Puppies As Pets - Don't Forget About

By Chris Campbell
Bringing a new puppy into your home is one of the most exciting moments in you and your families life. There are several important things you should consider before bringing the little guy home, or even before making a decision to buy a puppy dog in the first place. Here are a couple of things to think about.
The dog belongs to who? Dogs are pack animals, and will behave and learn best, if they understand who is the overall leader for responsibility for the dog. That's not to say that others won't or shouldn't have roles when it comes to the new puppy. It's just better for everyone involved, including the puppy, that there is one leader of the pack.
Is your puppy knowledge up to par? This is an especially important consideration for first time dog owners. You old dogs that have had pets before can skip this piece. While feeding, exercise, and grooming are important things for your dog, there are several other important points to consider as well. Health care for the life of the dog is important, and even more so as it gets older. Younger dogs will require much more of your attention in its training. Good training at an early age, is something you and your puppy will benefit all the years of your pets life.
Who's got time for a new pet these days? While in the earliest years of a dogs life, the training and attention a new dog requires is huge, the later years can be just as time consuming as well. Even for a less active and demanding older dog, companionship is important for the physical and emotional well being of your dog. You will be investing thousands of hours over the life of your dog, so make sure yourcommitted to this important relationship.
Is your level of commitment strong? Commitment to someone or something else requires a certain amount of sacrifice, and some loss of freedom on your part. While we've all made commitments in the past, most dogs live ten to fifteen years. That's a pretty long term commitment to be making. Longer than some marriages these days. So be sure your ready.
While it's important to consider all these questions and more, don't let them scare you away from your new puppy purchase. Many have done it in the past, and the rewards, companionship, and good times will more than pay you back for the time and love you give to you puppy. Careful consideration to all these questions, will only enhance your puppy experience and bring a lifetime of joy.
Read more great information on your puppy dog and puppy breeders, or visit foolishmumbles.com/category/puppy-dog
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New Puppy - What You Need To Know

By Chris Campbell
Previous dog owners are all very well aware of the unique bond that can be formed between master and dog. Previous dog owners could also tell you about the responsibility, the long term commitments, and responsible consideration for society and the people in it, when it comes to your dog. Of course most people, whether they have owned a dog or not, realize what a loyal and affectionate friend a puppy can be if treated properly and taught the difference between good and bad behavior. Choosing a new puppy, is not just a matter of the heart, but firstly a matter of the head when making this important decision. You need to logically consider things like how big the puppy will grow to, what potential health issues there could be, what the temperament of the dog will be, and how well that will fit into you and your families life style. Of the many important questions you should ask yourself before choosing a new puppy as a pet, probably the most important question is one you should ask yourself.
Puppy Expectations
That questions is, what exactly is it that you want from a dog. Or perhaps what are your expectations for this new member of your family. Your dog will in essence become a new member of your family. Are you willing to share your home, and your life with this very new, very dependent family member? Some people expect a dog to carry out a specific task as a new member of their family. Such as expecting the dog to become a watchdog. Dogs, regardless of size will almost definitely sound some kind of warning, when your home or family members are approached by a stranger. Of course if you have more exacting requirements, than just having a poodle that barks at the mailman, then there are several things to consider. Certain breeds are excellent for guarding family and property, but specific training and handling are required to train and teach a dog to behave in this manner. Perhaps your expectations revolve around competing in dog shows and other competitions. If so, consider why you would enjoy this, and perhaps talk with someone who has done this type of thing before. Perhaps you looking for a dog that can be a playmate, and confidante to younger members of your family. Having a dog can be a great way to teach responsibility to young and growing members of your family.
Do Some Doggy Homework
These are only a few of the possible expectations you may have for a dog in your life. The best thing you can do at this point, would be to sit down and carefully consider all the reasons why you want a new pet, and all the expectations you will have for the dog. Once you've done this, then you can start looking at the different types of breeds, and find the dog that will be right for you, your lifestyle, and your family. Happy puppy hunting.
Read more great information on your puppy dog and puppy breeders, or visit foolishmumbles.com/category/puppy-dog
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The Australian Cattle Dog - Intelligent and Hard Working

By Lee Dobbins
If you are looking for an intelligent dog that will act as a guard dog, then the Australian Cattle Dog may be perfect for you!
Bred in the 19th century by early settlers, the Australian Cattle Dog is a mix of Collies imported from Scotland and Australian dingoes with a few other breeds thrown in for good measure. This dog, also known as the Blue Heeler, the Australian Heeler in the Queensland Heeler is one of the best herding breeds known and gets his name due to the fact that he nips at the heels to herd.
That being said, as a pet you may find your Australian Cattle Dog exhibiting herding behavior. This dog can be a one-man dog so to speak, and may nip at the heels of your friends when they come to visit trying to herd them. Proper training needs to be done in order to have a pet that does not chase off everyone you know.
The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the most intelligent breeds and along with this intelligence comes the need to be kept busy and useful. If you a lot of time in your hands and want to work with a dog for agility training this breed might be your perfect match. He can be easily trained to be an obedient dog but you must vary the training so that he doesn’t get bored.
The Australian cattle dog is a medium-size dog about 17 to 20 inches and around 35 pounds. He is a powerful, compact dog and is very agile on his feet. Ears stand up straight and pointed at the top of his broad head. He has intelligent oval eyes that are dark in color. He has a short double coat that can be either red with speckles or blue with speckles. The blue variety is sometimes seen with blue, tan or black markings.
The Australian Cattle Dog does need a lot of exercise and will do well with a house that has a large fenced in yard. If he doesn’t get enough exercise you will probably see behavioral problems. This breed is very loyal to his master but can be dominant of other dogs and suspicious of strangers. He will do well with children that he’s been raised with since he was a puppy but might not be so good with new children introduced after he is an adult.
This breed is easy to grom and just needs brushing with the firm brush and a bath when needed. He’s a moderate shedder, shedding twice a year. Health problems to watch out for include deafness and hip dysplasia.
Just like any other dog, the Australian Cattle Dog needs love and attention from his family. Early obedience training as a must and to keep the dog interested it is advised to have activities or jobs for him to perform. Agility and ring training are perfect activities for this dog. With good quality food and proper veterinary care this dog can live to be around 15 years of age.
Lee Dobbins, a pet owner and dog enthusiast, writes for dogs.pet-breeds.com where you can learn more about dogs and see photos of different dog breeds.
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Life with the Shih Tzu Part I

By Connie Limon
If you want that perfect show dog look in your Shih Tzu you might as well relax to the fact that it involved brushing, brushing, brushing, and daily brushing. A thorough head-to-tail groom is often needed at least every other day if not “daily.” However, Shih Tzu coat textures are very different. You might get by with once weekly brushing if the Shih Tzu’s coat is the type of texture that does not mat and tangle easily.
If you have only one Shih Tzu, grooming should not be a problem. It can be quite pleasurable for you and your Shih Tzu. It can be an excellent time to bond with each other, and have nice close little chats with each other.
Where do you start?
A good place to start grooming your Shih Tzu is on the tummy, the chest and inside the legs…….perhaps……there are other opinions of course, but in this article I will direct you to start with the tummy, the chest and inside the legs.
You will need to have your Shih Tzu lie on his side on the table (be sure you have a nice, sturdy table to groom your Shih Tzu). There is nothing worse than a grooming table that wobbles around, except of course a grooming area that is not organized. You also need to have all your equipment organized and ready to use.
So now that you have your Shih Tzu lying on its side on the table, with his legs towards you (this can be an accomplishment in itself that may take several short training sessions to get done). If the Shih Tzu just will not cooperate with you, you can start trying to train him by having him lay tummy upwards in your lap with his head facing your chest. Do this exercise first for a few days if he absolutely refuses to lie this way on the grooming table.
If the above fails, you might try to groom the chest and tummy while the Shih Tzu sits on the table facing you, holding him up into a begging position by the front paws; this is not easy, since both hands are needed for some parts of the grooming, but you might have to try this as a last resort. If your Shih Tzu mats the tummy will be a prime target for matting.
The tummy side of a Shih Tzu is sensitive also, so be gentle in this area. Check where the legs meet the body, this is a prime target area for severe matting as well. Something you don’t want to deal with is severe mats in these areas. These are extra sensitive areas on your Shih Tzu. The best rule to follow is pay close attention to these areas on a daily basis and never allows the mats to occur. The hair around the male penis can also be a very sensitive trouble spot. It is best to keep this area clean and shaved off. Your male Shih Tzu will give you a sigh of relief when you remove the hair in this area.
How do you remove knots and mats?
If you come across a mat or knot first try to tease it apart with your fingers. Then take a comb and use the end with coarse teeth to tease out the tangle slowly, working from the outside inwards and holding the hair between the knot and the body between your fingers so that you don’t pull too hard and hurt the Shih Tzu. If all else fails, a knot may have to be cut out. Cut into the knotted hair away from the dog several times before gently using the comb to clear away the knot. Never cut across the coat. This will leave an obvious hole. If you will cut down through the length of the coat you will cause much less damage. Note: The hair on the legs is more likely to tangle than anywhere else. So…..pay particular attention to these areas as well to avoid those awful and painful mats.
This article continues in Part II of “Life with the Shih Tzu.”
This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.
Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies in a variety of colors especially the silver blues, reds and solid blacks. We have the AKC small standards, imperials and teacups at reasonable prices. Our website provides you with an educational experience all about the Shih Tzu. Please visit us at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our newsletters.
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Your Best Doggone Choice

By Chris Campbell
Your particular specific circumstances and your skills at caring for a dog are the single most important traits to consider when purchasing a dog as a pet. I've heard it said that there is no such thing as a bad dog, only bad dog owners. Seems to me I've heard the same analogy applied to children and parents. But, I digress. While some dogs have the potential for temperamental issues, it is rarely the dogs fault. The same thing could be said about owner temperaments. What would probably be more accurate, is to say that the temperament and needs of the dog do not mesh well with the temperament and needs of the owner. And, following along logically, since the dog didn't pick the owner, the problem must have been when the owner picked the dog. In short, pay careful attention to the needs of your self and your dog before making a decision.
Puppy Love On The Rocks
It can be most unfortunate, but the truth of the matter is, that when a bad match is made between dog and owner, it is usually the dog that suffers. And of course, as the dog is not living in ideal conditions, it is bound to act out in response to such a situation. This can only lead to excaserbate the problem, as neither owner or puppy will be enjoying the situation. Take for example a terrier whose owner is an avid gardener that spends lots of time away, and leaves puppy in the backyard. Terriers love to dig, and once the owner returns home, there will be issues when all the prize winning tulips are uprooted. Dogs that crave a lot of attention, but have an owner who is away for eight hours every work day, are not going to be happy puppies. Unhappy puppies grow to be older unhappy dogs with plenty of issues.
All Things Considered
Sure, you may want a big strong dog to protect the house and valuables while your gone. Big strong dogs are great for this, but need particularly good training to ensure that all that strength and size stay in check. Big dogs can become difficult to control, even when they are on a leash. As a result the owners become reluctant to walk them, and they end up alone in the backyard. Alone in the backyard, scaring the wits out of anyone who walks by with their loud deep throat barks. Not a good situation, with the potential to lead to something worse, if killer ever breaks out of the backyard.
A Happy Tail Ending
So, consider all the reasons why you want a dog. Think about what you like in a dog, think about what you don't like in a dog. If you do your research thoroughly, you will be sure to find the right dog with the right needs and temperament for you. There are as many different types of breeds, as there are many types of owners looking for a dog. The perfect match is not that hard to make.
Read more great information on your puppy dog and puppy breeders, or visit http://foolishmumbles.com/category/puppy-dog/
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All About Dog Kennels

By Kelly Marshall
A dog kennel is a great way for your dog or dogs to spend time outside without chains or tied but still secure and safe. This allows your beloved pets to see what is going on around them while still giving them plenty of room to run about and move around freely. A kennel keeps your pet safe and out of danger as well as keeping them from endangering others even if they are aggressive. This gives the owner peace of mind. Dogs are great escape artists and even with a completely fenced yard, they sometimes find ways to escape. Tying a dog up is a worry because everyone has read of incidents where they accidentally become tangled up or hang themselves, which is a frightening thought. Dog kennels also reduce your dog’s change of getting into a fight with another dog, contacting diseases or being poisoned. Unlike a cage, where the dog has very little room, dog kennels provide your pet with enough space to exercise, see the sights and enjoy some fresh air safely.
Here are some important precautions and guidelines to follow when building a dog kennel that helps keep your pet safe, healthy and happy:
· A dog kennel needs to provide shelter for your pet from the outside elements, such as extreme heat, rain or snow. If the dog will be outside for more than twenty minutes, provide shelter such as a doghouse or even indoor access.
· There should always be fresh water available, even if they are only outside for five minutes.
· Provide your dog with a comfortable place to lay or sit, such as a blanket, dog bed or even a piece of carpet.
· Kennel floors made of cement hold both heat and cold. Provide your pet with a place to stand that protect your dog’s paws from this.
Portable dog kennels are great for people that travel or visit a lot and love taking their dog along. Pet stores and large department stores usually carry a wide selection of dog kennels, normally in standard sizes. If you have a very large dog, you may have to ask them to special order one for you, that is big and secure enough. Portable kennels are quick and easy to set up and take down. Some come with a screen, to block the sun.
Permanent dog kennels are usually constructed of metal or aluminum screens and steel posts set into the ground. Often the floor is cement but some people prefer earth floors. For a dog or dogs that spend a fair amount of time outdoors in their dog kennel, some owners add a dog run to give their pets more room to play and exercise. Permanent dog kennels are sturdy enough to withstand a dogs jumping and pushing, without collapsing.
Custom made dog kennels are fabulous as you decide what shape, size or special items you want. Designed to your specification, some cost a bit more but are certainly worth the money. Many people have and enclosed area added to allow their dog to get out of the elements. Usually the company or people working with you on designing your pet’s kennel, install them also.
Searching for high end dog supplies, but only finding low quality junk at the local pet store? The top selection of dog furniture and raised dog feeders is at Oh My Dog Supplies. Also find more great pet articles by Kelly Marshall.
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Bringing A New Pup Home

By Javier Fuller
So you got a little cutie puppy in your hand. He looks so cute with his little sweet nose and playful eyes. So what next? Naturally, you'll take the little one home...Wait for a second. It may not be as easy as it seems. Being a pet lover, you have many pets at home as well, and this one is a new pet and not the only one!
In that case it is you who is responsible to build comfort between your pets. They after all have to coexist peacefully under one roof. If you are concerned as to how your other pets would take to their new companion, your concerns are valid because different animals react differently to the presence of an additional pet. So the introduction can be a lot more tricky than the Hello-I-am-Alice kind of very human introductions.
Ensure that you give an entire day to the animal to warm up to its surrounding and to get accustomed to the presence of other pet(s). When you bring it home make sure that you keep him company. Don't leave him home alone. That could make him very, very uncomfortable.
Now, if you have a cat at home, you need to be extra careful. Not too much, just a little prudence would do. On the first few times when the puppy and cat come face to face, make sure that the puppy is on lease so that you could pull him clear of the cat in case he reacts unpredictably. Cats are normally very territorial and tend to assert their territorial rights. The puppy must be made to understand early that he is not supposed to intrude into the cat's personal space, neither should he meddle with cats things. They'll eventually grow friendly, but if they do not contact your vet as soon as you can.
If there is another dog at home, the lease rule remains so that no uncalled for harm is done. If there are many dogs at home, ensure that the puppy gets to know each of them separately and there is no collective introduction. The little one should not be taken to the big dog, for in that case the big one will be meeting the young one in his territory, which could be rather menancing the newcomer.
A little bit of growling and sniffing is natural but snapping and biting are not. So, if they indulge in any such unacceptable behaviour, they must be disciplined. Make sure that your current dog does not feel left out on the account of the new pet. So, make sure that your affection towards him increases.
Seniority must be maintained in eating and playing. So, when it is time to eat, the new one should eat separately and its food should be served only after the older ones. The new toys must also first go to the senior pets.
They'll gradually grow into good companions and you'll have a nice little happy family of friendly pets.
To get more information on pet dogs, dog breeds and dogs visit http://www.thepetdogs.com/
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Shock Collar Training: Is It Right to Use a Shock Collar and Dog Shock Training?

By Ben Ehinger
Have you used a shock collar to train your dog ever wondered if you did the right thing or not? Does a shock collar train a dog or does it harm them? If you are thinking about trying to train your dog and are thinking about shock collar and dog shock training, then read on, please.
Experienced dog trainers will tell you that shock training is not the best method out there and definitely not the only method. What is there to gain from shock training? Basically you will gain a very unhappy and confused dog.
Dogs are suppose to bark. It is in their nature and a lot of times there is not much you can do about it. If you decide to use a shock collar to stop the barking, yes, it will work, but you will have to leave that collar on all the time. There is a better way and please find it.
Shock collar training is harmful to your dog’s psyche. It makes your dog think that barking is wrong. Barking is just like you or I talking, it is part of nature. I would be like taking away a cat’s meow. You will not be happy with the results you get from a shock color or from dog shock training.
If someone was to take away your freedom to be a human you would be upset, and this is exactly what happens to dogs that get trained with a shock collar. They become upset and it becomes harder to keep them potty trained and trained for other things.
Please think about what kind of damages you would be inflicting on your loving puppy before you attempt shock collar training. Please find it in your heart to find a better and less hurtful method of training for your puppy.
Are you ready to train your dog and have decided that shock collar training is out of the question? Do you want to train your puppy or dog without having to pay an expensive dog trainer? Go to the following website to learn more about dog training methods.
http://www.ready-repair-my-credit.com/dogtraining.htm
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Is The Alaskan Malamute The Perfect Pet For You?

By Lee Dobbins
If you want hardy winter outdoor dog then the Alaskan Malamute may be the one for you!
This breed, descended from the Arctic Wolf, has roots in Alaska where it has been used by Alaskan Eskimos to pull sleds for over 2000 years. These hard-working dogs have great strength and endurance and have pulled sleds on many expeditions including Admiral Byrd’s expeditions to the North Pole.
Weighing in at around 80 to 95 pounds ( 70 - 85 for females) and growing to 24 to 26 inches ( a few inches shorter for females), the Alaskan Malamute is on the large side and part of the AKC Working group. Alaskan Malamutes have an average litter size of six puppies. With good care they can live to be 15 years old.
The sweet expression on these dogs make them just about the cutest puppies ever and they grow into beautiful sweet adults as well. Their disposition is just as sweet as it looks and they make loving pets, but a bit strong willed. they have a thick coat on a solid well-built body. Ears are held erect on a wide head and eyes are dark and almond shaped. There may be some Alaskan Malamutes with blue eyes, however this is a fault which would disqualify your dog in the show ring. The coat can be from 1 to 3 inches long and comes in Wolf Gray, solid white, black and white, red and a red undercoat with gray outer coat. Many dogs have a dark mask and other dark markings and the legs and muscle are usually white.
These dogs are loyal and affectionate, a great family pet and good with children. They are friendly to strangers but may not get along with small animals as they have a strong prey instinct. They also may not get along good with other dogs and early socialization and firm training are important to raising an obedient pet.
Alaskan Malamutes love the outdoors, especially in winter time. Taking your Malamute on a winter walk or bringing him with you when you are snowshoeing or cross-country skiing is a real treat. They can be happy in a fenced in yard but they do like to be around their "pack" so you need to be sure to spend lots of time with your dog even if you keep him outside. this is an act of dog that needs plenty of exercise and will do best with a large yard. It is not advised to let them run free, as this breed will roam in his territory. They can withstand cold temperatures well but in hot climates you need to make sure that the dog does not overheat. Be aware that they are diggers and if you do not bury your fence quite a bit under the ground you will soon find a large hole and no dog inside the fence.
This is a fairly hardy breed with few health problems. They can have hip dysplasia just like any other breed and may be prone to dwarfism. They are rather clean dogs and virtually odorless. they are heavy shedders and grooming consist of brushing twice a week and an occasional dry shampoo.
Lee Dobbins is a dog lover who writes for http://www.dogbreeds123.com where you can learn more about dog care and dog breeds as well as see pictures of different breeds like the Alaskan Malamute.
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Buying A Dog - It's Easy Right?

By Chris Campbell
We make purchases all the time. Walk into the store, pick your favorite, slap some money on the counter and head home. So why the hesitation when it comes to buying a dog? Don't worry, that hesitation is a good and healthy thing. It means your thinking. Much better than buying a puppy on impulse. We make enough impulse purchases for the little things. A new new puppy dog on the other hand, is a member of the family, and adding to the family is not something to be considered lightly. Here are a few points to mull over, that could make that future purchase a joyful one.
Is your home a puppy friendly environment? How large or small is your home? The size of your dwelling should have an important weight in the type of dog you can live with. A energetic, large dog will need plenty of room to roam, and exercise in. While if you live in a small apartment, something smaller than a GreatDane puppy might be in order. How your going to keep your dog on your property, without it running around the neighborhood is something to think about as well.
There are more costs to having a puppy, then just the initial purchase. Not much of a surprise there. It seems like everything we buy these days has a whole list of accessories,peripherals, and add- ons that come along. Puppy dogs are no different. The list can be long or short, but there are a few unavoidables. Food, immunizations, health care, and neutering are some of the most obvious things your dog will need. If your dog will not travel with you on long trips, then kenneling will be an expense to look into. Depending on your experience with dogs, perhaps dog obedience school is important. It can teach the owner more than the dog you know. Most cities, have some kind of registration that is required, and it's not usually a free service.
A stable home can be important for a dog, as well as people. If there are any major life changes in the near future for the perspective dog owner, it could have an impact on the dog. Going of to university, moving to a new home, marriage, or lengthy overseas travel can all detract from an owners ability to care for a dog. Owner health problems, while often not foreseeable, can also change the life of a pet. If you know this is possible, it should be taken into consideration.
Consider the sex of the dog before you make the purchase. Females are usually smaller, and a little easier to control then the males of most breeds. Females will come into heat every six months, so neutering may be an option here.
Once you consider all the factors, a number of species will seem like a good choice, and others will not. It's an important exercise, but once you have carefully considered all these points, your purchase of a new puppy should be somewhat easier. It certainly won't be an impulse buy, and that's good for both you and your newest four legged member of the family.
Read more great information on your puppy dog and puppy breeders, or visit http://foolishmumbles.com/category/puppy-dog/
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