Types of Bulldogs

There are actually several different types of bulldogs. Many people assume there is just one type of bulldog but there are actual there different breeds that go by that name. These breeds are the American, the French, and the English bulldog. As you will learn these breeds are very different from each other despite similar sounding names.

English Bulldog

This is the classic bulldog that most people are referring to when they talk about bulldogs. This bulldog originated in England and has a large broad head and a wide stance with short legs. It comes in a variety of coat colors and the adult weighs about 50 pounds. Their ears droop over slightly at the tips.

French Bulldog

The French bulldog is believed to have been derived from the English bulldogs. It is believed that over two hundred years ago, lace workers from England went to France looking for work. When they went to France they took bulldog runts with them.

Eventually the French fell in love with this smaller version of the bulldog and it took off in popularity. The most unique feature of the French bulldog is the "bat like" ears. The ears are wide at the base and come to a point quickly. The ears are short so they stand up, as opposed to those of the English bulldog which droop over. The French bulldog weighs at most 28 pounds, which is half the size of the English bulldog.

The French bulldog used to be a very fashionable dog to be seen with. Everyone from French prostitutes to the Russian royal family owned this type of bulldog.

American Bulldog

The American bulldog is the largest of the three types and there are acutely two different American bulldogs, the Johnson type and the Scott type. They are named after the breeders who developed them.

This bulldog is the most athletic one. It has much longer legs, a narrower head, a more athletic body than the English.

American bulldogs weigh anywhere between 70 to 125 pounds, and stand 20 to 28 inches tall at the shoulders.

In summary the American is larger than the English, which is larger than the French bulldog.

As you can see there are three different types of bulldogs, the English, the French, and the American. Each one has unique features that make it stand out from the crowd. So the next time anyone talks about bulldogs, ask them to be more specific about which one they are referring to.

French Bulldogs Descriptions

Description :
This is a sturdy little Bulldog with large, erect, rounded, bat ears, a flat, powerful muzzle and a pug nose. The square flat head is not as massive as the English Bulldog's. The forehead is rounded. Height doesn't matter as long as the dog is well balanced. The height at the withers should be approximately the same as the length from withers to tail set. The dog should be pear-shaped, with the shoulders wider than the tail area. The short, soft, easy-care coat comes in brindle, fawn, white and combinations of brindle or fawn with white. The skin is soft and fairly loose, making the dog very pleasant to pet. The prominent round eyes are dark colored and the bite is undershot. The tail is either straight or cork-screw.

Temperament :
The French Bulldog is a pleasant, easy care companion. A very playful and affectionate dog. Sweet and absolutely hilarious; they have a very comical personality and love to clown around. It is bright and easygoing. Curious and alert. The Frenchie gets along fairly well with strangers and other animals, but he is often bonds strongly to one person. They play well with other dogs; some males may be dog aggressive, while others get along with other dogs just fine. This breed needs companionship and will not thrive without it. The Frenchie cannot be owned and ignored. They are fairly willful, but can be trained if the owner is patient. They respond to patient, consistent training that DOES NOT include hitting or harsh jerking. They are clean, and companionable, enthusiastic and sometimes do not know when to quite, but they are not yappy and loud. This breed does best with older considerate children. Frenchies are easy going to show. This breed may drool and slobber; however a good percentage of them do not. This little dog is also a ruthless hunter of mice!

Health problems :
French Bulldogs are prone to eye and respiratory problems. If too overweight, the French Bulldog may have trouble breathing, because of a swollen abdomen. They may wheeze, snore and be gassy. It is said breed can not swim because of his physique, so be very careful around swimming pools, however some French Bulldog owners have reported that their dogs can indeed swim. Sometimes bitches must deliver by Cesarean section because of the puppies' large heads. Potential purchasers should be aware that these are high maintenance dogs and you can expect your vet bills can be big.

Living condition :
Frenchies are sensitive to temperature extremes. Overheating this dog may cause heat stroke. They prefer cooler climates. This breed is good for apartment life. They can be fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Interesting Yorkie Facts

Yorkies, or Yorkshire Terriers, as they are formally known, are fascinating dogs. They have great personalities and are very smart. They are designated in the toy group of dogs because of their small size. According to their breed standard they must not exceed seven pounds.

They have a very characteristic coat as well. Almost all Yorkies have a blue and tan coat. Their coat is also very long and silky if left to grow out.

They are always one of America's favorite breeds of dogs consistently ranked in the top ten. According to the latest statistics from the American Kennel Club (AKC), they are the number two most popular dog breed in America, second only to the Labrador Retriever.

The Yorkie originated in Yorkshire, a territory in northern England. It is believed that Scottish miners coming to England for work brought along several small long haired terriers that would go on to form what we know today as the Yorkie.

Huddersfield Ben, is the dog that is believed to be the foundation sire of this breed. He was born in 1865 in the county of Yorkshire. Legend has it that he won over 70 prizes at ratting contests, thus earning him popularity throughout the region and making him a highly sought after stud dog.

Yorkshire terriers were not their original name. Originally their name was Broken-Haired Scotch Terriers. It wasn't until 1870 that their name was changed.

The Yorkshire Terrier did not arrive to the United States until 1872, and was not recognized until 1885 by the AKC. In fact, this breed is one of the first breeds to be recognized by the AKC. Since their arrival Yorkies have always had widespread popularity in America.

This breed is considered on of the more intelligent dog breeds. In fact one study of dog intelligence ranked them 27 out of 132 breeds. Yorkies are very easy to train and pick up commands quite quickly.

Due to their popularity, breeders are always trying to cross them with other breeds. Some popular combinations are crosses with the Maltese (Morkie), the Miniature Pinscher (Yorkie Pin), and the Poodle (Yorkie-Poo).

Yorkies have also enjoyed a lot of popularity on TV and in movies. In fact one the original dog from the Wizard of Oz was a Yorkie, although it was later played by a Carin Terrier.

As you can see there are many interesting facts about Yorkies. If you want to learn more about this great breed be sure to check out websites and books about this breed.

Getting to Know the St Bernard

The St. Bernard also known as Alpine Mastiff, Bernhardiner, Noble Steeds, Barry Dogs, Saint Dogs, or just plain Saint originated from the Swiss Valley specifically in the St. Bernard Pass part of the Western Alps between Switzerland and Italy. According to history, this breed was trained by Hospice monks to locate lost travelers during winter season. Aside from being rescue dogs, they also served as watch and companion dogs for the monks. Four St. Bernard is enough to make one rescue team. Whenever they found a traveler or a body, three of them keep the person warm while the other one returns home to get more help.

It is for this deed that they have saved a lot of travelers. In fact, Barry the most famous St. Bernard was erected a monument at his honor at the Cemetery of Dogs in France and his body was preserved in the Natural History Museum of Bern, Switzerland as a tribute for saving about 40 to 100 people. The St. Bernard was considered as a large dog breed weighing somewhere between 160 to 240 pounds or 73 to 110 kilograms, although there was one which reached a weight of 357 pounds or 163 kilograms. This dog was named Benedictine which was recorded as the largest and heaviest dog in the world.

The Saints reaches up to 35 and a half inches or 90 centimeters. Its fur has two types: short and smooth coat and long and rough coat. Their body is usually white with golden or dark brown patches on its back and head. The St. Bernard despite its huge size which can serve as deterrent to intruders has a very gentle personality and can mingle well with children which make it a great candidate as a family and watch dog rolled into one. It is also very loyal to its owner however proper dog training when it is still a pup is advisable to avoid any behavioral problems associated with large canine breeds.

Due to its large body health problems such as bone leg deterioration is apparent if they are not provided with the nutrition just right for them. Other diseases common with this breed is hip or elbow dysplasia, eye disorders, heart disease, seizures, epilepsy, and bone cancer which is hereditary to them. So if you are planning to adopt a St. Bernard, make sure you have that extra large space in your family and extra large allocation of your budget to keep it healthy and happy. If you would remember Beethoven in the movie of the same title you would recall its very homely nature and its good relationship with the children.

Actually the St. Bernard has a very obedient and intelligent character so it could go along with any member of the family. Today many people would associate the breed with casks filled with alcoholic drink tied around their necks. St. Bernard Hospice's monks deny it stating that the idea originated from old paintings. But some state that the dogs really did carry casks because alcohol was used to warm the lost travelers they rescued. Whether they carry alcohol or not their image as rescue dogs would remain to be their greatest help to mankind.

Pug Health - Taking Care of Your Pug For a Long and Happy Life

Good pug health care is important for these little dogs known for their small size, perkiness, and loyalty. They have a short and sleek coat, as well as a rounded and cute face. Pugs are short and stocky and usually grow to about eleven inches. They are extremely good with kids and with other animals, which makes them ideal household pets. They are typically a sociable and friendly breed. They do need a lot of attention, but in return you get a loyal and very loving pet and companion.

Pugs have a very colorful history, being bred for royalty in China and in Europe. Western and Chinese breeds of pugs grow up to eleven to fourteen inches in length and usually have a black, white, apricot, or silver short coat. They have a round face and round eyes and curly tails. At its full grown size, pugs will usually weigh up to eighteen pounds.

As for pug health, pugs are usually known to have some skin and respiratory problems or complications. Respiratory problems may arise from their condensed snouts. They also can have a problem with shedding as pugs shed a lot more than other breeds. Since they have many folds especially around their ears, this can be a place for mites and other insects, so their ears need to be checked regularly. Since pugs usually have flat faces but have protruding eyes, it makes them prone to corneal ulcers.

Another piece of information about pug health is that they are extremely sensitive to weather and are prone to cold. It is best that they avoid any harsh type of weather, whether hot or cold. When taking care of pugs and grooming them, they must be dried completely after to avoid catching a cold.

Poodle Raising Simplified

The Poodle is one of the most difficult breeds of dog to own. Grooming for this pet isn't just about brushing. This pooch requires a lot of attention for its coat, especially if your maintaining a hairstyle. As a puppy they can be a little too playful at times. Annoying if you don't give them good behavioral lessons. But nothing good ever comes free - to get something you've got to give something. It may get tiring, satisfying its many needs, but the results can be quite rewarding. Having a well-disciplined Poodle can be great. Having a restless and troublesome brat can be a nightmare.

Training and grooming for this dog are closely related. This breed actually needs to be trained for grooming - it may sound weird but it's true. The daily routines should start while it's still a puppy. They aren't so hard-headed at this age. The sessions need to be kept short; it may be intelligent, but its mind will drift while doing something for too long. Therefore, your routines must be equally divided through out the day. They must be for a few minutes only, and kept fun. They don't like being bored, being bored makes them even more difficult to handle.

You have to utilize methods that will catch its attention. You'll need to take note of its behavior as well. Give it a reward for doing something good. Never ever tolerate bad behavior. That is something that you don't want it to get used to. Spoiling it is a big no-no. If you see it doing something that isn't right, reprimand it in a gentle but authoritative way. Let it know that you don't like what it's doing so it will lose the bad habit. Ignoring unruly conduct can help as well. As part the Poodles training, you should teach it "table manners".

Having it sit before serving it a bowl of dog food is needed. You don't want it rushing in and getting what it wants without having to work for it. An effective method of teaching him this trick is to hold the bowl slightly above its head. It will have to sit in order to reach its food. Do that every time you feed it so it will be conditioned to do so naturally. Grooming, as I've said earlier, can be difficult if it isn't trained or prepared for it. At an early age have it get used to the sound of electric clippers.

This breed has the tendency to get scared while listening to the noise, which will make it hard to keep them still while grooming. Have this pet placed in a room where he can here the sound but not see what's making it. Like all dogs, regardless of shape and size, a poodle will require exercise. It doesn't have much stamina so all it needs is some time for playing and taking short walks. Doggy training done daily not only keeps it in good shape but does wonders for its behavior as well. It runs out of energy quickly. If it doesn't have energy it can't do much of its annoying routines.

The Poodle isn't such a bad dog once trained properly. One of this dog's advantage is that it can change its appearance. There are different hairstyles available for this breed. This is great for those who get bored of seeing the same look everyday. If you play your cards right, this can be the pet you've been looking for.

Labrador Training Techniques

Have you recently purchased a Labrador retriever? Maybe you don't know it, but you now own one of the best breeds of dogs available today. In fact, maybe I should go so far as to say that you own the best breed. Anyway, you definitely have one fantastic dog that should give you a future full of enjoyment.

Labradors continually amaze their owners with what they can do. On average, they are very easy to train especially when you understand their character a little more. Being bred for gathering and hunting, they have been developed into a fine animal with tremendous smarts and ability. It basically means that you'll have a much easier time in training him.

Even though they have a tremendous capability for learning, it's always best to start out with some good Labrador training techniques. Starting with some basics will help you on your way towards a more fulfilling life for you and your dog. The more your dog knows and learns, the more he will become a fine member of the family that fits like the last fitted piece of a completed puzzle.

First, use patience when ever dealing with your Labrador. I'm not only talking about those times of formal training sessions with your dog but anytime and anywhere. Any dog will respond better to a master who exudes a calm commanding dominant demeanor. Probably the most important factor providing this result will be a continuous use of patience. Your dog will do almost anything to get your favor, simply use patience and what you desire from your dog will have a better chance of coming to fruition.

Second, start out using a leash and collar as soon as possible. There will be no better time than the present to getting your Labrador comfortable with his collar and leash. The longer you put off implementing the use of a leash, the harder it will likely be in getting your dog comfortable with it later. Using a leash not only makes it easier to train your dog but also is a basic requirement in your ability to effectively control your dog especially in public.

Third, always work towards the goal of positively reinforcing your dogs learning and training. Dogs will always respond better to positive reinforcement than negative reinforcement. In fact, you'll find it much more tiresome and difficult if you start being negative with your dog. I have yet to find another pet and/or animal that wants to please their master as much as dogs do. That especially goes for Labrador's. Therefore, it makes even more sense to only use positive reinforcement.

Fourth, basic commands are most important not only because they're generally easy to teach but also important for your ability to control your dog. Those commands include sit, stay, and come. Your pleasure will increase greatly after he learns these three commands in the beginning. You'll likely see his willingness and interest to obey after seeing how well he learns these three commands. After learning these, reinforce his training by using these commands every time you get the chance. That includes taking him outside, walking across the street, etc.

Fifth, put in place limitations and rules for your Labrador. Your dog needs to know the rules and limitations required for becoming an enjoyable accepted member of the household. He needs to know where he can relieve himself, sleep, eat, sit, etc. Eventually he should know exactly where his limits are. If you have made a rule that your dog only chews on his toys and not your shoes, he needs to know this through your continual communication. To be fair to him, your rules should be clear in his understanding as soon as possible.

Finally, everyone in the household needs to fully understand these rules and limitations by which your Labrador needs to live by. They also need to understand how to communicate those learned commands to the dog. If one person uses one command for a desired dog action while another uses a different word command, your dog will obviously get confused. Adding a word to a basic command like "sit" will also get your dog confused. If the dog hears "sit down" rather than his already learned command "sit", it will only make it more cumbersome for him as a dog to function effectively within your household.

Humans have a much easier ability to learn unlike dogs. You'll need to continually strive to use the most easiest ways of learning when it comes to your pet Labrador or any other dog. Just by his nature, he will respond to you more than half way. You and others in your household need to respond in-kind by using these good Labrador training techniques to help him function better as a member of your family.

Stop the Mess When Housebreaking a Chihuahua Puppy

Housebreaking a Chihuahua puppy can be quite a challenge. Chihuahuas are famous for being difficult to house train at times. You see, just the small size of your puppy makes a difference. Very small dogs often can feel frightened and vulnerable. That's a main reason your puppy may not even like to go outside. Here's what you can do...

1. Wait.

Don't start too soon. Make sure your puppy is capable of controlling elimination before you try. Otherwise you're set up for frustration. Often about 12 weeks is the right age. Check with the breeder.

2. Remember... gentle.

Praise success. Punishing a puppy for accidents may be very confusing and can lead to aggressive behavior. Be careful how you react to problems.

3. Habits are useful.

Puppies eliminate shortly after eating and drinking. Just watch for signs and you can be ready to whisk your pup to the right spot. The other time to be on the lookout is after naps.

4. Think paper.

Use papers as the elimination spot if you can't make it outside. After the papers become the spot to go, start moving the papers outside or wherever you choose.

5. The nest method.

Puppies don't like to foul their nests. You can confine your puppy in a nest for short periods of time. That nest might be in a crate. Your part is to watch very closely for signs of elimination. At those signs, out goes the puppy. Do your part. You must monitor the puppy all the time the pup's in the nest.

Wait until your puppy is old enough before you start puppy training. Then use just a few little tricks. With patience and time, your puppy should learn what's expected and your problems are over.

Tips For Buying Quality Dog Food

Read the First Five Ingredients
Out of the first five ingredients on your dog's food at least two should be animal protein, and I do not mean by-products. These are the ground up leftovers after processing, and they are not considered fit for human consumption. Even some of the dog food brands that are considered healthy have animal by-products in the first five ingredients. To be honest you probably will have to give up on the grocery store when it comes to buying quality dog food, and rely on a pet store instead.

Know What Grains are Good for Your Dog
Did you know that your dog cannot process soy, wheat, or corn? Unfortunately these cheap grains make up the bulk of less expensive dog food, and your dog pays the price with his health. If any of these ingredients are in the top five of your dog's food, toss it. Instead, look for quality dog food with brown rice, millet, or quinoa, which are all easy on a pup's tummy.

Know Your Percentages
Ideally your dog's diet should consist of 40% meat, 50% vegetable, and 10% grain. Read the guaranteed analysis on the label to determine what the percentages are in your dog's food.

Ultimately it may cost more to buy your dog quality food, but it will save you money and heartache in the long run. Good food can prevent health problems and extend your dog's life, while junk food will land your dog in the vet's office before he is even old. Take pride in knowing that you are providing the very best you can for your dog, and simply enjoy each other's company.

Golden Retriever Physical Characteristics - What You Should Know About His Height, Head and Eyes

The standard Golden is a medium sized dog. Measuring a dog's height is done by using a yardstick and a flat surface, for example, a sheet of cardboard that is gently placed at the flat area where the neck and back meet. A Golden's height may vary an inch over or under and remain within the standard. The Golden should be slightly longer in body than height. The weight recommendations are meant for dogs of proper height that are in working condition.

Obviously, an overweight dog will not fall within these weights. The tendency for Goldens to be larger than the standard allows is due to certain trends over the years; a moderate sized Golden is more suitable for the various jobs it performs and will be subject to fewer soundness problems.

The way the head is proportioned and the facial expressions define the Golden Retriever. The stop is the area between the eyes from the top of the head to the beginning of the muzzle or nose.

There should be a definite difference in these two planes. A dog with no stop has only a slope from the head to muzzle as opposed to an angle that indicates depth. The muzzle should taper slightly to the tip of the nose, but it should not be pointed.

The eyes are the single most important physical characteristic of the Golden. The eyes mirror the dog's personality and character, which are what make a Golden what she is, intelligent, trusting and fun loving.

The eye abnormalities mentioned above need to be diagnosed by a veterinarian. Adult make Golden Retrievers are usually 23 to 24 inches tall, with females coming in at about 1-1/2 to 2 inches shorter.

The eyes are his most important physical characteristics, they reveal a lot about his personality.

Things to Consider Before Getting a Giant Schnauzer

This breed originated from Germany - the term Schnauzer is German for "muzzle", which is a term referring to the "barrel of the gun". So Giant Schnauzer would mean giant barrel of the gun, which is in some way related to its intended purpose in the past. During World War I, this pooch was used as a messenger dog. It had to run across the battlefield, dodging flying bullets and land mines to deliver its message. The job wasn't meant for the faint of heart; a lesser breed given a task like that would have found a nice hole to hide in and shiver with its tail in between its legs.

They looked for a dog with the courage, physical prowess and intelligence to fill the post. Eventually the search ended when they found the Giant Schnauzer. This breed is a crossbreed - what they did was take a Standard Schnauzer, and let it get busy with a larger breed. The result was it retained its original attributes, but increase in size. It now has a height ranging from 23 to 28 inches, and a weight of 55 to 80 pounds. This is a big change compared to its original height and weight which was 17 to 20 inches and 30 to 45 pounds.

The Giant Schnauzer is large with a solid build. This pooch has a bushy double coat, usually coming in the colors pure black, or salt and pepper. The outer coat is quite coarse, while the inner coat is soft and thick. Its beard is long, and is complimented by its whiskers. There's not much to talk about when it comes to its tail, which looks like a candle stump. Today this dog still carries out functions similar to the ones it was assigned to at the past. Its great sense of smell is used for bomb detection and other illegal commodities such as drugs.

In some areas, its strength was used for farm work, such tasks include protecting livestock and actually pulling carts. But because of its obedience, intelligence, protective and affectionate nature, the majority of the population have made it a house pet. The Giant Schnauzer serves as an excellent guard dog. It is very protective over its master and territory, and has the build to back-up its bark. Growing suspicious of strangers is a normal thing for it to do, which at some times can be a problem. It may have the tendency to bark at your guests, so to eliminate the behavioral abnormality, training will be needed.

A well-trained Giant makes an outstanding pet. Aside from that, this breed loves keeping human company. It is playful and sweet, always looking for ways to catch your attention. A major need for this breed is exercise. Having it not expend its excess energy will make it restless and can result to some behavioral problems. It will require daily jogs, or long walks, and other strenuous work-outs, all of which it enjoys very much. It may need exercising twice a day if the earlier routine wasn't good enough for it. The Giant Schnauzer isn't for those who don't have the time to give it this.

But if you're willing to make changes to your schedule, the sacrifice will be well worth it.

Red and White Setter Puppies

The Red and White setter is from the same family as of Irish setter, Gordon Setter and the English setter. Red and White Setter is strong and powerful, without lumber - athletic rather than racy. The head is broad in proportion to body, with good stop.

Red and White Setters are energetic, intelligent, affectionate, high-spirited, and full of energy. The dog is loyal and affectionate, and its appearance emphasizes the dog's strength; its coat is also thicker than that of other setters. The dog's bright, dark eyes carry a wise expression and are set into a relatively narrow and deep head. The hindquarters are wide and powerful. Legs from hip to heel are long and muscular and from hock to heel are short and strong. They are good working dogs. It even works well on wetlands for hunting.

They work well in fields and also prove to be good show dogs. Both field lines and show lines make good pets, though the field lines are generally smaller with shorter coats and a much higher activity requirement. The Red and White Setter is used for all types of hunting specially game birds. It even works well on wetlands. Training is required for this breed firmly at an early age to prevent development of bad habits, as this breed tends to pick up bad habits quickly. It is important to train for good house manners and obedience also. These dogs are said to be easily housebroken. They are extremely intelligent and strong-will, which may be seen as stubbornness but the breed is highly obedient in nature, and is considered easy to train. The training of the dog should be started early in childhood so that it can learn the house rules and can be friend to other pets. The dog should be learning first the physical commands like sit, heel etc. They love to play in outdoors and need a lot of exercise. They also require regular grooming, especially the feet and ears, to stay healthy.

PPC (Posterior Polar Cataract) is a relatively minor form of cataract, doesn't normally lead to blindness, but is in the breed. Breeding stock should have their eyes checked and certified before breeding. The dog suffers from different diseases like hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and gastric torsion. Their life expectancy is about eleven to fifteen years. To participate in dog shows they need professional training. The Red and White Setter is not recommended for apartment life and does best with a large yard.

Gordon Setter Information

Description :
This breed tends to bloat. It may be wise to feed 2 or 3 small meals a day instead of one big one. The Irish Setter is particularly prone to epilepsy and severe skin allergies. They also suffer from eye problems and elbow & hip dysplasia. Also prone to PRA, auto-immune disease and hypothyroidism. The ears should be watched for ear inflammation. Ear operations for otitis often make the dogs ill-tempered afterwards.

Temperament :
This breed tends to bloat. It may be wise to feed 2 or 3 small meals a day instead of one big one. The Irish Setter is particularly prone to epilepsy and severe skin allergies. They also suffer from eye problems and elbow & hip dysplasia. Also prone to PRA, auto-immune disease and hypothyroidism. The ears should be watched for ear inflammation. Ear operations for otitis often make the dogs ill-tempered afterwards.

Height :
Dogs 24-27 inches (61-69 cm.) Bitches 23-26 inches (58-66 cm.)

Weight :
Dogs 55-80 pounds (25-36 kg.) Bitches 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg.)

Health problem :
Usually in excellent health, but some are prone to hip dysplasia and eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. These dogs are prone to bloat and should be fed two or three small meals a day rather than one big one.

Living conditions :
The Gordon Setter is not recommended for apartment life. It is relatively inactive indoors (if a Gordon Setter gets enough outdoor activity it will be calm when it is indoors) and does best with at least a large, safely fenced yard where it can run free. They like to roam, so a good fence around your property is essential.

Kitten Care Guide - Complete Care Tips For Your Kitten

Kitten care may be intimidating to the first time cat owner. There are a lot of things to know about kitten care. From bottle feeding to socializing your kitten, you'll have to learn these things in order to raise your kitten properly.

Kitten care should be fun. You will look at your kitten and see a totally helpless creature for the first few days. You need to take care of your kitten and eventually; they will grow into strong, intelligent, and loving cats.

Kittens will grow very quickly. For the first six weeks, they will grow their fastest in their entire lifespan. This stage is crucial. There are some things that you should not do during this stage of a kitten's life.

You should not feed your kitten dog food. This might make end up with cats vomiting or cat sickness. You should not feed it table scraps either. Avoid giving your kitten liver, canned tuna or any type of canned fish for human beings. You should feed your kitten specialty food and nurse them with their proper milk. Kitten care in feeding is important.

Socializing your kitten is part of kitten care. You can talk to your kitten, cuddle with your kitten, and play with it. When you handle it properly, they will associate positive experiences with you and thus, become properly socialized.

Part of kitten care involves what you should allow and what you should prohibit when your kitten is playing. You should now allow your kitten to play with your fingers and associate it with some play toy. This may develop into a bad habit and may eventually cause scratching and biting not only to you but to other people in the household as well.

Part of care involves what kind of toys to buy them. In some cases, you don't even have to buy them because you can find them lying around the house or you can make them. One toy that you may want your cat to play with is a plastic straw. These are excellent for teething during the early stages of cat's life. Aside from straws, you can also get old shoulder pads. They will enjoy playing with this too.

Kitten care also involves what your cat should not play with. Avoid giving your cat curling ribbons or loose string elastics. They may get a cat hairball. You don't want your cat going to the vet because of their toys.

Dog Carrier - Bicycle Fun With Your Dog

If you are considering buying a bicycle dog carrier there are some things you must consider before making your purchase. Let's face it, you want to be sure that your faithful friend is safe and secure and not confused and dazed half a mile back up the road.

* The first thing to consider is the weight of your dog, as most dog carriers on the market today only cater for dogs up to 24 pounds. If you are unsure of your dogs weight there is an easy way to weigh him. Stand on the scales yourself and take note of how many pounds you are, next, lift your dog and get back on the scales and the difference in the two weights is the weight of your dog
* If it is your intention to attach your bicycle dog carrier to the rear carrier rack on your bicycle try to buy one that has reflective tape attached to it. It just helps make you more visible to motorists.
* Try to find a washable dog carrier. Bicycle rides can sometimes leave you caught in a shower of rain and everyone knows what a wet dog smells like. If you and your dog do happen to get wet the carrier will retain the smell of the wet dog so you need to be able to wash it.
* A fleece lined dog carrier will keep your little pet as comfortable as possible. Don't forget if he is sitting over the top of the back wheel he will feel every bump along the way so that more comfy the carrier the more he will enjoy the ride.

Bicycle dog carriers are especially great for older dogs that might not just be as fit as they once were, but ideally when your dog is young is the best time to introduce it to a dog carrier. Bicycle rides with your dog safely in its carrier are great fun and much safer than having your dog run alongside.

These Are Dangerous to English Bulldogs

If you own an English Bulldog, you definitely want nothing but the best for your pet. It is your responsibility as dog owner to provide the things essential for your dog's growth and happiness. And in order to ensure your dog's growth and happiness, it is important that you take extra step to know and avoid the things that can pose danger to your dog.

Warm Climates.

Just like any dog breed with a brachycephalic skull, English Bulldogs are sensitive to extreme weather climates. They do best in temperate climates but are susceptible to heat stroke when in warm climates or hot areas. Going to places with warm temperature should be avoided and great care should be given to this breed during warm periods.

Chocolate.

People love chocolates! Definitely dogs love chocolates too! But no matter how delectable this stuff seems, never ever give in to temptation. Chocolate contains a chemical called obromine which is quite toxic to dogs. It normally takes a somewhat large amount of chocolate to kill a dog but in some cases, ingesting smaller amounts can poison and kill your beloved pet. If your dog has been poisoned by chocolate, he will start to show signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, frequent urination and increased activity.

Medications.

Medications, be it prescription or over-the-counter should be kept out of your pet's reach. Remember that painkillers, antidepressants, vitamins and diet pills can poison animals, despite in small doses.

Household Cleaners.

Bleach, fabric softener, laundry and dish washing detergent, furniture polish, disinfectants as well as mothballs and potpourri oils are dangerous to dogs. These products contain ingredients that may cause central nervous system excitement and seizures and can later lead to liver failure. Signs that your dog has been poisoned include abdominal pain, vomiting and drooling.

Watch Batteries.

If ingested, a watch battery can cause fatal ulceration in the stomach within 12 hours after ingestion. In addition, other alkaline batteries are dangerous to dogs too. A dog that has been poisoned shows signs such as drooling, lack of appetite, vomiting and lethargy.

Household Plants.

No matter how dear you are to your plants, it is always important to check if it is poisonous to your dog. Some of the toxic plants include poinsettias, tulip bulbs, daffodils, azaleas, lilies, ferns, aloe and ivy. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting and central nervous excitement.

If you suspect that your dog has been poisoned, seek veterinary care immediately.

If you do not want to risk the health and life of your English Bulldog, do your part as a responsible owner. Puppy-proof your house before taking Fido home.

English Labrador Retriever

Labrador retriever got famous in England during the year 1870 and it was during the year 1903 when the English Kennel Club tagged it as a breed popular as house pets. Later during the year 1917, this breed became popular at American Kennel Club. Labrador retriever breed is the most famous and registered breed in United States as well as in United Kingdom. Popularity of this breed is increased due to its ability on field. Labrador Retrievers are well known and adjustable for tracking, hunting, retrieving, law work, narcotics work and also for spirited obedience. These are also adoptable for watch dog job, serving the blind, investigate and set free. Labrador retriever differs as per size as medium to large and they are athletes. English Labrador retriever dogs are solid and their skin coat is double layered that come in different colors, various shades of yellow, black and chocolate.

Labrador Retrievers are in two types namely the English Lab and the American lab. These are not considered as two separate breeds but have some differences in them. English Labrador retriever are shorter compared to American labs. They are very affectionate and have beautiful and expressive eyes. Labs have pendant ears that hang close to their head. Labradors have a thick powerful neck and their chest is a bit broad with a strong back. Tail of this breed is medium in size and distinguishable. The popularity of these breeds has increased due to their friendly nature. They are very loving, affectionate and clever dogs. This breed is loyal and full with character and gets along well with children. These dogs require a good set of people to take care of with time and love shown for them. Labs are a kind of breed that requires fewer efforts for training.

Labs respond in a best way to helpful reinforcements. English Labrador Retrievers are with friendly nature and thus they are not suitable for a safety guard purpose. These can be used as watch dogs as they display a good barking power as they see unfamiliar people coming close to them or approaching towards house. Labs can be very different and unhelpful if proper physical and mental motivation are not given or are kept alone for longer duration. These can proceed forcefully when they see other dogs particularly of same sex. In general this breed is one of the popular dogs allover and is liked by everyone. These dogs are very handy for indoor purpose and deal with good help outside too. The Labrador breed is a fun dog that likes to play all the time or get busy in something or the other. A regular walk or going for jogging along with these dogs is a kind of refreshments for them. No breed enjoys staying at home all the time. Swimming can be a good option for these dogs specially the younger ones. Keeping English Labrador retrievers is a good option for enjoyment as well as some security.

Cairn Terrier Basic Facts

There are many beautiful breeds of dogs to choose from, but not everyone of them may be compatible with your lifestyle. People choosing a breed with undesired traits find themselves stuck in a situation similar to that one would experience in hell. And that's one of the reasons why you see many doggies wandering around the streets, eating out of trash cans, or confined in the dog pound. If you've seen the Cairn Terrier, and decide to keep one as a pet, it's important that you do some research to see if this pooch is right for you. I will now state some basic need-to-knows about this breed, which could help you out in making your choice.

The Cairn Terrier is a small dog that doesn't shed that much fur, which makes it okay for it to sleep inside the house. However, it packs a lot of energy, which makes it restless if it's kept indoors all day. Being restless will lead to the development of some behavioral problems, which you of course woudn't want. To fix that, it's important that you give it some outdoor activity time. It loves taking walks, jogging, running, and even going up hill. Owners of this breed find themselves playing with it for hours, because it obviously enjoys doing so. Another thing that some dogs of this breed fancies is wandering.

They can go around for hours, and sometimes get lost. So having sturdy fences put up around your house would be great for stopping it from drifting off. Knowing the fact that it demands constant physical exercise, this pet won't be suitable for those living in apartments. As I've said earlier, it'd become restless from being locked up all day, which would then make it do more bad than good. Cairn Terriers are very affectionate - they love hanging around their human owners. This is great for people with passive incomes or are jobless; this type doesn't have much to do.

This dog needs plenty of time and attention, and bonding with the kids of the family. So if you can't give it the time and attention it needs because you're tied up with work, this isn't the pet for you. Cairn Terriers are fairly intelligent and learn tricks fast. This makes training much easier, but before getting there you've got to deal with its behavioral problems first. There are some that may or may not occur - as a pup pay attention to any signs of unwanted behavior and deal with it immediately. At this age, ingraining rules and basic commands into their heads won't be so hard.

From there anything plausible could be very possible, that is if you set your mind to it. These are some of the basic qualities that a Cairn Terrier may possess, which should be kept in mind before making up your mind. But for a more thorough description of this breeds' temperament and other attributes, I urge you to research more about this dog. If you already own one, and on the verge of giving up, don't. Whatever problems you're having with it, it's most likely due to the fact that you've been using the wrong methods. It's never too late to turn things around for the better.

Choosing a Vet For Your Shih Tzus

The vet is an important person in caring for your shih tzus. Regardless of your dog's size, color, health condition and even breed, regular vet visits are necessary to allow you and your vet to spot any problem before it gets worst. In other words, the health and life of your shih tzus partly depends on your vet. You must therefore make sure to choose someone whom you can trust.
In choosing veterinarians, most owners usually pick from phone book and then contact the one that is closest to their location. However, for some reasons, some felt uncomfortable with the chosen vet after few appointments. But despite that, most dog owners stick to the same vet.

To save your from vet issues, here are some tips to consider:

Ask other pet owners.

Ask friends, relatives or neighbors who are also pet owners. They can suggest a reliable vet and will gladly share their vet experiences with you. You can also ask recommendation from your local pet shop.

Location of your vet.

Location of your vet is important here. Some pets aren't fit to travel too long and too far. And besides, in emergency cases, a longer distance is a major disadvantage.

View the facilities.

It is a great idea to check the center and the facilities they have. Is the center clean and tidy? Check how many staff members are there, procedure during appointments and emergency and the services they offer.

Some centers have specialists services such as behavior therapy, cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, internal medicine, neurology and others.

Operation hours.

Make sure that the operation schedule is convenient to you. If you are working during the day, select a vet that opens clinic during the evening or on Saturdays. Check what is available in case of emergency.

Specialist clinic.

It is better if you will choose a dog-only clinic to make sure your pet will not get excited or upset by the presence of other pets such as cats, birds and so on.

The price.

Some veterinarians cost higher than the others. Ask about credit cards and payment plans. Remember also to ask if your vet accepts insurance plans if you have one or if planning to get one.

Pug Food - Feeding Your Pug For Better Nutrition

If you own a pug, one of the many concerns that you have to deal with is pug food. You must always ensure that your pug is on a healthy diet. Since the pug has a tendency to overeat, unlike other breeds, extreme care and monitoring must be practiced regarding his diet.
You will find that many pug owners will say that their pugs may eat their food a little too quickly. Here are some tips on how to make your pet eat their food a little slower to avoid complications.

Since the dog originated from Tibet, China, their diet then consisted mainly of whatever it is that they could find easily. This consists of rodents, deer, boar, or goat. This does not mean however that this should be your main ingredients in pug food. During that time, they also ate rye, mountain corn, and barley. You will notice that these foods are usually high in fat content, so nowadays their diet usually needs a portion of fat.

It is also best to feed your pug with freshly prepared dog food that you make at home. You can find many recipes for food that you can prepare to feed your pet. Your pug might have some problems with commercial foods since each breed of dog has different requirements nutritionally.
Avoid giving your pug raw treats. Since they tend to gobble down their food quite quickly, this makes them more prone to choking on large pieces of food. Make sure that you buy treats that are a lot smaller and softer for your pug.

It is best not to skimp on the food that you feed your pet. This will surely save you a lot of money than going to the veterinarian if what you feed your pet causes trouble.

When looking for a suitable commercially prepared pug food, always read the labels. Make sure the first ingredient is some sort of meat but not meat byproducts. Ask your vet what the best food is for the breed if you are not sure.

Irish Setter Information

Description :
The Irish Setter's profusely feathered silky coat comes in rich shades of chestnut to mahogany, sometimes with splashes of white on the chest and feet. Black is not allowed. Some young dogs have silvery-gray hair behind the ears and legs, but these may disappear as the dog matures. Its coat is long and silky except for the head, where it is short and fine. Even the feet should be well covered with hair. The Setter's ears are triangular, thin, soft to the touch, long and low set, and the legs are long and muscular. The dog is slightly longer than tall. The length of the muzzle should be equal to half of the length of the entire head. The nasal canal is straight and the nose is black or brown. The jaws have a close fitting dental arch. The stop is greatly accentuated and the eyes are chestnut or dark hazel. The chest is rather narrow and the thorax is deep and streamlined. The tail is carried horizontally and is fringed.

Temperament :
Irish Setters are energetic, intelligent, affectionate, high-spirited, and full of energy. They have no guarding instincts, get along with other animals, and are good with children. Irish Setters are responsive yet sensitive. This breed can be giddy and high strung if they do not receive the proper amount of mental and physical exercise. It is very lovable and impulsive, with an independent spirit and need an owner who displays a natural authority over the dog. Calm, yet firm, confident and consistent, giving the dogs clear rules he must follow and sticking to them. Meek or passive owners or owners who do not provide enough exercise will find them to be difficult to train. Given firm handling and plenty of exercise, these dogs can be a joy to own. Irish Setters are extremely swift, with an excellent sense of smell and are hardy over any terrain and in any climate. The Irish Setter is used for all types of hunting. It even works well on wetlands. Train this breed firmly at an early age to prevent development of bad habits, as this breed tends to pick up bad habits quickly. It is important to train for good house manners. These dogs are said to be easily housebroken. Both field lines and show lines make good pets, though the field lines are generally smaller with shorter coats and a much higher activity requirement.

Height :
Dogs 26-28 inches (66-71cm.) Bitches 24-26 inches (61-66cm.)

Weight :
Dogs 65-75 pounds (29-34kg) Bitches 55-65 pounds (25-29kg.)

Health problems :
This breed tends to bloat. It may be wise to feed 2 or 3 small meals a day instead of one big one. The Irish Setter is particularly prone to epilepsy and severe skin allergies. They also suffer from eye problems and elbow & hip dysplasia. Also prone to PRA, auto-immune disease and hypothyroidism. The ears should be watched for ear inflammation. Ear operations for otitis often make the dogs ill-tempered afterwards.

Living condition :
The Irish Setter is not recommended for apartment life and does best with a large yard. It is best suited to country rather than city life, as he has a high activity requirement and needs a lot of exercise.

A Look at Chihuahua Mixes - A Great Companion Dog

Whether you bought your Persian cat as a show cat or simply as a house pet, the fact is that Persians need more grooming than the average cat and that responsibility falls upon you. If you don't know where to start with learning how to groom your cat then this article is for you. We've put together some of the most pertinent information you need to know when it comes to grooming your cat. Persian cats are not particularly easy to maintain, although the trouble is worth it when one considers their beauty. There is a whole host of merchandise available when it comes to pet grooming these days and you are free to buy as much as you like. Generally though, the bear essentials needed for grooming and bathing your cat include a brush, blunt ended scissors, toothbrush, shampoo, sponge or wash cloth and a few towels.

Before you begin grooming your cat its important to be organized. This will help you to relax and be in control of what you re doing during the whole process. Cats, like all other animals are sensitive to the emotions we give off. If you are nervous it is likely to make your cat feel the same way which in turn will end up making the whole bathing and grooming process a lot more difficult. If you've just bought a Persian kitten you should aim to have it in the bath tub at the latest by three months of age. This allows your cat to get used to the process as it gets older making things easier for you. Once you've established a routine stick to it, that way your cat knows what to expect and will remain calm throughout the grooming process. You should try to give your cat a complete bath and trim at least once a week although with a Persian if you want to keep its coat in great shape then you really need to set aside a few minutes each day to comb out any matts in the hair.

Giving your Persian cat a regular bath is the core activity of the day to day grooming process. Regularity is the key bathing as the more your cat gets used to it the less resistant he is likely to be to the whole process. Place your cat gently but firmly in a bath of lukewarm water. Too hot or too cold and you're likely to cause resistance in your cat or even injure it. The water needs to be well worked into the cat before you start to apply the shampoo. Initially this can be difficult as the cat does not have the patience to stay in the bath tub but with practice things should get easier. Choosing a shampoo may involve some experimentation on your part to see what your cat likes but generally any cat shampoo or even a shampoo with a no tears formula designed for children works fine. Work the shampoo in gently with your hands or a sponge but be careful not to vigorously scrub. Once this is done the only thing left to do is give the coat a good few rinses to get out any shampoo and gently pat your cat dry with a towel.

To dry the coat of your Persian cat you need a hair dryer to be used on its lowest setting. This is important as using a higher setting will likely irritate your cat. Place your cat on a specially prepared grooming table and begin to use the dryer very gently will combing out the hair. Once you can feel that the hair is dry then you can begin to trim off any excess hair from around the body and face using trimming scissors or thinning scissors. Cats have a tendency to get inpatient at this point so its important you remain firm in keeping your cat on the grooming table. Take special interest in grooming excess hair off from around the face and ears of the cat.

Trimming the nails & ears is important not only because it looks good but improves the hygiene of the cat in general. Firstly you should have a specially prepared grooming area which is both comfortable for you and the cat. Place your cat on the table and give the face & ears a quick wipe with a slightly wet piece of cloth. Begin to separate tufts of hair around the ears and cut of excess hair around the ears. Be careful not to accidentally cut into the ear leather as this can happen given the thickness of the Persians hair. One way of avoiding this is to make sure the ears are wet before you start to cut which makes it easier to distinguish between the hair and leather. Similarly, it is easier to clip a cat's nails when it is wet, although you have to exercise great caution when doing this part of the grooming process. In general cats do not like to have their paws held and you should also not cut too much of the nail off as this is likely to cause your cat pain.

The Shiba Inu - Awesome Fuzzy Friend and Guard Dog

The Shiba Inu is not a well known breed here in North America, but their popularity is quickly growing. The Shiba is a Japanese dog, similar in appearance to the Akita. They are small, independent dogs. I could go on about the appearance, temperment, lineage, and all that other boring "Breeder" stuff. Instead let me just say, these little puppies are way cute. Shiba Inu's are adorable, fuzzy, loyal and very playful. They need a lot of attention and love, but they will give back even more.

I own two Shibas and they are a huge part of my life. These guys have seen me through tough times and shared the joys of better ones with me.

Shiba Inus can be orange or black (with white and orange). They are small, but act like they are as big as a German Shepherd. They love to play, and they love to chew. And there's never a dull moment when they are around.

I'd love to see more people learn to appreciate this incredible breed. If you looking for a dog, and would like a small, sturdy, athletic dog, that also has the heart of a guard dog. Look no further take a look at the Shiba Inu, I am sure you'll fall in love with this great breed. There is a dearth of good books about the Shiba Inu, and not that many great sites either, so it will take a little research on your part to get a good feel for the breed. Deciding to own a dog (who's kidding who, they own you), is a huge decision. Do your research!

Quick and Easy Tips to Successfully Train That New K9 Dog

Owning a dog can be a great deal of fun, but it can also involve a lot of work on the owner's part. It takes a bit commitment of time, energy, persistence, and patience when it comes to properly training that new canine, but do not let that serve as a deterrent. The benefits of owning a trained, well-behaved a dog vastly outnumber having a seemingly undomesticated beast on your hands, or no dog at all. Once the owner is able to commit to providing the dog with the training it needs to be challenged and happy, it is time to begin the fun part. Here are several tips that will come in handy when looking to successfully train that new K9 dog.

The first tip is more of a guideline an owner must adhere to if they expect to be successful; dogs do not speak English. This might seem quite self-evident, but it is worth mentioning as often as it takes for owners to understand what it truly means. When using verbal commands, do be sure to teach the action first, before giving the verbal cue. Verbalizing the command first, then expecting the correct response, is probably never going to happen. Instead, aid the dog in acting properly, remembering to offer rewards for the right behavior, then followed by the appropriate verbal cue.

Another tip, more for the sanctity of the house and its contents, in properly training a dog is in reference to the toys they are to have. The market has an almost limitless possibility of different options for the owner and dog. Dogs, especially young ones, will have a tough time discerning between toys and household items. Because of this, it is helpful to purchase several toys of the same size and general make-up. This will help them to distinguish between toys and other objects if all the toys are pretty much the same.

Shocking Dogs With Electronic Dog Collars

So, you have a dog with behavior issues. You've tried everything, but nothing has worked to keep your pooch from chewing the furniture or hosting doggy parties when you're not home. You may have heard about electronic training collars, and you are wondering if this might be the answer. You may figure that an electronic collar may do a better job of getting your dogs attention and making a lasting impression. Before you invest in this training technique, there are some things you should know.

There are different types of electronic training collars. One type is a bark collar. As the name suggests, it is used to stop a dog from constant, inappropriate barking. This collar is triggered by the dogs bark. It works by either a vibration or a sound that is felt or heard by the dog the instant the barking starts. It can be set to different levels and responds only to your dogs bark. There are also bark collars that work by spraying an unpleasant spray towards the dogs face as soon as he starts barking.

The other type of electronic dog training collar is the behavior correction collar. These training collars are designed to stop unwanted behaviors, including, digging, jumping, and running away. They work by a remote control held by the owner or trainer. When the dog starts the unwanted behavior, the trainer pushes the button to activate an electric shock. There are multiple levels available depending upon how well the pooch responds. The idea with these collars is, because they are operated by remote control, the dog will not realize you are issuing the correction, therefore, you do not look like the bad guy. A disadvantage to this type of collar is that you have to be with the dog in order for the correction to be made.

Although the technology and safety of electronic dog collars has improved over the years, they are still a controversial method for training. Many experts believe even difficult to train dogs can learn without the use of a physical correction. Apparently, if you are careful not to set the shock level too high, the collars are not painful, just uncomfortable. I'm sure you can find as many people for this type of training as opposed. I would not want to use an electronic training collar on my dogs, but it is a personal choice, and not for me to judge.

Things You May Need to Know When Training a Labrador Puppy

There are many things people do not understand about training their puppy. When you train your puppy to be an obedient dog, it gives you control and they always seem to be a much happier pup. Things you may need to know on training a Labrador puppy as simple and can be fun. Puppies are not born to know right from wrong and when they do something that is fun to them (like digging in the garbage) they do not understand nor do they know that this is wrong, unless they are taught that.

From the first day they are born they are constantly being taught how to feed, play, and defend themselves. Their mother is their first teacher and also their canine siblings. Then they go on to be with a family and the owner becomes their next leader at that point. Things you need to know on training a Labrador puppy are, one that you need to be consistent with your lessons and different commands. The more you willing to work with your puppy the more obedience you will see. You may want to watch your puppy closely to see when he or she is getting into mischief. By doing this you are taking control over the situation immediately and you are correcting their behavior.

Another thing you may need to know on training a Labrador puppy is to reward their good behavior. When you reward them when do something that they have been taught you are letting them know that they are doing something good and this behavior will indeed be repeated. My suggestion is to always have a treat handy. See. Our commands to a puppy make no sense at all. They learn them by our hand movements and signals and even the tone of voice we use.

Boston Terrier Eye Problems

Those buggy eyes are cute, but they can develop eye problems. Some of the Boston Terrier eye problems can include, but are not limited to cataracts, corneal ulcers and environmental irritation. Another eye difficulty that can affect Boston Terriers is an affliction known as Cherry Eye.

Most incidences of cataracts are inherited. Juvenile cataracts may appear between ages one to four, while late-onset cataracts can occur slowly as the dog ages. Cataracts can lead to blindness, but not always. When your Boston Terrier gets older, they can develop other health problems, such as diabetes, which can also cause cataracts. Things to watch for are bluish, grey or white flecks in the eye. In some cases, surgery may be possible to correct cataracts.

Another common Boston Terrier eye problem is corneal ulcers. These may develop through irritation of the eyes from particles in the environment or from other internal eye health issues that cause infection and irritation. Injury of the eye is a common cause of corneal ulcers as well.

The best prevention of corneal ulcers is to protect your Boston Terrier's eyes. Anything that could potentially scratch or cause injury to the eye, such as a sharp plant spikes, cat's claws or using strong household chemical cleansers near your dog should be avoided.

Boston Terrier's eyes can be susceptible to problems when exposed to harsh elements, such as sun and wind. Allowing her to have her head out the window while you are driving should be avoided. If you are going to be in sunny, windy or dusty conditions, consider getting a pair of dog goggles for your furry friend.

Cherry Eye can look similar to a tumor in the eye, as it is usually a bright red mass protruding out of the eye. It is caused by a gland popping out of its normal position. Boston Terriers have a third eyelid where this gland is located. Once the gland pops out, it swells up outside the eye, causing the unsightly cherry eye. This needs to be corrected surgically, but it is a fairly common procedure and most veterinarians would be familiar with it.

Keep a close watch for Boston Terrier eye problems. This is not meant to diagnose any eye condition. If your dog exhibits any symptoms of discomfort, is rubbing her eyes, or the eyes are red or discolored, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

Food, Glorious Food

The answer on how to serve your dog food may be a glaringly obvious one but if you are feeding all or part of your dogs food in a bowl, only small or medium dogs should eat with their bowl directly on the floor. Dogs of Labrador height or larger should be fed with their bowl at shoulder height and on a stand. This can aid the movement of the food to the dogs stomach and prevent gastric dilation.

Unlike humans who have to chew their food to get the digestive juices flowing, the dogs digestive juices do not start to flow until the food reaches the stomach. Dogs therefore gulp their food down and as a consequence take in large amounts of air as they eat.

With the larger dog if his food is placed on the floor then the food has to travel upwards first before it heads downwards to the stomach and so he takes in even more air. For similar reasons it is always better to feed your adult dog twice a day rather than give him one huge meal. Puppies of course will be fed between 4 and 6 times a day to begin with. If you are feeding your dog a natural diet then most of the dogs food will be outside on the ground and the dog will lie down to eat it.,save the feeding stand for the raw meat,vegetables etc.

With regard to giving your dog Tit bits, remember that dogs cannot digest refined sugar. Do not give them biscuits, or snack food made for human consumption. Tit bits should be reserved for training exercises where they should be the branded type or small pieces of apple or cheese. NEVER give your dog chocolate that is designed for humans and that goes for dark chocolate especially. It contains a substance called Theo bromine which is a bitter white crystalline alkaloid related to caffeine and Cocoa. It is a heart stimulant and could cause your dog serious problems. Theo bromine is also found in cocoa shell mulch, the type of mulch that is used for many pot plants so be aware that any potted plants that you buy may also present a real danger to your dog.

So how much food do we feed our puppy or adult dog.

As a rough guide he should be having about 20 percent of his total target body weight in food over one week. To begin with use your common sense and either decrease or increase the amount depending on hos the puppy is growing or the dogs weight. Once a dog is fully grown you will have to level out the amounts and may have to reduce them.

Dog Bathing

Taking your pet for bathing is part of your dog's grooming session. Grooming does not only make your pet appear attractive but also keep it clean and germ free. Keeping your pet germ free is also essential to maintain the general health of your family. Especially, if you have small children at home you are advised to take your pet for bath at regular intervals. The following are the steps of dog bathing that may guide you while you take your pet for washing.

Dog Bathing Steps

• At first you are required to collect the ingredients that you would be requiring while washing your dog. Get hold of few clean towels, doggy shampoo, brush, comb and some cotton balls to rinse the dog ears.
• You must know that bathing is usually not an enjoying experience for dogs. They would perhaps get scared. To ease your job you are advised to get some dog treats to keep it engaged and happy.
• Before bathing try to groom the fur of your dog with brush. Get rid of the loose dirt, snarls and mat. The hair tangles should also be freed before the fur of your dog gets wet.
• Depending upon the size and nature of the dog you may either bathe your dog in a kitchen sink in case your pet is small or a big bath tub in case it is of a giant size. Bathing in the kitchen sink might lead to many risks in case your pet dislikes taking bath and has the habit of jumping out of the basin. If you find difficulty in washing your pet in a sink or a tub, you may simply put your doggy under a shower. It is sure to get wet.
• Cover the floor of the bath tub or the sink with a mat or a towel in order to avoid your pet from slipping. A rubber mat at the base will give your pet support to stand and feel comfortable.

Make sure of the temperature of the water. Feel it with your own hands to determine the accurate temperature of the water. Do not make use of your shampoo for washing your dog as the ph level of humans is different from that of dogs. You should also not go for dog bathing every day as that can cause drying up of the fur and damaging of the quality of the coat.