Made Moon Blog

If you have been thinking of getting a new dog, have you considered all the options available to you? The obvious choice people make, when considering a new dog is to go to a specialized dog breeder. A good dog breeder will be able to sell you a puppy that has been checked for genetic problems, diseases etc and will very often provide you with a high quality pedigree dog that should be free from problems that plague a lot of dogs.

This is ideal for a lot of people but of course will come at a price. There is an alternative – adopting a puppy or adult dog.

There are lots of dogs that are without homes at animal shelters or humane societies. These animals are often a victim of circumstance. Either an owner has died, or an elderly person cannot cope any more. Sadly through no fault of their own, they have ended up homeless. Adopting a dog, may be a great way to offer a loving home to one of these dogs.

A lot of people are concerned that they may end up with an unhealthy dog, or a dog that may be aggressive by getting one from a shelter. Most animal shelters will check a dog for good health and good temperament, so if there are any problems you will be told about them. Also, a lot of shelters offer in-house training to increase the chances of a dog finding a new home. Which is great for everybody!

The best way to go about adopting a dog is to pay a visit to your nearest animal shelter. Explain to the staff there, what kind of dog would suit you and your family. Bear in mind that if you have very small children, getting a large dog may not be a good idea. Similarly if you have an apartment, maybe think about getting a small dog that doesn’t require vast amounts of exercise. A bit of forethought before you arrive will make finding the perfect dog for you that much easier.

When you bring your new dog home, try and imagine things from her perspective. Your new dog has probably been through a lot in the past so bringing her to yet another new home may well be overwhelming. The best thing to do is keep her on a leash at first, and gradually introduce her to your home letting her sniff each room until she has got a feel for her new surroundings. Also take her to relieve her bladder outside if she has been on a long car journey with you.
Once she has settled down, allow her to walk freely off the leash inside your home (not outside off the leash yet). This will give her a chance to find ‘her’ spot. By this I mean her favorite place. We all have a favorite spot where we like to go, dogs are no different. If you have bought a new dog bed or blanket for your new arrival, this may be the place to put it. She will naturally go to that spot so having a comfy new bed there will help her settle in.

Your new dog may be very quiet for the first few days but don’t worry, this is part of the settling in process. After a short while your dog will be a fully settled in new member of the family.

Adopting from an animal shelter is a great way to get a new companion and a great way to make a new and happy future for your dog.

Article By Andrew Strachan. Find lots more information about different dog breeds and types of dogs at www.types-of-dogs.com. Lots of help and advice too.

To many people, their pets are members of their families. They want to be able to care for their health in the same way they would any other family member.

Pet health insurance can help you afford the very best wellness care for your cat or dog, as well as to be prepared for the unexpected emergency visit. Pet health insurance plans can take care of your pet’s needs from accident and illness only, to complete wellness care such as annual checkups, vaccinations, and flea and heartworm preventative medication.

The idea of health care insurance coverage for household pets has been around for awhile now. As technological advances in the world of veterinary medicine increase the availability of human level diagnostics and health care to animals, many pet owners find themselves in the heartbreaking position of not being able to afford the care their pet needs. Unlike the world of human health care, there is no government health care plan ready to step in and provide that care.

Just like human health care insurance, pet health care insurance pays for veterinary care and often for prescription medication as well. The cost of pet insurance will vary based on what is covered by the health care policy. Some pet insurance policies will include coverage for annual vaccinations for your dog or cat. Other policies do not cover these routine medical expenses and are there in case your pet suffers a catastrophic illness or injury.

As with human health care insurance, pet insurance pays the health care provider, in this case the veterinarian, according to a schedule worked out by the insurance company. Before you sign up for pet insurance, it is a good idea to make sure your veterinarian accepts the insurance you are considering. You may want to ask your vet for a recommendation. Pet insurance is becoming more and more common, so there is a good chance the staff at your veterinary hospital has at least a passing familiarity with the various pet insurance programs offered in your area.

Also consider the deductible you are required to pay before the pet insurance kicks in. Of course, the higher the deductible, the lower the cost of the insurance policy.

Charlene Mattel is founder of http://www.insurance-insurance.info and has worked in the insurance industry for almost 30 years. She understands how confusing all of the different insurance policies can be so she created a website to explain all types of insurance in plain English, to help you buy the policy and coverage that you really need and at the best price.

http://www.insurance-insurance.info/health/pet%20insurance.htm

Pet medication can rid your pet of just about any health complication, and even more so if you are able to detect the concern at an early stage. That’s why it’s important to not ignore any changes in behavior patterns, appetite levels and energy levels in your pet. By noticing these changes at an early stage, you can prevent most health concerns before they become serious with a basic form of pet medication. You can avoid costly vet visits and the possible need for surgery, which will save your pet from a lot of pain, as well as save yourself from a hefty vet bill. Our pets are a lot like our children, and they need to be taken care of as well, and as a result of taking care of them, your pet will live a longer and healthier life.

There are many reasons why some form of pet medication can be beneficial to your pet, and one of the most important reasons is preventive pet medicine. If you came across a way that you could decrease your pets chances of ever developing health complications, there is no doubt most people would want to know more. Pet vitamines and supplements are there to do just that. Why not prevent heartworm, fleas, ticks, dental problems, bone and joint problems and a variety of other diseases and conditions before they attack your pet? This will save your pet much pain and suffering, and will also save you money in the long run, because you will help you avoid those devestating veterinary bills due to expensive surgeries and treatments. Pet medication comes in many other forms besides for preventive measures.

If your pet requires pet medication, a great place to shop for them is at an online store, where you will find pet medications for all pet health conditions. Whether you need medication for you pets eyes and ears, arthritis and joints, bones, teeth, fleas and ticks, heartworm, whipworm, vaccines, tape worm or any other type of pet health concern, online shopping is the way to go. With free shipping on pet medication, and delivery right to your door, you have the potential to save a considerable amount of money and time. After all, we all want the same things from our pets, and it’s important that we do the best we can to ensure the health and happiness of our pets, so that they can bring the most enjoyment to our home and family. The need for pet medication is an unfortunate thing, but it’s a very fortunate thing to be able to acquire them and to educate ourselves on our pet health concerns and remedies.

Dean Cecere is author and contributor of resourceful pet related articles.

Please visit http://www.pet-supplies-guide.com for all of your pet needs.

Thank you and please feel free to use this article providing the above link is left live.

Although Pit Bulls have gained a bad reputation for their seemingly aggressive behavior, this breed can be the ideal pet for the right owner. Pit Bulls crave attention and are very loyal and loving toward people.

Other dogs, on the other hand, tend to bring out the aggressive behavior of the Pit Bull. Originally bred to fight other dogs, Pit Bulls generally will not tolerate other dogs, especially those of the same sex. But with an owner who is knowledgeable about Pit Bulls and their personality traits, this breed will flourish and bring a great deal of enjoyment to their human companions.

Pit Bulls tend to be very confident, loving and bright, but also very dependent on humans. If left on their own for too long, they will often develop destructive habits such as chewing out of frustration and loneliness.

A good owner for this pet would be someone who is very responsible and committed to the specific care required by a Pit Bull. Pit Bulls need a great deal of training, exercise and one on one attention with their owners to keep from becoming frustrated. They should also not be left alone with other dogs. Therefore, a household with no other pets is an ideal home for a Pit bull.

Contrary to the image that they have in the media, Pit Bulls can be great with children. In general, Pit Bulls love people, especially children. The most common problem associated with Pit Bulls and children is that Pit Bulls are extremely energetic and they have a tendency, in their excitement, to knock young children over, puppies especially have a tendency for this.

They are also very easy to train due to their high level of intelligence and desire to please their owner. For this reason, positive methods of training work best for a Pit Bull. Demoralizing punishments usually are very counterproductive in Pit Bulls because of their personality traits and should be avoided.

Pit Bulls live for an average of 12 to 14 years and usually experience good health for their entire lifetimes. Some common health problems experienced by the breed include Parvo, hip displaysia, hereditary cataracts and allergies.

In General, this breed is very easy to socialize with humans and is typically a great deal of fun to have around. Many Pit Bulls exhibit superior performance when it comes to obedience training and physical activities such as Frisbee and playing ball. For these reasons, Pit Bulls should not be overlooked when selecting a pet if you have what it takes to care for this special breed.

By Rose Lenk
For more pitbull tips and articles visit Pitbulls Pro

Your dog is more similar to you in their emotions than in their mentality. Some of their emotional reactions are so much like ours, that we tend to humanize them. The dogs emotions are visibly expressed in his eyes and face, his ear and tail movements, his posture, and general behavior. Sometimes they are vocally expressed as well. Your dog can feel and express the same emotions as we do: love, hate, joy, sorrow, grief, anxiety, jealousy, remorse, anger, fear, and even more subtle ones such as distrust and resignation.

Pet dogs have an endearing tendency to imitate their owner’s emotional reactions, which may not weigh much in an argument, but it certainly offers much in moral support. They are no more individual in expressing their emotions than we are. Dogs approach and seek contact with objects and beings that inspire friendly feelings, and avoid or shy away from those they fear. Often a dog will pretend not to see a person or animal he dislikes. A crouching position and a watchful eye mean that he has not yet made up his mind to trust or distrust.

Some facial expressions are much like ours. Worried frowns, angry glares, adoring gazes, suspicious squints, questioning looks, seductive glances, humor, and even genuine smiles. A smile, accompanied by half-closed eyes and ears held low signifies intense pleasure. Dogs express their feelings thru body language more so than facial expressions. A wagging tail and friendly grin are invitations to approach and perhaps make friends, while a snarl, a fixed stare, stiff, straight legs and tail are warnings to keep your distance. The question of distance is important to the dog because of territorial concerns and of survival instincts.

Dogs usually give voice to the emotions, and their meanings are generally clear. A happy dog gurgles or squeals with pleasure. A gentle whine says “please”, and snarling is definitely hostile. Dogs yelp from pain or fear, whine from frustration or pain, and sigh for the same reasons we do. Puppy cries are easiest to interpret, they scream when they are too hot, whimper when cold, and protest loudly when hungry. Barking is usually done to attract attention or to work excess energy if the dog is constrained such as in a kennel. Dogs exchange information among themselves less by voice than by a wide range of facial expressions, body postures and gestures.

An owner who takes the trouble to observe his dog and pay him the courtesy of listening to him, can establish a simple two-way communications system with his pet. Canine messages are usually very elementary, as he asks much less of us than we do of him. “I’m hungry”, “I’m thirsty, “I need to go out”, or “Come with me”, are among the messages he manages to convey very well, considering his limited means. His most eloquent utterance is perhaps the emotional gurgle or barks that mean to say, “It’s about time you came home, I’ve missed you!”

Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed the website http://joncopets.com/ on the site, customers can read articles about anything pets as well as shop for the latest trendy items for their best friend. Feel free to check out the site at http://joncopets.com/

Sled dog breeds are characterized by endurance, strength, and intelligence. They are usually medium to larger dogs, with a very muscular build, and have helped mankind transport supplies in times before the automobile.

Nowadays, sled dog breeds are found as pets, as well as trained to participate in sled dog racing.

Sled dogs were developed to withstand very low temperatures. Their coats have a double layer, with the undercoat acting as insulation against the ice and snow. Because they have such thick coats, they need regular brushing and grooming. They also shed a lot, especially at the beginning of summer when they lose a lot of their undercoat. This could be a problem for people with dog allergies.

Traditional sled dog breeds include the Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Malamute, the Chinook, the Sakhalin Husky, the Canadian Eskimo dog, the Seppala Siberian sled dog, the Tamaskan husky, the Samoyed, the Eurohound, the Mackenzie River husky, and the Greenland dog.

Whilst these dogs were purpose bred, many other breeds have been used, including mixed breeds. These days, that tradition lives on in sled dog racing, where the most popular breeds include the Alaskan Husky, and various cross breeds, often based on the German Shorthaired Pointer. However, many breeds have been used, including the poodle!

Alaskan huskies are favored in modern sled dog races because they are faster than traditional breeds like the Alaskan malamute or the samoyed. They are not as strong, but in sled dog racing where speed is important, and the distances are shorter, Alaskan huskies were found to perform better.

Alaskan husky dogs are not a recognized breed. They are bred for their performance, and so they cannot be easily characterized as a breed. Alaskan husky dogs represent a variety of types with different lines. They are hybrid dogs – a husky with another breed, that is determined by the needs and ideas of the breeders. A husky may be bred with a wolf, setters, or any other breed that can bring genetic advantages in speed and endurance.

Sled dog racing is a winter and fall sport where the sled dogs are attached to a sled (or a 3 or 4 wheeled cart in autumn), and pull the driver along. The driver stands on runners. The dogs are harnessed individually, with tug lines attached that are linked into a central gang line. The dogs are linked in pairs, and there are up to 22 dogs in a racing team. Teams race either against the clock, and a winner then announced, or against each other in a seemingly chaotic race. There are dog sled races in three categories – short distance, middle distance, and long distance.

Like the sled dog breeds themselves, the sport of sled dog racing has seen some interesting adaptions to modern times and different climates. In Australia, for example, where there is very little snow, even in winter, sled dog races are held. Here, modified scooters are used, and racing is done on dirt tracks. Australian sled dog racers tend to use all sorts of dogs as sled dogs, including kelpies, english pointers, and red heelers.

Rebecca Prescott presents this dog information site, with articles on the Alaskan Malamute breed, and Siberian Husky dogs

The first dog trick that is generally taught a dog is to shake hands, and there are very few puppy and dog owners who do not teach their pets this simple trick.

In most cases it is so easily accomplished that the amateur trainer does not know exactly how it was done, for if you take hold of a dog’s paw and say “paw” or “shake” and repeat the performance often enough and at odd times, it will be the most natural thing for a dog to place his paw in your hand as soon as you extend it and he hears the word “paw,” to which he has become accustomed.

If during the training you always take hold of the right paw, this paw will always be the one he will give you, but he can be taught to give you the left paw by taking it when you make the request. You can make the performance more interesting by saying “shake hands” when you want the right paw and when you want the left paw say “left paw.”

This gives your audience the impression that your dog understands that it is customary to shake hands with the right hand and that he also possesses a left paw, in fact that is what he actually learns.

Should your dog offer you the left paw when you ask to “shake hands,” repeat your command distinctly, and when he sees, after a moment or two, that you are not going to take the paw he offers, he will put it down and in all probability offer you the other paw, which is the one you want.

You should take it promptly and hold it for a minute, then pat him on the head and impress on him that he has pleased you by praising and giving him a treat. This trick of shaking hands can also be varied by asking the dog to show you his pulse, or the trick can be farther elaborated by saying to your dog when you want to show him off to friends or acquaintances:

“Buddy, old man, you are not looking well this morning; come here and let me feel your pulse,”

and by putting a little emphasis on the word “pulse” the dog will come up to you and offer you his paw, and if you take it with an air of gravity it will impress your audience with your dog’s talent.

Some dogs, after sufficient practice at this trick, get so habitual that they continually offer their paw to every one who will take it, and a case is recorded of a half-grown puppy of one of the larger breeds which was so accustomed to offering his paw that one day when a strange cat made its appearance on the premises before the puppy. He made a rush at the intruder with every appearance of hostility, but when near the cat habit gained a mastery over instinct, and held out his paw as usual to offer a friendly hand shake.

Enjoy teaching your dog the hand shake trick and most importantly have fun!

About the Author

Moses Chia is a dog lover and owner of DogsObedienceTraining.com – The dog training resource site for a happier and healthier dog. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

It goes without saying that Americans are wild about their pets. We spend an inordinate amount of time, money, and energy making sure our cats, dogs, fish, and exotic animal friends are happy and healthy. The pet industry is booming and it shows no sign of slowing down.

It was only a matter of time before this pet mania spread to the internet.

Today, people can log on to order pet food or custom-made clothes for their four-legged companions. Top notch veterinarians are available to answer specific questions via email and there are websites devoted to issues about animal health and nutrition.

Breeders from across the country are getting in on the game now.
If you are a breeder, a web site offers a one of a kind opportunity to advertise your services and show off your animals. A responsible breeder will take care to promote their business in the most tasteful and informative manner possible. Here are some of the elements you may want to include on your site:

• An attractive logo with your business name and an illustration of your animal
• Proof of your breeder certification
• Testaments from customers and reference information
• Striking photos of the animals
• Pedigree charts
• An online store where viewers can purchase merchandise

But you do not have to be a registered breeder to showcase your beloved animal. Pet owners of all kinds can illustrate their love for their creatures by creating a very special web site. A pet web site may contain:

• An introduction to your pet, including a time line of when you first came together
• Photos of different sizes and formats, with captions and without
• A daily journal highlighting your interactions with your pet
• A message board where you and your loved ones can exchange comments and bask together in the love you feel for your pet
• Pet memorials or special messages about the family pets of the past

But what if you are not computer savvy or you do not have a scanner? How can you share your pet’s photos, antics, and other unique qualities via the internet?

The answer is surprisingly simple: find a reliable web host that will help you to create a truly unique site that you will be proud to pass on to others. A good web host should offer to scan your photos and even offer advice on things like the size of your photo files and how to manipulate pictures so they have the best resolution on screen.

If you have more than one pet, go ahead and create a page that features all of them! Once again, a web host can guide you on the number of photos and the type of text you can include. Certainly, multiple pets can make for a stimulating and memorable site.

Clearly, there is no reason to keep your love for your pet to yourself! But in these modern times, carrying photos of your pets in your wallet is not enough. We urge you to design a web site around your special companion – whether it is for business or pleasure – and let your pets have the spotlight they deserve.

Taking care of dogs’ sensory organs is one of the most important activities in the dog care process. They must be given due importance. Ear care is considered the most important thing regarding dogs. Their hearing capacity is extremely good in nature, and that is one of the biggest assets for police dogs and security dogs. They are trained to react even to the smallest sound that they hear. So, their ears and their hearing capacity should be in peak condition.

Dogs’ ears are likely to be affected frequently with dust and debris leading to infections and other ear related problems. Their ears should be cleaned regularly. If they are not cleaned regularly, they develop ear mites. Ear mites are parasites which develop in the outer side of the ear canal. The symptoms of having ear mites are dogs keep on shaking their head or they constantly scratch their ears. They also try to rub their ears on the floor or sometimes they have excessive wax. These mites cause irritation. The other most affected part is its tail. Dogs mostly couch by keeping their tail near their head and so the tail gets affected. They also develop a bad odor. Dogs must be rushed immediately to a veterinarian to get cured. During their medication to the ears, the tail must also be paid attention.

Dogs’ ears are very sensitive in nature. They should be cleaned only by a veterinarian. People without proper training may damage the dog’s ears. You can learn about the cleaning methods from a practitioner and you can clean your own puppy. But this applies only to regular cleaning, and in case of an infection, definitely a veterinarian should be called on.

Dog care is not just feeding and hanging out with the dog. A bundle of responsibilities handled with perfection is the right path of taking care of a dog. One should acquire information from a doctor or through other sources to help them in difficult situations. Any knowledge gained about dog care will serve the right purpose at the right time.

The wireless dog fence is a new addition to pet containment systems. It is more effective than other types of fence systems. As this type of dog fence has no wires to bury its installation procedures are simple and easy.

A wireless dog fence uses single transmitters or multiple transmitters. The first step to install a wireless dog fence is to plug in the transmitter. As these transmitters are capable of producing radio signals that can penetrate walls and other household obstacles, they can be positioned in any suitable location of your home. The dog wears a pet-collar that produces a warning beep when it comes near the boundary. The collar applies a mild electric shock if your pet still continues to cross the boundary area. The containment area is adjusted by using a small dial.

The two most important types of wireless dog fences e are the outdoor wireless dog fence (instant fence) and indoor wireless dog fence. The instant fence features a waterproof receiver, six adjustable levels of correction, portability and a low battery indicator light. Indoor wireless dog fenced also offer safety and portability. In this type of containment system, a transmitter in the shape of a disk is placed in the area you want protected. Dog mat is a special type of training pad that is used to train your pets to protect them from prohibited areas.

Most of the online authorized retailers of dog fences offer free shipping services to their customers. Some of the retailers also provide a warranty and money back guarantee for their products.

Dog Fences provides detailed information on Dog Fences, Electric Dog Fences, Invisible Dog Fences, Wireless Dog Fences and more. Dog Fences is affiliated with Wire Dog Containment Systems.