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Come when called-This is one of the most basic skills your dog should have. Having a dog that will come when called does not mean you will let your dog run loose, but it's life insurance when your dog accidentally gets out. This is important in day-to-day as well as emergency handling.

Sit and/or down-You dog should be trained to be able to sit when commanded. Keep in mind that some dogs find this painful, so your dog may need to be trained to go down.

Stay-Experts advise that practicing stays with your dog, helps your dog learn composure, and the ability to remain calm. Too many dogs lack this ability, and it makes their lives harder for them, as well as for their families. The stay exercise is also a way to become your dog's leader, without making a fight of it.

Walk on a loose lead-While many pet owners and trainers worry about the humaneness of a leash, it has been show that if the leash is loose, the collar (or head halter or harness) is putting less pressure on the dog and most of the time no pressure at all. A dog that is conditioned to work with the leash loose, is easier to handle, and easier to train. This is because instead of being dragged around by the leash, the dog learns to pay attention to the handler. Keeping the leash loose also spares the dog, potential injuries from training devices that can rub off hair and abrade skin.

Not to bite-For family dogs this becomes a crucial skill. Pet owners must train puppies never to put their teeth to skin. This becomes a critical safety issue, especially if there are children in the home.

Housetraining-Studies show that a lack of reliable house-training, is a major cause of small dogs losing their homes. Caring pet owners will take the time to train their dogs, about going outside.

]]> http://www.onlydogbeds.net/how_much_training_does_your_dog_need-19210.php http://www.onlydogbeds.net/how_much_training_does_your_dog_need-19210.php Learn About Dogs dogs dog_ training how_ much_ training_ for_ dogs how_ to_ train_ your_ dog training_ your_ dog Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:07:37 -0800 Apple Cinnamon Drops-These will make your whole house smell great! You will need:

• 1 large apple
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup oatmeal
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/8 cup whole wheat flour

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 ° F. The first step is to core; slice and mince the apple (use a food processor if you have one). In a large bowl, you will then combine the minced apple bits, honey, water, cinnamon, and oatmeal. Gradually blend in the wheat flour, adding just enough to form stiff dough. In another small bowl, add 1/8 cup wheat flour. Carefully, spoon the dough by rounded teaspoon onto un-greased baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Using the bottom of a glass, dipped in the wheat flour (to prevent sticking), flatten each spoonful of dough into a circle. Keep in mind that you can adjust the size of the drops, based on how big a treat you like to feed your dog. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and flip each cookie to brown evenly on both sides. Reduce oven temperature to 325 ° F. Return to oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes. Let cool overnight. Makes about 3 dozen crunchy cookies, depending on how big you make them. Bacon Bits for Dogs-These savory treats will have your dog begging for more! You will need:

• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 4 eggs, well beaten
• 1/8 cup bacon fat
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup non-fat dry milk powder
• 2 cup graham flour
• 2 cup wheat germ
• 1/2 cup cornmeal

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all of the ingredients with a strong spoon; drop heaping tablespoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet. Bake in a 350 oven for 15 minutes. The next step is to turn off oven, and leave cookies on baking sheet, in the oven overnight to dry out. Yield: about 4 dozen dog cookies. Canine Carrot Cookies-Your pet will love the doggy version of this human treat. What you will need:

• 2 cups carrots (that have been boiled and pureed)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons garlic that is minced
• 2 cups unbleached flour (you can also use rice or rye flour)
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup wheat germ

Directions: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees. Combine the carrots, eggs, and garlic. Mix until completely smooth. Add the rest of the dry ingredients. Gently roll out on heavily floured surface, and cut into bars, or desired shapes. Bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes or to desired crunchiness. Remember that the centers will continue to harden as they cool. Brush with egg white before baking, for a glossy finish. Dog Cookies with Chicken Broth-Dogs love the taste of these unique homemade treats. What you will need:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds that have been shelled
• 2 tablespoons corn oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup low-fat milk
• 1 egg-beaten

Directions: Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together flour, cornmeal and seeds. Add oil, broth and egg mixture. The dough should be firm. Let rest for about 15-20 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough approximately 1/4 inch thick. You can then cut into shapes, and brush with beaten egg. Bake for 25-35 minutes, until golden brown. Remove and cool. Store in airtight container. ]]> http://www.onlydogbeds.net/homemade_dog_treats-19207.php http://www.onlydogbeds.net/homemade_dog_treats-19207.php Dog Health dogs dog_ treats homemade_ dog_ treats recipes_ for_ homemade_ dog_treats treats Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:53:46 -0800 Boomer, on a street near her home. She stumbled into a pothole and broke both her legs in the fall. While Bonnie screamed for help, Boomer lay right down on the road and stayed there. After no one came to help, Bonnie wrapped her arms around Boomer's neck and simply said, "Home". The 160-pound Lab dragged Bonnie all the home, where her husband found her and called for medical help. Bonnie ends her story by saying that she had rescued Boomer from a shelter, never dreaming that one day he would end up rescuing her. • Linda Clevenger of Bremen, Indiana recounts how her miniature dachshund, Maggie May Longfellow, saved her entire family. The dog typically slept with their 12-year old daughter, Katrina, in a top bunk with her sister Kelli, sleeping in the bottom bunk. On February 2, 2005, at 2:30 a.m., Linda states that she and her husband, James, were awakened by Maggie barking near our bed. While they were understandably startled, they immediately smelled gas. Linda frantically rushed to the kitchen where she found a burner left on, spewing out natural gas. She quickly threw open the windows, remembering not to turn on lights. Kelli, it turns out, had lifted Maggie May out of the bed. The dog then pawed and scratched until she opened our door. Thanks to her, there was no headline in the paper saying "House Explodes, Killing Family of 7". • In 2004, a 7-year-old Golden Retriever named Brutis received the National Dog Hero Award. He received this award when he snatched up a coral snake as it was slithering dangerously close to a young child, suffering a near-deadly bite from the snake in the process. His heroic actions did not go unnoticed as Brutis was promptly flown to Los Angeles to receive his award. • The Genesis Awards honored a Black Labrador, aptly named Katrina, who, during the misery of Hurricane Katrina, saved a drowning man before the rising flood waters claimed his life. When receiving the honor Katrina, the dog, was given a well-deserved standing ovation. • Fox News reported the heroic tale of a half wolf/half German Shepherd named Shana, who saved an elderly couple from a treacherous snow storm. When Shana found Norman and Eve trapped by snow, she reacted quickly and went to work, diligently digging out a tunnel through which she would pull the couple back to the safety of their home. • 2007's Dog of the Year winner was Moti, the five-year-old German Shepherd who literally took a bullet for his human family. When a masked intruder made his way into the Patel household, Moti wasted little time, leaping to his feet and barking to draw the gunman's attention. When he was faced with the angry pooch, the gunman shot him, and ran off without harming any of the Patels. Luckily, Moti has made a full recovery! • Maya, the 2008 Dog of the Year, took home the honors for courageously saving Angela Marcelino, her owner, from a vicious male attacker. The pitbull's act of bravery earned some high praise from the Animal Miracle foundation, which was happy to report that "the pit-bull breed can be hero dogs just like any other breed." ]]> http://www.onlydogbeds.net/heroic_dog_stories-19196.php http://www.onlydogbeds.net/heroic_dog_stories-19196.php Dog News dog dogs_ behaving_ heroically dogs_ saving_ humans dog_ stories heroic_ dog_ stories Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:08:39 -0800 Train your dog to only chew on dog toys. It is important to remember that if your dog has a concept of property, it is not the same as a human concept. You need to realize that your dog can not understand that something of yours would be difficult to replace or costs money. Keep in mind that even without understanding why, a dog can learn (with your help over time, as the dog gains maturity) to focus chewing on specific items. Train your dog to greet people with all four of their feet on the ground. If you are a devoted pet lover then jumping up on people sometimes seems like a minor problem. While the whole idea from the dog's point of view is to get closer to the face and hands for greeting, it is important to understand that people do not want to be knocked over, or get their clothing torn or dirty, no matter how much they may love your dog. Train your dog to refrain from chasing vehicles and children. Pet owners need to understand that dogs are bred to have high drives for following moving objects. Your dog may fall into dangerous habits without your guidance. Your best bet to avoid this is to get good training help with this sort of dog early, before the chasing habit has a chance to start. Train your dog to retrieve. Dog training experts advise that the best game to play with a dog is also the foundation for much of the advanced dog training, as a great solution to quite a few dog problems: retrieving. Keep in mind that you will want to start shaping it in your dog, soon after the dog comes to live with you, no matter what age the dog is at that time. You should work on it a little every day. While you are training your dog (of any size) it is important to remember the following principles of good dog training. These are- Training will not really count unless it is reliable-Many dog owners will tell you their dogs are "trained" to certain behaviors, and yet the dog will not perform the behavior in the face of excitement or distraction. Keep in mind that training needs to be reliable, where it is needed most often, around distractions and stress, and in emergencies. Keep in mind that much of this depends on your learning how to handle the dog, so that you will react correctly in an emergency. That takes training for you both and lots of practice. Training happens when you practice properly-Dog owners must understand that training is an ongoing process. You must repeat the practice, until the proper behaviors become deeply established habits. The most important behaviors, such as coming when called, need to be so strongly conditioned that the dog's first impulse will be to just do it, not stop and think first. Training is discipline. When people hear the word discipline, they sometimes mistake it for punishment. Real discipline is activity that builds self esteem. Your dog can take pride in his actions, and in doing a good job. The bottom line is that training builds your bond with your dog, and best of all gives your dog a better chance at a long and happy life. ]]> http://www.onlydogbeds.net/basic_training_skills_for_larger_dogs-19209.php http://www.onlydogbeds.net/basic_training_skills_for_larger_dogs-19209.php Learn About Dogs dogs dog_ training larger_ dogs training_ for_ larger_ dogs training_ skills_ for_ larger_ dogs Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:01:15 -0800 Bone Bonanzas-Your dog will love these easy to make treats! What you will need: 1/2 lb. ground beef, uncooked 1/4 cup chicken broth 1/3 cup mashed black beans 1/3 cup cottage cheese 1 tsp. soy sauce Directions: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Thoroughly combine the ground meat and chicken broth in a bowl. Stir in the black beans, and cottage cheese. Add the soy sauce. Mix all of the ingredients together thoroughly. Mold the mixture into bone shapes and place on a cookie sheet. Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven. Let cool. Party Pupcakes-Whether you are celebrating something special or just want a great treat for your dog these will fit the bill! What you will need: 1 large apple 1 1/2 cups wheat flour 1/4 cup oatmeal 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup plain yogurt 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2 tablespoons honey 2 eggs 1 cup grated cheddar cheese For the Frosting: 8 oz Neufchatel Cheese (low fat cream cheese) 2 tablespoons plain yogurt 2 tablespoons honey 2-3 tablespoons flour Directions: Preheat your oven to 400 ° F. Grease muffin tins. Core, slice and mince the apple (use a food processor if you have one). Set aside. In a large bowl, mix together flour, oatmeal, baking powder, and baking soda. In a medium bowl, blend together the yogurt, water, oil, honey, and eggs, and then stir in the apple and cheese. Add to the flour mixture and stir until mixed. Spoon the batter, carefully into the muffin tins, filling each muffin cup about three-quarters full. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let rest in the muffin tins for a few minutes, then remove and set aside to cool. To make the frosting: combine the Neufchatel cheese (at room temperature), honey, and yogurt until smooth. You may need to add enough flour to thicken the frosting to a good spreading consistency. Frost the pupcakes and you are ready for a good party! Makes 16-18 pupcakes. If you prefer a single-layer cake, you can spoon the batter into a sheet pan and bake for an extra 15-20 minutes (or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean). Let the cake cool, then frost and decorate. Peanut butter bones-Many dogs love peanut butter and will gobble down these treats! What you will need: 1 package dry yeast 1/2 cup lukewarm water 1 cup mashed potatoes 1 cup milk 1/4 cup molasses 1/2 cup chicken stock 1 cup chunky peanut butter 1 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup rye flour 1/2 cup rice flour 1 egg 2 cups all-purpose white flour Directions: reheat oven to 325 ° F. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in water. In a large saucepan, mix together the potatoes, milk, molasses, stock, and peanut butter. Heat the mixture, stirring frequently until boiling. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Add the yeast mixture. Gradually blend in the egg, wheat, rye, and rice flours. You will want to add enough white flour to form a stiff dough. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth (about 3-5 minutes). Shape the dough into a ball and roll to 1/2-inch thick. Using cookie cutters, you can then cut out biscuits. Place on an un-greased baking sheets, spacing them about 1/4-inch apart. You can gather up the scraps, roll out again, and cut additional biscuits. Bake for 45 minutes. Let cool overnight. This recipe makes several dozen bones that freeze well. They have the consistency of pizza crusts, a favorite snack for most spoiled dogs! ]]> http://www.onlydogbeds.net/easy_to_make_homemade_dog_treats-19206.php http://www.onlydogbeds.net/easy_to_make_homemade_dog_treats-19206.php Dog Health dogs dog_ treats easy_ homemade_ dog_ treats homemade_ dog_ treats treats Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:48:36 -0800

A great source of protein-One of the most important things that should be in your dog food is either whole, fresh meats or single-source meat meal (for example, chicken meal rather than poultry meal). A whole meat source should be listed as one of the first two ingredients. Ingredients are always listed in the order of what they contain most. This means that a meat source that is in two of the top three ingredients also helps indicate the food is high in meat. However, you should also keep in mind that all ingredients are listed in descending order of weight, (the ingredient responsible for the greatest amount of weight in the bag is listed first). If a label reads, "beef, ground yellow corn, rice, corn gluten meal," it can appear that there is more beef than anything else in the sack, but the total weight of the ground yellow corn plus corn gluten meal may outweigh the beef.

Whole unprocessed grains, vegetables, and other foods-This is because, whole unprocessed grains, vegetables, and other foods have a great chance of having its nutrients and enzymes intact. You should also look for foods that have whole meat (listed simply as lamb, chicken, beef, etc.) in the top three ingredients. Savvy pet owners also know to look for whole foods like rice, wheat, eggs, and foods, that are kept fresh with natural preservatives like vitamin C and E (often listed as mixed-tocopherols).

Things that should not be in the dog food you choose-

• Meat by-products-These are considered "second-class" products, and are not handled as carefully as whole meat. Meat by-products are defined as the non-rendered, clean parts, (other than meat), that are derived from slaughtered mammals. This can include, but is not limited to: lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, livers, blood, bone, partially defatted low temperature fatty tissue, stomachs and intestines.
• Poultry by-products-These consist of non-rendered clean parts of carcasses of slaughtered poultry such as heads, feet, viscera.
• Poultry by-products meal-This is defined as the ground, rendered clean parts of the carcass, of slaughtered poultry. This can include necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, and intestines, exclusive of feathers, except in such amounts as may occur unavoidably in good processing practices.
• Animal by-products meal-This is the rendered product from mammal tissues, exclusive of any added hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, and stomach and rumen contents. This ingredient definition is also intended to cover those individual rendered animal tissue products that cannot meet the criteria as set forth elsewhere.
• Fats or proteins that are named generically-This includes such labeling as: animal fat, poultry fat, or meat meal, as opposed to the better quality beef fat, chicken fat, or lamb meal. This generic term indicates that the ingredient is actually a mixed bag of ingredients that is coming from a number of sources.
• Artificial preservatives and colors-Preservatives are used to prevent food from turning rancid and sweeteners are added to attract dogs to unappealing food. Neither of these items should be a part of your dog's food.

As a final note- Pet owners should understand that no matter what the marketing says, there is no dog food that contains "all the nutrients your dog will ever need." You are responsible as the pet owner for providing your pet, with all of the items they need to have a balanced and healthy diet. ]]> http://www.onlydogbeds.net/things_you_should_know_about_choosing_dog_food-19202.php http://www.onlydogbeds.net/things_you_should_know_about_choosing_dog_food-19202.php Learn About Dogs choosing_ dog_ food contents_ of _dog_food dog dog_food how_ to_ choose_ dog_ food Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:01:49 -0800 In today's tight economy, many dog owners are trying to be frugal on their dog's medical care. However, they often find themselves faced with difficult decisions should their beloved pet become seriously ill or get injured. Dog owners sometimes find themselves with an agonizing decision to make. Do they spend the money to treat their pet with state of the art care or try to find an option that's less expensive? Some pet owners are even faced with having to euthanize their dog, rather than treating them, for financial reasons. This is where having dog insurance can helpful. However, deciding if pet insurance is right for you and your dog can be difficult. Dog owners must ask themselves whether they can afford a large, unexpected vet bill. If the answer is no, dog insurance might be worth considering. Today, veterinary medical care, including diagnostic tests and treatment options, is becoming more sophisticated and, therefore, more expensive. Treatments and procedures that were unheard of just a few years ago are now available and employed regularly. With this advance in technology comes a higher price many dog owners cannot afford. Statistics show that veterinary costs can rival human medical costs. Illnesses and injuries that are common in many breeds can end up costing dog owners the thousands of dollars if they decide to treat their pet. This has left dog owners who cannot afford the high prices with few options. Dog insurance gives dog owners the peace of mind and security of knowing that they can treat their dog's problems, should costly medical issues arise. Having dog insurance means not pet owners won't be forced to choose between costly veterinary medical treatments and the budget. Dog owners won't have to decline treatments, or consider euthanasia, due to a limited budget. If an unexpected expense would break the budget, pet insurance is worth considering. Dog owners should also know that there are a variety pet insurance coverage options available. For example, wellness coverage is a basic pet insurance plan that covers annual vaccines and other routine wellness care that is critical to the long-term health of your dog. Once you've decided to purchase dog insurance, ask friends and family who have pets whether they have it and, if so, where they got it. Other dog owners, your vet and your local animal shelter are also excellent resources. A quick search online can check out companies that offer dog insurance as well. Once you have determined which companies you are interested in purchasing from, explore the policies they offer and read the fine print before signing on the dotted line. Some of the questions you want to ask are: • How will my claims be processed and paid? • What is included in my coverage? Will my policy have drug and dental coverage? • How do I get reimbursed? Will my vet be able to handle the billing for my claims or is that my responsibility? • What will cause my premiums to go up? Will I have to pay more as my dog gets older? • Will my plan cover pre-existing and hereditary conditions? • Will my plan cover conditions that are chronic or reoccurring? • Are there any financial limits to my coverage? While experts agree that having dog insurance can make sense financially, they also recommend checking with your vet about your dog's health status. If your dog is older, already in poor health or has a condition that will not be covered then choosing dog insurance may not be cost-effective, appropriate or necessary. However, if your dog is younger, healthy and you plan to share many years together, then having dog insurance can give you peace of mind and years of companionship. http://www.onlydogbeds.net/why_you_need_dog_insurance-19193.php http://www.onlydogbeds.net/why_you_need_dog_insurance-19193.php Dog Health buying_ dog_ insurance dogs dog_ insurance insurance why_ you_ need_ dog_insurance Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:56:54 -0800

Know what you are buying. When you are shopping it is always crucial to read the ingredients that are listed on the bag or can. It is important to remember, that the ingredients are listed in order; the first ingredient listed is what makes up most of the dog food. Pet owners should understand that dogs do not need a lot of carbohydrates like flour, wheat, or corn and yet many dog foods have those ingredients listed first. Animal experts state that meat should be listed first, whether you are buying canned or dry dog food.

Read the labels. You should always check the package or can to verify that the dog food is nutritionally complete. It is very important that your dog gets all of the vitamins and minerals that are necessary to maintain his good health. Do not allow yourself to be swayed to buy the cheapest dog food, as this might not be the one that is right for your dog.

Always keep in mind the calories. Just like people, you should reduce the calories of the food if your dog is overweight. This has become easier to do because today, many dog food companies have dog food for overweight dogs. You can easily choose a dog food brand that your dog enjoys, while still reducing calories.

Choose the right food for your dog's age. Animal experts stress that it is important to choose a senior dog food for older dogs. This is because senior dogs have less need for calories and energy and at the same time senior dogs have a need for more vitamins to maintain their good health. On the other end of the spectrum it is equally important to feed puppies only puppy style dog food. This is because puppies have a much greater need for calories and vitamins, because they are growing so fast. You will want to make sure you check the dog food labels, to verify that the food is nutritionally complete.

Know what to feed if your dog is sick. You should always ask your veterinarian about feeding a sick dog. This is because all dogs need special nutrition during illness or stress. For example, some dogs will need to have less protein if they suffer from kidney disease. Many vets also recommend a lamb and rice dog food for sick dogs. Remember that your vet is there to help, if you have any concerns or questions about what to feed your dog.

Take into account any other special issues. If your dog is overweight, there is a dog food that is right for him. Weight management food is generally higher in protein and fiber, and lower in calories and fat content, as compared to an adult maintenance food. The high protein levels can help dogs lose fat and not muscle, while high fiber levels help dogs feel satisfied while losing weight. Performance dog food is specifically formulated for hardworking and highly active dogs.

Buy your dog food at the store. Many pet owners feel that they are treating their dogs extra special if they make them homemade dog food. The problem is that homemade dog food runs the risk of containing too much fat for most dogs' needs. This becomes a problem because diets that are high in fat could increase your dog's risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and an elevated heart rate.

]]> http://www.onlydogbeds.net/how_to_choose_the_right_dog_food-19201.php http://www.onlydogbeds.net/how_to_choose_the_right_dog_food-19201.php Learn About Dogs buying_ dog_ food choosing_ dog_ food dog dog_ food how_ to_ choose_ dog_ food Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:56:56 -0800 Neo, an 11-month-old Siberian husky, earned his hero stripes by getting human help for his imperiled owner, Marci Snead. When Snead, a diabetic with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, went into hypoglycemic shock, Neo ran to the nearest building. He then grabbed the attention of several people, who followed Neo, back to where Snead had fallen. Within moments, emergency services were summoned and Snead later made a full recovery. • Kankuntu found himself defending his family from armed pirates at sea. When Peter Lee found himself about to be hijacked on his 41 foot yacht by armed pursuers, the dog leapt right into action, furiously attacking the gunmen, until one of them shot and stabbed the pooch, between his shoulder blades. Amazingly, Kankuntu was nursed back to the health, and the family continued with their voyage. • Junior, a 14-month-old Shih Tzu mix, started barking when fire tore through the Davilmar household in the middle of the night. The heroic dog did not relent until everyone, including the family's half-dozen visiting relatives, was awake and out of the house. • It may seem hard to believe, but Belle, a Beagle, literally bit "911" into Kevin Weaver's cell phone after the diabetic man collapsed from a seizure. Belle became the first canine, to win VITA's Wireless Samaritan Award. Evidently, the pooch had been trained to bite down on the phone's keypad in the event of an emergency and her owner credits her fully with saving his life! • MSNBC tells the story of Toby, a golden retriever who heroically saved owner Debbie Parkhurst from choking to death on an apple in her Maryland home. When it became apparent that she was choking, the dog jumped hard onto her chest and forced the lodged morsel to come loose from her throat. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' "Dog of the Year" award in 2007 was given to Toby for his lifesaving efforts. • Nyla is another dog that risked her own life in order to save her human owner from the threat of fire. When Sheila found herself surrounded by smoke and flames and was unable to see in front of her, Nyla courageously guided her toward a nearby door, barking whenever Sheila lost track of her. Even though, her home and belongings were destroyed, Sheila was guided to safety, noting that, "Nyla could have left anytime. Instead, she chose to stay and risk her own life and face death to save me." • Michael Hingson found himself on the 78th floor of the World Trade Center on September 11. It took some unexpected heroics, from his yellow Labrador, Roselle, to save his life. When the building started to sway, and the air filled with choking smoke, Roselle lead Michael to safety, guiding him through the crumbling office toward a stairwell. While it was not easy for Michael or Roselle, who was panting and extremely thirsty, the two managed to reach safety just moments before Tower 1 collapsed. • Nellie, a 4-year-old Black Lab, used her high powered ears to detect an intruder in time to save her profoundly deaf owner. The community outpouring was huge and Nellie was given the Heroic Hearing Dog of the Year award! The charity that trained Nellie could not have been more proud. ]]> http://www.onlydogbeds.net/amazing_and_heroic_dog_rescues-19195.php http://www.onlydogbeds.net/amazing_and_heroic_dog_rescues-19195.php amazing_ and_ heroic_ dog_ rescues dogs dog_ rescues heroic_ dogs heroic_ dog_ rescues Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:12:04 -0800 When dog owners decide to buy insurance for their pet, they are often surprised to find that it is not as straightforward as they thought. Getting just the right amount of dog insurance coverage can be tricky for several reasons. One of the biggest reasons is, much like health care for humans, the rising cost of pet health care due in part to advances in veterinary medicine has caused insurance premiums to skyrocket. This has prompted consumers to simply go without or purchase the bare minimum. Unfortunately, dog owners should understand that with the rising costs of most procedures, going without, or opting for the bare minimum, is not the best way to protect your dog or your pocketbook. Keep in mind that a simple tooth extraction is averaging $1,000. This leaves dog owners wondering exactly how much dog insurance coverage they really need? The answer depends on several different factors. Animal experts advise that getting the right type, and an adequate amount, of dog insurance will depend on a number of factors. These can include but are not limited to: • Your dog's age • Your dog's breed • Your dog's size • Your dog's overall health status Insurance experts recommend purchasing insurance for your pet when he is young, mainly because most dog insurance providers will charge lower premiums based on age alone. Once you have assessed the size, breed and age of your dog, you should also consider this: average costs to treat serious conditions range from $1,000 to more than $5,000. Statistics show that, depending on the type of policy, average monthly premiums can cost anywhere from $20-$40 per month. Deductibles also vary greatly depending on the type of insurance that you choose. When deciding on dog insurance it is important to understand that there are several common types of dog insurances that are available. These include policies for: • Routine and wellness coverage • Genetic condition coverage • Chronic condition coverage • Major medical coverage Routine and wellness coverage, the least expensive of all types of insurance coverage, will cover routine care such as annual checkups, de-worming, spaying and neutering, prophylactic teeth cleaning and vaccinations. Dog owners should also understand that genetic condition coverage is a form of broad coverage, and only a few canine insurance companies offer it. It is one of the most expensive types of coverage because it covers a wide range of genetic conditions, as outlined in each individual policy. It must be stressed that you should read through your policy carefully and talk to your insurance provider about exactly what conditions are covered. It is important to remember that depending on the breed, there are literally hundreds of genetic conditions that can affect dogs. Chronic condition coverage can protect pet owners in the event that their dog develops a common chronic condition such as osteoarthritis, diabetes or Addison's disease. Again like all insurance, the extent of coverage depends greatly on the insurance provider. Some canine insurance companies will cover chronic conditions if they occur in the earlier years of your dog's life, but will exclude them later, and some will even place limits on your payout. Major medical canine insurance, which is also known as "catastrophic coverage", is useful in the event or accidents, emergencies and/or unforeseen conditions. Major medical also has a low monthly premium but a high deductible. It is important to note that most canine insurance providers can and will customize an insurance policy to fit your individual needs by combining several different types of coverage. Most dog owners choose a comprehensive coverage that is usually a combination of routine, wellness coverage and major medical canine insurance. http://www.onlydogbeds.net/dog_insurance_how_much_do_you_need-19192.php http://www.onlydogbeds.net/dog_insurance_how_much_do_you_need-19192.php Dog Health buying_ dog_insurance dogs dog_ insurance how_ much_ dog_ insurance insurance Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:29:41 -0800 Dog owners often suffer sticker shock after they take their beloved pet to the vet. Many pet owners are concerned about the rising cost of pet health care, which is partially the result of advances in veterinary medicine. To combat the high costs associated with pet care, some pet owners are looking to pet health care insurance as one way to cope. Medical treatments and technologies that were once used only for humans are now being used for pets. These new advanced treatments and surgeries can cost thousands of dollars. This has left some dog owners with an agonizing choice: do they put down their dog because treating a serious illness or injury is not financially possible or do they go into debt to treat the dog? This is where having dog insurance can help. Statistics vary widely on the percentage of pet owners in the United States who insure their pets. However, experts advise considering pet health insurance as a way to prepare for unexpected medical expenses. While it is not always clear whether it is cost-effective, some pet care practitioners say such insurance may simply give owners peace of mind, or help them make decisions, about their pet's future that are not influenced by financial considerations. So how do you go about choosing dog insurance? There are several larger companies that sell this type of insurance. They include: • Veterinary Pet Insurance, • Pethealth Inc. • The Hartville Group • Pets Best Insurance • Embrace Pet Insurance • PetFirst Healthcare • PetPartners • Petplan USA If you know family and friends who've gotten pet insurance, ask them where they purchased it. You can check with local shelters and ask your vet who they recommend as well. Most companies generally offer a few levels of policies that range from $5 to $30 a month on average for a healthy pet. Keep in mind that the cost will vary, depending on the extent of coverage, benefit limits, deductibles and co-payments, just like human health insurance. Dogs are generally more expensive to insure than cats or other animals. Not unlike human health insurance, pet insurance coverage varies according to company and plan. Some companies offer a basic "safety plan" that only covers treatment for injuries such as broken bones, bee stings and burns. At the other end of the spectrum, some companies have plans that can be customized to cover cancer treatment and alternative therapy like acupuncture. When you are shopping for a policy, it is crucial that that you find out exactly what the policy covers. Asking about exclusions is also important. Dog owners will also need to know that most policies exclude pre-existing conditions, many exclude hereditary conditions, which purebred dogs are more likely to have and limit coverage for older animals. Dog owners should also consider that if your pet is advanced in years, in poor health, or if you do not want to subject the animal to a major surgical procedure, insurance may not be a worthwhile investment. You should talk to your vet about your pet's health, and ask insurance companies about the limits of coverage, before purchasing a policy Here are some additional questions that you should ask the insurance company, before buying any policy: • Will my claim payments based on my vet bill or the insurance company's benefit schedule? • Are drug and dental coverage included in the policy? • Will my premium go up over time, as I file claims, or my pet gets older? • What is the procedure for reimbursement? Do I pay the vet and then submit the bill, or will the vet handle billing? • Will the plan cover chronic or recurring conditions? • Are their financial limits of coverage? How are they applied? http://www.onlydogbeds.net/do_you_need_dog_insurance-19191.php http://www.onlydogbeds.net/do_you_need_dog_insurance-19191.php Dog Health dogs dog_ insurance insurance pet_ insurance purchasing_ dog_ insurance Sun, 07 Mar 2010 12:56:58 -0800 1. The Golden Retriever It should come as no surprise that the Golden Retriever is among the top 5 dog breeds in America. They are well mannered, intelligent dogs that make great companions. They train easily and are patient with children as well as adults. The Golden Retriever is sociable and has attributes that make it a great watchdog. It is commonly used for hunting, tracking and drug detection. Golden Retrievers love to please their masters and excel in obedience competitions. Their life expectancy is between 10 and twelve years. 2. The Labrador Retriever There is a legend in Canada that says that the Lab is a cross between a Nordic dog and an otter. While not entirely true, you can tell that this dog loves the water and its ancient ancestors were trained in the northern parts of Canada to jump into icy water and haul fishing nets back to shore. Their primary role in the field is hunting. Labradors are a well-balanced, friendly and versatile breed that can adapt well to a wide range of functions. They are fond of families and children, very intelligent and easy to train. They also make great watchdogs like the Golden Retriever but do not make good guard dogs. They work well as guide dogs, police dogs and bird dogs and are reputed to be a mellow breed which makes them excellent family dogs. 3. The German Shepherd The German shepherd is also ranked among the top 5 dog breeds in America. They are very active as well as fearless; though they are not naturally hostile dogs, they can be trained as police or military dogs. Although they are fearless and outgoing, they are extremely patient and protective with children in the family. They are also are extremely loyal family members. However, it does take them some time to get accustomed to strangers. 4. Yorkshire Terrier The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie for short, is a smaller dog but you wouldn't know it from its personality or temperament. This dog struts with self-confidence everywhere it goes and is often be stubborn and hard to house break. They need consistent training and can be aggressive toward strange dogs and small children. Yorkies were bred specifically to hunt, which they do instinctively, so they must be leashed when you walk them. Their life expectancy is between 12 and 15 years. 5. The Beagle Most people will likely be surprised that the Beagle is among the top 5 dog breeds in America. They like children and are usually very friendly toward people and other dogs. The only drawback with a Beagle is they tend to bark and howl a lot; this can become quite annoying, especially in the middle of the night. They need firm training because they have strong personalities. As Beagles were also bred to hunt, they need to be leashed when you take them for a walk.
Finding the right dog breed to fit your lifestyle and your personality is just as important as finding clothes that fit correctly. Any dog that you are considering for adoption will be part of the family and needs to fit into every part of your schedule and lifestyle. ]]> http://www.onlydogbeds.net/information_on_the_top_5_dog_breeds-18840.php http://www.onlydogbeds.net/information_on_the_top_5_dog_breeds-18840.php Dog Breeds Beagle dog_breeds German_Shepherd Golden_Retriever information Information_on_the_top_5_dog_breeds Labrador_Retriever top_5_dog_breeds Yorkshire_Terrier Fri, 25 Dec 2009 20:15:23 -0800 Whether you're looking for a dog to guard the family, the children or your property, there are several different breeds that make great guard dogs. The term "guard dog" often brings to mind a dog that is vicious, dangerous and even specifically trained to kill; this is a common misconception. Finding the best dog breed if you're looking for a guard dog doesn't have to be difficult. The term "guard dog" often has different meanings, protector, sentry and attack dog among then. Dogs meant for personal protection are sometimes referred to as alarm dogs. Their main function is to alert their owner if an intruder is near or something suspicious is going on outside the home or workplace. They are trained to protect their territory by barking, snarling, chasing or seizing an intruder. They are not, however, trained to bite or kill, although if their owner is threatened, they may do so. Sentry dogs are trained to patrol and defend a certain area or building in the owner's absence. They are most often seen in shipyards or warehouses. Attack dogs are trained to do just that: attack. They are generally used by police forces or military services and are trained to respond with physical aggression. They have the potential to kill anyone or anything that gets in their way. Attack dogs should only be used by trained professionals and should never be a family pet as the most subtle movements can trigger an attack. • Doberman Pinschers are one of the best guard dogs among the breeds. Their natural instinct is to protect their family and territory. That said, however, they are not a good fit for every person or family situation. Ideally, the owner of this dog needs to be confident and just as aggressive as the dog. They need constant training from the time they're a pup and don't do well if they are left alone in the yard. They can be taught to be gentle while still defending their territory. • Chow Chows can make great family pets; they are also very protective. They need firm, early obedience training which will allow them to be good guard dogs for families; they are especially protective of small children. • German Shepherds are usually trained as part of a police unit or military force which is why they are typically trained to be mean and aggressive; thus the reputation. While they can be trained to kill, with the proper socialization skills and training, they make excellent protectors for individuals and families. They make great family pets as well, so if you're looking for a protective, friendly-toward-your-family dog to protect your family, a German Shepherd is a good option. They are intelligent, good with children and considered to be one of the best guard dog breeds. • Surprisingly, Great Danes make great guard dogs, too. Their gentle, playful disposition makes them great family pets. However, they will become aggressive if the situation calls for it. They love being around people and are patient with children so they make for a great family pet as well as a great guard dog. To a large extent, your reason for getting a guard dog will dictate the breed you want to look for. Keep in mind that different dogs perform differing degrees of protection. Some are great at being alert and using their bark or their physical presence to scare off a predator while others can be trained to bite an intruderr or guard your children. Whatever your choice, hopefully this overview will give you a good start on your road to choosing a guard dog. http://www.onlydogbeds.net/best_guard_dog_breeds-18796.php http://www.onlydogbeds.net/best_guard_dog_breeds-18796.php Dog Breeds attack best_dog_breeds best_guard_dogs Best_guard_dog_breeds breeds Chow_Chows Doberman_Pinschers dogs dog_breeds dog_guard_breeds German_Shepherds Great_Danes guard instinct kill military police protection protective sentry Fri, 25 Dec 2009 06:09:59 -0800 When it comes to dog shows and competitions, toy dog breeds are no different from other breeds in that they too compete with one another. Toy dog breed competitions consist of several different breeds of dog competing against one another. Toy dogs are no exception to the American Kennel Club rules regarding how they behave and are groomed for competition. Their breed dictates the qualifications the must meet in order to compete. Let's take a look at a few different toy dogs and the AKC standards they have to meet. The American Kennel Club has established certain specifications for each dog to meet, regardless of their breed. If the specifications are not met, the dog may be disqualified or not allowed to enter the competition. Some of the criterion the judges will look at before allowing a dog to enter a competition are: • Parents of the dog • The litter the dog came from • General appearance • Head • Body • Legs and feet • Coat • Colors • Chest and legs • Weight There may be other things that are viewed depending on the type of competition but these are the general criteria that are judged in a toy dog competition. Let's look at an example to give you a better idea of what to expect when putting your toy dog into competitions. Yorkshire Terrier Breed The Yorkshire Terrier is a popular toy dog breed and has some specifications to meet in order to compete with others in its group. • Head. The head is small and flat on top; the skull should not be too prominent or round. The muzzle not too long with neither an over or under bite. The nose is generally black and eyes are medium in size; not too prominent. The ears are small, v-shaped and sit erect; not too far apart. • Body. The body should be well-proportioned and compact. The back is short, back line level, with the height and rump height being the same. • Legs and Feet. The forelegs are generally straight; elbows neither in nor out. The hind legs are also straight but stifles are moderately bent when viewed from the side. Feet are round with black toenails. • Coat. The quality, texture and quantity of the Terrier's coat is of utmost importance. The hair should be glossy, fine and silky in texture. The body coat is moderately long, straight and may be trimmed to floor length, if desired. The hair on top can be tied with one bow in the center of the head or parted and tied with two bows, one on each side. Hair needs to be trimmed short on the tip of the ears and feet to give them a neat appearance. • Colors. The puppies of Yorkshire Terriers are usually born black and tan and will also have a darker body color until they are mature. As they grow into adults the hair on the body and richness of tan color on the head and legs are extremely important. Color requirements apply when competing; blue is a dark steel blue, not silver and not mixed with fawn or black hairs. All the tan hair should be darker at the roots than in the middle. There should be no sooty black hair mixed with any of the tan. • Weight. The weight of an adult Yorkshire Terrier entering competition must not exceed seven pounds. • Disqualifications may include any solid color or combination of colors other than the blue and tan and white markings on other places besides the forechest. As you can see there are several different and very specific qualifications that toy dogs, as well as other dogs, have to meet in order to compete. Toy dog breed competitions are found all over the world so if you're looking to get involved, do some research and make sure that your dog fits the criteria. http://www.onlydogbeds.net/competitions_for_toy_dogs-18815.php http://www.onlydogbeds.net/competitions_for_toy_dogs-18815.php Dog Breeds AKC American_Kennel_Club body breeds colors compete competitions criteria dogs dog_breeds general_appearance head legs_and_feet qualifications specific_standards standards toy_dogs toy_dog_breeds Toy_dog_breed_competitions weight Yorkshire_Terrier Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:59:35 -0800 Some Dog Breed Categories It's important not to confuse a breed category with the breed groups as the breed categories may have several different dogs in them from the same breed group. • Companion Breeds If a dog is considered a good companion, this is one of the categories it would fit into. Any dog breed known to be a good companion will fall into this breed group. Companion dogs don't typically work and are merely mean to provide companionship to their owners. Many of the toy breeds are considered good companion dogs, but others, such as the retriever, can fit into this breed category as well because it is friendly by nature and enjoys the companionship of people. • Fighting Breeds When we talk about fighting dog breeds we are mainly referring to dogs that were bred to fight, as in war, or protect. The Bull terrier and the Pitbull terrier are prime examples of dogs bred specifically to fight or protect in one capacity or another. • Hunting Breeds A hunting dog refers to any dog that can assist humans in hunting or tracking. There are several different types of dogs that have been specifically bred to hunt or track. Most hunting dogs are found in three categories: hounds, terriers and gun dogs. There are further divisions made among these categories based upon skills that the dogs possess. For example, some breeds have special skills for hunting in the water while others may be bred to retrieve fowl or other game without harming them like retrievers. Some breeds have strong scent detection skills and can follow a trail better than others, while some breeds have excellent eyesight, able to find prey camouflaged in their natural environment. There is certain criterion within each breed that each dog has to meet in order to be included in that breed category, just as there are certain traits a dog breed has to possess in order to be placed in a certain dog group. Depending on the dog you have and what types of skills it possesses will determine how and what breed list it will be placed in. ]]> http://www.onlydogbeds.net/create_lists_of_dog_breeds_what_are_the_rating_criterion-18829.php http://www.onlydogbeds.net/create_lists_of_dog_breeds_what_are_the_rating_criterion-18829.php Dog Breeds breeds breed_group companion_dogs creating_a_dog_breed_list criteria dogs dog_breeds dog_breed_categories dog_breed_lists fighting_dogs how_to how_to_create_lists_of_dog_breeds hunting_dogs lists lists_of_dog_breeds rating rating_criteria rating_criteria_for_dog_breeds Rating_criteria_used_to_create_lists_of_dog_breeds skills Thu, 24 Dec 2009 10:50:56 -0800