Small Dogs Require Extra Care During the Holiday Season

The Holiday season is a time of joy and celebration. To keep it that way for everyone, people with small dogs should take some common-sense precautions. Especially now, when tiny dogs are increasingly popular, families need to stay aware of their special needs.

Most people know that chocolate can be lethal to dogs. But other Holiday favorites can also pose hazards, including: turkey, pork, onions, even raisins and grapes. Other foods may simply be too spicy or rich for the dog's digestive system to handle. While a single raisin or grape may not seem like much, it could be a toxic meal to a four-pound dog.

With holiday decorations coming out of their boxes, keep an eye on that little dog. It may be fun to play "chase the tinsel" with your Chihuahua, but if she swallows some when you're not paying attention, the consequences could be dire. That ornament may look a lot like your little dog's favorite ball. Poinsettias and many other plants, including lilies, are poisonous to dogs.

Small dog owners also need to pay attention to their little pets when company arrives. Even the best-socialized little dog may feel threatened and defensive in a crowd. Just think of how the room looks to your shin-height dog when your Holiday Party is in full swing! The obstacle course of potentially damaging feet is intimidating, to say the least! Toddlers who move erratically or grab tails may be frightening to a tiny dog. Small children and dogs of any size should not be left alone together.

Pay attention to your small dog's location. Dogs can slip outside with the constant opening and closing of doors. Some can climb onto counters and tables. They can even disappear under a pile of coats! The most tragic tale we've heard is of a small dog, taking advantage of a warm, cozy visitor's bed, was killed when a folding bed was put away for the day. Small dogs don't make much of a lump under the covers and the owners just didn't see him. Very sad, and very easy to avoid - just find the dog before you move the furniture.

Paying attention is the key to a happy and safe holiday season for the entire family - including your toy dog.

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About the author: Hope Saidel is the co-owner of GollyGear, a bricks-and-mortar and online small dog shop featuring fun, affordable and practical products for small dogs. She has trained and competed in Obedience with small dogs for over a decade and is on the Board of Directors of the North Shore Dog Training Club.

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A Rubdown for Your Dog

Remember just how good a massage feels after a particularly hard day- those first pained responses as your muscles reacted to the beginning of the kneading, pulling and pinching motions- later followed by a more soothing and relaxed response to the rhythm of the massage?

Now, just think about your dog for a moment. Don't you think your pet would definitely enjoy a gift of massage as well? All sizes, from the smallest to the most mammoth animal would, and could, enjoy the effects of a good rubdown.

If you've never given your pet a massage you both have many benefits yet to enjoy. Before you begin,however, it is important to choose a quiet spot in which to work,one free of distractions If your pet is one that is responsive to touch then you should have no problem at all. If your pet is hyper- sensitive to touch then you must gain its' trust over a period of time.in order for this to be successful.

A good way to begin is with the types of strokes your pet is most used to then moving on to more feathery motions, scratches, tickles and rubs. Begin with one area and continue into the next area until each section has been completed. Mapping out what areas you have, or have not massaged, in your mind is one way to remember exactly where you have worked.Try concentrating on one area, such as the chest, stomach or a single leg, at a time.

Circular motions, light scratches, kneading and tickles are just a few suggestions to apply to your massage repertoire. Follow the grain of the coat then move lightly in just the opposite direction. Remember that your voice can have a positive and calming effect as well. Speak in a soothing voice throughout the massage.

Once you've begun try not to break the mood with sudden movements, such as readjusting yourself, and try to keep one hand on the animal at all times. Now, just observe your dogs reactions throughout the session. If you sense any grumbling it is best to discontinue the session. If your animal is still a limp,smiling pile of doggie flesh, then chances are you are doing everything right- continue. Don't forget the paws, pads or ears either.

Just how long should this continue? Well, that depends on just how long the dog is willing to relax for you and just how long you hold out to continue the massage. A few minutes to a half hour or more is not as important as the quality of time that you spend with your pet.

Once you've finished allow your pet to nap if it is sleeping. If it is awake and ready to play allow it to do that as well. Never end a session with an abrupt movement that may otherwise undue all the hard work you have both just completed. Let the animal enjoy the benefits while relaxing yourself and contemplating on a job well done.

Without a doubt, most animals enjoy and receive as many benefits from a good massage session as humans do. Elderly and active dogs may benefit from the improved circulation or tension release of a good massage. Puppies gain valuable socialization and touch therapy skills in addition to the massage as well. Overall, massage is a gift both you and your pet may benefit from over and over.

Article written and reprinted with permission of: http://www.pedigreedpups.com/ Purebred Dogs, Puppies and Dog Breeders - "Your New Best Friend" Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.

About the author: http://www.pedigreedpups.com is a website offering the best purebred dog breed information, online resources and high-quality dog content for all dog owners, dog lovers and those considering dog ownership. Debbie is the owner of pedigreedpups.com, a dog lover, owner and dog breeder of many years.

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How to become a successful Dog Trainer?

While reams have been written and expounded on training secrets and the psychology of the dog one often tends to forget that the mason is the one who lays the bricks and makes the building strong. In this case it is the attitude of the trainer. Have you wondered why some trainers have a touch while others just get by? Well it is because they are in complete synchrony with the dog.

# So, to be a good and successful trainer, you will need to develop your skills in a holistic/rounded manner knowledge, patience, affinity for your dog, enthusiasm, a learning zeal, and more should all be coalesced in a productive way.

# To be a trainer who produces a top dog you must instinctively know what motivates your dog. What is it that can be tapped to make him a team player?

# Your dog may take to some learning like a duck to water and yet turn its back on certain things here your skills come to the fore, you will need to make the distasteful attractive and enjoyable. You will need to gauge your dog's mood and change the training approach appropriately.

# Another important and often forgotten aspect is that you must work at a pace that the dog is comfortable with for each lesson you must revise until the little dog has learnt thoroughly. Vary the order of the commands so that the dog has to pay attention and think he must not mechanically execute commands.

Each step must be taken with steadfastness.

# It is important, for you to remain calm and to motivate the dog at the right moment. Play your voice, whistles, and hand signals in a way that the dog will recognize what you are about to say. dogs are so attuned to their trainer/owner that they will, after a while pre-empt your commands. The little dog will read your mind clearly.

# Develop your extra sensory perceptions to recognize the dog's moods if the dog is willing to learn, then you must take the day's learning all the way. If he seems distracted -- just play with him and execute a few simple lessons. If the dog is listless declare an impromptu holiday spend the lesson time cuddling your pet, giving him a relaxing massage or take him for a drive.

# Never try and train if, you yourself are feeling low, irritable, or off color it does not achieve anything. Take a day or few days off -- the world will not come to an end or stop.

Never train your dog when:

You are unwell. You are angry, negative, or upset. You are low on patience or out of energy. When the mind is distracted or there is too much traffic in the training area. When you are not confident on how to execute a certain lesson postpone until you have time to clarify with your trainer or school.

Like all first class trainers you too should adopt the four Cs Calmness, Consistency, Communication, and Concentration. To raise a prince you need to be a seer.

We Must Learn Too

To be successful teachers we too must learn often it is our ignorance that leads to disasters. We must, constantly update our knowledge and learn better and more innovative ways to communicate with our canine friends.

Some tried and tested methods are:

A.Leash handling: The ideal way is to begin with your arms hanging loosely down with the palms facing inwards. The loop of the leash should be placed over the right thumb with the loose end crossing the palm. The next step is to fold the leash like an accordion to a manageable length. The loose end should emerge from under the little finger. Then the leash must pass through the loop made by the thumb and index finger of the left hand and across the palm. Hold the leash loosely in your left hand; from here to your dog's collar the leash should have enough length to form a j In popular parlance this is referred to as the control-start position. This permits better control of the dog. The right hand should always be stationary while the left hand makes all the necessary corrections.

B.Footwork: At all times footwork is your biggest aid in training. While executing turns if you do not place your feet properly you could trip the dog and cause a disturbance in the synchronization. Moving quickly also causes forging or lagging. Footwork should be consistent and the foot closest to your dog should lead. Pace is crucial don't race or pick up-tempo sometimes and saunter at other times. It is beneficial to place your feet in a T position whilst turning

C.Timing and use of body language: It is essential to move together. If you say heel and start walking even before the word leaves your lips then you are making it difficult for your dog to follow your commands. You must pause for a second after giving the command this gives enough time for the dog to respond accurately. In order to establish a certain pattern, it is advisable to incorporate delays of 1-5 seconds before responding. Since dogs are extremely receptive animals they can respond very quickly to body language. It is for them an inherited trait. The pet will recognize your smile as a welcoming gesture. Similarly, towering or leaning over is considered to be threatening. Just raising your hand is enough to convey a threat/displeasure. So it is essential for you to master body language. Similarly, hand signals help the dog perform many tasks.

Whether you are a first time dog owner or a seasoned veteran, your learning never stops as far as it comes to training your dog. Each and every dog presents different training challenges, and the more equipped you are to handle these training issues the more likely you are to prevent any permanent and long term future behavioral problems.

If you are serious about your dog, and want the very best for her/him, then you owe it to your best friend to get a copy of this FREE Dog Training Mini-Course. You can still get it from here:

http://www.dogtrainingmastery.com/Free_Dog_Training/dog-obedience -training.htm

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About the author: Ray Coleiro is the author of the popular book "Dog Training Mastery - An Owner's Manual!" To learn more about his proven Dog Training methods and life's work, you can visit http://www.dogtrainingmastery.com/Dog_Training/dog-training.htm Note: The author grants permission to you to re-print, pulish or broadcast this article so long as it is un-altered and not edited in any way, and that all links remain present and active.

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Keeping Parrot As A Pet

Parrots are becoming more popular as pets with each passing day. This is evidenced by the proliferation of Internet discussion lists which provide access to information regarding parrot care and behavior. This upsurge in the number of parrots in homes and the amount of information newly available does not alert the companion parrot owner to a very important and pertinent fact - that parrot keeping is a relatively new phenomenon.

The parrot will live in a cage, so you will need to buy one that is large enough so that the parrot can spread his wings fully. It should be made of wire preferably since the parrot would eat through a wooden one. Make sure the door is large enough so that the parrot can fit through it, and also ensure that the door can't be opened from the inside. Parrots are very smart so you will need to use a complex door closing mechanism. Remember the bigger the cage is, the happier the parrot will be, so buy the largest one you can afford.

The parrot will want some toys in the cage, such as a swinging perch or a squeaking toy. Make sure that the toy isn't harmful to the parrot if it is gnawed on.

The bottom of the cage needs to be lined either with shredder paper, sawdust, straw or sand. The sand will serve as a double purpose since the parrot can gain some minerals from it, and can also use it to shape his beak better. The beak will keep growing like our fingernails and the sand will help filing it to the correct size.

Clean the cage very thoroughly at least once a month. All the metal bars and the bottom tray should be washed out thoroughly with a mild detergent and disinfected as well. Make sure that you clean out the feces of the parrot and leftover food is cleaned up periodically at least two the three times a week. The parrot will not like to live in a dirty area and his life cycle will decrease if he feels stressed all the time.

The parrot likes to be fed in many small meals instead of having one large meal a day. Pre-packaged parrot food is good for the parrot too since it will contain the correct mixes of minerals and vitamins. Make sure that you give the parrot fresh food at least twice a day and keep it clean and bacteria free. Seeds and nuts should be fed to the parrot sparingly since these foods are fatty and contain few nutrients. The parrot will also need a water bowl with fresh water supplied twice a day. You need to clean the water and the food bowl each time you refill it to keep your parrot healthy and happy. The parrot will eat fruits, nuts, vegetables and grains. Make sure you give him a balanced diet and give him healthy snacks only.

If you want to teach your parrot to talk, start when he is young since he will then pick up the language much faster. Keep trying the same word or phrase on the parrot at the same time of each day, such as hello! or "how are you?". Make sure the bird is looking at you and paying attention. Try repeating the words and phrases you want the parrot to learn and try to say the words when you do a certain activity so he can learn to associate an activity with a word. If your parrot already knows some phrases, encourage him to use them so he doesn't forget them. Whistling is also a great thing to teach a parrot, since he will know how to whistle entire tunes. Even playing records can help your parrot learn words but do not play the same word all day or the parrot will be very bored.

The parrot will also need to be groomed at least once a week. You can do this by misting him carefully with a spray bottle, or even bathing him in a lined sink. Use water that is lukewarm and use a shampoo that is especially designed for birds. Parrots love to be in the water, so do not startle him by splashing water into his face, or he will not want to bathe anymore. If he does seem to be afraid of water, be gentle and persist, and soon he will love water as much as you do. Use a towel to lightly dab your bird dry a little bit but do not rub him and do not blow dry your bird. Just let him sit in a sunny corner of your house to dry naturally and make sure he is warm so he doesn't catch a cold. The wings should be clipped to prevent flight, and the nails need to be groomed as well. Do small amounts of clipping frequently to avoid injury and to keep the bird well groomed all the time. Make sure you observe the vet or groom the first few times and have him teach you the proper techniques before you attempt this, since improper cutting could hurt the parrot.

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Let your parrot move around your apartment at least half an hour every day. As he becomes more tame and potty trained, you can even leave him out all day, and put him back into the cage only to sleep and feed. Enjoy your beautiful, intelligent pet for many years to come as some parrots can live up to 70 years and above! More information can be obtain at www.petsfanatics.com

About the author: Parrots are becoming more popular as pets with each passing day. This is evidenced by the proliferation of Internet discussion lists which provide access to information regarding parrot care and behavior.

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Making Your Own Bird Feeder

There is estimated to be over 100 billion individual wild birds on earth, and each one needs to eat certain amounts of food on a daily basis in order to survive. That�s where we come in! Birdfeeders are fun to make and are essential in order for birds to live. Bird houses can be made out of practically anything and are usually hung in different locations around your yard for birds to enjoy. Purchasing a bird feeder is another option, however this can be expensive and both methods serve practically the same purpose.

The following is a fun and easy way for children (or adults) to make a bird feeder:

What You Will Need:

- An empty milk or juice carton (any size will do) String (must be strong) Scissors Stapler - Hole punch 2 small sticks or wooden rods Bird seed Markers, paint or anything which can be used to decorate the carton. Ensure the paint is water based not to hurt your feathered friends and try not to use anything that can be potentially dangerous to swallow.

Directions:

1.Wash and dry the carton thoroughly.

2.Decorate your carton however you would like.

3.Using your scissors cut a square in each side of the carton (a square big enough to fit at least the head of a bird).

4.Using your hole punch (or your scissors) make a small hole below each square.

5.Push your sticks or rods through the holes from one side of the carton to the other .

6.Fill the bottom of your carton with bird seed.

7.Punch a hole (or two if you like) in the top of your carton.

8.Hang your finished feeder to a tree branch with string.

Although these bird feeders will not last forever (or even close), they are a fun, inexpensive way for children to learn about birds and the importance of caring for our wildlife.

About the author: Greg Pilson is an avid bird watcher who also dabbles in freelance photography of his favorite subjects. When he's not working full time in the engineering industry, he writes as a freelance writer for http://www.birdfeedersdirect.com a site that offers information about bird feeders, bird houses and more.

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What's The Best Dog Toy For Your Adult Dog?

As a professional dog trainer, people often ask me what dog toys I recommend they should buy and which ones I use for my own dogs.

Here's the answer: Your dog doesn't need more than two toys. Rotate them, so he doesn't get bored. But remember: We're talking about an animal that eats the same food, day in/day out. And while your dog needs mental stimulation in the form of play and obedience training, they will be perfectly happy with chewing on the same toys, for years.

(Much the same way young children can watch the same Barney movie 100 times without getting bored!)

So, what are the two best dog toys in my opinion?

- The Kong. Either in red or black. (Sometimes you need to play with your dog and this toy a bit, before your dog gets interested in it! but once they do! LOOK OUT. The benefit of this toy is that they can chew on it for months and months, in most cases. You can also stuff it with doggie treats, cream cheese, peanut butter or whatever.

- The rope toy. This is usually sold in either white or multi-strand colors. It is a thick piece of soft rope, tied in a knot on each end. Another great toy because compared to the rawhide bone this toy will last weeks or months.

There are other popular dog toys on the market, too. Everything from the brain stimulating "Buster Cube" to the tried and true pig ears and rawhide bones. Consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any new toy, and supervise accordingly.

About the author: Adam G. Katz is the author of the book, "Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer: An Insider's Guide To The Most Jealously Guarded Dog Training Secrets In History." Get a free copy of his report "Games To Play With Your Dog" when you sign up for his free weekly dog training tips e-zine at: http://www.dogproblems.com

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Training your cat

Training your cat can be fun and a rewarding experience. Patience and time is something that will be necessary with training. You can train your cat do have good behaviors so that when you are gone you will know they are safe.

Kittens are much easier to train then an older cat, because a kitten is like a child and we have to teach them the right and wrong. With the older cats, it is not easy as they are set in their ways, but they are still trainable.

Some of the reasons you might want to train your cat is not to scratch the furniture, jump on items, and climb the drapes or the counter top, to use the litter box and not your favorite chair. On the other hand, have your cat pulling the stuffing out of pillows, and most to use the kitty litter box and not that favorite rug that you have. A cat may do these a few things and you would like to change the behavior.

One of the first things you want to train your cat to do is come or get the cat's attention when you call the cat's name. A clicker can be use and is efficient as to help with training a cat. We have to remember that all cats have their own personalities so there could be a chance that your cat will not act as quickly or to the clicker.

First you will want to call the cats name click the clicker, if the cat responds in any way, you need to give the cat a small treat. Small treats are great rewards for cats and cats love liver. You do not want to make a full meal out of the treats. Once the cat does respond you will want to use this till, the cat does come to you when called. The next step is to stop using the clicker for calling and reduce the treats until the cat does come once you call them. The clicker and treats can be use then for other training.

The next training should be litter box training. In addition, if the cat or kitten is not trained already. Purchase a litter box, as boxes are very inexpensive. You will want to make sure you do not get one that is too tall for the cat to get in. You want the cat to be able to comfortable get in the box and not have to climb. Kitty litter should be about couple of inches in the litter box. Putting to much in will just be all over when the cat uses it and digs. Kitty litter comes in all kind of form, scents, and prices.

This will be up to you and your cat as to which one is the best. Purchase kitty litter that will absorb the smell and the poop from the cat. If it does not do this for you or the cat, the cat may not want to go back in the little box to use. The litter box needs cleaning daily, with removing the waste. Once a week the litter box needs cleaning, you will need to throw out the old litter, was the litter box and replace the litter in the box.

Set the box near the place that the cat is going. When you see the cat going or needs to go pick the cat up and place in box. Then give your cat a treat, you will need to watch for this, as you will want to get the cat to use the box. Once the cat is using the litter box, you can start moving very slowly day by day the litter box to the area that is set up for your cat to use. Moving the litter box to quickly, or all once will not work, as the cat will not know where the litter box is. Continue the treats and once your cat has successfully used the box in the proper area, then you can decrease the treats.

Researching and using the internet for more information on training your cat will help you with training and successful relationship between you and the cat.

About the author: Tony Robinson is a webmaster, international author and cat lover. Visit his website at http://www.officialcats.com

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Choosing A Responsible Breeder

It is an exciting time when you get to bring home a new puppy. He quickly becomes part of your family and you create a bond with lots of cuddling, trips outside and walks in the park. If buying from a breeder, you will want to be sure you choose a responsible breeder versus a backyard breeder (those who are only breeding for financial benefits).

When shopping for your new dog, there are things you need to expect from your breeder as well as some things the breeder will expect from you. If you have found a responsible breeder,which can be done through references? he or she may come across as a very nosey person. This is okay, considering that the nosier breeder, the better!

From a responsible breeder you can expect to be asked such things as your work schedule, who lives in the house with you, what your yard layout is like and the kind of friends you have that may be visiting you in your home. Although these seem like personal questions, the breeder cares what kind of home their puppy may be going to. A breeder who asks no questions and is just looking for the sale won't be able to offer you the same quality and breed of puppies as the responsible breeder will.

Another perk to buying a puppy from a responsible breeder is that you will be told the lineage that the puppy came from. In other words, you'll be privy to the father's as well as the mother's heritage, and will be given the papers to prove it. This can be an important aspect of buying a puppy because personalities, as well as health issues, are generally hereditary, and it's nice to be certain that your puppy is from good stock. Most of the time, a backyard breeder or pet store simply won't offer this type of information. In addition, pet store puppies usually come from a puppy mill a relative breeding farm and they are sold on a first come, first serve basis. Questions aren't asked of the buyer and no attention is paid to the puppy's welfare.

A responsible breeder will also expect the buyer to have questions and concerns of their own. A buyer should not be afraid to ask questions about this new life you will be taking into your home. Here are a few things you should ask your breeder about as well as some expectations that you should have:

• Is there a signed veterinary health certificate, plus a written health guarantee from the breeder, including one against congenital defects?
• Are ACVO eye screening and OFA or Penn Hip certificates completed, to avoid any future problems with the puppies?
• Does the breeder have a written contract available for you to sign, specifying the rights of the seller and also the breeder's rights?
• Is all health information available and up to date?
• Can the breeder provide AKC or CKC registration papers on the puppy?
• What is the lineage of the puppies? A responsible breeder should be able to tell you lineage from generations back, as well as giving you a family tree of the puppy.

Responsible breeders will be able to help you find the puppy that is right for you and will be happy to give you tips on raising and caring for your new bundle of joy. As long as you find a responsible breeder, it's a sure thing that you'll find the perfect puppy.

About the author: This article courtesy of http://www.train-your-pup.net

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Training a Cat for the Litter Box

Did you know that you can control when a cat has to go to the bathroom and when they don't have to go? It is called feeding time. One of the first things in training a cat is do not feed the cat anything unless you are going to be home for a time after they have eaten. This is a good example of feeding the cat after you get home from work and preparing dinner for the family. By the time you and your family have sat down and enjoyed your dinner, the cat should be ready to go out or go to the litter box to go potty.

Making sure the litter box is clean at all times so that the cat can have a nice smelling comfortable place to go potty at. There are plenty of different types of litter to get for the litter box. From plain to good smelling when they scratch at it or dig to sand to soft pellets. There is not a particular type that will help with the training of the cat. It is totally up to you and your cat. Some cats do not like smells and so this would be a consideration that you might want to find out if your cat will use the box with these types of litter. They have scoopers out that you can purchase to help clean up the litter box when the cat uses it so that they have a clean environment to go to when they need to. Another thing is that you would want to have a clean environment for this for your family too. Family member can get sick off of cat litter, clean and dirty.

You should wash out the litter box everyday and replace the litter with 1 � of new litter. Wash out the litter box with hot soapy water, rinse thoroughly with water. By adding lemon juice or vinegar to the water will help take the smell out of the box. Ammonia is not a good cleaning agent to use as it will increase the smell of the litter box. If you have more than one cat a good thing is to have a couple of litter boxes in different locations so that each one has their own.

The litter box should not be near the place where the cat is sleeping, eating or playing area. If you going to but the litter box in the bathroom make sure that the door is open for the cat to be able to get in when it has to use it.

What are some of the causes that a cat would not use a little box? They use a favorite chair of a family member, quilt, blanket or carpet to go on. One the litter box could be dirty, which will lead a cat to bad behaviors for potty training. Other reasons could be too many people in the house, new pet that you have gotten lately, especially another cat. Children home on vacation for the summer or holidays, or maybe they sense you will be gone on a vacation or a period of time that they will be left at home and neighbors will stop in and check on it and feed them.

Urinary tract problems are another reason. This is why it is important when getting a cat or trying to train your cat to make sure they get to vet when they need to. Infections can cause a cat to have bad behaviors. With this if you are able to find out from a vet that your cat has an infection or is sick you will be able to treat the cat. And they will not learn all the good behaviors that you have taught them.

Rewarding the cat when it has gone potty in the proper place is very important in part of a cat training good behaviors. This is a time that you will want to search out for a good small healthy snack for your cat. Your cat will know that this is good, when you reward them for a job well done.

About the author: Tony Robinson is a webmaster, international author and cat lover. Visit his website at http://www.officialcats.com

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How to Find a Sitter for your Dog

Whether your dog is old or a just a puppy, there will come a time when you have to out of town for business or a vacation where dogs aren't allowed. Therefore, you will need to leave your prized pet in the care of a pet sitter. Where can you find a pet sitter? What types of pet sitter services are available? How much will it cost to hire a pet sitter? These are some of the many questions that you need to answer before you hire a pet sitter.

You have two main options of where to leave your pet when you are away. You can take them to a boarding kennel or you can hire a pet sitter. By hiring a pet sitter it means that your dog will stay at your home and a pet sitter will visit your home several times per day to take care of your dog. The following questions and answers are geared toward those pet owners that decide to hire a pet sitter to take care of their dog.

Question #1: Where do I find a pet sitter? You can find a pet sitter through a number of means. Consult your veterinarian, groomer, and breeder for recommendations. Often times they know of a reliable pet sitter in your area or they can point you in the direction of pet sitter services. You can also check with your friends and family to see if they can refer you to a pet sitter. Word of mouth referral is a common way to find a pet sitter.

You can also take a trip to your local pet store or a chain pet store such as PETCO. Many pet sitters advertise their services at these places so you can find their contact information. The pet store owners and staff may know of a great pet sitter as well.

Another option is to call Pet Sitters International at (800) 268-SITS or check out their website at http://www.petsit.com/. Pet Sitters International is the world's largest organization of pet sitters. Pet Sitters International is highly respected organization. They offer a multitude of services including finding a pet sitter based on your zip and giving advice on how to prepare your home for the pet sitter.

Also spend time researching information about the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters by calling them at (800) 296-PETS. You can peruse their website at www.petsitters.org. Not only can you find a pet sitter based on your zip code, but you can find a "certified" pet sitter. They offer a certification program that ensures a pet sitter is knowledgeable about business management, animal care, and animal health issues. This type of certification can be a comfort in the event that your dog has a health problem.

Question #2: What type of tasks does a pet sitter do for you and your pet? A pet sitter is there to provide comfort, help, and care for your dog while you are away. They will visit your home on a daily basis to feed your dog, take them for walks, and let them out to go the bathroom. They can help your dog with any health ailments or continuing care such as medicines while you are away.

A pet sitter needs to be informed if your dog has any special needs. For example, your dog may be elderly and blind or deaf. Your pet sitter must know this so they can properly help your dog. Or your dog may be just a puppy and require more exercise then most dogs. Let your pet sitter know and they can increase the frequency of visits each day. The pet sitter should be able to work with your needs.

Your pet sitter will also take the responsibility of taking your dog to the vet if an accident occurs or the need arises. You need to let your pet sitter know how you want them to handle these types of situations and how to contact you in the event that this happens.

Question #3: How do I find the "best" pet sitter for my dog? Only you can determine the best pet sitter for your dog. Follow the same procedures you would as if you were hiring a babysitter for your children. Check out their references, interview them, and inquire about past work history. How do they interact with your dog? Speak to former or current clients to determine if they are right for you.

Also make sure the pet sitter has been certified and/or bonded and insured. Your dog's life is priceless so you definitely want a serious professional pet sitter to take care of your pooch.

Question #4: How much does a pet sitter cost? The cost of a pet sitter varies based on their experience, your location, the number of dogs you are leaving, and the level of care you need for the dogs. Some pet sitters charge on a per visit basis while others can work with you to determine a reasonable price. Make sure to have their scope of services and fees in writing. This will safeguard you against any miscommunication.

Question #5: How should I prepare my home and dog for the pet sitter? First of all, your dog needs to meet and get to know the pet sitter before you leave town. Have the pet sitter visit a few times until your dog is comfortable with their presence. You don't want to leave and suddenly have a new person show up to take care of your dog. Your dog may confuse the pet sitter for an unwanted stranger.

Provide emergency numbers of your veterinarian and also a number at which they can reach you. You want to make yourself available by phone in case an emergency pops up. Make sure your home is clean and the dog food bowls are clean. Speak with your pet sitter about feeding, walking and other pet care procedures first, but also leave all the directions in writing. Verify that this is plenty of dog food for the length of time you will be gone.

If you following these tips you will find the best pet sitter for your dog and have a comfortable time on your trip knowing your dog is in good hands.

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About the author: Katie, a lifelong dog lover, owns http://www.dog-breeds-infosite.com which is the ultimate dog lover's resource. Research dog breeds & get free tips on dog training, dog supplies, dog health, dog school, dog grooming, dog books, dog products & how to find dog sitters & dog walkers.

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How To Get Your Horse From Pulling Back While Tied

Some people have horses they don't dare tie. Why? Because they break their halters and/or crossties. So what is a person to do in their horse training practices?

My first suggestion is to get a rope halter. But not just any ol' rope halter. Get one of those rope halters that are thin because they cut into the horse's poll more if they pull back. It sends a message to the horse that's it's not desirable to pull back.

When you get the rope halter on, tie the lead rope to the halter. Try not to use hardware on the lead rope if possible'instead tie it to the halter.

Next, try tying the lead rope to a tree limb. Find a limb that's about as thick as your forearm. You want the tree limb to bend some because as the horse pulls back the limb gives but doesn't break.

A good type of tree to tie to is a willow tree if you can find one. Be careful that the limb isn't cracked. If the horse pulls back on the limb and it breaks you could really have a wreck.

Leave about two feet of rope between the heel knot and the limb you tie to.

Now here's how it works. If the horse pulls back, the limb will bend. This lessens the resistance and lessens the desire to pull. Once the horse stops pulling, the limb pulls back creating pressure much like a giant rubber band. It causes him to step forward. He will soon get sore around his nose and his neck if keeps pulling.

What you're after is the horse being uncomfortable when he pulls back. Not only do we want him to have the inability to break loose we want it to be uncomfortable. We're wanting Mr. Horse to think to himself that it's crazy to even try to pull back

If you can't find a good tree limb to tie to, you can use an inner tube. Make sure it's good and strong and that you tie it to something good and secure

What's important now is you must tie up your horse several hours a day ? preferably all day, day after day until he is cured of it. There's only time to untie your horse. If he struggles and gets in a bind where he could be in danger of breaking a leg or neck or choking to death then you untie him.

So once you tie him, you gotta watch him for a while and make sure he's not going to get himself hurt.

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About the author: Andy Curry is a nationally known horse trainer and author of several best selling horse training and horse care books. For information visit his website at www.horsetrainingandtips.com. He is also the leading expert on Jesse Beery's horse training methods which can be seen at www.horsetrainingandtips.com/Jesse_Beerya.

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Protect Your Pet from Toxic Plants

Have you checked your yard for flowers or plants that may be toxic to your pet? If you have a cat or dog, you may want to do some research on plants, before you bring them home, to determine which could be harmful to your pet. Here are a few plants that are toxic to cats and dogs.

• Oleander: if your pet comes into contact and eats (or licks) an oleander bush or flower, symptoms may include upset stomach or hypothermia. In cats and dogs hypothermia presents as cool paws, ears and stomach.
• Azalea: symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness.
• Lilies: in cats symptoms may include vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite.
• Sago Palm: if your pet consumes any part of a Sago Palm, symptoms might include vomiting, diarrhea and seizures.

Other common home and garden plants that are considered to be toxic to your dog or cat include:

• Aloe Vera (commonly used for burns and sunburns)
• Boston Ivy (common ground cover or hanging plant)
• Calla Lilly (flowering plant either indoors or outdoors)
• Bracken Fern (common variety of fern)

If you suspect that your pet has eaten or consumed any plant that may be harmful or toxic, you should consult your veterinarian immediately and/or seek emergent care. When getting ready to plant items in your yard or before bringing home house plants you may want to research the variety first to determine if they are harmful to your cat or dog. One other suggestion: consult your veterinarian to determine what emergency supplies you should have on hand in your home in the event of an emergency.

Publishing Rights: You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your website, free of charge, as long as the author's information and web link are included at the bottom of the article and the article is not changed, modified or altered in any way. The web link should be active when the article is reprinted on a web site or in an email. The author would appreciate an email indicating you wish to post this article to a website, and the link to where it is posted. Copyright 2005, Michele Webb. All Rights Reserved.

About the author: The author owns her own website and is a member of a number of organizations for women Netpreneurs and business owners and lives in Las Vegas, Nevada USA with her two dogs. You can contact Michele at mailto:news@ebooksnstuff.com or visit her website at: http://www.ebooksnstuff.com

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WHAT'S IN A DOG'S NAME

Your choice of pet name is important. Here are some things to think about before naming your pet.

Your dog's name says as much about your pet as it does about you. There are literally hundreds of potential names you can give your dog, but it has to be the right one. Your dog will become a unique member of your family and his or her name will heard often. So, it's of vital importance to get it right.

Browse the Internet websites that are dedicated to dogs for dog name suggestions. You'll find ideas for female dog names, male dog names, cute dog names, even Latin dog names!

You choice of name can depend on one or more of the following categories:

1. Choose a dog name according to gender.

Do you have a boy dog or a girl dog? Maybe you want to choose a dog's name that reflects its gender. The most popular female canine names in the US today are Molly, Lady, Princess and Missy, to name a few. The most popular male canine names are Sam, Max, Duke and Rocky, to name only a few.

2. Choose a dog name according to your pet's physical characteristics.

Every dog, regardless of its breed, has certain unique physical characteristics. Every breed comes with its own set of physical attributes: coat, markings, color or size, but each dog is unique. Pinpoint the uniqueness in your dog and come up with a unique dog name that reflects your dog's singularity.

3. Choose a dog name according to your pet's character or personality.

As with physical characteristics, every dog has its own personality beyond the characteristics of its breed. Get to know your dog a little before you decide on its name.

3. Choose a dog name according to your pet's breed.

Do you have a German shepherd or Labrador? Do you have a Maltese Terrier or Poodle? These breeds are traditional breeds and we've come to associate them with specific types of names inspired by their appearance and pedigree. Golden retrievers are often called Sunny or Goldie. Pure breed dogs tend to demand more impressive names, while strays tend to be given cuter names.

5. Choose a dog name according to your interests.

You may be a classics scholar or a music lover. You may like fast cars or a certain world city. Maybe you want to choose a name for your dog that's related to the hobbies and interests that inspire your life. Maybe you read Horace? That's an impressive name for an impressive dog. Maybe your all-time favorite city in the world is Sydney? Then call your dog Sydney. This is one way of ensuring a unique dog name that has extra significance for you.

Remember: dog names should be no more than one or two syllables. They should not sound similar to other names within the family and should definitely not sounds like commands. Remember that the name will last for the term of the dog's life, so try to think ahead and be certain that the name you choose will suit the dog (and you) in the years to come.

About the author: Dean Erickson. Journalist, and web site builder Dean Erickson lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of dog-names-directory.info .

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How Picky Can Your Cat Really Be?

Most of pet owners know that their much loved four-legged members of the family come with a lot of personality and unique, sometimes almost human-like behavior. For instance, my cat would act as a peacemaker when she smells the human fight. If I become angry and start raising my voice during the conversation with someone, she would just jump on my legs and slightly scratch me in an attempt to cool me off. I am sure that people can tell us plenty of such examples of interesting pet behavior. But do they realize that their pets can be very picky when it comes to choosing a new friend?

They do it using such criteria as smell, size, gender, age and even appearance. In fact, they can even discriminate other animals according to the color of the fur among other things, as I soon discovered about my new cat.

When I first brought home my jet black panther-looking cat Regina, I was so excited to have her in my house until I realized that she might feel lonely and need someone to play with her. So, I started to look around for a good match for her. I opened up the flier and found the advertisement for �Very cute cat to good home� and responded to it. Naively assuming that all cats that are cute and mellow will get along just fine, I brought him home. Almost immediately upon bringing him home Regina jumped into the air with him screaming and hissing. I was surprised to find the ugly side of my otherwise calm and sweet cat�s nature and immediately knew this would not work out. Later there were more cats: a white one, gray one, even multicolored cats, different ages and genders � although the U.N. or Jesse Jackson would have been proud; it was always the same story. Either they would fight or Regina would simply reject the cat outright. I began to think that my unassuming cat was �racist� or maybe just a loner.

Just as I was about to give up and thinking that maybe she doesn�t need or want anyone as a roommate, I gave it one last try. I brought home a younger male cat that was as black as she was. Despite his smaller size and obvious fear of her, he tried to look brave by showing off in a way that is typical for cats. He was trying to intimidate her by walking towards her sideways with an arched back in the attempt to look bigger. She just watched his �performance� for a while but eventually just started to ignore him as if she was embarrassed for him. It wasn�t long before she accepted him and even acted as good hostess.

Their temperament and personalities are very but they still get along very well. For instance, Regina is a very balanced and quite cat, very gentle and loves to eat. Casey, on the other hand can be very hyper and restless, a hooligan, to say the least like all boys in general. They sleep together during the days, play and beg for snacks. Sometimes Regina even tries to teach him how to open drawers and the refrigerator door, but he acquired his own little hobbies now such as meowing at 7am every morning, waking everyone up in the house demanding food and to be let outside.

My �racist� Regina finally met her dear friend/roommate named Casey.

About the author: Julia Imaeva is a writer for Helpful Home Ideas. Please include an active link to this site if you'd like to reprint this article on your website.

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Overview Of Different Breeds Of Dogs

There are over a hundred registered breed of dogs. Recognizing the type of the dog is basically associated with its breed. A purebred animal belongs to a documented and acknowledged group of unmixed lineage. Before a breed of dog is recognized, it must be proved that mating two adult dogs of the same type would have passed on their exact characteristics, both appearance and behavior, to their offspring.

If thinking of adopting or buying a pet dog for yourself, it is important to know which type of dog you want. Here are a few popular dog breeds for your easy reference:

Labrador Labradors are very outgoing dogs that have yellow, black or brown furs. Labrador are versatile dogs that has a wide rang of functions. Most of them are known to retrievers and are utilized as guide dogs for the blind. They enjoy holding different objects in their mouth and are prone to chewing things. Labradors are observed to be hypersensitive and have a high regard for their territory. Their furs are observed to water repellant thus making them perfect for waterfowl hunting. They are excellent as family dog.

German Shepherds Germans shepherds are also known as Alsatian. Originally, they are intended to be aide for a farmer in herding their sheep or cattle. They are incredibly intelligent and very trainable. Because of their built they are often used as working dogs in the military or police community. Most of them are also guide dogs. German shepherds are large and strong dogs with varied fur colors. Most comes in cream, tank, white or black.

Boxer Boxers have pointed ears that are tilted forward. They have a distinguishable white underbelly and white parts at the tip of each foot. These white regions are often called as 'flashiness' which sometimes extend to other parts of the body. These usually appear on the shoulders and face. Boxers are playful and energetic breed. They are perfect as a pet for children because they have an extended puppy hood, meaning they are not considered as an adult dog until they reach the age of three. Training would not be a problem. Boxers are known to be obedient and possess a strong personality. It is advisable to train a boxer at an early age. They can sometimes be a substitute as guide dogs or police dogs.

Rotweiller Rotweillers' origin traced back on ancient times. Their existence has been associated with the Roman Empire as watchers for groups of cattle. Since then, their incredible strength and intelligence has been recognized. They are utilized as police dogs and military aides during wars. Rotweillers are black tan spots on its cheeks, legs, chest and face. You should definitely find one too underneath their tails. They are marked with upside down triangles can be found on the chest area. Their eyebrows have a unique spot on each one. Rotweillers are intelligent and fearless dogs. You can notice their foreheads getting a little wrinkly when they are alert. Rotties are very active and playful and are fast on learning tricks.

Poodle Poodles can be a very good companion and are very loyal to their owners. They belong to a quiet breed of dogs that has a naturally curly fur. Their color ranges from black, grey, white, blue, apricot or brown. Training a poodle trend to require more effort compared to other breed. They are considered as a hypoallergenic breed. They are very famous for their very nice coats. Maintenance proved to be a tedious job. Owners have to keep their hair in a manageable length so that matting and tangling would be prevented.

Labrador Labradors are very outgoing dogs that are yellow, black or brown in colors. Labrador are versatile dogs that has a wide rang of functions. Most of them are known to retrievers and are utilized as guide dogs for the blind. They enjoy holding different objects in their mouth and are prone to chewing things. Labradors are observed to be hypersensitive and have a high regard for their territory. Their furs are proved to be water repellant thus making them perfect for waterfowl hunting. They tend to be mellow and are excellent as a family dog.

German Shepherds Germans shepherds are also known as Alsatian. Originally, they are intended to be aide for a farmer in herding their sheep or cattle. They are incredibly intelligent and very trainable. Because of their built they are often used as working dogs in the military or police community. Most of them are also guide dogs. German shepherds are large and strong dogs with varied fur colors. Most comes in cream, tank, white or black.

Dachshund Dachshunds are also referred to as sausage dogs because of their elongated built. They have short legs and pointed facial framework. Chasing and hunting are their favorite past times. Most dachshunds have crooked legs and chest compared to a barrel. Dachshunds are playful and loyal dogs that loves to chase small animals like birds. Their senses are very keen and well-developed though they often exhibit shyness.

Beagle Beagles have acquired a strong sense of smell. Because of such quality they are used for hunting animals like rabbits. They have big ears that are low- set giving them that gentle look. Their furs are commonly white, black, brown or a combination of both. Beagles are known to be very good tempered. Training might prove to be a trick task because these dogs are strong willed that made them quite stubborn. Beagles travel in pack, being a pet dog might cause them to have anxiety.

Above is a simple overview of popular breed of dogs. In choosing a dog for you better consider each breeds' physical appearance, temperament and health issues. Of course, each dog should fit your lifestyle. Remember dogs should be given proper attention and care but in exchange you can have the best companion ever.

About the author: Jack Russell is a a long time dog fancier, visit his Dog Resources Blog and download his Free Dog Owners Handbook - it's Dog Gone Good! http://www.daveshealthbuzz.com/dogcare/

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Golden Years

What if there was a simple way to reduce stress, prolong and improve the quality of your life, banish the blues, and best of all, decrease the number of doctor visits?

There is! Get a dog. Here are nine ways that having a dog can boost your health.

Improved heart health. Dog owners have lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides than non pet-owners. All these reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Recuperate from illness faster. Seniors in hospitals respond better to treatment and recover more quickly when they have contact with a dog or therapy animal.

Increased chance of surviving heart disease. A clinical research project of heart-disease patients showed that having a dog was the strongest social predictor of survival, even compared to having family and friends.

Longer life expectancy after a heart attack. The presence of a dog improved survival rate even more than having a spouse or close friend. One study showed that men who had a dog were six times more likely to be alive one year after a heart attack than men without a dog.

Reduced stress. Just sitting and petting a dog reduces your heart rate, and therefore stress level.

Regular exercise. It goes without saying that dogs need to be walked, but did you know that even seniors who don't walk their dogs are more active than seniors without dogs?

They don't call dogs man's best friend for nothing. Ninety-five percent of senior dog owners talk to their dog. Over three quarters report that their dogs help when they feel sad. Almost that many say that their dogs help when they feel physically bad. In general, seniors with dogs are better able to tolerate social isolation that seniors without dogs.

Fewer doctor visits. A study of a thousand Medicare patients showed that seniors with dogs had nearly ten percent fewer doctor visits compared to seniors without dogs. Other studies put his figure over twenty percent, a strong reflection of the health benefits of having a dog. Improved well-being. Alzheimer's patients have fewer anxiety attacks and fewer mood disorders when allowed to have a dog nearby. Dog owners report fewer headaches, fewer bouts of indigestion and less difficulty sleeping. Studies show that elderly people caring for a dog improve their overall health compared to their peers living without animals in the home.

Need one more reason? Be a lifesaver. Adopting a dog from a shelter saves a dog's life, too. Senior dogs are too often passed over at shelters for younger dogs or puppies with a longer life expectancy and more energy. But senior dogs have a lot to offer. They are often already housebroken and trained, they are not as active as younger dogs, and they are generally more interested in companionship than a run in the park.

Many shelters have adoption programs to match senior pets with senior people. They will help you choose a suitable dog and often provide ongoing support--sometimes at reduced or no cost.

Having a dog may not be the answer for everyone, but if you're interested, call your local shelter to find out more. There may be a Rover, a Spot, or a Freckles ready to give you a whole new leash on life!

How to Meditate with Your Dog: An Introduction to Meditation for Dog Lovers presents a non-dogmatic approach to meditation. To fetch a free chapter from the book and the introduction from the audiobook go to http://www.DogMeditation.com.

About the author: James Jacobson is not a dog whisperer or an animal behaviorist. He's not an over-barking, highfalutin, woo-woo kind of guy. He's a real person, who has meditated most of his life, the past twelve years with his dog, Maui. For more than a decade, he has taught classes in Washington, DC, Denver and Hawaii that introduce "newbies" to the joy of meditation by leveraging the love they already feel for their pets. Visit http://www.dogmeditation.com

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10 Essential Pregnant Cat Care Tips

1. Keep your pregnant cat indoors.

Don't expose an expecting kitty to danger. But there are more reasons. Some queens go into heat even during pregnancy. Cats are capable of being pregnant of two different litters at the same time. And of course, a pregnant cat should not give birth in a cold place outside.

2. Give your kitty the right food.

It should be high on calcium and protein. Kitten food is specially designed to meet the need of pregnant and nursing felines. Vitamin supplements are recommended too.

3. Do not give any medication during pregnancy.

A pregnant cat should get medication only in emergency. The same goes for deworming products, or products against fleas. If she has worms or fleas, first consult your vet.

4. Make your cat a comfortable nest bed.

A box filled with newspaper usually does the trick. Put in a warm sheltered place, preferably a location your cat frequently visits. Make sure all is ready two weeks before birth.

5. Find a home for your kittens - before they are born.

It will give you peace of mind to know where the kittens will go. Finding a home for a kitty can be time consuming. You'll have more time for that before they are born.

6. Use non-clumping litter for her box.

Sometimes cats give birth in the litter box. If a kitten is delivered in clumping litter, the mother kitty might refuse to clean her newborn off as the clump is all over the sac. And the baby drowns in its own fluid.

7. Keep other cats away from her.

You have more than one kitty? Your pregnant cat wants privacy. She doesn't like the company of other cats during this period, even if she knows these cats very well.

8. Buy enough food for your kitty... and you.

You should have no reason to leave your kitty alone on the days before and after birth.

9. Check which vet is available.

Have a piece of paper with the phone number of the closest emergency veterinary clinic. If there's no such clinic in your area, find out which vet is available for emergency care. One phone call to a local vet is usually enough.

10. Get the right information about cat pregnancy.

Only if you understand what you see and hear, you will be able to recognize complications. Plus... there are many problems you can solve yourself, if you know how. So, do not panic. Get the right information instead.

About the author: Marc de Jong is a journalist and long-time cat lover. For his easy-to-follow guidebook How To Take Care Of Your Pregnant Cat - available through http://www.pregnant-cat-care.com - he interviewed several award-winning breeders and specialized vets.

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Dog Tricks

The performing of dog tricks, while not a necessary part of a dog�s education, is an accomplishment that offer dog owners and his friends a great deal of amusement and adds materially to the value of a dog.

All dogs can be taught tricks, but some breeds have a special aptitude in that direction. At the head of the list of trick dogs is the poodle, as he takes to the performance of tricks as if it was second nature, and he is the main reliance of all showmen dogs.

Newfoundlands, St. Bernards and Great Danes learn without difficulty, while the collies and spaniels are very intelligent; the terriers are quick learners and among the toy dog breed, the Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Fox Terrier and Toy Poodle are highly spoken of and can pick up tricks almost effortlessly.

In selecting the tricks that are to be taught a dog, the owner must show some discretion and no attempt should be made to teach dogs tricks that are not within their powers. For example, a big St. Bernard or Great Dane is sadly out of place or rather almost unachievable attempting to sit up, walk on his hind legs or dance.

These dog breeds are physically incapable of doing such tricks and persistent attempts to train them are really toying with their dignity. They can, however, with appropriate guidance and training taught to fetch and carry, jump, shake hands or speak. Talking about specialty, it is interesting to note that dog breed such as spaniels are particularly apt at fetching and carrying, collies can learn to count and speak readily, and the terriers have a wide sphere of possibilities.

Dogs which are to be taught tricks must have their education begun early in life, so that the playfulness of puppy hood can be taken advantage of, for as dogs mature they take on a sedateness and seriousness that increases the difficulty of teaching them to assume unnatural positions, whereas, with a puppy a trick can be made more or less a matter of play and he will enjoy going through with it.

In the general education and training tricks to a puppy, very little punishment should be given and in trick puppy training no punishment at all. A dog can be forced to do certain things, but if forced he generally acts so slow and sulky that it detracts from his performance, whereas, if he is coaxed into doing them and performs because he likes to, he will go through with his act with an enthusiasm and spontaneous that is most attractive and fun loving.

For these reasons you must not get overly excited while training your young dog nor speak loud, nor cuff and whip him, but should by frequent good-natured repetition of the same performance persuade and coax him to assume certain attitudes or do certain things, and when he has done so, praise him; he will then know that you appreciate what he has done. It is also most desirable to reward him with plentiful of praise and treats.

To end, remember not all dogs can perform every single dog tricks, as some breeds do have some physical limitations. Even so, enjoy teaching your dog �achievable� new tricks, and most importantly have fun along the way!

About the author: Moses Chia is a dog lover and owner of DogsObedienceTraining.com � The dog training resource site for a happier and healthier dog. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

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Pet Memorial - In Remembrance of Our Special Pet Friends

Still remember that very moment when you first laid your eyes on your now, ever still most beloved pet? Feeling that very special bond between the both of you when you pick up that little fellow? It was sure such a sweet moment isn�t it? That little fellow just looks so adorable staring so innocently at you didn�t it? Little could we have ever imagine that, that little life would one day grow up to be old and eventually leave us.

Thinking back now, I know you would certainly miss it even dearly. Please feel ashamed do not, should it even bring you tears. It�s truly alright to be feeling so. Losing our most beloved pet can be just as hurting as losing our very loved ones. A part of the family, I believe you would have already long regarded it as. The same would be, for most of our pet owners, I deeply believe too.

At such a grieving time, it�s just natural for us, pet owners to feel the strong desire to communicate the loss of our most dearly loved and missed pet. But sometimes it is just so sad that few, even our close friends could understand our grief. �C�mon just get yourself a new one�, that is always a very hurting remark to be hearing. Because of such hurting remarks, many pet owners are very reluctant to disclose their immense grief over the loss of their pets, keeping everything to themselves.

It would usually take quite a while before one could actually get over the loss, getting back to their normal self again. But nevertheless, please do not feel ashamed in anyway should you be feeling so. Remember, you are not the only one.

Well perhaps, creating an online memorial dedicating it specially to your ever most beloved pet would be a nice way to communicate your loss, helping to cope with your grief. Likewise, it would actually be also a meaningful way of a creating an ever-lasting tribute in memory of your dearly lost pet.

There are actually quite a couple of wonderful sites providing such thoughtful services. With an online memorial page dedicated specially for your pet, you can put down in your very words, all your truthful thoughts and sentiments on it. To share all those wonderful moments and stories of your beloved pet with friends and family all over the world, not forgetting the lots of other pet lovers out there whom would deeply understand your feelings. Many of these pet owners have also created that special memorial page in memory of their wonderful pets. Looking at these wonderful memorial pages sure bring back so much fond memories. Photographs of your pet can nevertheless be included in the memorial page too, creating an even lasting memory for all. Likewise, an online pet monument service is also available from some of these sites.

Well whatever the case may be, our special pet friends have without doubts, truly dedicate their life to entertaining us, unconditionally loving us, cheering us up when we were down, been such a great companion ever. To be always remembered, they certainly deserved to be. An online memorial or monument of an ever-lasting memory of them will definitely be a truthful and meaningful gift to be dedicated to our special pet friends.

Rick Valens Freelance Writer for http://www.ecemetery.org Monument of Eternal Memory

Currently also staff writer for http://www.loveletterbox.com Love Relationship Discussion Forum

NOTE: You're free to republish this article on your website, in your newsletter, in your e-book or in other publications provided that the article is reproduced in its entirety, including the author information and all live website link as above.

About the author: Rick Valens Freelance Writer for http://www.ecemetery.org, Monument of Eternal Memory

Currently also staff writer for http://www.loveletterbox.com , Love Relationship Discussion Forum

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Ten Most Popular Goldfish

You can�t imagine the kind of varieties of Goldfish there are! People have been breeding Goldfish for over 2000 years now. China is believed to have over 100 varieties and to think that it all began with the Carassius auratus � the gibel carp! Not all goldfish have been bred in China though. Other countries have specially bred their own goldfish around the world. Comets and Veiltails are very American while the Jikin, Tosakin and the Shubunkin are Japanese. The United Kingdom bred its own Shubunkins and there are two types

� Bristol and London Shubunkin.

And so the endless list of Goldfish varieties goes on, so much so that it�s hard to say which is the most unique of them all. Today, we can zero in on at least 20 recognized breeds all sorted out according to their color, body shape, finnage and any other very unique outgrowths. There are the orange or red goldfish which we immediately think of as being typical colors but actually the most genuine goldfish colors are greenish brown, blue, black, bronze, olive green, dark brown, reddish brown, light brown, calico, red and white and even white. All of these have been bred by experts. But some goldfish will be more popular than the others. Lets find out what makes them a hit with the fish keepers in a top ten list.

To view the list of the top ten most popular Goldfish Goldfish-Secrets.com

About the author: Having 30 years experience in everything Goldfish, Dane Stanton has spent the past 18 months researching the most pressing questions on Goldfish. This information has been recorded in his book titled - "Goldfish Secrets Revealed" - which you can pick up by going to his website - http://www.goldfish-secret s.com

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Some Advanced Dog Training Points you should know about

Akeisha wrote to me with some very good questions. I�ve included her letter (and my responses) below:

[Akeisha] Hi its Akeisha again. I do see what you mean if it is on all the time the dog will soon forget it is on and then will behave regardless. Ok, so the dog never wears a buckle collar again? This is what irks me. I want to be able to control the dog regardless of what collar is on not just the pinch or it could be no collar at all and the dog still behaves. What if the owner for some reason takes off the collar then they put the buckle collar on for ID but then forget the pinch collar? Then there is no control.

[Adam] WRONG! The dog gets conditioned. Take off the collar for awhile. Doesn't matter.

[Akeisha] Do you ever in the training go back to the buckle collar after months of what you recommend with a dog that is happy with doing the commands?

[ Adam: ] Yes, the dog does the command because he is happy and he likes it. But eventually, there will be something that tempts him. This is where conditioning comes in.

Think of it like this: You�ve lived in the same house for 10 years, right? You get up in the middle of the night and you reach for the light switch that is to the LEFT of the door. Pretty soon, you get conditioned to reach out to the LEFT of the door.

One day you travel and stay in a hotel. You wake up in the middle of the night and reach out to the LEFT of the door for the switch... even though you cognitively saw that the switch is on the RIGHT.

In fact, you may wake up for several nights-- perhaps even weeks or months-- and still reach out to the LEFT, even though the switch is now on the right. Some people will continue reaching to the LEFT for the rest of their lives. Some will begin reaching to the right.

Those people need to be reinforced. Get it?

[Akeisha] Motivational corrections if on the right dog won't frighten them or make them hate you I know but aren't there other ways except using the collar that will eventually be established thought training that will allow you to take the collar off and have control?

[ Adam: ] Yeah, this way you can take the collar off and have control, ONCE THE DOG IS CONDITIONED. But eventually you'll have to go back and reinforce, for most dogs. And definitely if you start expecting to work the dog around new distractions that it's never been proofed around, such as chickens if the dog has never seen chickens.

Look, I don't make the rules. The dog is not a robot that you can suddenly say, "He's done" and expect him to act consistently for the rest of his life. Like any relationship you have with another person, boundaries need to be established and maintained. The dog is like your wife or husband� they will eventually test you. :)

[Akeisha] Last question, how can the dog not realize the don't have it on since it feels a lot different than the buckle? Its like my id around my neck at school I have gotten used to it but I do realize when it is off? Just for the record I have no problem with pinches, many members in my 4-H club use them and they work great on the right dog.

[ Adam: ] Because the way you should be using the pinch collar is that the dog (since he has limited reason and logic) does not KNOW that it is the pinch collar that allows you to give him good corrections. But it's more than the pinch collar. If I put the dog in a number of small yards, with no collar on ... and I'm able to chase him down and make him come back to me, if he doesn't come when I call... then the dog will learn THE UNDERLYING PREMISE that I can make him do it, if he doesn't. So, the pinch collar and the long line make my job easier, but ultimately, the dog knows (or he thinks at least) that I am a man of my word and when I tell him to do something: If he doesn't do it, I'm going to make him do it. And his life will be a lot more fun if he does it willingly. So the dog starts to extrapolate this principle to other commands, too.

[Akeisha] Hope I am not being irritating I just like to know why certain trainers value certain methods over others since I love competing in obedience with my dog.

[Adam:] Keep training. -Adam.

Do you want to be able to take your dog anywhere, and KNOW that he'll listen to you... even if tempted by another dog, a cat, or even a piece of food??? Then check out: "Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer: An Insider's Guide To The Most Jealously Guarded Dog Training Secrets In History!" By Adam G. Katz, Owner of South Bay K-9 Academy. For more information, go to: http://tinyurl.com/4efaq

About the author: Author, �Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!� which you can read more about at: http://tinyurl.com/4efaq

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Dog Training Tips

Considered "man's best friend," dog training professionals have been disseminating more knowledge on how to make this animal live up to that title.

Here are tips that one should keep in mind in training his dog more easily.

Digging Behavior

Dogs, as social beings, consider digging as their outlet when they are lonely. Nutrient deficiency may also cause this digging. Also known as pica, they sometimes eat the dirt they dig to supplement their health. Spending more time with your dog and giving him a health check will keep his digging behavior at bay.

Potty Training

For dog potty training, a reward-based method will prove to be a very rewarding endeavor. Giving it a bit of dog food when it performs a good potty behavior will make it easier for it to remember the good thing that it did.

Repeat and Repeat

Considerable repetitions will give your dog ample time to grasp the command. Consistency is the name of the game. After doing enough repetitions, not helping him with the routine will test if the dog really got it. Three successful attempts in a row is a fine gauge in defining if it's just a fluke or if the dog has actually understood the drill.

Direct and Correct

Communicate to the dog how the drill should be. Be clear on what you want the dog to do. Just commanding the dog without correcting him if he did it wrongly is not advisable.

Timing is Gold

Timing means that you should consider the age of the dog when considering how to deal with him. It is best to train dogs while they are still puppies. Always remember that "old dogs can't learn new tricks" saying.

Be More Stubborn Than the Dog

Establishing rapport to the dog must always be in this order: you as the alpha dog (authoritative) and him as the submissive being. Show any sign of fear when he snaps back and you damage that rapport. Don't let the dog not complete the exercise. This will teach the dog to just hold out long enough for you give in to his preferences.

Be A Good Actor

Provide your puppy with an outlet for his chewing urges. Also, you may practice yelping loudly when your pup starts to chew on you. After yelping, fold your arms and for 10 minutes consider ignoring him. That response is the thing that happens when a pup becomes too rough on other puppies. But depending on your puppy's personality, he may react otherwise, such as biting more. In this case, use a more aggressive approach.

About the author: Jack Russell is a a long time dog fancier, visit his Dog Resources Blog and download his Free Dog Owners Handbook - it's Dog Gone Good! http://www.daveshealthbuzz.com/dogcare/

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How To Choose The Perfect Dog Name For Your Puppy.

So you've brought home your new puppy, it's time to name your new animal friend but you�re running short on ideas. Choosing a name for your dog can be hard if you aren't feeling very creative, so here we give you a head start with the basics and some great ideas to help you choose the perfect name for your puppy.

Three Basic Dog Name Guidelines

1. Pick a name your dog can easily recognize. Dogs usually respond better to one or two syllable names. If you do want to go for a dramatic and unusual long name, consider whether you can easily shorten it to something a bit simpler for your dog to understand.

2. Avoid dog names that sound like the standard commands of No, Stay, Sit, Come, Down or Fetch. For example "Joe" is probably too close to "No". It can be difficult for dogs to tell the difference between similar sounding words.

3. Choose a name that's both easy to call out and one that you are happy calling out. Remember, you will be calling your dog's name out in public places at times and shouting out �Parsnip� in the local park, may leave you feeling a little embarrassed! You also want a name that will work well when you are straining your voice to call your pet as he disappears into the sunset chasing after a rabbit!

Looking For Dog Name Inspiration

Start with the obvious. Take a long hard look at your new little friend he may be telling you his name without you knowing. Look at his appearance, behavior, personality, and disposition. Names like Spot or Red may come to mind. How about Bandit for a dog who steals things or Rebel for a stubborn dog?

Then look elsewhere for inspiration. You can name your dog after another famous dog, for example Pluto, Pongo, Lassie or Digby. What about your favourite sports, movie, music or comic strip star?

How about choosing a dog name after a member of your family or friend of a figure from history like Napoleon, Alexander the Great or Rasputin? Take a look at your environment or think about your favourite place they will give you more ideas.

Remember, the dog name you choose for your puppy says as much about you as it does about your pet. It shows how you view your dog and your relationship with him. But other people may judge your dog�s character by reference to its name and might therefore react negatively or fearfully to a �dominating� name when meeting it. It is a good idea to use a dog name that conveys the image you want your pet to have.

Also, pick a name that will grow with the pet. For example "Tiny" may be less appropriate for a full-grown dog.

Whichever method you choose, have a good time doing it and choose a name that you will want to keep.

Teaching Your Puppy Its Name

Pick a dog name that pleases you and stick to it. It can be confusing for your puppy if you keep changing your mind. Your dog will learn his or her new name quickly if you use it often. When you call your pet, use his name. Do not say "here puppy". Calling your pet by his name will help him to become familiar with it and with your voice as well.

If choosing a long name keep in mind the shortened version. A long name will inevitably be shortened, but it may ruin the effect that you were originally looking for.

Above all have fun and choose a name you really like. Your puppy will undoubtedly become your best friend and only you can find just the right name.

About the author: Richard Cussons is a dog lover with a passion for helping people with their dogs. Discover more about dog names, puppy care and traning at http://www.all-about-puppies.com/dog_names.html.

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Bird Watching Guide - Cedar Bird Feeders

We all have a soft spot for birds. This means that we try and ensure that their environment is ideal for their needs. A bird house is a good way to provide an instant nesting site or home for any visiting birds. A bird bath placed near a bird feeder provides a source of water for drinking, splash bathing and just having fun. The many types of feeders make sure that there is a ready supply of food for the birds. However Cedar Bird Feeders go beyond being just a bird supply item. They bring a level of sophisticated beauty to the garden.

Cedar Bird Feeders from Woodlink will give you the rustic look that you desire and yet this is combined with a practical usage. These feeders can be used anywhere it's necessary to feed large amounts of birds. They're also good for bird feeding sanctuaries.

Keeping this large sized feeder in your garden is an invitation for lots of birds to dine there. The Cedar Bird feeders are in the classic Hopper feeder style. Both sides of the feeder have lots of perching space in front of the feeding stations and there are clear plastic panels on both sides that show you the reservoir of seeds inside of the feeder.

An internal seed baffle design makes sure that any empty seed shells are emptied out on to the platform below. This design feature ensures that no residue is left in the Cedar bird feeders. The feeding platforms are green metal screens that can be removed. For the ease of cleaning and easy refilling the roof of the Cedar bird feeders are hinged.

These large Cedar bird feeders can hold 18 quarts of seed in them. This means that you don't have to continually refill the feeder and if you need to go on your holiday you won't be worrying about hungry birds.

Many bird species like to use this type of feeder. These include Wrens, Towhees, Sparrows, Jays, Grosbeaks, Blackbirds, Cardinals, Doves, Flickers, Redpolls, Woodpeckers, Titmice, Kinglets, Bluebirds, Goldfinches, Starlings, Finches, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Grackles, Siskins, Mockingbirds and Juncos.

These huge Cedar bird feeders are made in America from kiln dried Inland Red Cedar. They are hardy and durable. Their appearance will complement not only your garden but also any bird sanctuaries where they are needed. Due to the size of this feeder it may be best to pole mount it.

The best types of seed to use in this feeder are sunflower seeds, mixed seeds, cracked corn, sunflower kernels, safflower seeds and peanut chunks. The use of these varied bird seeds will bring different bird types to your Cedar Bird Feeders.

With the purchase of any Cedar Bird Feeders you can be assured of getting a good value and there are many years of enjoyment to be had from watching birds eating from the bird feeders.

About the Author

Author's Sites:Natural Pet Care Cat Foods Dog Food Recipes.

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Doberman pinscher

Doberman pinscher

How Does It Look Like?
The Doberman pinscher is a medium size dog. The height of a Doberman pinscher bitch shoulder vary between 24 to 27 inches (61 to 68 cm), and the height of a Doberman pinscher male shoulder vary between (66 to 72 cm). The male weigh is between 75 and 100 pounds and the bitch between 65 and 85 pounds. There is often a slight difference in type between bitches and dogs, with males being masculine and females being feminine.
Let us talk about their bodies which contain a deep, broad chest, and a very powerful, compact, and square muscular body of large size. But recently they start to appears in a new look with primarily bred, slimmer or more sleek-looking Doberman Pinscher. This look becomes one of the most popular body types for most the owners, like those who use their Doberman Pinschers as a competitive with others. Butt he traditional body type is still what many other owners looking for and others who use the dog for protection. Anyway, it is impossible to have a full control on the dog body like the size and the weight. The animals used in show must follow specific rules like size and weight, but it is not possible to find male weights over 100 pounds or you might find a female that is also larger than called for by the breed standards. Those who are looking for a Doberman Pinscher to provide personal protection or for use in police agencies or the military generally seek out the larger examples and some breeders create specific breeding pairs in the hope of getting a litter of larger dogs.

Color

The most comm. color for the Doberman is the black. But, there is another color genes exist in the Doberman, which for the color dilution and this provides four different color phenotypes: black, red, blue, and fawn (Isabella).

Tails

Despite of that the Doberman Pinscher has mostly being seen with a short tail, it is actually born with a tail that is longer than most the other breeds'. The short tail is the result of docking, a procedure in which the majority of the tail is removed within days of the dog's birth.

Ears

Doberman Pinschers will often have their ears cropped, a procedure that is functionally related to both the traditional guard duty and to effective sound localization.

More information Doberman pinscher

About the Author

yousef ibrahim

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Keeping your Kitten Healthy

There's a huge assortment of products and foods that are designed to help keep your kitten fit and healthy. Finding out which products will be best for your cat can often be found out by visiting a veterinary clinic.

A good vet will also be able to advise you on the correct kind of food your cat needs, how much it should be eat per day and inform you about your cat's health. They can also check your kitten for flees and give your kitten any shots it might need.

A veterinary clinic is not just a place to get your cats health checked out you can also pick up a great deal of free leaflets and information. The vet might also be able to suggest some further reading and recommended books. The internet is also another great resource for finding out cat tips and advice, there are many websites run by cat owners and professionals.

Generally you shouldn't need to take your cat to the vet more than once a year unless it gets sick or injured. But for piece of mind there are a few simple checks you can perform on your kitten at home each week. Watch how your kitten walks and ensure it is distributing its weight equally on all of its legs, if your kitten has a limp or avoids putting weight on a foot there might be a problem with that foot or leg. Looking into your kittens eyes can also tell you a lot about its health, cat's eyes should be clear and not clouded with no discharges around them, if you find a small bit of discharge around your cats eyes gently clean it away and check again the next day, if the problem continues it could be a possible eye infection and you will need to see the vet again. You can also check your kitten's nose and ears in the same way, they should be discharge free and healthy looking. Another thing to check is the kitten's teeth, ensure your kitten hasn't lost any teeth and that they are clean and white. Heavy discolouration could be another sign of infection, in which a trip to the vet is needed.

While stroking your cat you should check for any bumps or lumps that might have appeared, if you find anything out of the ordinary its best to get the vet to check it out. Also check your kitten's fur is silky and healthy looking, if the fur is greasy or dull looking your kitten might not be getting the correct nutrition it needs. All of these checks can be done with in ten minutes and can help ensure your kitten stays healthy.

About the Author

The writer of this article lives in Barrow Furness and has a new kitten which is only 3 months old. Barrow directory

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Dog Training With Hand Signals

Hand signals can ensure that your dog will obey you even if you can't make yourself heard. Some experts even say that a dog trained on hand signals will more attentive to his owner than one raised without. Here are a few tips below for teaching your dog hand signals.

Train with an assistant.

Because it can be difficult to corral an excited puppy, a friend can help you keep your puppy under control while you are making the hand gesture. For instance, when you make the hand gesture for "sit," your friend can press down on your dog's hindquarters.

Work in an area that is free of distractions.

If you own a puppy, you already know that the least little thing can distract him, but you can mitigate this by working in a quiet, secluded area. If you have more than one dog, it can be a good idea to train them separately.

Develop distinctly different hand signals for each command.

There are many different types of hand signals that you can use. Some of them are quite standard, like the use of a hand, palm down, held parallel to the ground and then lowered for the voice command "Sit." There is no reason, however, not to develop your own signals. As long as they are clearly different from each other and easy to do, your dog should have no trouble recognizing them.

Keep your hand signals consistent.

As with any command that you give your dog, make sure that each hand gesture corresponds to the same requested action each and every time. If you suddenly change gears, there is a good chance your dog will be confused, something that can set their training back quite a bit.

Train with treats.

Dogs are very reward oriented, and while most of them will perform a trick for praise, almost all dogs will work for a treat! When you incorporate treats into the training, you are making sure that your dog receives unquestionably positive reinforcement when he does well. Overtime this can serve to remove any ambiguity from the dog's mind about what the desired behavior is for each command.

Teach simple commands first.

One piece of advice that is often given by expert dog trainers is that your dog needs to learn to heel before anything else should be taught. When your dog can automatically fall into step beside you, you know that he or she is paying attention and is mature enough to handle more complex commands. Because a dog can be taught to come to heel automatically, no hand gesture is usually needed. To start with, put your dog on a choke chain and leash and start walking. By using small, gentle jerks to slow her down if she gets too far ahead, you can teach her to heel in relatively short order.

Teaching your dog hand signals can be a great way to train because it reduces confusion by reinforcing the voice commands. Remember to take it slow and steady and your dog will be following your hand gestures before you know it!

About the Author

Tom Zinovia enjoys writing about dog health and training for the website http://www.Doggy-Training.com. Please visit our site to enjoy other dog training articles as well as information about complete home training programs. Remember that a well trained dog is a happy dog!

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Compare Pet Health Insurance in the USA

In Europe over twenty-five percent of all pet owners carry a pet health insurance policy on their pets. Approximately half of Sweden's pet owners carry insurance.

A recent poll of pet owners in the United States predicted that only three percent had purchased a pet health care plan.

Many veterinarians feel that three percent is a very generous estimate. One of the big reasons veterinarians believe so many Europeans carry pet health insurance is because of a bill passed in 1971 that stated if a dog was considered at fault for an accident, like a car wreck, then the pet's owner would be held responsible.

This prompted many dog owners to purchase something called Third Party Liability Insurance which would pay for any damages caused by the policy holder's pet dog.

Chances are good that if you were to ask ten of your neighbors how they felt about pet health insurance you would probably get ten very different answers. Some pet owners are fanatical about their pets. They will except nothing but the best for their family pet, the best food, the best water, the best doggie bed, and of course the best medical treatments available.

Every time it even looks like their cat or dog is about to cough or sneeze they rush the pet to the veterinarians clinic and start a fresh round of antibiotics. Because maintaining the absolute best health care available is quite expensive this type of owner is quick to purchase animal health insurance that promotes good pet medicine.

At the slightest hint you are even considering purchasing pet health insurance for your pet and this over the top pet owner is shoving all sorts of flyers and brochures and applications in your hand, sometimes they even offer to call their pet health insurance rep. for you. This is fine and dandy but generally (not always) their monthly pet insurance bills are higher then you can afford.

Another owner might love their family pet just as much as the over the top owner. They might wish they could provide their pet with the very best but it simply isn't economically possible. This pet owner's advice about pet health insurance would be your own pet health insurance.

Put the money you might have spent on a monthly insurance premium aside and use that to cover your pets medical needs. After all if you put aside thirty dollars a month then you'll have enough money to cover the routine visits to the vet's office plus have a little extra set aside if an emergency happens down the road. This type of insurance is called self insurance.

While it sounds like a good idea there are a couple of problems. One if a medical emergency happens right away you might not have enough money on hand to cover the treatment and be forced to accept economic euthanasia for your pet.

A second problem with self insurance is that its money that's just laying around, its way to easy to see it as spare cash and use it on the family vacation or as a down payment on that laptop you've always wanted. If as a pet owner you decide that pet health insurance simply isn't for you or your pet you will want to check and see if your homeowners insurance covers any potential accidents caused by your pet.

If a dog or cat bites somebody the bitten person can sue you and in some cases demand that the pet be euthanized. If your homeowners insurance does not cover pet mishaps you should probably give a lot of thought to purchasing pet liability insurance.

Article Written By J. Foley

About the Author

Article Written J. Foley

Petco Pet Health Insurance

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