Your dog will become a great companion to you, but, your dog can also be a lot of work for you. There is no such a dog that requires no work from you, but choosing the right dog for you can keep your problems to a minimum.
So how do you know what is the easiest dog for you?
There really is no such thing as a very best dog breed everyone looks for something different in their pets depending on their own situation at the time. One example is, when my husband and I worked, we had two miniature long haired dachshunds, when my husband became disability retired and stayed home all day, we got a black lab and a golden retriever. The time was right!
Some breeds are better if you require a low maintenance dog. For example: Hounds, such as greyhounds and whippets, generally love to be a couch-potato, despite their talent for speed. They are also very mellow dogs, and great for adoption. Standard poodles have a great personality, are very smart and have a calm demeanor. Bonus! They do not shed. Hence, the fairly new breed of Doodle dogs, like a Labradoodle, or a Goldendoodle. Both these are crosses between the poodle and another breed, making them low maintenance in the grooming department.
Also low maintenance: pug, Shih Tzu, English cocker spaniel, but, be careful, some of these dogs need training to keep them from barking your neighbors into oblivion.
Keep away from breeds such as hunting breeds, herding breeds, or any working dog breed. Unless you are an active person, these dogs are not for you. They need lots of exercise and even mental stimulation. They are after all working dogs.
One way to have fewer problems is to adopt an adult dog that already comes housetrained, and even trained for many other activities. A dog that is two or three years old probably is already housebroken and no longer teething. That is what we did, we adopted a 3 year old black lab.
An older dog is also calmer than a puppy. And, Female dogs are easier to handle most of the time.
Where To Find A Dog
Go to your local Rescue Shelter, or Animal Shelter. These institutions work hard to match you with the right dog, and, they also look after their dog to make sure it goes to a good home. Adopting a dog is not for saving money; it's about saving a dog.
Another tip: Talk to breeders and to dog owners once you have decided what breed you want. People are more than happy to tell you about their pets.
Enjoy your journey with your new canine friend. A dog is a companion for life, especially if you put thought into the process before you acquire your dog.
2008年8月24日星期日
2008年8月19日星期二
Adopting a Dog from A Shelter
This may surely surprise you but Benji, the dog that appeared in the movie "Benji: Off The Leash" was found on the streets of Gulfport and was then adopted from the Humane Society of South Miss.
Of course, every abandoned dog will not be fortunate enough to hit the screen as Benji did, but that won't stop the pet rescuers from being happy for rescuing these poor animals. Besides, most of the animals that live in shelters can surely become amazing pets.
It would be foolish to think of a pet as a bad choice just because it ended up in the shelter. For many reasons, the pet owners may find it difficult to keep even the most beautiful dog. They may find it difficult to afford, may not have the time to look after it or may simply find it difficult to live with a dog. Of course, none of these are excuse enough to abandon them, but that's another story.
Now let us examine the reasons why the rescue dogs may be your first choice when looking for a pet.
Firstly, the animal shelters all across America are full of animals, always looking for someone to take them home. If you adopt a shelter animal, you will give some other street animal a space to live.
Secondly, you will save a lot of money buying a pet from the shelter. Some shelters list the prices of their dog adoptions between $45 up to $175 depending upon the dog's size, breed and age. The cost is inclusive of neutering, vaccinations and all other basic veterinarian care. On the other hand, if you set out to buy a dog from a pet shop, the prices would begin at $300 and can go as high as $1600 for some special breed dogs. Obviously, the huge difference in cost would also mean huge savings for you.
Most importantly, when you adopt a rescue dog, you are gifting a new life to that poor animal. Unfortunately, not all the shelters can afford to give ample and timely food to their animals; neither do they have enough space to accommodate all the animals found on the street. Therefore, sometimes they even have to put the animal to sleep when no one adopts it, just to make space for another one.
Now that we know what the benefits of adopting the rescued animals are, let's also take a look at the negative side of it. Yes, there are certain drawbacks too!
Firstly, there may be certain ailments that the dog may be suffering that may go unnoticed at first, but will show up in time. For example, Hip Dysplasia, which affects the dog's spine and causes severe pain if touched there. The pain can cause an animal to bite, which is especially a concern for those who have small kids in the house. The animal may also be suffering from other skin ailments.
What's worse is when the dogs have behavioral problems. It will take time and patience to understand why they behave in a particular way. There may be reasons unknown to you and the problems may be caused due to something that had happened before you brought the dog home. Say for example, if your dog did not get enough food in the shelter, it is likely to become extremely possessive about its food and other belongings. Such a dog will scare away someone who tries to get too close to its food and belongings.
Further, there may be difficulties in house training the dog if it was forbidden from entering into the house of their earlier owners. This is especially true with adult dogs. This could be a big concern for those who do not have anyone to let the dog out when he needs to.
Yes there are certain disadvantages. However, most of these problems have a solution and if you are a true pet lover, overcoming these obstacles can be rewarding in itself.
If saving one of these poor animals is something you would like to do, you can start off by contacting your local Humane Society or Animal Rescue League. For those who use the internet, Google can show you several options. Go ahead; You are doing a kind deed by giving a new family to a poor animal!
Of course, every abandoned dog will not be fortunate enough to hit the screen as Benji did, but that won't stop the pet rescuers from being happy for rescuing these poor animals. Besides, most of the animals that live in shelters can surely become amazing pets.
It would be foolish to think of a pet as a bad choice just because it ended up in the shelter. For many reasons, the pet owners may find it difficult to keep even the most beautiful dog. They may find it difficult to afford, may not have the time to look after it or may simply find it difficult to live with a dog. Of course, none of these are excuse enough to abandon them, but that's another story.
Now let us examine the reasons why the rescue dogs may be your first choice when looking for a pet.
Firstly, the animal shelters all across America are full of animals, always looking for someone to take them home. If you adopt a shelter animal, you will give some other street animal a space to live.
Secondly, you will save a lot of money buying a pet from the shelter. Some shelters list the prices of their dog adoptions between $45 up to $175 depending upon the dog's size, breed and age. The cost is inclusive of neutering, vaccinations and all other basic veterinarian care. On the other hand, if you set out to buy a dog from a pet shop, the prices would begin at $300 and can go as high as $1600 for some special breed dogs. Obviously, the huge difference in cost would also mean huge savings for you.
Most importantly, when you adopt a rescue dog, you are gifting a new life to that poor animal. Unfortunately, not all the shelters can afford to give ample and timely food to their animals; neither do they have enough space to accommodate all the animals found on the street. Therefore, sometimes they even have to put the animal to sleep when no one adopts it, just to make space for another one.
Now that we know what the benefits of adopting the rescued animals are, let's also take a look at the negative side of it. Yes, there are certain drawbacks too!
Firstly, there may be certain ailments that the dog may be suffering that may go unnoticed at first, but will show up in time. For example, Hip Dysplasia, which affects the dog's spine and causes severe pain if touched there. The pain can cause an animal to bite, which is especially a concern for those who have small kids in the house. The animal may also be suffering from other skin ailments.
What's worse is when the dogs have behavioral problems. It will take time and patience to understand why they behave in a particular way. There may be reasons unknown to you and the problems may be caused due to something that had happened before you brought the dog home. Say for example, if your dog did not get enough food in the shelter, it is likely to become extremely possessive about its food and other belongings. Such a dog will scare away someone who tries to get too close to its food and belongings.
Further, there may be difficulties in house training the dog if it was forbidden from entering into the house of their earlier owners. This is especially true with adult dogs. This could be a big concern for those who do not have anyone to let the dog out when he needs to.
Yes there are certain disadvantages. However, most of these problems have a solution and if you are a true pet lover, overcoming these obstacles can be rewarding in itself.
If saving one of these poor animals is something you would like to do, you can start off by contacting your local Humane Society or Animal Rescue League. For those who use the internet, Google can show you several options. Go ahead; You are doing a kind deed by giving a new family to a poor animal!
2008年8月12日星期二
Even Lassie Had Her Moments
Lassie! Now THERE’S a dog! If you said SIT, Lassie would sit. If you said FETCH, Lassie would fetch. If you said PLAY DEAD, Lassie would just about quit breathing. Why, you could just imagine Lassie bringing you dinner each night, couldn’t you? Now THAT was a well-trained dog!!! Guess what? Lassie wasn’t born that way; she had to go through puppy training!
Puppy training is very important if you want a well-behaved dog! You have to start training them when they are young and you have to be consistent. Baby dogs are just like baby people; they don’t know how to do anything when they are just starting out. You have to teach them and you have to be patient.
There are lots of new things your puppy needs to learn but three of the most important things are it’s name, the word “no” and the word “good dog.” Those words are the words you are going to be using constantly during your puppy training period.
The puppy name is how the new puppy learns to identify itself. She has to know when you are talking to her. She has to know when you are calling her. She has to know her name!
You will be using the word “no” during your puppy training to let the dog know that she is doing something wrong. If you continually use different words to let the dog know she is doing something she is not supposed to do, you will have one very confused puppy. You have to be consistent in what you say so the new puppy will understand what it is you are trying to say.
The same thing goes for the words “good dog.” You will want to say that to your new puppy every time she does something right. Your new puppy wants to please you and you need to let her know when she does.
Don’t just scold your dog all the time and forget to tell her when she has done something right. The two things go hand-in-hand with your puppy training and you MUST be consistent. Tell her “no” when she has done something wrong and tell her “good dog” when she has done something right.
Puppy training is very important if you want a well-behaved dog! You have to start training them when they are young and you have to be consistent. Baby dogs are just like baby people; they don’t know how to do anything when they are just starting out. You have to teach them and you have to be patient.
There are lots of new things your puppy needs to learn but three of the most important things are it’s name, the word “no” and the word “good dog.” Those words are the words you are going to be using constantly during your puppy training period.
The puppy name is how the new puppy learns to identify itself. She has to know when you are talking to her. She has to know when you are calling her. She has to know her name!
You will be using the word “no” during your puppy training to let the dog know that she is doing something wrong. If you continually use different words to let the dog know she is doing something she is not supposed to do, you will have one very confused puppy. You have to be consistent in what you say so the new puppy will understand what it is you are trying to say.
The same thing goes for the words “good dog.” You will want to say that to your new puppy every time she does something right. Your new puppy wants to please you and you need to let her know when she does.
Don’t just scold your dog all the time and forget to tell her when she has done something right. The two things go hand-in-hand with your puppy training and you MUST be consistent. Tell her “no” when she has done something wrong and tell her “good dog” when she has done something right.
2008年8月11日星期一
All The Secrets About Ferret DNA
While there is not as much documentation on ferret genetics and their DNA as other animals such as the mink, there is a demand for such information as the notion of 'designer ferrets' becomes more popular.
People are asking breeders for particular colors and sizes of ferrets, and the easiest way to do this is to breed specific ones together, allowing the ferret's DNA to do the work for them. The more desirable traits can be preserved, while the less desirable traits are either hidden or eradicated entirely from the ferret's DNA. Breeding also helps scientists determine what traits are dominant and what ones are recessive.
Ferret DNA Information
Unlike in the past, we no longer have to rely on trial and error to determine this, we can use scientific methods like DNA tests that will map out exactly what markers are there, and then with scientific study, we can determine which traits go with those markers. Breeders can then mate specific ferrets with each other, having a much better idea of what will be produced as they are more knowledgeable about their ferret's DNA.
Further Ferret DNA Information
Creating pedigrees for ferrets that are destined to be household pets is useful as buyers then know exactly what their purchasing. If owners want to show their ferrets in ferret shows, knowing their DNA can help. Knowing the ferret's family history can decrease the odds of illness, and increase the odds of finding the ferret with the exact temperament and coloring pet owners are looking for.
But, like all animal breeding, too much inbreeding can lead to illness and other physiological problems. This is why it is important to document the ferrets that are bred, that way an appropriate mix of ferrets DNA is used, and not overused.
Ferrets dna can be obtained in mass and more easily if you do breed them at once from one particular place. This way you can monitor the dna, any known changes in their dna, and to be honest, it keeps things more organized. If you want to find information on Ferrets dna, then you could so a search online or look round your local farms for further specific information relating to this. If you use some of the most popular search engines, you may find information on their dna. Try some of the major search engines such as yahoo and google.
People are asking breeders for particular colors and sizes of ferrets, and the easiest way to do this is to breed specific ones together, allowing the ferret's DNA to do the work for them. The more desirable traits can be preserved, while the less desirable traits are either hidden or eradicated entirely from the ferret's DNA. Breeding also helps scientists determine what traits are dominant and what ones are recessive.
Ferret DNA Information
Unlike in the past, we no longer have to rely on trial and error to determine this, we can use scientific methods like DNA tests that will map out exactly what markers are there, and then with scientific study, we can determine which traits go with those markers. Breeders can then mate specific ferrets with each other, having a much better idea of what will be produced as they are more knowledgeable about their ferret's DNA.
Further Ferret DNA Information
Creating pedigrees for ferrets that are destined to be household pets is useful as buyers then know exactly what their purchasing. If owners want to show their ferrets in ferret shows, knowing their DNA can help. Knowing the ferret's family history can decrease the odds of illness, and increase the odds of finding the ferret with the exact temperament and coloring pet owners are looking for.
But, like all animal breeding, too much inbreeding can lead to illness and other physiological problems. This is why it is important to document the ferrets that are bred, that way an appropriate mix of ferrets DNA is used, and not overused.
Ferrets dna can be obtained in mass and more easily if you do breed them at once from one particular place. This way you can monitor the dna, any known changes in their dna, and to be honest, it keeps things more organized. If you want to find information on Ferrets dna, then you could so a search online or look round your local farms for further specific information relating to this. If you use some of the most popular search engines, you may find information on their dna. Try some of the major search engines such as yahoo and google.
2008年8月7日星期四
Manchester Terrier Puppy And Dog Information
The Manchester Terrier is a lively, intelligent dog, fast to learn and easy to train. They can be kept in an apartment as they are active indoors and can get by with frequent long walks. A properly fenced in yard is always best for exercise. Keep the Manchester under control or she may chase almost anything that moves. She should be extensively socialized with children, kids and pets at a young age. She was originally bred as a ratter so beware of her with small pets. She can do ok with older, behaved children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.
* Approximate Adult Size. There are two sizes of the Manchester Terrier, Toy and Standard. The Toy size is 10 to 12 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 6 to 8 pounds. The Standard size is 15 to 16 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 17 to 18 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Manchester Terrier is no exception. Be on the look out for Von Willebrands disease (a problem with blood clotting), over eating, lens luxation and Glaucoma. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The Manchester Terrier has a short black and tan coat which is shiny and easy care. She should be brushed and rubbed down with a cloth regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.
*Life Span. The Manchester Terrier can live between 14 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Manchester Terrier comes from Great Britain where they were used as companion dogs and ratters. They are thought to be a combination of the Whippet, other terriers and possibly the Greyhound. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1886.
Some Registries:
*American Manchester Terrier Club
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 6 to 10 Belgian Sheepdog puppies
Category: Terrier
Terms To Describe: Muscular, agility, powerful, friendly, intelligent
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Makes a good watch dog.
Fast learner.
The toy variety sheds very little.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Makes an ok guard dog.
*Other Names Known By: Black and Tan Terrier,
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
* Approximate Adult Size. There are two sizes of the Manchester Terrier, Toy and Standard. The Toy size is 10 to 12 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 6 to 8 pounds. The Standard size is 15 to 16 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 17 to 18 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Manchester Terrier is no exception. Be on the look out for Von Willebrands disease (a problem with blood clotting), over eating, lens luxation and Glaucoma. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The Manchester Terrier has a short black and tan coat which is shiny and easy care. She should be brushed and rubbed down with a cloth regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.
*Life Span. The Manchester Terrier can live between 14 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Manchester Terrier comes from Great Britain where they were used as companion dogs and ratters. They are thought to be a combination of the Whippet, other terriers and possibly the Greyhound. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1886.
Some Registries:
*American Manchester Terrier Club
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 6 to 10 Belgian Sheepdog puppies
Category: Terrier
Terms To Describe: Muscular, agility, powerful, friendly, intelligent
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Makes a good watch dog.
Fast learner.
The toy variety sheds very little.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Makes an ok guard dog.
*Other Names Known By: Black and Tan Terrier,
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
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