Before going to a puppy breeder, it is important to decide which breed of dog is the best match. A dog breeder at a kennel will ask you questions, so a good idea would be to research some of the breeds that you are interested in. One option may be the smaller dogs such as the Pomeranians, Shih Tzu, Cairn Terriers, Poodles, West Highland White or “Westies”, Tibetan Terriers, Pekingese, Papillion, Japanese Chin, or the Lhasa Apso.

If you are interested in a larger dog consider the Great Dane or a Mastiff, or a medium-sized dog such as an American Cocker Spaniel or a Border Collie. Research different breeds according to their size and personality so you get the right match. Many large dogs are at shelters and pounds, unwanted and neglected by their previous owners. About 25% that are abandoned are purebreds, with the remaining as mixed breeds either of known or unknown backgrounds. You may be able to adopt a large or small breed from a shelter rather than purchasing one through a dog breeder or a kennel.

You Have Decided – Now What?

Local dog breeder clubs usually have a list of the different puppy breeders in your area and the breed of dogs that they raise. Phone numbers are generally listed with the clubs as well as information their kennel, including their location. Now that you have decided on the breed you want, it would be a good idea to check them out with breeders and owners of that breed. You need to make sure this is the breed you want.

Another good ideas is to check with veterinarians in the area. They can refer excellent breeders and kennels who raise that particular breed, as compared to you checking out unknown breeders through the want ads or magazines, with no experience about that breed. Many perspective puppy buyers get information from pet shops, newspapers, national dog magazines, and websites. Sometimes this is not a good thing, especially if you lack knowledge about the breed you want. If you can, find someone close by who has a puppy or an adult dog of the breed you want. Visit with them, watch the dog, and learn about the dog’s personality and who he actually is. Do not be afraid to ask questions; make a list before you visit. You may find there are traits about the dog you don’t like but didn’t know about, traits that may change your mind about that breed.

One example is the American Eskimo. Everybody wants one of those cute little white fluffy puppies; they cannot keep their hands off them. But once they grow up, they like to play in the water, splashing in their water dishes until the water is out of the bowls and onto the floor – and them, digging holes if they get too hot on a daily basis, and defend their owners to a fault. They shed twice a year, blowing their coats and look awful during this time. They need lots of brushing and care, and are very affectionate and want to be with people. Many owners eventually may change their mind down the road, wanting either to return the dog around one year of age, or give it away. It is best to check this out before purchasing the puppy, as it is a hardship on the dog and the family, when the dog is removed from a family he has learned to love and care for. A responsible dog breeder that runs a good kennel will always share the good and more challenging points of the breed.

Visiting The Kennel And Puppy Breeder

There are many types of dog breeders who raise puppies to sell. Some sell because of money, some sell because they love the breed, and some sell to supply pre-orders of their line. Either way, you should choose approximately three puppy breeders to visit with, in order to get a good comparison of the breed you want. Any hesitation or avoidance of your questions on the part of the breeder needs to be looked at carefully. Maybe that is the breeder you do not want to do business with. But generally, between the three breeders most of your questions should be answered.

The breeder of choice should be the one who has the most knowledge about the breed you want, does not hesitate but is open and honest with you, supplies a health guarantee, and really seems to like his animals. If you are at the breeders’ establishment, the puppies should look healthy and have lots of energy. Make sure you view the parents of the puppy, as that is what it will eventually resemble.

Finding good dog breeders and puppy breeders does take time and effort, but a well run kennel is more likely to produce healthy, happy and well socialized puppies, which is what you really want.

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Making your home and yard dog or pet friendly isn't as difficult as it may seem, although it is very important for the safety of your four legged companion. Different issues such as installing a safe dog gate that won't come open, checking the area for poisonous or toxic plants, ensuring that the fence is sturdy and well maintained as well as keeping certain items out of your dog's reach in the house are all good ideas.

Danger To Dogs! Poisons and Toxins in the House

Most dog and pet owners are well aware that the same things that are toxic or poisonous to us as humans are equally dangerous for our pets. What owners may not realize is that some things that don't cause us any problems can be problematic for a dog, cat or other pet. Some common household items and foods that need to be kept well away from dogs include:

• Chocolate
• Grapes and Raisins
• Macadamia Nuts
• Any foods with artificial sweeteners or natural sugar
• Raw eggs, raw fish or raw liver or fat trimmings
• Milk and dairy products
• Any foods or drinks with caffeine
• Human vitamins with iron supplements
• Human prescription medications or over the counter pain kills or anti -inflammatories
• Cat food
• Baby food
• Many houseplants including species of pothos, ivy and ferns

Any dog can be allergic to almost any food item, however preservatives and chemicals found in human foods, especially processed foods, are often the most problematic. To be pet friendly to your dog it is important to avoid feeding any human food or table scraps or limit them to very small quantities on an infrequent basis.

Dog Poisons In The Yard And Garage

While there are pet friendly options or "green" products available, most of the cleaners, car fluids, chemicals and paints that we store in our garages are going to be toxic to dogs. Antifreeze is one of the most dangerous chemicals for dogs and its sweet taste is guaranteed to attract a dog or puppy. Even a tablespoon can be fatal, so buy the pet friendly type and keep your dog away from any areas where it is stored or your car is parked.

Other poisons in your yard may include the plants that you have so carefully selected for your landscaping. Some of the more problematic and common decorative plants that can cause mild to serious reactions in a dog include:

• Begonias
• Amaryllis
• Chrysanthemum
• Calla Lily
• Daffodils
• Ivy
• Honeysuckle
• Marigold
• Lantana
• Oleander
• Rhododendron
• Wisteria

One way to maintain your flower garden in a pet friendly fashion is to use a decorative fence and close it off using a dog gate. Dog gates are specially designed to avoid the dog learning to jump up and open the latch. Believe it or not many dogs can quickly learn just how to do this. A dog gate will have a double secure system using a pin that goes through a hole in the gate latch to prevent it from being pushed up and open by the dog.

Keeping your dog safe in a pet friendly yard and house is an important part of being a responsible dog owner. Don't forget that a baby gate can also double as a dog gate in the house, keeping your pet out of certain rooms or areas for their safety and your peace of mind.

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Dog theft, regardless of the dog breed, seems to be on the rise. But up until lately, there was no answer to the problem. Meeting after meeting seems to hold only a few solutions, yet the thievery continues along with the lack of response to the crime itself. And then some facts and incidents came together, to show what were actually the reasons behind the theft. Due to this, finally tough laws and rules are being put into effect to punish the perpetrator, instead of a slap on the wrist or ignoring the crime.

Dog Theft As Bait For Dog-Fighting Rings

A couple of years ago, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in Arizona found out why they had been finding dead bodies of dogs in their desert. Stolen family pets were being taken from yards and homes to serve as bait for bloody training exercises in dog fighting rings, being mauled to death or outright killed. Unfortunately, the problem isn’t only in Arizona but throughout the country, according to animal welfare groups and law enforcement officers.

The animals that were found dead were not strays, as the pads of their feet and their nails were not worn down, as stray dogs have. So lost-and-stolen animal reports were checked, and a correlation was found between those found and those reported, according to Duffey, co-chair of the Animal Cruelty Taskforce of Southern Arizona. The next correlation was that the location of the dead dogs was next to pit-bull fighting rings, which were advertised in the American Patriot Journal.

In a six-month period, over 3,396 animals in Arizona had been reported missing, with 50% of them actually being stolen. California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas are only a few of the additional states that are associated with the dog theft issues. Small dogs, kittens, and rabbits are stolen for bait while pit bulls are stolen for breeding stock by the dog fighting rings.

Dog Fighting Statistics

There is an increase in the dog fighting, even though it is illegal in 50 states and is considered a felony in 47. Detective Mike Vadnal, a 12-year veteran of animal crime investigation in Broward County, Florida, says “There’s so much of it going on [nationally], that it is out of control.”

The U.S. Humane Society keeps a database of the bloody dog fighting, estimating that in 2004, over 40,000 people are involved, with 250,000 pit bulls being used. The Internet has helped fuel the sport, and dog fighting has over 200 people watching and cheering the fighting while bets of $10,000 to $50,000 are made. The spectators are now linked to other crimes, such as auto theft, drug dealing, arms smuggling and money laundering. But young teenagers seem to be the ones who do the actual stealing of the pets, with some of them actually breeding and selling the pit bull puppies for a high income. The stolen dogs may be of any dog breed, thieves seem to pick rather randomly for bait dogs.

Recent Cases of Dog Fighting

In Cleveland, Texas, a report came through on August 8, 2006 that sheriff’s deputies, when investigating a home invasion, found more than 300 pit bulls, that were being bred for illegal dog fighting operations throughout the country. They are now in the hands of the Humane Society.

One web site that has the latest statistics of dog fighting is Pet-Abuse.com. On August 14, 2006 there were 596 total cases of dog fighting in the United States alone that were documented. Alleged were 394 cases with 33 open cases, and 131 individuals were convicted.

While there is no doubt that dog fighting and the theft of dogs is illegal, it is also a problem that needs to be addressed by the dog owners and community. Keeping close tabs on dogs and monitoring any strange activity in neighbors with regards to any dog breed, dog breeder or even dog owner is important.

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This was forwarded to me from the Border Collie banter elist - if you are the author please contact me to be credited for writing your article!

YELLOW URKA-GURKAS

BLAP DISEASE

GARKS

RALFS

In all the above events, the dog is entirely healthy and indeed deeply pleased with himself.

• “I’m bored.”

• “There’s nothing to do.”

• “I’m tired of staying in the house.”

• “I want you to play with me!”

If you have kids these are familiar complaints. If you have a dog these are also familiar complaints, you just don’t hear them in these words. A long winter, a rainy spring, anything that keeps you and your canine cooped up in the house can lead to boredom.

There are lots of indoor games you can play with your dog when you can’t go outside for one reason or another. All it takes is some creativity, a sense of fun, and a few doggie treats.

Hide and Seek

This is an easy game to teach your dog. Start by having him sit/stay in one room while you go into another room and hide – in plain sight to start with. Call his name and when he comes to you give him a treat and lots of praise. Repeat the process several times; as your dog gets the hang of it try hiding in different rooms and more difficult-to-find places.

Treasure Hunt

You’d get bored eating the same food out of the same bowl every day, and it’s no different for your dog. For a fun change divide her food up into smaller portions and put them in different hiding spots around the room. Start with easy places, then as she gets the hang of it you can make it more interesting by using different rooms and different hiding places.

Find The Toy

This variation on Hide and Seek teaches your dog to search out a specific toy instead of a person. The first step is to select one toy and give it a name. Take away all of the other toys and place just the selected toy in the middle of the room. Tell your dog to “Get the (whatever it is)” then give him a treat and lots of praise when he gets it. As he gets better and better at it, hide the toy in increasingly difficult places.

Advanced Find The Toy

This is fun for your dog and is sure to impress your friends. Using the same process as Find The Toy, teach your dog to recognize other toys. Pick a second toy, give it a name, and teach her to find it. Once she knows two toys, you can hide them both and change up which one you tell her to get. The variations on this game grow in number as your dog learns to recognize more and more toys.

Before you know it, you and your pet will be playing all sorts of games together, coming up with new ways to play and enjoying every minute of it. Teaching your dog to play games helps relieve boredom during times of confinement and more importantly, strengthens the bond between you and your best friends.

The death of a pet dog is as upsetting as that of any other family member. It can be agonizing. Do not dismiss it in yourself or anyone else as a frivolous state. You are suffering from real grief. It will not abet if you do not acknowledge it. You must accept you are in mourning. Only after you accept this sensation as legitimate, can you learn to cope with the feeling the loss of a dog brings.

A person mourning pet loss goes through various stages of grief. These include initial denial, bargaining or confrontation, anger and depression and eventual acceptance. These are the same stages involved in grieving the death of a person. In both cases, the grief is genuine. In both situations, the process is intensely personal.

When faced with the death of a pet dog, you need to find ways to cope. The loss of a dog can lead to ignoring the situation. Refusing to acknowledge the pet loss is not therapeutic. In fact, the first rule of coping with the death of a dog is to accept it and the grief it brings. Give yourself the right to grief your dog. Do not hide it. This does not give you permission to become a total emotional person, but it does allow you to grieve

This is not the only way to cope. There are several others. You can see the list below.

• Turn towards your other pets. They, too, are suffering. Spend special time with them. It will help heal the wounds.

• Find someone who is willing and able to listen. Choose someone who understands how you feel about the death of a pet dog. Call on family friends and members. They should understand your feelings.

• If you do not have anyone to relate to or if your grief is dragging on too long, contact and animal support group.

• Volunteer to assist at a Shelter or for a Pet Rescue Group. This will allow you to ease into the animal world without taking full responsibility for another dog. It may also help you to take the next step back into pet custody if you wish.

• Foster a dog. This way, you have an animal at home for a temporary amount of time. You can help each other get over the pain you are both going through.

• If you are ready, and it is right for you, choose another dog. Remember, you are not replacing the dead pet. You are providing a loving environment for another family member.

• Memorialize your pet in a fashion suitable to the dog and for you.

By admitting your loss and moving on with life, you are doing the best for you and future pets. Let the death of a pet dog open the doors wide for the next animal’s entry into your loving home.