticks may seem like super-pests that are able to thwart even professional efforts to get and keep them out, but they are not as tough as you might think. In most cases, people actually invite these pests on to their property and into their homes by their action or inaction. They do this by creating a flea and tick friendly environment.

I received a letter from a big city apartment dweller a few years ago. He had a small dog and lived in a clean, well-kept New York City apartment. He took stellar care of his dog, had his place professionally cleaned and always made sure that his pet avoided contact with other animals and areas likely to be infested. Despite all these precautions, his pet always ended up with fleas. Having lived in the Big Apple myself for a number of years, I knew that his problem was a common one. People who live in urban areas or clean suburban neighborhoods fail to understand how their pets get flea and tick infestations. Well, it's a lot easier than you might think.

During my days in New York City, I watched more then a few people walk their pets near trees. I mean, when a dogs gotta go, they've gotta go! The problem is that almost all trees in urban or suburban settings have grass, weeds or some other form of flora near or around them. That grass is rarely trimmed to proper standards. Fleas love tall grass because it's just a hop, skip and jump to the next animal that happens along to use the nearby tree as an animal restroom. Ticks also have a field day with these areas. Animals free and clear of these tiny pests interact with infested pets and you know the rest of the story.

There are just no shortcuts to preventing flea and tick infestation. It is all about cleanliness, vigilance and making the right choices. Providing a clean and well-kept environment for your pet is the best way to avoid infestation. Problem areas include refuse storage, lawns, trees, plants and bushes. Problem situations include contact with other animals and exposure to environments outside of your residence.

Let's begin with the garbage. Refuse areas are the perfect breeding ground for all kinds of pests. Keeping the inside and outside of garbage containers clean and making sure they are tightly covered is a step in the right direction. However, you also have to be sure that pets cannot get near or have regular contact with the containers or the area where they are kept. Pets are attracted to the smell of garbage (which you might not even be able to detect). So are other animals. Birds and various animal visitors to your property can bring unwelcome pests. These pests can end up infesting your pets. Refuse areas should be fenced off or placed outside of your pet's roaming area. Bird feeders should be placed away from areas where your pet eats, drinks or exercises.

Wild birds carry a number of tiny pests and diseases that can seriously affect the health of domesticated pets. When birds use pet water bowls to drink or bath, they can pass all kinds of health problems along to your animals. A large or concentrated number of bird droppings are also a major problem. While you cannot avoid having birds visit your yard or balcony, you can help limit their access to your pet by not going out of your way to welcome large numbers of them. Feed and water your pets inside. Avoid Bird Feeders if you have pets that eat, drink or exercise nearby. Keep pets inside when you seed your lawn.

The best way to place a NO VACANCY sign on your property when it comes to fleas and ticks is to avoid creating a pest friendly environment. Keep your lawn, trees and bushes trimmed. Use small portable gardening fences or other means of containment to keep your pet away from areas between bushes, small trees, gardens and your house. Purchase flea and tick preventive lawn sprays. These attach to your garden hose and allow the spray to be easily applied to your lawn, trees, plants and bushes. Most of these spray products are available at large pet or department stores. Outside areas should be sprayed once a month from March until October (and later if temperatures remain mild). If your pet has access to a balcony, patio, deck or garage, these areas need to be kept clean as well and may also be treated with anti-flea and tick sprays available in aerosol cans.

Dog Houses, concrete Pet Runs and containment areas can become havens for all kinds of bacteria, pests and disease. Unless you have a specific need to have these artificial areas on your property, don't bother with them. Your pet is better off without them. These kinds of areas require a huge amount of maintenance and cleaning. Even when properly maintained and cleaned, it's difficult to keep these structures free of troublesome pests.

Once you get the clean pet area thing down, you have another big hurdle to jump. Spring is the perfect time to take advantage of public picnic and park facilities. We all love to take our pets to the park and show them off. Well, fleas and ticks love that too. As pets meet and mingle, all kinds of pests and health threats rear their ugly heads to threaten your beloved pet. That is why it's smart to stay away from public areas with lots of other pets, wild animals, tall grass and poorly maintained flora.

If you've got Spring Fever, curb your enthusiasm and keep your pet safe. I just cringe when I see people bring their pets out to public areas and allow them to run all over the place unleashed. That's wrong on so many levels and it is an even bigger problem during flea and tick season. Maybe they watched too many Lassie reruns and have a vision of their dog running across a high grass meadow to save old Mister Hobbs who had a heart attack while plowing his field? Perhaps they saw Free Willy, all the sequels and want to give their pet a respite from the gated existence they endure as domesticated pets? Either way, letting your pet run free in public areas is not doing them or any one else any favors (except fleas and tick, they love you for it).

Another way to help keep your pet free of pests is by keeping the outside from coming inside. During the 1970s, everyone wanted to be Grizzly Adams. My mother loved to go walking out in the country (as long as it consisted of meadows off any one of a number of local expressways, parkways or highways). She brought all kinds of wild plants and berries into the house from those places. My favorite was the time that she decided to make Dandelion Wine, spent a couple of days collecting Dandelions and a couple of months trying to get the vile brew to taste like something someone would actually drink.

After any one of her attempts to get closer to nature, our home quickly filled with wild flora and all kinds of annoying flies, tiny flying insects and other annoying bugs that came along for the ride or were attracted by them. My Mom got really mad at me when I kept insisting that she had caused a fly with a human head to be brought into the house after collecting a bunch of wild plants and ferns from near an old research laboratory. I think the fly kept saying, "Help ME…Help ME!" The object lesson here is to keep inside plants and wild foliage brought in from the outside away from your pets. Trudging around nature and making it welcome in your dwelling can bring many tiny pests into your pet's environment. May I suggest getting your inside flora from a reputable Nursery?

Because fleas and ticks have become such a big problem, there are now a number of indoor and outdoor chemical treatments available for your pet and their environment. Given the possible repercussions of exposing a pet to any chemicals, I suggestion you ask your Veterinarian for their input on these choices before using any. They are some natural choices that produce the same result.

A natural flea repellent can be produced by cutting up a lemon, allowing it to sit in a spray bottle overnight and then spaying it liberally on your dog. Avoid their eyes, but spray behind their ears. The spray can also be used on your pet's environment. A small amount of eucalyptus oil can be added to the final rinse of your pet's bedding to help keep those tiny varmints away. Fleas hate salt and it can kill them. If your dwelling is really hopping with fleas, apply a thin layer of salt to your floor, carpet and furniture, then vacuum. You will be surprised how effective salt can be against all kinds of annoying pests. Dogs who need a flea bath can be bathed with some Lavender oil. And then there's the G-Bomb. Dogs hate garlic, but so do fleas and ticks. Garlic can be added to a nice piece of meat or chicken. When you pet sweats, they drop the G-Bomb on pests.

When it comes to fleas and ticks, they always prefer to come into a pest friendly environment. The best way to keep fleas and ticks away from your pet, your housing and yourself is by making sure that you do not put out a WELCOME sign. Keep your pet and their environment clean and well groomed. Pest proof your dwelling. Use common sense when taking your pet outside or away from home. Like poor relatives, it's much easier to keep these pests out then to make them leave once they have found a nice place to stay.

Read more about Dog Care and health tips at http://doggiestyle.billknell.com

Adopt a puppy at http://www.AzToyDogs.com or http://www.ArizonaPups.com

Author: Bill Knell
Author's Email: billknell@cox.net
Author's Website: http://www.billknell.com

Terms To Use Article: Permission is granted to use this article for free online or in print. Please add a link to or print my website address: http://www.billknell.com

The Process Of The Vaccines In Hatching Chicken Eggs

Writen by Joe Rosen

Approximately three days before the chicken is about to hatch, the egg is being put on a special vaccine machine. (The eggs are displayed there as on the trays found in the store) the round edge is faced up, and the narrow edge is faced down. From the top, toward every egg is matched a needle to be injected for each and every egg separately. The needles come down, and with the point it penetrates the shell of the egg, and the soft skin from inside as well, and the injection is been given.

It is important to know the position of the bird in the egg. The chick sits on the pointy edge of the egg, and the head is facing toward the round edge. The chick is surrounded by the inside skin of the egg, filling up the entire egg, on the top, there is a small space between the shell and the inside skin, where the needle is to be penetrated.

Since the chicks and the eggs vary in size, and also, the eggs are not positioned in the exact same position, it is very common that needle penetrates the neck of the chick. The eggs are also very commonly misplaced, meaning upside down, the pointy edge facing up. In this position the needle is being penetrated in the chick directly as blood is coming out at the point of the injection.

The same procedure is applicable to the organic chickens.

www.torayid.com

Pug Dogs Beauty Of A Different Sort

Writen by Michael Russell

Multo en Parvo - a lot of dog in a small space. This Latin phrase is often used to describe the playful clown of the dog world, the irrepressible Pug. A tiny package of bundled energy, the pug's bulldog-like stance belies his classification as a 'toy' sized breed. Even with his overtly distinctive looks, it is the pug's amazing personality that sets him apart from other breeds.

Delightfully friendly, pugs have an aesthetic quality that is uniquely their own. Their wrinkled faces, short snouts, curled tails and solid bodies have helped earn the Pug instant recognition on the street. Few breeds of dog are as distinctive as the pug; the common use of the term "pug ugly" suggests how recognizable the pug truly is. Even within the breed, however, variations on appearance exist. While some of these variations are plainly visible to the casual observer, true Pug enthusiasts will often notice the more subtle differences.

The Pug is most commonly "fawn" (sometimes referred to as apricot) in color; a shade resembling a creamy tan. Fawn pugs have black faces and a single black band running the length of their backs. Pug which are entirely black are less common than their fawn counterparts, but are hardly rare. The infrequency of silver colored pugs leads many non-enthusiasts to believe that the pug is limited in shade to fawn or black. Apart from the color of his coat, a pug may be single or double coated. Double coated pugs have both a silky outer coat and a downy undercoat. In both cases, the hair is short and the dog sheds year-round, requiring frequent brushing.

Even closer inspection of the dog will reveal either "rose" or "button" shaped ears, the latter being described as gently folded over and generally consider to be the more desirable of the two forms. Lastly, one of the most playful and recognizable features of this unique breed is his curly tail. The tail of the pug winds into a tight curl slightly to one side and over his hip. The more tightly curled the tail is, the better and the rare double curl is considered perfect. Bobbing slightly with his perky stride, the tail wags freely but only uncurls when the dog is sleeping or distressed.

Regardless of the physical specifics of the pug, it is this breed's personality that ultimately wins over so many owners. The breed engenders tremendous breed loyalty among owners. Not ranked among the more intelligent breeds, the pug is none the less lovable. His enthusiasm and eagerness to please are remarkable. Truly a lover of human company, the pug will usually insist on being as close as possible to owners, friends, or even total strangers - even becoming somewhat pushy if resisted. Of course, this quality in combination with the infrequency of his bark limits the pug's effectiveness as a watchdog. Bred as lap dogs, pugs can easily become anxious if left alone too frequently or for too long. They require considerable attention to satisfy their appetite for company. Their appetites are not limited to company however. Pugs love to eat. In fact, for many pugs, there is very little they love more. For this reason and perhaps because of their irresistible buggy eyes, it is common for pet pugs to be overweight.

A lot of dog in a small space, truly the pug has won a place in the heart of dog-lovers and casual observers alike. The unique physical characteristics are only outmatched by his childlike personality and affectionate manner. While upkeep of a pug can be challenging, the rewards seem to more than offset the extra effort.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dogs

The French Bulldog

Writen by Michael Russell

The "Frenchie" as he is known to his admirers is a breed that has endeared himself because of his happy personality and distinctive appearance. In essence, he is similar to a miniature bulldog with the exception of his ears, which are large and bat-like in appearance. He has a personality that can be somewhat stubborn and spoiled, demanding attention. Fanciers say that he expects to be treated as a human child in the family. He likes nothing better than a warm lap or soft bed and being treated as a "V.I.P.".

This little dog has a short upturned nose and thus tends to snore. He can experience breathing difficulties in the heat. Eye injuries can be common since his eyes are round and protruding. His coat is quite short and he is the type of dog that should be protected when out in cold or wet weather. In appearance he is most like the larger Bulldog, except that his front is not quite as "bowed" in appearance. He should carry a good depth of chest and broadness to his front and should stand about 12 inches tall at the shoulder. The French claim to be the country of origin, but there is some disagreement to this. In the United States he is in the Non-Sporting group although in size he could be considered a member of the Toy Group.

The Frenchie is very loving and is considered a one person dog. If he is to be in a family with children he should be introduced at an early age to them. He can be encouraged to relate and respond to all members of the family but usually will pick a "favorite" that he considers belongs to him and will be a very loyal companion to that one person. This is a dog which can be clownish and delightful, he loves to play and is curious and thus can get into a lot of trouble. He is active and can be happy in the city and also on a farm, but should be a house dog. He does well on a leash and loves to go walking, but can be somewhat belligerent when he meets up with other dogs. Obedience training is a must, just because he is a small breed does not mean that he should be untrained and he has the strength to pull quite hard on a leash.

The French Bulldog is a breed which must be carefully bred as he can be one of those breeds which may only be delivered by Caesarean Section if attention is not paid to the size of the head. If a responsible breeder pays attention to this aspect the delivery can be normal. As with all the smaller breeds care must be taken that the dog is protected from over breeding. Unfortunately because a smaller breed is usually less expensive to raise it can easily become a profitable venture for unscrupulous breeders who are only in it for the money, rather than a commitment to maintaining the quality of the breed.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dogs

Hypoallergenic Dogs

Writen by Jeff Cuckson

When we talk about hypoallergenic dogs, we mean that they have a less or reduced tendency to cause allergies or allergic reaction among allergy sufferers.

It has been estimated that about 10% of the US population is allergic to animals (American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology). Symptoms of the reactions can range from watery eyes to dangerous asthma attacks.

The problem is not with the pet's hair. It is the dander, or microscopic scales of dead skin (similar to, but much smaller than the dandruff on the human scalp) which pets are constantly shedding that is the cause. They are so tiny that you seldom know that they are circulating in the air or laying on the furniture and carpets because they are so small.

Here is a list of Hypoallergenic Dogs. If I have missed any I do apologize.

American Hairless Terrier
Basenji
Border Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Chinese Crested (hairless)
Havanese
Kerry Blue Terrier
Maltese
Miniature Schnauzer
Portuguese Water Dog
Shih-Tzu
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Spanish Water Dog
Standard Poodle
Standard Schnauzer
Tibetan Terrier
Toy Poodle
West Highland White Terrier
Wirehaired Fox Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier

Please remember that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic and also that allergic sufferers react differently to each separate breed of dog.

For Westhighland Terriers owners, such as myself, the news is good. They are considered good for allergy sufferers, with a relatively low dander (ranked number 7). However you need to be reminded that one person's allergies may vary greatly from another person. It is always advisable to visit the home of the dog you wish to have, before you bring it home. I hope that you found this article of use to you

Good health and happiness

(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)

Jeff Cuckson
webmaster@madaboutwesties.com
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Silvertip Tetra

Writen by Gary Bolton

Family: Characidae

Species: Hasemania nana

Size: 5cm (2 inch)

Diet: Omnivorous

Tank levels: All

Habitat: Small streams in the San Francisco River region of Brazil

Other Name: Hasemania melanura, Hemigrammus nanus

Comments: This tetra's basic body colour of golden brown varies from pale silver in females to a deep copper in males. This fish has transparent, yellowish fins tipped with white. Females are plumper, especially when spawning. These fish are well suited in a tank that has a current, as they come from the river regions, meaning they are quite a home in an aquarium that simulates the river conditions. Nice fish and easy to keep and breed, and will accept lots of different aquarium foods.

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This fish comes from the "Tropical Fish" family species of fish. I hope you enjoyed this fish profile that I put together to help people to choose the right fish for the right aquarium tank setup you may own, or be thinking of buying in the future. If you require more information about keeping fish in general and what are the right fish to choose for your tank setups, you can always visit my site called "GB Aquarium" and see what's posted new there and also join in the discussion taking place.

http://www.garybolton.co.uk

Helping Spot Cope With Thunderphobia

Writen by Marian Brown

Spring showers may give us hope of May flowers, but could also cause the booming thunder that sends your pet running for cover. An estimated 19% of dogs suffer from what veterinarians term "thunder phobia". The phobia can range from mild anxiety, whining, frantic pacing, hiding and running away, even jumping out of windows.

Although no one knows for sure what causes some dogs to panic during storms, it is believed to be caused by a combination of noise, flash of lightning and change in barometric pressure. Some dogs even have the emotional element of having a bad experience during a storm such as a falling tree or owners' own anxiety.

Thunder phobia, like other health concerns, can best be dealt with through prevention. Assuring young dogs and puppies that everything will be alright and keeping them from developing the phobia can be key. With most dogs, the phobia, once developed, will only worsen with age.

If your dog does have thunder phobia, it is never too late to work with your pet. Holistically, desensitization (behavior modification) can work well. It takes an investment of time on the owners part to slowly introduce the thunderstorm sounds (using a tape or CD). This will normally take several weeks.

Another approach is the use of herbs and herbal-based products. Products, formulated for pets, containing chamomile are found most effective. Many of these can be given prior to the start of the storm and the calming effect will last for several hours.

If you find yourself in the middle of a storm with a distressed pet, exercise caution. Talk in a calm, reassuring voice. Flower remedies such as Bach's Rescue Remedy can be given. Some owners note almost an immediate calming of the pet.

Whatever your method, your reassurance and love is also needed. For sever cases of thunder-phobia, consult your veterinarian.

Marian Brown has been active in holistic health care for people and pets for over 15 years. She is editor of Holsitic Health News . Visit the site at http://www.hhnews.com to join our free email newsletter with more important pet tips.