Archive for the ‘Dogs’ Category

The question posed is “Are two puppies twice the fun or five times the work?”. Short answer/question…If given the choice at the hospital, would you take home a single child or a set of twins? )

It’s done with the best of intentions:

1) It’s time to add a puppy to your family and you want the best for your new furry friend. You have gotten the bed, bowls, and toys…everything for your new friend. You go to pick up your puppy and find that there is one puppy left in the litter that no one has taken home. You watch your puppy playing with his littermate. They are rolling and tussling back and forth, wearing each other out, and a light bulb clicks on in your head. “Our family is busy and there will be times when our puppy is left by himself. I don’t want him to get lonely. I want him to grow into a happy dog”. You want to take home both dogs!” with a big smile on your face…after all isn’t having two puppies twice the fun? …

2) You’ve had Fido for a week or so. Life has caught up to you and you’ve been really busy! When you get home from your long day at work, your buddy is so happy to see you and wants to play, play, play! You’re tired and think, ” I could get another puppy and they could play together all day so they’ll tire each other out and then when I get home it will be “lovin” time.” You start looking for a playmate that night as your puppy chews on your shoelaces. …

3) You have a good dog that has a lot of energy! Whew, he wears you out trying to keep up with him! What you need is a doggy buddy for him to play with all day and burn off his extra energy…You’ll get a puppy for him. Your older dog is a good dog and can “help” you raise the new puppy by showing it how to behave…

Whatever the reason for a multi-dog household, we have to take our feelings out of the picture and look for the best for our dogs from their point of view. Puppies at the age of 7-8 weeks have, hopefully, had the opportunity to learn valuable life lessons from their mother and their siblings. At this age, they are developing personalities and looking for relationships. They are ready to leave their pack and build a bond with you. This is the easiest window of time for that bond to form. When you have a multi-dog household, this bond can be damaged, if not handled correctly.

It is much easier for a puppy to look to another puppy or dog for the bond of companionship. They speak the same language. It takes more effort for the puppy to connect with something that doesn’t look like him, smell like him, or speak his native tongue. Bonding with a human and learning the human society rules can sometimes be a little difficult. Dogs left alone “to be dogs” are going to do just that… be dogs. They are also going to bond closely, sometimes becoming two halves of a whole instead of 2 individual dogs.

With this situation, we see an increased level of anxiety in the dogs. They become agitated when separated from the other dog, even a distance as close as across the room. They are vocal and destructive if left alone without their pack mate. They become manic if one has to go to the vet for an overnight stay. It can lead to constant fighting between the siblings and increased dog aggression. It may even manifest as human aggression because the trust and bond with a human has never been formed. Dogs are reactionary animals. Some of them will land in a humane society where they will be un-adoptable due to their problems. Most people do not realize that this could be a death sentence for the dog. No one wants this for his or her dog’s future, so now, what to do? We must decide what is going to be the best quality of life for the dog.

The “Unthinkable” for most people…Re-home one of the dogs. It is very hard to part with the dog you love. It’s painful and heartbreaking for both you and your dogs. If you have difficulties with the dog already, waiting to see if they outgrow the behaviors can make it VERY hard to find a home. It takes a special person to try to fix a problem dog.

The responsible option is easier on the heart but harder on the owner….treating the dogs as individuals from day one. We understand this goes against why you got two dogs in the first place, but in the long run it can be absolute bliss for your family and your dogs! To treat the dogs as individuals means twice the “dog work” for you but also twice the love and devotion. Train each dog separately. Spend time with each one. Let them play together occasionally but you make sure you have more play time with them than they have with each other. They must have their own space to grow and develop that dog/human bond of companionship. You DO NOT have to keep them apart forever but they will need this individual attention for at least the first year of their lives or coming into your world so they look to you for their love and leadership.

Please don’t misunderstand. We are not advocating one-dog households, we each live in multi-dog homes and most of our clients have more than one dog. You can have as many dogs as you want but remember that owning a dog is privilege and to live up to that you have to do what’s best for those that you care for. If you choose to keep both dogs and feel you’re over your head at any point, contact us. The best option is simply to train your dogs so they may live, love, play together and look to you and your family first and foremost for all their needs.

About the Author

We give you the tools and knowledge to have a well behaved friend for life. To bridge the commnication gap and be Talkin’ Dog in no time visit us at www.WeTalkDog.com

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When you think about the activities that you can do with your dog, your list might look like this: walk, run, play fetch. With such a short list, you probably cycle through these pretty quickly. Why not shake things up a bit and introduce your dog to something new? Fall is a wonderful time to ride your bike and the best part is that your dog can come with you. It’s the perfect way to bond and reconnect with your pooch and enjoy that crisp air together.

Can Any Dog Bike?

It makes sense that a healthy dog that’s used to walking, running, or hiking is a great candidate for a bike mate. But what if your dog is small and doesn’t need much exercise? Don’t worry! There are a few different ways that will allow your dog to join you so you don’t have to leave that wagging tail and adorable little face behind.

- Bike Leash – For an active, healthy dog, a bike leash is your answer. Bike leashes hook on the side of a bike and attach to your dog’s collar so he’s running right along side of you. It’s designed to control your dog in case he pulls in a different direction and ensures the safety of both dog and rider. NEVER bring your dog on a regular leash that will leave you with just one hand on the handle bars and the other holding your dog’s leash. This can be extremely dangerous. Bike leashes were designed to free your hands so you can drive the bike properly.

- Riders & Baskets – For your small dog that doesn’t really need much exercise, you can still bond with them on a bicycling trip by using a pet rider or a basket. Baskets attached to the front handle bars and have a harness or strap that keeps your furry passenger hooked safely secured. Riders also work the same way, although these can be attached to the front or back of a bike and also include a safety harness.

Start Small

Once you’ve determined the best way to bring your dog along, it’s time to get her acclimated to being with the bike. Show her how you are attaching the leash to your bicycle or set her in the rider to get her used to it. For the initial few outings, just walk your bike. When she starts to become comfortable, hop on the bike and go slowly at first. Plan on just going around the block the first time, followed by one or two more blocks as she adjusts to this new activity. This is also a good time to make sure that your dog is properly secured to the bike so there aren’t any mishaps.

If the biking is going well and she’s not afraid or stressed out, you can then begin lengthening your bike trips and moving along at a more appropriate pace.

Safety First

There are some things to keep in mind when you have your dog with you on the bike so that you both have a safe and enjoyable experience.

1. Whenever possible, use bike trails or roads that are less busy. If this isn’t a nearby option, use a bike rack and drive the two of you to a nearby park or trail.

2. Avoid extraordinary heat. In the warm summer months, reserve biking outings for early mornings or early evenings before it is getting dark.

3. Bring a small pack of necessary items, including water, treats, a cell phone, and your vet’s number just in case of an emergency. Make sure that your dog has all of his tags and other identification.

Just you and your dog on the open road with the wind at your backs and the sunshine on your faces is a healthy and fun way to bond with your dog. Dogs are always overjoyed to be going anywhere with their humans, so finding new ways to spend time together (like biking) is bound to bring the two of you even closer together. Show your best friend just how much you love her and hop on that bike!

Don’t forget to check out Trips With Pets for all your dog-bonding activity needs.

About the Author

Kim Salerno is the President & Founder of TRIPSwithPETS.com. She founded the pet travel site in 2003 and is an expert in the field of pet travel. Her popular pet travel site features pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the United States, along with other helpful pet travel resources. Her mission is to ensure that pets are welcome, happy, and safe in their travels.

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Copyright (c) 2010 Trey Markel

Are you a dog lover? It’s not a question about whether or not you like dogs, but more an inquiry about your passion for all things canine. A dog lover is someone who puts their retriever, shepherd, pit bull, or poodle before anyone else in their life. They rate their dog as a family member and would do anything to guarantee their happiness. If you understand that, you can easily pick out gifts for dog lovers because you are one yourself. If you have a hard time comprehending that level of feeling for an animal, you’ll need to ask for help to shop for your dog lover friends.

The first step in this process is to study the breed of dog that your friend or loved one has chosen to spend their time with. The pet can tell you a lot about its owner’s personality. If a person chooses an aggressive dog like a shepherd or pit bull, they may have a need for security or self-confidence. Focus on gifts that reinforce that. If they own a smaller dog like a terrier or poodle, they may like cute and fuzzy gifts. Try to put yourself in the position of the dog owner and think about what you like about your dog. That should give you some ideas for gifts for dog lovers.

The next element to look at is the environment that the dog and its owner spend their time in. Do they live in a house or an apartment? Is there more than one pet in the home? Many dog owners also have other pets such as cats and exotic birds. When you buy a gift for them you might want to take that into account. Perhaps something that shows an appreciation for all animals would make a good gift. Either way, make sure any gift doesn’t clash with the environment that pet and owner reside in. For instance, you wouldn’t want to buy a large outdoor fountain for someone who lives in an apartment.

Shopping for the Pet Owner, Not the Pet

Remember that you’re shopping for the person, not the dog. Don’t think about dog toys or specialty items when you set out to go shopping for gifts for dog lovers. Trying to buy something for someone else’s animal can backfire on you unless you have a close relationship with the dog itself. Pet owners can be very touchy about who befriends, plays with, or feeds their dog. Be careful about crossing that line. Before you do anything for the animal, ask the owner first. If they see you truly care they will no doubt give you some leeway, but don’t go out and buy dog gifts without asking first.

As far as gifts for dog lovers themselves, clothing, pictures, and novelty items seem to work really well. You can always tell when you’re in the home of an avid dog lover by looking around the room and counting the number of animal pictures, plates, and pet logos or slogans you see on walls and refrigerators. Take a peak in every room and you’re bound to see at least one “I Love My …” sign that mentions a dog or dog breed. Those items were most likely gifts from someone else in the past, so make sure you don’t duplicate their efforts. You’ll want to find something original.

Looking for Value without the High Price Tag

Let’s face it, some of the items marked as “gifts” by pet and department stores are downright cheesy. They’re cheaply made and designed to catch the attention of those who don’t know any better or those working with a very limited budget. If you’re in the former category there’s not much we can do for you, but if you have a limited budget as many of us do these days, you can still find something nice if you shop around. Good things come in small packages and they often come with small price tags too. When searching for gifts for dog lovers, don’t think in terms of price or opulence. Those things mean very little to a dog lover. Think in terms of value instead, spiritual and sentimental value you can’t put a price tag on.

Helpful Suggestions and Gift Ideas

Let’s summarize. At this point, you’ve evaluated the personality of the pet owner by looking at their pet and the characteristics inherent in it. You’ve viewed and studied the surroundings, the environment that pet and human coexist together in. You’ve discarded the thoughts of buying for the pet and not the owner, and you are determined not to get anything cheap or cheesy, despite being on a limited budget. Your homework is done and you are now ready to do some actually shopping for gifts for dog lovers. Start at pet stores and then move on to department, gift, and novelty stores. You might even want to try hobby shops. You’d be surprised at some of the really cool gifts you can find there for pet lovers.

Pictures and plaques make great gifts, but don’t go with the same old thing that everyone buys. Those “I Love My Dog” signs are neat, but everyone already has one. Try finding something unique that you never see. Afghans and throw rugs can be nice if you find the right one, but make sure you match the color scheme of the pet owner’s home or you’ll never see it again after you gift it to them. Statues and figurines are also nice; go for quality instead of size when you buy them. An exquisitely designed miniature is a far better choice than a gaudy statue. Use you imagination and keep some basic guidelines in your head while you’re shopping. Remember that the person you’re buying for loves animals, so don’t buy anything that shows an animal in captivity. You’ll want to focus on something that glorifies the animal or acknowledges the contributions of pet owners and animal lovers. You could also make a donation in the recipients name to a shelter or organization that prevents cruelty to animals or saves them from harm. That’s the kind of gift that benefits many, not just one dog lover.

About the Author

There are all sorts of dog gifts for dog lovers out there. Try to choose something unique like an architectural blueprint of your particular dog breed. When thinking about dog gifts for dog lovers, think about the kind of dog they have and relate it to their personality.

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It’s commonplace for you to see people taking their dogs for a walk around your neighborhood. But what would you think if you saw a dog being pushed in a stroller? You read that right – a stroller! Even though it may seem a little strange, there are a growing number of pet parents who are now using strollers to transport their beloved dogs. Here are a few great reasons to have one for your own four-legged family member.

Older Dogs/Injured Dogs

If you would like to take your dog on a walk or need to get him from one place to the other, this can be difficult if he’s a senior dog, injured, or has hip problems. A stroller is a great way to take him with you. He can walk as far as he can, but has the choice of getting back into the stroller if he needs to rest.

Access to Various Places

Strollers allow your dog to go with you on almost any outing, whether you are window shopping downtown, stopping to eat at a pet-friendly restaurant, or even going to the mall! There are many malls that now allow dogs to be wheeled around in strollers (call ahead to make sure you’re in compliance with the rules).

Oftentimes, you may need to take your dog with you to a place or an event that is extremely crowded and difficult to walk around with a dog on a leash. Strollers are perfect for these situations. Also, if the vet waiting room can get a little too hectic and stressful, bring the stroller to your next visit.

Fun Family Activities

Do you and your family love getting outdoors to jog, hike, or go boating? During these times, you may have figured it was easier to leave your dog at home even though it would have been more fun if the whole family could be involved. With a stroller, your dog can easily join you. There are plenty of good jogging pet strollers available, whether you’ve got a small dog who cannot keep up, or an older dog that can’t make it for the entire distance.

Does your family spend a lot of time on the water? Loading the dog on to the boat in a stroller (and letting him stay there for the duration of the boat trip if he’s nervous), makes it much easier and less worrisome for everyone involved.

Hiking is a fun way to get exercise, but what do you do when the trail terrain gets too rough for your furry friend? Place him in an all-terrain stroller and keep on rolling!

You don’t have to let the weather stop you from heading outside, either. If it’s hot outside, the stroller provides shade (just like a baby stroller) and keeps your dog’s sensitive paws off of hot pavement. Most strollers come with storage underneath that allows you to store water and other necessities. Is it snowing outside? No problem – continue to keep his paws protected from the cold ice and snow as you enjoy a walk in the winter wonderland together.

OK, But is This Really Necessary for My Dog?

Pet strollers are extremely sturdy and built to handle all the rigors that your dog might put it through. Pick a stroller that meets you and your dogs needs, whether it’s a jogging stroller, a stroller with a log of storage space, or a stroller big enough to fit both of your dogs. There are many different types of dog strollers available for you to try out.

One thing to keep in mind if you’re thinking about purchasing a stroller is whether or not your dog will enjoy it. Smaller dogs tend not to mind being carried, in which case a stroller may be perfect for her. However, if your dog is more “independent” and loves to roam free, this may not be the right choice. Just like crate training, you will need to establish that the stroller is her own special “place” and you may need to spend time with her so she can get used to being inside of it before you venture outside of the home.

Although this may seem like just a “fad” or passing “trend”, a stroller makes sense for so many different scenarios. In some instances, the stroller may let you take your dog to different places that you wouldn’t have normally taken her. Dogs are such a huge part of our families and lives, why not include them as often as we can? Trips With Pets has wonderful pet stroller options available on their website.

About the Author

Kim Salerno is the President & Founder of TRIPSwithPETS.com. She founded the pet travel site in 2003 and is an expert in the field of pet travel. Her popular pet travel site features pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the United States, along with other helpful pet travel resources. Her mission is to ensure that pets are welcome, happy, and safe in their travels.

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More than likely, you’ve got a first aid kit in your home in case something happens to someone in your family. And, since all areas are susceptible to disasters, you hopefully may even have a disaster kit prepared if the need arises. At the very least, you have the makings of one in your medicine cabinet: band aids, gauze, hydrogen peroxide, etc. But what about for your pet? Do you have all the supplies that you need in case your pet has some kind of trauma or accident? If not, you’ve come to the right place as we are going to outline exactly what you need to put together for Fido & Fluffy’s First Aid Kit.

The Staples

Each pet is different, so there isn’t a “perfect” standard kit that will meet all the needs of your particular little companion. However, the following items will provide a good foundation for you to start your kit. Don’t forget to obtain two of everything to keep one at home and one in your vehicle for use when traveling with your pet.

- A container large enough to hold of all of these items. It should open and close easily but be secure and water-resistant if at all possible.

- A list of phone numbers including your regular vet, emergency vet, animal control, and animal poison control numbers. It’s best to have these pre-programmed in your cell phone as well.

- A muzzle is a good idea for pets that are very injured/afraid – even well-trained pets may bite in these situations, even if they never showed any kind of aggressive behavior in the past.

- Leash

- Extra towels, wash cloths and a blanket

- Ice and hot packs wrapped in a cloth can cool down skin after a burn or keep a pet warm if hypothermic

- Scissors to cut masses that are matted in fur or freeing her from entanglements.

- Tweezers to remove splinters, or other foreign materials from wounds.

- Tick remover tool

- Toenail trimmer

- QuikClot (or a similar product) to stop bleeding.

- Gauze for bandaging or to help stop bleeding.

- Syringe or large eye dropper to flush out wounds or administer fluids by mouth.

- Small bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide

- Antiseptic wash or wipes

- Ear wash

- Sterile eye wash

- Antibiotic ointment

- Syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting in the event of poisoning.

- Latex or plastic exam gloves in case the situation gets messy.

- Pet first aid book – These items will not be of any use to you if you don’t know how to properly use them. Read up and keep this in the kit for quick reference in the event of an emergency.

Additional Items

Depending on your pet, you may need to include more items to complete the kit. If your pet takes medication, be sure to include a few days of the prescription. Is your pet extremely active and takes frequent hikes or outdoor excursions? It’s probably a good idea to include something to create a splint (tongue depressor, 12-inch ruler, or thick magazine). Ask your veterinarian for help in customizing a kit that’s perfect for your dog.

Go the Extra Mile

Now that you’ve got your kit built, why not take it one step further and attend a pet first aid and CPR class? Pets obviously need different care and handling than their humans. Check with your veterinarian, community college, or local Red Cross about the availability of classes in your area. Your four-legged family member will definitely appreciate it. The Trips with Pets Blog has even more safety tips and information, including how to keep your pets safe during disasters. And for all of your pet travel needs, don’t forget to check out Trips with Pets.

About the Author

Kim Salerno is the President & Founder of TRIPSwithPETS.com. She founded the pet travel site in 2003 and is an expert in the field of pet travel. Her popular pet travel site features pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the United States, along with other helpful pet travel resources. Her mission is to ensure that pets are welcome, happy, and safe in their travels.

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You may see it quite often as you’re driving around town: dogs riding in the back of trucks. You might even do it yourself. Why not? It seems so convenient to just load them up in the back and take them with you. It’s safe, right? Unfortunately, it’s not safe at all. According to the Humane Society of the United States, 100,000 dogs are killed each year in accidents involving riding in truck beds. Veterinarians see numerous cases of dogs being injured because they jumped out or were thrown from the bed of a pickup truck. If these dogs are lucky enough to still be alive, broken legs and joint injuries are among the most common types of damage that they sustain and often result in amputation. There are many dangers of having your four-legged friend loose in the bed of a truck while you’re ramming the roads.

Eye, Ear & Nose Damage

This may not have even occurred to you, since dogs always have a tendency to stick their heads out the window of a moving vehicle to smell all of those new smells on the open road. But being in the open air traveling at high speeds (whether their head is out the window or they’re in the back of the truck) can likely cause damage to the delicate parts of their face. The swirling of the air currents in the bed of a pickup truck can cause dirt, debris and insects to become lodged in the dog’s eyes, ears, and nose.

Being Ejected from the Truck

We’ve all had to slam on our brakes while we’re driving at some point; it’s inevitable. Now imagine slamming on your brakes while your beloved dog is in the truck bed. He’s going to get a serious jolt and it’s possible that he could fly right out of the bed and into the road. You also run the risk of getting into an accident while you’re traveling with your precious cargo which could also force him out of the bed. And if you think that securing him with a rope or chain is any better, you’re wrong. There have been cases where dogs were thrown out of the back of the truck while still attached and being dragged on the road while the owner is still driving. Talk about a nightmare situation.

Jumping Ship

Even if you don’t slam on your brakes or get into an accident, your dog may have plans of her own. Does your dog get easily distracted by squirrels, dogs, or other animals? Who’s to say she’s not going to willingly jump out in order to better investigate a situation? How long would it take you to realize she’s gone? How will you be able to protect her from getting hit by other cars or straying too far away while you’re in the driver’s seat? Just because your dog would “never do that” doesn’t mean that it could never happen; you never know what might trigger her at any given time.

What are the Laws?

In February of 2009, Senator Norman Stone Jr’s bill to ban riding around with dogs in truck beds was defeated on the Senate 30-17. Although the bill was passed by the House unanimously in 2008, some Senators questioned whether or not it was a “real” problem. Others worried that farmers would be unable to ride with their dogs, leading to a lot of unhappy dogs.

There are, however, a number of individual states have banned this type of pet travel and other states have bills pending.

What’s the Alternative?

Even though it’s not against the law in all 50 states, traveling with dogs in the bed of your pickup trucks should never be an option. The Humane Society of the US notes that they don’t know of any brand of harness that is safe for the back of the truck. It’s best to have the dog in the cab with you, and if it’s an extended cab, the dog should be restrained in the back and away from the windshield. For trucks, pet travel crates, pet safety belts, and pet car seats are the safest bets. And if none of these are available to you at the time you’re taking your truck (or any vehicle), consider keeping your dog safe at home.

Trips with Pets has even more tips, pet travel advice, and pet friendly hotels to make sure that your beloved pooches are safe and happy no matter where your travels take you.

About the Author

Kim Salerno is the President & Founder of TRIPSwithPETS.com. She founded the pet travel site in 2003 and is an expert in the field of pet travel. Her popular pet travel site features pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the United States, along with other helpful pet travel resources. Her mission is to ensure that pets are welcome, happy, and safe in their travels.

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Cavoodle, spoodle, poodle — it might sound like a word game but in actual fact they are a new breed of dog, and it’s all down to people wanting designer products, even when it comes to their dogs.

First came the poodle, known for their great little characters and intelligence, their personality is suited perfectly for families with young children. Originally from Germany they were used as hunting dogs as their warm woolly coats were ideal for keeping them warm and dry, they’ve also been used in circuses for centuries as they are easily trained. Their ability to learn fast means it takes no time to train and housebreak them, if you’re looking for an easy-going family dog then this might be the type for you.

After the poodle along came the spoodles, a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle, followed by the cavoodle, a combination of cavalier king charles spaniel and a miniature poodle. A bright dog, their friendly temperament is attractive to all kinds of people and they’re gentle and amiable enough to be around kids, with their affectionate nature appealing to everyone. The cavoodle is also popular with older people who are looking for a pet to keep them company but don’t want anything too big or demanding when it comes to grooming and walking them.

When they are first born, the puppies ears are long and floppy, brows are large and they have a small, round face – overall a very cute look! Every dog has its own individual look though and variations are normal within the same breed, some will look more like a poodle, whilst others may be more obviously a cavalier. Colours vary from a mix of chestnut and white, all black, white or gold, or a mix of black, white and tan and their height ranges from 30 to 35cm.

Both the cavalier and miniature poodle are intelligent dogs with a happy nature so a cross between them has brought out the best of both. Loyal to their owners they are suitable for families with small children and very obedient.

Poodles coats are prone to shed so regular grooming is essential, if it has a poodle type coat then it will require more grooming than a cavalier’s. Clipping is minimal, 3 or 4 times a year should suffice. Small dogs make excellent pets for anyone with a small house and, although they love attention, they are not as hard work as having a bigger dog can be who would need regular walks and lots of exercise. They also eat less and their compact size means they are easier to control. Don’t be deceived by their size however, they all have their own personality and will not be shy in showing you theirs!

When you do decide to buy a puppy then choose where and who from very carefully. Both the cavalier and miniature poodle are prone to health problems, good breeders should screen parents in order to eliminate genetic problems being passed on so make sure you know what to look for and questions to ask before opting or the first cute one you see.

Both the cavoodle and spoodle are great for families, older people wanting some company, or anyone living in a small house or with no garden. Their nature is calm and loveable and they are at their happiest when around people. They don’t like to be left alone for long periods so if you are too busy to give a dog too much attention then this dog isn’t for you.

Regular exercise is always important whatever type of dog you have, although they don’t have to be taken out on long walks every day they will appreciate a run in the park every few days or a walk regularly.

Remember, when deciding to get a dog that it is a big responsibility, they need feeding, walking, dog grooming and affection. Just like having a child really! Who will take care of it if you are away on holiday or business? With a life span of around 14 years it really is a life-long commitment. Check online for cavoodle puppies for sale Sydney.

William Sharp writes articles for Tails R Wagging, a provider of <a href=" http://www.tailsrwagging.com/dog-grooming/ " title=" dog grooming "><b> dog grooming </b></a> services in Sydney. Visit their website and find out where and how to get the best doggy day care Sydney has to offer, as well as arranging to meet <a href=" http://www.tailsrwagging.com/pick-of-the-litter/meet-the-puppies.aspx " title=" cavoodles "><b> cavoodles </b></a> puppies for sale .

In recent years, we’ve seen many disasters wreak havoc in different parts of the world: the tsunami in Thailand, Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, and the earthquake in Haiti, just to name a few. As pet lovers, our hearts do double-duty, going out to both the people involved as well as their displaced pets. Now that the Gulf Coast is once again in the midst of a disaster due to the BP oil spill, we can’t help but wonder how to help the people and pets in the area.

We’ve pulled together some useful information about how to help pets during this tragic oil spill – as well as how to help pets during any type of disaster and what you can do if a disaster strikes where you live.

Help for Pets Affected by the Oil Spill

Local animal shelters in the Gulf region are flooded with dogs and cats that have been given up. Animal Rescue New Orleans has received many calls from families who have lost their jobs due to the spill. Other shelters have doubled and even tripled their intake of pets whose families had to decide that they could no longer afford to care for them.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has stepped in to do what it can to help out and has already transferred many surrendered dogs to their headquarters in Gaithersberg, Maryland. These dogs have been picked up by local shelters and groups for adoption.

HSUS has also made strides to assist families in keeping their pets. 12 tons of dog and cat food have been delivered to the Gulf area to be distributed to residents who have been directly affected by the spill.

There are many ways to make a contribution toward both the pets that have lost their homes and those in danger of being surrendered:

- The dogs that HSUS transported back to Maryland are available for adoption through the Loudon County Animal Shelter, Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation, and the SPCA of Anne Arundel County.

- Animal Rescue of New Orleans has a Pet Retention Program, where a $25/month donation can help ease the financial burden of caring for a pet so that families can keep them, rather than give them up.

- Make a donation, volunteer, or even adopt a pet from St. Bernard’s Parish and Plaquemines Animal Welfare Society – just two of the many shelters who have seen a dramatic rise in surrendered pets.

- The Deepwater Horizon Response has information on volunteering to help wildlife in the area.

Help for Pets Affected by Any Disaster

There are many organizations geared toward helping pets that are in need at any time. In the throes of a disaster, their response units mobilize and do whatever they can to help. Here are a few that are always grateful for volunteers and financial support:

1. Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): They’ve already been helping with the oil spill effort and they have their own special National Disaster Animal Response Team (NDART™). NDART™ is made up of animal care professionals and other qualified volunteers and takes applications for new team members. Donations can also be made here.

2. PAWS: This nonprofit organization specializes in rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife, as well as sheltering and adopting homeless pets in Washington State. They also assist in disasters that happen locally. Volunteers and foster homes are needed in the Lynwood, Washington area and donations to the organization can be made here.

3. ASPCA: I don’t doubt that you’ve seen their heart-wrenching commercials advertising the fact that there are so many pets out there who need help. The ASPCA also devotes their efforts for pets that are victims of natural disasters. You can help keep their natural disaster team in action and support the ASPCA as a whole by becoming a member or making a donation.

How to Keep Your Pets Safe During Disasters

You never know if your family will be facing a hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake, or any other type of disaster. Not only should you have a disaster plan for you and your family members, you should also have one in place for your pets. Here are a few tips to help you be prepared:

- Keep a collar and tag on your dogs and cats at all times. During a disaster an animal can escape and a collar and tag increases your chances of getting your beloved pet back. The tag should include your phone number and address (and maybe even your email address). If you have been evacuated and are going to be living away from home for an extended period of time, have a temporary tag made with the phone number of where you are staying. Email may also be a good form of communication for you while you are not staying at home.

- Identify several possible locations outside of your area where you can take your animals should you have to evacuate such as boarding kennels, veterinary clinics with boarding space, and friends and other family members. Look for hotels/motels that accept animals. Red Cross evacuation shelters do not allow animals, so be sure you have somewhere else to go with your pets.

- Set up a system with your trusted neighbors, so that they will check on your animals during a disaster in case you aren’t home (and do the same for them). Swap information about your pets’ veterinarians and have a permission slip put in your file at the vet, authorizing your neighbor to get necessary emergency treatment for your animal in the event that you can’t be reached.

- Prepare a pet evacuation/disaster kit that includes food, water, and everything your pet needs to survive and be as comfortable as possible until the danger has passed. Keep all of the items stored in a sturdy, waterproof carrier, that’s easy to carry. Your kit should be readily accessible so that it can be retrieved quickly.

Visit our website for the full list of what your pet disaster kit should contain and other pertinent disaster preparedness information.

Disasters often strike when you’re least expecting it. Pets are very much a part of the family and are also victims of disaster. There are many ways to help, including volunteering and donations – but don’t forget about keeping your own family and pets safe by being prepared so that you are able to help others in distress.

About the Author

Kim Salerno is the President & Founder of TRIPSwithPETS.com. She founded the pet travel site in 2003 and is an expert in the field of pet travel. Her popular pet travel site features pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the United States, along with other helpful pet travel resources. Her mission is to ensure that pets are welcome, happy, and safe in their travels.

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Virtually all dogs have the overwhelming desire to chase moving objects. The Miniature Schnauzer is no different. Depending on your dog, teaching him to play Frisbee should be pretty easy.

The first question is does your dog come when you call it. If not, you need to train it to do that.

This would also be a good time to teach your pet a release command. Good command words are “Release”, “Drop It”, or “Let Go”.

Now that your dog will come when called, and will drop an item when told to, it’s time for the Frisbee.

For starters, you want the dog to associate the Frisbee with something that they feel is good. Try using the Frisbee for a food or water bowl. After a few days of this, begin sliding the Frisbee around on the ground in front of the dog. Let him catch the Frisbee. When the dog catches the Frisbee, let go of it. You don’t want the Frisbee to be used for tug of war.

Now you’re ready to begin rolling the Frisbee on its edge for a short distance. If your dog doesn’t seem interested in chasing it, put a tasty treat on the Frisbees inside lip.

One of the best treats is cheese in an aerosol can. It may be junk food, but it really does the trick for motivating the dog.

Once your Miniature Schnauzer is bringing the rolled Frisbee back and releasing it, you can begin doing short throws.

If you have a young dog, rolling the Frisbee or doing very low throws is for the best. Too much jumping while young can damage joints and tear muscles.

What if there are just too many distractions? You know, your dog chases the Frisbee, picks it up, but then stops to sniff every rock and blade of grass it passes. Again the answer is a food treat.

When the dog does bring the Frisbee back, give him a little treat.

If that doesn’t work, try putting a retractable leash on your dog’s collar. Roll or throw the Frisbee, keeping the toss short. If the dog gets distracted when retrieving the disc, give a little tug on the leash. You’re not trying to drag the dog back to you. The little tug is just to get their attention back on you.

When the dog makes it back to you, praise it and give it a little treat. With treats the idea is anticipation. Don’t give a treat every time the dog performs correctly. You want your Miniature Schnauzer to keep trying to please you so that, just maybe, he’ll get a treat.

Use common sense when choosing an area to play Frisbee in. Make sure that the area is free of holes in the ground or anything else that might harm your dog. Never play on a hard, paved surface. This can lead to injuries.

Your Miniature Schnauzer can be playing Frisbee in no time. All it takes is a little patience and smart dog training.

Camille Goldin describes how to teach your <a href="http://www.trainpetdog.com/Chihuahua/about-chihuahua.html">Miniature Schnauzer</a> to play Frisbee. Visit TrainPetDog.com to get more information on positive methods of <a href="http://www.trainpetdog.com">Dog Training</a>

The Bedlington Terrier dog looks like a little lamb. This breed has a pear shaped skull, which narrows towards the muzzle, but is deep and round to look at. The jaw meets in a level or scissor bite. The next strong feature you see is their ears, here you see ears that are set low and are triangular with rounded tips. Their chest is deep. The back should be slightly arched up. They have straight front legs, while the back legs are slightly longer, adding to the arched look of this breed. The tail is set low and is thick at the base tapering to a point at the end. Their coat is a mix,of hard and soft fur and is double coated, which is thick. You will see that the soft hair stands out from the skin adding to the lamb look. Colours can be sandy, tan, liver and tan, liver, blue and blue and tan. They can have markings over their eyes, legs, rear and chest.

History: While the Bedlington Terrier is a cute looking dog its roots go back into the English history as a working dog that was used for hunting. This dog was considered to be a great asset when hunting hares, foxes, badgers, and was also used for rat hunting. This breed came from the area of Northcumerland in England, where they were known as the Rothbury Terrier, its name changed to the Bedlington in about 1825. This dog may seem like a lamb but its history tells us that this dog has been used for hunting and as a miners fighting dog, in the mine pits. The Otterhound and the Dandie Dinmount Terriers are hot contesters to be contributors to this breed.

Temperament: The Bedlington Terrier is a playful, happy dog that is capable of being very affectionate. They can make good family pets. If you have any other pets, like cats it is best that they grow up together. This breed can get on with other dogs but if the other dog shows signs of being dominant this dog will not back down and is a fearsome fighter. They love to dig, and are very fast runners. Although we have a dog that looks like a lamb this dog can be more a lion. This breed like most working dogs need’s lots of mental and physical exercise. He loves to run and chase so it is best to let him off the lead in an enclosed area. This dog can be highly strung, and barks so care has to be taken to train them well, with plenty of exercise, if they are well balanced in their needs, problems are less likely. It is best to give good pack leadership and this will help the dog to avoid separation anxiety.

Health issues: The Bedlington Terrier can have a very worrying condition called Copper Storage Disease; this is hereditary and affects the liver. They can also suffer kidney disease, PRA, and thyroid conditions as well.

Grooming: The Bedlington Terrier dog breed is good for allergy sufferers due to the lack of shedding. The coat will need clipping every six to eight weeks. This breed sheds little to no hair. Brush regularly and check the ears plucking as needed to keep the ears clean. This breed can be bathed but only do this when needed as, if too much bathing is done, it can affect the coat, making it limp and lank. If you wish to show this dog then a lot of time needs to be spent learning how to groom this dog to show standards, or cost will be incurred at a specialist saloon.

Living conditions: The Bedlington Terrier dog breed can live anywhere, providing that needs for exercise are met, in both physical and mental stimulation. They will do well in a good secure garden but this is not the same as the walks this breed need.

About the Author

For more information on the different Dog Breeds, Dog Training methods and Teacup Puppies for sale including Teacup Yorkies, Teacup Chihuahuas and Teacup Morkies Please visit my websites below. TEACUP YORKIE PUPPIES for SALE

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