Americans are more concerned about health than ever before, so we should also have an equal amount of concern for our pets … particularly with regard to the ingredients in their food. We would want the ingredients in our pets’ food to be acceptable for human consumption.

After all, If byproducts are not tolerated in our food, why should they be tolerated in our pets’ food? We’re also starting to realize that our dogs and cats need daily supplements the same way that we do, in order to take care of their bodies for the inevitable ravages of aging. In the span of an animal’s life, an early start at good health ensures less vulnerability to degenerative diseases, joints that are less likely to creak with pain and a healthier heart. Naturally we want our dogs and cats to live with us for as long as possible.

Renowned holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks says that when looking at dog food, one should be be weary of dyes, chemicals and artificial preservatives as much as possible. For example, BHA … one of the most common synthetic antioxidant preservatives mainly used to prevent food discoloration and rancidity … has been found in scientific studies to cause stomach cancer in lab rats at certain doses. In lesser doses, the preservative doesn’t have a cancerous effect but there is no telling what BHA can do to the body in small doses over a long period of time.

Dr. Jane states that the maximum life span of dogs is estimated to be between 25 to 30 years, but the average dog often lives no longer than 13 to 14 years.

And she says that this difference is caused primarily by inadequate nourishment.

She also states that protein is a critical part of a dog’s natural development so pet owners should look for foods which have whole ingredients like meat, eggs, fish and dairy as opposed to byproducts.

Harder working or more energetic dogs require more protein and fat in their diet to maintain stamina and good body form. A dog food that is complete and balanced and includes at least 26 percent protein and 1650 kilocalories of metabolizable energy per pound is ideal. During the seasons when dogs are not working, their energy requirements decrease. Feed less of the high calorie food or change to a less nutrient-dense dog food.

Unbleached rice is one of the more digestible carbohydrates and supplies a wide array of energy for your dog. Corn and wheat, meanwhile, are considerably more difficult to digest. It is also a great idea to look for antioxidants. In recent years, we have become much more conscious of our antioxidant intake, so why shouldn’t we have that same attitude towards our pets?

Dr. Jane Bicks has been honored on many occasions by the veternary profession and is the author of several books inlcluding ‘Thirty days to a healthier, happier dog’ and ‘Dr. Jane’s Natural guide to a healthier, happier dog’. She has been involved in many advisory boards including Canine Companions for independence and has served as the President of the Veterinary Medical association of New York City. She formulates Life’s Abundance premium dog food as well several types of dog supplements. For more information about Life’s Abundance dog food and dog supplements go to http://www.dog-food-nutrition.info/

About The Author

A.M. Wilmot is an author and researcher in the fields of human and pet health. For more info. go to http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com/ or http://www.dog-food-nutrition.info/

I have read and continue to read books on training. At this
point, I feel like whichever method (without cruelty, of course)
you use that works for your shih tzu is the type of training to
stick with. Not every method works for every shih tzu. We just
all have to continue to read and research and find what works
best for our unique situations. As we learn what works for our
shih tzu and we practice the lessons with the shih tzu
consistently, we are creating a much needed emotional bond with
them as well that is just as valuable as the actual behavior we
want our shih tzu to learn. Shih tzu want nothing more than to
please and hang out with their human friends.

In this article I would like to speak about teaching your shih
tzu what “sit” actually means. Try it. If it works for you, then
you have solved a problem for yourself. I believe you can use
this same method with any behavior you want your shih tzu to
learn.

You want to teach your dog to “sit” on cue. You will need to
have a bowlful of small treats your shih tzu just loves. You can
use a clicker if you desire. You will need lots of time and
patience.

First hold the delicious treat in front of your shih tzu’s nose.
Move the treat slowly back over the top of the shih tzu’s head.
As the dog moves up to follow the treat, her rump will begin to
move down. And….wa-la……your shih tzu is sitting without
you laying a hand on her.

As soon as your shih tzu’s rump is on the ground, use your
clicker and click, or say your “command” word or “phrase” you
want the shih tzu to associate with this behavior (teaching your
shih tzu what “sit” actually means). Now give the treat. Start
playing with your shih tzu again to get her out of the sitting
position. Now do the exercise again. If your shih tzu jumps up
to get the treat, you are holding it too high. You don’t want
the shih tzu to think she is suppose to “jump” to get the treat.
Use a word or phrase you have chosen to use consistently for
behavior that is not reward-worthy if the shih tzu jumps up for
the treat (decide upon this word and use it consistently with
all your training sessions for behaviors that do not deserve a
treat). You want the shih tzu to learn to “sit” for her treat.

When the shih tzu folds into a sit as soon as you hold your hand
out, add the word you want the shih tzu to connect with this
action (say “sit” or whatever keyword/command you have chosen),
hold your hand out in the same motion as before, but DO NOT give
a treat. Click or say your keyword when the shih tzu sits. Now
come forth with the treat (when the shih tzu is in the sitting
position).

The shih tzu will appreciate the time you spend and will feel as
though you have paid attention to her, which the shih tzu
absolutely adores from its human friends, and you have paid
attention to your shih tzu. You have not only taught the shih
tzu a valuable lesson for her and yourself, but you have created
an extra emotional bond as well.

There are those people who would have you believe that your dog cannot comprehend the human languages. I don’t agree.

Their understanding may not function quite the same as ours, but they are certainly capable of learning their own names, names for their toys, words for out, meals, ride, etc. The key is to use the same words consistently.

If I were dropped into a foreign country, it would not take me long to learn the words for certain things. Most people are capable of that. If you were shown by example what the words meant, you could learn to cope with that society.

I contend that the same holds true of dogs (and cats, although they are less likely to really care). If you say “out” to the dog and take him to the door consistently, why would he not learn what that word means? In fact, we had a dog once that quickly learned how to spell the word, too. We finally had to mis-spell the word to get it past her clever hearing and mind.

Many trainers will tell you that the dog learns commands because of the tone of voice used. There is something to that, but I would suggest that the dog is smarter than that. For instance, I can tell my dogs to “move” when they are in the way of my path, and they will get out of my way. I can even tell them in a variety of words–”move it,” “get out of the way,” “excuse me,” and other terms. My dogs have learned that they all mean the same thing.

Where is the consistency, you ask? By using the same term frequently, and associating it with the other terms, they have learned a variety of commands that mean the same. Plus, I don’t even have to use my command voice in those cases. Normal conversational tones will do. Why is this?

It may well be because I actually talk to my dogs. I talk to them as I would to most people and they have learned a great many things. They know the names of specific toys; they know to go looking for toys if I ask them where something is; they know that if I ask them if they’re ready for “supper,” (or, breakfast–I feed twice a day) that a meal is coming.

I can say things like, “go lie down,” and they will. Mind you, they have been taught the term “down” as meaning lie down, but without putting it into a command tone, I still get pretty consistent results from the request.

They can even learn the differences between colors. Recent studies have shown the dog can actually see colors such as blue, green, and, I think it is, yellow. So, if you have a blue ball and a green one, the dog can differentiate between them simply by color even if they are the same size, texture and shape.

Now, I don’t use “baby talk” with my dogs. “Does sweetums want (such and such)?” I suppose that if you did that all the time, it would work, but they are more likely to learn and respond to your normal conversational tones than such “sweet” talk.

Talking to your dog also expands the thought processes. A dog that is tied to the doghouse in the yard, does not have the “educational” level of the dog kept in the house. The outside dog will function more on developed instinct than trained impulses. They also tend to make-up their own rules out there and develop their territory that they will defend. Sometimes, even from their people.

So, the upshot is, keep the dog in the house and talk to him or her. You’ll come to find that the dog’s functional vocabulary expands over time. No, they cannot speak our language, so you’ll have to learn some of theirs (looks, body-language, etc.) as well, but it’s totally worth it to do so.

C. Rogers Upson has been training dogs and studying them for nearly 40 years. Her website is http://www.dogpotentials.com and she has two dog-related stores at http://www.cafepress.com/keepbts (Keeping to the Borders) and http://www.cafepress.com/dp52 (Dog Potentials).

Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover. Let’s face it, folks, cats are just different from dogs. Cats do not usually perform any special tricks, and they certainly do not guard your possessions while you are away. In fact, the only thing you can be guaranteed of by having a cat is that a mouse won’t last long if they creep into your home.

Cats are loved by many because of their independence. Cats have a life, so to speak. Most cats do not follow you around the home with their tongues hanging out of their mouths waiting on your attention. While they do love their owners fiercely, cats will not grovel like a dog and worship and fawn over their owners. Cats are perfectly content simply being themselves–and they do not seem to need constant reassurance, unlike canines.

This does not mean cats do not need love and affection, it simply means cats are not “fragile” characters. In fact, cats exude a self assurance which can often be misunderstood as aloofness or coldness. Yet, cats are far from aloof or unfeeling. They feel deeply and love deeply. If a cat comes to sit on your lap, you know you are truly loved.

Anytime the family thinks about bringing a new pet into the home, it is exciting. Cats are a favorite of many because as kittens they are so entertaining to watch. Cats have a mind all of their own and only a true cat lover can even claim to understand the psyche of a feline. Cats are mysterious animals, which is part of the draw to them. While cats have been brought into the home, their instincts still remain. Cats adopt their owners and will even go out and provide “dinner.” Many cat owners have stepped out on the stoop to find a dead mouse, opossum, or mole waiting for them. Now, that is love and loyalty!

If you are planning to bring a cat into your home, you should look at it as a life long commitment. Cats can live fifteen years and beyond. You should also understand that as cats mature, they will often sleep and laze around the home. If you are wanting a cat to entertain you throughout her life, you should seriously think about whether a cat is the pet for you. Kittens are very entertaining and young cats are always curious and open for a challenge. However, older cats aren’t easily excitable and usually prefer to watch the antics in the home from a distance.

When you have made the decision to bring a new cat into your home, you will have to decide between a domestic or purebred cat. If you choose to go with a purebred cat, you can be guaranteed of size and appearance, and possibly temperament. There are more than 40 breeds to choose from, so do your homework. You will want to research the grooming requirements of the breed you are considering, along with the general disposition of the breed.

Domestic cats come in all colors and shapes. When you look at any cat, there are some things you should consider. For instance, while all cats are fairly in proportion to each other, there are some cats which are more lanky and lean than others. These cats will be the ones who may be more interested in running and exploration. The chunkier, heavier cat will probably be more laid back and not get into too big a hurry about anything. You have a choice between a domestic long hair or domestic short hair cat.

When picking out your kitten, you should understand that kittens should not have an odor. While puppies do tend to have a smell about them, kittens do not. You should observe the entire litter of kittens. Do any of them have crusty eyes or a runny nose? If so, you may want to reconsider choosing a kitten from that litter. You certainly shouldn’t take one home simply because you feel sorry for it, either. Especially if you have other pets in your home. All of the kittens should have bright and clear eyes and be very alert.

You should handle the kittens. Their fur should be soft and silky, and never stiff or dry. Likewise, their coat should not feel oily or greasy. When you are petting the kitten, you should run your hands along her skin to ensure she has no sores. When you are holding each kitten, place them up to your face and nuzzle them. Listen for any breathing noises. You should not hear any raspy or breathy breathing. If you do, this is possibly a signal that the kitten has a respitory infection.

After visiting with the kittens, instinct will usually dictate to you which kitten is your match. You may feel the rowdy, rambunctious kitten will fit the best into your lively home. Or, you may decide the laid back kitten is more your speed, especially if you have a quiet home. Once you have made your decision and chosen your kitten, you should have a kennel waiting for travel. You should never try to ride in a car with a cat unless they are restrained or in a kennel. While most dogs love car rides, cats tend to scare. They can cower under your feet and this can lead to a wreck.

When you bring your new kitten into your home, you should immediately show her where the litter box, food and water are located. You should also have a supply of cat toys on hand to distract the cat from missing her mom and litter mates. While this cannot entirely be avoided, lavishing attention on a new kitten will do wonders in the transition to her new family.

You should expect your new kitten to explore every nook and cranny in the home. This is a necessary part of a kitten’s disposition. (Even older cats seem to perk up when a new piece of furniture is brought into a home they have lived in for years.) You will want to kitten proof your home. You should keep the lids down on the toilet, and you may want to remove potted plants and the like until your cat learns the rules.

Cats are social creatures, and they can learn the rules of their new environment with consistency. While you may think they do not understand what you are saying, this is not true. If you have a new kitten who wants to walk across the kitchen counter or dining room table, simply rattling a newspaper at her and saying “down” will teach her to stay off. With time you will be able to put the newspaper away and simply speak the command.

Kittens can add joy to any home. Part of the fun is knowing the kitten is oblivious to the fact that she is the center of attention. She is not trying to gain your attention by performing. She is simply being a cat. You should also not be upset if your kitten is not interested in being a lap cat. While she may be content for a few moments on your lap, kittens have to roam, play and explore. As your cat matures she will be more inclined to take it easy curled up on your lap. Until then, just make her feel loved and you will have a feline that will adore you and her new home.

Copyright © 2005, Ian White

About the Author

Author Ian White is founder of cat-breeders.biz Those seeking kittens can locate and match with appropriate breeders. Cat-Breeders.biz automates the matching of kittens for sale with kitten wanted entries, with daily email notifications to all parties. http://www.cat-breeders.biz

Whether you have a big sized aquarium with lots of fishes or just a glass bowl on your table with a couple of Gold fishes, they give you great pleasure and tranquility to see them.

Fishes are most soothing pets, but they can be real delicate too. However you can take a good care for your fishes by remembering some small tips.

Whether you are out for a couple of days, your fishes will be there waiting for you when you come back. Here are some tips to keep your fishes healthy.

1) Cleaning your aquarium or tank

Your fish survives in the water of your tank or your aquarium. Not only they eat in it but also the water gradually accumulates the bio-waste from our fishes and gravel.

So it makes a god sense to clean the aquarium and change the water once a week. Do not change the entire water immediately. Fishes are sensitive to water temperature and a sudden change may affect them. Collect your fishes in a tub or a plastic bag with some water of your tank or aquarium. Seal the plastic bag and put it safely. Then clean the aquarium and change the water. Put the plastic bag (with the fishes and water) inside the aquarium -without opening it. Let the temperature of the water inside the plastic bag change gradually to that of the new water in the aquarium. Your fishes will adapt to the new temperature. Then open the plastic bag and release the fishes inside the aquarium.

After all a clean aquarium is always more pleasant to look at.

2) Cleaning your aquarium’s air pump

Dirt and gravel often coagulates the air pump making it function less efficiently. Often bio-waste accumulates in the air filter. Consider changing the air filter at least once a month or as mentioned in the air-pump manual

3) Feeding your fishes.

One big word: Do Not Overfeed your fishes. Most aquarium fishes die of overfeeding rather then underfeeding. Also leftover foods (usually your fishes will continue eating till they are in real trouble!) contaminate the water, and promote bacteria harmful to the fishes. Feed the fish small amounts, which they can consume in three to five minutes and feed them daily. And if you are going out for a couple of days in the weekend, do not try to feed them an extra quantity on Friday. Your fishes will do well on an empty stomach for a couple of days. Also it is always better not to ask your helpful neighbor not to feed your fish when you are away for the weekend. The chances are that your over-zealous neighbor will overfeed them (with a good intention, of course!).

There is sufficient food in a balanced aquarium to keep fish healthy even though not fed for a day or more.

About The Author

Partha Mitra

See my e-book on Tropical fishes at http://dotpacket.net/tropical

partha@webmine.us

Among the entire breed of dogs the Boxer dog stands apart not just for its looks but also for its intelligence. The Boxer is not a pet for everyone. This special dog needs specialized handling and training. This is one of the highly intelligent breeds among the species of dogs.

The owners of the boxer dog need to decide beforehand if this particular breed is what they are looking for. The boxer is a sturdy good-looking dog with many positive features. It is highly intelligent, lovable, and loyal and makes a very good pet.

Training a Boxer should begin quite early from about 6 weeks. Formal training can begin when it is about 13 weeks old. The Boxer should be given a chance to socialize and should be allowed to meet and play with other dogs.

The Boxer dog is dominant by nature and therefore it requires firm handling to keep it under control. A Boxer makes a good guard dog, which is why they are seen a lot in the police force. A well-trained boxer will help in sniffing out suspects. Its highly sensitive nose is good for detecting narcotics and other drugs. It can also help detect bombs. So it is quite common to see boxer dogs not only serving in the police force but also hold ranks.

The problem with the boxer dog breed is that it tends to get bored and turn reclusive very easily. Therefore it is important to keep this particular breed constantly engaged. This highly intelligent dog needs a good caretaker who can keep it under control. Otherwise this breed is known to turn violent and unfriendly.

Boxer dog need a lot of attention and care. The owner of this breed will need to spend a long time with this dog otherwise they tend to turn reclusive or ill tempered.

The Boxer needs to be kept engaged for most part of the day.

Taking it for long walks three times a day is a must.

Playing with your pet and keeping it engaged for most part of the day is one of the prime requisites.

Boxer dog is a joy to own. With its good looks, intelligence, courage and loyalty the Boxer makes its owner both happy and secure.

This highly lovable breed has a lifespan more or less similar to other species of its breed. The average lifespan of a Boxer is about 11-12 years. However, some dogs are known to live for as long as 15 years.

Venkata Ramana is a dog Lover since childhood. Visit his Boxer Dog website and discover how you can make boxer dog the happiest, loving dog alive, Running healthily with you.

Bhabani wrote to me with her question about her dog and submissive urination:

She wrote: “I have a mixed-breed puppy (German shepherd/border collie mix) which is 4 months old. It’s very friendly with people but when it approaches people, it urinates all-over. The same happens when I come home in the evening. It becomes very excited and urinates on the carpet. Is that a submissive behavior? How can I solve this problem?

-Bhabani

Dear Bhabani,

Just for peace of mind, have him checked by your veterinarian to make sure the problem is strictly behavioral and isn’t medically related. Once you have the results from the tests, you can start from there.

If your dog is otherwise house-trained, it is more likely a submissive behavior. You can help reduce this behavior by increasing your dog’s confidence level.

Take the dog out more and socialize, socialize, socialize with other humans.

Agility training is also a great start.

Don’t create as much excitement around the dog when he’s known to exhibit the behavior. When you come home, ignore him until he’s calm enough to greet. Is he kept in a crate while you’re gone? This can help you by allowing you to come home and immediately take the dog outside to potty. By staying in the crate, he will be more at loathe to potty in it because dogs have an inhibition to using the same area as a toilet and a den.

The same goes with guests. If a guest comes over, they should ignore the dog and not fuss until he calms down. Do not correct him for urinating. Correcting submissive urination will only make the behavior worse.

About the Author: Adam G. Katz is the author of the book, “Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer: An Insider’s Guide To The Most Jealously Guarded Dog Training Secrets In History.” Get a free copy of his report “Games To Play With Your Dog” when you sign up for his free weekly dog training tips e-zine at:
http://www.dogproblems.com

Source: www.isnare.com

The pet retailer is becoming the retail destination. It used to be that garden centres considered putting a pet shop adjacent to a garden centre as an extra means of attraction. I recently worked with a company in South Africa where the draw card is the pets; the added attraction is the garden centre.

So what makes the pet retail sector so unique? Well, in generational marketing terms, it’s one of the few retail sectors that appeals to each generation. Spoodles (0 - 4 yrs old), Juveniles (the Pester Power group, 5 - 14 yrs old), Generation Y (15 - 24 years old), Generation X (25 - 34 years old) , The Jones’ Generation (35 - 44 years old) , Baby Boomers (45 - 59 years old) and Greying Tigers (60 years and older) are all fascinated by pets.

That causes a retail challenge as the pet retailer has to design their store in easily managed categories but also to appeal to each generation.

This is unique in retailing, but get it right and you have a formula for success.

Most retailers only have to concentrate on one or two generations and put the picture together, but pet buyers and carers need special treatment and each group needs different requirements. That’s the challenge of success in this retail sector.

What services do you include within the retail sector, i.e. veterinary services, grooming services and care talks. Plus, what services do you provide to get customers to linger longer, i.e. café, restaurant, pet shows etc.

This is a retail sector that is growing and therefore innovation is inevitable.

About the Author

John Stanley is a conference speaker and retail consultant with over 20 years experience in 15 countries. John works with pet retailers around the world assisting them with their merchandising, staff and management training, customer flow, customer service and image. Visit www.johnstanley.cc or email us on newsletter@johnstanley.cc.