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Cat Clicker Training

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Clicker training is a reinforcement or reward for a cat when training them. Clickers are use most often for support when training a cat for a reward. Cats associate the clicker with a good behavior they will use for a long time. Clicker training is associated with classical condition were they associate the sound with food. and operant conditioning (cat will do certain movement to receive food).

Why use a clicker and not tell a cat or make a sound to get your cat to do a trick? A clicker has a sound a cat can hear and associate good behavior. With words, our tones in our voice can change from time to time, which a cat can become confused with the training. With talking for the commands, a cat could mistake the commands. With using a clicker, it is more of a training tool to get the behavior started with the cat. Then you can put the clicker away for that behavior or trick once a cat has learned the behavior

When taking the cat out for a walk or on a trip, the clicker is a good item to carry along with you. Cats can get distracted with other people, or animals in the area. With using the clicker, it will reinforce the behavior that you have taught them. In addition, a clicker can help you with having your cat walk with you instead of wondering around.

With the clicker, a cat can be trained using three easy steps: Get a behavior, mark a behavior, and reinforce the behavior. Get a behavior is the first step. A good example would be for the cat to jump a hoop. The cat will have to know that when you click that they get a treat. Start with very small treats in your pocket. Clicks, Treat, Click Treat do this for a few times until you see the cat coming for the treat on the click.

Next marking the behavior: You will have to show the cat the hoop. Once the cat touches the hoop, click, treat. Then show the cat to go though the hoop once it does click, treat. Continue to do this until the cat goes though the hoop on its own or your command. Reinforce the behavior Remember to have snacks handy so when you do see your cat go though the hoop a snack is available.

Training a cat with a clicker can be fun for both you and the cat. Taking steps in training will be rewarding to you and the cat. Try not to rush a cat in training, as they can become confused especially if they did not get the step before down. The training will take time and steps to achieve this behavior. Patience, love, and rewards will be the key factor in training your cat.

The clicker is a good exercises tool for a cat. 10 to 15 minutes a day you should get your cat to exercises. For exercising, you can have the cat use a hoop, play with a toy, and climb on the scratching post or something that focus on the cat getting exercise. Exercises will help the cat to stay healthy and help to keep it out of mischief.

Clickers can come with books to help you train, treats, and a clicker. Clickers come in many different size shapes, and color. You will want to research the clickers out. Check out a pet store, Internet sites give lots of information on training and using a clicker. Check out companies that make the clicker by using Internet to see what kind they offer and any additional information that you might need to get the process of training done. Check out articles about the clicker. Talk to someone that has used one. Talk to your area veterinary about training with a Clicker

Once you have used a clicker, the cat will get good exercise and be a healthy cat. The cat will be happier and you will be happier with the new behaviors that you have taught your cat.

To sum up training your cat, important things to remember is have patience, love and the use of the clicker.
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Purchasing a Savannah Cat - 10 Things to Consider

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1.) Savannahs are like any other domestic pet. They need food, shelter, basic veterinary care, and a safe, loving home. If you can't provide for these basic needs, you shouldn't consider buying a savannah or any other pet, really.

2.) Savannahs are a larger breed of cat. They can reach weights of 15 -20 pounds or more. While you may not mind a large loving lump of fur greeting you at the door every day, you'll have to consider if your home has enough space for you, your family and your savannah, too.

3.) Savannahs need room to romp and opportunities to play. They are extremely energetic, playful and active. You'll need to ensure that your home provides plenty of safe space for your savannah to roam, while giving it lots of interesting and stimulating toys. Savannahs love toys. They also love to chew, so toys that have buttons, loose strings or other small parts that could be chewed off and swallowed should be avoided, as the small parts could pos a choking hazard. Savannahs are very agile and great jumpers. It's no sweat for a savannah to bound from the floor to the top of the refrigerator. So, you may need to "cat proof" areas in your home you hadn't considered. They love water, too, so you may need to buy a heavy-duty metal dog watering bowl, or one of those self-waterers, to keep your savannah from dragging the bowl around or playing in it. Don't be surprised to find that your savannah likes showering with you, too.

4.) Savannahs are highly intelligent. They need lots of stimulation and interaction. They can learn to play fetch with small dowels or pencils. They are very curious and will explore closets, cupboards and other areas of your home with abandon. They can be trained to walk on a leash with a harness or leash jacket, and seem to enjoy going out and about. Owners have reported that savannahs have learned how to do things like turn on light switches, pat at the remote control buttons to turn on or off the tv or stereo, turn on and off paddle-style faucet handles, and even one who learned to turn doorknobs so that he could enter or exit any interior room he pleased, when he pleased.

5.) Savannahs are cats. As with other cats, they typically don't take too well to changes in their diet, or their environment. If you do need to change your savannah's food, you'll want to do so gradually, adding a bit more of the newer food in with the old, until you've switched over completely. One owner reports that her savannah shows displeasure with new food by dumping the entire bowl over and scattering the offensive offering all over the kitchen floor. Remember, savannahs are highly intelligent, and will find ways of making their opinions known.

6.) Savannahs are very vocal animals. They have a distinctive cry and can be quite loud about it, too. Thin-walled condos may not be the best environment for a savannah, unless your neighbors don't mind.

7.) Savannahs are hybrid animals. Some states and counties within states don't allow hybrids to reside there. You'll want to check with your local veterinarian, ASPCA, Humane Society or law enforcement officials before purchasing a kitty you can have, but can't live with.

8.) Savannahs are only a few generations from the wild. The earlier the generation, say an F1 or F2 savannah, the closer to a wild animal they are. They will see other small animals in the home, like birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, fish, mice and the like as prey. Their hunting instincts combined with their high intelligence will have them figuring out ways to open cages, aquariums and other small animal habitats. It is probably best if you have a collection of small pets to purchase a later generation savannah, as it will be less inclined to see Bongo the hamster as lunch.

9.) Savannah males are sterile, but should be neutered anyway. They will still have the hormones, and won't be aware that they are sterile. To avoid spraying and marking of territory, aggressive behaviors towards female cats and other unpleasant incidences, you should have them neutered at about 5 to 6 months of age, as you would any other domestic male cat.

10.) Savannahs are hybrids, and are difficult to breed. This makes them a bit rare and exotic. Therefore, the kittens, especially the F1 and F2 generations, will be more expensive than other breeds and later generations of savannahs, such as F3 and F4 kittens. Paying more or less for a savannah isn't always an indication of the quality of the kitten or its breeding stock. It has more to do with what generation of cat you are looking into purchasing.
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Cats Kidney Failure - the Chronic Renal Failure

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Kidney failure in cats is also referred to as chronic renal failure or CRF and it is a very serious pet health issue. If it is not treated on time then it can lead major health concerns and can also lead to death.

CRF or chronic renal failure can occur due to several reasons. The first and most common of all the factors that contribute towards kidney failure in cats and derogating pet health includes genetics, age, disease and environment. In the last couple of years, vets have directed their attention towards this pet health issue more than ever. Their focus has been more and more on various aspects that lead to such a critical pet health issue like low potassium levels, high blood pressure, dental diseases and acidified diets.

Research conducted by various laboratories across the world has confirmed that some of the breeds of cats have higher rates of CRF as compared to others. Some of the cat breeds prone to chronic renal failure include Abyssinian, The Maine Coon, Siamese, Burmese, Russian Blue, and Balinese. Of course CRF is a pet health problem that can plague your cat at just about any age but it usually occurs more in older cats. Due to various dietary improvements that have been brought about in cat food and owing to the advances in feline medical science, today cats fighting the dreaded chronic renal failure have a far better chance than their predecessors. Today thanks to medical science and the availability of good pet health care facilities, cats can live longer and die naturally.

At the end of the day, one truth that remains unchanged is the fact that most renal diseases transform into chronic renal failure in the later stages of the disease or the cats life. In cases involving younger cats, congenital kidney disease can transform into CRF.

Symptoms of chronic renal failure

Chronic renal failure can be diagnosed only through various clinical tests. There are certain behaviors and symptoms that indicate the existence of this critical pet health condition. If you find any of the following symptoms in your cat then you should head straight for your vet and get the CRF tests conducted as soon as possible. Here are the symptoms to watch out for:

• Increasing thirst
• Excess urination
• Nausea
• Grinding sound from the jaw
• Licking his lips
• Drooling
• Vomiting, which can be food vomit as well as foamy
• Dehydration
• Uuremic gastritis
• Constipation
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle wasting
• Hair coat becomes unhealthy
• Emaciation
• Halitosis
• Sensitive to sound
• Lethargy
• Eating litter
• Depression
• Weakness
• Detached retina
• Oral ulcers
• Convulsion combined with low temperature and coma (last-stage)

The most common symptoms are that of increased thirst or polydipsia as well as excessive urination or polyuria in cats. Please visit your vet if you have any major issues or if you think your cat may have this health problem.
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Mini Schnauzers - Important Information

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The sweet and likable Miniature Schnauzer is often considered a delight to be around. He's generally friendly and pleasant and makes a good pet for many kinds of households.

General Appearance and Description
It's believed that the Miniature Schnauzer is a result of a cross between the Standard Schnauzer and the Affenpinscher, with perhaps a Poodle included in the mix somewhere. He is likely of German descent, because "schnauze" is German for muzzle.

Mini Schnauzers are intelligent and sweet dogs that are loyal and dependable companions.

Miniature Schnauzers are small dogs that have both a bushy beard and mustache. Their eyebrows are also prominent. In fact, Schnauzers are often groomed so that their beard and mustache are accentuated.

The coat is long and silky with a slight curl to it. Schnauzers are most commonly salt and pepper colored, but they can also be all black, all white, or black and silver with a soft colored undercoat.

Basic Temperament
The Mini Schnauzer is a perky and happy playmate. He's smart, energetic and obedient. If you think of your pets as like children, the Schnauzer is a good fit for you. He's much like a child, because he's playful, alert and happy and always in the game.

The Schnauzer is truly a very special breed.

If you enjoy traveling, obedience training and bringing a dog into the home that will truly be a companion, the Schnauzer again fits the role.

While he's a good companion and enjoyable dog to have around, the Schnauzer has one major behavioral challenge. That is his desire to be a big dog. He can be very aggressive toward other dogs and will even challenge bigger dogs to a fight. If you, the owner, don't establish yourself as the leader of the pack your dog can develop some aggressive tendencies. Socialize him well as a puppy, too, and you likely won't see any of these troubling characteristics.

Mini Schnauzers can bark often and loudly, but the bark is nothing like a small dog bark and that's high pitched and yappy sounding. Instead, the Schnauzer has a bark that belies his size. His is low and more intimidating. This can help him when he's asked to be a watchdog, a role he will happily step into.

Care Required
The Schnauzer's wiry coat is easy to care for, but it must be combed daily with a wire brush, or the coat will become matted fairly quickly. If your mini schnauzer does get knots, you can simply trim them out.

As far as grooming, the Schnauzer should be clipped evenly all over. Leave this job for the experts, though you can give him touch ups as needed.

Many people acquire Miniature Schnauzer puppies because they have allergies. This dog isn't considered hypoallergenic, but sheds very little and is considered an excellent choice for people with allergies.

When looking at learning more about Miniature Schnauzer Puppies, read and learn as much as you can because the because this is a wonderful dog breed.

Exercise Requirements
If you live in an apartment, the Miniature Schnauzer will enjoy living in your small space, but he does like to play indoors he will need plenty of toys to keep him happy, busy and out of trouble. He will do fine without a yard in which to run around.

But you must give your energetic Schnauzer a good walk on a daily basis. He will enjoy walking quickly as if you have a mission and will also enjoy any time you can give him off leash to play.

Training
If you buy a Miniature Schnauzer, be prepared to socialize him often, to train him well and to be patient with him. While he's highly intelligent and takes to training well, he also has a strong will and will need you to be patient with him. When trained, however, he can be a joy.

The Schnauzers are usually not difficult to housetrain.

Height and Weight
The adult Miniature Schnauzer will be about 12 to 14 inches tall and weigh between 10 and 15 pounds.

Health and Longevity
Like many small dogs, the Miniature Schnauzer is generally a healthy dog. Some Schnauzers will have some problems, however, ranging from liver disease and kidney stones to skin disorders. They are also at risk of developing von Willebrand's disease, a common blood disorder in dogs. Some will have eye problems.

More common for your Miniature Schnauzer is the risk of weight gain. Be careful how much you feed him, because even with his high activity level, he can gain weight easily.

Most Schnauzers can live to be 15 years old.
Suitability
Schnauzers are ideal for many different households. They love children and do well with seniors. They are also excellent dogs to have on the farm as they are experts at killing mice and at hunting, tracking, performing tricks and acting as guard dogs.
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Puggle Dogs - Some Useful Information & Vital Facts to Know

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Pugs are fun and cute dogs that generally add much to a household. They are easy to care for, but present a few challenges due to their spirited nature.

General Appearance and Description
The pug is often called the cutest of all dogs, and it’s likely due to his characteristic stocky and compact body and his punched in face. He has a square body that is framed by a soft, sleek coat and accented by a forehead that looks to be in a perpetual state of worry.

Most pugs are apricot, fawn, black or silver colored. They all have a black muzzle and prominent eyes. The eyes are nearly always dark and thoughtful. Pugs have short tails that are usually tightly curled.

Basic Temperament
Pug owners often refer to them as bigger dogs than their size allows. This is due to their very large personality. Pugs are playful and charm nearly everyone they come in contact with. That’s likely as much a process affected by their sweet looks as their sweet personality. They are affectionate and loving and intensely loyal. Pugs are quite smart as well.

But pug dog breeders will tell you that these dogs are willful and hard to handle, especially if the humans let them believe they are smarter and stronger than the humans.

If you don’t establish yourself as the leader of the pack, the pug will, and he might exhibit some troubling behaviors like guarding furniture or other things in the house. While they are not aggressive dogs, pugs can be firm about their need to guard, simply because nobody else has stepped into the role of leader.

Care required
While they might take a bit of work in the behavior department, pugs are easy to care for. They need a good brushing every now and then and a shampoo only when absolutely necessary.

Because black pug puppies and other pugs are very short haired, it’s important to dry them off after a bath quickly and wrap them in a towel to prevent chills.

The creases on the face which give the pug their distinctive look require some care. They must be cleaned regularly with a cotton ball.

While they are very short haired, pugs do shed heavily several times a year.

Exercise Requirements
Pugs should be taken on regular walks, but these aren’t dogs that require a lot of physical stimulation. Most of them, in fact, can’t handle too much of that at all. They are very sensitive to climate, so taking them out in cold or hot weather is not advised.

Because they don’t require intense physical activity, pugs are a good choice for people who live in apartments or small spaces. Regardless of their living arrangements, because of their sensitivity to heat and cold, they should be kept mostly indoors.

Training
Pugs aren’t the most trainable of dogs, but they can be trained and will enjoy having some structure.

Because they are highly intelligent and somewhat clever, pugs do become tired quickly of training methods, so be sharp and mix things up when you are training these dogs.

When looking at learning more about Miniature pug, read as much as you can because the Miniature pug is truly a wonderful dog breed.

Height and Weight
Most male pugs will be about 12 to 14 inches high and 13 to 20 pounds. Female pugs will be a bit smaller, with a height around 10 to 12 inches and will weigh about 13 to 18 pounds.

Health and Longevity
Pug dogs generally have a good number of health problems.

Your pug is prone to colds and, as we discussed earlier, will be stressed by extremes in weather, from cold to hot.

The short muzzle on the pug causes breathing problems and they are prone to wheezing and other chronic breathing issues.

Pugs are prone to obesity, so watching their diet is essential. Some are prone to laziness, too, so it’s best to force your pug to walk and get some exercise.

Finally, any pug owner can speak to the pug’s penchant for snoring. They snore loudly and often, and many a pug owner has lost some sleep in the night until they learn how to deal with the snoring.

In general, pugs are hearty dogs, and can live to be about 12 to 15 years old on average.

Suitability
Pugs get along well with other dogs and in general with other pets in the house. They love children and enjoy meeting new people. Their addition to the household is usually a good one.

Pugs also make excellent pets for senior citizens, who enjoy their laid back and friendly nature and their ability to make good lap pets.
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American Cocker Spaniel - Important Information

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The Cocker Spaniel is a beautiful, sweet dog that loves people. He makes an excellent pet, but presents a few challenges to the owner.

General Appearance and Description
The American Cocker Spaniel was originally developed through breeding of the English Cocker Spaniel. The American Cocker is smaller than the English version, and the English Cocker often has a finer and shorter coat of hair.

The Cocker Spaniel has long ears, and a medium-length coat that's shiny and feathered looking.

On black Cocker Spaniels, the nose will always be black, but on other colored Spaniels, the nose can be brown. You might get a Cocker Spaniel that's buff-colored, or black. The coat is usually one color, but some can be a primary color with another color accent (such as white with black and tan accents).

Most Cocker Spaniel breeders will suggest that you get your Cocker Spaniel's tail docked, but if you aren't showing him, there is no need to do that.

Basic Temperament
The Cocker Spaniel enjoys work, but it's just as happy being a pet in your house. This is an easy-going dog that will happily go with the flow and complain little.

In general the American Cocker Spaniel is cheerful, sensitive, respectful and pleasant to be around. They are a gentle breed and can be prone to shyness, and will eschew new relationships with people and other dogs if not socialized properly. It's best to socialize Cocker Spaniel puppies early and often so they don't develop that shy side.

Unlike some dogs that will challenge your authority and attempt to establish themselves as the "top dog," Cocker Spaniel dogs are happy to accept you as the leader, and they seem to inherently understand that you are the boss and they are inferior to you.

Care Required
If you keep your Cocker Spaniel dog's coat long, be prepared to brush it daily and shampoo it frequently. To keep it shiny and beautiful looking, it does require some care. Even if you keep his coat shorter, you'll still have to brush him often and get it trimmed regularly. You can be a bit more lax, however.

Cocker Spaniel dogs don't shed too terribly much, though they can leave a trail behind if their coat is left long. The hairs can come out easily, so be careful when brushing that you don't pull out the long hairs.

Exercise Requirements
You might not think by looking at this sweet-faced and regal dog that he's a bit of a wild man, but he is. That is, the Cocker Spaniel dog needs a good amount of activity on a regular basis. If he doesn't get it, he might challenge your home environment.

Be sure to give your Cocker Spaniel regular walks that are long and sometimes challenging. When walking him, avoid going through areas that contain thickets or anything that could damage your Cocker's coat.

While the American Cocker Spaniel does best in a home environment with a large yard, he can live in an apartment if he's regularly exercised and well. He's active indoors, so plenty of space to play and lots of toys to play with are both essential.

When looking at learning more about English cocker spaniels, read and learn as much as you can because the English cocker because is an amazing dog breed.
Training

Because the Cocker Spaniel innately knows who is boss (you), he's relatively easy to train. Some Cocker Spaniels can be difficult to housebreak, however, so some patience is required during that process.

Height and Weight
The male Cocker Spaniel will grow to be about 15 ½ inches tall, while the female will be about 14 ½ inches tall. Both male and female will weigh between 15 and 30 pounds.

Health and Longevity
Cocker Spaniel dogs are prone to a number of health problems. If you do add one to your home, it's important that you consider the many challenges that Cocker Spaniels can face with regard to their health.

Some of the most common health problems that your Cocker Spaniel might need to deal with include cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy and other eye conditions. They also suffer knee problems and hip dysplasia, along with liver disease and cardiomyopathy. Some have allergies, ear infections, and a very serious condition called immune mediated hemolytic anemia.

If your Cocker Spaniel stays healthy, or is lucky enough to deal well with whatever health conditions he might suffer, he can live to be about 12 to 15 years old.

Suitability
The Cocker Spaniel loves children and does well in a house with children and other pets. They also make good watchdogs, enjoy agility and will work to do well in trials, and they make excellent hunting dogs.
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Dogs and Dog Supplies Quality Supply at Sensible Rates

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Dogs are trustworthy than any other species in the world" is a well known phrase. This is one of the reasons people like to have dogs as their pets, which could be favorable to them in certain circumstances.

Dogs are lovable creatures and should be trained in a proper manner. One of the important things that all dog owners should remember is that investing in a dog means investing in dog supplies as well. You should provide your dog with proper hygienic food supplements and enough exercise so that they will remain fit and healthy throughout their lifespan.

Domesticated dogs of today have evolved from wolves and according to scientists; this wonderful pet arrived after 17 generations of breeding. Dogs were initially domesticated in china and the people who came from North America carried dogs with them from Asia.

Dogs are said to be a social animal and their behavior and personality keeps varying with breeds. Dogs are very loyal compared to other animals and they are also good companions to human. Dogs play multiple role: as a guardian angel, as a loving companion, and as a dog. Over the generations, dogs have been playing different roles for humans and hence today they are considered to be the numero uno pet.

There are hundreds of various dog breeds out there to choose from and each of them has different requirements and hence their dog supplies should also be different. Some of the most loved characteristics in dogs include cleverness, obedience, love, warmth, coat color, hair, agility, fitness etc and hence dog supplies are also based to some extent on their physical characteristics.

Mixed- breed dogs do not belong to a specific breed, because it is the mixture of two breeds. Dogs of modern breed show more variation in size, appearance and behavior compared to other domestic animals. Different breeds have different eye shapes. Some breeds are selectively excellent for detecting scents.

Now-a-days different kinds of food supplements and dog supplies are available for dogs and you can find that at pet or dog marts, dog supply stores and even at your neighborhood super market. Dog supplies are most important for the dogs as it includes everything from healthy with nutritional food to grooming supplies. Care should be taken while choosing the right dog supplies for your dog or a particular breed.

Dogs are not only dependent on meat- specific protein or high level protein to fulfill their basic dietary requirements but they also love milk. Dogs could very easily digest a variety of foods such as vegetables and grain. Based on the ingredients of the products sold as dog supplies, you can make the right choice for your dog.

Some of the food consumed by humans might be harmful for dogs such as chocolate, onions, grapes and few sweeteners. The only dangerous substance in chocolate is cocoa. So it’s always important to ensure that your dog is not fed such food. Dogs can survive on the vegetable diet along with milk and eggs too.
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Dog Euthanasia : How to Deal with a Hard Situation

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I did not even study my choices when, last Christmas, the dilemma came for me to spend $4,000 to rescue my favorite pet's life with a surgery. He was just 3 years old, and though the damage to his stomach was severe, I was confident he would be okay.

Not long afterwards, I saw blood when he went outside to urinate. My veterinarian, a good friend of ours, suggested a new battery of tests, but a fortnight after our appointment, Carl was unable to stand up from his nap. He was apt to lift up his head to look at me with his big brown eyes, but he had been paralyzed by a spinal seizure, and he couldn't manage to do any other thing independently.

This caused me great woe. Despite the fact that each day in hospice care saw his condition diminish, I could not lose faith and even sought canine wheelchairs. I couldn't forget that nothing - absolutely nothing - could give him the kind of life he ought to have. But I still wanted him to stay forever.

I was bereaved, but not powerless. I was able to make a decision because I was cognizant of every one of my choices.

Merely because you're here, I am certain that you strive to arrive at the correct decision, and that you have deep feelings for your animal. However, where do you start?

As is the case with every personal issue, dying is dealt with in a unique way by everyone, however having a roadmap to help you find the right path can be important Your decisions determine how you get there, and knowing all the options takes away a bit of that apprehension and hurt you feel in the moments preceeding that end.

A family friend shared an invaluable resource shortly before I lost Carl - Dr. Pat Bradley's book, More Than a Pet. After reading it, I felt informed enough to do the best thing. If you want to be positive you're making a decision that reflects your world view, I suggest you read this book or one like it.
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Diabetes Insipidus in Dogs

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Diabetes is a medical term that refers to a range of disorders that are characterized by abnormal thirst and frequent weak urination. One of the dog health issues by breed, diabetes in canines comes in of two forms:

1. Diabetes Insipidus or drinking diabetes
2. Diabetes Mellis or sugar diabetes

Diabetes Insipidus
Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a condition caused due to trouble maintaining water balance in the body. When affected by DI your dog will not be able to concentrate urine because of which he’ll urinate more frequently. The term "insipid" refers to dilute urine.

A rare form of dog health issues by breed, DI, a permanent condition, can only be diagnosed once blood and urine tests are carefully studied. In this form of disease, dogs generally drink more than normal water and urinate more often. However, pet owners mustn’t conclude that their pet has diabetes insipidus based on these symptoms alone. Lack of proper treatment can lead to dehydration, coma, and even death.

Most often pet owners ask pet health questions such as, “my dog has started drinking and urination more than normal, does he have diabetes insipidus?” There can be many reasons why your dog may have increased his intake of water or “polydipsia” and increased urination or ‘polyuria,’ such as diabetes mellis and some other kidney problems. It’s imperative that you get the dog checked by a good veterinarian as well as ask him/her pet health questions to ascertain the actual cause of these dog health issues.

Types Of Diabetes Insipidus
There are two main types of diabetes insipidus:

1. Central Diabetes Insipidus: Central DI is caused due to lack of adequate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) by the pituitary gland. Pet health questions are important to understand the other causes and effects of central diabetes insipidus and some of these include congenital defect, one or more tumors on the pituitary gland, trauma, or other causes.
2. Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus: Nephrogenic DI is caused due to lack of response by the kidneys to the antidiuretic hormone, which is secreted by the pituitary gland. Some causes of nephrogenic DI include congenital defect, metabolic disorders, or drugs.

Diagnosis of Diabetes Insipidus
A vet would typically, try to rule out other diseases with similar symptoms such as ‘Hyperadrenocorticism’ or Cushing's disease, diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes), hyperthyroidism in felines, renal failure, and liver disease among other dog health issues by breed.

Treatment of Diabetes Insipidus
Central DI can be treated with a drug called ‘Desmopressin’ that fulfills the lack of antidiuretic hormone. Available as DDAVP, its formulations include nasal spray pump; liquid to be used rhinal tube; liquid injection for subcutaneous penetration; and in tablet form for oral penetration.

Nephrogenic DI can be controlled with ‘Thiazide diuretics.’ The main purpose of these medications is to allow concentration of urine. Oral medicine such as ‘chlorothiazide’ works with the kidneys to ensure that urine can be concentrated.
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Don't Have a Fat Dog!

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I get so angry when I'm out walking my own dog or I'm out for a walk with my family and we see a fat dog. It really breaks my heart. If you feed your dog too much and they become overweight, it not only affects their looks, but it also affects their joint mobility, cardiovascular health - it can even affect their lifespan!

I know all too well just how easy it is to give your dog a little here and a little there. Maybe he seems just a little hungry so you give your dog just a little more food than you know you should. Oh and there's always the sad eyes you get when he's not eating but you are. A few treats here and there, maybe some before bed.

But STOP! This is exactly how those fat dogs get fat in the first place! This is so avoidable!

Please know that every single person out there who has ever had a dog has knowingly fed them too much at one point or another. And you know what? It's understandable. Your dog is your best friend and is there for you whenever you need him. You get unconditional love from him and so why wouldn't you want to treat him extra-special now and then? And that is totally acceptable!

The main difference between those that have really fat dogs and those that have healthy, happy dogs really only comes down to a single word.

Moderation!

Of course you are going to give your dog occasional treats or a bite of table food! Not only does your dog love it because he's being rewarded by his master, but it makes you feel great as well! Everyone wins!

The problem comes with imbalance.

The only reason that a fat dog exists is because it's owner goes a little over-the-top with giving more dog food than is suggested, whether it's actual dog food, treats or table scraps. Now this is what your dog does not need! Maybe you feel like you're doing something great for your dog - but you're really not.

You're the one that needs to ultimately use self-control to not overfeed your dog. I know it's hard! But there are just so many other ways you can give your dog love! Take them for an extra-long walk, give them a top-to-bottom body scratch, or just simply sit and pet them and enjoy it! This is one of the reasons I bet you got a dog in the first place, right?

Here's a way to tell if you have a fat dog: run your hands over his ribcage, and if you can't feel your dogs ribs through his coat, he's carrying too much extra weight. It doesn't have anything to do with the size of your dog - I have a Saint Bernard, and I can just barely feel his ribs when I pet him. (Hmmm, maybe he could stand to lose a couple pounds!)

The truth is, dogs just are not meant to be fat. It will take it's toll on his joints, his mobility and his cardiovascular system, and he deserves more than that, doesn't he?
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Dogs Tapeworms – Diagnosis, Symptoms And Treatment

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Tapeworms are also scientifically named Dipylidium caninum. They are just one of the five kinds of worms that pets may get infested with.

The "tapeworm" name comes from the shape of this parasite. This worm looks like a flat tape that measure between 50and 70cm in length. This tapeworm gets attached to the intestines of the dog.

There he feeds on the animal. The good thing about this tape worm is that humans can not get it just from direct contact with the pet. The pets usually get this parasite up by eating infected fleas. So, it is better to prevent and treat the pet for flees form time to time.

Diagnosis and Symptoms

The tapeworms are quite easy to detect and they are common. Some of the main symptoms include loss of weight and appetite, a bit of nervousness, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea.

The tapeworms in dogs are sometimes visible. You can still find some worms or pieces of them around the anus and in fecal matter. If the feces look like having some rice in them, that means the dog is infested.

The Treatment

Before treatment, first come prevention measures. Make sure the dog is treated from fleas from time to time. This will make sure the dog doesn't get infested. The treatment for the tapeworms has two stages of severity. The early stage, less severe, means the dog is still full of energy and is playful. In this case, a simple over the counter de-worming treatment will easily clean out the parasite in many cases.

A very common medicine for treating the tapeworms is the Praziquantel (Droncit) and can be bought from the local pet stores.

During the later and the severe stage of tapeworms’ infestation, the pet has signs of acute distress, is quite inactive and has lost some weight. Take the pet straight to the professional veterinarian. In this case, the vet will give the pet an injection or a liquid-based chemical to be ingested.

No matter what the stage is, you have to pay attention to the feces and make sure there are no tapeworms there. Even after treatment, notice the feces and monitor any symptoms of infestation that may appear.

Never forget that the best way to get away from a tapeworm infestation is to prevent them from reaching your dogs. Besides constant fleas’ treatment, make sure you don't leave your dog in places where the living conditions are not right or there are no people to take care of the pet.

Also make sure your pet mingles with other pets that are healthy. Don’t let the pet get next to pets that show signs of illnesses or have a poor hygiene.
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A Dogs Fast Influences Oral Health

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Your dog is your very most excellent friend. Every single time you walk all the way through the door your pet is so happy to see you that he wags his tail and practically smiles at you. How can you show your pet how much they mean to you? Well, one way is to take care of that smile for your pet. Did you know that your dog's fast can influence their oral healthiness?

It is significant to brush your dog's teeth frequently to keep plaque and tartar from becoming an issue. Even wiping his gums with a clean, dampness cloth can be beneficial.
The treats you give your pet are part of your dog's fast just like snacks are part of a person's fast. As humans, we tend to want to overlook our snacking habits, so it can be easy to overlook the treats you give your dog. This is not a superior idea. Carefully consider any and all items your dog will put away.

Do you give your dog bones, rawhides, jerky treats, or dog biscuits? Maybe your pet prefers greenies or corn starch chews. You may not have measured it, but tossing Spot a rawhide chew is like giving him a candy bar. The rawhide, for example, contains calories and is often provided between meals.

Your dog's diet also theater a role in your pet's oral health. Do you typically give food to your dog canned or dry dog food? What kind of treats and toys do you supply for your pet? All of these things can affect the likelihood of trouble by means of your pet's teeth.
Many of the treats and food and drink you provide in your dog's fast can be just empty wasted calories. Some treats, alternatively, supply excellent chance to improve oral physical condition. Greenies, rawhides, bones, and hard dog biscuits all help to keep tartar at bay. The softer snacks, such as jerky treats, do not provide much relief from plaque. The healthful treat, on occasion, will also prevent your dog from having bad breath.

Your dog's fast must be healthy to ensure excellent oral healthiness. Dry dog food is best whenever possible. Don't forget to select treats for your pet that will enhance your dog's plan. Consciously monitoring your dog's fast will positively influence your best friend's oral health.

When your dog's diet is nutritionally sound, containing essential vitamins, nutrients, and enzymes, your pet's oral healthiness will be at its very best. Feeding dry dog food rather than a moist canned range is most excellent for your dog. The tiny kibbles' hard surface rubs alongside the teeth to remove and decrease plaque. The simple act of moistening the dry dog food with water or gravy eliminates this property from dry dog food.
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Finding The Right Bed For Your Dog

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Dog beds are necessary for all type of dogs whether they are sleeping inside the house or whether they are outside the home. There are so many types of medium dog beds available that it can become quite difficult to choose the right one.

Some of the reasons for having medium dog beds include the fact that it will be comfortable for small sized and medium sized dogs, and they can also get some padded cushioning depending on the type of dog beds you buy. Dogs love to sleep but they like to sleep at the same place and hence it is important to choose the right dog bed that will give comfort to your dog. Let us try and look at the various factors that come into play while choosing medium dog beds. Some of the factors you should consider are:

Size: Size is the most important aspect that needs to be considered while looking for medium dog beds. You need to look for dog beds that are big enough and offer enough space for your dog apart from the sleeping space and is strong or durable enough especially if you have a big dog breed like Labrador retriever or German Shepherd Dog. One of the best ways of going about it is by measuring your dogs size so that you can get a proper fit. The medium dog beds you buy should not be too big or too small for your dog because either ways it will cause him a lot of discomfort.

While measuring your dog for dog beds, you need to take measurement when he is standing up. You need to take measurements from the tip of his nose to the base of his tail and also take the measurements from the floor to shoulders or even the head. If you are planning to buy nest and ball-type dog beds then you need to take measurement of the entire length of your dog especially when he is curled up. You need to take measurement from the top of his head to the tip of his tail that meets his hindquarters. You can always add around 7-9 inches on top of the measurement you have already got. Because when he is lay down he will be just as big as when he is standing up.

Local weather: Local weather also plays an important role while buying dog beds. If you are living in a place where the winter temperatures dip below freezing point then you will need to choose a more comfortable bed and one that will be able to provide warmth to your dog.

Shape and style: The third aspect is the style and shape of the dog beds. These medium dog beds are available with plenty of style but you need to pay attention to your dog’s favorite sleeping position and his habits to be able to buy a comfortable bed which he will sleep in and love and have a conforming style for him.
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Barking Dog – A Fundamental Must Know Before Stop Dog from Barking

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There is always some reason for your dog from barking. You have to try understanding what exactly your dog need. Good Dog Training will eliminate and make your dog to bark less.

Keep communicating and develop your skill is the key for understanding why your dog is barking
It is no doubt that dog barking for some right reason. Barking is the only one way to communicating with others when something is go wrong or maybe dog just need to go have some water.

Consider with your neighbors, barking will annoying people around you. You don’t want feel guilty every time your dog barking do you? It is all your decision to train your dog from barking behavior

Here’s, I will explain some point reason why your dog become a barking dog.

Have you realize, how long do you spend a quality of time with your dog? Are you eight to five workers typical?
I bet you only say hello just before you go to your office, then have 30 minutes touch your dog after you back home at night.

How about all day alone while you are at office? Can you imagine what is your dog doing to spend such horrible time?

There’s a common problem for some people, and when it happens, just provide your dog with toy like ball or bone to chew on before you leave.
Toy will make your dog busy, and divert dog’s attention so that make dog easier to spend all day alone and eliminate the stress as well.

Don’t forget to buy toy more than one characters, and rotate it regularly (weekly). This strategy eliminates your dog being bored and controls your dog for over barking.

You still have two days in the weekend anyway. So, push yourself to get along, and play with your dog. I think two days is enough to compensate for your five missing days.

Or, try my second advice.

Look around for a hired dog walker. Providing your dog with plenty of exercise about 1 to 1.5 hours per day is good for your dog health and temperamental as well.

If dog has enough exercise and activity, this will release dog from stress, and it means, the dog will bark less.
Dog loves to get involve with family activities, the more you interact and spend a lot of time with your dog, the more you can develop your understanding what your dog’s need.

You can talk anything with your dog and make your dog feel his existence in your family. If you treat like that, bad behaviors problem such as barking, chewing will stop by itself.

All dog training method requires consistency and patient from dog trainer. Dog training advice & theory is all the same from years. You cannot control your dog from barking as long as you cannot give a good quality of life, spend plenty of time and love to your dog.
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Dog Food Choices

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There isnt much in life that is as rewarding as a great friendship.Whether they are there when we need them most or they are just that extra bit of sunshine in our day.When it comes to your best furry friend it is important to make sure they are healthy.Is the dog food you are using taking care of your friend?

Diet and exercise are important parts of making sure that your dog gets to spend the most time with you, which is why you should invest in quality dog food.Quality dog food gives you more quality time together.A premium dog food can offer your dog many benefits like a beautiful coat and a long healthy life. Whether your dog needs regular dog food or diet dog food it can pay off to invest time in learning what is best for the health of your dog. Does he need puppy dog food? Maybe you havent had the time to walk or exercise with the dog and they have a few extra pounds around the hips. Diet dog food can help make sure that your dog is still getting proper nutrition without adding on those extra pounds that will diminish their health. What kind of nutrition is your dog getting from your current dog food choice? Are they getting the proper vitamins from their dog food? Choices abound for dog food formulas and varieties. For older dogs you might consider softer dog foods. Puppies need puppy chow because of their special dietary requirements. Are you sure that all of the ingrediants in your dog food are necessary, high quality food? Is canned or dry dog food the best choice for your dog? Some pet owners use a mixture of the two for their pets. Taking the time to compare the ingrediants of different dog foods will allow you better knowledge of what is available and therefore allow you to make better choices for your dog. As always canine dietary choices should be discussed with your veternatian.

Of course another factor is whether or not you can afford the food. Will the money you save today pay off in the future? A factor in your choice is whether or not that dollar saved will be spent later on medical bills from illnesses due to improper nutrition. Sometimes a cheaper food means it is less nutrient dense and therefore you will need to feed your dog more to make up for it. Giving your dog quality dog food now means more quality time later with the furry part of your family.
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Dog Training Exercises Need to Be Fun

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Even though dog training always starts with some excitement, it often ends up being a chore. You're too busy, your dog gets bored, you don't seem to be making progress....But it doesn't have to be like that. Some dog training exercises can be fun for the entire family if you try and use play as often as possible.

Dogs can sometimes get moody just like we can and if they don't feel like paying attention to you and performing, the training session probably won't be efficient. But if your dog thinks it's play time and you get him really interested, the training will be much more effective.

The "come" command is one of the most important and although it isn't that hard to learn, it is hard to get consistency. The world is an interesting place and your dog isn't going to always come when you call if there's something more interesting. The only way to get the consistency you want is through continuous re-enforcement. Doesn't sound like much fun does it? Well, our kids stumbled on an excellent exercise that we now use all the time and that has resulted in a consistent and conditioned response when we call our dogs. And that, is hide and seek!

Whenever you play this game, make sure your dog has an appetite and will want to come running for a treat. Let him know what you've got in your hand and then put him in a stay. Once he's sitting leave the room and go hide somewhere. Once you're in place call his name, or give the command you use when recalling him. He'll come running. When he shows up, give him a treat and lots of praise. Then repeat - put him in a stay, leave that room and go hide again. But have fun with it. Get into a closet, hide behind a door, climb into the bath tub. It's hilarious watching him run into a room and start sniffing around when he doesn't see you!

This is one of the favorite play activities for the kids. When they get found in some obscure place and get a big lick the howls of laughter are just wonderful. It's fun for them and fun for our dogs. And there's an additional benefit to making this a family activity. Your dog is learning to respond to a recall command from all members of the family - not just the primary trainer. Every time you or the kids go through this exercise, the recall is being re-enforced. And don't feel silly playing this game - it'll make you feel like a kid again and that's not a bad thing!

Of course, you can't make every dog training exercise a game. But dog obedience training doesn't have to be anything but rewarding. Use play whenever you can (there are several games you can use when leash training as well) and your dog training program will never feel like just a chore.
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How to Train a Cat to Use a Toilet

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Cats are adorable creatures - all cat lovers will agree with that. They make excellent human companions and, like dogs, are also considered by many as man's best friend. Cute, cuddly, and companionable, these domesticated felines can easily melt anybody's heart. They can entertain you with their sweet little tricks and make you laugh out loud with their crazy antics. Yes, cats are absolutely charming, but not all the time. You have to admit, endearing as they are, cats also do things that can annoy you out of your wits such as scratching you wood furniture, biting your curtain tassels, and, at worst, pooping on your brand new carpet.

The good news is that cats are smart and curious animals. For this reason, they can be trained to do several things that could make your life easier. Just one of the things you can teach your little feline friend to do is to use the toilet. If you want your cat to be like Jack Byrnes' Himalayan cat in "Meet the Parents" then you should start thinking about training your kitty to use the toilet now. As opposed to what some people think, potty training cats is not hard to do. All you need is plenty of patience and a strong determination. And oh, you will also need a litter box and a roll of wax paper.

If your cat already knows how to use the litter box, then that makes the task of getting them to use the toilet 50% easier. Since cats are clean creatures by nature, chances are that they will find pooping in the toilet more desirable than what they were initially accustomed to. The trick in potty training a cat is to do it gradually. Depending on your cat's personality, the process of toilet training can take several days to a few weeks. There's no point in hastening the training because cats take time to learn and get used to the new pooping system.

Start the potty training by moving your cat's litter box near a toilet. After you do this, make sure your cat knows where to find its litter box. Let your cat become familiar with the new location of its litter box. After you have done this, the next thing to do is to move the litter box inch by inch towards the toilet bowl for the subsequent days until it ends up right next to the bowl. While inching the litter box towards the toilet bowl, you should also reduce the amount of litter used bit by bit.

The next goal is to get the cat to sit on the toilet bowl. You can do this by progressively adding a book under a litter box until it's already elevated to the same height as the toilet bowl. When you've already done this, raise the toilet seat and tape a sheet of wax paper over it. The wax paper should be big enough to cover the hole. Then, lower the seat and gradually move the litter box an inch towards the seat over the following days. Do this until the litter box is right over the toilet seat. Don't forget to reduce the amount of litter every time you move the litter box towards the seat until there's already none left. When you've done this, discard the box and cut an inch-wide hole in the middle of the wax paper. In the succeeding days, gradually widen the wax paper's hole until it becomes as big as that of the toilet seat. By the time you are done with this last step, congratulations, you now have a toilet-trained cat.
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