Friday, December 7, 2012

Dog Collars And What You Should Know

By Ann Kapulski


A dog wants you to put his collar back on him as soon as he's done with his bath. Have you every wondered about that? It is because he loves to wear his collar. Maybe it is time to give him a really fancy collars that he can show off and toss out the cheap one.

Types of Dog Collars

There are many types of dog collars. Some you use only when walking your dog because as the collar is tugged, it tightens. You don't want to use this collar on your dog at any other time but walk time. There are also buckle types. These are the type that are like a buckle on a person's belt. It is a little old fashioned, but a nice, stylish look. The snap collar has a closure that snaps together and this collar is good for all the time use also. Then there are the decorative collars. These are like necklaces and made with fancy bead-work or chains and used only when the dog is dressed up. They are very fancy.

Finding The Snazzy Dog Collar

Beautiful and fancy dog collars are sold by the artists that make them by hand. You can find those artist's websites by doing a search with your favorite Internet search engine. Do a search for the words "beaded dog collar" or "fancy dog collar" and you'll find lots of artists who sell the fancier dog collars. You can also find these artists on websites that cater in handmade goods like Etsy or ArtFire.

Dog Collar Sizes

The prettier dog collars are also in all the normal dog neck sizes. Do remember to buy a collar that is larger than your dog's neck so he has room to grow. It also helps to have a roomier collar if his collar gets caught on something. That extra space will help him breathe.

Dog Collar Colors

There are many colors to choose from. Find a color that is complimentary to your dog's fur for the best look.

Materials Use to Make Dog Collars

The soft vinyl fabric that is woven is the most popular, carefree material these days. Also available on the market are leather dog collars and beaded dog collars. Whatever the artist likes to work with is fine and those materials are all sturdy and hold up well.

Dog Collar Keepsakes

It is a sad fact of life, but one day you'll probably outlive your dog. Your dog's collar and a keepsake that you'll treasure for the rest of your life. You can make a shadowbox with his or her collar and favorite toys and dog clothes.




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Thursday, December 6, 2012

Is a Pet Frog Right for You

By Cathy Doggins


Frogs as pets are increasing n popularity. This is part of a trend where reptile sales are growing year after year. Popular frogs include the PacMan, known for its PacMan like visual appeal, and the Green Treefrog. Treefrogs thrive in small groups and are very friendly. Toads, Frogs and Newts are only appropriate for children 10 and up thanks to the risk of spreading salmonella. This is \avoided with good hygiene such as using an anti-bacterial soap on hands after handling the frog.

Frogs are also popular due to their manageable size. Most amphibians are 2 inches to 4 inches in length. Some species such as the Ornate Horned Frog can grow to 9 inches long. Other aspects of caring for Frogs include the need to create a tropical habitat. hese pets primarily eat insects, are nocturnal, and are excellent climbers. Owning any frog is a long lasting commitment, with many living 15 or more years in captivity.

The characteristics and habits of pet frogs depends upon the species. As an example, several species like to bury themselves in the substrate (substance that covers the base of a vivarium) while some climb in trees. Most frogs will need a spot to hide. A hiding box or space reduces stress and helps an amphibian feel protected.

There is one problem with having frogs as pets. People must keep touching and handling to a minimum. They have delicate skin that provides added breathing capacity. Handling by humans can expose the frog to infection and reduce this important skin function.

Another challenge is the frog diet. These insectivores thrive on insects like crickets, waxworms and mealworms. In addition to insects, frogs require a dietary supplement to make up for a lack of light from the sun when in captivity. Most frogs also need make up for a calcium insufficiency.

Creating a vivarium is one of the most rewarding aspects of caring for a pet frog. A tropical habitat balances land and water areas to create a place where the frog can thrive. To raise humidity levels, tanks are covered with a substrate such as moss. Plants and daily misting with water also will keep humidity levels high

Since many frogs live in the tropics, they also need higher levels of heat during the day. Depending on the species, daytime temperatures should range from 80F on the cool end of the tank to 85F on the heated end.. After dark the temperature needs to be a few degrees lower. This is done with a ceramic heat lamp placed on the exterior of the tank,

With all the above you are now prepared to purchase a pet. Be sure to check the condition of any frog before purchasing. A good reptile will be alert, have clear eyes, will vocalize (if applicable for that species), and will most likely be active. A pet frog can provide years of joy. Frogs in captivity can live for ten or more years.




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Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Dog Behavior Training The Right Way

By Carlos Garcia


Dog behavior training is great for those who have owned their pets for a while, and for those who have just brought home the new puppy. You need to ensure that your dog has very few behavior problems for his and your own good, and that means plenty of training. Here's how you can have a successfully trained pet.

When you begin your dog behavior training, you should prepare your mind and attitude. You must know that this won't necessarily be the easiest thing to do, so motivate yourself for the task at hand. Patience will be the order of the day, since your dog will have to struggle to learn what you are telling him, without becoming flustered.

First, start with the foundational commands: sit, come and stay, etc. You definitely want to have control over your dog if he gets loose in a public area. These early lessons will also give your pet what he needs to focus on the new commands you teach. If you teach these basics first, you'll be all set for the later lessons.

You can also be sure that pets love treats, so be sure to exploit that fact to train. Find out what treat your dog really loves, and use it. That way, whenever something goes right and your dog obeys, and you give them the treat, it will really help make your point. If they don't listen, then no treat will follow. It doesn't have to get more complicated than that. This means you don't have to - nor should you - scream at them, since this won't do anything to help. This will only make your dog afraid.

Another thing you can put to use to have success with dog behavior training is to be sure to avoid distractions while you train. That is, your dog will probably love toys or other things to play with, so you should find a place that's free from these distractions. Open fields work well, or parks devoid of other people. This will enable your dog to focus on your training.

If you want to train your pet to sit, it's rather simple to do, to tell the truth. Simply put your hand on their backside, guiding them down to the floor. When their bottom reaches the ground, you give the verbal command, "Sit!" Then reward your dog with praise and affection, making it a positive experience. Get excited for them, and repeat the process until your dog associates sitting with the command. Being consistent with rewarding their good behavior is crucial to success.

Be sure you're patient and calm when you embark on your dog behavior training. This won't need to be stressful for either of you. To ensure this remains an enjoyable experience for both of you requires a right mindset. Use these tips in order to make this process yield the highest returns.




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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Finding The Reality To The Debate How Dangerous Are Pitbulls

By Carrie Peterson


There are normally only two answers to the question how dangerous are Pitbulls. One side of the issue takes a firm stand on getting rid of each and every one of them while the other side often advocates about their passiveness and their normal disposition. There is actually a third answer. Those who are truly interested in fact finding will normally end up at the third answer even though it is almost never brought up on discussion boards.

There is an American Pitbull Terrier, which is actually a difficult type of dog to identify. Most people do not realize that puts are not a recognized breed and are not thoroughly accounted for. What you may call a pit might be apart of the bully group but may not have the traits that create fear. During a time of stress it is common for a person to have no idea what kind of dog it was that attacked. If the dog was more than thirty pounds with a tail chances are he will be identified as a pit when he could have been one of more than twenty other types.

Without accurate data there is no way to be able to account for how many bites belong to the bullies. The human element is more than just an coincidence in the matter. Pits, by nature, will do anything to please their human. They are one of the easiest dogs to train which is what led to their exploitation in the first place. Breeding bullies without any kind of recorded lineage is another problem, although that does not doom any puppy to grow up into a biter. Any dog can bite and any dog can not bite.

Pits are usually owned by people who have multiple bullies. In order for this to work that owner needs to be aware of how pack mentality develops as well as understand things like fence guarding. Running the fence is a step toward aggression. There is no doubt that the media capitalizes on incidents. There have been stories run that use the word "attack" when there are no actual bites and no medical treatment was sought. This is a lead into hysteria.

In reality pits are in fact very good dogs when they are properly trained and they have owners who understand the fear of the public. There are owners that need to set aside their feelings about their dogs and be more proactive about protecting their dogs. Assuming that all is well because of the personality of the dog does not mean he should be running free.

Most of the dogs in the bully group go through life without an incident, despite the abuse and the number of them dropped at shelters. If you do have more than one you need to know how to prevent even the slightest hint of aggression. Correcting a growl is the worst thing you can do at that moment and hitting only promotes more violence. If your dog is out and about he is an incident waiting to be called to the media's attention. A playful charge can end with a shooting. Fear leads to such aggressive action, and justifying the fear means that he will be painted as aggressive. Arguing and banning the dogs has led to a new breed for dog fighters they seem to like better.

The public is quite busy arguing about the answer to the question how dangerous are Pitbulls while the breeding of a new breed of lethal dog is being born. Most pits are wonderful, loving pups that want to please you so badly they can be trained to do anything. Of course, even pit owners do not actually have pits, as the identification of the classification is so hard that even the advocates tend to lump them all into one group.




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Monday, December 3, 2012

What Is The Best Way To Cure Fish Fin Rot

By Boh Chang Min


People have been keeping fish as pets for a long time because they are fascinating creatures. Although you don't have to take them for walks, they do take a certain level of care and it is important to keep an eye on their health. If you are concerned about it learn what is the best way to treat fish fin rot.

Fin rot or tail rot as it is also known is a bacterial disease that is quite common, but easily curable. If you keep a close watch of the tank and environment you should be able to prevent it from occurring. However, if your fish already has it does not panic as there are several simple things that you can do to help cure it.

The disease is fairly self explanatory, so when looking for signs of it keep an eye out for any indication of rot. This could include frayed edges of the fin or tail, inflammation or white edges. It is a good idea to check regularly so that you can take action quickly and avoid causing the fish any further distress.

It is vital to keep an eye on the environment within the tank. Is the water clean? Is there overcrowding? Do you have a bullying situation in the tank? In many cases once these issues have been sorted out the disease can clear up and won't make a reappearance. If the environmental cause is not identified then the disease will keep returning, even with treatment.

One of the most important aspects of the environment that could be causing unnecessary stress and be the root of the disease is the water. Make sure that you change the water regularly, monitoring the temperature and the pH balance. It is also important to clean out the filters and keep an eye out for excess food as over-feeding is often a problem.

Once you know what the cause is and ensured that there is a clean and healthy environment you can start curing the current infection. This is best done through antibiotic treatment. It is essential that you consult a specialist to ensure that you choose the correct form and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Finding out what is the best way to treat fish fin rot is quite simple, but it is more important to maintain a clean and healthy environment for the fish. This will prevent further outbreaks and mean that you pets are a lot happier in their home. Check the water regularly and never forget to clean the tank.




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Sunday, December 2, 2012

Benefits Of Getting Professional Dog Grooming

By Alicia Hunter


Many people will want dogs for pets. Such furry creatures will really give love, loyalty, and companionship to owners. They are very sweet, smart, and sociable too. For this reason, canines are among the really popular pets around the world. It will be really essential to then provide good care for the canine buddy. Thy will feature their own needs for things like comfort, hygiene, and grooming. Some could actually disregard good dog grooming phoenix. This is something which must really be provided good attention. It will be actually nice to hire professionals in this. Know then what advantages could be provided by this.

Professionals will really know what the varied canines will require. They will perform varied services like nail trimming, ear cleaning, and shampooing and conditioning. It might include also hair styling, ear hair trimming, and full hair cutting. They will be really systematic with caring for the pet. They will make sure that each part will be really groomed, clean, and fresh. They will be really trained in such things. They could deal with canines of various temperaments, breeds, and sizes. It is essential since canines might be wary of any stranger. One will be really sure then that their pet will be in expert hands.

Proper items, products, and tools appropriate for the pet would be also used. The pets may actually be applied with wrong items by some owners. The right product to be used may not be known to the owners. Pets would not be just looking nice, but would also be staying healthy, comfortable, and safe with good products.

One could save time and effort through this too. One will not need to groom their pet themselves already. Performing this will really need time and energy. Such services will be really convenient then.

A lot of nice effects can be provided to the pets through good cleaning. Through this, an array of diseases can be really avoided. The health can be really affected greatly by hygiene just like humans. Various conditions can be really avoided with clean body parts. Fleas can also be kept at bay too. Clean, hygienic, and healthy pets can be achieved. With this, various injuries can be avoided too. The eyes can be covered by excessively long hair, and views can be obstructed. All the scratching would cause injuries too when they sport excessively long nails.

You would also be able to protect your health with this. Dirty pets can carry various pathogens, dusts, and pests. They can scout around your house or you may carry them around. You would be really exposed to all those dirt. You can also have injuries from scratches because they have very long nails.

The canine buddy will feel happier too if they are groomed. They could feel more relaxed with this. They will get a better feeling from all the services.

There will be also varied pampering services which could be offered like massages, salon services, and spas. One could really let their pet feel really valued. They will be really able to relax through such services.

Professional dog grooming phoenix would really provide a wide array of perks. Good groomers should be really selected for this. Dogs would be pampered, cared for, and groomed properly with this then.




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Saturday, December 1, 2012

All About Hounds: Are Basset Hounds Lovable

By Steve McLain


Are Basset Hounds lovable? Who can resist those sad eyes, the wrinkly face, the floppy ears, the long, low body with stubby little legs. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages before choosing a Basset Hound as your next companion animal.

Bassets bark and howl when strangers approach, then greet them enthusiastically. They're not aggressive or territorial. They're excellent family pets, friendly and gentle, enjoying children of all ages. They're good with other dogs. They don't chase to kill but will have a difficult time "not chasing" the cat.

Their short legs make them look smaller than they are. This is a large dog weighing 45-75 pounds. Gentle but stubborn, they're not the most obedient dogs but they are the most comical. Housebreaking takes a bit longer for this breed.

Their neck is wider than their head so flat collars fall off. They should be walked with a no slip collar or a harness. They enjoy sniffing and snooping but are surprisingly fast when they decide to chase something. Always keep your Basset Hound on a leash. Their instinct to chase usually overwhelms any obedience training.

Bassets have a deep bark and also enjoy a good howl. They bark or howl when they see anything move outside the window. They talk when they want attention, food, treats, walks, playtime. They're happiest in a family home with lots of company. They don't do well left alone all day.

With short stubby legs and a heavy body, they don't swim well. In fact they can drown in a few minutes. Don't leave this breed unsupervised around the backyard pool.

Don't be fooled by the short hair. They shed year round. Their natural odor is "doggy", and the wrinkly skin and droopy ears are fertile ground for infections and odors. Ears, eyes, and mouth should be cleaned daily.

Dogs with long bodies are at risk for hip and spinal cord injuries. Bassets should be discouraged from jumping. They shouldn't race up and down stairs. Excess weight is excess pressure on the spine that can lead to injury and paralysis. If you must lift your dog, wrap your arms around the belly keeping his back straight.

This breed is at risk for bloat. The colon inflates with gas then twists on itself. Minimize risk by feeding several small meals a day and don't allow running or playing for 1/2 hour after mealtimes.

Are Basset Hounds lovable? They're lovable and they're a great family pet. If you choose this breed, you must take a few minutes a day to clean eyes, ears, and mouth. They don't win obedience trials but they're friendly and gentle with kids. They don't swim well. They're not trustworthy off leash. They are good with other dogs, great fun at the dog park.




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