29 Jul 10 Halloween Costumes for Dogs

Why would anybody dress their dogs up for Halloween? Well for some of us dog lovers its all about our dogs being a part of the family. When kids come to the door on Halloween to trick or treat we get such a kick out of seeing their costumes; at least my family and I do and the kids love it when they see your dogs all dressed up in their Dog Halloween Costumes.

Halloween costumes for dogs are as different and nearly as numerous as the costumes for kids and adults. And so many of the costumes can be matched so it can really be about family and you can have Halloween family costumes; have all of the family dress up in Superman outfits for instance. There are Superman and Supergirl child and adult costumes and round it all out with a dog Halloween costume of Superman or Supergirl. That is just one example. You can do the same with pirate costumes or Shrek costumes or fairy costumes–well you get the idea.

19 Jul 10 Parrot Care Tips

Providing the proper kind of parrot care means that you will be taking on a lot of daily responsibilities. If you do not have the time to devote to these kinds of things every day, then you should consider choosing another kind of pet.

The biggest part of caring for a parrot is providing the right kind of environment. The cage needs to be large enough that the bird can stretch out his wings full span without touching the bars of the cage, this will be a very large cage and you can even find some that you walk into yourself and be able to stand straight up.

Tags: parrot care

18 Jul 10 Fish Tank Decoration To Perk Up Your Dull Aquarium

In general, those who think of using fish tank decoration to add more life to their basic and boring aquariums neglect to keep in mind some important tips for decorating aquariums. People who forget these tips typically feel less pleased with the new way their fish tanks look.

For this reason, if you’d like to ensure that your aquarium looks better after using attractive decorations, you should know the secrets to perking up your dull aquarium. Aside from feeling happier with how your improved aquarium looks, you would also feel pleased with how vitalized your pets seem after giving their homes a worthwhile makeover.

Here are a few important things you should remember while using enticing fish tank decoration for upgrading your home aquarium.

Tags: aquarium decoration, decorating aquariums, fish tank decoration

17 Jul 10 Find a tick on your cat?

If you are too squeamish to remove the tick yourself you can make a trip to the veterinarian to get it removed. This could cost you some money though that you may not want to spend. Instead grab your plastic gloves and your tweezers. You grab the tick on its head right at the skin of the cat. Gently pull to extract the tick from the skin. You don’t want to pop the tick’s body though this could cause bacteria to get into your cat’s system through their skin. Make sure to get all the head of the tick out too.

You can kill the tick by with a paper towel but not your bare fingers. Throw the tick in the trash afterward. Remember do not touch the tick bare-handed at all. If you do not want to go through this removal process all the time do something to prevent ticks from getting on your cat.

Tags: cat, Cats, prevent ticks, ticks

16 Jul 10 A Different Kind Of Dog Training Book

If you’re looking for a dog training book that has a different perspective, then Do You Speak Dog is the book for you! Written by an avid dog lover and a veteran of dog training for over 20 years this book shows you how to train your dog by speaking to him on his level – a level he is sure to understand. With this book you will learn how to do thoughtful training that is sure to be effective and fun for both you and your dog. This book is great for anyone who has had trouble training their dog or has a dog that might have some behavior issues out of the norm.

Tags: dog training book

16 Jul 10 Fish Holding Tanks: Best Practices

If you’re an aquarium owner interested in breeding your fish, you will need to get a holding tank. Trying to leave a female fish in your main aquarium will create many possible problems: she could be harassed and picked on by other fish, or the tiny fry might be eaten by other tank occupants as soon as she releases the eggs.

Although holding tanks can solve the aforementioned problems, they also come with some challenges of their own. Keeping a holding tank properly cycled can be difficult when there are no fish present to keep the ammonia cycle going. And a holding tank will also have variants in the quantity and the size of its fishy inhabitants, as smaller fish have much less waste and therefore create fewer components for the needed nitrogen cycle.

Tags: Fish Holding Tanks, Holding Tanks

07 Jul 10 Squidoo – about – Prevent Leash Pulling By Your Puppy

My pupy – all about puppy and Dogs an article review – squidoo – videos all about How To Prevent Leash Pulling By Your Puppy – Every dog lover who has ever had a puppy on a leash, know what it is to have the dog jumping and pulling on the leash. In some cases the pooch is pulling so hard that it makes the dog gag. However, this behavior problem is something that can be dealt with effectively and quickly. And much more about Leash full article reiview – squidoo – video at: Leash

From: Las Vegas one stop shop home and garden decor

Tags: Leash, Puppy

06 Jul 10 The Importance Of Rottweiler Training

Rottweiler training is pretty important if you want a Rottie that is well behaved and doesn’t get into trouble. While training is critical for any dog, the Rottweiler benefits immensely because this breed of dog likes to be “the boss” so it is important that you show him who is the alpha dog so that you can control him easily should he be heading for danger or exhibiting an unwanted behavior. In the end, a well behaved dog is a lot easier to care for and won’t go around ruining your home and belongings or jumping up and knocking down your friends and neighbors.

30 Jun 10 Salt Water Fish Tank

I have never owned a Salt Water Fish Tank until recently and that was only through luck as my partner and I decided to combine 2 houses into one and live together. I have to admit that I did try to talk him out of bringing this huge tank with him and I grumbled about the room that it would take setting the whole thing up.

It was a real performance at first he cleaned everything meticulously before adding the water the heater was turned on to warm the contents to get this to the correct temperature before we could introduce the tropical fish to their new home. I secretly admired how beautiful the set up was and eagerly awaited the fish to be introduced.

The day the fish were entered to their new tank I was at work and had an extremely difficult and stressful afternoon. I kicked my shoes off when I entered the lounge room with a glass of wine in hand and I started to watch the fish darting in and out from behind the rocks and before too long I was mesmerized.

After watching the fish swim around and explore their new surroundings for a good 20 minutes I had started to unwind and forget about the problems that arose during the day. I now love the fact that the fish tank takes pride and place in our living room, and that any friends or visitors are immediately attracted to the tank which then becomes a conversation starter.

Tags: fish, fish accessories, fish tank, salt water fish tank

18 Jun 10 Lightweight Portability with the Soft Dog Crate

After several hours of traveling on the road, you are bone tired. While staring at space, all you have in mind is a warm, comfortable bed that will lift you off to sleep. If you think you’re agitated, try to consider you canine companion at your back, an animal whose natural tendency is to roam, restricted in an uncomfortable space for hours on end. It is for this reason that a soft dog crate was created.

Traveling should not be a hindrance to the comfort of dogs. There are many options out there that give an ideal of comfort and portability at the same time. Same as humans, dogs should always travel light. Traveling light has numerous advantages for both the dog and the owner. This said, a soft dog crate is one of the essentials when bringing the pet with you.

A soft crate is a more comfortable alternative to a wire dog crate in any setting, even at home. Soft crates are foldable, washable, storable and transportable shelters. Soft dog crates are made up of a combination of materials like mesh, nylon and foam. The materials are usually chosen to provide warm insulation and visibility for the owner. Some are also water-resistant for those who like to take their dogs outdoors constantly. They are convenient ways to provide the dog the same security of a warm home during long trips like dog shows or a visit to the country.

If you are looking for more information on dog crates for sale, please visit my website.

Tags: dog crates for sale

07 Jun 10 Choosing Flea and Tick Products

As we head into the heart of pet flea and tick season, we each have to reevaluate the products we use to keep those pesky fleas and ticks off our dogs and cats.

There are several good products on the market made by manufacturers such as Advantage and Frontline that usually do the trick in keeping pests off our outdoor pets. Many pet owners have their own personal favorite brand, but some people switch back and forth, based upon price and coupons, to control fleas and ticks.

I’m in the camp that believes that it isn’t necessarily which brand you use that will bring you success in stopping fleas and ticks, but rather the process you have for purchasing and applying the medications, along with reasonable monitoring of your pet’s actions, behavior and life style.

It’s more important that the medication is applied correctly and timely than it is which name brand product you use. Now, that being said, it’s also important to make sure that you are buying a product that is actually made by that manufacturer, and not a counterfeit product, which is still common in this industry. A counterfeit product will not be as effective as the real thing. To help make sure you are buying a true product of that manufacturer, try to purchase your meds at a local vet or a reputable store.

Tags: fleas, ticks

02 Jun 10 Training Border Collies

Would you like to learn about training Border Collies? I bet you would so here are some.

Borders are smart,learn easily and love to keep being taught.However, if left to their own guidance they are quite innovative and inventive in just how and what they learn.From the beginning you will need to assert yourself as the chief.When that’s proven Borders are going to acknowledge their place in the scheme of things and end up being some of the most reliable and hardworking dogs you may have.They always like to please!But if left to their own, issues might quickly brew.

Just as with any dog,you must not make an effort to educate your Border should you be annoyed or angry.Your feelings will show through and he will react to it,more than likely in the wrong manner.Borders tend not to do too well when you get upset with them since they love to please, so teaching time has to be entertaining for both of you.Make it a challenge or a game.The key factor is that you should play your “game” every time at the same time.

With his a considerable assortment of energy,you had better get your Border used to his leash and collar quickly.It’s never too soon to accomplish this considering he could be a handful to control down the road.

The best way to get started is to just put on a soft collar.You should not yank it snug,just good enough so that your pups head isn’t likely to pull right out of the collar.I prefer to make space for one or two fingers to fit beneath collar with room to spare.Allow him walk all over with the collar on.He will probably try and scratch it off at the outset.In the end he will become accustomed to it and pay no attention to it.

As soon as he has “mastered” the collar,it is time for his leash.Simply hook it to the collar and let him move around with it attached.He is going to believe that something is chasing after him and try to escape.At some point he should settle down and ignore this too.Just be certain to watch so that he isn’t getting stuck on something and injure himself.

With his leash loose and trailing after him,this is actually the the optimal time to figure out if he will walk with you.Congratulations if he does as this is a momentous event.Offer him lots of praise(something Borders really like) when he continues to follow your lead.If he does not you could possibly try his favorite treat to motivate him.Dogs in most cases and Border Collies particularly are sensitive to physical punishment so do not yank on the leash.

Keep on practicing with the collar and leash and before long your Border pup will find out that the leash suggests he is going somewhere fun and exciting.

Always remember that Borders are sharp and quick on the uptake.They are agreeable participants in whatever you’re up to,incredibly inquisitive,faithful and really love to be able to help make you pleased.However,using that to your advantage will be the real key to teaching Border Collies.

Go here to learn more about training Border Collies.

02 Jun 10 Are You Crate Training Your Dog

All training starts with taking advantage of your dog’s natural inclinations to reinforce the behavior you want. The only place your dog will not, by nature, mess, is its sleeping place. Crate training works with your dog’s instinct – he never has the opportunity to be “bad.”

Crate training your dog is fairly intense for you. The rule is: if you are not actively paying attention to your dog, your puppy is in the crate. Period. Even if you’re in the same room. If you’re not watching your puppy, it’s in the crate. If you think “caging” your dog is cruel, get over it. It’s worse for your dog not to know the rules of the house.

Crate training is not an excuse to ignore your dog for hours at a time. A puppy cannot go more than a couple of hours during the day without a “bathroom break.” If your dog learns to mess in its crate the behavior is very difficult to correct. It’s of the biggest challenges when adopting strays or rescues from shelters. It can be done, but requires patience and dedication.

Dogs should be taken out at regular intervals; after meals, after naps and after play sessions. And “business” walks are not playtime. Put the collar and leash on, take the dog to a specific spot you want it to use for its toilet area, give your dog a command “go potty.” If it does, reward it with praise and cookies, say “good go potty.” Forget about public embarrassment. If you’re easily embarrassed, don’t get a dog. Of course you can use any words you want – a friend of ours used “hit it” with her dogs. She just had to be careful not to use the phrase under other circumstances.

Your puppy should also sleep in the crate, ideally in your bedroom. Dogs are social animals, they need to know their “pack” or family, is close by. If the dog wakes you in the night, take it out on leash. Give it 10 minutes to “do its business,” go back in, pop him in his crate, say goodnight and go back to bed. Don’t let the dog out by itself, even in a fenced yard. Again, this isn’t playtime.

As your dog learns what’s expected of him, the next phase is to keep the dog on leash, out of the cage. Tie the leash around a belt loop so that you can go about your daily routine with both hands free. Keep one eye on the dog. When you see his “gotta go” signals, drop what you’re doing and go. Some people are successful in hanging a bell on the doorknob. They ring the bell whenever they take the dog out. The dog learns, over time, to ring the bell when it has to go. Others teach their dogs to “speak” as a signal to go out.

Our dogs are always crated when we leave the house. At this point, they see us reaching for their crate toys (which we stuff with a little peanut butter or kibble) and run for their crates. We don’t necessarily even lock the crates, but they are available to the dogs at all times. It’s their “room,” a safe place they can always go to.

Just a note of caution and safety: never leave a collar or harness on your dog in the crate. It can get caught and cause problems.

Crate training your dog? Click on the link.

25 May 10 Everyone Should Know How to Potty Train a Puppy; It’s Easy

I’ve owned several dogs throughout my life, and I know of the great joy and affection that man’s best friend can bring. I am also aware of the not-so-pleasant aspects of having a young dog, such as those occasions he does not quite make it outside before he does his business.

Sometimes, it is simply a matter of people forgetting to let the dog out, and it really could not be avoided. Other times, it is because the dog is young and doesn’t know any better. I have observed many methods that different people have used, but there is one way of how to potty train a puppy that I have found works better than any other.

When I was a boy, my dad always told me that the best way to train a dog to go outside was by swatting him on the nose with a newspaper every time that he went inside and putting him out into the backyard. I guess that was the whole negative reinforcement theory of potty training.

The only problem with that method of how to potty train a puppy was that I could never bring myself to swat him on the nose. I did once, and he whimpered, and I felt absolutely terrible. I immediately pulled him into my arms and started petting him and hugging him, and he began to lick me and wag his tail. I felt like an absolute jerk.

I had another friend who told me that when she was trying to figure out how to potty train a puppy, she stumbled upon a way that worked and required no discipline. She said she basically made sure that her dog went out at the same time, three times a day. She said the dog would get used to going outside and would do its business out there.

That is definitely a great idea, but the problem there is that life gets in the way. She was a stay-at-home mom and could make sure that her dog was out at the exact same time every day. I did not have that ability, so my dog was still making messes in the house.

Finally, I was reading about a man who said he had found the best way to potty train a puppy, and it was pretty simple. He said to put down newspaper for the dog to go on, and then each day, gradually move that paper closer to the back door. Eventually, the dog will go all the way to the back door and then you can just let him out.

I tried that method, and within a week, my dog was going outside, and there were no more messes to clean up in the house.

In trying to determine how to potty train a puppy, I have found that a little patience and a lot of newspaper works best. It may take a few days, but there is no discipline involved, and you do not have to worry about following a rigid schedule.

The author has been writing articles online for 4 years now. Come visit his latest site The Cash Code review that reviews The Cash Code by Michael Jones.

25 May 10 Dog training Books how To Get The Most From Them

L have a brand new article giving advice and informative information on how to get the best out of a dog training books.Whether you bring home a puppy or a full-grown dog, it is important to have a plan in place. In a new home with new owners a dog will require some form of training so that everyone can coexist peacefully. There are several dog training books on specific methods available to help train your pet. If you stick to one method of training, be certain to research it and know what other owners and your veterinarian think about it. If your dog needs training in certain areas, choose a method that focuses on particular types of behavior. Whatever your preference there is a large variety of dog training books available to assist you with making a dog a wonderful addition to your family.

If you want to learn more tips and advice on how to get the most out of dog training books

Tags: dog training books

21 May 10 Puppy Training Biting – How do I go about it?

Puppy training biting is something I have learnt the hard way. I have spent a good four weeks trying so hard to teach my new puppy to stop biting.

The dog would most outrageously bite anyone who happened to come over and then spend all its free time chewing on anything it found on the floor or less within two feet above it. I was definitely very seriously at the end of my rope.

I did the very same thing that you are doing right now. I figured I would be able to go online and find out how to get the dog to stop biting. I spent nearly three full days putting together my plan of action.

I visited every free website that I could find through the search I had planned in my master plan. Finally I felt I had all the problem areas covered and decided to put my findings to the test.

After three laborious weeks of trying every ploy I could think of and read about I had made absolutely no progress what so ever. In fact I felt that he was biting more then what he was doing before I started the puppy training biting………..

Tags: house training puppies, puppy training biting, stop dog biting

21 May 10 Think like your pet thinks!

Can you learn to think like your pet?

Begin the natural process of things by thinking like your pet cat. This way, you will know what they really like. You will be able to provide for them well and good. They are not humans so you don’t have to treat them such. But how would you do it?

Everything must start from the heart. Cats are good pets to have. But it can be a lot of hard work. So as a pet owner, you must be ready for all the good and the worst case scenario.

You have to treat your cat as part of the family if it is truly to belong. You need to spend money for their food, for their maintenance and health concerns. So before even thinking of having a pet, check on your budget and see if you can afford it.

Read more articles on pets.

Tags: cat, food, holistic, money, pet

18 May 10 How to Choose Good Cat Scratching Posts.

Cats are the most interesting creatures, and they make excellent companions, giving us happiness throughout their lifetime, so since cats give us so much, we need to also give back to them in ways that will make them happy as well.

We can use cat furniture to help us give back something to them, and that is to supply them with cat scratching posts to satisfy their scratching needs.

Cats need to scratch, it is part of their nature, and the cat posts they are scratching on has to necessarily satisfy their scratching urges, and be more adequate scratching solutions than your couch…….

Tags: cat furniture, cat scratching posts

18 May 10 Dog Adoption Can You Offer A Dog A New Home

L have a brand new article on dog adoption at my puppy advice website.The article has tips and suggestions for people who would like to adoption a dog. Another way to look at the dog adoption problem is this. One out of every two adopted dogs in the US, is returned within a few days of its having entered a home, because there happens to be a personality mismatch between the dog and the adoptive family. What happens to that dog? Of course, they put it up for adoption again, and if they are unsuccessful they put it to death. The entire reason that a purebred program exists is that it makes it possible to breed certain personality traits into a dog, so that it can be be predicted to have a personality that will go with a particular family. As you can see, the dog adoption stands are not as simple as they seem.

If you want to learn more tips and advice about benefits of dog adoption

Tags: dog adoption

17 May 10 Puppy Leash Training – Some Useful Tips.

Puppy leash training starts the complete training procedure for most do it yourself dog owners. .It is among this group of dog owners that one could find the type that use choke chains and choke collars, hoping to accomplish their training quickly.

A mistake most of them commit is to constantly yank on the choke chain. This should only be used an extreme measure and that too in light tugs. Too many people abuse their dogs during leash training with choke chains and choke collars.With puppy leash training, give the dog commands for an action and if fit is not followed, stop and do it all over again.

You have to be patient. Attempt after a short wait to command the dog again, and when the command is followed make sure you praise the dog and reward it with a treat. Giving the dog a treat when ever it does something right makes it happy and it will want to do the same right thing again.

Tags: basic puppy training, puppy leash training, small dog training