Dog Breeds Good For Kids - What Are They?

Dogs have long been known to be man's trusted and loving companion. Children especially love to have them as pets. However, not all Dogs are suitable for children as some Dog breeds can unintentionally harm them. So before giving your children the pet that they have always wanted, consider first the age of your child, your personal and home lifestyle and the general nature and temperament of the breed.
There are specific breeds that are naturally ideal for family with kids. These breeds are the intelligent ones with moderate energy level and right temperament. These breeds are the following:

o Beagle. These dogs are not too big making them very ideal for kids. They are also friendly, clever and they can also be trained well.

o Bichon Frise. This little breed is usually docile. They are not to hyper but they love to play. Kids would also love their fluffy, white hair.

o English Cocker Spaniel. Cocker Spaniels are good watchdogs. They are also obedient and are gifted with agility.

o German Shepherd. This breed is very playful especially when they are around children. They are also loyal and protective but they must also be trained well.

o Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever. These breeds are both smart and great with kids. They are also known for their loyalty and enthusiasm. They just need regular training and grooming,

o Poodle. Poodles are smart, energetic and have good temperament. Parents could also choose from different size choices--- toy, miniature and standard.

All those breeds have been known to be affectionate and with energy level that could keep up with each family member. Some of them are even known to baby-sit so they are indeed perfect for homes with children.

More often, parents make a common mistake of thinking that cute-looking and miniature dog breeds are good for their children. Thus, they buy these kinds of dogs without considering first their nature or temperaments. Some of these breeds are: Afghan Hound, Borzoi, Akita, Affenpinscher, Pekingese, Puli, Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu, Basenji, Yorkshire Terrier, Chow Chow, Schnauzers and Chesapeake Bay Retriever. These breeds are not recommended for young children as they are unfriendly by nature. They are also sensitive and may have the tendency to be aggressive when teased.

Giving your kids their dream dog may really be an ideal gift. Learning about the different dog breeds good for kids will not just grant them their dream pets, however, but will also show how particular you are when it comes to their welfare. So when looking for the right dog for your home, visit your local rescue group and ask about the dogs that have been in foster care. Let them recommend the dog perfect for you and your kids' lifestyle. If you want a purebred dog, research for the best breeders in town and know everything about the temperament and history of the dog of your choice. And once the dog is home, give them the right amount of attention and training so that you won't ever regret giving them to your kids.

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How to Select the Best Dog Breed For You

Dog as the mans best friend, many people have a tendency to get a Dog to accompany them when they are back from work or when they felt lonely. Dog shows relentless love and will always by your side. They are cute and cuddle when they are young, make you refresh during the day you go to work and excited to go home everyday even before the clock ticks five.

However, dogs are not like toys which you can switch on and off when you need or don't need them. They are animals like human have feelings. You need them as much as they need you. For family who decided to have a dog at your home, there is much to consider about.

Below are some guidelines:

1) Appearance and Size

Decide on what kind of appearance of dog do you like. Cute type like Bichon Frise? Cool style like Bulldog? Or strong look like Rottweiler?

Besides, the size of the dog should be considered as well. For people with small kids, it is not recommend to have dog in big size because it may hurt the child while playing with children unintentionally.

2) Temperament

Different dog breed has very different of temperament. Getting of a pure dog breed is good because it is easier to predict its temperament.

Some dog breeds are very intelligent but they may not be a good guard dog. Some small dogs are cute looking but difficult to house break. Some of the dogs are calm in emotions while some are not. Some dog breeds bark a lot and some just bark to intruders or don't bark at all.

If there are small children in the house, certain dog breeds may not recommended because they may either too intense when playing or higher tendency to get jealous if they do not received the same amount or more of care than the kids.

3) Want a companion dog, guard dog, watch dog, show dog or etc?

The purpose of having a dog may be differs to people. If you want a dog which can become a good companion with your elder family members, Dachshund might be a good choice for you. If you are seldom at home and need a dog which can take care of your house, you can select dog which is more independent and having watchdog or guard dog instinct, for example a Rottweiler . If you prefer dogs which are joyful and fun to be with, a Dalmatian is fine. If you are an active person, you can select sporting type dog such as a Golden Retriever, which can accompany you to participate in many outdoor activities.

4) Health Conditions of the dog

Different type of dog breed prone to different type of diseases. By getting a pure dog breed, you can know the diseases that the dog prone to.

For example, Bulldog is prone to respiratory/ breathing problem. Some dog breeds are prone to Atopic Dermatitis Skin disease such as Bull terrier, Boston Terrier and Dalmatians.

Besides the 4 guard lines above, there are other considerations when selecting a dog breed, such as Living Conditions, Life Expectancy, Gender of the Dog, Grooming and etc.

Thus selecting and understanding each dog breed and dog as a whole is very important. In a whole, dogs are pack animals, they live in pack order, we as the owner must always exert ourselves as the leader of the pack so as every members in the family. This is not to be cruel to the animal, it is crucial to live in harmony among each other; they will also feel happy to have a responsible leader to lead them. Dog are not like humans that fight for the top rank because of personal ego or status. Unless you would like to live in the dog world, human as the higher rank in the pack is very vital.

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The temperament, characteristic, appearance, description, health issue, exercise requirements are all explain in detail to help you choose your best suitable dog breed.
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Basset Hounds: Ten Things to Know About this Lovable Pet

Basset Hounds are among the most companionable and lovable Dogs on the planet. Here are ten characteristics of the breed you need to know before bringing a Basset into your life.

1. Bassets seem to love everyone:
It's difficult to imagine a sweeter, gentler or more peaceful Dog. An adult basset on a walk in the park will try to make friends with almost everyone. Strangers seem drawn to him, will want to pet and coo over him. Emotionally, he sometimes seems almost human. His temperament is very well suited for a family setting. He's really good with children and other Dogs. He loves to play. Aggression is very rare. Don't expect him to be a guard dog.

2. Sense of Smell:
His sense of smell is second only to the bloodhound. Bassets were bred for hunting small game. His nose can lead him into danger. He's an escape artist and a wanderer. It's advisable to keep him in an enclosed area and on the leash during walks. Left to his own devices, he'll follow his nose wherever it takes him.

3. Intelligence:
Because of his clown like demeanor, laid back attitude and a streak of stubbornness, there are those who stereotype the basset as dumb. Don't believe it. On the contrary, he's a past master at getting his way. Clownishness, soulfulness and contemplative assessment of any situation are all part of his arsenal to win you over.

4. Puppies & Housebreaking:
Admittedly, housebreaking is difficult. If patience is not your long suit, you may want to consider a grown hound from rescue. In housebreaking a basset puppy, gentle tolerance and persistence, with plenty of positive reinforcement, will yield success. During his first year, refrain from allowing him to go down long stairs or jump off couches. His lengthy back is prone to problems during the formative stage if too much stress is applied.

5. Drool:
OK, he drools. Some bassets drool more than others. You'll accept drool, because you just love him to death.

6. Weight:
Since he's prone to weight gain and bloat, as is common among all deep-chested breeds, he should be fed reasonable portions only twice a day. Bassets tend to overeat. Remember that they're long and low, and excess weight can lead to back injury. At a minimum, a daily walk is a must.

7. Ears:
Bassets' long ears do not provide good air circulation and are prone to infection. Cleaning weekly and application of an ear wash solution from a veterinarian are required. While frequent baths are not necessary, the ears drag in everything and may need scrubbing more often.

8. Care and Maintenance:
With the exception of the ears and drool, bassets are easy to keep clean. His short, dense coat repels dirt and water. Bassets do shed, but regular brushing and removal will keep it to a minimum. Bathing about once a month is all that's needed.

9. Compact Big Dogs:
His short stature is deceptive. Most bassets weigh in the range of 50 to 65 pounds. He has more bone for his size than any other breed. Because of his short legs, he may have difficulty jumping into some vehicles.

10. Barking:
Bassets are not given to excessive barking. Since he is very much a pack animal, he may howl if left alone for long periods. He's vocal and often makes a variety of sounds in keeping with his mood, especially when excited about the prospect of a walk or play.

If you're looking for a gentle companion that's easy to care for and gets along well with everyone, you'd be hard put to do better than a basset hound. Please consider rescuing a basset. Just do a search for "basset rescue" on Google to find dogs in your area.

Robert G. Knechtel maintains several websites, including PetMedShop.Com and Go60.Com

Your Attitude, Is Your Dog a Match?

Each Dog breed is known for certain basic characteristics - including temperament. As a result, you can rely on this information to help you choose a Dog whose attitude and disposition match your own.

Some smaller Dogs are known to be feisty and noisy, while some larger dogs are quiet and tranquil. One thing you need to know up front is that you're not going to get a dog to go contrary to his inherent instincts. So if you like the look of a certain breed, be prepared to live with the temperament of that breed once you take it home.

What kind of dog has an awful disposition? Answer? None if you're well matched to the dog. Behaviors that are irritating to one dog owner are no big deal to another. A person who's hyperactive won't mind a nippy miniature Poodle or Chihuahua that's just as hyperactive as they are. A quiet, studious person needs to have a calm, patient dog like the good natured, faithful Basset Hound.

Some dogs are considered by breeders to be difficult to train - such as the Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Dalmatian, Irish Setter and Bull Terrier. Not all dogs are man's best friends. Some are fiercely independent and care little about their owners.

These unsociable dog breeds can include Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Doberman, Irish Terrier, Wire Haired Fox Terrier and Rottweiler. The unsociable dogs can be alert, independent, aggressive and good as watchdogs, but they're sometimes not optimal for training.

In other cases, the dog breed may have potential for training but the personality of the individual dog is more reluctant. Or that dog may have had a bad experience at the pet store from unkind or unskilled caregivers.

The dog is reacting tough to mask his fear of being harmed or neglected based on old memories. If that's your dog's experience, then you have to take more time to reassure him that you're trustworthy and will never harm him as a means of punishment during training.

Withholding a dog treat when the dog walks poorly on a leash is reasonable. Taking away his dinner is cruel and only teaches the dog to resent you and defy you as the only means of expression he has toward maltreatment.

Other times, there's no apparent reason for the dog's odd behavior. Becoming a dog owner doesn't come with guarantees. Sometimes you have a dog that is difficult to engage and you must either care for that dog or see that he has a proper home

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Searching For the Perfect Dog Breed

Dogs are very loyal animals. Once you take care of a Dog, it will be your constant companion throughout your lifetime. However, choosing which Dog suits you best is no easy task. There are a lot of questions to answer and a lot of things to take into consideration before you can settle for a dog. To help you in this decision, here are some guidelines for you to think about so you can be sure that you are getting the right dog.

Are you an active person? If you are into a lot of sports and would definitely love to jog around town with your dog, then larger breeds would suit you. They need much more attention when it comes to exercise to make sure they do not go overweight. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, however, choose dogs that do not require as much exercise such as Chihuahuas or other smaller breeds.

How much time can you spend with the dog? Different breeds are cared for differently. Most long-haired dogs would need more attention in grooming. For dogs such as a Pug, you should be able to clean their nose creases everyday to prevent fungi. If you do not have too much time to spend on grooming, get a short coated dog that rarely sheds.

Have you checked your local shelter? If you haven't yet, it is highly recommended that you do. People say that you do not choose your dog, your dog chooses you. Going to a place where you can choose from hundreds of different dogs will help you in choosing depending on your specifications. Sometimes, even just a puppy stare would melt you to the point where you forget about the specifications!

Make sure that you are choosing the right dog that fits your lifestyle and your time so that in the end, you and your dog will live long years together. Good luck!

Bob Zelek

Bob Zelek has been writing articles about pets for the past six years. He also enjoys writing about dermatological-related topics, including the benefits of using a blackhead removal tool and ways to prevent face acne.

How to Choose the Perfect Dog

I absolutely agree that a Dog can be man's best friend. But with so many breeds available, how would someone choose which one would be perfect for them? This is usually a dilemma of people wanting to get a Dog for a pet. Most of the time, people can end up really confused when making a decision. The worst thing you can do is make the decision based on looks alone. There are many factors you should take into consideration before deciding on the perfect Dog for your pet.

When choosing a Dog, these are the factors that must be taken into account:

Lifestyle

People who love the outdoors should have dogs who can keep up with them. For instance, a person who loves to hunt should choose a dog that could help him with hunting. And a fisherman who spends long hours fishing at sea would appreciate a dog who is a good companion who also loves the water.

If you lead a fairly sedentary lifestyle, it is not likely a good idea to choose a dog breed that requires a great deal of exercise or has an over abundance of energy to burn.

Personality

Individuals who spend most of their time at home would surely welcome dogs who enjoy spending their time on their owner's lap. While those who want to travel and bring their dogs with them would ideally choose small lap dogs which are easy to carry around wherever they go.

If you are not the patient type, choosing a dog breed that is head-strong and difficult to train may not be a good choice for you.

Size

People have different choices when it comes to the size of their dogs. But the main consideration is the availability of space at home. Large dogs would need enough space where he can roam around, like a spacious garden perhaps. It would be impractical to have a giant dog if you are living in a small apartment with your family. And if you have small kids, it would not be advisable to choose small dogs because they can easily get hurt with playful children living under the same roof.

Grooming

Some dogs have long hair while others have really short hair. If you want the long-haired type, you have to be ready for the expenses of grooming or you must commit to doing it yourself. Take note that these breeds of dogs need their long hair brushed at least thrice weekly. If anyone in the family is known to be allergic to dog dander or shedding, then long hair can be a nuisance. For some people, those breeds which are known to shed hair less or none at all are more appealing.

Also, some dogs are easier to train than the others. They make really good pets for those who want to teach tricks and basic commands to their pets. And because each individual has their own preferences, it would always be best for someone to personally choose their own pets.

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Getting to Know Bad Breath Products For Dogs

If you think you are the only one suffering from bad breath, you may want to think again. Although bad breath is a condition common to human, your Dog may also have the same fate. Incredible as it may sound; your Dogs are also at risk of having bad breath.

But, you don't have to worry that much. There are now lots of bad breath products for Dogs available for your dog's needs. In fact, most of these are products for home remedy; saving you from visiting the vets too often just to restore your dog's pleasant breath.

Now, there are lots of home remedies for your dog's bad breath. And since people have different interpretation of bad breath remedy for dogs, it is up to you to decide which one will best suit your pet dogs. The following are some remedies to try to keep your doggy's breath always pleasant;

Dog Toys

Perhaps you won't believe this, but some of your dog's toys are not just designed to help you in training it. Some of these are also effective in cleaning the teeth of your dogs. Dental chews are among them. These are usually designed to massage the gums of your dogs as well as clean its teeth, removing plaques and food particles in between. Greenies and Nylabone are two of the most popular brands when it comes to doggy dental chews. You may want to watch out though, because most dental chews are not meant for dog with stronger chews.

Dental sticks are also great for your dogs. This is also designed to massage the gums and get rid of food particles and plaque between the teeth. You can fill the sticks with treats to make your dog happy while keeping yourself satisfied at keeping your dog's breath pleasant.

If your dog likes bone for playing, it is fine because bones can actually help keep your dog's teeth clean. However, you should be aware that giving your doggy some cooked bones is not a good idea at all. Why? It is because cooked bones can crack while they are playing with them and can cause serious injury to your dogs especially in the mouth. Instead, give your dogs some raw bone to play with.

Water Technique

If human needs plenty of water to keep anaerobic bacteria at bay, well so are your dogs. You need to provide your dogs with lots of water to keep its mouth moist and its mouth free from food particles. You also have to make sure that your dog's water are always clean; thus, you can be sure that no food particle or bacteria will get back to your pet's mouth. Or you can buy oxygenating solution meant for dogs; by mixing this to the water, you can be sure that bacteria are destroyed and your dog's breath fresh.

Brushing

If you need brushing to keep your mouth and teeth clean, so are your dogs. There are brushes especially designed for your dogs. Just make sure that you brush your doggy's breath properly and regularly and you can be rest assured that no visit to the vets is necessary.

Aside from these home remedies and bad breath products for dogs, you can also keep your pet's breath fresh by choosing what it eats. Experts advise that you give your dogs some mixture of dry dog foods and canned ones. You can also consult your vets for guides on how to keep your dog's breath pleasant all the time.

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How to Adopt A Puppy

Why Adopt a Puppy When You Can Buy One?

The Doggie population is growing by the minute, and millions of homeless Dogs are suffering the unfavorable conditions in animal shelters, and waiting for the right parents who would want to take them home. If you want to get a puppy, adopting a puppy instead of buying one also means that you are saving one puppy from growing up without the right training at the crowded animal shelters. You can even save the puppy from getting euthanized, which is now considered a rather normal procedure in animal shelters. In addition, when you decide to adopt a puppy, you will be faced with a wide variety of purebreds and mixed breeds to choose from. In puppy adoption, you can easily pick over the purebreds at the pet shops. Some people prefer mixed breeds because they are safer from hereditary diseases. But, regardless of whether you want a purebred or a mixed breed, puppy adoption can give you the right Dog for you as you help the dog population as well. Not to mention that you will also save a lot of money when you adopt instead of buy.

Preparing for Puppy Adoption

If it is your first time as a pet owner, make sure to read up on basic new puppy training, house training, and obedience training. Contact a veterinarian firsthand, so you can bring your newly adopted puppy to the clinic immediately for checkup. Prepare the things that your puppy might need, such as a leash, food bowls, and the likes. Once you bring your newly adopted puppy home, you might not have the time to shop anymore. Plan your puppy's meals and nutrition already as well. Most importantly, make sure to fit the new puppy into your schedule, to make sure that you, as a pet owner, will have time for your adopted puppy.

How to Adopt a Puppy

Puppy adoption can be rather complicated if you don't prepare for it beforehand. There is a lot of information about how to adopt a puppy just within your reach. If you want the process to go quickly and without any complications, it's better if you do some research before the big puppy adoption day. To adopt a puppy, go to the animal shelter. If you already have dogs, you can even bring them with you. When you get there, you can expect yourself to be bombarded with quite a lot of puppies up for adoption. First, decide on whether you have your heart set on a purebred, or if it's not really that important. Then, slim down your choices based on your decision. Then, after that, consider whether you want a big puppy or a small one. You may even already have a specific breed in mind. This will slim down your choices considerably. At this point, you need to carefully consider the traits that you are looking for in a pet. Most puppies up for adoption are usually unpredictable, so if you have certain traits in mind, you should talk to the animal shelter officers and ask them about the puppies that you seem to like. If price is a concern for you, you should also ask about it immediately. It is also important to quiz the officers about the dog's history, how it came to be at the shelter, and what medical conditions it has or suffered from in the past. Such information will definitely come in handy when you take your adopted puppy to the vet for checkups, or when your adopted puppy gets sick. If you have made your initial decision, it's now time to meet the puppy. However, the choice is not just one sided. An adopted puppy should also like its adopted parents. See if the dog warms up to you, or to your older pets. If yes, then congratulations because you've found your puppy!

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Reindeer at Christmas - A Seasonal Look at the Life and Traditions of the Tsaatan People

In recent months the international press have made several reports on Mongolia's reindeer people. These people, known as Tsataan are a group of nomads who live in the northern region of Khovsgol. They practice a lifestyle that is a virtual rarity in the world today. They are engaged in what is formally referred to as reindeer domestication. Reindeer are used primarily for transport, milk, and to a lesser extent, meat for consumption.

The Tsaatan people have recently become increasingly well known as their plight has been highlighted in the mass media. Among the problems confronting this ancient indigenous group of people are poverty, lack of access to food and limited access to healthcare. Environmental problems such as reproductive diseases that have infected their herds, as well as gold mining, tourism and timber exploitation have also taken their toll. And for an ancient people who have considered the forest to be sacred this is certainly more than a little disconcerting.

The situation is in fact so severe that estimates indicate just over 200 Tsataan people remain in the Mongolian taiga, the northern coniferous forest. It has become nothing less than devastating as an increase in commercial hunting has reduced their traditional sources of food. On some occasions the reindeer people have even been forced to consume some of their precious animals as their sole means of survival. And reports indicate there are only about 600 of the reindeer herd left.

The Impact of Changes in the Forest

On a human level the changes in the taiga ecosystem has been an unfathomable source of pain for the Tsaatan. And while the human suffering caused by this disturbing phenomenon may be evaluated in very definite terms, such as malnutrition, sickness and despair, the nature of this problem also takes on spiritual dimensions.

Tim Ingold, an anthropologist at the University of Cambridge, England has argued that the people of the vast tundras and coniferous forests of the world may vary in respect to language and culture but those who practice reindeer domestication share some basic similarities.

All of these people depend upon a variety of animals for their survival. But of all these animals the Rangifer Tarandus known as tsaa in northern Mongolia, reindeer in Europe and caribou in North America, it is truly unique. Throughout history travel reports indicate that people from all over the world were fascinated by the speed and agility of these awkward looking animals. Native people have often considered them an object of religious reverence. And in the western world they have long been considered a mythical creature.

Perhaps the single characteristic that sets them apart from other animals is their relationship with humans. Tame reindeer for example can be ridden like horses, driven like Dogs, milked like cows, and used as decoys in hunting expeditions, even in attempts to capture their own species. No other animal has been used in such diverse ways. Yet they have retained their own characteristics and have seldom been removed from their natural territory provided the environment maintains its vital features.

Not Just Another Beast of Burden

The reindeer are indeed a very intelligent animal. They are social animals by nature and tend to gather in structured groups.

They communicate among themselves and even communicate with humans. A thorough investigation of these animals has even revealed that decision making processes among the reindeer are affected by factors such as pasture access, migratory movements, and group status. And their antlers of course play a dominant role in defining the dominant members of the group.

The tendency of both humans and reindeer to formulate structured patterns of behavior to accomplish specific tasks has created a whole host of complex economic systems. In fact the relationship between humans and reindeer has even produced theoretical discussions about the evolution of human groups. Some social theorists argue that reindeer domestication often proceeds through a process whereby hunters utilize the reindeer primarily as a source of labor until they proceed to the pastoral stage when the reindeer then becomes an object for human consumption. A pastoral life then becomes the primary aim as increasing herds become a tangible sign of material wealth. Hides, fat, meat and other parts of the reindeer become commodities to be sold in the open market.

Reindeer Economies

The process by which this evolutionary process purportedly takes place is certainly quite intriguing. During the taming stage for example, hunters teach reindeer to perform the behaviors that will benefit them. And as part of a formal domestication process a relatively complex rapport is established between human and animal. And although the reindeer retains a degree of independence, if treated properly, a cooperative relationship with considerable loyalty develops. In these relations human kindness may be so effective in producing the desired behaviors that specific marks indicating ownership of the reindeer are not even necessary.

This is however in stark contrast to pastoralism, where the relationship between humans and reindeer is characterized not by cooperation or human kindness but by a system of control through symbiosis. This may involve specific behaviors such as providing the reindeer with protection from prey, or food in times of scarcity, but in the end they are almost always slaughtered for economic gain. This is clearly quite distinct from the domestication approach where the life of the reindeer are generally given great priority.

In the pastoral system the animals continue to be confined. They maintain many behaviors that had been adaptive in the wild. And the system of communication with their human counterparts is neither as complex nor cooperative as compared to the system of domestication.

The Cultural Significance of Reindeer for the Tsataan

So we can see the sheer importance of the reindeer particularly among Tsaatan who domesticate these animals cannot be overstated. And when we consider the traditional belief systems of many of these people we find that the elevated status of the reindeer often reflects this reality. In fact it is fascinating to note the reindeer are often accorded equal status to the human members of the group.

In an elaborate ritual of song the Tsataan often compose pleasing melodies to reward individual animals with a small supply of salt. The Tsataan are also known to sing songs to notify the animals of the needs of the young reindeer in the herd. Consequently members of this very unique community both human and reindeer alike are socialized into a system which reinforces mutual responsibility for the well being of the entire group.

It is therefore relatively easy to understand that as this finely tuned system of mutual adaptation is eroded, the challenges that this special group of people must endure are quite formidable. Amarsanna Altansan, a Cultural Anthropologist at the National University of Mongolia has indicated that urban migration is often coupled with a considerable amount of ambivalence. And while the material benefits of city life may seem desirable in many circumstances special problems are almost always encountered.

An insidious addiction to vodka may be among the worst of these problems. Although the causes for this have not been fully established it is perhaps just part of a whole range of social problems that impinge upon these people. It is also true that the general public is largely uninformed about the unique struggles of this unique indigenous group of people.

The Connection to Christmas Tradition

As we consider the situation of the Tsataan it may be relatively easy to be fascinated by a set of circumstances that are probably completely different from our own. And at the same time it is hard not to be impressed by the natural beauty of a lifestyle that may be sadly coming to an end. For the struggle of the reindeer people is surely part of a human tradition that is connected to our very own.

With this in mind it is indeed difficult not to ponder how this mythical creature became part of the modern yuletide tradition. A quick review of ancient history indicates that reindeer roamed across vast regions of not only Europe but North America and other places as well. Perhaps from distant memories of the past we continue to celebrate a tradition that retains a connection to our own.

It is certainly true that in our modern times values that reflect a deep respect for nature deserve our careful consideration. They should be cherished no matter how romantic they may be. So as we wait for the coming of the New Year perhaps it may be important for each of us to acknowledge the greater humanity that exists within all of us. For this reason alone we are indebted to Mongolia's reindeer people no matter how few they may be in number.

Sources:

On Reindeer and Men, Tim Ingold, Man, New Series, Vol. 4 (Dec, 1974 ) pp 523-538

Reindeer Economies and the Origins of Pastoralism, Tim Ingold, Anthropology Today, Vol 2, No. 4 (1986) pp 5-10.

National Geographic News, James Owen, November 4, 2004.

Gerald Marchewka is an American freelance writer currently residing in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. He may be reached at geraldmarchewka@yahoo.com

Omega Supplements For Dogs

Omega supplements are required for your Dogs if you wish them live life the fullest. These supplements contain the necessary fatty acids responsible for maintaining animal health. Regular intake of omega fatty acids is known to produce positive effects such lengthen the lifespan of your pet, reduce inflammation from probable arthritis, allergies and irritation, and protection from involving the heart and immune system.

Choosing the right omega supplement for your Dogs is an important decision. Fish oil and flax seed oil are the two famous sources of fatty acid supplements. Omega-3, which is known to act against inflammation, is more abundant in the latter but is in inactive form. While the omega content in fish oil is in active state. This is the reason why fish oil is the most desirable omega fatty acid supplement.

What are Omega Supplements for Dogs made from? EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are its active forms. DHA is needed in high amounts in the brain and eyes for optimal functioning. Once detected in severely low levels, learning ability, mental development and visual acuity can be in danger, both in the young and the elderly. When combined, DHA and EPA, various research says it can contribute in precluding and managing conditions that involve cardiovascular system, and other chronic disease, too. DHA, according to the standard dosage, should only be consumed at 80 mg a day, while only 50mg/day of EPA is the maximum allowed amount of intake.

Recommended Dosage of Omega Supplements

Basically the recommended dosage of omega supplement is dependent upon the build of the dog. Large dogs need about 800mg of it per week. The requirement for medium dogs is about 500mg and small dog's dosage is about 250mg. However, it is highly encouraged to consult your veterinarian before giving supplements to your pet to check for unknown allergies.

On the other hand, it is important for pet owners to note that excess ingestion of Omega-3 can cause some minor discomforts such as indigestion, loose stool, and gas problems, but nothing fatal. It may be mild but it can be a source of added stress to your pets. So if you feel the need to increase or lower down the prescribed amount, discuss your plan with a doctor first.

Do not expect the supplement showing its desired effects in the first few days. The animal's body consumes omega in a slow manner and visibility of the results might take at least two months. Once the omega fatty acids start showing its results, coating of dog noticeably becomes fluffier and shinier, and improvement of well being shows on pet's activities. This is because omega-3 triggers the resistance mechanism of your dog's system.

Maintain proper functioning of various body parts also - omega supplements have this amazing ability to purify the blood from lethal toxins and helps maintain proper functioning of various body parts. If consistent with consumption, these fatty acids in capsules can be used as a shield from certain canine disease such as such as joint problems, ear infection, inflammation, digestive problems, and deficiency in alertness.

These omega supplements specially formulated for dogs contain a comprehensive formula of a balance blend of minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins not only improve joints, bones, brain, digestive and heart condition, but also help uplift the lethargic mood of your pet. Plus, immune system and nervous structures are well watched.

The Omega-3 capsules play a crucial role in maintaining your pet's every cell membrane structure healthy, vibrant and sturdy. With this supplement, pet owners can never go wrong as it has become a part in the conventional canine dietary regimen for obvious reasons. Omega-3, sourced from fish oils, has the greatest contribution in the animal planet. It cannot be denied then that these supplements can give owners and their pets a source of happiness.

OmegaCaps.Net is a site dedicated entirely to educating you about the benefits Omega Capsules can have on your Dog or Cat. To learn more about this great product please visit us at http://omegacaps.net

Which Dog Breeds Are Most Likely to Bite - Find Out Today

So you are on the lookout for the perfect pet Dog for your family? You definitely want a breed that can be active when you're up to playing and can be docile if you need peace and quiet. It would also be great if it can take care of itself and will not need looking after. Finally, you want a breed that doesn't bite.

If you have been asking around which Dog breeds are most likely to bite, you are asking the wrong question. All Dogs bite. No matter how well they have been trained, there is always the likelihood that they will be compelled or be pushed into aggressiveness and bite. After all, it is just the way dogs are. There are, however, breeds that have a higher tendency to bite than the rest of the breeds. A recent survey of dog owners identified the following as some of the dog breeds that are most likely to bite:

The Dachshund
This cute pet that looks more like a baloney than a dog have been found to have a high propensity to nip at their owners and strangers. Dachshunds are hunting dogs. They have by nature very sharp instincts towards their prey. As such, they may exhibit aggressiveness at the sight of tots running around, making noise, and react to the stimulus by biting.

The Chihuahua
Like the dachshund, Chihuahuas are very cute toy dogs. But many owners complain about pet Chihuahuas who have the habit of nipping at strangers and owners alike. This breed are typically born with a set of characteristics-and biting is one of them. But this behavior can be addressed by proper training.

The Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are a very aggressive breed of dogs. In fact, there have been many reported cases of aggression towards other breeds and other dogs of the same breed. In general, puppies learn about their environment by biting at things and people. You need to take control of this habit by correcting them early on. Otherwise, they will think that biting is an accepted behavior and keep it as adults.

The Australian Cattle Dog
An Australian Cattle Dog that doesn't bite is rare, especially because they were bred to work as herding dogs, which means they bite for a living. They were bred to use nipping and biting to make the stock toe the line. It is up to you to train them and unlearn this bad habit.

The American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel is a favorite family pet. By nature, they have a rather bad temperament, compare to your average canine friend. This is rooted in the indiscriminate breeding of American Cocker Spaniels beginning in the 1940s, when the breed became popular. The worst cases are those that are suffering from genetic seizure conditions also called the rage syndrome. This condition is characterized by a sudden urge to bark violently and bite what is on sight.

Looking for more information on what is the [http://www.dogbreedhub.com] most popular dog breed Visit [http://www.dogbreedhub.com] today to learn everything there is to know!

Green Dogs & Cats

If you already purchase organic fruits and vegetables, avoid packaging, and recycle, then you are well on your way to living a green life. Chances are, the more you do, the more you realize that there are many things we can do as individuals to reduce our impact on the Earth. For example, have you considered the food you feed your pets?

Our Dogs and cats are an important part of our lives. According to the Humane Society of the United States, 38.4 million (nearly 34 percent) American households own one or more cats, and about 43 million Americans own Dogs. The care and feeding of pets varies from owners who dress their animals in frilly tutus to owners who do little more than grab a bag of food from the supermarket.

According to some estimates, Americans spend more than $40 billion on food for their pets in the United States. The variety of cat and dog food available ranges from inexpensive to ridiculous, but what is the real difference, and what do you need to know about your animal's care and the Planet?

First, before you make any changes to your pet's nutrition, check with your vet or an animal nutritionist to determine whether it has any special dietary needs. Your vet will be able to tell you if you need to avoid certain ingredients or ensure that your pet gets particular nutrients through its food.

Second, make sure that if you do decide to change your pet's diet, do so gradually. Most pets take a little bit of time to adjust to new flavors and mixes. Most veterinarians recommend mixing new food in with familiar food for one to two weeks, gradually increasing the proportion of new food vs. familiar food throughout that time period until you are up to 100% of the new food. If you follow this approach, your animal will be more likely to adapt to the new food.

According to the National Geographic Society, organic pet food is a better choice from an environmental standpoint than conventional pet food. This is based on similar reasons behind choosing organic foods for your human family.

Foods certified USDA Organic are produced without the use of petroleum-based pesticides and fertilizers. Additionally, they are based on meat not treated with antibiotics and growth hormones, both of which have been shown to pollute water sources like lakes, rivers and the ocean. Genetically modified organisms, which reduce biodiversity, are not used in Organic foods. Finally, Organic foods do not undergo irradiation to kill bacteria.

In addition to the basic need of food for your pet, other products that you may consider when going green include supplements, coat & fur products, flea & tick control, shampoos & conditioners, and treats.

When you are looking for green alternatives for your pets, consider the following labels:

- USDA Certified Organic: this is the only official certification for organic products, assuring that the food has undergone a third-party certification process. Compared to products market "natural" or "holistic," this process validates that at least 95% of the ingredients are organic.

- Free-Range Meat: look for foods made from animals that are raised out-of-doors, without cages, and are fed grass and other natural diets.

- Cruelty-Free: look for items that feature no animal testing and can prove the animals raised for meat are treated in a humane manner.

- AAFCO Certification: this certification, provided by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) ensures the food is formulated to meet balanced nutritional levels and contain the micro- and macro-nutrients needed to keep your pets healthy.

There are many healthy, green options available on the market for dogs and cats, but as with any green product, it is important that you check the label and investigate the company to ensure that you fully understand the claims and certifications.

Copyright (c) 2008 Virginia Ginsburg

Virginia Ginsburg specializes in research related to ecologically-sound life and business practices. She writes about green living and socially-conscious investing. Her company, Green Baby Gifts http://www.greenbabygiftsonline.com - specializes in gifts that are both beautiful and ecologically-sound.

Diversity in Lesson Plans Using Technology

Why Save The Trees?

Grades 6-9 SOL OBJECTIVES: LA 6.1,6.2,6.3d,6.5,6.6 MA 6.18,6.20,6.7,6.8,6.9

SCI 6.9, 6.1 a-k, 6.2d SS USII.5 a-d, USII.7, USII.8

Purpose

To understand that trees are a valuable natural resource, and without their survival, technology and life as we know it can change drastically.

Context

Until the fifth grade, most students understand that trees are a natural resource and that they supply us with everything from paper to the homes which we live. Transferring the concept on a higher level thinking realm is one of the most difficult challenges we face teaching, and the most difficult concept children face learning. If you were to do a K-W-L with students in the younger years, all trees are the same, and there is no concept of how it is pureed into mash for paper, cut into lumber to build yet alone used for energy.
By the time they get to 5th grade student interest increases and it becomes harder to find a method to
keep their interest. For kids, finding out that there are over 20,000 types of trees, pulls in their attention. For the teacher it gives plenty of room to expand and direct the curriculum and instruction to higher level thinking skills and knowledge.

This lesson introduces the history of trees, not just the type of trees. It discusses why they must be saved in order to keep benefit humans, animals and our Earth. Students will learn by about the history of plants and that they have been around on the earth longer then any other organism. This lesson will focus on the past use of our natural resource and the options we have in saving trees to continue providing some of the groundwork for the things we need to survive in the next century.

Students will be introduced to the "Tree Doctor" and learn what they can do to help save the trees. The will also be made aware of occupations that are focused in the area of forestry.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Planning Ahead

Materials

1 Black and white notebook (or similar) to keep your research and data

Your Online Web quest Sheet - QUESTO

Computers- bookmarked portal or pages

Printed information in case the electricity goes out and computers don't work.

Websites can be downloaded to a CD in case the internet is down, you can work off line

Worksheets-graphic organizers

VCR/DVD players, video and computer projectors

Software- Inspiration, National Geographic, WINDOWS on Science

Motivation

In the morning have small saplings around the room and the lab set for experiment.
Show United Streaming Video -The Biggest and Oldest Living Things. Found on unitedstreaming.com

o An Introduction to Trees

o Learning About The Past

o Appreciating Trees

Have students preview their QUESTO sheet. This sheet will direct them to websites and activities that will help them transfer what they know, what they need to learn and how they can compile data to determine what they can do.

By using the computer lab and a main computer, show the students a tabbed version of the websites they will visit today. Leave a tile version on the screen so that navigating will be easier.

This web quest is intended to lead students to understand that our natural resources are more and more limited. That the tree has been around longer than any other organism and in our life time we may see it become extinct. Students will also be motivated to support the things we need to do to save the trees for a better future.

Development

Discussion:Where do trees get the nutrients they need to grow?

What do trees release into the atmosphere that humans need?

What do we know about tree growth and age?

Objectives

o Students will understand how humans, animals, and the earth benefit from trees

o Students will learn about the history of the oldest living thing, and their future

o Students will work through team activities and web quest online and learn how to look for specific information.

Ask students to tell you how we benefit from trees.

Have the students look through the QUESTO and ask individual teams to connect the information from what they think the articles will be about with something they have learned before.

As a class, between web pages, brainstorm things that will help keep healthier plants.
Have poster paper up to create a mapping of ideas.
Have a poster board for words and definitions students may request information about.

The following web pages are used in the web quest:

Found at dsc.discovery.com- The age and size of trees around the world
This article will reveal the of age and size of trees around the world.

Found at dsc.discovery.com/news - Types of organisms can kill trees
This article will give students a sense of what types of organisms can kill trees.

On the freenetwork.umn.edu/kids/ site you will find activities and information.

United Streaming Video online -Trees: The Biggest and Oldest Living Things

Found at domtar.com/ARBRE/english/
The Tree World. This site will provide a ton of activities. Students can use the dictionary to identify vocabulary words. Play games and take quizzes, this site also includes experiments. Crossword puzzle-uses for trees. How to protect trees.

Wesavetrees.com website has a great article called:What Can We Do to Save Trees?

Found at epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/kids/pdfs/k-3.pdf
Excellent site for extended activities

Lab Project: Create a terrarium to grow and take home.

Assessment

Students will present their data in their notebooks.

Students will be able to discuss the objective of the lesson and finish the K-W-L sheet

Students will make a terrarium and experiment with different soils/ document data.

Students will complete a final project of their choice for a graded assignment using at least three software applications WORD, PUBLISHER, DIGITAL, VIDEO EQUIPMENT, POWER POINT, INSPIRATION SOFTWARE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINES OR WINDOWS ON SCIENCE
At the end of the week a Q&A sheet on Save the Water will be passed out and will ask similar questions

Where does it come from?

How much did we have?

What do we have now, why less?

What is water used for?

What will happen without it?

What can we do to save it?

Students may use any resources to complete the sheet.

There is a saying: "Ancestors plant trees so that their offspring can have shade."

Extensions

Language: The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Math: Measure the age of a tree by it's rings

Science: Visit a paper mill or newspaper plant

Social Science: Join and environmental club

USING THE NEWSPAPER- Current articles/events about trees

Additional Resources

The Wonderful World of Trees on the freenetwork.umn.edu/kids/ website

The National Arbor Day Foundation: Benefits of Trees at arborday.org

USDA Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory found at fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu website

Products Made From Wood found at uky.edu/Agriculture/Forestry/conners/WoodUses.pdf website

American Forest & Paper Association: Pulp & Paper, Fun Facts
afandpa.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Pulp_and_Paper/Fun_Facts/Fun_Facts.htm

How Trees Work for Us at borealforest.org/school/trees.htm
The History of Maple Syrup in America :members.iquest.net/~childers/maple/hist.html
____________________________________________________________________________

Vocabulary

Adaptation

Adjustment to environmental conditions. Young people adapt well to change. The black spruce is well adapted to Quebec's cold climate

Biological control

The use of natural predators and parasites to reduce the populations of insects that ravage forests. The use of natural agents, such as fungi, bacteria, or viruses, to control or fight against undesirable species.

Bush

Dense shrubs and stands of small trees of normally unmerchantable species.

Compost (noun)

A mixture of organic matter used as fertilizer. An increasing number of people are making compost at home to fertilize their gardens.

Cut with soil and regeneration protection

Harvesting carried out taking specific measures to prevent damage to young trees and to the soil.

Domestic waste

The waste or garbage produced by the members of a family and which would be thrown out.

Ecosystem

A system formed by the interaction of a community of animals and plants with its environment.

Forest ecology

The study of forests and their ecology, including the application of soil science, botany, zoology, and the like to forestry.

Hardwood

A tree whose leaves drop in the fall, as opposed to evergreens or conifers, which have needles (fir, spruce) or scales (cedar). The maple, lilac, and oak are examples of hardwood trees

Insecticide

A substance that destroys insects.

Mulch

A layer of straw, bark, or other plant matter used to conserve moisture in the soil, to protect certain fruits from rotting through contact with the soil, and to inhibit the growth of other plants, such as weeds.

Pesticide

A substance used to fight against harmful animals or plants.

Regeneration

The renewal of a forest. Trees begin to grow again.

Selection method

A method of regenerating a forest stand and maintaining an uneven-aged structure by removing some trees in all size classes either singly or in small groups or strips. The selection method is carried out in sugarbushes

Tree breeding

The application of genetic principles to the improvement of trees, such as to solve a specific problem or in order to obtain a given product.

Virus

An ultramicroscopic infectious (capable of infecting with disease) agent.

AUTHOR BIO
• Successfully built a progressive career with the school system as a key team player in developing, integrating and supporting technology-driven solutions, safety and security directives, curriculum testing support, and exceptional education leadership.

• Developed a series of templates for standardized testing, discipline, attendance, lesson planning and databases to effectively disaggregate information.

• Strategically mapped web based instruction and resources to the Standards of Learning and Instructional Plans for the School System providing hundreds of resources for teachers, students, and parents.

• Currently assigned to the Richmond Education Alternative Learning Schools for Seriously Emotionally Disturbed Children. Oversee all operations. We are fully accredited.

• Educational expertise in NCLB, Exceptional Education Law, Charting the Course, Virginia Grade Level Assessments, Virginia Alternative Assessments, SOL Accreditation Requirements, Balanced Scorecard, School Improvement Plans, Department of Education audits, Exceptional Education audits State level.

Five Fast Facts About the Cavalier King Charlies Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not cheap. On average you can expect to pay $2,000-$3,000 for one.

However, if you've socked away your "puppy fund" and are considering buying a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, or "Cav" as enthusiasts call them, there are five things you might not know. Before you fall under the spell of the big eyes and floppy ears, a few tips from a Cav owner...

1) While Cavs slow down as they age, don't take this as an excuse not to walk the Dog. They love walks, even though they may seem to sleep most of the time when at home. As your Cav turns seven or eight, regular walks become more important, and the exercise will keep you moving too.

2) Cavs get knots in their fur more easily than any breed I've ever known with the exception of the Maltese--I co-owned one with my grandmother and kept its coat short. Cav coats are naturally short on top, long around the paws, tail, throat, ears, and belly, which is where the tangles appear. They also get leaves and grass stuck in their fur, especially in the long tail. However, a good rinse in the sink will take care of the grass and leaves. As for the tangles, a Love Glove, available from pet stores, is gentler on the Cav's sensitive nerve endings than other Dog brushes.

3) Cavs are easily distractible and will chase after rabbits and birds like bloodhounds. Be aware of this now. Invest in obedience training from the start. However, they're also terrific at alerting you to noises at night.

4) I call the Cav eyes "hypnotic eyes" because once they look at you, you reach in a trance for a morsel from your plate or for the Beggin' Strips. Instead, repeat this mantra after me: vet bills, vet bills, vet bills...

5) Cavs are the most sensitive Dog on the planet. In bed with the flu? Just try and pry that Dog away. Sad? Your Cav will lick your tears away. Feeling slightly blue or have the sniffles? The dog will be right by your side. Priceless.

Just refer to this pre-owner's manual and your Cav will be a loyal, delightful companion for years to come.

Movie reviewer/screenwriter Kristin Johnson is owned by two Cavaliers. She composes personalized poems, speeches, toasts, vows, and family memories. Visit http://www.poemsforyou.com to order your personalized memories. She is also co-author of the Midwest Book Review "enthusiastically recommended" pick Christmas Cookies Are For Giving: Stories, Recipes and Tips for Making Heartwarming Gifts (ISBN: 0-9723473-9-9). A downloadablemedia kit is available at our Web site, http://www.christmascookiesareforgiving.com, or e-mail the publisher (info@tyrpublishing.com) to receive a printed media kit and sample copy of the book. More articles available at http://www.bakingchristmascookies.com

The Right Dog Breed For Home

If you have been thinking about getting a Dog, one of the first things you might want to think about is what type of canine you would like to own. Knowing a little bit about Dog breeds is important when choosing a pup to understand their temperament, habits, coat shedding, among other things that may be valuable to you when making your decision. Some Dogs are pure breed and there are also mixed Dog breeds. Purebred dogs tend to have more distinctive temperaments and behavioral patterns.

Sometimes physical traits are the reason some owners tend to go for purebred dogs. Mixed dog breeds tend to have less dominate personalities. Since a purebred puppy is literally bred to have a dominate purpose (herding, working, sledding, guarding...) mixed bred pouches tend to lack this and therefore are able to adjust better to being trained to have a personality you would like them to have. Mixed bred dogs also tend to be less expensive than purebred.

One of the joys of many owners of purebred dogs is to show them in competitions. Your pooch should be in pristine shape and groomed perfectly when it comes to a show. The training of the animal is one of the most important aspects. First thing most people do is take the dog to a handling class. This will help prepare him or her for the ring. Training your dog on how to stand properly which is called stacking is very important. Practice makes perfect. Have your competitor ready at all times to go into a ring that way your they will not slack when it comes time for a show.

All dog breeds have their finer points and negative points. Some can be aggressive, some shed like crazy, some are not very tolerant of children. Its all in the eye of the owner what type of puppy you would like to own and make into your best friend. Some people do not have a lot of knowledge about dogs so they just choose the most popular dog breeds for their pet. The American kennel club or the AKC rates dog breeds and has a list of the top ten dog breeds, and ranks the best bred as well as the smartest ones too.

Retrievers and terriers tend to be on the top of most lists. The terrier dog breed is usually known for their aggressive and stubborn personality. These personality traits are shown when they are pursuing small animals as they tend to have a very strong hunting instinct. Toy dog breeds include very many different types of dogs. This type of breed just refers to small dogs.

Since this is a very wide group their attitudes vary greatly. Most people enjoy this breed as a small companion easy to take a long with you, or in small apartments or houses. Retrievers tend to be a very gentle pet. They are not quick to snap or bite and tend to be very good with young children. They are very athletic and are usually point on when sporting. For this reason they are a popular house hold family pet.

Sick-puppies.com is everything about sick dogs and puppies.
http://sick-puppies.com

Dog Chewing and How to Stop It

There are 2 big problems new Dog or puppy owners face, Dog chewing and house breaking. Your Dog will find numerous things to chew in an empty house.

I heard of a Dog that chewed the front piece of wood on a couch; the owner didn't realize it until she sat down one day and got a splinter on her butt!!

It was at this time she decided it was time to teach her dog not to chew on things!

Chewing is a normal behavior. Dogs will chew to relax, that is why your dog is so content to gnaw on a piece of rawhide.

If your dog is bored, he will end up chewing on things. How many times has a dog been left at home, with his owner at work, only to come home and find his slippers in shreds!

Dogs like stimulation, and they love their masters,so boredom sets in and they react! Even so, chewing is a destructive behavior that needs to be changed.

Dog Chewing Shoe

If you have a puppy, he may chew because he is teething, and just like with a baby it is uncomfortable. A frozen rawhide bone can help break this habit. Keep a few in the freezer for him.

Dogs usually have a short attention span and it is a good idea to keep toys or rawhide chews on hand. Give your dog a chew every few days. A chew is something to maul on with his mouth, and not your favorite shoe!

Dog chews come in a selection of sizes, shapes, and flavors. Each one will have a different scent,which will keep him interested.

Always make sure there is plenty of water for him to drink.

Provide your dog with lots of toys. This will give him comfort when he is alone.

Remember, when you are gone, your dog misses you. This the time they get in the most destructive trouble; wether it's chewing, digging. You need to give him an outlet for his loneliness.

Play with him and toys, so he learns that they are fun and okay to chew on. Eventually he will choose the toy over other household items that are off limits.

Giving a DOG AN OLD SHOE OR SOCK AS A TOY, will just confuse him. He does not know the difference between a shoe that is his toy, or a shoe that you were planning on wearing the next day.

Boredom is the big reason for dog chewing. Everyone goes to school or work each day...poor dog. He doesn't understand the radio, nor can he talk on the phone, so he chews out of boredom! I know people who leave the T.V. show "Animal Planet" on all day while they're at work. If this training issue can be solved with a few toys or rawhide, find a way to accommodate your playful dog.

Lizzie Novotny R.N has a researched and informative website about dogs, especially the sporting dog breeds. She raises, trains and shows dogs and horses, and is familiar with all aspects of their care. Find answers to your dog-related questions by visiting her website. http://www.the-hunting-dog.com

Best Dog Breeds For Families

Whether you are a first time Dog owner or a seasoned veteran, there is always something new to learn about our four legged friends.

If you have small children, a medium to large breed Dog would suit their high energy level. Good breeds for these kids are Golden Retrievers, Labs, Collies, Old English SheepDogs. Basically, herding and sporting Dogs are the best dogs for families with little ones.

Families with older children can have their pick. Just about any dog breed will do well. Toy breeds are great for mature families with limited space, such as apartment dwellers. All kids need a dog as their friend as they are growing up. You had one didn't you?

Always remember to teach children the boundaries with dogs. For instance, don't bother them while their eating, don't startle them while they sleep, don't try to take food or a chew bone away from a dog and NEVER hit or beat a dog.

If anyone in the family has allergies, a good breed for sufferers is the Poodle. These dogs do not shed, are hypoallergenic and they are bred in three sizes, small, medium and large. A breed to fit any home.

Mixed breed dogs are always a good choice for many reasons. The most important is you will be saving a life. Visit shelters and contact rescue organizations to find your best family dog.

Millions of unwanted shelter dogs are put to sleep every year. Many are given up because of family illness or death, people not able to afford to feed them, moving and can't take the family pet, etc. These dogs need a second chance to be loved and have a good home.

My husband and I have had dogs in our lives since we were born. We're not dog experts, just everyday people using trial and error over the years to see what works and what doesn't with our puppies and dogs.

We have owned many pure breed and mixed breed dogs through the years and each one was different in so many ways. When my husband and I married in 1978, our first dog was a Collie, Laddie. We were in love with Lassie growing up in the 50's and found our common "dog ground" in that respect. So throughout the years, Collies and now Shelties are out family dogs.

We currently have an adopted 1/2 Husky, 1/2 Collie mix named Lady who is 8 years old and our second Sheltie, Kelsey is going on 3 years.

Many of our family and friends have asked our advice about their dogs and suggested we put together a website for tips, help and fun pages for dog owners. So we did. If you found this article helpful, you can view more information at http://the-best-dog-for-you.com

UFO: Loch Ness Monster Sighted in Colorado

I was trying to write an article about the Loch Ness Monster when Xrytspet© from Fanton in G10009845788899990766 stuck her nose into my business again.

Xrytspet: Your writing about something you know nothing about.

Hack Writer: I always start out that way, or nearly always. This one started in my dentist office while I was reading National Geographic. Go away!

Xrytspet: I'm taking a spin in the FnL7 Time Craft. I thought you would like to come along.

Hack: Go away, Xrytspet!

Xrytspet; I'm going back 75 million years. I want to take a look at the Western Interior Seaway.

Hack: The what?

Xrytspet: I'm leaving. If you want to go, you had better lift your butt off that chair.

That's when Xrytspet levitated me and the next thing I knew I was in the FnL7 Time Craft speeding back in time. As we flew, Xrytspet talked.

Xrytspet: You are incredibly ignorant of the history of your planet, Taylor Jones, the hack writer. It seems I'm always explaining things to you.

Hack: You were there. I wasn't.

Xrytspet: I'll tell you a secret. That building next to the Police Station is what's called a library. They have books in there and you don't need money to get them. They loan them out.

Hack: You're such a smart butt, Xrytspet.

Xrytspet: "The Western Interior Seaway is an ancient intracontinental seaway that occupied much of modern western North America and existed throughout much of the Cretaceous Period."

Hack: Which statement you quoted word for word from one of those books.

Xrytspet: Not exactly. I copied it from http://serc.carleton.edu/resources/1857.html.

Hack: I though so. Look! We're there! Good heavens what is that thing?

Xrytspet: That is the Thalassmedon, your Loch Ness monster. (See http://www.oceansofkansas.com/longneck.html and http://www.oceansofkansas.com/denver.html.)

Hack: That creature has a neck 20 feet long. It's a type of plesiosaur, isn't it? Each of its four flippers is as big as a man. Let this thing hover higher. It's snapping at us.

Xrytspet: We're not fish and it's slow because it keeps big stones in its belly.

Hack: It's doesn't seem to care. Throw it an apsopelix.

An apsopelix is a bony fish, or was. See http://www.keystonegallery.com/fossils/bony_fish.html.

Xrytspet: We've got to get out of here!

Hack: But we just got here and I want to see everything.

Xrytspet: Look on the projectile screen.

Hack: HOLY, COW! That's one humongous meteor.

Xrytspet: Say bye, bye to the Thalassmedon.

John T. Jones, Ph.D. (tjbooks@hotmail.com), a retired college professor and business executive, Former editor of an international engineering magazine. To learn more about Wealthy Affiliate University go to his info site. If you desire a flagpole to Fly Old Glory, go to the business site.

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Rachel Alexandra

Am I the only one who does not want to see Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta meet? Am I the only one who really does not want to see either of them come in second to the other? Am I the only one who would love to debate the merits of each individual with the proverbial ending sentence, "well I guess we'll never know...see ya next week, first beer is on me..."

Since my fantasy won't last, and they are bound to meet at least once during 2010, I will go out on a limb and proclaim: Rachel Alexandra will be dubbed a 'superhorse'. She will change the breed as we know it, because once her pedigree is understood, everybody will want one.

That doesn't mean full siblings or even offspring. That means...well let me tell you in a phrase:

Colossal power.

The best bet from here on in would be to pull up Rachel's pedigree on pedigreequery.com. If you have never used it before, once the site loads, type Rachel Alexandra in the input box labeled 'Horse', and press the Search button.

This analysis is intended to evaluate the presence of the large heart gene commonly referred to as the X-factor, in Rachel Alexandra's pedigree.

So. Let's talk mares: shall we?

Natalma. Beginning with Northern Dancer positioned in gen4 of Rachel's sireline, a preliminary and simple pattern is established through his [Northern'Dancer's] dam Natalma. Although this position in the pedigree does not (theoretically) pass the large heart on from sire to son, it may serve an important purpose for the expression of the large heart gene. In other words, Natalma at the top of the pedigree may serve as a hitching post for her second position farther down in the pedigree, sitting nicely in an x-position. Like grabbing someone's hand while they are on ice skates, and then giving them a shove so that they enjoy more speed; Natalma's positioning may help the delivery of her own qualities into a future generation....

Natalma was by Native Dancer. This was her first dose of the large heart blood. Her second dose of large heart came from her dam's sire Mahmoud, thus making her a 'double-copy mare'. This is a special distinction. However, in this case it is an 'uber' distinction due to the interplay of (at least three) horses: Hamburg, Americus, and Domino. Here, a very dynamic nick is compiled and dancing at center stage.

Not too far off Natalma's chart through her sire's broodmare sire, looming in gen7 is Hamburg. Hamburg has been described as an extremely fast starter, and can be thought of as a champion handicap horse as well. He was a successful racehorse, particularly at distance, and a very successful sire. Hamburg was out of Lady Reel, a mare that offers a Lexington/Glencoe nick in an x position, a Lexington x, a Lexington non-x, and three more instances of Glencoe [daughters] in x positions. He appears again in gen6 of Discovery's pedigree as Chicle's broodmare sire, who also sports St. Simon as his 2nd broodmare sire. St. Simon is contributory because he brings in another Glencoe daughter (Pocahontas 1837) line in an x position.

Note: many of the large heart attributes in modern Thoroughbreds have been ascribed to Pocahontas 1837 due to the merging of the Eclipse x line from Glencoe, and her own tail female Eclipse x line.

Natalma's sire Native Dancer's tail female line brings in Sweep, whose broodmare sire Domino sports a heavy dosage of Glencoe daughters, a Lexington daughter, and another Lexington/Glencoe nick.

Natalma's dam sire, Mahmoud, brings in a tail female line that builds the [nick] tremolo with Lady Josephine, a granddaughter of Americus.

Want to make your head swim? Compare the Hamburg and Domino pedigrees...

Anyway, Sweep (of Native Dancer's line) is combined with John P Grier [in Miyako], who brings in another Domino x line. It is a heavy hittin' large heart line up, and these lines are full of the most explosive nick in modern Thoroughbreds: the Lexington/Glencoe nick...

There is a 5S x 5D appearance of Sir Gaylord in the pedigree of Rachel Alexandra. He is not located in any of the x positions, but it is of note to remember that he is half brother to Secretariat: out of the same mare, Somethingroyal. Somethingroyal was out of Imperatrice, a mare present in Rachel's pedigree in gen6 as the dam of Speedwell (2nd dam of Cure the Blues). Speedwell was by Bold Ruler. And of course, I don't mind mentioning that this brings in another Discovery line in the X. Oh yeah, and another Lexington/Glencoe nick through his [Bold Ruler's] tail female line Sweep Out...

You know, as an X-factor enthusiast, this is plenty to get excited about. But, believe me. It is just a primer for the epic tale of large hearts in Rachel Alexandra's pedigree.

Cora Deans, the dam of Royal Vale [gen5 sire side], is just off the pedigree in gen6, and has the first x position that contributes directly to the large heart tally. She contributes: 3 Hermit, 6 Pocahontas, 1 Bend Or/Macaroni nick in x positions.

Cycle: Second mare on the top side of the pedigree (in gen5) that could actually deliver the large heart gene (in an x position). How might she contribute to the 'buildup' of nicks and singular x lines? Let's say that Natalma lays a foundation, and how do the similarities stack up? Are we going to see any more of the specialty blood of Natalma? What kind of concentration does the Lexington/Glencoe nick need to make a genetic power play?

In addition to this nick, we are looking at the buildup of individual lines...The question becomes, do the individual lines have to be identical; that is represented by the same horse (for example Princiquillo), or are we looking for any known large heart horse, piling on the probability of expression because of the accumulation of the gene?

In any case, we don't have to look far. Cycle's 5th dam is Frizette, by Hamburg, and out of Ondulee, a triple play of heart: Hermit, Bend Or, and St. Simon. Cycle's 3rd broodmare sire is another large heart horse, Man O' War. We know that he sports a Lexington/Glencoe nick, however not in an x position. This 'nick' is delivered through his great grandsire, Spendthrift which may have contributed to speed and weight carrying ability. Right. And distance. Don't forget Man O' War's performance at the Lawrence Realization Stakes; estimated win by 100 lengths over a distance of 1 and 5/8 miles. The great three are there: Hermit, St. Simon, and Bend Or. The third of the mentioned the only of the three not in position to deliver the large heart to Man O' War... Why Hermit? Ask me again sometime. Why St. Simon? Because of Pocahontas. Why Bend Or? Traditionally, because of the Eclipse x coming through the Skyscraper mare line, but in my opinion because of the Prunella-Lisette-Alexander Mare [2-n]-Hyaena, Pipylina Corporation.

In addition to the Hamburg contribution, Cycle delivers at least 15 additional lines of Eclipse blood through Pocahontas, an Eclipse line through Plucky Liege, the dam of Sir Gallahad, and three Hermit lines; all in x positions.

Another non-x notable: the sire of Silent Screen (gen4 of sire side) Prince John. By the famous large heart sire Princequillo, and out of Not Afraid, who is by large heart sire Count Fleet, Prince John's 2nd dam was Banish Fear by the large heart sire Blue Larkspur. All Silent Screen needs is the bling of more large heart stuff...which he gets from...

Prayer Bell: Take a deep breath, and count to ten. This is a great trip, and I hope it never ends. Prayer Bell concentrates large heart blood like it was going out of style. First up: War Admiral, known large heart horse. By Man O' War, and out of Brushup, a daughter of Sweep (if that is ringing a bell, it should! It was mentioned that Sweep was in the pedigree of Native Dancer (sire of Natalma), and Sweep Out brought a Lexington/Glencoe nick to Bold Ruler through his tail female line...).

Brushup's granddam also adds another direct line to Eclipse through Spearmint's dam Maid of the Mint via Fravolina...

Baba Kenny, the second dam of Better Self (Prayer Bell's sire), brings in a nice dose of Pocahontas blood to cross with War Admiral.

Prayer Bell's dam, Sunday Evening is by Eight Thirty, who is out of Dinner Time. If that doesn't sound like some kind of a date, I don't know what does...But really, it is time for a seat belt because Seaplane, the dam of Dinner Time is by Man O' War and out of Bathing Girl, the 3rd dam of War Admiral, and the line mentioned earlier that leads directly to Eclipse through Spearmint...and Bathing Girl takes more than just a little dip into the Pocahontas well. Out of 11 crosses, 2 are in x positions. An additional Glencoe daughter, Glencoe Mare3, is in an x position as well.

Dinner Time's sire is High Time. And just so you know...High Time's broodmare sire is none other than Domino...Doesn't that just make you giggle? (Xdominant)

Here's just another image to think of. If you were to draw a line on a piece of paper, every time you counted a significant heart line in Rachel's pedigree, it would be getting dark and thick by now.

There's more, but I really am trying to make this simple. St. Germans is worth a mention as Prayer Bell's 3rd broodmare sire. There is a nice buildup of Pocahontas x and Hermit blood, as well as a complimentary Bend Or/Macaroni nick serving well in an x position.

Just below St. Germans lies Idle Dell. Oh for crying out loud. Do I have to do all the work? Idle Dell at first blush brings in the Glencoe mare, Eagless. But. Look below Eagless, and you'll see Bend Or, and Blue Rose. More, more more. Ben Brush is worth a click. A Lexington non-x, a Lexington/Glencoe nick with Glencoe in an x position, plus Stockwell (Pocahontas), and Knight of Kars(Pocahontas). Noteworthy foundation for Madaglia Doro...

Society Singer: Worth a listen...Let's go from the bottom up this time, and sing the scales. First thing that jumps out at me any way is 3rd dam in the tail female line...Sunday Evening! Again! In an x position! Just so, I don't have to go through all that again...just scribble a bunch more lines on top of the ones that have already been drawn...

Darker and thicker.

Royal Charger, Society Singer's 2nd broodmare sire: Out of Sun Princess and by Nearco. As far as Nearco goes, I'll just say; Spearmint, and Maiden. But, since he's a non-x, he's extra gravy and expresses the talent. Sun Princess descends directly from a mare mentioned earlier: Lady Josephine. Oh God. Please see above...[Mahmoud in Natalma's description], and Ribot, Society Singer's broodmare sire brings in plenty of Pocahontas in x positions, and while we are on that note, I'll mention Cyllene and St. Simon, oh, and Hermit.

Society Singer's sire is Restless Wind, out of a mare named Lump Sugar who is out of Sugar Run. A few more for the show, St. Germans, and at least 6 more Pocahontas (x) and a least one Lexington non x, and a Bend Or (x). La, La, La.

Restless Wind's broodmare sire, the one that counts toward x positions, is Bull Lea. Bull Lea is by Bull Dog, who is out of Plucky Liege (Spearmint) out of Concertina (St. Simon), and oh, how I would love to talk about Banter [14-a], but I can't. We have ventured into non x territory. Suffice to say that Petrarch, Bull Dog's 3rd broodmare sire, is a direct descendant of Glencoe Mare1...

Bull Lea was out of Rose Leaves, a mare whose 3rd broodmare sire is Hermit, and whose sire Ballot ushers in a nice Pocahontas line.

Prayer Bell's Sunday Evening ties in with Society Singer's Sunday Evening, and makes Dubbed In, Medaglia Doro's 2nd dam of specific interest...We are talking big buildup here, in the way of Lexington/Glencoe, Pocahontas, War Admiral and Man O' War. They are working their way toward 'solid' from fluid...

Now for the distaff side: mares in x positions

Wild Applause: I can't tell you how much I would have laughed if this mare was in the tail female line, and the last one to talk about! It is still great fun to know that she was by Northern Dancer, and therefore the beneficiary and torch bearer of Natalma; the location referred to in the beginning of this article.

Wild Applause's dam, Glowing Tribute is by Graustark and out of Admiring...How about I just do this; list the names.

On Graustark's side (please hold your applause until all the names have been mentioned):

15 Pocahontas, 2 Hermit, 1 Mahmoud (Lady Josephine)

On Admiring's side:

War Admiral, Man O' War twice, High Time, Plucky Liege, St. Germans, 3 more St. Simons, another Hermit, Ben Brush, 2 Bend Or/Macaroni nicks, and 11 additional Pocahontas (x) lines.

Quick Cure: Out of Speedwell [Bold Ruler x Imperatrice] mentioned above, and by Dr. Fager. Dr. Fager's broodmare sire is Better Self (see Prayer Bell), also already mentioned above...so there's no need to repeat myself. [Hope you got that joke...I have been repeating myself many times already, and to say that Rachel's pedigree is pretty spicy is now an understatement. It's now a degree of picante...

Dr. Fager is out of Aspidistra, who is herself out of Tilly Rose. Déjà vu all over again...Bull Brier, Tilly Rose's sire rakes in another Hamburg as his 3rd broodmare sire. Adding to that, McGee as 2nd broodmare sire, and that is a new one...Just checking if you are still with me...McGee's broodmare sire was Hermit, but it might be fun to remember 'Old Bones', the great racehorse Exterminator; by McGee and recipient of plenty of Lexington and Glencoe close up, and winner of 50 out of 100 races. Yep. 100 races.

Eternal, the broodmare sire of Bull Brier is by Sweep (non x), and out of Hazel Burke who adds another Pocahontas (x). The tail female line of Bull Brier brings in the Glencoe daughter Magnolia, and War Dance: by Lexington, and out of Reel, who was probably comparable to Rachel in a way. Reel was an outstanding racehorse, competing in four mile heats winning 7 of 8 career races...

Tilly Kate is the dam of Tilly Rose, and might I say, adds more power to the punch. Through Tilly Kate's dam Teak, more of that peppery Lexington/Glencoe nick is ushered in...

Adding up the lines, it comes to 8 Lexingtons, of those 5 are in x positions, and of those five, 2 are Glencoe nicks (of course through Hamburg's daughter Frizette - see Cycle. No joke...). Additional Glencoe (non x) equals 7, and Pocahontas is present 9 times in non x positions and twice in x positions...Once again, add that to Speedwell, resulting in the dam of Cure the Blues, Quick Cure.

And finally...

Early Decision: Oh go ahead. Just guess. There's not a name here that you haven't heard before. I'll just go for the jugular...all x blood now: Man O' War twice, Spearmint (Yep, your right, Plucky Liege), St. Simon, (yep, same instance of Plucky Liege), Hastings (Man O' War's grandsire) with a non x Lexington/Glencoe nick, Petrarch (x), a double dose of Pocahontas, with another 2 Hermit, Sweep, Domino, 2Cyllene, another Petrarch, St. Simon, another Spearmint, Princequillo (oh please, just look at the Natalma pattern in Rachel's pedigree and compare it to the Princequillo pattern in Early Decision's pedigree), Domino from Running Stream through Case Ace in Raise a Native, and 4 more Glencoe (x), 1 Lexington (x), and a Bend Or Macaroni nick.

And now, for the tail female line. Early Decision's 3rd dam is Ro Dear (the 2nd dam: Native Go Go by Raise a Native, and her dam: Biscayne Missy by Chieftain out of Pocahontas 1955 out of How by Princequillo). Ro Dear by Colonel Mike, and let's just suffice to say High Time - pop quiz-try to remember High Time's broodmare sire...

Yep. Domino.

Out of Ellen's Best who is by War Relic (if you're not feeling the crescendo, I'm sorry), who is of course by Man O' War (non x) and out of Friars Carse, and if you want to cut to the quick quickly after six pages of verbiage, than all right. Fine. Ellen's Best's 3rd dam is Speed Boat, a full sister to War Relic, and gets the job done with Man O' War as Rachel Alexandra's 10th broodmare sire! Friars Carse is no slouch as she has 2 Bend Or instances, Hermit, and just what you always knew, she is a direct descendant of War Reel by War Dance by Lexington, and out of Reel. Phew. Oh, did I mention that Friar Carse's 3rd broodmare sire Himyar yields another Lexington (x)? And that through Superman, her dam sire adds a couple more Pocahontas (the Glencoe daughter) lines?

So, after the longest spiel on heart lines that I have ever composed, I just have this to say: Rachel Alexandra has the possibly the tightest knit genetic sweater I have ever seen (in modern Thoroughbreds), and that includes the impressive and incomparable Secretariat. [Secretariat's sire side -- stacked with Lexington/Glencoe nicks, as well as Pocahontas - was crossed with classic Pocahontas lines from Great Britain through his dam's side: a great many of them]. It never lets up. There's not one lull in the x story of her life.

Rachel's pedigree is very consistent throughout, and is neatly woven in its entirety with these specialty colors. If it's all about buildup, which I believe it is, then Rachel's pedigree is the apex of accumulation for her generation.

Although Natalma may have acted alone, or in concert with Admiring, Graustark, Speedwell and Aspidistra; it may indeed be the Man O' War buildup in Dubbed In and Early Decision that serve as the tie that binds in Rachel's genes.

©2010

Adrienne Neary lives and trains horses in Maine. She founded a company called Wingspan Arts International, which specializes in quality Equine Products and expert Equine Consultations. http://www.wingspanartsintl.com

There Is Strength In A Herd

I once was asked to speak to a group of teenage boys about the importance of families. I am a high school religion teacher and often speak to teens. But this assignment made me nervous because I knew it was a topic the boys weren't excited to hear.

Minutes before speaking I had an unusual experience. A visual image came to my mind as though someone had turned on a television set in my brain. I clearly saw a scene you might see on the Discovery Channel -- it was a lion scattering a herd of animals.

The image came so powerfully that it surprised me. I wondered if it had anything to do with the talk I was about to give. The understanding quickly came.

When a predator attacks a herd the first job is not the kill. There is strength in the herd and the predator knows it. The first job is to scatter. If the predator can separate the weak from the strong and the young from the powerful they become easy targets.

This was demonstrated powerfully in a National Geographic special I saw about mother elephants (cows) and their babies (calves). Elephant cows are careful to keep their calf within a step or two because danger is always waiting nearby. Lions sometimes stay as close as 20 feet. When the cow charges the lions they easily lope away. The lions understand they can never get to the calf with the powerful mother nearby. So they watch and wait for one of them to make a mistake.

The program then showed of one calf becoming separated from its mother. The lions quickly pounced on it, trying to bring it down and kill it. Somehow this lucky calf was able to escape and return to the safety of its mother.

We live in a society now filled with children not so lucky. Predators have successfully scattered and separated families. Children have become easy targets. These attacks are devastating not only families but entire societies.

In his book, The Broken Hearth, former US Secretary of Education William H. Bennett stated:

"It is fashionable these days to say and to believe that matters like divorce, illegitimacy, cohabitation, and single-parenting are "private" matters that are not the business of the wider community. To which I would respond: There are few matters of more profound public consequence than the condition of marriage and families. Most of our social pathologies -- crime, imprisonment rates, welfare, educational underachievement, alcohol and drug abuse, suicide, depression, sexually-transmitted diseases -- are manifestations, direct and indirect, of the crack-up of the modern American family."

What is the answer? Former Secretary of State Colin Powell said it well:

"We either build our children or we build more jails. Time to stop building jails. Our children are not the problem, they are our future. If you want young people to become contributing citizens and not convicts, then early in life we must give them the character and the competence they need to succeed in this exciting new world. It begins in the home with caring, loving parents and family members who pass on the virtues of past generations" (GOP National Convention, July 31, 2000).

It begins with parents. We have the responsibility to stand close to our children, to make time for them, to love them, to teach them. If we do not they will become victims to the serious predators that now surround them.

There is strength in a herd.

Timothy L. Carver is employed as a high school religion teacher for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is happily married, has two married children and two grandchildren. His hobbies include writing, golf and gardening. He is the co-founder of Families In Zion, a website that provides free family home evening lessons, inspirational stories, and object lessons.

http://www.familiesinzion.com