Wednesday, March 26, 2008

How To Travel With Your Dog

Article Title: How To Travel With Your Dog
Author: Gerald Cormier

Guide to Dog Travel

Taking your four footed best friend along to Hawaii? At least
you can expect how long you will be flying the skies. The
advance knowledge prepares you and your pooch for the long
travel ahead in comfort and in style. You both land on your
destination happily together. For those traveling with their pet
dogs for the first time, there are a lot of travel requirements
and policies to follow. Mind you, these airline policies can
change in a year or two. You can get all the relevant
information online and narrow down your choices.

Before Flying

Before booking a flight, inform the airline that you are
traveling with your pet. With JetBlue, you get double reward
points when you take along your Crumpet. However, different
airlines have different requirements. So before getting a
ticket, know the regulations – you wouldn't want to leave poor
Crumpet behind. The pet-friendly airline like JetBlue will allow
two more dogs aside from Crumpet. But you cannot take Poochie,
and Smarty along. The airline policy is one customer to one pet.

Air travel with your pet entails separation for the duration of
the travel. As always air travel is not a comfortable experience
for a pet used to much freedom of movement. To be inside a
kennel will require discipline from both your dog and you.
However, in all airlines, you have to be assured that all pets
are treated with care.

Pet-sitting Airlines

American Airlines places a restriction on the number of pets on
board. So it will be your gentler Crumpet who can go along with
you. At least, American Airlines will give her the best customer
service alongside with you. In Air Canada, your pet can stay
with you unless he fits into a kennel that can be placed under
your seat. Some airlines will have a restriction on the weight
of the dogs, not more than 5 kg. and they must be placed inside
vented bags again, under your seat. This is to ensure the
comfort of other passengers.

In United Airlines, Crumpet can be in the cabin with you (she
goes as a checked baggage) or she may take a flight as
unaccompanied cargo. However, like all other planes she has to
stay put in the kennel throughout the flight, which may be
distressing for a time. If Crumpet should go as checked baggage,
she will be submitted to the checked-in counter. You get to see
her at the claim area in your final stop.

Certificates and Quarantines

If you are crossing borders, a certificate from the USDA issued
within 30 days before travel must be acquired. So get those
viral shots. Again, pets less than 8 weeks and are in poor
health are not allowed to travel. It would be a waste of time
getting all those tickets for you and your family, to find out
later that little Crumpet cannot come along. To be sure that all
will end well, get the medical and rabies certificates. Remember
that the different airline require different periods for the
heath certificates. Make inquiries at the embassies of your
country of destination to prevent travel glitches for Crumpet.
Do this four weeks before the travel date.

Since you are going to Hawaii, you have to quarantine Crumpet
for 120 days – that is 4 months! Well, don't despair. If other
requirements are met, the quarantine period can be reduced.
Crumpet must be rabies free, must pass the most recent OIE-FAVN
blood test—this will qualify him for the 5 day or less program
release. So at this point, even if you are not traveling
anywhere near Stockholm, it would pay if you take care of these
details regularly. So when the time comes, Crumpet will be
ready.

If Crumpet qualifies for the 5-day less program, you have to
leave her behind. When the time comes to get her, you cannot
release her from the kennel, until you get into cab. Surely,
Crumpet would be raring to get out of the airport kennel. But if
it happens that your trip will entail a non-stop flight to Maui
or Kauai, Crumpet cannot go with you. Pets are not allowed on
non-stop flights. If Crumpet is pregnant and nearing her time,
she will not be allowed to get on board too. This policy is for
pet safety.

Other Issues to Look Into

Aside from the medical certificates and varied airline
limitations, you have to determine the time of year you are
going to Hawaii or any other vacation spot outside the country.
Majority of the airlines are strict about temperature
restrictions. They definitely will not allow the exposure of
animals to extreme heat or temperature.

When the temperature surges higher than 85°F certain dogs will
not be admitted – Pugs are frequently restricted. Only when the
temperature lowers to 75°F will these kind of dogs be allowed to
fly by certain airlines. On the other hand, some airlines will
require a licensed veterinarian's acclimation statement. This
paper includes the basic information of the passenger and the
name of the pet. Of course, pets coming or going to extreme
temperatures will require a forecast under 20°F.

Except for service dogs, all canines have to stay inside
kennels air travel is over. That includes Crumpet. To maker her
comfortable, get her a double door pet carrier. Through the
metal doors, you can see your pet. The carrier is easy to lean
even if it is 10% thicker than other models. This can fit dogs
weighing 100 lbs.

For smaller pets, the Delta Airlines Deluxe Pet Carrier is
ideal when you can place your pet under your seat. A kennel on
wheels will make it easier for you to lug Crumpet. It has a top
and side entrance with tough working zipper closure and is
highly favored by most airlines.

If you still worry about Crumpet's welfare, you can try
Companion Air. Here you can check on Crumpet during the flight,
and soothe her. That will make her travel, a comfortable
experience. Make travel time a happy one for everybody and enjoy
the vacation.

About The Author: Gerald Cormier is the owner of The Shih Tzu
Store, a pet boutique specializing in small dogs. Stop by for
dog travel tips and browse our unique selection of dog specialty
itmes at http://www.theshihtzustore.com

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Tuesday, March 25, 2008

What The Shih Tzu Owner Should Know About Grooming Part Ii: Getting To Know Grooming Equipment

Article Title: What The Shih Tzu Owner Should Know About
Grooming Part Ii: Getting To Know Grooming Equipment
Author: Connie Limon

If you don't have good equipment there is no way you will have
a well groomed Shih Tzu. As with all jobs, proper tools are
essential to doing a job well.

Clippers

One of the most important pieces of equipment is the clipper.
For a Shih Tzu owner grooming only one Shih Tzu, one of the best
is Oster with snap-on blades. The blades can be changed easily.
Various blades needed are No. 10, No. 7 and No. 4. No. 10 will
give you a complete shave down. No. 7 blade will give you not so
close of a cut as the No. 10. No 4 blade will give you the
stylish puppy cut that so many Shih Tzu pet owners like for
their pet Shih Tzu.

Combs

You will need a fine-toothed comb and a medium-toothed comb.
You will also need a very tiny comb to comb the hair on the
face. Combs with metal handles are more durable.

Brushes

The brush is very important. While the professional groomer who
grooms all the breeds will need a variety of brushes, the Shih
Tzu owner will need the proper brushes for a Shih Tzu. A soft
wire slicker brush is the best for fluff-drying. It can be used
to remove tangles from the Shih Tzu's coat, but it must be used
very gently. The hard wire slicker is used to remove mats. A pin
brush is used for tidying the long hair of a Shih Tzu. It cannot
be used for "hard" brushing. If your Shih Tzu's hair is fine,
you can use a natural-bristle brush made of boar bristles. A
vegetable brush or toothbrush can be used on all the places that
are hard to get at, especially on the face, around and between
the eyes of the Shih Tzu.

Use a spray conditioner when brushing your Shih Tzu's hair. The
conditioner should have a lanolin base and should not contain
alcohol. Alcohol can discolor and dry out the hair of the Shih
Tzu. If you do not have the correct type on hand, use plain
water in a spray bottle. When you use coat conditioner or water
when brushing your Shih Tzu's hair, you will prevent static
electricity and causing the hair to break.

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

About The Author: Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. Purchase
Shih Tzu puppies and sign up for FREE Shih Tzu newsletter at
http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com Pet care articles at
http://smalldogs2.com/ShihTzuCastle Visit Camelot articles at
http://www.camelotarticles.com

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Caring For Your Pomeranian Pup

Article Title: Caring For Your Pomeranian Pup
Author: Rosie A Allan

The Pomeranian dog breed is a member of both the toy and Spitz
groups. This dog breed is considered toy because adult
Pomeranians grow to a size of only three to seven pounds and
eight to eleven inches. Because of its diminutive size, a
Pomeranian pup must be delicately cared for. Every feature of a
Pomeranian pup is tiny except for its personality. Care must be
taken when cleaning the ears, brushing the teeth, clipping the
nails and grooming the thick fur of each Pomeranian pup. A good
Pomeranian breeder can provide tips on Pomeranian puppy care.
Breeders have already established a relationship with the
Pomeranian pup and have begun to socialize and train the puppy.

The Pomeranian breed is native to Germany. This tiny dog is
directly descended from the much larger German Spitz. The
American Kennel Club registered the Pomeranian as a breed in
1900. The Pomeranian is registered in both the toy group and
Spitz group. Toy dogs are dogs that are smaller than average in
size. Spitz dogs encompass the many breeds of dog descended from
much larger sledding dogs that once populated an area south of
the Baltic Sea. The Pomeranian is closely related to other large
and medium sized members of the Spitz group such as the Chow
Chow and Samoyed.

Caring for Pomeranian puppies can be challenging and rewarding.
Known for their hyper and excitable personalities, Pomeranians
may be difficult to train. Once their attention is captured,
training becomes a much easier task. The inherent high
maintenance nature of a Pomeranian pup requires that it receive
discipline and training early on.

Pomeranian pups are really more fur than body. Because they
have a double-layer of fur, Pomeranians need to be brushed once
daily optimally to prevent matting and tangles. Purebred
Pomeranians come in a variety of solid, brindle and
parti-colors. All are acceptable as long as the fur is
maintained. Pomeranians do not need to be bathed often due to
the fact that they need the natural oils in their fur to keep it
soft and shiny.

There are many other grooming and care needs required by a
Pomeranian pup. Due to the fact that the breed suffers from
dental problems, teeth should be brushed with a baby toothbrush
once daily or a minimum of once weekly. Pomeranian puppies weigh
mere ounces and adults only grow to be three to seven pounds and
eight to eleven inches tall. Because of their small size and
tendency to be underfoot simply dropping them or tripping over
them can injure Pomeranian puppies and adults. Most breeders
will not sell to families with children under the age of five
because of this. Pomeranians must be handled delicately.

Raising and training a Pomeranian pup can seem daunting at
first and buyers should actively ask questions of the breeder
they have purchased from. Good breeders are more than happy to
provide Pomeranian puppy care tips and have already begun the
process of training while each pup resides in their home and/or
kennel.

Tips the potential Pomeranian puppy buyer should follow when
before purchasing include the researching the breed history and
characteristics, making sure the buyer household will match the
Pomeranian's needs, reading up on Pomeranian puppy care and
knowing how to provide positive training and discipline. Other
tips include researching breeders before choosing one to buy
from, researching breed-specific rescue centers and consider
them when buying a Pomeranian and being prepared to make a
long-term commitment of up to 20 years.

Following these tips will ensure that the Pomeranian pup will
be matched with a good home. Buyers and breeders of Pomeranians
should love the breed. This is the most important aspect of dog
ownership.

About The Author: Rosie Allan has owned a Pomeranian pup and
enjoyed learning about Pomeranian puppy care.
http://www.officialpomeranianguide.com/Pomeranian_Puppies/index.php
Pomeranian puppies are descended from the larger Spitz group of
dogs. There are many elements of Pomeranian puppy care. Tips on
http://www.officialpomeranianguide.com/Pomeranian_Puppies/Pomeranian_Puppy_Care.php
Pomeranian puppy care for your Pomeranian pup can be found in
this article.

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Dog Food Fundamentals

Article Title: Dog Food Fundamentals
Author: Dr. Mayra Alfonso

All dog owners recognize that most dogs enjoy to eat, but
oftentimes they come across themselves attempting to puzzle out
which dog food to purchase. It has been said for the lengthiest
time that dogs are our dearest best friends, but the truth
presently is that dogs have moved up from being in the best
friend category to the family member category. Since dogs are
another member of our family we prefer to render our darlings
the finest care and that likewise includes the best dog food.

Numerous dogs over time grow sick of consuming the same food,
and they become fussy. The pet food that one day they enjoyed to
eat, they don't even desire to flavor presently. It's natural
for dog owners to look for dog food choices once their dogs do
not want to eat their regular food. This is when problem can
start out. This is when the dog owners may choose to begin
feeding their pet's table food, and by doing so they could
compromise their dog's nutrition.

When a dog owner is changing their dog's dietary habits they're
vulnerable to giving their dogs additional treats and bites.
Practicing this could cause the dog to get fat. Additionally, if
the dog owner doesn't over compensate by feeding his dog these
goodies or dog snacks, the dog will be pushed to go for what is
given to him at mealtimes. It does not really matter if you want
to give him raw dog food, premium dog food or gourmet dog food,
what matters is to avoid giving your dog any snacks or treats
when your dog isn't eating. If you do so, this will just
promotes his fussy eating and will perpetuate the fussiness.

Feeding the dog the best food will guarantee that he stays
happy , fit and healthy, and besides it helps keep the dog's
coat lustrous. Amid the ingredients in almost 99% of dog foods
are salt, corn, sugar, phosphates, colorings and artificial
flavors.

There's nothing wrong by giving your pet homemade dog food,
(this is the type of food prepared for animal pets at home) or
holistic dog food (this is natural dog food) merely the dog
owner has to be careful to feed the dog on food that will render
him with enough nutrition. Numerous dog owners have even decided
to feed their dogs' vegetarian dog food or even organic dog
food. Feeding your dog with vegetarian dog food is yet harder
for many as cooking vegetarian food for your dog could take a
long time.

As your dog with home cooked food, the dog owner may want to
include rice, corn, oatmeal or wheat. All these are good
carbohydrates sources.

An alternative that dog owners could consider is to sum up the
home made dog food to a medium quality dog food. If you choose
to go this path, you might need to add some nutritional
supplementation or vitamins. In that way you will be able to
assure good nutrition for your dog at altogether.

Make sure that you scan the labels of the dog food prior to you
buying it. It is best that the food contains as primary
constituent beef, turkey, or chicken. Attempt to ward off
vegetal protein as the principal component for the dog food.
Vegetable protein, which includes wheat shorts and middling's,
soybean meal, peanut meal, peanut shells (same as cellulose),
ground yellow corn and rice husks, is the pillar of dry dog
foods.

About The Author: Increase the happy years of your dog by
checking out my free e-book. In it I reveal all the secrets I've
used to develop a happy, healthier dog. Visit Dr. Alfonso's
http://www.cooldoghalloffame.com/dog-food-and-nutrition/dog-food-basics/
dog food blog right now…

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Monday, March 24, 2008

When Breeders Look For Puppies This Is What They Look For

Article Title: When Breeders Look For Puppies This Is What They
Look For
Author: Sharon A Davies

Getting a new puppy is so much fun, and Rottweiler puppies are
so adorable, you'll be tempted to choose the first puppy you
pick up at your breeder's. Resist that impulse, and take a
measured approach to selecting your Rottweiler puppy. After all,
getting a dog is a big commitment. Rottweilers live to be more
than ten years old, so you are making a ten-year commitment when
you pick out a new puppy.

When you look at Rottweiler puppies, you want to make sure you
select the right dog for you. You want healthy Rottweiler
puppies, and you want dogs that will socialize easily and
respond to training. You'll want to buy your Rottweiler puppy
directly from a breeder instead of from a pet shop so you can
see the Rottweiler puppies' parents on site to get an idea of
how big the puppies will be when they are adults.

When you look at the Rottweiler puppies, ask the breeder
whether the puppies' parents have OFA certifications. The OFA is
the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. The OFA exists to reduce
the incidence of orthopedic and other genetic diseases in
animals, particularly in purebred dogs. Rottweiler puppies
cannot be Orthopedic Foundation for Animals certified until they
are at least two years old, but preliminary examinations can be
done when the puppies are four months old. If both parents are
certified, the chances are good that a puppy will also pass the
certification.

Diseases to check for include: Elbow dysplasia, because the
Rottweiler is ranked second on the list of one hundred breeds
most likely to suffer from elbow dysplasia; cardiac problems and
hip dysplasia, because the Rottweiler is ranked number thirty on
the list of breeds most likely to have cardiac disease or hip
dysplasia; Rottweiler puppies are ranked fifty-fifth most likely
to have patellar luxation, so the risk is relatively low.

Once you have taken precautions to help ensure that the
Rottweiler puppies have parents that are both healthy and
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals certified and have pleasing
temperaments, watch the litter one by one to see what each puppy
is like.

Rottweilers are bred to have consistent characteristics one
generation after another. One reason people like to get purebred
dogs so much is because they know what to expect with a purebred
dog. If you have a strong preference for a male over a female,
or female over male, that will help make your choice of
Rottweiler puppies even easier. One puppy in the litter may be
more timid, shy, or aggressive than the others, and it's up to
you to decide what kind of dog's personality suits you. Visit
the litter a few times before you decide what puppy you want.
Remember, this is a big decision. Watch the Rottweiler puppies
playing with each other, and look for an alert puppy that gets
along well with its brothers and sisters.

When you choose a Rottweiler puppy, be sure to get a health
guarantee from the breeder. Take the Rottweiler puppy to a
veterinarian for a wellness examination as soon as you can.

About The Author: Sharon Davies is a Rottweiler breeder whose
dogs are all OFA certified. Look for
http://www.officialrottweilerguide.com/Rottweiler_Puppies/index.php
Rottweiler puppies whose parents are OFA certified against
disease. You can find out
http://www.officialrottweilerguide.com/Rottweiler_Puppies/Rottweiler_Puppy_Care.php
how choose the right Rottweiler puppy with these simple tips.

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The Bichon Frise Breeder

Article Title: The Bichon Frise Breeder
Author: Mary A Stevenson

There are many attractive and popular purebred dog breeds
registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC registered
the Bichon Frise, which in French loosely translates to curly
lap dog, in 1973. Prior to the breed becoming popular in
America, both the French and the Spanish loved it. The breed
descended from a blend of poodle, Barbet, and white lap dog
found in the Mediterranean region as far back as 600 B.C.
Originally called the Barbichon, the breed accompanied Spanish
sailors on trade missions. The dogs were loved for their
intelligent, friendly and outgoing dispositions.

During the Renaissance, the Barbichon, whose name had by then
been shortened to Bichon, was renamed the Bichon Frise by the
French. Frise refers to the breed's soft, curly fur. A Bichon
Frise breeder must retain all the traits fitting the breed
standard to register Bichon Frise for AKC competition. The soft,
curly, white fur is just one of many desired traits of the
Bichon Frise.

Because the defining characteristic of the Bichon Frise is its
white, curly coat, Bichon Frise breeders try to retain that
characteristic. The American Kennel Club only allows less than
ten percent of the fur to be off-white. Often the ears,
tearstains around the eyes, and the muzzle are off-white or even
apricot in color, which is acceptable. Bichon Frise fur is
hypoallergenic. It must be groomed regularly to maintain its
luster and fluffiness.

Bichon Frise has brown or black eyes, a black mouth and nose,
and pendulous, furry ears. The breed is prone to allergies even
though the fur is hypoallergenic to humans. The ears are prone
to ear mites. A Bichon Frise breeder must make sure dogs for use
in AKC competition meet all the breed standard characteristics.
Purebred Bichon Frise dogs have two coats of fur consisting of a
dense undercoat and curly topcoat. They are seven to twelve
pounds in weight, are nine to twelve inches in height and have a
friendly, confident, intelligent and bold personality.

Bichon Frise buyers should attempt to find a reputable Bichon
Frise breeder. There are a number of questions that should be
asked to distinguish between good and bad Bichon Frise breeders.
Buyers also want to make sure that breeders ask them questions.
Buyers should ask the following questions of breeders: Do you
have your own kennel? (A good breeder will maintain his/her own
clean kennel.) Can I visit the kennel/meet the parents of the
puppy? (This should be encouraged.) Have puppies and parents
been screened for genetic defects? Will I receive registration
papers, pedigree, and medical records? (Yes to all.) Can you
tell me the history of the breed? (Breeders should be experts.)
Are you affiliated with rescue centers? Can you tell me how to
care for my Bichon Frise? Is there a warranty? (A good breeder
will want the dog returned to them rather than sold.) There are
many other questions that can be asked but these are a good
start to finding a good Bichon Frise breeder.

About The Author: Mary Stevenson is not a Bichon Frise breeder
but is a dog lover and fan of the breed. Legitimate
http://www.bichonfriseguide.com/Bichon_Frise_Breeders/index.php
Bichon Frise breeders interview buyers to ensure they are a good
match for their puppies. This article provides
http://www.bichonfriseguide.com/About_The_Bichon_Frise/index.php
Bichon Frise information and information about breeders.

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Understanding The Bulldog

Article Title: Understanding The Bulldog
Author: Bobby A Callahan

The Bulldog is one of the favored breeds of dog, one reason
being that they do not require a great deal of time spent on
grooming. The Bulldog definitely has one of the most favorable
personalities and temperaments in the canine world, and they
make a great family pet even if younger aged children will be
living in the home. It is going to be well worth it for you to
take some time and find a legitimate and reputable breeder to
purchase a Bulldog from.

There are hundreds of different breeds of dog that you can
choose from but a few in particular that are especially popular.
This includes the Bulldog for one, who is a favorite around the
world but especially so in the United States and England.
Descended from the Asiatic mastiff, the Bulldog was actually
developed in Great Britain and they are considered as being a
non-sporting breed group.

One of the main reasons that the Bulldog is such a favored
breed is that they are so easy to take care of. Unlike many
other breeds, the Bulldog's coat is close, straight, glossy and
smooth, and so there is little shedding and there is also no
feathering or curl. This cuts back significantly on the time it
will take you to groom the dog, which is very advantageous, and
it also means that they look great all year round, with little
effort from you.

The appearance of the Bulldog, as aforementioned, is definitely
respectable, but there are other characteristics of the Bulldog
that are quite favorable as well. They have a fantastic
personality, and they are loyal, affectionate and deeply devoted
to their family. They make wonderful pets even in homes with
younger aged children, and they will get along with other pets
in the home but may react differently to other strange dogs and
animals when you are out and about.

This is due to their embedded guarding abilities, which are
good to have in a dog because they are always alert and on guard
but will only bark when necessary, when they sense a danger or
threat. Training is still important with Bulldogs even though
they have a great personality to begin with, especially since
they have a tendency to be very stubborn and domineering. As the
owner of a Bulldog you need to make sure they are aware of who
is in charge.

The bottom line is that although there are literally hundreds
of different breeds of dog that you can choose from, Bulldogs
are definitely one of the best. They are easily one of the most
laid back and friendly dogs, and make for a great family pet.
Once you have decided that you do in fact want a Bulldog, the
best idea is to take a bit of time and find a reputable breeder
that you can buy from.

This is important because although there are certainly many
legitimate and respected breeders out there, there are also many
that are known as mass breeders who are more in it for the
financial means than because they actually care for the dogs.
Make sure you ask a potential breeder a lot of questions before
agreeing to do business with them, and have them provide you
with the proper paperwork. A good breeder will be pleased that
you are concerned with these sorts of issues and will never make
you feel as though you are overstepping your bounds.

About The Author: Bobby Callahan has a great deal of experience
with canines, Bulldogs in particular. The
http://www.officialbulldogguide.com/ Bulldog definitely has one
of the most favorable personalities in the canine world, and
they are great both for solo owners and larger sized families.
There is a ton of
http://www.officialbulldogguide.com/Bulldog.php Bulldog
information that you can make yourself aware of and which will
definitely help in the process of you deciding on what breed of
dog you should choose to have for a pet.

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Sunday, March 23, 2008

Shih Tzu Topknots, Eyes And Ear Care

Article Title: Shih Tzu Topknots, Eyes And Ear Care
Author: Connie Limon

The standard coat of a Shih Tzu should be luxuriously long and
dense with a good wooly undercoat. The hair on top of the head
may be tied up. When a Shih Tzu is completely brushed and
combed the Shih Tzu should have a sleek look. The beard comes to
a point and a long, luxuriant moustache flows over the beard.

Method of making a Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy topknot:
1.Part the hair from the ear on both sides of the head.
2.Gather up in one hand the hair in the middle and slip on a
latex band at the base.
3.The band may have to be wrapped around twice to make it
secure.
4.A ribbon or barrette is recommended to be attached to latex
band.

How to make your own Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy bows:

1. Cut one yard of ribbon. The ribbon can be any width you
desire.

2. From this yard of ribbon, cut another piece about 5" long.
Splice this in half lengthwise.

3. Cut the remainder of the yard in half. This material should
give you enough for two ribbons or bows.

4. Wrap one of the long pieces around two fingers. Slip the
folded ribbon off your fingers and double it over.

5. With a utility scissors, snip off a piece at the corners in
a "V" shape, but not a sharp V, for you will lose any thread of
support. There should be a piece of ribbon left at the
centerfold to hold it all together.

6. Take one of the spliced pieces (5") and tie the ribbon at
the centerfold securely.

7. Separate each fold by gently pulling out and twisting each
fold out from the center. Do both sides. When all the folds are
pulled out and twisted, the bow is completed. All that remains
is to fasten the bow to a tuft of hair, using the ends of the
center splice to tie the knot. Cut off any excess ribbon that
remains.

Care of the Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy's ears:

Because of the long hair covering the Shih Tzu puppy's ears,
problems can develop when the ear gets little air. Clean the
excess hair out of your Shih Tzu puppy's ear canal (not the ear
flap) to improve air circulation and help prevent infection.

Care of the Shih Tzu's eyes:

Shih Tzu generally has large eyes with shallow sockets. A Shih
Tzu's eyes are more prone to injury than most other breeds. If
your Shih Tzu puppy's eyes are red or cloudy or tear
excessively, or if your dog squints and rubs at his eye, have a
vet look at your Shih Tzu puppy's eye to determine the cause.

Professionalism in Shih Tzu grooming:

The word professional means "one skilled in a profession,
craft, or art. The word professionalism is defined as "the
methods, manner, or spirit of a profession.

To become professional at anything, one must have the skills
appropriate to the art, craft or profession and must conduct
themselves professionally.

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

About The Author: Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. Purchase
Shih Tzu puppies and sign up for FREE newsletter at:
http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com Collection of Pet Care
articles http://smalldogs2.com/ShihTzuCastle Visit Camelot
Articles at http://www.camelotarticles.com

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Dog Training Tip's To Help You Deal With Your Dog's Separation Anxiety

Article Title: Dog Training Tip's To Help You Deal With Your
Dog's Separation Anxiety
Author: Dr. Mayra Alfonso

A major issue that many dog owners confront is the issue of dog
separation anxiety. Let's just quickly examine what separation
anxiety means. As people, dogs can get anxious or nervous,
therefore separation anxiety is the anxiety that dogs feel when
they are left alone.

Therefore, one matter that pups actually detest constitutes
separation. If it was up to them they'd be along your side at
all times. But as much as we would like that they could,
unfortunately they can't accompany us everyplace. Puppies that
are troubled by separation anxiety have an inclination to chew
destructively, soil the home, bark overly, or act out in
different manners that are damaging. The conduct that your dog
demonstrates as they're left behind its merely the method that
puppies handle their anxiousness.

Training your dog to deal with your absence will grant your
puppy a sense of identify, and reassurance as you are gone from
home. Nevertheless whenever you do realize that you require
professional help educating your puppy to deal with his
separation anxiety, I would advise that you get it. Meanwhile
here are a few hints to assist you deal with your puppies
conduct.

Foremost you should never castigate your puppy after the fact.
Puppies are not able to associate the discipline with their
destructive behavior, they'll associate it with your arrival,
your reprimanding the puppy will simply cause him to become more
apprehensive the next time that you go away and leave him alone.

It is imperative to avoid excessively spectacular or
melodramatic hellos and good-byes to prevent the development of
puppy separation anxiety. Smothering your puppy with kisses,
treats, announcements of devotion will nohow reassure him.
Acting in this fashion will merely accentuate his anxiety.

Once you're gone it could constitute a good idea to leave the
radio set on, this will sunken down any strange disturbances
that could stimulate him to become agitated. Make certain that
you leave a toy out for him to play with. This will provide your
puppy something to entertain himself with while you are gone.

If you are away more more than eight hours you should attempt
to get somebody to take your puppy for a walk. Exercise will
make your dog tired and would help in preventing separation
anxiety in puppies. If its downright needed you should puppy
proof your home to prevent him from destructing it during the
time that you are away. Never maintain your puppy enclosed to a
small place while you're gone from the house for an lengthened
time period.

As you do walk through the doorway, avoid giving your puppy the
amount of attention that you commonly would. This means that you
don't want to give into those "pet me" situation that he's going
to put you in as soon as you arrive home. Showering him
attentively as you get home will just make it that much harder
on him the next time that you take off for the full day. Going
from lots of attention to no attention at all can be a really
emotional experience for your pup.

Some dogs can become so anxious when they are home alone that
they will require professional dog training to be able to handle
this situation. If your dog is excessively apprehensive, and if
puppy training or dog obedience training is not effective, there
are a few drugs that your local vet could prescribe, to palliate
this separation anxiety in dogs.

About The Author: Increase the happy years of your dog by
checking out my free e-book. In it I reveal all the secrets I've
used to develop a happy, healthier dog. Visit Dr. Alfonso's
http://www.cooldoghalloffame.com/dogs/tips-to-help-you-deal-with-your-puppies-separation-anxiety/176
dog training blog right now…

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Thursday, March 20, 2008

Overweight Dog - A Letter From A Fat Canine

Article Title: Overweight Dog – A Letter From A Fat Canine
Author: Lori Matthews

Help Me Be Healthy, Help Me Live Longer

WOOF WOOF!! BOW WOW!! Oops sorry! I did not realize I was
talking to you guys and not my friend Rusty. Hi, I am Bruno, the
Labrador. I am 5 years old. It seems my dad and mom are quite
busy these days with work and things that seem to never get
done. Initially the whole family was crazy about me. They used
to take me for walks and runs. They used to show me off to
neighbors and friends.

As I grew older and they got busier, all this stopped. Now they
hardly even have the time to take me for a walk. They fill my
plate with fattening treats and stuff from the table that they
eat. I've started putting on weight in my waist and hips.
Earlier, I could sit back on my legs. Now, due to my weight, I
slouch to the side. My chest hurts now and I have a hard time
breathing too. My owners no longer take care of the quality of
my food. They just get any dog food and pay no attention to the
nutrients. Most of the dog foods are laden with fat and as a
result I have developed lots of fatty tissues in my body. It is
harder to walk these days as my legs ache from the extra pounds.
I get out of breathe so easily now. My chances for disease are
now increased as a result of the obesity. I wanted to help you
learn to take care of your pets so that they will remain
healthy, agile and have long lives.

Although fat dogs may seem cute, there could be a host of
issues going on. Joint or locomotion difficulties, extra pounds
put added stress on joints, bones, ligaments and muscles. Heart
and respiratory disease, heart and lungs have to work harder to
provide adequate oxygen and circulation. Also, extra fat in the
chest cavity and around the heart muscle can decrease the
efficiency of the heart and lungs. Diabetes, just like people,
diabetes is much more common in obese dogs and cats. Liver
disease, obese animals are prone to liver disease. Heat
intolerance, excessive fat has insulating properties that makes
obese animals uncomfortable and unable to tolerate heat. Skin
problems, overweight animals often have trouble grooming
themselves. The rolls of skin built up by fat deposits can often
harbor dirt, bacteria and other harmful organisms.
Gastrointestinal disorder, Pancreatitis is seen all too often in
obese dogs. This condition is painful and life threatening.

Here are a few ways in which you can care for your dog so that
they have a longer and better life:

1. Don't let your dog become a couch potato. Take him out for a
run everyday at least for 20 minutes otherwise he will put on
weight.

2. Pay attention to the diet: Sometimes the printed dog food
labels do not tell the entire story. Make sure that your canine
friend has a diet rich in meat, vegetables and healthy
ingredients. If you have started a weight loss food for dogs,
make sure it is healthy. Don't sacrifice nutrition at a time
when the dog needs it the most as the weight comes off.

3. Exercise: If you find that you can't take your dog out for a
walk, then get a ball to throw a ball so that he can run and
retrieve it.

4. Play: Dog love to play and enjoy your attention. Play games
like racing, wrestling or fetch to burn calories.

5. Winter months: In the winter months if it becomes quite
difficult to exercise with your dog, try to find indoor games.

Obesity, whether in humans or dogs can lead to a decreased life
span.

About The Author: Lori Matthews studies health, nutrition and
wellness. She enjoys writing articles on health for both people
and pets. Please visit her site for more information on healthy
weight loss food for dogs
http://www.premium4pets.com/dogweightloss.html

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Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Finding The Right Bichon Frise Breeders

Article Title: Finding The Right Bichon Frise Breeders
Author: Mary A Stevenson

Of all the different breeds of dog that you can choose from,
the Bichon Frise can definitely be considered as one of the most
popular. These are really adorable, beautiful dogs, and
absolutely a fan favorite. They make great pets, and not only
that but because they are always so alert and active they make
reliable watchdogs as well.

The Bichon Frise, when properly trained of course, is also
great around children and so is the perfect family pet. If you
are interested in getting a Bichon Frise dog, the first thing
you are going to want to do is find a good breeder. There are
many Bichon Frise breeders out there, but you need to understand
that some are good while others are bad. It is very important
that you take your time and take the process of finding a
breeder very seriously if you want to have the best results you
possibly can and find yourself a healthy and happy puppy.

Before you even begin your search for Bichon Frise breeders, it
is important that you understand what mass breeders are. These
are breeders that basically breed purely for the profit, the
financial means, and do not care for the dogs, as they should.
In fact in most cases these breeders produce litters of dogs
that are mistreated and malnourished, and as a result they grow
up to be untrained and have poor behavior skills.

Puppies bred by these mass breeders are more often than not ill
and mistreated, and so it is then obviously important that you
take your time to make sure you are only dealing with the best
breeders you can find. There are a few things that you can do to
make sure of this, and namely you want to ask a lot of
questions. Never feel as though you are being too forward or
intruding, because any respectable and reputable breeder is
going to be more than willing to help you out here and answer
any questions that you may have.

To find good Bichon Frise breeders you are going to have to ask
lots of questions, and that is all there is to it. There are
good breeders and there are bad, most of which are mass
breeders. You should always check the breeder's licenses and
certificates, so that you have proof of their knowledge and
experience. You may also want to ask questions involving such
things as the dog's temperament, where they breed, how many
types of dogs they focus on, and how much they charge per puppy.

Your breeder should always keep you involved throughout the
process and you are going to think of even more questions as you
go along. You should never be afraid to ask a breeder anything,
because good breeders understand that this is just part of the
job and will not get frustrated or angry with you. Even if you
think that a question you have is dumb or unimportant, you
should feel comfortable enough with your breeder that you will
ask anyway.

About The Author: As a dog owner and lover, Mary Stevenson
understands that no matter what breed you are looking for you
need to take your time and ask lots of questions when you are
looking for a breeder. There are many
http://www.bichonfriseguide.com/Bichon_Frise_Breeders/index.php
Bichon Frise breeders out there you just have to know how to
find the right one. The best idea is to learn as much
http://www.bichonfriseguide.com/About_The_Bichon_Frise/index.php
Bichon Frise information as you can and then go looking for a
breeder, so that you can make the most informed and intelligent
decision.

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