List of Large Dog Breeds - A Must Read

Aside from being called a man's best friend, a Dog is the common pet that anyone could adopt. From the different breeds of Dogs, a pet owner will for sure find something that will suit his or her need for a pet. Dogs are very practical to adopt and are very easy to take care.

Some people would refer to a list of large Dog breeds if they prefer to adopt a bigger size of dog. Dogs come in different groups and each of that group is specialized in performing certain task. Among the groups of these dogs are working, sporting and hound group.

Working group is composed of dogs that are trained to serve other people such as to guard someone's property, to rescue a person in need, or to pull a sled. Because of their nature, some of them work beyond being mere pets. However, there are still some large dogs that are designed to become a friendly pet in your home.

A Great Dane belongs to working group. This dog may seem to be too big for a pet. On the contrary, it is also affectionate and gentle animal. This large dog loves the company of a human being. Putting it in a cage is not recommended and it will be better if you will allow it to be with you. It is when it finds its happy moment. Once left alone and when it feels lonely, it could turn out to be aggressive and it isn't a good idea. Training it around the house will also keep your house neat.

Sporting dogs perform very well in field competition. They are the ones being sought in terms of hunting, too. They could be a very great companion. Since they have this active nature, they need a lot of exercise to hone their skills and to keep them energetic.

The Labrador Retriever possessed the qualities of a sporty-type of dog. However, it also has the qualities of a lovable pet. Though they are large and are considered for hunting, they are very kind to children. This dog loves to play around, too. A Labs, as it is famously known, is not recommended for a pet who will guard your house, though because it won't doubt a stranger's presence.

If you find people accompanied by dogs in a mountain to find a lost person, those dogs must belong to the hound group. Dogs in this group have the skill to follow a clue by sniffing as they go through the path that they are following. Hound dogs likewise have this hunting trait that have been with them ever since.

The list of large dog breeds under this group would give you a Beagle. Originally, the smaller type of this hound dog hunted for smaller animals in the forest in England way back in the 16th century. As time passed by, the Beagle is now more popular in some home. It makes a great family dog. Energetic and optimistic, this tri-colored hound dog needs exercise to keep it from being stubborn and mischievous.

After knowing this, you may now find that not all large dogs would remain to serve a higher purpose in serving other people. Some of them can also be your good friend who only wishes for your care and companionship.

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Finding the Right Dog From German Shepherd Rescues

If you know anything at all about the current pet overpopulation crisis in the country, then you are already planning to adopt a homeless animal rather than buy from a pet store or a breeder. You already know that incredible pets can often be found at animal shelters and breed specific rescue centers. By doing your homework and learning all you can about different Dog breeds, you have enough German Shepherd information to know if a German Shepherd is right for you and your family.

German Shepherds, although incredibly popular, also are abandoned in incredible numbers. Most people are not aware of the needs this intelligent, active (and shedding) breed has before they bring one home. They might want a Shepherd just because of the looks, or to have as a status symbol. Unlike their owners, volunteers at German Shepherd rescues across the nation get to know the Dogs in their care.

Good dog Shelter rescues will work very closely with each dog in their care and take time to get to know the dog's preferences and quirks. Good German Shepherd rescues will never let you adopt a dog right away. You will have to fill out a lot of paperwork, often give them a letter on your character written by your vet, and answer a lot of questions about your (possibly lack of) dog information. Be very suspicious of any organization that calls themselves a German Shepherd rescue and that ships dogs to you without asking you any questions. The dogs for sale might be stolen or very sick dogs.

Good German Shepherd rescues will not let you walk away with a dog for free, either. This is to discourage those lowlifes who sell dogs to laboratories and sell bait dogs to dog fighting rings. Expect to pay up to $400 (US) in order to adopt your dog. This fee is incredibly low in comparison to buying a puppy from a breeder.

Always contact the rescue centre before you visit. Don't drop in unexpected and expect to drive off with a dog. The best German Shepherd rescues will have you fill out a questionnaire and quiz you about your knowledge of breed information. They will usually give your home and your personal references a check, too. They want to be absolutely sure the dog will find what every dog deserves - a forever home.

Don't just agree to take a dog right away over the phone or email. That should never happen. You need to meet the potential dog a couple of times before you are allowed to adopt the dog. When you visit the dog, you are also visiting what kind of place the German Shepherd rescue is. Is it overcrowded? How are the dogs behaved? How does the place smell? If the place passes the nose and eye test, then chances are good your adoptee will be a calm, friendly dog.

Jan Ryan has written hundreds of articles on all things canine, including German Shepherd rescues. Many wonderful pets and life companions come from a German Shepherd rescue. There would be a lot less German Shepherds in shelters if everyone thinking of getting a dog learned basic German Shepherd information first.

Top 3 Beagle Puppy Training Issues

Your beautiful beagle may not write fantastic stories and be the prudent companion of one of the world's most famous cartoons, but he or she is sure to be the apple of your eye. The beagle type Dog has been around for nearly 2,000 years, but only as a breed of their own since about the 1830's. They were created from selective breeding of many different scent hound breeds including the Talbot Hound, Southern Hound and North Country Beagle. This small to medium size animal is smart, even tempered and not given to inherited diseases, which makes them the perfect pet and unfortunately subject for animal testing.

Beagle puppies have to be one of the cutest canines on the planet! Long soft ears frame a warm loving face that is primed and ready to show you affection at the drop of a hat. Being from the scent hound, these animals are natural investigators and can sniff out a mouse in an acre field in less than a minute, and this is a proven fact! All of these features of this compact Dog make them a number one choice of families, hunters and even law enforcement.

If you have immediately fallen in love with the great beagle, you are probably in need of some puppy training advice. Young beagle puppies are full of boundless energy and innate curiosity, which combines for unique training issues.

Training Issues:

Determination

You see the beagle has been trained for hunting and in particularly the long chase; this means your beagle puppy training will be faced with an animal that is single minded and focused. Their extreme sense of smell makes it difficult to pull them away once they have caught a particular scent that interests them. Although they are highly intelligent, they are easily distracted by all the smells around them. For this reason, you will seldom see the beagle in obedience competitions; in fact, they are ranked lowest degree of working obedience and intelligence.

Pack Animals

Genetically all dogs are descendents of the wolf, which makes them predisposed to a pack mentality. However, most dogs over the years have adapted to the single living style associated with being pets. Beagles, on the other hand have been long used as a pack dog for hunting and therefore prone to separation anxiety. You will need to be patient and understanding with them.

Exercising Your Beagle

As mentioned above the beagle has been trained to hunt for long periods of time. They have extreme amounts of energy that need some form of exercise daily if possible. This does not mean you have to run them to exhaustion however; it would be a good idea to take them for a walk or play Frisbee in the park on occasion. This also helps to ward of extreme weight gain to which the breed is prone.

Conclusion

Beagles are soft, loving and entertaining breed that will provide gentle companionship for you and your family for many years. Understanding the breeds inherit traits will give you a leg up on puppy training and make for a happy contented home for all concerned.

About The Author:

Ricky Chea is a dog lover and has lived with over 20 dogs and he loves Small Dog Breeds. For more information on how to effectively train your Beagle, please visit: How to Train a Beagle.

Who is on Your Side? - Take the Quiz

You cannot do it on your own. It's as simple as that. This is why singles have it so much harder than married couples when it comes to devising a plan and getting out of debt.

Singles obviously do not have to answer to anyone, but the downside is that singles do not have to answer to anyone. Do you have someone in your life that you can share with? Even if you're married you may need someone outside your family to share with and hold you accountable. I do that every Thursday morning with a great friend of mine.

Circle the number below each of the next 3 questions to find out where you stand. 1= Disagree Completely 5= Agree Completely

I'm willing to let down my guard with a trusted friend and reveal private thoughts, admit failures and share even the tough things.

1 2 3 4 5

I'm honest and consistent with my thoughts and words even when I have a hard truth to share with a friend.

1 2 3 4 5

I can acknowledge when someone else may be right and can even accept a friend calling my action into question, even if it is not delivered perfect.

1 2 3 4 5

The name of a person I am willing to share truth in my life is: ________________

If you cannot fill that blank in, then you have some work to do. A church is a great place to start, but you can also get closer to your neighbors and friends.

Do not make the mistake of doing life on your own. Life is far too important to go through alone. This is the very reason that those who have a professional coaching relationship or simply a great friend in their life do so well.

Justin Lukasavige is a Personal & Business Coach, and owner of Lukas Coaching. You can view more free articles, download free books, and become a member of the Reader's Group at no cost by visiting http://www.lukascoaching.com

For more free resources to help you improve your health, finances, business, career & life, visit http://www.lukascoaching.com/resources.htm

Find a Dog Breed Just Right For You

Although a Dog is merely a pet for some of us, they are as important as any of our family members for many. It is such a pity to see many pet Dogs being detached from their families and being made to live in adoption centers simply because the dog owner can no longer properly take care of it or because they have probably chosen the wrong dog breed for their family.

It is important that before you go to buy a dog for yourself or for your family for that matter you have a lot to consider to not only make yourself happy with the decision you have made but to let your dog easily and comfortably fit in with your family and lifestyle as well.

Dogs like humans have different personalities. There are some who are just too playful; others just seem to be too quiet and timid, while there may also be some who are too aggressive and confident. The relationship you have with your dog is very important after all, they are man's best friend.

Factors you need to consider

There are numerous questions that you and your family need to answer before you make the decision to buy a particular breed. First, you have to decide on whether you will be purchasing a male or female dog.

You also have to determine how much quality time you or any family member could spend with the dog. Some dogs are very playful and require some play time. There are also certain breeds that are very reliant on their masters and if you can only provide a limited time with them choose those types which are independent. Time spent is also important with regards to training your pooch. If you don't have the patience and the time to train, choose a breed that is easily trainable.

You have to bear in mind that your dog needs exercising and walking. If you hate taking a dog for a long walk, choose the small breeds that only require short distance walking. Larger breeds require much more exercise than their smaller counterparts.

If you hate taking care and grooming your dog, don't buy those that are long haired. Opt for the short haired ones that require lesser maintenance.

You also need to consider your available space. If you live in a small apartment do buy smaller dogs and don't go for the big ones that need some room to move around.

Try to find a dog with a personality that matches with your family's character and traits as well.

Its time to search

Now, that you have considered all the factors that you need to ponder upon it is time to begin your search for the perfect dog for your family. I suggest that the first place to look for would be the information highway. Try to read on materials and write ups about certain dog breeds and find out if a certain breed meets your particular needs. Consulting family and friends would also help. If you have a particular breed in mind and you know of somebody who owns a dog of that particular breed, talking with that person would be a big help for you to get some first hand information on what it really takes to take care of that particular dog.

Include other family members in making the decision, in this way you can be assured that everybody would pitch in to help and take care of the new member in the family.

Mark Clayson is a professional, home business entrepreneur, mentor and speaker. Visit Start Work at Home for more information on starting or developing a home business or his official site to find out more.

What is the Tallest Breed of Dog? Find Out Today

Dog lovers never get tired of learning new Dog trivia. If you have been asking yourself or researching on what is tallest breed of dog, you will find the answer here.

The tallest breed of dog in the whole world is undoubtedly the Irish Wolfhound. This breed traces its roots from Ireland. Traditionally, these dogs were bred for hunting wolfs (hence, the name). Irish wolves have long been extinct in Ireland, as the last of the pack was said to have been hunted and killed about two centuries ago. But the Irish Wolfhound has outlived them to be the undisputed holder of the tallest dog breed title.

Going further back in history, however, it is said that Irish Wolfhounds were being bred in Ireland as early as the 500 BC, and were being used by the Celts for both hunting for wild animals and guarding their livestock, as well as for war and dog fights. Other historical accounts indicate that they were event transported to Rome to participate in the animal games. It is said that the Quintus Aurelius Summachus, consul of the Roman Empire, wrote a litter in 393 AD to his brother, to express his gratitude for sending a pack of Irish Wolfhounds to Rome, which the Romans found entertaining due to their size.

When it comes to warfare, the Irish Wolfhounds also boast of a colorful history. It is said that when England conquered Ireland, the Irish tried to repel them with trained Irish Wolfhounds to unseat armored knights off their galloping horses. After which, the infantry would come in to kill the knights that the dogs left off.

The male Irish Wolfhounds grow up to an average height of 33 to 36 inches (or almost three feet at shoulder) while the tallest dogs can tower up to 3.3 feet (over 1 meter). Their female counterparts, on the other hand, can grow up to an average height of 29 to 34 inches or typically one to three inches shorter than the makes. If you measure them from the edge of the snout down to the tail, they can be almost two meters or 6.6 feet.

As to their weight, the males usually grow to an average weight of 113 pounds while the females can grow as heavy as 106 pounds. But when the Irish Wolfhound puppies come out from their mother's womb, they usually weigh about 1.5 pounds only, and then grow fast into adulthood. When it comes to personality, Irish Wolfhounds are not called gentle giants for nothing. They are typically silent and calm but with power-packed body and bark.

Irish Wolfhounds come in gray, wheaten, brindled, and other coat colors like black, white, red, fawn and brown. Life expectancy however is shorter than average. While larger dogs typically live up to a ripe old age of 12 years, Irish Wolfhounds is expected to live up to five to nine years. They usually suffer from heart, stomach and bone problems.

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3 Pit Bull Myths Unmasked

In today's society there is one breed of Dogs that is vilified more than any other, the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT). The media portrays these Dogs as the most horrible, vicious, and ill-tempered Dogs ever to exist. Unfortunately most people tend to believe what they see on the television and what they read in the newspaper. Because of the media these Dogs have been shunned by most of society. Today the top 3 Pit Bull myths will be unmasked before your very eyes.

Myth 1: Pit Bulls attack the most people out of any dog breed.
Did you know that there are actually over 60 different dog breeds that people mistake for being an APBT? The media loves to call any short haired dog with a large head a Pit Bull. The media are thrilled any time they can classify a dog as a Pit Bull because it makes for fantastic headlines. Any time the words "Pit Bull Attack" appear in the news there is always a nationwide anti-Pit frenzy. This poor breed is misunderstood and is considered this generation's demon dogs. Just like in previous generations there were Dobermans, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers. According to the American Temperament Test Society's June 2010 temperament testing results, the APBT ranked better than common household dog breeds such as the Cocker Spaniel, Pomeranian, Beagle, Collie, and many others.

Myth 2: Pit Bulls attack without being provoked.
All dogs, including the APBT show warning signs before they attack. These Include body language such as tensing up, stares, ear positions, tail positions, and head positions. Most dogs also give vocal warnings such as barking and growling. The general public may feel that these particular dogs attack suddenly, but most people can't distinguish the warning signs from normal behavior. Any dog that has not had the proper training or has not been socialized well enough is naturally going to be more aggressive than a dog that has. Studies also show that dogs who spend their lives chained up are very territorial when compared to dogs that get to live both indoors and outdoors. So when someone enters the dog's territory it will be more aggressive. This goes for all dog breeds.

Myth 3: Pit Bulls can lock their jaws.
There is absolutely no research that backs this up. When looked at from a medical standpoint the APBT has the same type of muscle and jaw structure as every other breed. There is no mechanism that can cause an APBT's jaw to lock. Studies by National Geographic's Dr. Brady Barr have also proven that German Shepherds and Rottweilers have a far stronger bite force than the APBT.

As you can plainly see, the media has painted a very colorful and false picture about American Pit Bull Terriers. These dogs are actually very wonderful pets. Just ask anyone who owns one of these special animals. Hopefully after seeing these 3 Pit Bull myths unmasked you will change your perspective about the breed.

Fredrick Miller is an American Pit Bull Terrier activist. He was very skeptical of the breed for a long time until he and his wife took one in off of craigslist because someone was giving the poor dog away for free. This dog has turned out to be the most well behaved and loyal pet he has ever owned. This one little furry friend has swayed his heart.

Take Five: Five Tips to Track Down your Canine Soul Mate

There is a right and a wrong way to pick a pooch. The process is a little like dating. The few who find fulfillment in love are those who use their hearts and their heads. There is a special kind of nirvana when a person connects with their canine soul mate. They weren't fooling when they called Dog "man's best friend." But such unions don't happen by mistake. A little careful preparation will go a long way. And to simplify your search, we have five suggestions. we've borrowed a little Hollywood lingo to make the tips more memorable.

TAKE ONE! That is, take stock: This is the time to look around you, before you even start thinking of bringing home Buddy. Let's consider your life from a Dog's eye view. Who lives in your house? Are there members of the household under twelve or over seventy? What about other pets? Analyze the chemistry of your household for a moment. What words describe your family? Are you fast-paced and active, or low-key and friendly? In case you didn't know, getting a Dog is a little like adopting a child. They have their own personalities. Think about what personality would jibe best with your bunch.

Next evaluate your living space. Dog owners exist as apartment dwellers or cattle ranchers. While the size of your pad shouldn't ultimately determine whether you're canine-compatible, it should at least be a consideration. Take Phoebe for example, a spoiled golden retriever who lives comfortably in a tiny Brooklyn brownstone. The arrangement works because her owner is an active walker and doesn't mind taking three or four spins around the dog park every day. And don't think that just you have a huge backyard means you're best fitted for a border collie. Even hyper-active dogs will mope around waiting for someone to play with. Whatever your accommodations, if you rent or belong to an HOA, you may need to check the pet policy before entertaining the notion of getting a dog. (Many renters allow dogs, but limit size or breed.) While looking at your house, consider your neighborhood. What is the noise level on your street, and how close are your neighbors? Your dog won't be living in a bubble. Social by nature, dogs react to the environment all about them.

Now that you've inspected your digs, how much time do you spend there? Is there someone home all the time? In this day and age that's highly unlikely. Look at work and school schedules, and don't forget holidays! How often do you vacate the property? Do you plan on taking the dog with you, or do you need to check out the local kennels?

Before you move on to take two, it would be prudent to anticipate future lifestyle changes. How likely are you to move? To get married? To break up? To have children? Dogs don't disappear when your life takes a turn. You don't want to end up leaving Poopsie at the pound just because you didn't think that far in advance. Dogs live ten to fifteen years or more. While it's impossible to know for sure, it's wise to consider where you think you might be.

TAKE TWO! Take advantage: There has never been a better time to learn about dogs! The world is at your fingertips. A thousand on-line quizzes can quickly narrow the field and recommend breeds that would fit your particular lifestyle and limitations. Your search just got a thousand times easier. Jot down the top ten, and do some research. First, look at pictures. What do you think? Is that a face you can love? Physical attraction, after all, does factor into finding a soul mate. Read as much as you can about the breeds you feel drawn to. Don't stop at the internet. The library and the pet store have an endless variety of books, magazines, and videos to assist you in your search. Even better, talk to other dog owners. Ask them what they like (and don't like) about their dogs. Go to a dog show, sit in on an obedience class, or call a local breeder. Take advantage of every resource you can to learn more about the breed.

TAKE THREE! Take interest: Get involved in the dog community. Make it a family affair. Volunteer at a local shelter. This gives the kids a chance to experience the responsibility of a dog. You may even consider fostering a dog looking for a home. Attend adoption days; ask the neighbor if you can play Frisbee with her whippet. All this interaction with dogs will allow you to see quirks that may not have been so apparent in your reading. Hidden expenses should also begin to be evident. What kind of equipment is needed to keep this kind of dog happy? Make sure to ask about health and grooming-related costs. Different breeds have different needs.

TAKE FOUR! Take your time: Now is not the time to rush into a relationship, but you are getting closer to a commitment. Start putting out feelers. If you plan to get a pup from a breeder, find out when the next litter is due. If you have your heart set on a particular breed, but want a mature dog, you may want to look into breed rescue groups. They have some great animals that already have some training, and are a fraction of the price. And don't forget that sometimes those mixed mutts lead the pack! Spend some quality time in the kennels. Many shelters allow a few days or a week adjustment period before tying the knot.

TAKE FIVE! Take cover: You think you've found the one? Hurray! Just remember that every relationship takes time and effort. Sign up for obedience classes and arm yourself with a little more patience than normal. Take it easy on yourself, knowing that if you've taken our advice, you'll be just fine!

Emma Snow, an animal lover, works in marketing for Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net and Horse Stall [http://www.horse-stall.net] leading portals for pet management.

Guinea Pig Cages - A Guinea Pig's Diary

Day 1: My name is Scooter. I'm a guinea pig - or cavy, if you prefer. I got a new owner today. Kristen and her family came and rescued me from the shelter and took me home. The car ride was a little scary. It's my first day here, and I still feel a little nervous. But I feel a little calmer here in the corner of her bedroom right now.

Day 2: This cage felt pretty cozy after that nerve-racking car ride home. But now it's starting to feel a little cramped. It's one of those commercial cages - my friends at the shelter used to call them "pet store cages." It's pretty small. It would be like a human living their entire life in their bathroom. Ever try to exercise in a bathroom? I had better watch what I eat. (Fat chance... I'm a pig.)

Day 3: I got a new gift today. My humans bought me a nest box. Now that's what I call cozy! I love just being in there. It makes me feel safe. I overheard my humans say that I feel protected in here because of something called "instinct". Supposedly, when my ancestors lived in the wild they always tended to hide under things because they were at the bottom of the food chain. I wonder what a food chain is... It sounds pretty tasty.

Day 4: As I look around, this is not so bad -- food's good. And Kristen and her family seem to like me. It's much quieter here than it was at the shelter. In fact, it's a little too quiet. I feel like I'm always up here all alone in Kristen's bedroom and there's never anyone else around. And I still love my nest box - when I'm in it. But when I go outside... Well... Remember when I said it would be like a human living in their bathroom? Well that's still how it feels - except someone just put a refrigerator in here with me.

Day 5: I'm starting to miss my guinea pig friends from the shelter. Sure, Kristen comes in once in awhile. But she never stays more than about five or ten minutes - and I'm afraid these visits will get even shorter as my "newness" wears off. As I think about it, if I have to stay in here alone, I'd rather be downstairs with my human family so I could at least get to know them.

Day 6: Kristen comes in less often than she did at first. And I used to love it when she picked me up and scratched me behind the ears... or stroked my nose. But now she just looks. It seems like it's gotten to be too much trouble to open the "roof" of my cage for just a short visit. I miss the touching.

Day 7: What's "research"? I overheard my humans today say they were going to do some research on "healthy guinea pigs". They said I don't look very happy. How would they know? I don't really see them that much.

Day 8: I overheard my humans talking again today about buying some sort of cage. I wonder what for? I sure hope they're not getting a cat! They said they visited several pet stores today but couldn't find a cage that was even close to being big enough. And they also said they all cost "an arm and a leg". Boy, humans sure have some funny currency.

Day 9: I heard a lot of excitement downstairs this evening. Apparently a large package arrived today. I heard them say that after they couldn't find a suitable cage in the store, they went someplace called "the internet" and bought something called a C&C or Cubes and Coroplast cage. Apparently, it's a very popular type of cage for guinea pigs and rabbits that you can only find at "the internet" because it's not a manufactured cage. It's generally a hand-built or cottage-industry type of thing. I heard the human father say, "It sure is a lot of cage for the money!" The family sure sounds like it's having a lot of fun putting it together as a family project. I sure wish I was down there.

Day 10: I'm in heaven. I'm in my new cage - and I'm downstairs so I can be with the family all the time. And, best of all, my humans got me a new friend - Pepper. We love it here in our new C&C cage - lots of room to run - and there's plenty of room for two nest boxes - one for each of us. Now this cage doesn't happen to have a "roof" so my humans can easily have lots of contact with the both of us. I guess if we had a cat, we would have gotten one with a roof - but we don't. I like this better. And the very best thing is Pepper! She's still a baby and she's a girl. I like that. It makes me happy. I overheard my humans say they were going to take me to get neutered next week. I have no idea what that is. I sure hope it's fun.

When choosing a cage for your guinea pigs, be sure to use the lessons Scooter has taught us:

1. Guinea pigs are social creatures. Be sure to house at least two guinea pigs together.


2. Make sure your cage is large enough. Two guinea pigs require at least 6-7 square-feet of living space.


3. Give your guinea pigs a shelter or nest box - something to hide under. It makes them feel secure.


4. If your house is free of "domestic predators" (most notably cats and toddlers) consider a pen or cage with no lid. Not only will this encourage more interaction with your guinea pigs, it will take much of the hassle out of chores like feeding the guinea pigs and cleaning the cage.


5. Don't isolate your guinea pig. Make them a part of your family. Pigs are fun! Place them in an area where the family can interact with them. You'll be glad you did.

With more than 30 years of engineering and management experience, Robert M. Matthews (better known as Bob Matthews) is currently responsible for all C&C cage design and engineering duties at BlueStoneCommerce -- an innovative seller of C&C cages for guinea pigs and rabbits. We here at BlueStoneCommerce are happy and proud to have developed a large base of satisfied and delighted customers (as well as their human owners).

Please visit our website at http://www.BlueStoneCommerce.com for more information on C&C guinea pig and rabbit cages.

Or feel free to visit our blog at http://www.bluestonecommerce.blogspot.com/ to see what's going on with our piggies and our business.

Small Dog Breeds: Small Bodies - Big Hearts

There are many different types of small Dog breeds, each having their own unique characteristics and traits. Each Dog, of course, is a unique individual, but generally most Dogs of a given breed have more similarities than dissimilarities of behavior and personality. Although small Dog breeds are often thought of as highly strung and yappy, this needn't be true at all as long as the dog is cared for correctly, given lots of love and attention, as well as good socialization and training. Small dogs may perhaps not adjust as well to boisterous children and toddlers, but they can do very well with older children and families. Generally, small dog breeds are just ten inches or less high at the shoulder. In most breeds, the male is slightly larger than the female, but the difference is generally small.

It's extremely easy to love small dogs, and one of their great advantages is that they don't take up too much room. But there are other, numerous reasons why a small dog is one of the best types of dog you can have in your life. No matter who you are, there is a type of pet that is small enough to fit easily into your life, but with a heart big enough to fill your days with joy. If you're thinking about getting a new pet, consider any of the small breeds of dogs that you can hold easily and enjoy to the full.

If necessary, a small animal can easily be carried from place to place, and, of course, they are easier to fit in the home as well. When you take your small dog out for a walk you don't have to be afraid all of the time that he's going to pull you over. If you have to travel, a small dog is easier to get in and out of the car, and at night he can snuggle into smaller spaces and still be wonderfully comfortable. All this means, of course, that little dogs are ideal for homes that are smaller and more compact in nature, but they are also perfect for those people with larger homes who don't want to fill all the space up with animals. And when you consider the very wide range of different small dog breeds to choose from - terriers, spaniels, chihuahuas, pomeranians, pugs, dachshunds, etc., etc. - it seems impossible not to find one that is just right for your needs and preferences.

There are many other small dog breeds available so you need to know exactly what you're looking for. You need to make sure that any new dog - whether a small one or not - fits in with your family, your living space and your lifestyle. Before making a final decision on the breed you want, make sure that you do some thorough research and talk to at least a couple of breeders to find just the right match for you and your family.

Terry Roberts is a professional translator and linguist, with a wide range of interests. To read more about small dog breeds - and about dogs in general - visit his website http://www.livingwithadog.com

Are You Sleeping in a Bed of Fleas?

This is going to sound really disgusting, but it's quite possible that you might be sharing your bed with thousands of little fleas. How nasty is that? You might be wondering how this could be possible since you really don't hear about fleas in beds, but are you like many people that let their pets sleep in bed?

If so then you are most likely dealing with fleas in the bed, especially as the weather gets warmer and the fleas come out more and more. If fact since fleas breed in warm temperatures, your bed makes a great breeding ground. Here's how you can fight back and make sure you don't let get in your bed.

Obviously, you want to make sure you keep your Dog off the bed and many pet owners have a hard time breaking this habit. But there are ways to make it easier for you to stick to your guns... get some really nice bedding.

I am talking about silk bedding or bamboo... or really nice cotton bedding. If you get a very luxurious bed then you will want to keep your Dog off your bed at all costs. These really fine types of bedding will get easily snagged by your pets claws and when you spend good money on great sheets... you will protect them. Soon your Dog will get use to not getting on your bed and that will be the end of that.

Next, you might want to take your Dog to see your vet and take an aggressive stance on fighting fleas. This can be done through pills or even treating your yard... I actually think you should do it both ways. The key for this would be to talk to your vet and get all the details about what you can do.

Even big corporations are getting involved and giving people incentives to treat their bed. Companies like Pfizer Animal Health are doing promotions to keep their pets treated... this is that big of an issue.

So use these tactics and make sure you keep your bedding clean and train your dog to not get on that bed. You will get a better sleep as you will be sleeping in a very clean environment.

Dan is one of the guys who helps at TrueMores.com. They specialize in luxury bedding and when it comes to beds, they try to know everything they can. If you want to get some luxury bedding and keep your dog off the bed, then check their bamboo, satin and silk sheets out today.

Modern Technologies Benefit More Than Just People

The Internet and all of its related technologies have without a doubt irrevocably changed our world, and for better or worse, these changes are just the beginning as mankind catches up to the break-neck pace of its own discoveries. While conveniences like instant communications and even live video chat are making our lives better, they have also been employed to help with one of mankind's oldest friends, our pets.

Organizations like The Humane Society, ASPCA, and PETA have been working to protect animals of all kinds for many years, and the emergence of the modern Internet as we know has played an increasing important role in this ongoing task. Local shelters, private individuals, large corporations and even organizations like the National Geographic Society have used the power of modern technologies to raise awareness, prevent abuse, and even help return lost pets to their owners. While the larger organizations use of these technologies is fairly obvious, the impact upon the local shelters and the private citizens that rescue, rehabilitate, and even find new homes for the thousands of stray and abandoned pets across the world, is no less as significant.

How Can Technology Help Our Pets?

Technology has played such an important role in the preservation and protection of our pets that is hard to sum it all up in one sitting. From the microchip system employed to identify lost pets to the medical machines and techniques used to heal them, the electronic world has almost as much influence over our pet's lives as it does our own. The Internet is also a wealth of information for the many questions that will arise over time from strange or unwanted behaviors to the best training or walking strategies, and can often save a great deal of frustration.

Modern communications have also helped with the fight against illegal and less than reputable breeders and distributors, enabling users to check the backgrounds and credentials of distributors instantly and accurately. The World Wide Web has also made is much easier for legitimate breeders to sell to quality owners in much the same way, and also enabled them to reach out to more people than ever before. Finding special breeds like Pomeranian puppies for sale or Ragdoll kittens for sale is now quick and easy, and come with the added peace of mind of knowing that they came from a good environment.

Technology Enables the Average Individual to Help in a Variety of Ways

Even with all of the amazing advances and technologies that are available today, all of the animal protection agencies in the world could not hope to make any difference at all without the help of the average individual. All of these organizations rely on the kindness and generosity of those in the community and around the world to help ensure the ethical and moral treatment of animals.

Donating funds online is just one way that modern techniques are helping, and from obtaining new pets through these organizations and their affiliates to reporting abuse anonymously, the average individual can make a real difference. Many of these organizations have several programs available that need a variety of assistance from helping to spread the message of available pets to alerts for missing ones in a particular area, and just about everything in between.

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Tips for the New Llewellin Setter Puppy Owner

Taking Your Llewellin Setter Puppy Home

There is as much information published on how to nurture and raise your Llewellin puppy, as there is information of caring for a human baby. Frankly, some of the published information appears to be theoretical and much of it does not match our own experience. We thought we would therefore pass on our actual experience in a few areas in no particular order.

Road Trip or Air-ship?

We must say that even if it involves giving up a weekend and driving a few hundred miles, there is no substitute for giving the pup the attention it deserves at this time of departure from its siblings and entry into its new life style.

If possible, plan to have two persons in the car and hold the pup some of the time at least, on the lap, using a towel under him. He may throw up and that is to be expected on first car rides. Have a puppy crate along as well so you have a place to put him if you have to leave the vehicle or as an option. Here is another article with more information on car sickness.

Air-shipping your Llewellin pup may be your only option. If so, make it as easy on the little guy as you can. Ship him "Counter to Counter" and not airfreight. This costs $100 more but it's the way to go. Some airlines will not take live animals (i.e. US Airways). Of those airlines that will ship puppies, some are better than others. Some are very marginal. Our best experiences by far have been with Continental and Delta. Both get our 5 star rating.

Get the Dog breeder to give you a small sample of the puppy food he has been getting. You can mix this food 50/50 with your food of choice for a few days to avoid upset. Or of course feed the same feed he has been eating. Plan to stay with puppy food for the first year of the pup's life.

The Pup's First Days at Home

Once you get the puppy home, especially if he is to live in the house, a number of issues arise. The first one usually being house breaking. As an experienced Llewellin Setter breeder, here is how we handle this:

• Do not start out by allowing pup run of the house. This will compound the problem to no end. He will sneak into rooms and corners unseen to do his thing. Confine him to an assigned area--maybe the kitchen, the laundry room, an enclosed porch or whatever.


• Use baby toddler gates to keep pup where you want him.


• Get pup a wire crate to sleep and hang out in. This is his special space. We prefer not to use a plastic shipping crate, as they are too confining. He needs to be able to see around him.


• You can start by using newspaper as a place to "go." Best, however, is to establish a routine of putting pup outside as soon as he wakes from snoozing or right after eating. Most pups will get the idea quickly but expect some "accidents" for a while, of course

Keeping Your Llewellin Setter Puppy Healthy

The change of water and environment and possibly the pup's food may result in some diarrhea. This affliction can also be the result of an infection he picked up before you got him. If there is blood or mucus present in the stool he could have coccidia. This infection is fairly common in litters of pups and good breeders are mindful of it and know how to treat for it. Nevertheless, it can reappear and is not a big deal if taken care of promptly. The treatment for coccidia is a medication called Albon; given per your vet's instructions the problem will clear up in a day or two.

Simple diarrhea in your Llewellin pup can be treated effectively with this home remedy: Buy a can of pumpkin, (just plain pumpkin, not pie-filling that contains spices) at your grocer. Mix a few spoonfuls of the pumpkin with plain yogurt at about a 50/50 ratio and feed to the pup a couple of times a day. This usually takes care of diarrhea and loose stools from food changes and minor upsets very quickly. Persistent diarrhea in your pup is reason to consult your vet without delay.

Feeding Your Llewellin Setter Pup

You can feed your pup free-choice if no other animals are around by just keeping the food dish full of dry food. Otherwise, feeding your pup twice a day will be fine. Use a high-quality puppy food and do not add anything. Never add milk, scraps, etc.,--nothing to your pup's food. Dry puppy food is best. It helps with the pup teething, keeps tarter down, and you can serve it again if not eaten immediately.

The Safety and Discipline of Your New Llewellin Pup

Put a collar on your pup right away and get him used to it (we sell very fine, Amish-made leather puppy collars at Doggear.com">Hunting Dog Gear). Get a name tag for his collar, also, as he may wander off. Get your pup an implanted microchip at your vet. We like the "Avid" brand.

What to do About Pup's Biting Problem

As the pup grows he will enter into the dog-equivalent of the teenage period and you can expect a few issues; chewing and biting being foremost. Do not accept your puppy biting at all. Stomp on it right away. Do not be afraid to discipline your dog. If you observe the mother with the pups she will not hesitate to growl, bark and bite them if appropriate. You need to do the equivalent of this also as now you are the pack leader.

When the pup bites you grab him by the scruff of the neck and say loudly and clearly, "NO"! If pup persists in biting, grab his ear and dig your thumb into the flap repeating, "NO!" If this makes him cry out, that's fine. At least you know you are giving him feed-back he can understand. Don't try to reason with pup. Don't give him a lecture. Punish him. That's how the animal world works.
Be the Pack Leader

We can highly recommend the writings and videos of Cesar Millan. Especially, "Be the Pack Leader". You may have seen Cesar on the National Geographic channel with his Dog Whisperer series. This is terrific information and it works. At the end of the day, your success with training your bird dog puppy lies to a large extent with your ability to become the "Pack Leader" up front.

What to do About Pup's Chewing Problem

As for the pup chewing, he needs to do this; he will do this no matter what. So give him something he's allowed to chew on. There's no shortage of puppy-products in the stores, but we favor the" Nylabone". It is a good product with no danger to the pup.

Let Your Bird Dog Puppy be a Puppy!

You don't have to be concerned about the bird part of it very much. Your Llewellin puppy already knows all that stuff from the day it is born. That's what you paid the breeder for. Over 100 years of selective breeding to do one thing comes right along with the genes!

Let your puppy be a puppy... sounds logical, I know. But, when given a smart, quick learner, there is a temptation to move too fast. How do I know? Well, we get the e-mails, photos, and so on showing the 5-month old pups retrieving and journals on the 6-month old pup who put up 100 Pheasants and so on. It is very tempting to have a braggin' dog that's only a year old and so on. Some of these dogs turn out fine and some crash along the way. They stop retrieving and become sour or won't handle or won't back or you name it. The gun dog pup folds to the pressure because they are not mature until 2 years old. Take it easy. Take the steps one at a time, don't rush things. Let the dog communicate to you when he's ready for the next step--they have a way of doing that. Never go forward on sketchy groundwork. Spend lots of time on the basic yard work. Heel, Whoa and Come must be firmly established before you go onto birds. Better look for the dog to be finished at 2 years than pressure him at 9 months.

Read more articles at Keith Smith's Llewellin Setter Breeder's Blog

Learn more about Lynnhill's world-renowned Llewellin Setters at Lynnhill Llewellin Setters

Keith H. Smith, breeder of Llewellin Setters
Owner of Lynnhill Llewellin Setters in Saegertown, PA.

Smartest Animal in the World

Scientists have done lot of research and have come to a conclusion that the smartness in animal is measured three aspects such as emotions, self recognition and language. When the first aspect, which is emotion, is considered, it has been found that chimpanzees tend react to emotions in a correct manner. It is quite obvious that chimpanzees react to emotions because they have genes that resemble human genes, and this resemblance is up to 98 percent.

When self recognition is considered, one would notice that animals are not good at it. A sparrow has been noticed quite often pecking at its own picture in a mirror for many hours. However, a study by Gordon Gallup Jr carried out in the year 1970 proved that there are animals which can pass the self recognition test. The smartest among them were chimpanzees, orangutans, gorillas, bottlenose dolphin, orcas, elephants, European magpies and even pigs. Among all other mammals, dolphins were the only ones which could recognize themselves.

The next aspect about smartness is the language. Almost all animals have the ability to speak, but the ability to communicate is generally missing in most of them. However, studies have shown a fact that prairie Dogs are able to communicate impending danger to one another. The language that they speak includes chirps that signify around one hundred different words. Their words also include adjectives and verbs.

After considering all these three aspects about smartness and various researches, there are ten smart animals in the planet. These are the dirty pigs, crows, rats, African grey parrot, elephants, octopus, bottlenose dolphins, pigeons and Portia Labiata jumping spider and squirrel.

About Author:
Kum Martin is an online leading expert in animal care. He also offers top quality articles like:
World Largest Catfish, Goldfish Disease Symptoms

What is the Meanest Dog Breed? A Must Read

Pit bulls, Rottweilers and German Shepherds can randomly come off of almost anyone's head. Their bad reputation and accounts of people who have had bad experiences with them seem to be enough to judge the aforementioned breeds. However, the American Kennel Club maintains that there is no such thing as a mean Dog. They usually become mean when their owners abuse them or train them for fighting. Somehow, you can look at it in a "Nature vs. Nurture" point of view.

To expound further, Rottweilers and American Pitbulls are generally classified as working Dogs. They were tasked to hunt and pull carts for their owners. They were and are still kept as house pets because they are generally good natured and loyal to their families. Their loud barks and strong jaws can also keep an intruder or a petty thief away. Then again, if they are such good dogs, one would have to ask why they were made to endure a horrible reputation.

American Pit Bulls and Rottweiler are quite famous in the dog fighting scene. The same strength and general musculature that they use to help people has caught the attention of dog fighting enthusiasts. When trained properly their big bites can be potentially lethal. Yes, dog fighting is still illegal in most countries but sadly there are still a lot of people who gets involved with this underground spectator sport.

What usually happens is that when people breed them for this purpose, they usually train them to be overly aggressive. They are taught to attack any dog with the purpose of maiming them in a "battle". After a rigid and often violent training, they more often lose their inherent trait of loyalty and gentleness. What the breeder will then have is an attack dog that purely acts on their "animal instincts". To make things worse, their bad "dog - fighting" and "spike - wearing" image can easily get stuck to almost anyone's mind.

The same scenario can be applied when a dog is abused. Generally a very patient dog will tolerate as much abuse as it can take. But when a dog is shown inhumanity all his life, he is bound to give in at one point or another and act according to his instinct to protect himself. If biting and fighting can make him keep his life, then that is what he will do.

What does this all mean?

That means that dogs are only as good as how you train them to be. Their genes and inherent traits can be easily changed based on their environment. In fact, anyone can turn the warmest and most affectionate Labrador Retriever to a monster if they want to.

So, the answer to the question posted above is none. No one has the capability to single out the "meanest breed" technically because every breed can be mean. The lesson here is that if you do not want a mean dog, then do not raise them to be that way. Treat them the way you would treat your own family. You would even be surprised to know that if given enough love, they can be the most loyal and loving companion one could ever get.

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Small Business Failures - Causes and Prevention Tips

Every year, more and more entrepreneurs experience small business failures. The reasons behind these seemingly sudden deaths vary. However, these causes are avoidable if you know how. As early as now, you can take measures to prevent your business from dying on you.

Read on to learn the causes of small business failures, and how to prevent them.

Cause # 1: Poor Management

One of the major reasons for small business failures is poor management. I've heard so many stories about entrepreneurs being too laid-back that they succumb to mediocre management.

A word of advice: Small businesses may be easier to manage than large multi-national companies, but that doesn't mean they don't need your attention any less.

When you let your guard down, that's when you start missing some of the most crucial details. Customer service disappoints... Your own employees steal from you... Overall quality simply isn't worth it anymore. The best thing to do here is to remain dedicated to your work. Have every minor detail go through you first.

Cause # 2: Poor Location

Starting a business isn't just about having the capital to set it up. It's also about knowing where to put it up. Lack of careful planning leads to small business failures. For example, you can't exactly start an ice cream business in a place that is always cold and stormy, or in a place where no one eats ice cream at all.

In order to avoid wasting time and money, make sure you conduct a serious study on the nature of your business and where it would most likely thrive. Conduct a feasibility study or a survey. Do everything you can to prepare yourself before the business actually materializes.

Cause # 3: Poor Marketing

Build it and they will come. Yeah right; if it's only that easy. But you can't just start a business and expect people to know what it's all about.

Unless you practice your marketing chops or at least generate a bit of buzz, don't expect to be flooded by customers. In fact, don't expect to have any customers at all. At most, all you'll have is a curious bystander or two. Even word-of-mouth requires you to do something to get people to talk.

Every business has a different gimmick to get people to come to them. The most reliable would be to advertise in the local newspaper or to give out flyers in the street. Others like to play loud, catchy music to get people to notice them.

With these tips, you don't need to fear small business failures. Yours will go on living and growing for a long time to come.

Want to know the success secrets of the world's richest business people? Discover their secrets, and take a FREE quiz to know if you have what it takes to get rich, at http://www.expertpersuader.com/successupgrade.

General History of Dogs

There is no disagreement on the idea, that in the earliest period of mans habitation on this planet he made a friend and companion out of some sort of native representative, of our modern Dog, and in doing so earned a corner in mans dwelling and a share of his food. In return mans companion gave aid in protecting him from wilder animals and also guarded his sheep and goats. We have Dog remains dating from about 10 to 15 thousand years back. More then likely the animal was originally a wolf cub found by a hunter or an ailing wolf driven from its wild pack forced to seek shelter in an alien environment. One could well conceive the possibility of a partnership beginning in the circumstance of some helpless whelps being brought home by early hunters to be tended and reared by women and children. Dogs being introduced onto the home front as playthings for children would grow to become one of the family members, trusted and cared for as pets.

The great multitude of different breeds of Dogs and vast differences in their size, points, and general appearance are facts which make it difficult to believe that they could have common ancestry. Think of the differences between the Mastiff and the Japanese Spaniel, the Deerhound and the fashionable Pomeranian or the St. Bernard and the miniature Black and Tan Terrier, contemplating the possibility of them having descended from common DNA is perplexing. One suggestion is as humans increased trading increased and pups were traded and swapped for their inbred qualities.

The grey wolf and modern dogs are so closely related that they can still interbreed producing fully viable offspring.The scientific world came to an agreement in 1993 and changed the dog classification from Canis Familiaris to Canus Lupis, a direct descendant of the Grey Wolf.

Kathy Bampfield is editor of Green guide tips. A community website dedicated to helping people live a greener lifestyle one small step at a time.... http://www.greenguidetips.com