If you have ever watched animal rescue shows on television, you have probably seen some of the sick or injured dogs or puppies be placed with a foster caregiver. These dedicated volunteers provide much needed help to dogs recovering from their ordeal, whether its from physical abuse and neglect or lack of socialization. Do you think you could foster a dog in need?
Fostering a dog is a big responsibility and requires a real commitment from the whole family. Anyone who wants to foster a dog or a puppy should have some experience with dogs. Dogs that have been abused or neglected are often the most difficult to foster. They have fear and trust issues and will need someone who knows how to slowly, gently encourage their confidence and teach them to be social and how to play. Certain breeds will require foster caregivers with specific experience. Naturally, very large dogs or dogs that have a tendency toward aggression when afraid, will not be suitable for homes with young children or other pets. These dogs will need a person who is able to be firm yet gentle in handling behavior issues.
You will need to learn specific things that may frighten the dog and help him to learn to adapt to different triggers. For example, he may be afraid of your other dogs loud barking or of thunder. He may feel afraid if there are a lot of people around him. He can slowly be desensitized to the things that he fears. This will allow him to be a good candidate for adoption.
It is important that you have an appropriately sized house, for the size of the dog you will foster. Someone will need to be home during the day and have time to spend with the pup. The dog may require a special diet or medication. You may have to take your foster pet to the veterinarian for treatment of injuries. There are some other things to consider before you volunteer for fostering. Do you have children? Are there other pets in your home? The workers at the shelter or the rescue will be able to match you with a pet that will be the best fit in your household. Keep in mind that some of the dogs in need of fostering may not be house trained or have even the most basic manners. This will be an additional challenge for you to take on.
Its a good thing for a foster dog to just learn how to part of a normal home. You will be surprised how after a slow start, the pup you're fostering, will be at ease as a member of the family. This transformation is what foster caregivers are striving for. There is a true sense of satisfaction in giving these dogs a chance to live a happy, healthy life with a loving family.
It takes a certain kind of person to be able to invest time and love in a neglected or injured dog, and see him become healed and healthy, then to give them over to another family. Animal foster caregivers volunteer knowing that they will fall in love with their temporary pet, then turn them over to a permanent home. These volunteers make all the difference in shelters and rescue being able to find homes for many of the dogs brought to them. Many of the dogs not suitable for adoption when they arrive, would likely be euthanized.
If you think you have it in your heart to foster a dog in need, contact your local humane society or a local breed rescue. While it can be challenging, it is also a very rewarding experience.
About the Author:
Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information.
30 Jun 2009
Labrador Retrievers Make Great Family Pets
Throughout the whole of the UK and the USA there is one dog amongst all the other dog breeds that stands head and shoulders above the others for popularity, the Labrador Retriever.
If you are fortunate enough to spend some time in the company of a Labrador Retriever you will soon discover why these lovable dogs are proving to be so popular. These dogs are friendly, playful, intelligent and loyal. Labrador Retrievers absolutely adore children and this is why families rate them as one of the best dog breeds around.
The Labrador Retriever is a fun loving breed, they enjoy the water either swimming in it or generally simply splashing around having a good time. Another reason that the Labrador Retriever is such an ideal choice for families is the fact that they are a dog that can just go on for hours, much like children! They love to play fetch and swim. They will keep your children entertained all day long as well as wear them out. Labradors have unparalleled energy. Some have even run until they have given themselves a heart attack. They simply don't know when they have given their all.
There are numerous dog breeds that make brilliant family dogs but none that are quite as good at filling the vacancy than the Labrador Retriever. These particular dogs do not simply just fill the gap in a family they become companions and friends. Any information on Labrador Retrievers will tell potential owners how mellow these dogs truly are, if you are considering a watchdog then a Labrador Retriever is probably not a good first choice. Intruders would just be covered in licks! They do possess quite a deep bark though and stand fairly tall and if the intruder pays no attention to their exceedingly waggy tail then they could feasibly be worried by a Labrador Retriever.
As far as dogs go the Labrador Retriever is an easy dog to train due to its intelligence. They are a breed of dog that simply loves to please its owner and make them happy and pleased with them. When compared with other dog breeds Labrador Retrievers do not shed as much fur as others, this is always a bonus.
If you read any dog information it will normally tell you of the biggest flaw the Labrador Retriever possesses, its appetite. These dogs are like dustbins on legs! They have a big appetite and are prone to gaining weight quickly. The trick is to monitor their food intake and also ensure they receive enough exercise. This is a clever dog though and will attempt bribery with its gorgeous big, brown eyes.
Labrador Retrievers are prone to several disorders that are associated with too much weight, as are most dog breeds. It is therefore imperative to watch their diet especially the amount of treats consumed. They are also prone to hip dysplasia, a disease that causes the joints to deteriorate. It is very painful for them and often fatal. It is important to have your dog screened for dysplasia before you take them home from the breeder.
The Labrador Retriever is a perfect addition as a family dog due to its incredible nature and temperament.
About the Author:
There are many more articles on Labrador Retrievers and other dogs at GreatDogSite!
If you are fortunate enough to spend some time in the company of a Labrador Retriever you will soon discover why these lovable dogs are proving to be so popular. These dogs are friendly, playful, intelligent and loyal. Labrador Retrievers absolutely adore children and this is why families rate them as one of the best dog breeds around.
The Labrador Retriever is a fun loving breed, they enjoy the water either swimming in it or generally simply splashing around having a good time. Another reason that the Labrador Retriever is such an ideal choice for families is the fact that they are a dog that can just go on for hours, much like children! They love to play fetch and swim. They will keep your children entertained all day long as well as wear them out. Labradors have unparalleled energy. Some have even run until they have given themselves a heart attack. They simply don't know when they have given their all.
There are numerous dog breeds that make brilliant family dogs but none that are quite as good at filling the vacancy than the Labrador Retriever. These particular dogs do not simply just fill the gap in a family they become companions and friends. Any information on Labrador Retrievers will tell potential owners how mellow these dogs truly are, if you are considering a watchdog then a Labrador Retriever is probably not a good first choice. Intruders would just be covered in licks! They do possess quite a deep bark though and stand fairly tall and if the intruder pays no attention to their exceedingly waggy tail then they could feasibly be worried by a Labrador Retriever.
As far as dogs go the Labrador Retriever is an easy dog to train due to its intelligence. They are a breed of dog that simply loves to please its owner and make them happy and pleased with them. When compared with other dog breeds Labrador Retrievers do not shed as much fur as others, this is always a bonus.
If you read any dog information it will normally tell you of the biggest flaw the Labrador Retriever possesses, its appetite. These dogs are like dustbins on legs! They have a big appetite and are prone to gaining weight quickly. The trick is to monitor their food intake and also ensure they receive enough exercise. This is a clever dog though and will attempt bribery with its gorgeous big, brown eyes.
Labrador Retrievers are prone to several disorders that are associated with too much weight, as are most dog breeds. It is therefore imperative to watch their diet especially the amount of treats consumed. They are also prone to hip dysplasia, a disease that causes the joints to deteriorate. It is very painful for them and often fatal. It is important to have your dog screened for dysplasia before you take them home from the breeder.
The Labrador Retriever is a perfect addition as a family dog due to its incredible nature and temperament.
About the Author:
There are many more articles on Labrador Retrievers and other dogs at GreatDogSite!
How To Bathe a Westie
West Highland White Terriers are prized possessions for dog owners, particularly those of you that cherish that luxurious, long white coat. The plush, thick coats consist of a double coat - a cottony undercoat and an outer coat of hard straight, white hair. Although the white coat makes for a distinctive look, it can also become the bane of your existence - given that the Westies love to dive into holes or digging their own in the backyard. Unfortunately, since your West Highland White Terrier has sensitive skin, he can only be bathed sparsely, although sometimes bathing is needed more often. So why should Westies be bathed infrequently, exactly, and what should you do if he need more than the usual requirement?
Frequent bathing your West Highland White Terrier will deprive his sensitive skin of the natural oils that are produced to help keep the white coat healthy. If you bathe your Westie too often, you must take the natural oils into consideration, because the oil glands could eventually cease production. As a result, your pet's skin could become flaky, itchy and quite uncomfortable. Due to this condition, many Westie clubs and associations recommend washing your Westie only three or four times a year. Although this is a good general rule, you should definitely wash him if he rolls in something particularly nasty.
Some owners, perhaps yourself, may prefer to have your West Highland White Terrier groomed by a professional groomer. To take full advantage of the freshly cut hair, many owners choose to bathe their pet every four to six weeks. Many owners choose to get a variety of cuts. It's really up to the person. It's your dog so why not have fun with his or her hair?
In a very few circumstances, it is necessary to bathe your West Highland White Terrier more often than every four weeks. Allergies and other skin disorders may require a medicated shampoo prescribed by the veterinarian. On the other hand, your West Highland White Terrier may produce an excess of natural oils and more frequent baths will help remove them. It's important not to bathe too frequently. Many of these oils are good for the Westies coat and help prevent skin irritations. Each dog is different, so try to find a time frame that allows your pups skin to be balanced and healthy. Those dogs that spend a great deal of time outside may often find smelly things to roll around in. Of course, there are some owners who simply prefer for their dog to be bathed more often.
If you do decide that you either prefer to or need to bathe your West Highland White Terrier, it would be best to consult with your local veterinarian about the proper bathing products to help keep your pet's skin in its best health. There are specially formulated products for Westies that should always take preference over any other formulas, unless recommended by your vet. There are also specialized conditioners and rinses to help keep your Westie's skin healthy, which is just as important as keeping your dog clean. A clean, healthy Westie is a happy pet.
About the Author:
For more information on West Highland White Terriers and other dogs, browse the rest of GreatDogSite!
Frequent bathing your West Highland White Terrier will deprive his sensitive skin of the natural oils that are produced to help keep the white coat healthy. If you bathe your Westie too often, you must take the natural oils into consideration, because the oil glands could eventually cease production. As a result, your pet's skin could become flaky, itchy and quite uncomfortable. Due to this condition, many Westie clubs and associations recommend washing your Westie only three or four times a year. Although this is a good general rule, you should definitely wash him if he rolls in something particularly nasty.
Some owners, perhaps yourself, may prefer to have your West Highland White Terrier groomed by a professional groomer. To take full advantage of the freshly cut hair, many owners choose to bathe their pet every four to six weeks. Many owners choose to get a variety of cuts. It's really up to the person. It's your dog so why not have fun with his or her hair?
In a very few circumstances, it is necessary to bathe your West Highland White Terrier more often than every four weeks. Allergies and other skin disorders may require a medicated shampoo prescribed by the veterinarian. On the other hand, your West Highland White Terrier may produce an excess of natural oils and more frequent baths will help remove them. It's important not to bathe too frequently. Many of these oils are good for the Westies coat and help prevent skin irritations. Each dog is different, so try to find a time frame that allows your pups skin to be balanced and healthy. Those dogs that spend a great deal of time outside may often find smelly things to roll around in. Of course, there are some owners who simply prefer for their dog to be bathed more often.
If you do decide that you either prefer to or need to bathe your West Highland White Terrier, it would be best to consult with your local veterinarian about the proper bathing products to help keep your pet's skin in its best health. There are specially formulated products for Westies that should always take preference over any other formulas, unless recommended by your vet. There are also specialized conditioners and rinses to help keep your Westie's skin healthy, which is just as important as keeping your dog clean. A clean, healthy Westie is a happy pet.
About the Author:
For more information on West Highland White Terriers and other dogs, browse the rest of GreatDogSite!
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