Doggy Mentor

Posts Tagged ‘pets’

My family run an animal sanctuary in Birmingham, England. Even though we love what we do, we feel that some people need to realise that a pet should be a long term commitment. They should not be seen as just a bit of fun which they can then get rid of when they get bored.

In more recent years I have started to become less and less involved with the running of the sanctuary. I work in other sectors including composite doors, offering how to stop stuttering course and advising people about becoming a foster carer.

Many people arrive at the animal sanctuary with their pets, which are mainly dogs, with many excuses as to why they are no longer able to look after or care for them. I am sure many of their reasons are valid but am also aware that many others are just an excuse to offload them.

The excuses they give are varied:

I have broken up with my long time boyfriend/girlfriend and this was their dog – I certainly do not want it as it reminds me of my ex-partner.

The dog has started to bite my children

The dog is too difficult to handle and is destroying my furniture

We are no longer living in a house; we are now living in a top floor flat. One of their rules is that no animals can live in these flats

The dog barks to much and it is upsetting the neighbours

Our other animals do not like the dog

The dog is affecting my health

I am too ill to look after my dog

As well as the dogs in the sanctuary we also have a few of our own “pet dogs”. These tend to be the waifs and straifs that other people tend not to choose. I would have to say that my favourite out of all of these dogs is a dog called Cassie. She is full of life and has been ill treated it seems when she was a puppy. Half of her left ear is missing and she is seemingly quite afraid of men.

At the outset Cassie had to be treated with a lot of love and sincerity as she had a real lack of trust in human beings. She can be too lively at times which is possibly why three people who attempted to re-home her, have bought her back. She is not aggressive in any way but does tend to jump up at people.

Cassie is turning into a wonderful dog to have around the house and now feels for the first time as part of a family.

With a little more patience most other dogs can turn out this way. This is why we want more people to take more responsibility and to give their animals more of a chance to settle into their homes, and to get used to a new set of rules.

Pet dogs need plenty of care and this care should be both- physical and emotional. As you begin to take proper physical care of your pet, you may instantly become emotionally caring as well. Physical care for your pets involved regular exercises and feeding, grooming, and correct veterinary support when needed. Of these, grooming your pet holds special significance.

Though grooming includes a whole lot of activities, it primarily focuses on brushing and shower-ing. The amount of times you need to brush or bath your dog depends directly on the dog breed. For instance, if you are the owner of a small dog such as Chihuahua, the brushing two times a week should be more than sufficient.

As compared to this, pet dogs with longer hair will need daily brushing or their coat will get knotted. While you are grooming your pet dogs, you should also examine the skin of your dogs for any other is-sues, particularly their scalp. Needless to say that if you find something astray, you must take the dog to a vet. It is extremely important that you find and treat symptoms as early as possible.

The main thing to consider about brushing the pet dogs is to brush in the direction in which the coat of the dog is growing. You’ve got to use grooming combs which are specifically designed for the sort of coat your dogs have. Sometimes you might find tangles in the hair. You’ll have to work from the edge of the tangle to free the hair from it. When you are brushing the hair on tummy of your dog, you’ve got to be terribly careful because the skin out there is very delicate.

Besides regular brushing, canines also need bathing on consistently. The frequency of this gain de-pends upon the breed of your pet. Bathe your dog with special dog shampoos that are available in the market. Make sure that you use lukewarm water only. Brush your dog first before you take him for a bath. Pat your dog dry when you have washed him.

Clipping nails of your pet dogs is another significant activity in the grooming regime. Long nails have a tendency to cause foot problems in pet dogs. It is very important to start clipping nails early in the lifetime of your pet dogs because some grown up dogs might not take it so well.

Regular grooming is an absolute must in case you want your pooch’s coat to be all healthy and shiny. Groom your dog so that he not just looks good but feels good as well.

Looking for those vital last minute Xmas gifts? Maybe it’s a case of novelty stuff to use as stocking fillers? Don’t stick with the usual hum drum rubbish that bruises the Satsuma or the crisp red apple in the toe!Get imaginative and creative with your stocking fillers and give gifts that will generate a wow factor and keep you in the good books!

Christmas gifts for pet lovers are notoriously difficult.Do you buy the squeaky toy for the moggie or pooch or for the doting owner?People who treat their animals as almost human and describe themselves as the dog or cat’s “mummy” or “daddy” clearly lack understanding of the human reproductive system. The ideal gift would be something that panders to the almost parental obsession some people have that their dog or cat is “really clever” and “only hides in the bedroom furniture for meditation purposes”, with fantastic stocking fillers tailored to that anthropomorphic delusion. But how to prove that without photographic evidence of your dog actually completing the crossword or finding unfinished Sudoku’s in his basket?Where’s the video proof of the pooch driving (a Rover presumably)! No, you need to find out once and for all if your mutt is top dog in the brain department so you can justify your claims for his intelligence!

Gifts for him who is convinced he can talk to the animals and wants to answer that burning question come no better than “How Smart is your Dog?” It’s a self-scoring intelligence test developed by a genuine psychology professor at the University of British Columbia. Carefully designed and researched tests will determine the Canine Intelligence Quotient (CIQ) of your pet. Five of the tests asses problem solving, while the other seven deal with learning ability and memory. With a test book, score and result guide, and a stopwatch for checking the rapidity of the results, the Doggy IQ Test has everything you need to prove that your dog’s not stupid. The only disadvantage is the worrying possibility that the dog might end up with a higher IQ score than you!

It’s a universal truth that humans love to have dogs as pets. Through history most humans have kept dogs for companionship. This is mainly due to the fact that they are the most loyal creatures in the planet towards humans. Some joke saying that certain dogs are even more loyal than humans. Parents like to give puppies as presents to their children since dogs provide both company and are enjoyment especially in the case of puppies. A lot of people are also involved in dog breeding, as a business as well as a pastime. For these people breeding female dog is considered to be a lucrative area, this mainly due to the good demand for female dogs in the market.

When breeding a female dog it is important to be experienced in it. The results would generally depend on your understanding of the matter. There are many videos on breeding female dog online as well as other places like pet shops, book stores and DVD stores. The same goes for book on breeding female dog. Many breeders around the country have come to know the task through ages of being in the business and therefore know precisely what to do at the exact time. Getting an idea on dog breeding might be tough for those who are new to the subject. But through some help the ways of breeding female dog as well as male ones would be your own secret. 

Dog breeding tends to be quite profitable due to a variety of factors. For one thing many families and other people looking for pets would go for a dog rather than any other animal, the key cause being the loyalty and the second reason being cleverness. A lot of farmers and life stock owners as well as rich businessman use watchdogs to protect their valuable property. Also female dogs are considered to be the superior watchdogs as well. Also a female dog have the ability to reproduce therefore it means the litter will be there as pets or to be sold to make some money. These and many other reasons keep the demand high on dogs and especially female dogs.

Therefore breeding female dogs will no doubt be the best option while breeding male dogs aren’t much of a bad thing either after weighing in the fact that both sexes have the same abilities. So begin breeding female dog now and be ahead of all the others

Dogs are called man’s best friend, probably due to their vicious loyalty to their masters. As dogs have been tamed around 15,000 years ago, it makes the dog a perfect pet. There are various dog breeds such as Terrier and Mastiff, and dog types. These these two words shouldn’t be confused as dog type means to classify the animals by the role it performs. Breeding dogs is the practice of allowing specially selected specimens to mate in order to preserve or create certain qualities or traits. 

The qualities of the puppies are determined by natural selection when dogs mate without human intervention. Getting an enhanced new generation of dogs would thus be the motive of many dog owners who breed dogs. However, breeding dogs is a quite tough task. One needs to have a rather comprehensive knowledge about the genetics of the dog, health and its intended purpose in order to be successfully breeding dogs. In addition, dog breeders usually register the birth of puppies in stud books of associations like kennel clubs, where the information about the dog as well as, the dog’s ancestry and special achievements are entered. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is such one well known association.

It’s crucial when it comes to breeding dogs that correct records are kept about dogs. Once an owner has information regarding the dog, he/she could study them and determine what qualities can be expected and what should be avoided. The decision regarding whether to inbreed or to outcross is one that should be taken by the dog breeder. In addition, there are certain set of laws that have to be followed when breeding dogs. These rules may differ depending on the breed, kennel club and country. Usually, the rules are formulated for the well being of a certain breed or several dog breeds and dog breeders have to follow the rules and regulations of an association to be enlisted in their breed programs. Different test might have to be done in addition to come to a decision regarding the health condition and qualities of the dog in question in accordance with these regulations and an evaluation by and expert breeder might also be necessary.

Although breeding dogs is a very famous thing, there are certain groups who oppose and criticize the practice. Animal rights groups state that breeding dogs to be sold is immoral and claim that most breeders care only about the profit while totally disregarding the welfare of the animal. In addition inbreeding has also come under attack as this may cause the inherent genetic disorders of the dogs to continue into new generations.

Thus, breeding dogs can be thought of as a very delicate matter. You would need to have a good understanding of the subject if you wish to perform it.

When you get a new dog, it can be stressful trying to work out what you’re going to feed it. The market is full of commercial diets, and you’ve heard that some people feed their dogs raw meat. In order to get the best dog food for your pet, its time to take heed of some advice included herewith.

Dogs are omnivores which means they require meat, fibre, and other nutrients to stay healthy. Every dog has its own nutritional requirements, and the vet will be able to advise about what is best for your pet.

If you choose to feed your dog a commercial based diet, it is very important to choose the best dog food around. You want to make sure that a good quality protein source such as lamb meal, chicken meal, or turkey meal is the number one ingredient. An important tip is to refrain from purchasing high grain foods as these will inevitably contain many preservatives.

Of course, there are some people that prefer to feed their pets pure raw food. You would expect to find eggs and offal as two main components of this diet. People claim this works wonders for their pets, but this isn’t always the case with every dog, since every pet is different.

Pros and Cons

The best dog food names on the market tend to come from heavily commercialised brands and thus they can be trusted that the products contain all the necessary ingredients to keep a dog healthy. In comparison to the raw food diet, there are many reasons why the commercial food is more popular in the UK and the main one is due to ease of preparation, which the raw food diet can be difficult to source and prepare.

Many people feel confident that their dog gets all the nutrients it needs from commercial dog food brands. In fact, many people say that raw food doesn’t provide the dog with what it needs.

People who feed their dogs raw food diets feel that nature intended for animals to eat their food raw and that cooking damages the chemical makeup of foods and that cooking the food actually damages an animal’s immune system.

Those that feel that commercial food is the way to go, claim that there is no difference between cooking the animal’s food and cooking human food. All of the nutrients are still active in cooked food providing healthy meals for animals.

Whether you choose to feed your dog the raw meat diet or go commercial by choosing the best dog food brand, it is important to be educated on what a dog’s nutritional requirements are. You should also consult your veterinarian for his recommendation on diet.

If you are looking at the wide range of dog food suppliers, it can be hard to know which are good and which are bad in the grand scheme of things. Everyone wants to feed their pet the best food, but as the owner you have to make sure you can afford it to start with. Don’t get sucked into the idea that all dog food suppliers are there for your dog’s benefit, because they are quite simply not. So, read the following information to determine which dog food suppliers are good and which aren’t.

1) Pet Love – check that the dog food supplier cares about dogs as much as you do, as this means they will put more care and attention into the food they make. If they don’t love dogs, why are they making dog food? Unfortunately, there are some brands out there that are just in it for making money, but these are few and far between. The good dog food suppliers will provide supremely tasty and vitamin-filled food for your pooch.

2) Thinking Outside The Box – look for the dog food suppliers that push the boundaries and keep producing an innovative product range.   New products for a wide range of dogs is important, so always keep your eyes peeled for a supplier redeveloping the brand with the dog and owner’s best interests at heart.

3) Buy In Bulk – Buy in bulk and get a good price from the best dog food supplier. In addition to this, whenever you try a new dog food brand you should always look for free samples to try on your pet first. No pet owner should keep changing the dog’s food, so bear this in mind and always opt for free samples to start with.

In order to sift out the good dog food suppliers from the bad, professionalism is important. As with anything, its all about getting the right impression from a brand before you buy, and checking the dog food supplier’s website is a good indication of what the company is like before you buy from them.

If you’re a first time pet owner and do not a way to take care of your pet then simply follow the following tips.

Are you adopting a pet for the 1st time? Are you stumped as to the way to take care of your pet? If yes, then the following tips can be of serious help.

Do Not Buy a Pet From A
You should never purchase your pet from a pet mill. Pet mills are places where 2 pets are permitted to reproduce together to provide offsprings, which are then sold at a lucrative price. You need to always ensure that, especially in the event of puppy dogs.

Give Your Pet A Name
Like you, your pet too merits an appropriate name. You should generally give your pet an acceptable a name that gels with his/her appearance and personality. Giving your pet name is step one to initiate channels of communication. A pet name is the fisr step of forming a long-term relationship with your pet.

Tag your pet
Most state laws require you to tag your pet. You mustn’t just tag your dog because the law enforces you to do so. Tagging your pet is the simplest way to ensure that you can find your pet even if he gets lost.

Know what your pet needs
Knowing act of your is an absolute must. Some but also an indication of pet cats and dogs have some but also an indication of food, health care, environment and so [on ] that have to|dearly. These tags can] be always provided for. This would keep the pet remain in a cheerful mood [ and thus remain healthy ].

Train Yourself on How to Handle your Pet
You must be well capable with the way your pet wants to be handled. Different pets need to be handled in different ways.

Spend on your pet
Your Pet You need to the pet in a joyous mood and support it. You should be willing to spend on the diet and proper health care of your pet. You can also buy little fanciful items to keep your pet cheerful.

Give them the basic prerequisites of food, water and shelter
You should organize for fresh water, nutritional meals and well-shielding shelter at any time your pet. This is completely required because this keeps your pet healthy.

Get Your Pet Immunized as per Schedule
You should have knowledge about the vaccinations that have to be given to your pet. You should get the vaccination done in a timely manner. Vaccination of pets is necessary by law and also keeps them healthy.

Take the Pet to the Vet in case you sense trouble
Many pet owners believe that they are capable of handling any kind of situation with their pet. However, this is nothing except a myth. Let a vet take care of your pet. A veterinarian would be in a position to diagnose the problem successfully and supply a suitable solution.

Dogs have been comrades of man for centuries.  Man’s best companion has been used for security, for seeking out game and for herding.  Our devotion for dogs have evolved as our society has evolved. Our four legged companions still maintain their capacity in providing guard, seeking out game, and perform tasks for their masters, but dogs thought of as a family member or as a fashionable accessory are the roles that dogs hold now. 

It doesn’t matter if you are a wealthy person who totes their dog in expensive satchels or if you are an average Joe, your dog means a lot to you.  These four-legged friends are a part of your heart and people go to great lengths to take care of their dogs. The different types of dog and puppy equiptment are numerous to fulfill the dog owners’ wishes. One accessory that is absolutely needed, and is fairly inexpensive, is the dog leash. Taking the lead during a stroll with your pet is a fundamental utilization of a dog leash. The tether is utilized as a honing apparatus as it helps establish authority in the alliance, as well as other elementary orders, such as heel, sit, and stay. Among others, people seem to like Casual Canine Bad-to-the-bone fashion nylon dog leashes.

Nylon canine leads are available in multiple lengths, colors and styles. For the in style, a leash with a rhinestone collar or a sassy statement might represent owner and pet. For the owner with numerous dogs, a split leash can accommodate two or more dogs. For the dog that is a little undisciplined and ends up walking their owner, elasticized nylon leashes are an option to prevent jarring of both participants on either end of the leash. Retractable halters are another good choice for allowing the dog freedom of movement while giving the owner control of the length of the leash.  Of these, Flexi Long classic 26 foot advanced retractable nylon dog leashes have proven to be a frequently selected design. Nylon or micro fiber straps that wrap around the dogs’ chest are quite desirable, and are available in various styles and colors to compliment the dog tether.  After studying sales data stylish large medium and small deluxe leather dog training leashes were found to be a frequent selection.

Having your dog with you at the soccer field, at the dog park, or out shopping is always easier with you have them compliant. Have your dog near and have your wishes heeded by having dogs on leads. 

The inquisitive nature of dogs often means we see them eating lots of varied things and they really don’t care what it is they eat.   However, there are many toxic substances found in your home that could potentially kill your dog. With this in mind, keep reading and find out exactly what household products should be kept out of a dog’s reach.   Take the advice below and it will help you make sure your dog health care routine isn’t compromised.

1) Antifreeze: Something like antifreeze can kill pets quickly and painfully.   It’s the sweet smell of the antifreeze that attracts dogs. Ethylene glycol is toxic however, and each winter, many animals are killed by it. The symptoms of ingesting a toxic substance are awful, and your dog will end up with kidney failure. You can prevent this painful death by just making sure the product is kept far out of reach. If your dog does end up ingesting some antifreeze, call the vet immediately.

2) Chocolate: Don’t ever let your dog eat chocolate, as it is poisonous to dogs. While it usually takes a somewhat large amount of chocolate to kill a dog, poisoning and death do occur with smaller amounts ingested. Chocolate poisoning has horrific symptoms for dogs, including frequent urination and hyper-activity.   This can progress to seizures and unusual heart rhythms. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate. This is not good for a dog’s health.

3) Bleach: Its not difficult to comprehend that bleach is toxic. All bleach-related products are to be kept high up out of a dog’s reach. If your dog does drink bleach, the symptoms are nasty, including abdominal pain. However, one important thing to remember is that vomiting should not be induced s this can make the situation worse. Remember that by doing these simple things, your dog health care routine stays in check.

4) Mouthwash: Highly toxic to dogs is an owner’s mouthwash, and this is commonly found in the home. Symptoms of poisoning by mouthwash include vomiting, drooling, seizures, and coma. Just like with the other household products, a dog that’s drunk mouthwash should be taken to see the vet.

With diligence on our part, we can help prevent our dogs from getting into substances that are toxic to them. Pet owners do a lot for their pets in terms of feeding and grooming, but a proper dog health care routine isn’t complete without making sure dangerous products are kept away from the pet. As always, if you think your dog may have eaten something dangerous, contact your veterinarian immediately or take your dog to the closest emergency clinic.