2008年9月16日星期二

Adopting A Protection Dog

Mackie writes:

My good friend who is a dog trainer offered me his 5 year old Belgian Malinois for adoption. He is trained as a protection dog so he can guard his master, bite on command, release the bite on command, stay until released and others. He has a trophy as third placer in Level 1 protection in a protection dog competition. I have two dogs at present: A one year-old and a nine month-old Labrador... both are females, obedience trained and not neutered.

I would like to adopt him and I know I can take care of him. Will he accept me after being my friend's favorite dog for 5 years? My friend assured me that he can transfer the loyalty of the dog to me. He is a fierce dog when in competition but a very quiet dog when outside the training ring. In fact my friend brings the dog with him all the time and I know of several occasions that the dog is off leash. He is giving him up because he wants to replace him with a younger dog.

Should I take him up on his offer?

Dear Mackie:

Yes... the dog will transfer his loyalty to you.

Here are two major issues you should consider before adopting this dog:

1. The Belgian Malinois (especially one that is bred and trained for bite work and protection dog sports) will require a lot of work ON YOUR PART to learn how to handle this dog. You're going to need a lot of training... one-on-one style... to successfully integrate this dog into your life. It's like driving a Ferrari or a race car. The car already runs great, but if you don't learn the right way to drive it, you'll end up killing yourself. And just because you already know how to drive a Subaru doesn't cut it... we're talking Ferrari, here. And the Belgian Malinois is a Ferrari with the tricked out Turbo engine.

2. The breed is an extremely HIGH DRIVE breed. This dog needs TONS of exercise and mental stimulation. TONS. Please take the time to recognize that adopting this dog will be a major responsibility.

If you decide to do it, and you are successful, you'll have an amazing companion. The breed is quite healthy and you can be content in knowing that you own a KING OF KINGS as far as working dogs are concerned.

Part of me has always wanted what you're thinking about getting. But my lifestyle and dedication to the exercise and training requirements are something I do not have at this current point in my life.

P.S. Make sure that the dog isn't dog aggressive before you decide to take ownership.

That's all for now, folks!
Adam

2008年9月4日星期四

havana brown cat~!~


The British shorthaired breed bearing this name is the brown variety of the Oriental Shorthair, while the American version is a separate breed with a distinctive body and head type.

Though originally named for the brown color, a lavender frost color is also permitted in some associations.

The Havana is a very outgoing breed that loves following its people around.


breed Traits

Rather than attempt a Siamese body style as British breeders have done, American breeders have favored a more moderate body and head type for their Havana Browns. The British Havana Brown is considerably more Siamese in conformation than North American Havanas. The American Havana Brown’s distinctive muzzle, rich color, expressive eyes, and large ears make it distinctive and exceptionally striking among the American cat breeds.

The Havana’s coat is also distinctive. Color is very important to this breed: the coat should be a rich, even shade of warm brown, tending toward red-brown or mahogany rather than black-brown. Allowance is made for ghost tabby markings in kittens and youngsters.

History

The Havana Brown is a man-made hybrid of self-brown cats outcrossed with a variety of other breeds such as black Domestic Shorthairs, chocolate point Siamese and Russion Blue cats. The breed was created in the 1950’s by a number of English breeders collaborating together using self-brown cats that existed as early as the late 1800’s. Known as Havanas in Europe, these cats were first imported to North America in the mid-1950’s. Soon after their arrival, they became known in the U.S. as Havana Browns. Modern British Havana strains are reported to have an increased Siamese cat influence compared to the North American lines. The Havana Brown is recognized by the cat Fancier’s Association (CFA), the American cat Fancier’s Association (AFCA) and The International cat Association (TICA).

Appearance

All Havana Brown cats are a rich, glistening dark brown with just a hint of red. The colour must be even from nose to tail and from tip to root. Whiskers should be brown; nose leather and paw pads are a rose colour that harmonises with the coat. Since Havanas are a shorthair breed, routine grooming is kept to a minimum.

Personality

Havanas are gentle, intelligent and remarkably adaptable. They take almost any situation in stride, and with confidence and poise set about to rule whatever roost they are given. One-room walk-up or palace – it’s all the same to them as long as they have plenty of love and attention from their human friends.

Havanas make wonderful companions if you like interactive cats. Devoted, affectionate and constantly curious, Havanas want to be where you are, preferably right in the middle of the action. They want to help you read the paper in the morning, type on the computer in the afternoon, and prepare dinner in the evening. Their playful attitudes and ability to adjust to other pets and children make them great family companions. Unlike the Siamese, they are vocally quiet.

However, like the Siamese, Havanas need human interaction and don’t do well if they are ignored or left alone for long periods. Havanas are just not happy without humans around to love. If you work all day and have an active social life at night, consider a less dependent breed.
for:htt://www.pictures-of-cat.com

2008年8月28日星期四

A Dogs Communication - Could Your Dog be Trying to Tell You Something?

Is barking a form of language among dogs with precise significance, or just playful noise? Dogs exchange information among themselves less by voice than by a wide range of facial expressions, body postures and gestures, as well as by various scents. Dogs, who bark at night, are probably working off excess energy or announcing their presence, and this is undoubtedly the only message conveyed to other dogs within ear shot.

When a dog goes to his owner and deliberately barks, it is simply meant to attract attention. You must try to guess his general behavior, rather than from the circumstances and his general behavior, rather than from the particular form or pitch of bark he makes. The howling or baying of hunting dogs is an instinctive hunting cry informing the pack that the dog is on a trail. Barking at strange noises is a warning as well as a threat display.

A lonely dog who bowls may be sending out a gathering cry to other dogs nearby. Wild dogs on the other hand, never back, they only howl. Could the barking of domesticated dogs be a form of communication more closely resembling speech? A pet dog that shares a close relationship with his owner and has been taught to understand many words obviously makes an effort, sometimes quite successfully, to give meaning to his own utterances.

A dog who wishes to assert his importance and boldness instinctively employs all of the effects that make him look bigger and more frightening, raising his back ton increase his height and holding his head high in defiance. A dog who wants to show submission does just the opposite, making himself look small by crouching down with his tail between his legs and his ears laid back flat.

A dog who wishes to assert his dominance will take a perpendicular position with his head over the other dog's shoulders, while nudging or pushing, with his neck arched, head and tail raised and tense. The conventional play invitation is a posture with the forehead crouched, the hind quarters high, a wagging tail, bright eye and a little yap. A rigid stance with a steady gaze and a high, trembling tail is hostile. A high, steady tail signifies self confidence, and held low indicates inferiority, fatigue, ill health, or a bad mood.

Pawing at the neck is an expression of affection, nose-nudging is another invitation to play. Paw-giving is a conventional canine gesture with two possible meanings. When he gives his paw to his owner while avoiding eye contact he's saying "Please forgive me" or when he wants attention, he is saying "I'm here, don't forget me." When he offers his paw to another dog, it's a sign of submission.

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

2008年8月23日星期六

An Introduction to Pet Health Insurance

As much as people do not like to think about their beloved pets falling ill or getting injured, it can still happen, and treatment can be expensive. In order to provide an alternative for pet owners who fear that they might not be able to afford unexpected veterinary bills, various companies have started offering pet health insurance which can be used much like standard medical insurance would be used to cover visits to the doctor or hospital for the pet owners themselves. Before running out and buying insurance for your pets, though, it is important that you understand how pet health insurance works, what the limitations on it are, and how much it is going to cost so that you don't end up paying more than you have to for something that will not offer as much coverage as you would like.

How Pet Health Insurance Works

Much like the health insurance that you would purchase for yourself or your family, pet health insurance is designed to provide financial coverage that will cover veterinary care in case your pets become sick or injured. The coverage is also designed to help cover routine veterinary care such as checkups, rabies and other annual shots, and regular medication such as flea and tick medicines or any other specific medications required by pet illnesses. Some forms of pet health insurance work directly with veterinarians to cover the expenses with no up-front cost to you, while others may require that you pay for the care that your pet receives when it's due and then file a claim so that you may be reimbursed for the amount that you have paid.
One thing to remember is that there are some things which are not covered by pet health insurance, including pre-existing conditions or certain types of pet care. Additionally, pets under a certain age may not be eligible depending upon the specific rules of the insurance provider.

Levels of Coverage

The level of coverage that you receive from a pet health insurance plan will depend upon the type of pet that you have and the number of pets that you are planning to insure under the same policy, as well as the company or organization that you purchase the policy from. There may also be different amounts of coverage available for different price ranges, though that may vary from one company or organization to another.
Many companies and organizations which offer pet health insurance feature separate plans for dogs, cats, and other types of pets which are based upon the specific health problems that different pets may be more prone to. If the company that you are considering buying pet health insurance from offers different levels of coverage beyond that, you will most likely have the option of covering only emergency care and special visits or of covering all veterinary expenses (including both emergency care and routine visits.) There may be additional options which allow for the cost of prescription medications for your pets, or those costs may be included in the standard packages. Make sure that you take the time to find out exactly what expenses are covered before deciding on a particular plan.

Acceptance of Pet Health Insurance

Pet health insurance is not nearly as widely accepted as medical insurance for yourself or family members, which is one of the reasons that it isn't more widespread in its use. While there are certain brands of pet health insurance which can be processed directly from a veterinarian's office without the need for you to fill out paperwork and send it off yourself, most types of pet health insurance require you to file a claim for reimbursement after the treatment has been given and you have already had to make an up-front payment. Keep in mind that it doesn't matter where you get the treatment done in those cases, so there is at least an advantage to that type of insurance since you don't have to worry about the vet's office refusing to accept it.

Cost

The cost of pet health insurance will vary from one company to the next, and can also be affected by the area in which you live, as well as your pet's medical history, you pet's age, and whether or not you've had your pet microchipped. You will also need to remember that for most types of insurance you'll be required to front the cost of the initial veterinarian's bill out-of-pocket and then wait to be reimbursed by the insurance provider after the fact. Some insurance providers may use a deductable or have a maximum annual claim amount that you can submit per pet, so keep that in mind when figuring out the cost to see if pet health insurance is worth what you would have to pay.

2008年8月14日星期四

Even Mucho People Love Their Pets

It doesn't matter who you are once you have a pet it quickly becomes a part of the family and even the most mucho person falls in love with his pet. That is why taking proper care of your pet is essential especially when children are involved.

You see I went for many years without a pet as I couldn't handle getting attached again only to see them die. As a young child we had many pets and most met some tragic end or another.

One of our dogs for example escaped our backyard and got hit by a car. I have seen numerous dogs die this way in my travels. However in our case we really thought we had a securely fenced off backyard however it wasn't to be.

Of course this places special emphasis on having proper dog fencing and for your kids sake and for your pets sake make sure you do a quality of job of securing your yard so that your pet can not get out.

One of the most heartbreaking things I went through as a kid was losing a dog to distemper. The dog had been our family for years and was muched love by us all however it tragically got sick.

We of course took it to the vet who told us our beloved pet had distemper and that it would die. We did everything we could to save that dog. I still remember it laying in front of our big wood heater in our lounge room.

Our dogs weren't allowed in the lounge room normally but this was a special case. We spread out a rug on the floor, stoked the fire up, had blankets on the dog and basically patted it and talked it almost non stop.

However the vet turned out to be correct and the dog died after about 5 or 7 days. I don't think any more could have be done in a serious situation like that however this little story again illustrates the importance of proper pet health care.

Make sure you have a good vet and follow the vets advice. Sometimes your animal might need worming or some other simple thing that can save its life and your family from sorrow.

Of course I have dwelt on some of the negatives of owning a pet however I have come to realise that some of my most precious moments growing up was with the pets I had grown fond of and the events that took place makes us who we are today. Older and wiser we can make sure we take premium care of our pets.

2008年8月9日星期六

Learn The Amazing Secrets Behind The Chihuahua Pug

Chihuahua pug, or Chug, is not a breed of dogs, but a hybrid of a chihuahua and a pug. Therefore these half-bred dogs have inherited the main features of character and appearance from both types of dog. What are these basic features and how are they combined in a chug dog?

Chihuahua

Chihuahua is the smallest dog in the world, and it was named after the largest province of Mexico Republic. Chihuahua is a cheerful, active, rather courageous and curious dog. It has peculiar large ears and a short narrow muzzle. The tail forms a straight line and in a quiet condition it should be lowered downwards. The tail twirled as a ring is inadmissible.

There are two types of Chihuahua: short-haired and long-haired. Long-haired ones have a magnificent collar and a beautiful fringe on a tail and ears. Short-haired chihuahuas have soft, silky hair and a thick collaret. Chihuahua may be of various colors but the most effective and prestigious one is white. So, the main features that chihuahua pugs have inherited are various colors and long hair.

Chihuahuas are desired pets for those who want to have a small cheerful friend. It enjoys playing with children, and it may brighten up older people's life. There is hardly a better companion than chihuahua.

Pug

Pugs are known as one of the most ancient dog breeds. These are dogs of small size and robust constitution from China. The distinctive feature of a pug is its muzzle - short, blunt with a lot of symmetrical wrinkles. Its ears are small and black, they have a triangular form and ends turned forward. The eyes of pugs are really charming - very big, round, dark and clever. And it is wonderful that chihuahua pugs have inherited this 'understanding' look. The tail of pugs is bent and forms a ringlet. Its hair is short, thick, soft and shiny. There are 3 basic colors of a pug: black, apricot and silvery.

Appearance of pugs is deceptive. At first site they seem to be very lazy and clumsy dogs but in reality pugs are very playful and mobile. They are very devoted to their owners and are considered to be the most good-natured and friendly breeds of dogs.

Chihuahua + Pug = Chug

Chugs have a more graceful appearance than pugs. They are not so large as pugs, but bigger than chihuahuas. The body of a chihuahua pug looks no more like a cask, and the muzzle has become more elongate. On the ears, the tail and the breast there has appeared a fluff typical for chihuahua. Some chugs have inherited long hair all over the body from chihuahuas. Chihuahua pugs ears are neither small nor big and may also be embellished with fuzz. The tail is not so curled as the pugs one and it also has long hair. The amount of possible colors has increased, and some of the dogs may combine various colors, which makes them very attractive.

As you may notice the characters of chihuahua and pug are similar. Both breeds are considered to be nice friends to people. Therefore the nature of chihuahua pugs has no discordant features. Chugs are very friendly, lively, joyful, and on the whole, they turn out to be very nice tiny dogs that combine charm of the two popular dog breeds.

2008年8月3日星期日

Dog Crates Give Your Dog a Comfortable Home Within Your Home

One of the many fine dog crates on the market can be the best friend you and your pet will ever have. While it may seem like some sort of "cage" to you and I, your animal will regard it as his own personal indoor dog house, a security blanket of sorts where he can go to sleep or escape. Travel models have the added advantage of providing the comfort of home for your animal while in strange or different surroundings.They come in many different styles, shapes and sizes. A general rule of thumb about dog crates are that they should only be big enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down easily. Ideally, it will be just large enough for the animal to sleep on his side, with his legs stretched out. If buying a travel model, measure your vehicle first to make sure it will fit, or you could be in for a nasty surprise!How much do dog crates cost?You can expect to pay in the range of $50-$125 for a good quality model for medium to large-sized animals. While this might seem a tad steep, keep in mind that it will most likely last for your pet's entire life, and even beyond. Properly used, they can provide true happiness for both owner and pet, and the initial cost is soon forgotten.This can often be a difficult purchase for those with growing puppies. If it's within your budget, you might want to check out the types that include dividers, so it can grow along with your puppy as time goes by.For the largest selection, and often the best value, some of the biggest pet retailers on the net may be your best bet. You'll find various styles, materials and prices. Some are sturdier or more convenient than others. No matter which way you go, dog crates go a long way to provide a "home within a home" for your pet.How do I use the crate to train my dog?It is important a puppy to be trained to use a crate in order to save time and effort in cleaning up after them while they are still being potty trained.Believe it or not, a puppy is genetically pre-disposed to needing a den.Though you may have furniture that a puppy likes to lay on, they really need something that is completely enclosed, giving them a sense of security and comfort. Isolated rooms in your house are simply too big for puppies, and can leave them nervous, anxious, and even destructive.Once your pup is housebroken, then you should leave the crate open for them for the entire day. You will likely find that that your puppy will willingly go into the crate to take a nap at various points in the day. When you have to leave for awhile, you can put the dog in the crate, but not for more then four hours at a time.Remember, even though we as human beings don't wish to be placed in a tiny area where you only have enough room to turn around, you must keep in mind that dogs are not like people. Their ancestors would find safety, shelter, and comfort in their dens. Dogs today find solace and safety inside their crates in the same manner.