A Healthy Diet For Dogs

Article Title: A Healthy Diet For Dogs
Author: Janie Knetzer

Most dog owners rely on dry or canned food as the mainstay of
their dog's diet. However, in spite of commercial claims to the
contrary, most dogs on the traditional dog food diet are
nutritionally deprived.

A Diet Of Convenience

Due to the domestication of dogs over the years, a commercial
dog food diet such as kibble has replaced the canine natural
diet. Their food has gone from that which they could obtain as
predators and foragers to one that is highly processed and a
matter of convenience for humans. This, in turn, has not only
caused nutritional deficiencies, but many health problems for
our furry friends.

Although, most dog owners would never do anything intentionally
to harm their dog, their lack of nutritional awareness is
causing many chronic health and skin problems for the family
dog. By understanding the importance of a quality diet, dog
owners can save themselves hundreds even thousands of dollars in
vet bills.

Digestive difficulties and other health problems such as skin
irritations are often related to nutritional deficiencies and a
poor diet. By simply changing to a "premium all natural dog
food" skin and digestive problems as well as chronic gas can
often be eliminated.

All living things, whether plant or animal, have enzymes
naturally within their cells. This is also true of dogs.
However, when a dog is not receiving adequate nutrition, he
becomes prone to many health problems, including skin
conditions, excess gas and a lack of energy.

Again, because dogs have become domesticated throughout the
years, their food has gone from one of a completely natural
state (i.e., animal prey and naturally growing plants, such as
grasses) to one that is highly processed, as in today's modern
dog food diets. They have lost a lot of nutritional value in
their diets, including enzymes that would normally and naturally
occur.

Because digestive enzymes are naturally found in the body,
introducing them back into a dog's diet can aid and balance his
digestive system. Enzymes themselves set off chemical reactions
that will help digest food. There are two different types of
enzymes. One is a protein called apoenzyme. The other is a
nonprotein, which can either be a coenzyme or cofactor.

Enzymes added to the diet are necessary to replace a raw diet
for dogs and balance the canine digestive system. Usually
introduced in a powder or tablet, enzyme supplements help the
dog to absorb his food. Dogs that receive what they need
nutritionally will feel better and have more energy and a
healthier coat.

Dogs that are fed the B.A.R.F. (raw) diet seem to be amongst
the healthiest. Keep in mind that even top-quality premium
kibble dog foods often need the help of an added enzyme.
Commercial foods are far removed from what a dog would naturally
eat in the wild. However, if this is your diet of choice for
your dog, you must add back the necessary digestive enzymes he
needs to replace what he is not getting. It generally takes six
hours for a dog to digest a raw diet and fourteen hours for him
to digest kibble.

Wolves eat a raw diet by killing their prey and consuming the
major organs first. The organs themselves contain vitamins and
nutrients that the canine needs. Among these vitamins and
nutrients are the digestive enzymes they need to help digest
their food.

Unfortunately, domestic dogs cannot always get the necessary
vitamins, minerals and nutrients from a dry kibble diet.
Therefore, they must be replaced, unless the owner makes a
special effort to give the dog a raw diet.

Enzymes are important for all dogs, but especially for older
dogs and those with a weakened immune system. Also, dog owners
with large deep chested dogs that are susceptible to the deadly
"Bloat" should seriously consider adding enzymes to their dog's
diet to replace the raw food diet. Puppies should also receive
digestive enzymes as early as possible to promote good health
and nutrition throughout his life.

About The Author: Comparing Dog Foods:
http://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com Canine Nutrition:
http://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com Dog Skin Problems And
Diet: http://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com

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Get Special Online Pets At Virtual Pet Stores

Article Title: Get Special Online Pets At Virtual Pet Stores
Author: Bonun

Remember having make-believe friends when you were the only kid
and quite lonely? Cherish those stuffed toys that became your
constant companions when the adults had no time to play your
silly games? Well the world of fantasy can still be brought
back, by checking out the virtual world of virtual pet stores.
Let's find some interesting and unique characteristics of them
as well as to fulfill your needs when your childhood who never
get those kinds of hi-tech toys. You can find to day that there
are so many famous websites about virtual pets or any other
kinds of stuffed toys.

If you are the parents who looking for virtual pets or some
sort of creative toy that encourage your child learning, now you
should consider virtual pets which are offered in wide range of
interesting pets and animal dolls that you can choose for your
child to play with. All you need to do is get online and adopt
one of these cute animals and get your secret code for
activation. Once you `adopt' the pet and load it online, your
child can play with it for an entire year! . Apart from that,
this is considered as the new innovation of children toys that
not only give amusement but also give them great chance to
develop creative and skills. It seems that many of toy in modern
want to focus on this and you can see that the toy industry is
so competitive and this enable consumers to gain a lot of
benefit from the market competition.

Now your child is a part of the virtual pet stores world where
the world of pretend comes alive. Your kid is now responsible
for the pet, right from naming to grooming and everything in
between but just for their virtual one ont the real one, so you
can make sure that there is no risk of other trouble that due to
your kids mistakes because it is not the real pet. Instead of
exposing your kid to the harsh video games, try getting one of
these furry creatures. They are extremely fun to be with and
your child can while away time easily with these animal dolls.
However, there are different type and price of them. You may not
have to choose very expensive, but just to make sure that it
will worth your money and your child would get benefit from it.

There is also wide range of smaller animals for you to check
out as there are millions of online shops available. You may
have your child sit together and choose for their favorite ones.
Your child is entertained a lot because he or she can choose a
special name as well the gender of the pet! So your little boy
can as well have a naughty she-pet instead of complaining about
his female classmates at school being sissies! Now your kid can
get a house for the pet, decorate the house and feed the pet
whenever it gets hungry. Not only that, these pets can be made
to exercise as well. So go for building your own virtual pet
stores family now!

About The Author: See more in our Webkins Store at Webkins
World Store http://astore.amazon.com/webkins-world-20 the best
place to buy Webkins online

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Who Let The Dogs Out?

Article Title: Who Let The Dogs Out?
Author: Maryann Mannax

I'm sure that most of you cannot imagine anyone leaving their
dogs outside in the sleet and snow or in very hot weather with
hardly any shelter but, in fact, there are many dogs facing this
dilemma right now. The animal rights group PETA has come up
with a program called "Angel for Animals".

Because of this wonderful program, many dogs can now find
refuge in well-built doghouses through this winter and many
more. PETA has gone into low-income, rundown areas and supplied
hundreds of strong and sturdy doghouse. These are free of charge
and help dogs who would have had to tolerate the ice and snow
and cold without any shelter. But there are many more dogs that
will have to go through this terrible ordeal. A perfect way to
bring happiness and kindness to a poor little dog that has never
known love or contentment is to participate in the "Angel for
Animals doghouse sponsorship". This can make an enormous change
in the life of a disadvantaged dog. There are also a lot of
other organizations that are dedicated to helping dogs. You can
easily look on line and find a group that you may want to get
involved with.

Charles Darwin said that, "There is no fundamental difference
between humans and the higher mammals in their mental
faculties". We all need to have compassion for the innocent
animals that do not have anyone else to speak up for them.
Mahatma Gandi said that "the greatness of a nation and its moral
progress can be measured by the way its animals are treated".
Animals suffer the same way that humans do, so we should all do
our part and try to be aware of anything we can do to help.
Children should learn to love and respect animals to ensure that
the animals will be well taken care of in the future.

If you happen to observe a dog in a backyard that looks like
it is in impending danger, say if the animal is very thin or
looks ill or injured or either doesn't have any shelter or
cannot access it, find out which agency is responsible for
implementing anti-cruelty laws in your state, county, or town
and then notify them of what is going on. Then let the
authorities know all crucial points as to what you have
observed. Give dates, locations and approximate times. Always
keep documentation of everyone you get in touch with, the dates
of the contacts and the subject matter and result of your
conversation. Keep copies of everything for yourself.

A lot of times we may not want to get involved because we
think it is none of our business. But it is the business of
concerned people to speak up when living things are treated so
cruelly. Every day we have the opportunity to help treat animals
with love and compassion.. Even small changes will make a
difference. In the long run, we will feel much better about
ourselves.

About The Author: Maryann Mannax is a contributing writer to
Dogs Just Wanna Have Fun, a new online website dedicated to
man's best friend. Find out the latest, greatest and most fun
stuff for your dog. Go to: http://www.dogsjustwannahavefun.com

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The Shih Tzu Dog: Personality 101

Article Title: The Shih Tzu Dog: Personality 101
Author: Rebecca A Simpson

So you and your family have decided that you are ready to bring
a Shih Tzu into your home and lives. You have a nice home and
plenty of love to give and that is all you need to know when
picking a dog, right? Unfortunately, this is not the case, as
many different types of dogs have different types of
personality. If you select the wrong dog, you may have a
situation you did not expect to happen. It is best to know what
to expect before selecting a puppy.

The best thing that you can do to make sure that the
expectations you have for your dog match and compare that to
what the Shih Tzu dog will be able to give based on their
personality. It is best to really sit down and think about your
lifestyle and how much time you will have to devote one-on-one
attention and time to your Shih Tzu dog. Some breeds of dogs
require more attention then others so this is something you
really must consider. Write out a list of what you would and
would not be acceptable from your dog and compare that to the
typical personality of the Shih Tzu dog.

Now, it is time to think about the Shih Tzu dog and their breed
personalities. Although, not every dog, no matter the breed,
will always fit one hundred percent into this well-defined
checklist, it is a good guideline to get a feel of what you may
expect from this type of breed. You may have written down that
you are looking for a dog that does not require a lot of outdoor
exercise because of your health reasons. If so, this breed is
perfect as they do not require much exercise and they are not as
yappy as other toy breeds and therefore will not drive your
neighbors crazy.

Even with their short legs and long body, the Shih Tzu dog is a
sturdy little dog that will carry himself with a proud sense
about him. But don't worry that this breed is a snob as they are
still very playful and happy, not only with their owners but
with strangers and other pets as well. These characteristics
often makes the Shih Tzu dog a perfect choice for those who
can't get out a lot, but when they do, they want a relaxed and
well-behaved dog.

But if you are looking for a breed that will not be prone to a
lot of problems, which can require costly vet bills, then this
breed may not be for you. The Shih Tzu dog is prone to many
things but problems with their breathing are often the most
noted issue. Because of their face structure and upturned nose,
the Shih Tzu's have a lot of breathing problems which can
unfortunately lead to heatstroke if they are in hot and humid
weather for too long.

Even though those beautiful, large, and shallow eyes are
amazing to look into, they are very much at risk for infection
and eye injuries. Disk problems also generally occur in these
breeds because of their long backs and their joints are often
times a cause of a lot of pain for them. The Shih Tzu dog is
also known to have a variety of skin and kidney problems. So, in
thinking of whether or not a Shih Tzu dog is right for you,
consider all the good and bad and think hard about if they are
truly a good fit for you and your home.

About The Author: Bringing a Shih Tzu dog into your home is a
decision that needs to have a lot of thought behind it. Rebecca
Simpson knows this and tries to do everything possible to help
others understand this complex breed. With pointing out the pros
and cons to owning a http://www.officialshihtzuguide.com/ Shih
Tzu, buyers will be better equipped to handle any problems if
they occur. Even with the health risks that the Shih Tzu faces,
these dogs have a heart of gold. Even after bringing a Shih Tzu
dog into your life, it is vital that you continue researching
http://www.officialshihtzuguide.com/Shih_Tzu.php Shih Tzu
information so that you are ready for any issues or concerns
that arise.

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Everything You Need To Know About The Beagle Dog

Article Title: Everything You Need To Know About The Beagle Dog
Author: Michelle A Adams

The history of the Beagle dog is a long and somewhat fuzzy one.
No one seems to know for sure the exact origin of this breed,
but information seems to lead to the fact that Beagles came from
the Talbot Hound, a breed that is now extinct. By the early part
of the second century, Beagles were brought from France to
England, and the primary purpose of this dog was for hunting
rabbits.

Beagles were bred with distinct instincts that allowed them to
chase these critters across the countryside and coax them out of
their hiding spots for the benefit of the hunters. Understanding
these basic hunting instincts will help a Beagle owner to better
comprehend some of the habits and tendencies of their Beagle
dog. For example, Beagles required a high amount of energy to
keep up with their hunts, and the dogs of this breed today will
also need the opportunity to exercise regularly. Because these
dogs were also bred in packs, your Beagle will need the
socialization of his new pack, which will consist of you and the
rest of your family members.

Beagles were originally bred in packs, so this dog is used to
the noise and activity of others. He will love spending the
majority of his time indoors with his new family, and will not
particularly want to be left alone for long periods of time.
This means that if you are going to leave your Beagle while at
work during the day, it is best to keep him in a confined space,
like a crate, indoors. This will help to prevent the destruction
that a bored Beagle can cause, as well as the "complaining" that
this dog might do through barking and howling.

When you are home, your dog will want to spend plenty of time
playing with you, and will love all of the members of your
family in the same affectionate manner. Keep your Beagle active
by taking him out to a fenced yard for playtime or indulging him
in a long walk – on his leash of course. Beagles are easily
distracted by scents when they are outdoors, and will think
nothing of taking off on an adventure of their own if they are
not properly confined.

Beagles have become such a popular family pet because of their
friendly, social nature. If you are considering one of these
adorable Beagle dogs as a new addition to your family make sure
that you take the time to educate yourself about the proper ways
to care for and train these animals. Preparation and education
will help to ensure that your relationship with your new family
pet will be a positive one.

Beagles will make a great addition to many families because
they get along well with adults, children and other pets alike.
Just make sure that you socialize your new dog carefully to his
surroundings and never leave your Beagle alone with other pets
or small children. No matter how sweet-tempered a dog is
accidents can still happen! However, if you proceed with care
your Beagle puppy will be a fun and welcome addition to your
family for many years to come.

About The Author: Michelle Adams is a dog owner and breeder who
has had extensive experience with the Beagle breed of dogs. If
you are considering a http://www.beagledogguide.com/ Beagle as a
new addition to your family, you are in good company indeed.
Beagles are one of the most popular breed choices for family
pets today. The information in this article explains
http://www.beagledogguide.com/Beagle.php what to expect with the
Beagle puppy.

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An Honest Havanese Breeder Is A Quality Find

Article Title: An Honest Havanese Breeder Is A Quality Find
Author: Fiona A Kelly

For any dog lover, having a healthy pup means the world. But
what happens when your pup comes from a puppy broker who is
unconcerned with the health issues that can plague a certain
breed? Havanese puppies are quickly gaining in popularity around
the world for both dog lovers and competitors alike. Havanese
breeders are hard pressed to keep up with the demand for these
loveable dogs, as the strict testing that pups must undergo to
ensure they are healthy often leads to a wait of several months
to a year or more for a healthy pup.

Many potential owners do not want to have to wait that long to
get the puppy they so badly desire. These impatient dog lovers
often turn to their local pet stores to find the dogs they want.
Unfortunately, those puppy brokers who do not perform the
necessary testing to ensure buyers are getting healthy animals
often supply these pet stores. If you are concerned that your
dog may be coming from one of these brokers, instead of a
respectable Havanese breeder, there are a number of questions
you can ask that will help to ensure you are getting your
money's worth.

Respectable Havanese breeders will make a potential buyer wait
as long as it takes to ensure that the pups born are healthy.
There is a rather extensive medical testing process that all
Havanese pups need to go through, in order to make certain that
they do not have any of the genetic problems as mentioned above.
If the Havanese breeder you have chosen is honest, there will be
quite a bit of documentation associated with this testing
process. Make sure that you ask to see these papers, and be sure
to check them out, either online on over the phone.

Another important question that should be asked of all Havanese
breeders, is whether or not they will breed the same female
every time she is in season. If the answer to this question is
yes, then you are most likely dealing with a dishonest puppy
broker, as opposed to an honest puppy breeder who respects the
dogs that he or she is breeding. A respectable Havanese breeder
will only breed a female every other season, or even every two
seasons. This helps to ensure that the female has plenty of time
to recover between litters.

You would think that the high price of these sweet little pups
would be enough to ensure that potential owners would check to
see that their pups had properly tested and registered prior to
sale. Unfortunately, so many dog lovers are in such a hurry to
own one of these precious dogs that they have created an open
market for puppy brokers who can meet demands faster than
Havanese breeders can – caring only for the money they can make,
instead of the health of their dogs.

If you want to make certain that you are getting your money's
worth when buying a Havanese pup it is important that you pay
special attention to the practices of the Havanese breeder you
have chosen to work with. An honest Havanese breeder will have
no problem with letting you see everything to do with their
dogs, while a puppy broker will be more apt to try to rush you
into a purchase.

About The Author: Fiona Kelly understands that it can be
difficult to choose a quality Havanese breeder, having loved
these adorable toy dogs for many years. Understanding how to
choose between the many Havanese breeders
http://www.havanese-puppy-guide.com/Havanese_Breeders/ available
is an important part of owning one of these special little dogs.
This article is for anyone looking for Havanese information
http://www.havanese-puppy-guide.com/Havanese.html in general and
information regarding Havanese breeders in particular.

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When You Need a Pet Sitter

Title: When You Need a Pet Sitter
Author: Elyse Grau

When You Need a Pet Sitter
If you don't have someone readily available to take care of
your pets when you need to be away, you may be looking for
a stranger to do the job. The thought may be daunting, but
with some advance knowledge and planning, you will be able
to find the right person.

The best way to find a pet sitter is to ask your
veterinarian or friends who have pets for recommendations.
There may be people who do it occasionally, like I do, just
not as a business. Some pet sitters will advertise in the
yellow pages or newspapers. Most will leave flyers or
business cards with veterinarians.

There are professional Pet Sitter organizations that have
websites. Some of them offer a search feature, but remember
that only their members will be listed. Some smaller towns
may not have local professional pet sitters.

Keep your expectations realistic. Normally, a pet sitter
will feed the animals, let them out or walk them, change
litter boxes and do whatever else is needed to care for the
animal. They will spend an average of thirty minutes for
each visit. They might even pick up your mail and water
your plants.

There is usually an extra charge for additional visits
during the day. Some sitters may be willing to spend the
night - something you may desire if you have older or sick
animals.

A "meet and greet" visit should be arranged before you are
to be away. It is important that both the animal and the
sitter be comfortable with each other.

Be sure to plan well in advance, as pet sitters are usually
in heavy demand. You should ask for the pet sitter's fees
and policies in writing, so you know exactly what to
expect. I would suggest getting references; a trustworthy
businessperson will have these readily available.

Ask what other kinds of animal experience the person has.
Someone with veterinary experience, such as a technician,
is a good choice for special needs pets. A dog trainer, or
someone who has trained a few animals will know how to
handle dogs with behavioral issues. A pet groomer will have
experience handling both dogs and cats in stressful
situations.

Pet sitters are not required to have any special licensing,
but those who have gone to the trouble of acquiring
accreditation from one of the pet sitter organizations show
a high degree of professionalism in my opinion. They will
have been required to take a course that usually includes
business management, animal care and animal health
instruction. Accredited pet sitters will therefore likely
have more diverse knowledge and experience than someone who
has not been through the course. Once you have found the
right sitter for you, be sure to give and get all the
information you both will need.

You will want to leave phone numbers for where you can be
reached, as well as a friend or neighbor who might be able
to answer questions or help out in emergencies. Provide the
sitter with the name, address and phone number of your
veterinarian, and leave a signed letter giving permission
for necessary medical procedures to be preformed.
Additionally, make sure you have a way to reach the sitter
at all times, in case something comes up.

Be sure to tell the pet sitter of any special behavioral
problems or quirks. If your dog is afraid of people in
hats, say, the sitter will not make the mistake of wearing
her rain hat indoors! Point out where all the supplies are;
food, dishes, toys, beds, etc. Tell the pet sitter your
rules on treats, how much you feed, how often and when. If
you can put everything the pet sitter may need in one
central location, so much the better.

If your animals are on strict schedules for feeding or
medication, ask if these can be accommodated, and work out
an acceptable compromise if need be.

You will need to provide the sitter with the keys to your
home, so you would want her to be bonded and insured. Also,
make arrangements for payment and the return of your keys.

It is a good idea to have a contingency plan in place in
the event that your return is delayed. Plan to call the
sitter on your return or ask her to call you at a specified
time.

You would also hope that the sitter has backup in the event
of problems on her part - car trouble or ill health, for
example. If not, you had better make a backup plan of your
own.

Leaving the pets behind can add unnecessary stress to your
trip. Knowing that you have hired an experienced pet
sitter, and that you have provided her with everything she
needs to do the job right can help ease that stress.

About the Author:

Elyse Grau is an herbalist and a long-time pet owner,
well-versed in pet nutrition and feeding. She is the author
of Pet Health Resource, your web guide to a healthy, happy
dog or cat. The website strives to answer your holistic pet
health questions through a large collection of articles.
http://www.pethealthresource.com

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Prairie Dog Hunting-Tips To Help You Succeed On Your Next Trip

Article Title: Prairie Dog Hunting-Tips To Help You Succeed On
Your Next Trip
Author: Marcus Thomas

Prairie dog hunting is becoming very hot in places such as the
Midwest, where prairie dogs are very abundant today. Very
simply, while this form of hunting will certainly never be at
the top of most hunters list, it still is a great way to stay
sharp with your hunting skills during the off-season.

As with is about any other kind of hunting today, the key to
success with prairie dogs is all about finding the best places
to go hunting. This will make or break your hunting success; no
matter how great a hunter you might be, or how accurate you
shoot, if you can't find prairie dogs to shoot you will never
catch anything.

Also, owning the best hunting gun and equipment is also very
important as well. Again, no matter how good you might be,
without the best equipment and accurate gun you will never
achieve as much access as you otherwise might.

By far the most important factor in this sport, besides your
location, is what type of gun you will be using. Of course, many
hunters are still using the older model guns, but more and more,
people are turning to the newer styles because they help them
achieve greater levels of success in accuracy.

With these newer guns, they offer much more accurate shooting
and can also be fired at a much faster rate, which is great for
shooting prairie dogs, because they will usually go down into
their holes after a few shots. Today, many hunters and outgoing
with the AR 15 to achieve the maximum level of balance and also
accuracy, particularly from long distance.

When you do this form of hunting, you oftentimes have to hunt
from long range, because oftentimes the terrain will be very
open. The prairie dogs will oftentimes not let you get very
close, so you'll oftentimes find yourself running from three to
400 yards are even more.

Keep in mind, this sport is generally done from about 200 to
500 yards, so you certainly need to be good long distance
shooter for this sport. This is a great way to practice for
larger game, particularly deer or even grizzly bear.

Prairie dogs, while again probably not the most popular kind of
money nowadays, is certainly a good target practice in the deer
hunting off season. This might be the most challenging form of
long range hunting you can do, so it certainly is worthwhile if
you want to sharpen your skills.

The best thing about these animals that they are small targets,
and will generally be pretty still, but usually give you a just
a few chances to catch them. Therefore, they are great for both
beginning and more advanced hunters, because they can help you
to sharpen up on your accuracy skills.

Also you should certainly check the weather before go going
hunting. When bad weather is coming, prairie dogs will usually
stay in their holes for the whole day. Therefore, you will most
likely find it futile to go hunting during a stormy day.

Finally, the best places to go would be Kansas Prairie Dog
Hunting or Nebraska Prairie Dog Hunting, because these states
are very popular for this sport. Hopefully these prairie dog
hunting tips will help you to be effective on your next hunting
trip.

About The Author: If you want to play hunting games online,
visit http://thebesthuntingtips.com to find the best. Also learn
how to find free turkey hunting games and just about anything
else related to hunting.

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World Of Virtual Pets

Article Title: World Of Virtual Pets
Author: Bonun

As many of parents seem to be more concern about looking for
some type of toys that suitable for their children and also to
make them develop creative skills. Having pet seems to be one of
the most favorite choice. However, having real pets can be
either pleasure or trouble. Kids may not have enough
responsibility to take care their real pets and this brings a
lot of problems to parents. Therefore, some parents can see the
opportunity of having pet toys for their children. This may not
be as good as having the real pets but it seem to be a better
choice for many of them who do not want to get any trouble of
having real pets. Animal dolls or animal toys are also known as
virtual pets as so many people love to have in the past. The
electronic one like Tamagoshi was really popular in Japan during
ten years ago, but not it seems that the trend has changed.
People change to looking for the virtual pets that look as much
alike the real pet, particularly for children who love to have
their own dogs and cats etc.

Do you like stuffed toys? We're sure everyone loves furry and
warm stuffed animals to cuddle up with. They are so cute and
soft. Most of us as kids had one or the other stuffed animal to
play with. Such a stuffed toy was the one you shared your bed
with as a child. It felt so wonderful to have a companion who
listened to you all the time and never complained about
anything. Your stuffed animal participated happily in every game
you played. It was a magical world for you. Now why deprive the
kids of today from the pleasure of having a pet?

Most of us hesitate to have a real pet due to the cost and
responsibilities involved. Go for a virtual pet instead. Check
out you local shops where so many wonderful animal dolls are
waiting to be your pets. Give your children a playmate. Go for
one of these amazingly cute animals. All you need to do is load
the pet using the secret code we generate for you. Your child
could then get online whenever he wishes to play with the pet.
You could name the pet what you want. Not only that, this is the
only place where you can decide the gender of your pet! Sure
sounds like fun, doesn't it?

Many of our young (and adult) customers have walked away
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Care For Your Canines Ear Infections

Article Title: Care For Your Canines Ear Infections
Author: Joann Henry

Ear infections in dogs ears can be very painful and serious,
and should be treated immediately by a veterinarian, not
ourselves.

How do we know if our dog has an ear infection?

By doing a regular inspection of our dogs ears will be the
first step. Be familiar with his ears; know the typical smell,
as that may be the first sign of something wrong. If there is an
infection or ear mites, the smell may change, a foul odor is
very typical of mites or infection. And if you see a dark, waxy
type discharge, then this is another symptom of mites or
infection. Either way, your dog needs to be checked and treated.

Even if you suspect, it may be something as simple as
allergies, it would be better to be safe than sorry and let your
loving dog suffer. They depend on you for their care and they
have total trust in you. So when you think of it that way, you
want to do everything in your power to make sure they stay
healthy and happy.

The breeds with the longer floppy ears are going to be more
prone to ear infections to those that have the upright ears. I
have a black lab and a Chihuahua, ears of each kind. And I
always watch for their behavior when it comes to their ears.
When they are healthy, they leave them alone, but if there is
pain, or discharge, they will paw at them or try to scratch.
Dogs will also shake their head back and forth as if trying to
shake something out of their ears.

How can you prevent ear infections?

Between normal checkups check your dogs ears on a regular
basis. When you are playing with him or her, just casually look
in the ears; it doesn't need to be a form of trauma for them.
Another good time is when you are bathing your dog. Never, ever
stick anything in your dog's ear. It is always a better idea to
see your vet when it comes to anything to do with this very
fragile part of your pet's body. Their ears are not like ours,
they are very sensitive and have parts that can easily be
touched and damaged.

There is one method that a vet will recommend for the owner to
do. If you sense a foul smell, or something has changed, you may
want to flush your dog's ear with warm water. There are ear
washes for dogs that contain Tea Tree Oil; this is very gentle
and very effective in cleaning the ears. It is a natural
antiseptic, antibacterial and fungicidal, which will help to
keep your dog's ears clear and infection free.

Make your dogs ears a part of your routine, whether bathing or
when sitting quietly with him. Give your dog the care that he or
she needs and can't do for him or herself. They can't tell when
something is wrong; it is our job to make sure they are well and
carefree.

Just as a dogs life should be!

About The Author: Joann Henry operates "Doggie Health Care"
http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com, a blog all about our pooches
health. Sign up to receive her newsletter, & not only will you
get some free tips to keep your dog healthier, but FOR A LIMITED
TIME, she'll give you a FREE ebook.
http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com

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Before The Dog Bites

Article Title: Before The Dog Bites
Author: Joann Henry

What is the main motivation when a dog bites? Normally dogs do
not bite, not by nature. There are some circumstances that can
be avoided and watched for to prevent a dog bite from ever
happening. Dogs are known as Mans best friend and I will always
believe that to be true if they are loved and trained properly.

There are a lot of dog bites every year, more than 4.7 million.
There is actually a National Dog Bite Prevention Week every year
to help educate the public on dog bites and how to protect you.
Half of that number are children age 12 and under. Others are
the elderly and mail carriers.

When you purchase a dog for your family, consider the breed.
There are some breeds that are more prone to bite if provoked,
and some just don't do well with children. If your child shows
some hesitation about getting a dog, then wait until he is
ready. Dogs need a lot attention, they want love and they want
to feel secure in their environment. If a child is insecure, the
dog will sense it and there will be more stress for both, the
child and dog.

When playing with your dog, don't play games that are
aggressive, teach your dog how to play gently. Teach your dog to
be submissive, and spay or neuter your dog (this at times will
reduce aggressive behavior).

When your dog is out, keep him in a fenced yard or on a leash.
Never let your dog run loose, no matter how safe you think he
may be. Keep your dog vaccinated against rabies. Train your dog
the basic commands like sit, stay, heel, come, and down.

The most common bites are to children. There are some things
you can teach your child about safety around dogs. I will list a
few here:

1. Do not approach a dog you don't know

2. If you are near a dog and afraid, don't run and scream

3. Be still if a dog approaches you, don't move, be a statue

4. If a dog comes at you, roll into a ball and be very still

5. Do not wake a dog that is sleeping, eating or has puppies
(it may be tempting to go see the puppies, the mama dog is very
protective)

6. Allow a dog to sniff you before you try to pet it, hold your
hand out, palm up like you are handing the dog something.

7. Do not look a dog right into their eyes if they don't know
you

8. If bitten, tell a grownup right away

Education is the key before the dog bites. Let's prevent it
before it ever happens. Go over these tips with your child on a
regular basis. They may forget and it helps just as a reminder.
Then if the time ever does come, they won't even have to think
about it, they will just react the way they were taught.

You can find more great information at the American Veterinary
Medical Association (AVMA) on how to protect yourself and
children from dog bites. Do everything you can to prevent dog
bites by training your dog to be gentle and not one of the
statistics.

About The Author: Joann Henry operates "Doggie Health Care"
http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com, a blog all about our pooches
health. Sign up to receive her newsletter, & not only will you
get some free tips to keep your dog healthier, but FOR A LIMITED
TIME, she'll give you a FREE ebook.
http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com

.

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German Shepherd: A Combination Of Action And Elegance

Article Title: German Shepherd: A Combination Of Action And
Elegance
Author: Jan A Ryan

It was Max von Stephanitz who gripped all the essential credits
for the development of the highly talented, faithful and
obedient German Shepherd. He solely conceptualized a great
variety of sheep herding dogs into one single variety. He
visualized a dog of righteous character, great working ability,
loyal and comprehensively trainable. Shepherd dogs were known as
the best working dogs in 18th and 19th centuries. The shepherds
in Germany employed their dogs to direct their group of sheep as
well as cattle. The first priority was given on their working
ability, not on their appearance. The root of these dogs in
historical timeline has not yet been identified.

In the late 19th century, a movement for initiating the herding
sheep method was inspired by Captain von Stephanitz. The
movement also influenced his decision to establish his
organization Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde where both talent
and beauty were prioritized. Although von Stephanitz also put
his primary emphasis on the working ability of the German
Shepherd, the attempt of increasing good appearance was also
found to be important.

In the historical timeline, the evolvement of German Shepherd
was not always that smooth. In fact, there was a time when there
was a reduction in the demand of the shepherd dogs. During that
phase, the great innovator Captain von Stephanitz shaped his
idea of breeding the German Shepherd in absolutely a new
direction as police service dogs, where these dog were
increasingly trained as police dogs in order to serve the
nation. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, an
increasing number of dog shows actually started influencing the
breeders to take both appearance and efficiency into account.

During 1899, the idea of the contemporary German Shepherd came
into existence with the continuous contribution of von
Stephanitz and the formation of Verein. England discovered
German Shepherds in World War I and took it back to the U.K.
under the name of Alsatian. Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde
regulated all the breeding in Germany during that phase.
However, Germany was devastated and ruined following World War
II, and the same was true with the breeding organization and
policies. During that period, the credit of breeding the best
German Shepherds went to North America.

However, in the late 19th century, von Stephanitz tried to find
out new arenas of breeding German Shepherd dogs with the help of
his extensive experience and application of knowledge. He kept
his faith about many ideas used in England by that time. During
1899, von Stephanitz participated in a dog show, where he bought
Horand von Grafrath. This is the time when Verein was founded
and it was Horand who took his entry in the studbook as the
first registered German Shepherd. Captain von Stephanitz was
most impressed by the qualities of Horand.

Horand was a medium size dog with a blend of liveliness and
activity. An obedient, brave, defensive and energetic type of
dog was mostly adored for its mental alertness. Additionally, it
had beautiful lines all over the body. These were the qualities
that made the German Shepherd acquire such a universal
acceptance. In modern days, German imports of German Shepherds
are highly desirable to everyone for their incredible sense of
smell, extraordinary obedience, sound temperament, and excellent
physical structure and working efficiency.

About The Author: A dog lover and professional breeder, Jan
Ryan has extensive experience in raising and caring for dogs.
The http://www.officialgermanshepherdguide.com/ German Shepherd
is an active breed with elegant beauty. It has a universal
appeal due to its excellent obedience, loyalty and working
ability. This article offers all the basic
http://www.officialgermanshepherdguide.com/German_Shepherd.php
German Shepherd information including its history.

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