Choose the Right Dog Bed For Your Dog Or Puppy

By choosing the right Dog bed for your puppy or Dog, you can ensure that he will be content and comfortable. Dogs spend a lot of their time lying down relaxing or sleeping and you know they always choose a comfy spot. If he doesn't have his own bed, he'll just use your furniture instead.

When the time comes to choose a dog bed, there are a few important factors to consider. Let's take a look at some of these factors.

It won't be quite as simple as heading down to the closest pet shop and grabbing the first bed you see. With the huge variety in specialty pet beds, you will want to decide what type you want before you shop.

Most important is to choose a bed that will be large enough for your furry friend. Preferably, you should choose a bed that fits the size of your dog. Just as there are large breeds and even miniature breeds, there are also large dog beds and small ones. If for instance, you own a larger breed dog, he won't feel comfortable trying to stretch out on a small bed.

It's not as important if you have a smaller breed dog and decide on a larger bed. Even so there are some breeds that seem to prefer small and cozy over roomy. Puppies are the exception. If you buy a bed to fit your puppy, be aware that you'll have to buy another bed once he is full grown.

You will also want to think about the material that the bed is covered with. Almost any heavy duty material that will stand up to everyday wear and tear is suitable. Some of the more common choices are fleece or denim.

You may also want to consider your dog's breed, your area's climate, and where you will keep the bed. If you have a large breed dog, or one with a longer coat, cotton or canvas will be more comfortable to recline on, as it will be cooler. On the other hand, smaller dogs or those with short hair are more likely to more comfortable with a warmer material like fleece or suede.

If the bed is mainly for your pup to use outside, then fabric choice is especially important. This is not as much of an issue for beds used mostly indoors. But for inside beds, the temperature where the bed will be located should also be considered.

You will also want to choose a bed that fits the available space. If your dog sleeps in a crate, choose a crate style bed for the best fit. On the other hand, if space is limited, you may want to choose a corner style bed.

Whenever possible, narrow down your choices to washable dog beds. But if the bed you decide on cannot be laundered, your next best option is a washable bed cover. When the cover gets dirty or acquires a doggy smell, just throw in your washing machine to clean it up.

Perhaps one of the most important things to consider is the age and health of your beloved pet. Younger active dogs need a bed with at least a thin layer of high quality, dense foam. That way the bed will be comfortable while maintaining its shape.

It's especially important to choose a good quality bed for dogs that are experiencing any kind of joint pain. Orthopedic dog beds are made using special high density foam. This foam provides extra support and so may give some relief from joint pain. It's also easier for dogs to get up from an orthopedic bed because of the foam, so there is less pressure put on the joints.

These are some of the things you may want to think about when it's time to find a bed for your dog. Choosing the right dog bed for your adult dog or puppy, is one way of ensuring that your favorite furry friend is content and comfy.

Choosing the right dog for your family is an important decision. Getting him a special bed is a wonderful way to welcome him and make him feel comfortable. With hot weather fast approaching, a perfect bed for outdoor use is the coolaroo dog bed. Another great option for outside are washable dog beds

What is the Heaviest Breed of Dog? A Must Read

They say Dogs are man's best friend. What is better than having a best friend who is big and strong enough to protect you against every sort of danger that lurks all around you? If you want a Dog that you can count on for its size and toughness, your best option is to go for any breed in the mastiff family.

There are some pointers that you should remember before owning this heavy Dog however. It is one thing to know what is the heaviest breed of Dog, but it's another thing to know how to take care of it. Mastiffs, or all big dogs for that matter, eat a lot. They need to be fed big servings and need to be exercised as well to keep them healthy. And to better serve their purpose, you also need to train them extensively.

If you think you are still up to the task, take a look at the following big dog breeds and take your pick.

The Bernese Mountain Dog
This dog is traditionally the farmer's best friend, as it helped them pull their loaded carts across the fields. The breed is characterized by thick double coat that helps it to stand and survive in cold climates. But underneath the thick fur are strong and sturdy muscle sets that require exercise and training. Grooming requires that you brush its coat regularly.

The Bernese Mountain Dog grows up to 27 inches in height and 110 pounds in weight. It lives up to a maximum of eight years. As to personality, expect this giant to be gentle and calm, and generally good-natured, especially to children.

The Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is packed with muscles but is at the same time lithe and sprightly. Traditionally, bullmastiffs were tasked to guard properties from trespassers and thieves. To this day, they are a famous breed for families who want guard dogs, although they are not advisable as pets for those who have sleeping problems because they are loud snorers. You also have to forgive them for slobbering all over the place. After all, their endearing personality makes up for these imperfections.

Bullmastiffs can grow up to 130 pounds and 27 inches in height. They can up to 10 years, and would not require a lot of brushing or grooming throughout their lifetime.

The Great Dane
Everyone who loves Scooby Doo will have fun having a Great Dane for a pet. It is a behemoth of a dog, to say the least. But behind this greatness is a cuddly personality. Great Danes love leaning against their owners, but you can address this behavior through proper training. Great Danes are also late bloomers. They become adults after they turn one.

Great Danes can grow up to a whopping 200 pounds, and a towering 36 inches tall. They can live up to 10 years, and can be expected to be gentle all throughout. Although they are primarily indoor-type dogs, you will need to take them out regularly to exercise. The coat will also need occasional brushing.

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List of Small Dog Breeds - Your Ultimate Guide

Some people prefer to adopt a small breed of Dog. They find them more adorable and cute to have. Those small Dog breeds can also be trainable although they could also require some of your time in grooming them. In case you want a small Dog breed for yourself, you have to get acquainted to the characteristics and dog requirements of these cute small animals before you refer to a list of small dog breeds.

Though dogs are considered to be easy-learners, there are still some of them who may ignore your effort in training. Take for instance the Shih Tzu- a two-colored or sometimes tri-colored 11 inches dog with double coat. Although regarded as sweet and friendly dog, this adorable pet may not want the idea of being trained due to its stubborn attitude. However, its gentleness will give you no worry at all.

A shih tzu loves to play but doesn't need a lot of exercise. It needs companionship and won't agree to be left alone inside or outside the house. It enjoys being with you as it sleeps on a soft couch and would also love the idea of traveling with you. Despite being adorably sweet, it is sill a good watchdog who barks at strangers. But if it sees you welcoming the stranger, it welcomes that person as well and befriend with the unknown visitor.

Some of these dogs are trainable but it will not that be easy for you because you may be required to exert more patience and you need to be a little strict and firm. A wire fox terrier does not have an innate passion to obey every training instruction given to it but if you will be stiff with it in a nice manner, the dog will turn to be an obedient pet.

This 16 inches dog that could weigh up to 20 pounds does bark but only to warn you or call your attention. It is a very good watchdog and will truly protect you. On the other hand, this fearless pet remains a loving, friendly, and playful dog towards you. It does not really become crabby towards other people but on other pets especially dogs, unless it grew up with them inside your house. It does not like being alone and you may want to bring it with you on a morning jog. If left alone, you will be surprised of its mischievous behavior.

Furthermore, if your choice of a small dog breeds is highly trainable, you may want to get an American Eskimo miniature dog. This white cute dog responds very well to its training and would also love to play a lot due to its athletic attitude. You have to make it feel loved otherwise it will show up its other side such as barking or chewing anything it desires around your house.

All of these dogs need to be brushed to look well-groomed. They could also be approachable and kind to children but they dislike being roughly bothered. This list of small dog breeds gives you the basic idea on what to expect from your desired pet.

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Stop Loneliness, Anxiety And Depression Naturally - Take A Few Simple Tips From Fido

It may be easier to stop your loneliness, anxiety and depression than you think. In fact, your Dog can show you the way, if you pay close attention to his cues. By using an old behavior change technique called "acting as if," you can literally transform your emotional life, unless you have a serious clinical condition. Just act like your Dog in six critical areas and you'll be feeling better in no time! Here's how...

Take these six tips from your Dog and consciously seek to apply them to your day-to-day life. You'll be surprised what a difference it can make.

Fido's Tips

1. Don't hold grudges

Holding a grudge is like keeping a vat of poison around. It fills our minds with negative thoughts and makes us feel badly. Grudges often grow into more serious problems, too. To stop loneliness, get rid of any and all grudges, and make it easier to keep people close to you.

Take a tip from Fido: drop any grudge you may have, and stop expecting perfection in your relationships. Be like Fido... forgive and forget... and enjoy!

And move on with your life. Most Dogs are very quick to forget and move on.

When we are lonely and depressed, or worried about our lives, we usually do the opposite of Fido. And that reinforces the negative cycle of suffering. If we hold a grudge, we hold our pain very close to the bone, and we slip deeper into the angry furrows of depression. Instead of acting like a loving, caring person, we behave as if wounded, inviting more problems.

2. Live fully in the moment

So often people get stuck in the past and can't pay attention to the present, or let go and enjoy it. Ditto for the future. Having your feet firmly planted in either place will only leave you feeling dismayed and unfilled. You can't live in the past or the future. So do as Fido does... live in the precious present and get all the gusto you can in this very moment. Don't let your life pass you by as you get stuck in yesterday or tomorrow. Did you know...

The inability to get over the past often results in depression.

Sure, you can deal with the past, to the extent necessary, and plan for the future, but you've got to have your heart and mind fully engaged in the NOW. Live today.

To stop loneliness we must avoid being mired in past problems or successes, and open ourselves fully to the moment.

3. Relish the simple joys and pleasures

Fido doesn't like to complicate things. He lets us humans do that. He likes to keep it simple and knows the simple joys are the best. But people often forget that, and we miss out on some of life's greatest pleasures. Remember to keep it simple! I adhere to that old acronym, KISS: keep it simple, stupid. It is a good guide to follow.

Thousands of people drive by the arboretum at the University of Kentucky, and never stop to smell the wonderful array of roses they have planted there. It only takes a few minutes to stop and look at the flowers and breathe in some heavenly scented fresh air. Even if you go to a lovely natural area alone, like the UK arboretum, you will stop loneliness in its tracks and allow the natural surroundings to help you feel better. A couple can stroll around, hold hands and become closer without any effort... and it's free.

You know, when it comes right down to it, simple is better than complicated and less is more.

4. Explore and discover the world around you

Dogs like to get up and go. Take them for a walk, and they get busy exploring with their eyes, ears and noses. And they have a grand old oprey time doing it. Just a walk around the block can be an adventure for them. And what good they get out of it. So, try to be more like Fido and find the hidden opportunities for adventure and discovery in your life. Discover your neighborhood in a new way, and take delight in your surroundings. Go down a new street, and find out what's there, what you've been missing.

I'll let you in on a secret tip: it is difficult to stay depressed when you are involved in the act of exploration and discovery. To stop loneliness from cutting off your air supply, get up and go!

And make it a habit to learn more about the people you love. There's always more to know. In all your relationships take time to listen and explore, to discover others in a new light. Happiness will follow. Fido knows how to stop loneliness and curb depression... he acts. He does something. He enjoys life.

5. Trust your gut

Sometimes we will trust the impressions of others, but not our own. Or we'll trust our logic, but not our hunches. What a shame! Dogs know better. Like many animals, they are in touch with their instincts, and live by their gut. Certain breeds have incredible psychic ability. We do, too, but we don't always use it. By turning your problem over to the inner mind, you will get the help you need to stop loneliness and cure anxiety.

The more you use and rely on your intuition, the more reliable it gets.

6. Play!

Wow! This is a simple but powerful tip. Do dogs know how to play? Do they ever! They know play is the key to the kingdom.

Some people I work with remember to take time for play and some don't. A few special individuals are creative about playing, and go about tasks in a playful way, generating positive feelings all around. Cutting up can be a good thing, as opposed to sitting around and being serious all the time.

Most couples I have worked with need to play more often. I often prescribe structured play to couples I'm counseling or coaching, and play benefits their relationships in countless ways. When under stress or strain, our need for play goes way up. Play brings relief and excitement in times of need, keeps us youthful and ignites a little humor in tense situations. Plays allows us to be spontaneous and creative, and contributes to achievement.

And most of the time, when we play we are not only having a good time, but we are learning and growing, as well.

My dog, Brody, plays like a mad dog. He slept on a rug by the hearth last night, and this morning I counted six toys around the rug. He had gathered them, one by one, for a rip-roaring good time. Even if his human friends won't play with him, due to whatever excuse, he will get some toys and entertain himself. After all, Brody knows how to be happy.

Putting It All Together

Happy people tend to turn these six tips into skills. They laugh and play their way to success, trust themselves, take delight in constantly discovering the inner and outer world, relish the simple things, live in the present and overlook or forget the mistakes of others, refusing to dwell on the perceived unfairness of a grudge.

When we are lonely and depressed, or worried about our lives, we usually do the opposite of Fido. And that reinforces the negative cycle of unhappiness. If we hold a grudge, we hold our pain very close to the bone, and we slip deeper into the angry furrows of depression. Instead of acting like a loving, caring person, we behave as if wounded, inviting more problems.

By taking Fido's tips, you'll soon be following a psychologically healthy path to leading a happy life. You will stop loneliness, overcome anxiety and depression, and you'll invite more happiness into your life. These are great principles to live by, and while our canine friends may not have developed them, they have mastered the art form... which is why dogs are sometimes more fun to be around than people!

Richard Hamon is a dynamic coach and therapist with 30 years of professional experience. Richard helps people to solve their relationship problems, enjoy truly extraordinary marriages and find exceptional success in all areas of their lives.

You'll find all kinds of articles on how to spice up your relationships and lead a happier life at Richard's website, Happy-Relationships.com. Find out about personal coaching programs to assist you in quickly reaching your loftiest goals. Discover eBooks, relaxation CDs and other informative products, such as a free relationship quiz to help you assess your relationship.

For more information on conducting state-of-the-art relationships, the latest research on true happiness, and Richard's products and services, please go to:
http://happy-relationships.com

Man's Best Friend - Choosing a Dog For Family

Choosing a Dog for family is a big decision. The problem is how to choose a Dog that will fit your requirements for your family. Choosing a family dog is a lifetime commitment that needs time and attention. You must be certain and ready before deciding to have one. You must consider:

• choosing a dog for family
• kids benefits

Choosing a Dog for Family

Choosing a dog is important for it will be part of your life and your family for a very long time. Particularly nervous or highly strung dog breeds would not be great around children. You must first consider the age of your children before choosing a dog. Introducing a large dog to your child could be intimidating.

If you have decided that it is time to have a pet dog for you and your family, then it is the right time for you to figure out what type of dog is right. There are quite a lot of factors to consider before choosing a dog. But most importantly, assess your recent lifestyle and consider what alterations you are willing to make when having a dog. Look at the needs of your family, especially if you have children. Consider the ideal size of the dog that you want for your family. A family with kids preferably needs an intelligent dog with a good personality and moderate energy level.

One example of a breed that has a propensity to do well with children - Bichon Frise. This little cotton-ball breed loves to play, but is not usually too hyper. It is also a small dog, which is perfect for your little children. Regular grooming is necessary because of its coat type fur. The Bichon Frise is one of many hypoallergenic dog breeds. It can benefit from basic obedient training because this kind of breed tends to learn quickly. A breed like a Bichon Frise should get a daily exercise. This bred is affectional and joyful making it a great companion for almost everyone. The Bichon Frise is excellent for children.

Kids Benefit

Now, you are done choosing a dog. The question is does that dog have some benefits for your children? Owning a dog has wonderful benefits to your children. Benefits of pet ownership have been identified in areas of child development. Kids can learn important lessons by having a pet dog. These are just some of the benefits: First, it can boost the self-esteem of the child. The sense of accomplishment that comes from taking care of a pet builds self image. Second, children who have pets in the house learn the lesson of compassion. They understand how people feel by caring a pet. Third, they develop language and verbal skills. Children learn to express and communicate when talking to their pets. In general, the child who has a pet is affectionate, shares its things, is general and loyal. And it develops self-esteem, relates easily to friends, becomes more sociable and knows the value of respect.

For more information about Bichon Frise, just click here.

4 Great Reasons to Choose a Mixed Breed Dog

Mutts make the best Dogs! Many people think a pure bred Dog is going to have a certain personality, then they are shocked when the Dog doesn't act exactly as expected. The truth of the matter is that each dog, mixed breed or pedigree, will have it's own unique personality and character attributes (just like people). There are so many great reasons to choose a mixed breed dog and this article covers 4 of the best reasons we've identified.

1. Mutts are more even-tempered. While it is possible for mixed breed dogs to be very energetic or very laid back they tend toward more moderate temperaments. Their behavior is typically more moderate because they were not bred to have specific characteristics. The behaviors required to achieve the tasks that certain dogs were bred for are not necessarily middle-of-the-road behaviors. Extreme personality traits in mixed breed dogs are often products of the dog's environment and upbringing and are not inborn characteristics as seen in pure bred dogs. Mixed breed dogs also tend to be a little more flexible to change than pure bred dogs. Some suggest they are not as programmed as their pure bred counterparts and therefore adjust more quickly to change.

2. Mutts have good genetic diversity. Because their genes are usually unrelated the chances of both parents of a mixed breed dog carrying the same defective genes are low. Often the worst diseases or health problems in dogs are passed along through the pairing of the same defective genes. Mixed breed dogs are often healthier because when left up to nature dogs tend to be moderately sized with more natural builds. This happens when cross breeding occurs over time because this is how dogs are designed to be. When people begin breeding they tend to go to extremes from a 3 pound Chihuahua to a 150 pound Great Dane. Other breed specific traits like the short snouts of Pugs, the barrel chest of a Bulldog or the large folds of skin of a Sharpei are actually abnormalities that can cause additional health problems over the life of the dog.

3. Millions of mutts are euthanized each year. Mixed breed dogs are often abandoned or neglected for their pure bred counterparts because they are not perceived as valuable by some. They are often passed over for adoption and end up in the gas chamber simply because they do not appear as fashionable or trendy as the expensive, pure bred, trend dog of the moment.

4.Mixed breed dogs are less expensive. The average price of a pure bred dog is around $800 if you agree to spay or neuter him and around $1,500 if you do not. While many people are more than willing to pay a significant sum of money for their ideal dog, it is completely unnecessary. Mixed breed dogs can be adopted for free from a neighbor or for around $150 from a rescue organization. The adoption fee from a rescue group is nominal and goes towards Veterinary care expenses. Dogs adopted from reputable groups come with all of their shots and are spayed or neutered and ready to go.

This article was written by Gwen Childs. She is a writer for pet-super-store.com. They offer great products such as elevated dog feeders, orthopedic dog beds and many other pet products.

How to Choose the Right Breed For Your Lifestyle

When choosing a Dog many people have certain criteria in mind. They want a small Dog, a furry Dog, or perhaps a dog with floppy ears. But before deciding on what kind of traits you want in a canine companion, you first must evaluate your own lifestyle in order to see which breed fits your family best. Breed traits are generalities, and there are always exceptions to the standard, but you will be better off knowing your dog fits your lifestyle rather than risking having to give up your dog due to incompatibility. Here are some things to consider, when trying to find the right breed of dog for your lifestyle.
Where do you Live?

Do you own a home, or rent an apartment? Do you have a big back yard, or do you live in a bustling city? Where you live is perhaps one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a breed of dog. Some breeds need more space to run and play, while others do better as indoor dogs. If you rent there could also be restrictions on the size, type, and number of dogs you can have. Check with your landlord to see what is permitted.

Where you live is also important because many cities now have breed specific laws against breeds considered "dangerous" such as the pit bull and Rottweiler. Whether or not these laws are fair, they are in effect and could impact you if you live in a town where such laws exist. Check with your local city hall to be sure.
How Active Are You?

Some breeds were bred to a specific purpose, and as such are classified as working dogs. These dogs: such as German Shorthaired Pointers, Australian Cattle Dogs, and Golden Retrievers are extremely intelligent animals who need constant physical and mental exercise in order to maintain their health and good behavior. If you like hiking, sports, or physical activities then these working breeds are good for you. If you are more of an indoor person then you should probably consider a breed that was created for companionship, such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Japanese Chin. It may seem that there is a split between small and large dogs here, and that is true to some degree, but remember that terriers, generally small dogs, were bred as rodent killers and can be mighty restless if cooped up inside.
Do you Have Children?

Children, especially smaller ones, can have a major impact on the pets in your household. To some breeds, the quick movements and loud noises of small children can be terrifying, and a scared dog has the potential to bite. If you have children you need a calm breed that is not easily scared and doesn't mind being tugged on every once in a while. Large breeds tend to be less scared of children, though some smaller breeds like the Bichon Frise and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be good companions for children.

It is always important to research the breed you are interested in before you select a companion for your family. There are a multitude of helpful books outlining the traits of every breed you could possibly think of, and most are written in a very engaging and conversational manner. Also, don't forget to check out your local shelter for a friend who might not be purebred, but who surely has a heart full of love. Be honest with yourself when answering the above questions, because nothing is more heartbreaking than having to take your dog to the pound, for any reason. The choice may be difficult, but all the time you spent researching will be rewarded with true love, and that's something no amount of money can buy.

Puppies For Sale NY Visit Worldwide Puppies and Kittens in Bellmore, New York, or call them at 516-679-7880 for more information. Their website is www.WorldwidePups.com. No matter what your lifestyle, Worldwide Puppies and Kittens will ensure that you will find the perfect puppy or kitten with the perfect size and temperament to match it.

Choose a Dog Breed - What is a Good Dog Breed For You?

If you are looking at getting a new Dog, the first thing you need to consider is what type of Dog breed is best for you. There are many breeds available and each one has its own special set of characteristics. If anyone in your family happens to have allergies you may want to choose a dog breed that is hypoallergenic. Also when choosing a dog breed, you need to understand that different dogs have different temperaments and you want to make sure you find one that fits your family's lifestyle. If you have a lot of small children you do not want to have a really aggressive dog.

The most important thing that you do is to understand what each breed means to the dog. You need to know ahead of time for selecting a puppy how big the dog is going to get and how that dog will behave. Some dogs are more aggressive than other dogs and they can be on to have as a family pet. Another great way to start your search is to go to a dog show this way you can see the many breeds that are available for use. It is important that you also speak with dog breeders and ask them what is the common temperament of the dog you were considering getting.

Remember when choosing a dog breed you need to find a job that fits into your families. Understand that some dogs are more aggressive than other dogs so you may want to find a dog that has a good temperament. It is very important that you do not choose a dog based only on how it looks as a puppy. You want to know how big the dog will become after it is full grown.

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Bryan Burbank is an expert in the field of Animals and Pet Issues

A Self Defense Priority - Make Sure Your System Has This Key Component

A Must Have

There are many key components that make up a good reality based self defense system. Knowing the psychology of an aggressor, using body language and verbal skills, pre-contact/contact/post-contact, adrenal management, among others all contributes to a status quo of a good self defense system. In this article we will discuss a component that is often overlooked - System continuity.

One of the most important aspects of learning self defense is learning the guiding principles of the system. For you to be able to assimilate an entire self defense system the system must have principles and technique structure that are fluid in one type of scenario to the next. Meaning, they must lend themselves across the board. Whether we are talking about an empty hand confrontation, a gun threat, ground-fighting, or an edged or improvised weapon, the overall principles and movements must correlate. When principles change from one type of scenario to the next you are in for a confusing time if engaged by an aggressor. Remember attacks are not timed or rehearsed they are violent and chaotic. So streamed line continuity is imperative in your training.

Right Intent Doesn't Always Mean Right Choice

Today we could randomly walk into a martial arts school and see multiple systems being taught. The instructors have the right intent; they want their students to be cross-trained for all scenarios. So they bring in other systems to strengthen their program. However there is a fatal error in the ideology of "piecemealing" to compensate. You may ask what is wrong with that since they are training their students to handle all scenarios. This is true, but it is not fluid in its approach. Don't misunderstand the premise. It is extremely important to be able to negotiate various scenarios and ranges. There just has to be continuity in doing so.

Bottom Line

If we are talking about true reality based self defense, the system has to have principles and technique structure that flow together. If you are a school owner and are trying to strengthen your program, choose other systems that will be synergistic to your base system. If you are a student choose a program that has system continuity. This will allow you to negotiate different scenarios and ranges properly in the worst case scenario.

Remember competence breeds confidence, so it makes sense that the more confident you are in defending yourself, the less you will be affected by stress and anxiety. The need for intelligent self-defense training is imperative as the risk of encountering a violent situation becomes increasingly real.

About the Author

For more fierce, street-effective, life-saving concepts and techniques, enabling you to aggressively defend yourself, visit our web site below.

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How to Choose a Dog - Which Breeds of Dog Are More Dominant?

If want to choose a Dog and introduce it to your home as part of the family, you will need to consider which breed of Dog is best suited to your character and also the time and patience you have available to train your Dog. The more dominant the breed, the more effort is required when it comes to controlling and training the Dog. Choosing the wrong breed of dog for you could result in extreme training difficulty thus ending up with a very misbehaved dog.

In general, most breeds of dog are trainable to behave well and follow your orders. However having said that, there are certain breeds that are more dominant than others. You will need to be realistic when deciding which dog to own by researching the characteristics of each breed type, don't just go out and buy a dog based on its appearance only. You need to find out if you can handle a certain breed and if you can provide it what it needs in order to remain a healthy, obedient pet.

Most of these behavioral problems are caused by the lack of proper understanding of the particular animal and also adequate training. It is fact that many dogs die in their first two years due to their owner's inability to cope or train them. They either get "put down" for biting someone or attacking a child. Running wildly across the street and get hit by a car is another common cause of death.

This can be easily avoided however by first making an informed decision on which type of dog is most suitable to you, and secondly put into place a regular training program for your dog. Don't let this fear of misbehavior put you off from owning a dog as owning a dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. There are plenty of inexpensive dog training schools available in all metropolitan areas that will educate you on how to properly train your dog to obey your commands and follow your lead. Look up the Yellow Pages or the internet for your nearest dog school.

Highly dominant dogs can be over-protective of its owners by displaying plenty of aggressiveness towards other dogs and humans, and they can also be highly territorial, turning aggressive to even friendly visitors. Certain dogs like Dobermans, German Shepherds and Rottweilers have the potential to be highly aggressive in this manner but in contrast, they can be trained to be extremely obedient (more than other dog breeds).

On the flip side, other dogs might have lower aggression levels but are less-trainable as well. Some examples of this are Old English Sheepdogs, and English Bulldogs. Other breeds that have lower levels of trainability include Chow Chows, Fox Terriers, Basset Hounds, Beagles and Afghan Hounds, just to name a few.

Hopefully you have gained some insight on how to choose a dog and can further research in detail, the breed of dog that you have been considering. The important thing to remember here is that by choosing an inappropriate breed, you will not only get frustrated by the dog's inability to be trained but you will also put the dog's life in jeopardy. Good luck!

Amy Chan is an author and publisher for several online blogs and websites which focus on children's and women's health, shopping and nutrition. She also writes content for house and kitchen decor magazines. Check out some of her new topics about modernizing your kitchen with electronic kitchen scales and also how futuristic digital bathroom scales can help you build more muscle and lose fat.

My 10 Best MIDI TV Themes

One thing I like the most about the internet is the immense volume of free down loadable MIDI music from various locations. Also, the variety of MIDI music available in the web is almost limitless. They range from classical to pop to rock music. Think of any song or music and chances are you'll find one lurking somewhere in the web. Thanks to the musicians who took effort in arranging these music and uploading them to the Internet.

My favorites of course, are the wide selection of movie and TV themes available in MIDI format. Ever since we were little boys me and my brothers love to hum, sing or play our favorite TV or movie themes. We even played this game where one of us hum or play the theme and we guess the TV show or movie it was taken.

Most of the themes I will feature here are 1980's classic. Maybe one reason for this is that, during my teenage years (which is in the 1990's), they stopped making the type of shows that I came to love during my childhood days - which is the 1980's. (I was really disappointed when they stopped airing McGyver.) Of course, they tried to revive some of the classic TV shows, like Star Trek (I lost count of the versions they have made), but I thought none could surpass the glory of the classics and I totally lost interest in the newer releases. Another reason was that, as my thinking started to mature, I became interested in shows which had more mature and intellectual themes such as L.A. Law, which has theme songs that I do not find appealing in MIDI form.

So much for the nostalgia, and let us start examining each of my featured TV themes. I realized it was hard to trim down my choices to 10. But after much consideration, I finally did it. Sorry for those who's favorites I did not include. But then, these are my personal choices.

1. 
   Knight Rider - Need I say more?. Surely, most of us who already had consciousness before 1986 know about KITT, a highly sophisticated, autonomic car, ridden by none other than David Hasselhoff, AKA Michael Knight. In fact, the connection between Hasselhoff and this show was so impressed on me that until now, I still call him Knight Rider. The theme music was composed by Glen Larson and Stu Philips. The arrangement featured here was that of Don Peake who did the show's music when Stu Philips left the series. This is the arrangement that I came to know about. It's more electronic sounding (as against Philips' symphonic style), which, I think, is a more appropriate style for the series' hightech-ness.


2. 
   Battlestar Galactica - As a child, I was fascinated with sci-fci series. The earliest intergalactic series that I could remember was Battlestar Galactica. Although I don't quite remember its plot, and I cannot recall any of the episodes (all I remember was the big battleship gliding through the vastness of space), its theme song, with its sonorous french horn ensemble, still reverberates in my mind. This arrangement that I downloaded, closely resembles the original theme.


3. 
   Star Trek, The Next Generation - I considered myself to be lucky being able to witness the revival of the Star Trek series on September 28, 1987. Although, I was able to watch re-runs of the original series, I didn't quite liked it as much as Next Generation. The reason is that the new series has far better special effects. And of course, I love the majestic, marching sound of its theme song.


4. 
   Jeopardy - I love to watch game shows. Some of the many shows that I came to love are The Prize is Right, Wheel of Fortune, Name that Tune, Deal or No Deal,
   Family Feud, and of course Jeopardy. As a student, I used to join (and at times win) inter school quiz competitions. That's why I came to love Jeopardy and its theme music. The theme featured here is the "Think!" music, played during the final jeopardy when the contestants write their final answer. Interestingly, it lasts for exactly 30 seconds, the time limit given to the contestants. "Think!"(written by Merv Grifin as "A Time For Tony" as a lullaby for his son Tony) was first played in 1964 when the original Jeopardy debuted (I didn't know that Jeopardy was that old). When Jeopardy was revived in 1984, the electronic version of "Think!" was used as its theme. However, the original is still used in the Final Jeopardy round.


5. 
   Perfect Strangers - I had vague memories of the sitcoms I watched as a child, which include Different Strokes and Mork and Mindy. But not one of them were engraved in my mind as much as the antics of Balki Bartokomous and Larry Appleton in Perfect Stranger. I looked forward to every episode, and each one is sure to make your tummy ache with laughter. I felt sad when they stopped airing it in 1993. Succeeding sitcoms like Friends never quite captured my interest since Perfect Strangers ended. Equally memorable was the shows theme entitled Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now written by Jesse Frederick and Bennet Salvay, and was performed by none other than David Pomeranz. I consider it one of the most inspirational TV theme I've ever heard (with lyrics like: Standing tall on the wings of my dream, Rise and fall on the wings of my dream...) The voice version of the song is far superior, and better listened to than the instrumental (MIDI) version available here. But then, this MIDI version is enough to give you an idea of how melodious this song is.


6. 
   Doogie Howser M.D. - It was during my early teens when Doogie Howser was aired.(1989 - 1993) Naturally, I came to love the TV comedy-drama because it tackled teenage issues. Yes, Doogie Howser was a genius(a 16-year-old doctor), but he lives a very normal teenage life, thanks to his friend Vinnie Delpino, a typical teenager, who keeps him grounded in life outside his profession. As a young musician, I was also drawn to the show's theme song. Interestingly, the theme song feature's the sound of the YAMAHA DX-7 synthesizer which was popular in the mid to late 1990's. Sadly, I was not able to find a MIDI version that closely resembles the original. Are there only few musician's out there who are also Doogie Howser fans? (One of these days, I may publish here my own version of the Doogie Howser theme. I remembered during my high school days that I became instantly popular in my school just by performing the Doogie Howser theme.)


7. 
   The X-files - "The truth is out there", "Trust no one", "I wan't to believe". These are the slogans featured in X-files - a show that tackles paranormal phenomena, government mistrust, conspiracy theories, and the belief in extraterrestrial life. The enigmatic sound of the X Files theme song (featured here) accurately captures the show's mysterious nature.


8. 
   MacGyver - Again, anyone who developed consciousness before 1992 (the year the show ended) knows MacGyver, a laid-back, extremely resourceful secret agent, played by Richard Dean Anderson. We are awed at how MacGyver escaped from extreme situations just by using simple and ordinary day to day things, and his most trusted swiss army knife. He was so well known at this that we sometimes say the phrase, "we macgyvered our way out of a situation". Although most recently, the Mythbusters (another one of my favorite shows) tried to test some of MacGygers tactics and found that some, like the ultralight airplane made of bamboo, plastic bags, and concrete mixer engine, are completely untrue (but that's another story and outside of this blog's main theme). Along with a popular show comes a popular theme song. I still remember how the girls freaked when I performed the MacGyver Theme in my high school. Some trivia: McGyver's first name is Angus. Teri Hatcher appeared on the show as Penny Parker. (I knew it. A quiz show was wrong when it said that Hatcher's first appearance in TV was in Lois and Clark).


9. 
   The Simpson's - As a child I loved cartoons. But when I stepped into teenage life and started outgrowing my interest in them, The Simpsons came into the scene. It was a new breed of animated show, tackling mostly more mature issues, not typical for cartoons. It was the first adult-oriented animated sitcoms. Needless to say, the Simpsons became so popular, that it is by now the longest running American sitcom, and longest-running American animated program. Its main theme song is equally interesting. Did you notice that Liza's saxophone solo (aside from Bart's blackboard lines, and the sofa scene) is different from show to show? Another trivia: Did you know that Homer's annoyed grunt "D'oh!" has been adopted into the English lexicon?


10. 
    Mission Impossible - Last on my list, but definitely not the least, is the Mission Impossible Theme song. It was composed by Lalo Schrifrin. The version featured here was from the 1966 show. It was given a fresh and modern arrangement when the show was revived in 1988. The film version of the Mission Impossible theme has an even more powerful arrangement. So while Mission Impossible series as well as the films (although I didn't like how they messed up the IMF team) became very successful, so thus it's theme song which is widely considered to be one of the most iconic television themes of all time.

So that concludes my list of my 10 best TV MIDI themes. I hope you enjoyed downloading these music and bring fond memories of the past.

The Papillon, The Dog with The Butterfly Ears

The Papillon is classified in the Toy Group in the A.K.C. Groups. The breed historically has some Terrier and Spaniel in the background, consequently it has an independent and industrious nature and makes a good ratter, whereas many Dogs of the Toy Group were bred to be lap Dogs and nothing more. Spain contributed much to the beginnings of the breed but eventually it gained in popularity in France. In fact, the Papillon was a favorite of Marie Antoinette and is pictured in many of the royal portraits of the ladies of that day.

Originally this little Dog was called the "dwarf spaniel" but gradually the name changed to Papillon. This is a French word meaning "butterfly" and denotes the erect ear of the breed, with the long hairs flying off the ear when the Dog is moving, the whole picture is that of a butterfly in the wind. The Papillon can also be found with drop ears, this variety is treated as a separate breed in the show rings of Europe and is called the Phalene.

They are naturally clean and the coat is easy to brush. The long silky hairs lie flat along the sides of the dog, there is a lot of long fringing at the ears, which give the dog its name, there is also a large "ruff" on the chest. The entire picture of the Papillon is one of balance, being neither too long of leg nor too cobby in body, they appear delicate and graceful and make a lovely sight when moving. The standard requires that they not be over 11 inches tall. Color standards require that they must always be parti-color or white with patches of color and if there is color on the head a mask which extends over the ears is preferred.

The Papillon is considered to be a quiet and dignified little dog. However when there are a group of them, they never quit "talking" amongst themselves or when company comes calling and they can be very noisy. They are delightful household pets and also good watchdogs because of the uproar they will set up when strangers arrive. Energetic and agile, they have become popular as Obedience dogs and Agility dogs and they also excel in the sport of Flyball. Of course they are always popular in the conformation classes. Their size makes them adaptable as Therapy dogs, as they can sit on the laps of the elderly or disabled.

When Papillons are puppies they can be delicate of bone and it is important that if children play with them they are taught to play with them carefully. A tiny dog such as this is can be badly injured if dropped or allowed to jump from too great a height. There are no particular health problems noted in the breed and it often lives a long life of 15 years or more. Easy to care for and willing to please, the Papillon is steadily gaining in popularity. As with any of the small breeds, they are often the choice for breeding dogs in puppy mills, since the size of the dog allows for less food and lower vet bills. Thus it is important that a person purchasing a Papillon find a reputable breeder rather than purchasing from a pet store.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Animals

Controlling Fears and Phobias in Dogs

People aren't the only ones who are afraid of heights and loud thunder. Pets have similar fears. Like us, they can be prone to getting scared or anxious. But how do you help them overcome their anxiety? Here are some simple tips to ease your furry ones' fears.

Noise phobias

It's unknown why some pets become afraid of noise even though it is a common problem in Dogs (less so in cats). In the case of thunder and lightning, pets can be fearful of storm-related events, like changes in barometric pressure, electrostatic disturbances and even smells associated with storms. Noise phobias can include fear of thunderstorms, firecrackers, gunshots, even the sound of birds.

Signs to look out for are:

* Shaking and trembling
* Excessive drooling
* Barking or howling
* Trying to hide or get into/out of the house, fence or other enclosure
* Refusing food
* Losing bladder or bowel control or experiencing temporary diarrhea from prolonged stress
* Exhibiting hyperactive behavior or becoming timid

Certain breeds tend to have a greater likelihood to suffer from noise phobias.

There may be a genetic predisposition to certain phobias; for example, some herding and guarding breeds tend to be more likely to suffer from noise and storm phobias since they have been bred to be highly sensitive to sound. But, even those Dogs not genetically predisposed to this may suffer and the phobia may be traced to an unpleasant experience. But, in most cases no specific trigger event can be determined.

What is known is that in most instances, when left untreated, fears and phobias worsen with each incident and the Dog may become fearful of other sounds, sights, things and people that it begins to associate with the original source of the fear.

Also, the people around the Dog can greatly influence the severity of the fear. For example, if an owner behaves nervously their pets fear may increase in severity and frequency. Similarly, in many cases, attempting to comfort a dog may inadvertently reinforce the fear as opposed to the intent of decreasing it. The attempt to comfort the dog and get rid of the fear acts more like a treat given to a dog when they sit...which increases the likelihood of the dog sitting.

Help for Noise Phobia:

1. Crate: The way to address a noise phobia is to create a calm and safe environment indoors. This is important because some pets become so upset, they could actually hurt themselves and/or escape. A crate can be a great safety net for a dog, especially if he associates it with great things like his meals and special treats. You can cover the crate with a blanket to increase the feeling of security

2. Calmatives: Over-the-counter products such as Rescue Remedy (a combination of flower essences), Content-Eze (this contains L-tryptophan, which is the amino acid in turkey that makes you feel relaxed after eating it), DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone, a synthetic pheromone that mimics the natural pheromone a mother dog secretes when she is lactating, to calm herself and her pups) may help.

3. Tapes of thunderstorms: In some cases, desensitizing a dog to some of the stimuli associated with storms can help. There are tapes of thunder that you can play at a very low level and gradually increase when the dog is doing things he likes, such as eating. This technique requires time and patience, so be sure to go slowly, with the volume at the lowest level and to practice in short sessions.

Home-alone phobia

The fear of being left alone is another common problem with dogs. Most dogs are incredibly social creatures who would like nothing better than to spend most of their time with us. Unfortunately, most have to be left alone for long periods of the day while we go to work, so it is important to prevent or resolve this problem as soon as possible. In some cases separation issues can turn into the more serious, and difficult to treat, problem of separation anxiety. Dogs suffering from this may panic and show more severe behavior problems when left alone. This can cause tremendous emotional distress for both dogs and owners. It can occur in dogs of any age or breed but is most common in dogs that did not learn to spend periods of time alone when they were young.

Signs to look out for:

* A dog that consistently follows people from room to room.
* Excessive barking, whining, and howling
* Attempts to escape from the home
* Excessive activity, scratching, chewing, and digging
* Relieving themselves in the house
* Extreme excitement when their owner returns home (i.e. whining, jumping or running in circles).

Help for home-alone phobia

1. Practice what you want: You have to teach your dog to spend time alone when you are home before you can expect him to do so when you aren't. Rest periods in his crate with food-stuffed toys are a great idea, so the dog gets used to this area as a familiar place to rest.

2. Don't reward demands for attention: Try not to interact with your dog when he demands attention. Instead, wait until he composes himself and relaxes.

3. Give your dog a job to do: Give your dog plenty of appropriate physical and mental exercise. For example, play fetch, or hide food-stuffed toys around the house so he is busy hunting for them rather than focusing on being worried you aren't around.

4. Set the right tone: Keep departures and arrivals as low-key as possible. Don't be overly attentive when you leave or come home. A good rule of thumb is to ignore your dog for 5-10 minutes prior to departure and following your arrival home.

Andrea is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer through the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers and a Certified Pet Partners Team evaluator for the Delta Society and the AKC's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. She is the Director of Andrea Arden Dog Training in New York, and was named the best dog trainer in New York by New York, W, Time Out, Quest and the Daily News. Her website is located at http://www.andreaarden.com and she can be reached at 212-414-9597. You can follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/andreaardendogtraining.

A Guide to Choosing the Right Dog Breed for Best Companionship

To bring a Dog into the family is a big decision. The right Dog can bring your family years of enjoyment and companionship, whereas the "wrong" Dog can add misery and annoyance to your life. There are many factors to consider in order to make sure you choose the best dog for your situation.

Your financial standing, lifestyle, size and family type are important considerations to be factored when choosing a specific dog type.

While some breeds may required more attention, some require more exercises than the others, some are more suitable for families with young children, some are more prone to genetic health issues and some may simply required more money to own than others.

There are so many dog breeds out there to choose from and it is the dog owner's responsibility to find out which one is exactly suitable for his lifestyles and way of living. The main reason why dogs are abandoned at shelters is because the dogs do not suit the lifestyle or needs of the owners. The idea of this article is to help you in choosing the right breed of dog to try and reduce the potential issues that could result when the wrong type is chosen.

These are some fundamental considerations before you decide to bring a puppy home:

1. Accommodation - All dogs need some form of exercise in one way or another, but there are significant disparities among breeds. Small breeds tend to adapt better than large breeds to the smaller space available in an apartment. Nevertheless, some larger breeds who are not as active as others can still adapt well.

Factor in how much space you have for a dog, as an apartment or a house with a fenced-in yard determines the type of breed you can get. Having a fenced-in yard will cut down on the time required to walk your dog for bathroom breaks and exercising. All breed will adapt well in this type of setting, but the more active breeds will require more exercises. Giving a dog sufficient exercise is vital to having a good relationship with your dog. Many undesirable behaviors, such as hyperactivity, nuisance barking and destructive behaviors are results of insufficient exercise.

Laws and regulation in the place where you reside also need to be considered. Some landlords do not allow dogs in their rental units at all, while some neighborhoods have strict guidelines regarding the size and the breed of dog that can be owned in that neighborhood.

2. Lifestyle - Dogs are social animals and require time from their owners, some more, some less. If you work long hours, a dog is really not the best pet choice, especially if you live alone. A pet like a cat or fish that require less upkeep may be a better fit for your lifestyle.

While there are dogs that are fine with being left alone for longer periods (Shetland sheepdog, golden retriever and bloodhound), other dogs may undergo separation anxiety and result in undesirable behavioral issues. Do not condemn a social animal such as a dog to a life of fear, and boredom. If you find it difficult not to own a dog for various reasons, employ a dog walker, enroll him into a daycare center or maybe entrust him to your retired neighbor.

3. Family - Make sure that everyone in the family is supportive of a dog. There are dogs with the inclination for aggression and biting so it is less suitable for households with smaller kids. Young ignorant children are likely to irritate the dogs through rough play without knowing what they are doing. Dog breeds that are more patient and tolerant of children is advisable for families with young kids. Herding dogs might not be the best option because of their natural inborn instinct to herd cattle, they are likely to do so with your younger family members. Such innate instincts can result in nipping incidents.

Current pets that are already part of the family must be factored in when deciding on a new dog. The temperament of the new dog needs to be compatible with those of the existing pets to make sure no problems will arise with the new addition. Territorial problems should be expected. They usually clear up within a week or so. It is advisable to give them food separately during the first meetings, as food is a main reason for rivalry in dogs.

4. Financial Obligations - Keeping and raising a dog is a long commitment with recurring expenses. The initial cost will vary depending on the breed and type of dog you select. Perigees are generally are more expensive than mutts no matter where you get them. On the other hand, rescued pedigrees found in animals shelters cost much lesser. It is best to be able to see and meet your potential dog's parents.

Besides the initial cost, you can also visit local pet shops to ascertain the prices of dog supplies. Dog food, collars, leashes, toys, food bowls, crates, and any other supplies you think you need for your dog, and not forgetting your veterinary bills, grooming expenses and even an insurance policy.

It is highly recommended to ask friends who own dogs about their expenses so as to give yourself a good idea of how much you need to commit financially to a dog.

5. Purpose of dog ownership - You should determine your purpose of dog ownership. Do you intend to show, breed or hunt with the dog? Is the dog needed for service, therapy or for companionship only? For dog shows, dogs should meet or even exceed the standards for the particular breed and have necessary documentation for its lineage. For hunting, you will require a good scent or sight-hunting dog. While there are many breeds that are suitable to work as service or therapy dogs, they generally must possess good temperament, keen willingness to learn and good concentration. Knowing the purpose would inevitably help to select the right breed.

6. Size - Dogs are commonly group into three category based on their weight during adulthood. Smaller dogs commonly weight up to 20 pounds, Medium dogs in the region of 20-50 pounds and larger dogs are mostly heavier than 50 pounds.

As a rule of thumb, bigger breeds are unsuitable if you live in a small apartment, or a home with a small or unfenced yard. Nevertheless, this is not the case for all dogs. Some dogs such as golden retrievers actually possess characteristics that make them more suitable than an active schnauzer to apartment living. Natural temperament and activity level are important considerations when choosing a dog.

While smaller dogs generally do not require as much space as larger dogs, caution should be taken with small breeds due to their small and fragile bodies. Smaller dog breeds are more prone to accidents and injuries during play with owners or other dogs, it is because of their small stature. On the other hand, large breeds can unintentionally cause harm to small children when playing. Studies have shown that smaller dogs generally tend to live longer than their larger counterpart by 5 to 8 years.

7. Temperament - Purebreds display well-understood mental temperaments and characteristics to a large extent while mutts are more difficult to determine. It is advised that advise and consultations be sought in choosing a dog with the right nature to suit your life. If you have children, look for dogs with a low tendency to bite and a high tolerance for handling. If it is a guard dog, you want it to be obedient but still able to effectively guard the territory. Over aggressive dogs must not be considered.

In a nutshell, adding a dog to your family is a life changing and long commitment. Think about it seriously before deciding to bring a puppy home. Take the time to choose the best dog breed. By doing so, I'm sure you will get to enjoy and be rewarded many times over by the love, affection and good company that he or she will bring into your life.

Moses Wright is a dog lover with more than fifteen years of experience. He loves to help new puppy owner deal with their dog obedience problems whenever he can. You can get a free copy of his book filled with effective and easy to use tips here: Free Dog Training Book

What is the Strongest Breed of Dog? Find Out Today!

The question: "What is the strongest breed of Dog?" will most likely be answered with another question. In the canine world the word "strongest" is a general and vague term. Strength in Dogs is usually classified in the following categories:

-­ Pull
-­ Muscle Strength
-­ Bite

What's funny is, when random people are asked to identify a breed for each of those three categories, they are more likely to provide different answers. Why? Because their answers are also subjective not to mention their answer usually depends on their personal experiences, hearsay and of course, preference. Nevertheless, their responses would mostly center on the following breeds:

-­ Staffordshire Bull Terrier
-­ Dogo Argentino/ Argentinian Mastiff
-­ Mastiff
-­ Rottweiler
-­ Japanese Tosa

Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier usually tops one's list in all categories. The first "Staffies" were bred in England to be used for bull baiting. They are mid - sized, short coated dogs with a relatively large head and a powerful jaw. Their bite is said to be so strong that it can be comparable to that of a crocodile. Their bite earned them the bad reputation that they are enduring today.

Several reports would say that they attack children, people and fellow family pets randomly. However, owners, breeders and other experts alike maintain that these dogs are only as good how you train them to be. If trained well, they have the potential to be the most affectionate house pet one can ever have.

Dogo Argentino/ Argentinian Mastiff
The first Dogos were initially bred hunting big animals like boar and cougar. They are mostly white, sometimes speckled and are relatively bigger than bull terriers. They were initially bread for hunting big animals like cougar and boar. Sadly, they are now known to be regulars of the dog fighting games.

As a pet however, Dogos are known to be warm and extremely loyal to their family.

Bull Mastiff
The breed originated from the cross of English Mastiff and Old English Bulldog. Male Bull Mastiffs can be as tall as 2.5 ft, weighing anywhere in between 110 to 130 pounds. Their prominent muscles provide them their heavy stature.

The first Bull Mastiffs initially helped authorities to immobilize poachers. They are independent and can be extra protective of their family and territory. However, despite this seemingly aggressive behavior, more and more people are considering them as house pets. They just need to be socialized at an early age to minimize their tendency to act on their instinct.

Rottweiler
Rotts are herding dogs initially bred in Germany. Their color and size can make them appear to be "scary" for regular folks. But their strong musculature became quite handy for farmers. They were used to pull carts to carry produce to the market.

This strong working dog is also patient and loyal to their owners. They are regarded to be good natured, fond of children and are always happy to work.

Japanese Tosa
The rare Tosa is of Japanese origin. This gaming breed is perhaps recognized to be the strongest dog in the world in terms of over - all strength. They are also coined to be "Sumo Dogs" because they are made compete in dog fights that follow the rules of a traditional Sumo wrestling match.

Temperament is somewhat similar to that of Rottweilers. They are extremely loyal, affectionate and protective of children. However, they do not mingle well with other dogs unless if they were raised together.

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Ibizan Hound Dog Breed Temperament, Health Issues, Grooming, and Living Conditions

Temperament: This Dog is known to be good with children, being playful and polite, and also known to be gentle and sensitive. It is best to remember this Dog has been bred for hunting. So other pets such as rabbits, rats and cats can be seen as a source of food, to this Dog. Cats that have been raised with this Dog will be fine, but other cats will be a source of temptation and bring out the hunting instinct of this breed. The Ibizan Hound does well to be socialized from an early age with other dogs and animals, and this includes humans. The Ibizan will not do well left in a kennel. It is a pack animal and need to live with the family.

The Ibizan hound is an exceptionally clean dog, and will be respectful of household rules. We see in this dog, a quick learner. They are very trainable, providing, they have an owner that is not timid. This dog can blush, when they get excited. This dog is intelligent and will need variety in their training, as they can become bored. This is a very fast dog and can jump exceptionally high, even from a standing start, they can jump most fences. The Ibizan Hound will require a good run every day and will enjoy at the game of retrieving. Keeping this breed on the lead is important due, in part, to its speed. Due to its instinct, to hunt, this dog can shoot off like a rocket and will only return when it's ready, no matter how long or how much you may call him.

Health issues: Some lines are prone to epilepsy, but over all this is a strong and hardly dog. The Ibizan hound can have allergic reactions to some medication, insecticides and flea powders.

Grooming: Ibizan hounds do not require much attention, to gain a shiny coat. Rubbing a rubber glove over it is all that is required. Checking the ears weekly to see that they are clean and tidy, this will help reduce the risk of ear infections.

Living conditions: This dog will be fine in an apartment provided they get adequate exercise, both mentally and physically. An Ibizan hound will like a large garden. Fencing needs to be carefully considered due to the dog's ability to jump a normal garden fence with ease. The breed club literature suggests a 40X60 feet fenced area, as a minimum.

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Are German Shepherds Good Family Pets?

A German Shepherd Dog can be an excellent choice of family Dog, with the right family. Remember that German Shepherds are great dogs but they're not for everyone - no more so than would be a saint bernard, a chesapeake bay retriever, or a parson russell terrier - you get my meaning I hope, not every dog breed is a good fit for every home, that's just the way it is.

Something else I would like to remind everybody about is just how smart they are. These are very intelligent animals and need to be tested mentally as well as physically. And this is one thing many first time owners simply aren't aware of. You need to work these dogs brains as well as their muscles to have the happiest GSD possible. Mental exercise simply can't be overstated. New tricks, games, training of all types and giving the dog a job to do are all good ways to keep that furry little Einstein in tip top shape.

German Shepherds, also called Alsatians in some parts of the world, can get along quite well with children too - especially if they are socialized with them early on. It is very important that you take the time to make sure that your German shepherd puppy is comfortable around human beings, as well as other pets and dogs and the importance of training and socialization simply can't be overstated.

And if I could tell you only one thing to do with your German Shepherd to make it the best dog possible for your family it would have to be to socialize your GSD well - this one thing above all others can make such a huge difference in how well your dog is, socially speaking, later on in life. Get your dog out and about in as many places as you can safely - on tile/hardwood/linoleum and other kinds of floors, riding inside cars, going inside pet friendly businesses, etc., and introduce it to as many dog friendly people, cats, and other pets as you can. Let it observe horses, goats, sheep or whatever other kinds of animals that you can and let it interact with other friends pet dogs to help make it a a secure and friendly dog.

Also, don't forget just how big and strong a GSD can get to be as an adult. If you have very small children it could potentially be a problem for them if you don't supervise the dog and the kids together. And if you have a small GSD puppy, you don't want to leave it unsupervised with small kids either. Better safe than sorry I've always felt.

Lastly, don't ignore just how much exercise a growing German Shepherd will need. You'll need to make sure that you can give your GSD lots of exercise outside, and inside too if you have the space, to help use up a lot of that excess energy. You'll be surprised just how happy a tired GSD can be!

So, there is a lot to think about before you bring home a German Shepherd dog or puppy. But if you think of these key items first you'll have a better idea of whether or not a German Shepherd would make a good fit in your own home. Remember, this is a fairly long lived animal and if all goes well you can expect to have this dog in your life for 8 to 13 years or so so please don't bring home any dog or puppy on impulse. And if you happen to follow the steps above all those years together should be good ones.

German Shepherds are really incredible dogs. But they're not for everyone - and if you're thinking of getting one I highly encourage you to do all the research you can about them ahead of time. One place you can learn about them is at: Total German Shepherd

And if you love to read, why not check out my ebook, Your Total German Shepherd Dog now too? Filled with over 200 pages of "German Shepherd goodness".

The Pit Bull Dilemma - Why Do Some of Them Attack Small Children?

I am a Dog lover to the bottom of my heart, from my head to my feet. And regardless of what I read or hear about pit bull attacks, I don't hold anything against the pit bull breeds. Maia, my black lab mix, is 1/4 pit bull and she is the most loving and sensitive Dog I have ever had. I acquired her when she was 2 yrs old and she had obviously been raised properly with training and socialization. She has some of the characteristics of pit bulls such as the broad face and muscular body and the intense prey drive for small animals such as chickens and cats. However, she has totally accepted my cat and although she tries to get the cat to play and wants a good chase, the cat doesn't oblige, holds her ground and Maia gives up. But any cat outside of my home is fair game. Therefore, she is never off leash around other cats.

But for the life of me, I cannot understand why, after all the media attention the pit bull breeds have received because of the attacks by these Dogs on small children, families keep adopting them into their homes where young children are present, and then go away for even a few moments leaving them alone with the new Dog. What are they thinking?

It's one thing if the dog was raised by the family from a puppy with proper training and socialization and the dog understands and respects the fact that every member of the family is the pack leader and therefore the dog is not a threat. But these people who adopt a pit bull that they know nothing about, take it home to become a family member and then leave it alone with their 2 or 3 yr. old child have got to be out of their minds! Are they trying to prove something? Do they think if they just give the dog enough love it won't hurt anyone?

These breeds were bred to fight bulls and bears. Once that was no longer an option they were bred to fight each other. Why do you suppose these breeds of American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are the main breeds used in illegal dog fighting arenas? Because that is what they have been bred to do for generations. They are extremely strong and when they bite down they will not let go until the other dog is defeated. For their size, I'm sure they are the strongest dogs of any of the breeds.

However, the fact that they were bred to fight other animals does not explain why they are attacking children. When they were originally bred to fight each other, the owners were in the rings with them, pulling them apart at intervals. Any dog that bit its owner or anyone else was culled out. They were not bred to attack people. Somewhere along the line something in their breeding has changed. The characteristic of aggression towards humans is not a normal characteristic of this breed. They are loving dogs but do need training, exercise, and socialization with many different people when they are puppies.

So why ARE they attacking small children? I realize there are other individual dogs within breeds such as Rottweilers who have also attacked small children in particular, but the ones we hear or read the most about are pit bulls. Is it that more people own pit bulls than other types of dogs? I know within my home town, I have seen more pit bull or pit bull mixes than any other breed. Naturally when you have a large population of anything, there are going to be problems within that population. But that still doesn't really answer the question of why they are attacking children.

Dogs know the difference between humans and other dogs or animals. When they fight another dog, that dog fights back and they are "justified" in their actions, protecting themselves. But when they attack a small child who is in a baby chair or playing alone outside and the child can't fight back, what is causing the dog to want to kill the child? Does it not know that the child is a human?

It could be a prey drive of a dog not socialized as a puppy to know that small humans actually are NOT prey. It may not have been raised around small children and sees them as something totally different than the grown versions. It could feel that it is protecting its possessions such as a toy that a child has picked up. It could be "protecting" itself from a child who is pulling its tail or ear. It could be many things, but what it comes down to is no one really knows for sure. We can make all sorts of assumptions and excuses, but without getting inside the psyche of each dog who attacks, we can't say for sure.

If you are going to adopt a pit bull, understand that the dog will be your full responsibility, whether it is a wonderful safe dog or whether it bites or attacks a family member or someone else. It is your responsibility to keep your children safe. It is not the dog's responsibility to be a good dog. You are its leader, provider, trainer and socializer. Never leave a pit bull terrier alone with another dog it does not know because many pit bulls are unpredictable with other dogs. And never leave a child alone with a pit bull. Be responsible as an owner of any dog.

Karleen Lindsey is a rescuer and caretaker of several dogs, but in order to do this she needed a work-at-home business that would give her the schedule she needs to accomplish her passion of dog rescue and care. She now sells self-defense products and is an advocate of safety and self-reliance for women and especially safety for children.

By purchasing a stun gun or other product such as pepper sprays, you are enabling her to spend more time rescuing and placing homeless dogs in forever homes. You will also receive a 20% discount on your first purchase over $10.

Lhasa Apso Dog Breed Temperament, Health Issues, Grooming and Living Conditions

Temperament: Here we see a Dog that is intelligent, friendly and well mannered. This Dog is lively and loves their owner. This breed has good hearing abilities, and makes a natural watchdog. The Lhasa Apso will love motivational training. This dog is small but it still is a dog that likes to be a dog. Avoid small dog syndrome by training, and giving your dog rules in the home and keeping to them. This breed needs a leader that is consistent, and stable, in their leadership.

Without good leadership this dog can have, an intolerance of children, on going barking, wilful behaviour, nervousness, even becoming aggressive, with guarding behaviour that is not desired. All this can be prevented. and give you a lovely balanced dog. Remember it is how you treat this dog. This dog needs mental and physical exercise daily. This dog will play well and this uses up some energy, but they still need daily walks.

Health issues: The Lhasa Apso can get skin problems, hip dysplasia, kidney problems, eye problems and bleeding ulcers.

Grooming: Their coat parts at the spine and falls straight either side. With a full coat they need brushing daily. Matting in the feet and joints can be a problem so needs to be checked often. Cleaning the eyes and ears needs to be done daily, as they can tear. If your Lhasa Apso is a family pet then you can get them clipped down, as this helps with the over all care of the coat. Dry shampoo as needed for this breed.

Living conditions: The Lhasa Apso can live in an apartment happily if their daily mental and physical exercise is met. This breed can live without a garden but will required daily walks.

For more information on different Dog Breeds, Dog Training and Teacup Puppies for sale including Yorkies, Chihuahuas and Morkies please visit our websites below.

Teacup Yorkie

Teacup Puppies For Sale

3 Shocking Dog Food Label Loopholes

Trying to read Dog food labels can be very difficult. As a pet owner you want what is best for your Dog's health, but it can be hard to accomplish if you do not completely understand what is in the bag.

Even though the pet food manufacturers must follow government regulations, these can still be difficult for pet owners to understand. Here are are three loopholes to avoid when reading Dog food labels.

Loophole #1

When you look at the guaranteed analysis on the label it will often say, for example, that protein is no less than 9%. But what it doesn't tell you is what type of protein it is.

Not all proteins are created equal. Manufacturers often use vegetable proteins instead of animal proteins as a way to save money at your pet's expense. Vegetable proteins do not have the same quality as animal proteins, which can really hurt growing puppies.

Loophole #2

Take this short test: are you aware of the differences between "tuna pet food" and "pet food with tuna"? "Tuna pet food" has to contain 95% tuna, whereas "pet food with tuna" only needs to contain 3% tuna.

This is an important point to understand because even though an ingredient might be mentioned on the front cover of the bag, it doesn't necessarily mean that is the main ingredient. This is one of the biggest misunderstandings when it comes to pet products.

Loophole #3

Lastly, on many bags of food there is a guaranteed analysis section. Most labels read like this, "Fat - No Less then 9%."

Because of the way the label is stated, it might only have 9% of this component, or it could have 50%. There is absolutely no way for you to tell unless you contact the manufacturer.

Take Back Control

One way to be more informed about what is going on with dog food labels is to read more of them the next time you're at the store and then you can start to learn the differences between different products easily.

Please visit our website to read our Dog Food Secrets review and to take the dog food conspiracy quiz.

Dogs That Are Good With Kids

Most children are delighted by puppies and want to have one of their own. Dogs make great companions for children and can be a great way to teach them about responsibility. Before purchasing a family Dog, however, it is important for parents to make sure they are getting a breed of Dog that will get along well with and be a safe playmate for their kids.

Boston Terriers are a great choice of dog for a family with kids. These dogs are friendly, energetic and love to play, so they will make a great backyard companion for any child. They also make excellent watch dogs and are known for their fierce loyalty to their owners.

Irish Setters are beautiful dogs that get along well with older children. They are good natured, but they tend to be a bit boisterous so they may not be the best choice of breed for a family with very small children. However, they do make very loyal companions and make excellent watch dogs.

Another great option of dog for a child is a pug. These dogs do not grow to be very big, so they will never become a size that is overwhelming for a child. They are extremely sweet in nature and patient with children who like to climb on them and poke at them. The only downside to this breed of dog is that they shed all year long, so they are not a wise choice if anyone in the family has pet allergies.

One of the things that make the bichon frise such a great choice for families is that they are hypoallergenic, so they should be safe even if someone in the family has allergies. They are playful and good with children, but they are not overly energetic so there is a small chance of a child being knocked over and injured accidentally. Although they are very sweet with their owners, these small dogs make effective watch dogs.

Before purchasing or adopting a family dog, it is important to research the breed and make sure that it will get along well with children. It is important to choose a dog who will be good natured and patient, as well as one that will not become too big and overwhelm the children. The best dogs for children are ones that will be energetic and ready to play while being loyal and loving companions for the entire family.

It is also important to make sure your dog is well protected. For more information on one model, the Innotek SD-2100, click on the following link: Dog Fence.

Male Dog Breeding - Finding the Right Dog

Everyone that has a female Dog has thought about the prospect of breeding her. Who doesn't want to have a puppy to carry on in the family if something would happen to your Dog. Just take the time to think it through before you jump into the puppy making business. Think back to how hard it was to train your puppy when you first brought her home. Are you willing to train all the puppies that your Dog may have to get them ready to go out into the world on their own. That brings up another problem, once you have helped your dog raise these puppies, getting them ready for new owners, are you going to be emotionally able to give the puppies up to strangers? It takes a special kind of person to be a dog breeder, a person that can be attached to these animals and take care of them until it is time to let them go, and pass them along, never looking back.

There are other things that you have to check before you mate your dog that are just as important as your ability to handle the puppies. Never breed your dog unless she is two years old or older. If your dog is younger than this and does manage to carry the puppies to term, she may not be able to take care of them. Most young dogs lose their entire first litter. Making sure that your dog is up to date on all her shots is also important. A vet appointment with a full health check up is always a good idea before you take the breeding step. Be sure to tell your vet that you are at the appointment because you are thinking about mating your dog, they are the most qualified to tell you if your dog is ready to have puppies. Sometimes your vet will even be able to match your dog with the perfect breeding partner. If you think that you can take care of all these problems and any other ones that may arise along the way, you now have to start the process of finding a suitable mating partner.

Finding your dogs partner can be kind of tricky. A lot of the process is going to depend on what breed of dog you have. If it is a popular breed, it is going to be much easier to find her a mate. Try putting an ad in your local paper, in the pet section. A lot of times there is a male dog owner that is in the same predicament as you are. There are also a lot of sites on the web that are devoted to breeding. Hopefully you will get lucky and you will have one of these site close to where you live. Word-of-mouth can be successful now than. Tell all your family members and friends that you are looking for a breeding partner for your dog. Somewhere down the line someone will know someone that has a dog like yours, and they will be able to tell you how to get in touch with this person. Before you find a mate you are going to need to talk to the males owner to set things up. It is important that you talk to them about their breeding fees. Most time there will be a set fee along with the agreement that the stud's owner gets pick of the liter when the pups are born. Breeding your dog will be a lot of hard work, but watching the pup's new owners light up when they see their new family member for the first time makes it all worth it.

For more free pet related guides be sure to check out http://www.petinsurancepro.com. New articles are added daily so you'll be sure so find the answers to your questions.