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When Dog Training Really Matters

danielrobertson0 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:46:48 +0100

Dogs can be very sociable. In fact, they sometimes get too sociable and get aggressive. That is why it is important to train the dogs to control their behavior.

Moreover, dog trainings are important to avoid dog biting incidents. Statistics show that 77% of dog biting cases are mostly those that are within the family.

Hence, with dog training, bad habits are removed and dogs have better control with their feelings and behavior towards environmental and social variables.

However, implementing dog training is not that easy. Certain things must be employed to have positive results. The thing needed in dog training is what most experts define as “positive reinforcement.” This refers to the way people reward their dogs with treats, praises, or both whenever their dogs show positive behavior.

Through positive reinforcements, dogs will be able to comprehend that treats and praises will come whenever he shows good behavior. For example, when the owner gives his dog some treats for obediently obeying his commands, the dog will think that obeying commands when told equals treats.

But this does not necessarily mean that when the dog did not obey the owner’s commands, punishment is needed as counter-reinforcement. This should not be the case because punishments will only make the matter worst.

What will happen is that the dog will be confused and it will begin to doubt your feelings.

The next thing that humans must remember when training their dogs is that people should avoid training their dogs into bad habit. Actually, many people are not aware they are doing this but there are instances wherein the people’s reaction towards some behavior of the dogs will inadvertently train the dog in a bad way.

For example, when dogs bark, it is common especially when they do that because they see something strange or unfamiliar things. But, when dogs continue to bark, even if it includes a familiar person, that becomes a problem.

In this case, most people have the inclination to yell and tell their dogs to shut up. This particular reaction of dog owners will confuse their dogs and will only make them understand that the reason why their owners are yelling is because they are also enjoying the shouting scene and that they are “barking” along with their dogs.

The key point here is to avoid paying attention to the dog. In time, he will stop. It’s when the owners should reward their dogs.

Boiled down, dog training is all about positive reinforcements. And, as they say, positive reinforcements reap positive results.

When Do You Use A Dog Seat Cover Or A Do...

danielrobertson0 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:46:22 +0100

As a dog owner, you want to bring your dog with you for a drive but you are concerned about your leather car seat being scratched or dirtied. You can either get a dog seat cover for your car or a dog carrier for your dog. But which is better?

There are a wide variety of dog carriers and dog seat covers available in the market. It can be a headache when you do not know which is more suitable for your dog and your car.

So, how do you decide which is more suitable for your dog and your car - a dog carrier or a dog seat cover?

The answer will depend on the size of your dog and how you will like to travel with your dog.

For big dogs like Collies, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, it's not possible to fit them in those carriers. Usually, these big dogs are put at the back seat of the car. Thus, a dog seat cover for your car's back seat is more suitable for your dog. A dog seat cover can protect your dog from falling off the car seat when you stop at the traffic lights. At the same time, the dog seat cover helps to keep your car clean from mud, dirt or grass or even your dog hair. Your leather car seat is also protected from scratches by your dog's sharp paws.

For smaller dogs like Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers and other toy dogs, they are best transported using dog carriers. As they are quite small, it is safer for them in the carrier than leaving them on the back seat, even if you use dog seat covers. A dog carrier has big enough space for the smaller dogs to move around and it is big and heavy enough to stay still on the seat and not slide around.

Nowadays, dog carriers are fashionable items. But please bear in mind that functionality and comfort for your dog must come first before anything else. The dog owner must be comfortable carrying the dog carrier and the dog must be able to stretch inside comfortably. If you use a dog carrier, here's a simple tip for you: Put a soft blanket or your dog's favourite toy in the carrier. This will make it more comfortable for your dog, and it'll also help to keep your dog more calm and relaxed throughout the car journey.

Just follow these simple guidelines and you'll have no problems choosing between the right car seat cover or dog carrier for your car and your dog.

When Did Dogs Become a Fashion Statement...

danielrobertson0 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:45:57 +0100

It's become standard for anyone wanting a glamorous aura to pick out their dogs like they pick out their shoes. "Ooh - I'll have that darling one in the corner, great color - matches my handbag too!"

And they're easy to find - anyone with enough money can pick out the doglet of their dreams.

Perhaps even scarier than the free availability of 'designer dogs' is the fact that almost anyone can create a new breed of dog. The sudden increase in dogs as fashion statements has meant that there are many unscrupulous breeders trying to make a quick buck from expensive dogs with cute names.

Unfortunately there are so many risks with these kinds of breeding practices. Anybody can mix any combination of dogs but few can master doing it in a way that is good for the dogs, and the humans who live with them. It's about much more than genetics. Why create a dog that is very likely to have a painful future?

Imagine that your cute Yorki-poo puppy has a very expensive medical future before them. Or try to imagine that this adorable Puggle that you've just brought home might have to have his eyes popped back into their sockets at regular intervals!

Amateur breeders are unleashing all kinds of dangerous conditions upon dogs who are being bred to fit in with our lifestyles.

It can be argued that all dogs came to be as a result of interbreeding. Not only are all purebreds a result of mixing but in fact every single dog today has some history of crossbreeding in their past.

There is a well deserved stigma surrounding these new so called 'designer mutts'.

Various Pug and Pekingese breeds have very sensitive eyes. Pugs are known to have problematic eyes as are Pekingese. You could end up with a dog whose eyes come out of their sockets. And fixing it could require expensive and painful corrective surgery.

Sounds like something from a horror movie rather than a happy family dog!

What about the mixing of some larger dogs? It can be just as harmful if two genetically inferior specimens are used. You could end up crossing dogs that are plagued by hip dysplasia and land up with a crippled dog.

It's the lack of predictability that makes these dogs such a risk. You never know what you are getting. And while the odds might be in your favor - nobody can guarantee the health of your designer puppy.

The American Kennel Club is considering allowing some of the more established breeds into the list of accepted and recognized breeds. But this process requires some organization on the part of breeders.

In order to be officially recognized there needs to be evidence that the dogs have at least a three generation pedigree. The dog must also be widely spread across the United States - across at least 20 states.

Labradoodles are the most well known of the designer dog clubs. Labradoodles are also at the forefront of acceptance into the American Kennel Club. There are some breeders who have at least 15 generations of Labradoodles and claim they can predict with great certainty the look and temperament of the dog. There is much debate in the canine world about whether or not many of these new hybrids will be

Only time will tell whether these dogs will be accepted into the mainstream. Many people are enjoying the benefits of dogs designed to fit in a handbag or dogs designed to live in small spaces.

It's important to remember that whatever you are looking for in a dog - you are looking for in the puppy's parents too. With these expensive puppies you might be shelling out allot of money for a great disappointment.

Check as much as you can about the mix you are most interested in. Rather leave combinations that you can see might have similar weaknesses. Don't buy puppies from people who seem to be more interested in your money than the wellbeing of their puppies.

At the end of the day - good puppies come from good homes. Knowledge about genetic disorders is as important as warmth and love when it comes to making great pets.

Until designer dogs become more widely recognized - it's best to stick to the more traditional mixes. At least you will know what you are getting.

If a purebred puppy doesn't really appeal to you - why not rather think about buying an adult dog from a shelter. At least this way you can have a bit more certainty about the dog’s temperament and looks.

At the end of the day your designer mutt might end up costing you more. If your dog has some suspect heritage you will need many tests to screen for a range of possible ailments. If your dog is your fashion accessory - you will be able to enjoy the added advantage of all kinds of colorful accessories for you little mutt.

Whatever you decide - giving them a happy home is more important above all else no matter what may come your dog's way.

What Your Vet May Not Tell You About Rim...

danielrobertson0 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:44:23 +0100

Thousands of dogs are being prescribed Rimadyl by their veterinarians to treat pain, inflammation, and canine arthritis. Many of these prescriptions are written without any blood work done to ensure the dog can tolerate the drug. Learn the facts about Rimadyl and what you should know before administering this drug to your dog.

What is Rimadyl?

Rimadyl was introduced by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in January 1997 to help treat dogs with inflammation and pain associated with surgery or canine arthritis. Rimadyl is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) available as a prescription drug for dogs. The primary ingredient in Rimadyl is Carprofen. It is available as a caplet and chewable tablet and is given to dogs by mouth, or by injection administered by veterinarians. It has proven to be a successful means of relieving arthritis symptoms in dogs.

Is Rimadyl effective and safe?

There is no doubt as to Rimadyl's effectiveness in treating dog arthritis, but it is the potential side effects that may seriously outweigh the benefits of this drug. Many dog owners feel it has vastly improved the quality of their dog's lives and, in some cases, even extended their lives. Many dogs have died due to the unexpectedly rapid onset of side effects such as liver failure and/or because the drug's side effects were not recognized by the attending veterinarian who did not take appropriate action. The Rimadyl labeling includes an extensive adverse reaction section which documents the possibility of a fatal outcome and death.

What Precautions Should I Consider Before Giving Rimadyl?

• Pre-screen the dog before prescribing Rimadyl by performing blood work and checking the liver enzymes.

• Check for warning signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy,
behavioral changes, constipation, and an increase in liver enzymes. It could be an indication of a toxic reaction.

• Rimadyl is not recommended for animals with known bleeding disorders and should not be used if a dog has pre-existing liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or a known tendency towards gastrointestinal ulceration.

• Rimadyl should never be given along with any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin, or along with any corticosteroids such as prednisone, prednisolone, or dexamethasone.

• Dog age should be considered because approximately 85% of possible adverse drug event reports received by Pfizer Animal Health have been in dogs 6 years of age or older.

Alternatives to Rimadyl

Many alternatives are available to the dog owners which are considered safer than Rimadyl. The majority of these products contain glucosamine and/or chondroitin as the primary ingredient. Studies have proven glucosamine and chondroitin to be effective at alleviating the effects of arthritis, joint pain and inflammation in dogs. Other key ingredients which have shown effective are MSM, Ester-C and Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid is particularly effective in increasing synovial fluid which is very helpful for dogs with Canine Hip Dysplasia. These products use natural substances to achieve similar results without the side effects of Rimadyl. Some of the most popular choices are Free and Easy for Dogs, Cosequin, and Arthrix.

What You Should Know Before Deciding To...

danielrobertson0 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:43:42 +0100

They are cute, cuddly and have all of the love in the world to give. But in return, they expect the same from you. If you plan to buy puppies, then you are in for a treat and a workout all at the same time. These little furballs are full of energy and cannot wait to unleash it on you, but there is nothing better than a wag of the tail when you walk in the door.

People buy puppies for different reasons, including companionship or to raise them for breeding. There are a number of locations to buy puppies, including animal shelters or directly from breeders. If you buy puppies from an animal shelter, you are literally saving a life. If you are planning to spend money for your new pup, there are some important considerations to think about before adopting the newest addition to your family.

The first thing to consider if you plan to buy puppies is their demeanor. If you want a companion, some types of dogs are more ideal than others and this is especially true if you have young children in the home. A gentle dog is the best kind for children or the elderly. Even though almost every kind of puppy is rowdy, certain ones will grow up to be gentler than others. It’s a good idea to read up on the various breeds from the American Kennel Club so that you will know what kind of puppy you want and which will best fit your lifestyle.

Now, do you have the space for a puppy? In the beginning, nothing is puppy-proof and you have to be ready for anything. Because they have a lot of energy, puppies love to play and they will need a lot of space to enjoy. If you plan to keep your new pup inside, be sure that you have a yard that is large enough for him/her to run and play in during the day or, at least, to go for several walks in.

The next thing to consider when you buy puppies is whether or not you have the time to take care of them. Puppies require a lot of work and, if you are keeping them inside, possibly a lot of repairs to your home or furniture. You will have to train your puppy, which takes time, and also make sure that he/she has plenty of fresh, clean water and is fed on a regular schedule. Puppies need to be fed several times each day and, like babies, it’s best if they are on a schedule. Don’t forget bath-time because a puppy that plays hard will need a good scrubbing. The good news is that if you start giving them a bath early when you buy puppies, they will be better behaved and become more adapt to the process as they get older. You probably do not want to be trying to teach an 80lb. Labrador Retriever that a bath is normal.

Pit Bull Puppy Problems: Dog Training Ti...

danielrobertson0 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:56:01 +0100

There are a few different problems that are seen commonly in puppies who are six months of age or younger. These problems include submissive urination, urination when getting overly excited, and problems with nipping and chewing. If your Pit Bull terrier pup is having problems in any of these areas, don’t worry. I’m about to reveal exactly how to correct it.

If your Pit Bull puppy tends to squat and urinate when you approach him, this is a problem with submissive urination. This behavior shouldn’t be confused with a potty training problem, it is associated with insecurity if you punish your puppy or use negative reinforcements it will more than likely worsen the behavior. Submissive urination occurs when a dog is scared and feels intimidated when being approached by an individual.

To solve the problem of submissive urination, calmly approach your puppy. Try not to tower over him, crouch down so that you’re not as intimidating. If your puppy begins to urinate, try offering him a treat next time. The way to correct submissive urination is to get his focus away from whatever is causing his reaction.

If your puppy has difficulty controlling his bladder when getting excited, it is known as excitement urination. Again, never punish your puppy in this situation as it will only cause problems to get worse.

The fix for this problem is easy. Ignore it. Excitement urination usually disappears as a puppy matures and his bladder control strengthens.

Puppy chewing can be extremely annoying, especially if your Pit Bull is destroying things of high value to you (I’ve lost my fair share of eyeglasses for example). Puppies use chewing and biting as a way to ease teething pain. To solve this problem, give your puppy lots of toys to chew on instead. Kong toys are popular, as are stuffed squeakers.

If you’re having problems in these areas with your new Pit Bull puppy, have patience and take the time to work with your new buddy. He’ll get through these tough times with a little love and understanding.

Pit Bull Puppy Potty Training: 7 Importa...

danielrobertson0 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:55:44 +0100

Potty training your Pit Bull puppy the right way takes time and a lot of patience. Many different things come in to play as you are going through the housebreaking process.

If you’ve been trying to housebreak your new Pit Bull terrier pup but have been having major problems, then this article is for you. It is very possible that you have missed some of the more important points when it comes to puppy potty training.

To help you out, I’ve created the following list. Take a minute to read it and see if you spot some things you may not be doing correctly.

1. Are you writing down your dog’s potty habits so that you can easily spot trends and correct them?

2. Is the entire family on the same page when it comes to training routine? Consistent repetition is vital to the potty training process, if you’re missing this element you’re destined to fail!

3. Are you going outside with your puppy to confirm that he is going potty when he’s in the yard?

4. Are you using a crate or gate to confine your Pit Bull pup when you can’t keep an eye on him?

5. Are you giving your little pup full run of the house?

6. Do you have unrealistic expectations of your Pit puppy and then harshly scold him when he messes in the house?

7. Do you keep your puppy’s feeding times and portions the same every single day? It is important to be consistent and don’t give him extras such as treats, etc.

As you can see, there are many areas which are easy to make errors in and a new dog owner must be very careful not to skip over any of these steps when trying to housetrain their new puppy.

Pictures Of Dogs And Puppies - 5 Unique...

danielrobertson0 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:55:23 +0100

If you're a dog lover like me, you've probably taken dozens of pictures of your beloved dogs or puppies.

And where are those cute dog pictures now? Are they stashed away in a drawer or shoebox, gathering dust?

Don't let those adorable pictures of your dogs stay hidden away and be forgotten! There are so many decorative ways that you can display your favorite pictures of your dogs or puppies. Here are five unique ideas to get you started:

1. Display your precious dog pictures as a collage under glass! A coffee table with a glass top is a terrific spot to display your cherished pictures of your dogs or puppies!

Remove the glass and layout the pictures on the tabletop, in whatever theme you like. Think about the location of the table and how guests will approach the table. Place the pictures of the dogs or puppies in varying directions for a unique look! When you're satisfied with the layout of the pictures, place the glass top back over the photos.

2. Display your best-loved pictures of dogs or puppies using CD cases! You can purchase CD cases at your local office supply store. Be sure to use the standard size cases and not the slim variety. Throw away the plastic insert that's included in the case. Cut the dog pictures to the size of the CD case. Attach a piece of cardboard to the back of each photo. Place the dog photo inside the case and snap it securely shut. Now attach the CD case to the wall with a strip of Velcro. Arrange the cases in a 4 x 4 square pattern or place diagonally at different angles. What's neat about this type of display is that you can easily change the pictures of the dogs and puppies inside the case as often as you like!

3. Display several of your favorite pictures of dogs or puppies in a shadow box! A shadow box is a great way to display larger dog-related items that won't fit in a standard frame. Arrange the cute pictures of your puppies or dogs inside the shadow box, then add some of your favorite dog mementos such as his first ID tag, collar, or lock of hair. You could even add one of his favorite dog biscuits or treats. Be creative and display whatever treasured dog items would add the most meaning to the shadow box!

4. Display your favorite pictures of dogs or puppies on a velvet, satin or grosgrain ribbon! Cut a length of ribbon - the size of the ribbon will depend upon the number of photos that you choose to display. Arrange your favorite dog pictures on the ribbon. Attach the pictures of your dogs or puppies with one of those self-adhesive Velcro circles or squares. Now fill in the open spaces of the ribbon with colorful beads, sparkly glitter or some unusual buttons. Then, add a pretty bow at the top of the ribbon for a finishing touch!

5. Display your most cherished dog picture in a mirror frame! Take a piece of mirrored glass and cut it to fit a frame of your choice. You can find mirrored glass at most stores that sell window glass. Now, take a single-edge razor blade and scrape away the mirror's black backing to create a 'window' of clear glass for the picture of your dog to show through. The 'window' can be large or small, oval, heart-shaped, smooth or rough around the edges. Tape the picture of your dog or puppy to the back of the glass and place it in the frame.

These are just a few creative ways to display and share your favorite pictures of dogs or puppies. Don't limit yourself to the methods listed above. With a little thought and ingenuity, you'll be able to think of some more exciting and distinctive ways to show off those wonderful pictures of your dogs or puppies!

Picking The Right Aquarium Type

danielrobertson0 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:55:04 +0100

Aquariums have evolved into a very popular hobby, with about millions of aquarium and tropical fish enthusiasts worldwide.

Starting in the 1850s (when the predecessor of the modern aquarium were first being developed as a novel curiosity) the ranks of aquarium keeping has grown as more sophisticated systems including lighting and filtration systems were developed to keep aquarium fish healthy.

However before you can get started in the hobby you must first buy an aquarium. When you get to the pet store or specialized aquarium store you will have lots of aquarium tanks to choose from:

Metal Framework:

Most of the old style aquariums are made with sheets of glass, which are held in a metal framework. This is usually constructed of pieces of angle iron or stainless steel, which are welded together at the corners. Leakage between the glass and metal is prevented by putty aquarium cement, acrylic or silicon sealant.

Battery Jars:

Fish Globes or Bowls: This type of aquarium is useful for emergency purpose, but is not to be recommended as a permanent features. The glasses are cast in one piece and a crack, however small, may suddenly expand and cause a flood. This not only results in a loss of fishes but also necessitates the buying of a new tank, as it is impossible to repair the old one.

Also, when looking through the walls of this type of aquarium, there is distortion, which adversely affects one's view of the fishes. Similar disadvantages apply in fish globes or bowls.

Plastics:

With the ever-expanding applications of plastics, it is not surprising that these synthetic that these synthetic products have been used to replace glass for aquarium. Plastics have advantage of being unbreakable, but are soft enough for the surface to become scratched. This is in time will mar transparency.

Vitorlite:

This glass-like material is available in many different colours and some very pleasing effects can be obtained by applying it to the sides to back up the aquarium. Moreover, being opaque Vitorlite will hide the wall and any unsightly wires or other apparatus behind the aquarium.

Wood:

Aquarium frameworks with wood are desirable mainly for aesthetic reasons. The wooden framework however will have to be constructed from plywood to prevent warping.

The advantage of the wood lies in the fact that it can be polished, covered with upholstered rug, stained or coated with colours to harmonize with the furnishing of the room.

Petsafe dog fence

danielrobertson0 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:54:44 +0100

Are you having dog problems in confining your pet dog inside your yard? If your answer is yes then you are one among those pet owners that has the same problem of keeping their pets confined to their yard! We never know what will happen to our little ones once they are able to escape. The possibility of tragic consequences is never ending especially if you knew your dog has talent in escaping especially whenever you are not around.
Dogs that are running loose are in danger of being hit by a car, injured in a fight or hurt in different ways and as much as you don’t like it, you are liable for the damages or injuries your dog may cause. You are also required to pay a fine when your dog is picked up by an animal control agency.

If you want to prevent your pet dog from escaping again from your yard you need to understand why and how your dog cam get out of your yard. Emotional stress, sexual, fears and anxieties are some reasons why your dog wants to get out of your yard. You should try to deal with these issues so you can decrease his motivation for escaping from your yard.

You might be thinking now how your dog can escape from your yard. Digging their way out is one of the most methods that they use when they escape from your yard. Some dogs can be really talented. Instead of digging they jump over the fence or climb it. There are also dogs that chew through the fence or know how to open a gate. By knowing how your dog gets out and modifying your yard will help you minimize the chance of him getting out again.

There are also available products on the market that are specifically designed to help you protect your pets with this kind of situations. Petsafe dog fence</a> is a safe and easy to install alternative from your traditional fences. You can use Petsafe dog fence when you need to leave your dog unattended for extended periods of time or to contain an aggressive dog.

Pets- What You Should Know About Boardin...

danielrobertson0 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:54:13 +0100

It is a well-known fact that many consider dogs as man’s best friend. There are times, however, when even best friends must part ways – even if for a brief period of time only. Even if dog lovers abound all over the world, there are places and instances that simply do not allow pets. In situations like these, you just might have to leave your dog.

Boarding is becoming an increasingly common option for dog owners these days. More and more institutions are starting to offer boarding services to dog owners. Yet before deciding to leave your dog in a kennel, there are some things to take into consideration.

The first thing to bear in mind is start boarding your dog early. Just like their human counterparts, dogs do feel some sort of separation anxiety. Dogs that have had boarding experience before they are 5 years old tend to adjust better to kennel conditions as they may still have memories of “litter socialization.”

Choosing the right kennel to board your dog is not a joking matter. The first thing you should do is search your local yellow pages for available boarding institutions and then arrange for a personal visit to each one of them. Evaluate the kennels based on several factors. The overall appearance of the kennel is important. Take note of the cleanliness of the area. Daily cleaning is a must to ensure your dog’s health while you are absent. Make sure that even if the kennels have a no visitors policy (in the areas where the dogs are housed), you will be given the chance to at least view where your dog will stay.

Security is a very important consideration. You will want to rest assured that your dog will be taken care of and will not have the chance to escape. The tendency for pets is to look for their owners when they are not around. Thus you must make sure that the kennel has tight security regarding this matter.

Your dog’s safety is of utmost importance. Inspect his boarding area and see to it that there are no potential harmful objects or substances. It is also necessary for your dog to be alone in his temporary home. Stress might arise due to other pets housed in the kennels. Boarders should have solid dividers in between them. This is especially important for male dogs, which may be more aggressive than others.

Other important considerations regarding the living quarters are temperature, bedding, ventilation, and lighting. Try to choose a kennel with conditions as close to your dog’s normal living conditions as much as possible. Ensure that your dog is fed the proper food and given the right amount of water. If your dog needs regular exercise, look into the facilities of the boarding institution as well.

Leaving your dog, even if only for a few days, is a serious matter. Choosing the right kennel for him or her may take a chunk out of your busy schedule but it is better to ensure his or her comfort rather than to subject him or her to undue stress.

Pets Help Heal

danielrobertson0 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:53:55 +0100

Therapy dogs are dogs that are canine good citizens and are well trained and of a nature that is suitable for interaction with humans who are unwell. Studies have shown that interaction with pets and the special bonding it brings, helps the sick heal faster and trauma patients are known to come out of silence, grieving, or shock by interacting with pets.

An innovative program set up by Therapy Dogs International is “children reading to dogs.” Handlers and their dogs visit libraries and schools regularly and interact with children who have trouble reading. The dogs make friends with children who are encouraged to read the dog a story. The friendship and bonding between the child and dog as well as the non judgmental attitude of the happy animal encourages the child to read aloud to the dog who sits with a smile on his face and a wag in his tail. The interaction instills confidence in the child as well as improved learning.

Therapy dogs also provide valuable relief during disasters by helping affected families and persons as also relief workers. The animals provide comfort and an understanding that is invaluable in sad situations. Petting and hugging or grooming the dogs provides release of anxiety and stress. Dogs help heal and overcome problems and grief. It is unbelievable the kind of understanding a dog can show. So, dogs regularly work at bombing sites, earthquake affected areas as well as places whether flood or hurricanes have struck.

There are therapy dogs who regularly visit hospitals, old age homes, and nursing homes to help heal. The interaction with dogs brings a smile to face of patients and many dogs participate in physical therapy programs as well as in children’s wards where there are many children fighting illnesses. The dogs instill a positive attitude in patients and many look forward to the visit each day. Patients are encouraged to talk to the dogs, pet them, or even groom them. Bonding with the dogs speeds up healing and brings happiness. Many of the dogs are natural clowns and perform tricks to entertain the sick.

To be a therapy dog, both the handler and dog have to undergo special training, be of good health, be well groomed, and be dedicated to the cause. The dog must have a clear health certification and not be shedding his coat or have any allergies. The dog needs to be calm and obedient as he will have to take hospital activities and noise in his stride. The handler will need to devote time in training the dog, enjoy the work, and take insurance against unforeseen accidents. Owners interested in pet-therapy work will need to register with a group in the area where they live and find out from their dog club or trainer whether the dog they have is of a suitable nature and breed to be a good and successful therapy dog.

Therapy dogs show great patience, love, and understanding and the interaction is magical as even terminally ill patients are known to get better. Dogs boost morale, provide affiliation and touch, encourage love and communication, stimulate activity and exercise, help patients deal with depression, loss, and grief, and lower hypertension as well as blood sugar levels.

Pets Can Greatly Improve Your Health

danielrobertson0 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:53:38 +0100

Having a pet is one of the healthiest investments you can make to your long-term health and happiness. We know that having a pet enrichs our lives, and scientific studies in the last decade, have clearly shown how companion animals benefit both our bodies and our minds. Apart from lazy days in the sun, walking, fetching, and guaranteed smiles throughout the day, pets provide health benefits that extend far into the body and mind, such as lower blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety level as well as providing pet owners with both consistent behavior and offering unconditional love and affection. Pets in return, respond well to stability and the love and affection pet owners lavish upon them.

Pets have been known to improve the lives of pet owners, significantly benefiting health, not only for the young and families, but also for the elderly. Pets may help elderly owners live longer, healthier and ultimately, more enjoyable lives. The Journal of the American Geriartics Society published an article in May 1999 showing how independently living seniors with pets, tend to have better physical strength and overall mental health and wellbeing than seniors that do not have pets. They are more active, generally happier, cope better with stress, and have significantly lower blood pressure.

It would seem that taking care of a pet would be a lot of work. In fact, it is that work, that maintenance - walking, feeding, grooming, fresh water, playing and petting, that lowers the heart rate, decreases anxiety and stress levels, increases serotonin and the release of beta-endorphins in pet owners. Even just getting up to open the door for a dog to be let in or out, or changing the water for the kitty, require some cardiovascular exercise, and increase joint flexibility and keep joints limber and agile. Consistent minor exercise like this, ensures healthier bodies for pet owners.

Many of the benefits of having a pet are less tangible. Pets allow for physical contact and offer consistent companionship, as well as unconditional love. They act as a support system for older people without homes or families or close friends. People with pets generally remain more stable emotionally during crises than people without pets. Pets also offer protection socially from isolation, separation anxiety for people in nursing homes, and for people whodon't have as much opportunity to interact with other people.

Pets help elders perform daily functions and stick to regular routines such as getting up every day, buying groceries and going outside of their homes - all necessary physical, emotional, and social activities, that help elderly people active, motivated to eat and sleep, and comfortable in their environments and with themselves. Through these interactions, pets enable elders to interact with others more frequently, which lowers depression and anxiety, both frequent medical problems facing elders today.

Pets - The Love That Exists Between Pets...

danielrobertson0 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:53:22 +0100

Abraham Lincoln said, "I care not for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the
better for it." Love between the pet and the owner has been immortalized by many a legends. Many novels described the love and trust that an animal and the owner shares. So did many movies. Why even you or me would have had a pet at some point of time in our lives and loved our association with it. It is probably one of the purest relationships to experience for anybody.

We talk to our pets and they listen. They give us unconditional love and await our attention. They amuse us and make us feel good about ourselves. As Samuel Butler famously said, "The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too."

After a hard day's work, the moment your dog runs to you when you are home wipes off the day's fatigue. There are innumerable incidents of where a dog saved his owner or a cat woke up her owner when there was a fire in the house. Do pets have psychic power? They do. They can understand when you are standing at the door or when you are depressed. Pets fill in that void in our lives that no human relationship can fulfill.

Medical research says that seniors who own dogs visit a doctor less than who do not. It is a proven fact that pet owners have lower blood pressure or that the companionship of a pet helps families and people cope with serious illness. Playing with your pet burns up to 250 calories an hour. There are dogs that assist blind people in their daily lives and there are dogs that help police force in their mission to protect people. George Salpiatro, Connecticut lost his vision. He received two-year old Karl, a German shepherd as his assistant dog. As Salpiatro says, "I like to tell people, on January 2, 1995, my opportunity to be equal to others came with four legs and a tail that wags!"

But there would probably be fewer people who would own a pet because of the above mentioned reasons. People who own pets simply love their pets and any and every benefit that they get because of the association is just a byproduct. And it is true that once a pet lover always a pet lover.

When a pet passes on we feel a huge loss that seems incomprehensible. It gets difficult to console the children in the family. Just as a loss of a family member pains us, losing a pet how much ever inevitable it might be seems difficult to cope with. We look for ways to immortalize our lost pet. It is important that we treat the memory of the pet with dignity. That is probably the first step that we can take in our grieving process.

Pets - now legally protected

danielrobertson0 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:53:05 +0100

We buy our pets fancy clothes, outlandish designer dog accessories, a custom made pet carrier or jeweled dog collars; often paying more than we would if buying for ourselves. Now the legal profession has become involved to protect our four legged friends.

According to an article in a law review journal (Jarva), one weekend in November 2004, some 200 people convened at Yale Law School with a singular purpose: identifying ways of strengthening animal protection laws through the legislatures and courts. These individuals gathered from across the country and overseas.

There were lawyers, professors, and law students who, like many Americans, are convinced that animals are inherently valuable and deserving of humane treatment. However they go considerably furtherin their belief that all nonhuman animals are equally important and entitled to greater protections under the law.

The article goes further to say that some conference attendees may well balk at the "animal rightist" label, opting for the less inflammatory "animal protectionist" moniker instead. But whatever their ideological nuances, they are the legally savvy wing of a social movement determined on using the courts and legislatures to elevate the status of animals in society.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) and Yale Law School sponsored a conference titled "The Future of Animal Law," held Nov. 5-7. Headquartered in Petaluma, California. ALDF boasts some 100,000 members and has, for the past 25 years, worked for stronger enforcement of anticruelty laws.

The field of animal law has grown dramatically over recent years,and many want it to grow even more. There is a hope thatanimal law be taught in every American Bar Association-accredited law school,that animal law practices abound, and every judge and district attorney be educated about animal law.
New laws and new pet meds There is also a longstanding cultural norm against harming animals—the nation's first anticruelty statute was passed in 1867 in New York with the help of Henry Bergh, founder of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

"A hundred-plus years ago, our legal system recognized that animals are different. They have interests; they can feel pain; and we as a society ought to mitigate that pain, where possible," observed conference speaker and Michigan State University College of Law professor, David Favre. (Maybe that's why we spend so much online for pet meds).

It can be argued that many animals in the United States already do have rights, although they are protections in the narrowest sense; anticruelty statutes, for example, criminalize animal abuse. A provision of the federal Animal Welfare Act requires that dogs used for research be given regular opportunities for exercise. The Endangered Species Act protects the
Florida panther and other rare wildlife from being hunted to extinction.

For people who enjoy them, pets add enormous value to life. Most pet lovers will tell you that while animals don't replace the benefits of a healthy human relationship, they supplement life in ways that no other satisfaction can provide. It's rational for humans to treat pets among their highest values, assuming those pets bring something to the individual human's life.

That's one reason new laws are being sought to protect our animals and to recognize the loss one suffers when something bad happens to our pets. And, it is also because of that belief—animals do indeed add to our enjoyment of life—that we indulge our pets by buying a wide variety of specialized (and often extravagant items for Fido and Fluffy.

For many proud pet owners computers have become the pet shopping mall, with everything from jeweled dog collars and nutritious pet food to custom fit pet doors and luxurious dog beds and even a personalized pet memorial - all available online and at the click of a mouse.