It is crucial to learn how to take care of a dog well before taking ownership. A dog requires a serious investment of the following resources:

1. Time
2. Energy
3. Finances

By the time you finish reading this article, the first level of your education on how to take care of a dog will be complete.

Below you will find 21 key factors involved. 11 are under Basic Needs, 5 under Equipment, and 5 under Treatment.

Section 1: Learn how to take care of a dog by being aware of their BASIC NEEDS

Dogs need:

1. Toilet and obedience training. A lack of training in these two areas can result in frustration and inconvenience for the owner to say the least, and at worst the dog could become a danger to their owners, the public, and to themselves.

2. To be with other dogs or people. Leaving them alone for long periods can have a serious effect on their health and well being. Even being left alone for 4 or more hours a day can contribute to destructive behavior.

3. To be brushed every day. This is especially important if their coat has long hair.

4. To have their teeth brushed and cleaned regularly.

5. Regular walks. How far and how often will depend on the size and nature of the dog.

6. A well thought out, balanced diet. You may need to get advice from your vet. A good range of high protein, fat, and carbohydrates is needed to ensure the dog remains healthy. Often the prepared foods available in pet shops or supermarkets contain the needed balance.

7. Plenty of water: A bowl of fresh, clean water should always be available.

8. Space: a fenced in area for play and exercise. The area will need to be kept clean of dog waste to avoid a health hazard.

9. A dry, warm place to sleep out of a draught. The bedding should be aired each day and preferably washed or replaced weekly.

10. Arrangements to be cared for when the owner take a vacation.

11. A vet so you can quickly take them in case of sickness or emergency. Think out carefully your choice of a vet. What equipment and facilities does the surgery offer? What costs are involved? Does the vet communicate well with you so you feel relaxed asking questions?

Section 2: Learn how to take care of a dog by obtaining the EQUIPMENT they need

Dogs need:

1. A lead for walking in urban areas.

2. A collar and/with an identity label or tag.

3. A bed and a dog blanket.

4. A scoop to collect dog waste for disposal.

5. A good quality dog brush.

Section 3: Learn how to take care of a dog by arranging for the TREATMENT they need

Dogs need:

1. Regular checks and treatment for worms and fleas.

2. Injections to protect against serious diseases: check with your vet.

3. Regular teeth checkups by the vet.

4. Optional: Neutering.

5. Optional: Microchip implanting.

Regarding the last two optional procedures, keep these points in mind:

Apart from avoiding unwanted pregnancy, some authorities say neutering can make a dog a better pet. For example, neutered dogs tend to be less dominant, and have a lesser tendency to roam and mark territory.

Dog microchipping will allow you to easily locate your dog in the event it gets lost or stolen. Regretfully many dogs end up with new owners, or are taken to dog shelters, because their owners can’t find them. The microchip can forestall that heartbreaking scenario.

The microchip is no larger than a grain of rice. The procedure is no more painful than a vaccination as the tiny chip is implanted under the loose skin over the dog’s shoulder.

The guidelines above emphasize the need to carefully think out dog ownership. However, this is just the first part of the education.

To have an in-depth understanding of how to take care of a dog, you are well advised to have a good talk with a local veterinary surgeon who can answer specific questions relating to the type of dog that is best suited for your circumstances.

Once you have decided on a particular breed, seek out other owners of that breed and learn more about the characteristics of the dog and considerations you will have to keep in mind. You will get a very accurate perspective by talking to other dog owners.

Learn how to take care of a dog well before ownership and you will be rewarded with an intelligent, loyal friend who will give you unlimited fun and enjoyment!

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Adventures at Kinder Kritter Doggie Day Care in Dallas, Texas

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Michael Jones -
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5 tips for choosing the best vet.

Check Michael’s tutorial:

http://www.vitalstop.com/PuppyTraining

Get the right leash:

http://www.vitalstop.com/PuppyTraining/3-RightLeash.htm

Dogs online:

http://www.vitalstop.com/PuppyTraining/ads.htm

Dog Day Care home business is booming internationally due to its multitude of facilities provided to the dog owners who do not find time to groom or walk their dogs and have difficulties while traveling as well as providing home security, picking up mail, newspaper and watering the potted plants. Considering the number of dog owners in the country today, Dog Day Care business is one of the best small business ventures that you can undertake having sufficient clients who will ask to take care of their dogs when they are out. Survey report reveals that this is the best time to start a business in the Pet Care Industry for increased inclination to pets that will thrive even in the coming years.

It is amazing to find that in United States alone there are upwards of 63.2 million individuals who own a pet, or two where roughly 64 million are dogs in the households. This small report is enough to support reason behind the swinging up of Dog Day Care home business. Pet owners throughout the world are mentally at peace and are breathing a sigh of relief at the thought they need not to worry about their dogs when they travel which was a great problem in the past when the owners have to rely on grandparents or relatives and the neighbors to see to the needs of their pets when they had to travel for business, or a family vacation. Due to several other problems some people gave up and simply refused to have an animal. The unbearable scenario that has to be viewed by the dog owners when traveling, or how they behaved after being picked up from a kennel after a week or more away from home persuaded them to come out with an unique idea of a pet care business which spread like a wildfire.

Before starting Dog Day Care home businesses chalk out the recognition of true animal lovers. Though the foundation of your business depends on your love for animals but the success of your business lies in your smart business sense that will keep you maneuvering. You can set up the business for a minimum budget but care should be taken that a budget should be laid out to meet the costs of the outgoing business. Some research work is needed to expand your business. Go for niche and be competitive in your rates. Learn to be people person and cultivate warm and friendly temperament. Get acquainted with each pet and their habits, character and personality. You should also collect history of illnesses, vaccination records, veterinary information, as well as a place to contact the pet owner if needed.

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An exerpt from a bigger DVD. What your dog wants to do today.” – This fascinating DVD features nothing but dogs, dogs, and more dogs socializing together in an incredible display of pure, unadulterated dog behavior. “Dog Days: Dogs at Play” has no dialogue other than that of the canines’ non-verbal communication; it is set over classical music chosen to enhance the continually-changing dynamics of 40+ cage-free dogs. If you are interested in dog behavior, you don’t want to miss this. This “classical music dog video” documents the dogs at our dog daycare and will have you glued to your screen, on the edge of your seat, laughing and crying. Everybody loves this video! Residents at one of our local elder homes demand to watch it every day — since it came out in 2005! A proud example of what cage-free dog daycare can be, “Dog Days: Dogs at Play” is both a fascinating study of group dog behavior and a testament to the value of proactive dog socialization.

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What is the best option for a situation when someone works these amount of hours?

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peter john -
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train dog
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There are so many types of day care in the world today, that it is often hard to keep track. But, day care facilities have you covered. Doggie Day Care, Child Day Care, <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(’/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” rel=”external nofollow” target=”_blank” href=http://www.greatplacesinc.com/features/AdultCare.aspx>Adult Day Care</a> – day care facilities have something for everyone. So, here are the options available for you.

Adult Day Care

Adult day care is designed for those elderly adults that may need assistance and supervision during the day. These facilities are much different than a <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(’/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” rel=”external nofollow” target=”_blank” href=http://www.greatplacesinc.com/features/NursingHomes.aspx>nursing home</a>, senior apartment or assisted living. They are designed to provide companionship for seniors while allowing their loved ones a little more freedom during the day. Having the peace of mind that your family members are being taken care of is very important as well. The goals for this type of program include encouraging socialization and providing activities, meals, and some health-related services. It can be a great option to prolonging the decision for a nursing home and assisted living facility.

Dog Day Care

Dog day care is designed for several reasons. One of the most important is socialization. This type of atmosphere can be perfect for getting your dog the interaction it needs with other dogs. Dog day cares are designed to provide exercise and care for your dogs during the day. Perhaps you have a dog that can’t be left at home without tearing the place to shreds – this might be a nice alternative to coming home to socks with holes and pillows ripped to pieces. Usually these types of facilities also offer boarding and general dog maintenance services as well.

Child Day Care

Perhaps the most common type of daycare is child day care. Many of us might have grown up in day care or at least knew someone who went to day care as a child. There are many types of day care available – from those with a home care provider to a more corporate, organized center. They may provide preschool or other learning options, social activities, play time and other activities.

There are any types of day care available for pretty much everyone in the family. Often times it is the cost that might prevent us from taking advantage of such services. Families who utilize day care for their children know exactly that the monthly cost of such a service is quite costly, and continuing to rise each year. Those who use dog day care may do so only a few days a week just to take advantage of the socializing aspect. Adult day care is relatively affordable and ranges from $25 – $70 a day. This can be a desirable option when faced with potential assisted living or nursing home decisions. Whether you take advantage of one or all of these different kinds of day care options it is up to you and your pocket book.

People are busy. Day care provides options for children, dogs and adults that allow people more options. You can do the research and decide on a program that might be right for you and your family. Make sure that you are choosing reputable facilities; you want to make sure those you love are well-loved and taken care of.

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www.accessvideo.com Whitney Callahan, entrepreneur and small business owner of Inn the DogHouse, talks about her dog daycare business and her Progressive Commercial Insurance coverage

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Rebecca Beckett -
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About the Author: Rebecca Beckett is a freelance writer for Innuity. If you would like more information about Adult Day Care or nursing home, go to Great Places

RIVERVIEW -

Canine Cabana is a dream turned into reality for friends like Kendall Duncan and Angie Frazier. They launched the kennel and canine day care center at 9708 Carr Road on May 1.

11 years ago the pair met while working at Busch Gardens as zookeepers.

They said they began to think of launching a boarding kennel six years ago but refined the concept after attending business tutorials offered by Hillsborough County, the University of South Florida and the Small Business Administration.

They concentrated on the Riverview area, interviewed veterinarians in the Riverview to know if there was a market. They got positive results to their idea of starting a boarding kennel, but the veterinarians were not certain about doggie day care.

They decided to try, purchased an oak-shaded acre lot and build a steel-framed building. Soon, they got several customers.

“This community loves dogs,” Duncan said. The pair also noted that along with all the new families moving into the area come the family pets.

“Dogs are moving in every day,” Frazier said.

It has 20 kennel runs, a 2,000-sq. ft. indoor, air-conditioned area for play, a 25 x 100-ft covered patio with a concrete floor and plenty of rolling open space for dogs to romp.

The kennel and daycare are open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. weekdays, with weekend hours by appointment. Fees depend on the type and frequency of services provided.

Some dogs are left at the day care Monday through Friday, others a couple of days a week or an occasional half day. Owners must fill out a four-page evaluation form, and dogs must pass an admission test before enrolling.

“Not every dog is suitable for day care,” Duncan said. “We want to make sure all the dogs are friendly, enjoy the day – and most of all is safe.”

“Coming here will make your dog more all-rounded,” Duncan said. “Socialization is important – not every dog knows how to speak dog. We are clean, safe and fun.” Lonestardogranch.com will plan such an event covering Dallas dog boarding and Dallas dog daycare in near future. Dallas dog boarding and Dallas dog day care services are offered by lonestardogranch.com

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Here in the LA doggie day-care centre the dogs can do lots of activities: sport, television or painting all whilst their owners are at work.

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markoriks -
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Dallas dog boarding

If you are busy during the day at work (as most of us are) and do not have anyone to take care of your dog at home, one of the best options that you have is to hire the services of a dog day care. A dog day care centre is a great place for your dog to socialise and make new friends. Also if he or she is not very good around other dogs, it will be a good experience and they will receive a shot of self confidence. Some dog day care centres also offer extra facilities such as grooming, spas, parties, training and accessories. There are a few things that you should check before finalising a day care for your dog. These include –

• What are the training or health qualifications of the staff?
• What are the vaccination requirements for my dog?
• How much is it? A daily or hourly rate? What if I’m late for pickup?
• How far in advance do you have to book?
• Does it have air conditioning or heating?
• Do they have multiple separate areas, for dogs with different temperaments, and to get them used to groups of different sizes?

Woofers World first began trading in 2005 although it had been brewing in the minds of the founders Jonathan & Penny Whitelaw for many years. They aimed to bring some of our experiences from overseas to Melbourne and fill the niche in the market for an affordable and truly service-orientated pet care business. Their original aim was to open an urban dog day care centre complete with overnight facility in, what they felt was a perfect location, the inner suburbs of southeast Melbourne.

They strive to provide consistent professional pet care in a safe, friendly and fun environment. Their goal is to adapt to the needs of dog owners to supply value based, convenient and complete pet care that enriches the lifestyle of urban dogs by providing exercise, socialisation and the opportunity to play freely. To know more about the services offered by Woofers World and how they take care of your pet, you can visit them on the internet at www.dogminding.com.au

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Day care for dogs has become big business for Dogtopia CEO Amy Nichols. by Garrett Hubbard/USA TODAY

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Peters Kovacs -
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Peters Kovacs is a Pet Care specialist based in Melbourne. He specialises in Pet Car for Dogs. www.dogminding.com.au

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” Josh Billings (1818-1885, US Humorist)

This morning I was driving along a busy street, in a fog, sipping strong tea when I saw the geese. I have come to think of geese as very large rats with wings. The outlying Chicagoland area is so infested with these birds that you have to be careful where you step. The best thing I can normally say about them is that it’s fun for the dogs to run them off, and I frequently use the cantankerous fowl as distractions. When you can call a six month old pet Lab off a flock of geese, I figure you have a recall.

Now I never said geese were stupid. That has never been my opinion. They seem to know it is more likely they will be harassed by dogs on my property than on my neighbor’s. Therefore, they avoid my grass. Or perhaps they just have an aversion to dog urine. Either way, we’ve reached an understanding.

Frankly, with the vast numbers of them around, I never understood why we weren’t eating them. Then I saw the pair of geese along the road.

One was lying dead on the median. The second was crossing two lanes of busy traffic. Cars were whizzing past the live goose, back drafts unbalancing it. But it waddled on, unaware or unconcerned of the hazard. That goose appeared to have one single minded purpose…reach its unmoving mate.

Before I continue, let me emphasize that I am not a scientist, geneticist, nor a zoologist. I am a dog trainer. I am well read, and most of what I believe comes from what I have read combined with what I observe. Can one even be a good dog trainer without keen powers of observation, reading and interpreting what one sees?

Geese, as most people know, mate for life. Their bond is undoubtedly instinctual, a product of natural selection in which strongly bonded pairs must have a greater likelihood of successfully raising young, thereby propagating the species. If the gene succeeds, the gene continues.

Sounds simple doesn’t it?

But it got me to thinking about the nature of bonding. And of course, that got me to thinking about dogs, and the nature of their bond to humans. While it has been proven that a duck will “imprint” on and follow a human if it is the first thing it sees after hatching, I think of “imprinting” and “bonding” as two different things.

Imprinting is a simple instinct stamped into the brain that dictates the duckling will follow its mother. She is likely to lead that duckling to sources of food and shelter. This increases the offspring’s chances of surviving infancy, reaching sexual maturity, mating, and propagating the species. Again, the gene succeeds, the gene continues.

But what is bonding?

I think of it as something more complex. Something more bound to social order. Instinctual? Probably. Still related to survival? Definitely. But still complex.

Dogs in the wild, since their earliest descendants, understand social order and collaborative hunting. A well ordered pack of wolves can successfully hunt, shelter, raise offspring, and pass on their genes. A pack suffering from social strife will not have clear leadership or collaboration, and will eventually die.

Dogs understand this on a genetic level. It is why a properly socialized dog understands how to communicate with other dogs using their species’ unique and understandable body language. It is why we, as dog trainers, are sometimes described as being able to “read” dogs. We’re simply recognizing attitude and thoughts, and yes, even emotions, by interpreting body language. And that is precisely what allows us to shape dog behavior by using our own body language to clearly show a dog what we want from them.

But why do dogs CARE about what we want from them? That is the question that has both mystified and thrilled me ever since I got my first dog at the age of 11. Why is a dog willing to be trained? Why do they thrive on it in fact? Why is a dog remotely interested in what we want from them?

A cow doesn’t much care. So we eat them. Most horses I have known and ridden will yield to humans, but they seem to me to prefer their own company to mine when given a choice. But because they yield to us, and helped us form our nation, as a culture, we’re horrified at the idea of eating them.

Wolves, I am told, are canids whose behavior can be somewhat modified by men. But they will generally return to behaviors for which they are genetically programmed, regardless of what training they have had.

So what is it about dogs? Why do they care about what we want? Why did my first dog remember and perform his utility signals exercise into his dotage, way after deafness, strokes and until shortly before he died at seventeen and a half?

His name was Gus. He was a Sheltie born April 29, 1969. He came to me in a dream several years ago and he spoke to me in words that did not come out of his mouth, but which I heard in my head. These are the exact words of the interchange.

“Where are you?” he asked, intense in his sadness.

“I’ll come to you one day,” I told him.

“But I have been waiting so long,” he said.

“Because it’s not my time yet,” I told him. “But I will come.”

He paused, but only briefly.

“I’ll wait for you,” he said.

“Find Bobbi and Frannie,” I said. “They are Greyhounds They are mine too, and they will know you. They will wait with you.”

“I will,” he said, and he left me slowly, reluctantly, at my bidding. I woke up crying, as I cry now recounting the experience.

I have always known that dogs care about us on the deepest possible levels but only recently did I put together my own concept of why. I think it was that dream of Gus. I told you he spoke to me in words. The words did not come from his mouth. They came from his mind into mine. But they had a voice. And that voice was my own.

 My waiting dog spoke to me in my own voice. We love our dogs. But they adore us on a level beyond love. They are what we ask them to be, becoming part of us if we ask them to. I think Gus came to me that night, or perhaps my unconscious summoned him, because I was finally ready to understand the answer to my long held question.

Dogs care about what we want from them because, when led properly by man, they consider us to be more than their pack mates. We provide more than food, shelter and more than comfort. We provide dogs what the concept of God provides to us, a sense of meaning, comfort, a sense of purpose, a sense that we are not alone.

Dogs do not love us. They worship us. But not from afar. They live with their gods. They worship us from the foot of our beds, they adore us as they look at us, and they long for us even as we touch them.

Trained dogs submit and yield to this worship readily. It satisfies them on a level which humans with our questioning mentalities may not fully comprehend. The faith of a dog, particularly a trained dog, is absolute. He never questions or has a crisis of faith. He doesn’t believe. He knows.

Have you ever noticed that after putting a dog through even a basic course of obedience, other behaviors change for which you have not trained? If you do your work artfully, the dog gives up undesirable behaviors without even being commanded.

This occurs because the dog always knew his owner didn’t like the behaviors. After all, they grumped and yelled when he did it. He simply didn’t care. He felt no particular compulsion to give up a treasured behavior such as jumping on guests.

But when a dog is trained, he learns to look at his humans in a whole new way. He learns that the bond has more meaning that he ever knew before. He learns that he no longer has to make every decision for his life. It’s not satisfying to a dog to pull on the leash and be out of control. Yet, if that behavior is all he knows, he’ll do it over and over. I now see that behavior as a cry for help, the way the dog shows his profound need for leadership.

But once the dog has learned to yield his decision making to a human, a bond between dog and handler is formed that knows no limits of depth. So why do dogs care about what we want? Why are they willing to do what we ask of them if we can only show them clearly what we want? Why will they yield their willpower to ours?

They do it for the love of man. They do it because they love us more than they love themselves.

Is it genetic? The gene succeeds so the gene continues? Probably. But I think it’s more than that. I think the dog has a void that only we humans can fill. Even those of us who succeed the most with dogs don’t quite have the same love for dogs that they have for us. We can’t. We don’t have that gene. But we can understand and honor the dog’s need for leadership.

We can bring a dog to a place where his need for us is absolute yet doesn’t destabilize the independent nature of his being. Lest you take from my words the idea that I am a tree hugging dog spiritualist, I will tell you flat out that I am not. I am a dog trainer. I both correct and reward my dogs. That’s pretty much the way life treats me.

The ultimate reward for us both is a bond during the dog’s lifetime that exceeds any other comfort he can ever know. And after the dog’s death, he brings a form of comfort that some, like me, have not known before.

Someone is waiting. Someone who loves me more than he loves himself.

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This virtual tour of Minnesota School of Business’ Rochester campus (rochester.msbcollege.edu ) shows you the veterinary technology lab, operation room, massage therapy clinic lab, health fitness lab, medical assistant facilities, Mac and PC computer labs, and more. Minnesota School of Business – Rochester offers offers accredited masters, bachelors and associate degrees and diplomas on campus and online to students in south-eastern Minnesota and beyond, including Zumbrota, Pine Island, Plainview, Kasson, Byron, Stewartville, Chatfield, Spring Valley, St. Charles, Austin, Winona, Owatonna, Faribault and Northfield.

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Marc Goldberg, CDT -
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Marc Goldberg, CDT is a certified dog trainer specializing in the rehabilitation of difficult dogs and improving relationships. He is President of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and Editor of SafeHands Journal. The author also educates professional dog trainers in his techniques. Visit him on the web at http://www.trainingdogsinchicago.com or http://www.chicagodogtrainer.com.

It is often said that Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. People love their pets, and want the best care for them. However, with the hectic lifestyles of today, these adored associates are not able to get the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy. A low” target=”_blank” href=”http://www.thedoghouseps.com/services_day_care.html”>Dog Day Care Salon serves the purpose by providing a safe and healthy atmosphere with lots of interaction, both with other dogs and with people. Dogs can participate in group play, gnaw on a favorite toy, hang out with humans, or just lounge on a couch and watch television. Owners return home to see their pet, absolutely calm and relaxed.

There are some excellent Pet Salons in Houston that offer the best-in-class day care and grooming facilities for pets, particularly dogs & cats. They provide lavish comforts to pets in their comfortable boarding suites, take them for regular exercises, and provide all other provisions that result in pets’ over-all well-being. Some of their important services include:

Luxury Pet Boarding: They offer spacious covered heated suites, which are all tiled with comfortable raised bedding. Pets are offered the ultimate boarding experience vacationing at these salons as they enjoy the comforts of central heating and air conditioning along with a secure fenced-in play area for plenty of exercise and playtime.

Dog & Cat Grooming: These Pet Salons have experienced, caring professional groomers who provide full grooming and bathing services for various breeds of dogs and cats. Special shampoos and treatments are available, and all bathing is performed with special bathing systems like Hydrosurge that massage the pet’s skin. This not only helps them to look and smell better, but also keeps them healthier.

Exercise & Work-outs: Pets enjoy regular exercise and human companionship, and this is provided at no extra charge. They are taken out regularly to large play areas, where they get good mental and physical stimulation.

Special Diets & Medication: The salons provide the recommended special diets for pets at a very reasonable cost. They also have visiting veterinarians who administer the required medication after going through the Titers proofs.

Pet Accessories: The salons host exclusive boutiques from where clients can shop for the desired pet accessories like carriers, beds, clothes, bows, toys, shampoos, bowls, perfumes, Furniture, important health supplements etc.

So if you have deep concerns about your pet dog or cat, especially while you are away, render it to the safe, affectionate hands of a good pet day care, which nurtures it to the fullest!

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This is a video i created for Happy Hound Play & Daycare. Happy Hound offers doggy day care, boarding, training and grooming to dog owners in the East Bay and surrounding areas. They offer doggy parents a convenient location with customized and personal “all day” services. Happy Hound’s services and personnel are guaranteed to deliver the highest quality customer care and satisfaction.

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How should this play out in terms of the vet bills? I'm expecting I'll have to pay for the vet bills and be banned from day care.

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Leslie Wilson -
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Leslie Wilson author of www.thedoghouseps.com; The Dog House is a full service Pet Salon. We provide professional Grooming and Bathing services for all types of dogs and cats. We also provide Doggie Day Care for all types of dogs, no matter how large or small.

Alot of times, we get phone calls from those who have no idea what type of dog they are looking for. It is essential to look at every aspect of your life, your living arrangements,
your budget and write down the dogs that you feel would make the IDEAL dog for you and your family. After writing down the breeds you and your family have selected, read as much about each breed as possible and then break down the list until you come down to one single dog. (That is unless you plan to purchase more than one type of breed.)
America’s love affair with dogs has gone on for eons! There is a growing population of older people who share their home with dogs. About 1 in 10 senior citizens have a pet in the home. Also, baby boomers are aging and are getting a bit grayer which could explain the popularity of small breeds.

Owning a dog has alot of physical and psychological benefits. When trying to determine the dog best for you or your family, there is alot to think about! Can you afford it? Do you have the room? Who is going to take care of the dog? Do you have the time to invest in a dog? Do you want a lightweight or heavyweight dog? Do you want a small breed or a large breed or something in-between?
Do you live in a quiet area where alot of barking would not be a GOOD thing? Do you live in the country? Do you have a fenced area to keep the dog in or will this dog stay in the house? Do you want a short hair or long hair dog? Can you afford a dog with alot of grooming requirements? Are you allowed to own a pet if you live in a condo or an apartment? Do you need spousal approval? Do you need anyone’s approval?

Many people play the “What kind of Dogs do you have?” game with a breeder and personally, I find this very aggravating. I am sure other breeders find this aggravating as well. It is very frustrating for a breeder to go into detail with someone over the telephone about what type of dogs they have and then, not only do you have no idea what it is you want but you also have to get someone’s approval before getting back to the breeder. Your mind should be made up regarding the type of dog you are seeking well before calling a breeder. If your dog is a family issue, then this should be discussed before contacting a breeder. You should also ONLY call a breeder who is advertising the type of dog you are searching for. If you have not yet figured out what kind of dog you are looking for, don’t put it on a breeder to figure it out for you.

If you are on a budget, don’t be afraid to say so to the breeder IN THE VERY BEGINNING of your call and let them know what you can afford. Don’t just ask how much a dog is. Chances are, you are just “Comparison” shopping and where dogs are concerned, this is completely the wrong thing to do. Just because you have calling breeders advertising the same breed, does not mean you are buying the same quality of breed. If you are looking for a show dog…you are not going to want a dog who has no champion ancestors or lineage and if you are looking for a pet, don’t expect to pay just a few dollars from a breeder who has taken the time to research their dogs’ CHAMPION LINEAGE. If you are on a budget, you should try to obtain a dog that has little grooming requirements, medical needs, upkeep and who has just a pet/average lineage or ancestry…….. perhaps you can even look into adopting a dog from a rescue agency, human society or animal shelter. Breeders have to charge a certain amount for their dogs in order to recoup their expenses and pay for overhead & costs involved with their business, whereas, a shelter or rescue agency are compensated through the state or through public funding and donations. Private breeders and kennels do not get reimbursed from the state or receive public donations. Everything regarding raising, breeding and producing a puppy by a breeder is an out of pocket expense for a breeder and Kennel. Very few people have any idea just how expensive and time consuming it is for a breeder, let alone appreciate the difficult, long hours this kind of job requires . It is very frustrating to hear people make the nasty comment to a breeder that they just “live off of their puppies” or are a “puppy mill” and on and on with the name calling. It amazes me how cheap some people can be when they desire to obtain a puppy or dog from a breeder and then have the audacity to do the name calling if they have some kind of issue down the road….it’s absurd! If you live in a condo or apartment, you may want to look at purchasing a “social” dog or breed. It is important for dogs who live inside apartments to get out and mingle. It is also imperative that you NOT crate your dog for hours on end. A dog needs to get out and romp around……..they need to stretch and build up muscles and use their legs. They can not live their lives for hours on end in a crampy crate. Some of your small breeds who adapt very well to apartments and condos are:

*Toy Poodle hybrids
*Yorkshire Terrier
*Maltese
*Poodle
*Papillon
*Miniature Schnauzer
*Chihuahua
*Bichon Frise
*Boston Terrier
*Japanese Terrier
*Dachshund
*Cairn Terrier
*Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
*American Cocker Spaniel
*Sheltie
*Lhasa Apso
*Shih Tzu
*Basset Hound
*Pomeranian
*Pembroke Welsh Corgi
*Chinese Pug
*Schnoodle
*Pom-Chi
*Goldendoodle
*Schneagle
*Puggle

Many of the above breeds are small, nice and easy to get along with. Some small breeds can cause BIG trouble for people….especially the INDEPENDENT THINKERS such as the Jack Russell Terrier and any that tend to be yappy or high strung such as your purebred toy poodle, Pomeranian and Rat Terrier. Breeds that are traditionally bred to hunt do far better with someone who has a house with a nice large fenced in yard. Those breeds can be the Beagle, Pointer, The English Setter, The English Springer Spaniel, The Harrier, the Black and Tan Coonhound, the Bloodhound. There are many hunting breeds and retrieving breeds that do far better outside than inside. Now here we are in 2006 and there are many very nice small hybrid dogs available that would work out just fine in various living situations.

Dogs that have grooming requirements should be passed over if you are NOT able to afford the time, cost and care they require to keep their coat in tip top shape or feel comfortable taking on this task yourself. Such breeds can be the Bichon Frise, The Poodle, The Borzoi, the Maltese, The Yorkshire Terrier, the Shih Tzu, the Lhasa Apso, the Schnauzer, the Havanese, the Goldendoodle, the Pekingese, the Pomeranian, the Lowchen, Tibetan Terrier, the Bearded Collie, the Shetland Sheepdog, The Old English Sheepdog and all long haired Poodle hybrids.

Never purchase a large breed dog if you do NOT have the time to give this breed many walks outdoors or have an enclosed area to allow this breed to use its muscles. Breeds such as the Golden Retriever, the Rottweiler, The Mastiff, the German Shepherd, Great Dane and other large breed dogs need room to romp and stretch! Crating for hours on end can cause many medical problems for the dog. Many people who crate their dogs for endless hours each and every day mistake a dog’s difficulty walking for hip dysplasia! A dog who is not allowed to build up its muscles…….who is not allow the opportunity to have room to grow, stretch, run and be the dog it should be will have all sorts of aches and pains! Of course, there can be joint pain as well due to NOT using the limbs enough. If your dog is crated for endless hours, you are stunting the growth of your dog. There is no way its muscles can fill out and work the way they are suppose to work. Your dog is achy…..in muscular pain and stiff. You’d have to imagine YOURSELF being cramped inside of a crate all day long for hours and hours and never seeing anyone until the end of the day. Even if you have no fence for your yard…..there are kennel pens you can purchase that will allow your dog to be outside and able to jump up…..walk around and breathe fresh outdoor air. Make sure, however, that your dog has plenty of shade and water as he or she can die of heatstroke quite easily during the summer months. Canvas shelter tops can be purchased for as little as $79 for kennel runs and they last for many years. Some hold up quite nice if you do not get alot of snow in the winter. Kennel runs start at approx. $179- $299 and up. The nice thing is they are easy to put up and you can always add panels as your dog grows or as you need them. This is quite cheap compared to the vet bill your going to have should your dog begin showing signs of medical problems from all the hours and months you have kept him or her confined. So, small dogs fit in well for those who have small living areas or who do not have the time to take fido on long jogs or walks. Large dogs need lots of space! Large dogs also have to be walked regardless of the weather. With small dogs, you may be able to get away with paper training.. Good natured dogs give people a physical and psychological boost. People tend to lead a better life when they own a pet. They get more exercise……they get fresh air…..They can socialize more with others while outside taking their pet for a walk…..People benefit from their pet’s unconditional love.
But while a dog can bring benefits to your life…..they can also increase your financial responsibilities and hamper certain aspects to your life….especially if you travel frequently and can not take your dog with you.
This is why it is very important that you can fit a dog into your budget and life. This is why it is important to know what type of dog you can afford before you contact the breeder. Puppies are demanding like infants and Toddlers. They require alot of training, alot of your time and can be costly.
While many purebred dogs are great to own….there are wonderful mixed breeds who make great pets and will shower you with just as much attention. Sometimes the benefit of owning an older dog is that they have had all of their vaccinations…..they can be healthier than a puppy…..they have outgrown the chewing stage….they are use to noises and people…..they can be housebroken already and they can sometimes just fit right in with your home. Of course, there are downsides to purchasing an older dog as well. Some can have behavioral problems…..some can still have problems with digging and chewing….some can be wary, nervous and may have a tendency to bite out of fear…especially if they were abandoned, mistreated and abused. You can’t blame the dog! Some dogs can be scarred for life due to the way they were treated as a puppy from an abusive home. Abuse comes in many forms and is not always just about hitting. Abuse within the family unit home can spill over to the dog.
Older dogs may also already have developed illnesses or conditions that require medical care, so what may seem to be “cheap” can actually cost you more in the long run through many vet bills. Quite sadly, many older dogs make fine, instant companions, yet few are willing to adopt an older dog.
The downside to owning a puppy is of course the fact that they need vaccinations……they need to have obedience training…..they need to be housebroken……they need to learn NOT to chew on your furniture…..
they can cost you alot of money by the time they become an adult.
But, this is the territory that comes with owning a pet! There is NO SUCH THING AS A PERFECT PET.
Dogs and cats have their flaws just like humans. They all have their quirks….the medical problems as they go through life….their need for attention and detail…..the need for a bath….the need for teeth cleaning and care…..eye problems……need for vet care and of course…the need to eat, sleep and be happy. No amount of medical testing will guarantee you a defective free animal! Puppy’s who have parents that are tested for everything under the sun can still come down with a defect , illness or a disease. That’s life! Don’t believe you can own an animal and never have to prepare yourself for emotional or financial loss. That’s not going to happen. As with all living things….they eventually die from one cause or another. Even dogs who have been tested for everything can still die from a hereditary disease or from age related or medical related problems. It’s a fact of life.
I personally believe that you SHOULD NOT purchase a dog based on the testing its parents had from the breeder. You are holding on to a false security blanket if you believe that because a breeder had your puppy’s parents tested for every ailment known to man (and dog) that your puppy will NEVER DIE OF ANY AILMENT, ILLNESS OR Disease or come down with any genetic ailment. Well, chances are your dog could get ran over by a car and NOT die of any ailment, illness or disease……There are no guarantees in life! I am not going to paint you a rosy picture where everyone lives happily ever after……you may live well and your pet can live well, but nothing is forever.

The Basics in dog care…….

When you finally decide to select your canine….you hopefully will have also given some consideration as to where your new pet is going to sleep and what areas your pet will have free reign. For crate training tips,
CLICK HERE. Since puppies are well known for chewing on anything they can get their mouths on (just like a baby teething), it is important that you have plenty of toys, knotted ropes, large balls and other great items for your puppy to play with. Never entice your dog to play with your shoes, slippers, socks or other personal items. A dog can not differentiate between your new stuff and old stuff. Parenting a dog is much like parenting a child. They have to learn between right and wrong. It is important to “puppy proof” your home. This means that before you bring your new puppy home….make sure you do not have any extension cords laying about. Pick up any item that is small enough for your puppy to place inside its mouth and possibly swallow. A puppy wants to taste everything! They can choke to death if they get a small item lodged in their throat…such as a marble or other small toy that may belong to your child. Make sure you don’t have any glass near the floor or at “puppy level”.
It is a very good idea to have a crate….a nice large one….ready for your new puppy. Bedding can be placed inside and a stuffed toy to keep him or her company. But don’t mistake this crate as a substitute baby sitter. As stated before, never crate your dog for hours on end every single day. Your puppy wants to explore its new living areas….the same thing with an older dog. This includes the trash can, so make sure your dog or puppy can not get into the trash. Serious illness can occur from eating the wrong thing.
Food is another important factor regarding your new pet. The food you select during the first year of your pup’s life is critical to its adult development, health and growth. There are many products on the market and selecting the one that is right for you and your dog is important. Complete nutrition is crucial, so make sure you read the back label on the product you select. Corn meal is something you should stay away from.
For feeding tips, CLICK HERE. You will be faced with many choices……so, it is important to keep in mind that you don’t want a high protein food for your puppy because a high protein food can cause your dog to grow too rapidly. Rapid growth can then cause joint and bone problems. You should keep in mind the activity level of your dog. Is he a runner? working dog? couch potato? Science Diet, Pedigree, Eukanuba and Iams are very good products on the market. Pedigree cost less than Science diet. Science Diet costs less than Eukanuba and Iams costs less than Eukanuba. While some stores will tell you that feeding with Iams or Eukanuba is cheaper in the long run, don’t believe it! Some dogs absolutely LOVE the taste and will eat just as much as they would the Pedigree. Some owners like to feed with Alpo. I personally have never liked the consistency of Alpo. We have found very good results from Pedigree, however, we have also discovered that sometimes our puppies will develop an “allergy” to pedigree and get dry or itchy skin or not do well over a long period of time with this food. We don’t know why, but it is usually just one or two pups in a litter every so often. A dog can become sensitive to their food no matter how long they have been eating it. Many people don’t realize that when their dog has intense itching over a period of time and no fleas or parasites can be found, that it is their food causing the problem. Dogs can have sensitivities just like people. When hair loss, weight loss, itching or scratching develops and everything seems to check out fine, take the food your dog is eating into consideration. Sometimes changing the diet can make a world of difference. So, while we start all of our puppies out on Pedigree……not every puppy will do well with it as they continue to age.
Foods with antioxidants provides a healthy defense system. Free radicals attacks the cells, causing damage which can result in a weakened immune system and possibly serious diseases. The antioxidants such as vitamins E & C, Beta Carotene and Selenium have shown to reduce the damage caused by free radicals. They also help maintain your pet’s immune system and help reduce it against the risk of diseases.

VITAMIN E: One of the most versatile antioxidants. Vitamin E helps support the body’s healing process. It has also shown to help prevent heart and neurological diseases. Vitamin E reduces the effects of aging.

VITAMIN C: Works to boost the power of vitamin E in the body to fight the damage caused by toxins and pollution. For this reason, vitamin C is used to help protect against cancer and other diseases.

BETA CAROTENE: Research suggests that carotenoids, like beta carotene, helps build a strong immune system and are considered a powerful tool in the fight against many diseases. Current studies support their use to fight cancer and other serious illnesses.

SELENIUM: An essential trace mineral that works with vitamin E and helps to create important enzymes.
These enzyme systems help protect against cell damage. Selenium also works with other antioxidants in fighting cancer.

Your puppy needs alot of nutrition to get him or her through their first year. This will also keep your puppy and dog healthy and happy. Fat, protein and minerals like calcium and phosphorus help build strong bones and muscles and they also provide plenty of energy to grow and play. Too much of a good thing? Most certainly, too much of these nutrients can actually stunt the growth of your puppy and can also contribute to problems like obesity, bone disorders, heart and kidney disease and other serious ailments. Dogs come in many different sizes and shapes…so their nutritional requirements will vary. Feeding your dog cheap and poorly put-together food is also a very bad thing to do. This is why it is important that you can fit a dog into your budget. Think of how your system would react if you could not afford proper nutrition for yourself.

PRODUCT BENEFITS:

Controlled level of calcium: for healthy joints and bone development.
L-Carnitine: Helps develop strong muscles and healthy bones. Converts fat into energy.
High quality protein: Includes all 10 essential amino acids needed for proper growth.
Energy: Controlled levels of fat and calories to help large breed puppies grow at the proper rate.
Essential fatty acids: Help promote healthy nervous and immune systems.
23 vitamins and minerals: An ideal balance for growing, large breed puppies.
High Digestibility: Reduces stool volume, which makes for easier housetraining and clean up.
Omega 3 & Omega 6 fatty acids: Support healthy function of nervous and immune systems; promote healthy skin and shiny coat.
Digestible Carbohydrates: Supply abundant energy for lively pups.
Calcium: For strong teeth and bones.
Vitamin D: To properly absorb calcium.
B vitamins: For an appropriate metabolism and appetite.

DEFINITE DON’TS:

*Don’t ever feed your dog chocolate! This can kill him or her.
*Don’t feed your dog cookies. High in fat…low in nutrition.
*Use caution on dairy products. Many dogs are lactose intolerant which can cause diarrhea.
*Bones: NEVER FEED YOUR DOG CHICKEN BONES! These bones are brittle and have sharp edges. Chicken bones can cause damage to your dog’s intestines and throat. They can also stick in your dog’s throat causing choking which can lead to death. Bones of any kind can also crack your dog’s teeth.

Good grooming and veterinarian care is of great benefit to both you and your dog! Regular check-ups and grooming habits can play an important role in keeping your dog healthy, but it is also a great way to bond and spend quality time together.
Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is also important to good health. Senior dogs may require soft food if they have lost teeth or have bad teeth.

*Dental kits are available at most pet stores and from your vet’s office. Doggie toothpaste is usually included as well as instructions on how to keep your pet’s teeth clean.
*Professional teeth cleaning is available through your veterinarian.
*Selecting a professional groomer is just as important as it is making your selection on vet care. While grooming is healthy for your pet, selecting the wrong groomer can be deadly to your dog! We discovered that some groomers actually place your dog under anesthesia. WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW CAN KILL YOUR PUPPY OR DOG! Using unnecessary anesthesia can be detrimental to your dog. It is dangerous and certainly NOT A PROPER WAY TO GROOM A DOG! While this can make a lazy groomer’s job easier,
anesthesia should never be used for convenience sake! We highly recommend that you use a groomer that you know, trust or check out carefully. Word of mouth is always a good way to find a good groomer too! The best groomer for a pet is yourself! If you are not placing your dog in a show event, you really should groom your dog yourself. There are many wonderful videos, books and other materials over the Internet to help you learn how to take care of your dog’s coat. Grooming your dog is a great way to bond and your dog has come to trust you. Getting your puppy use to having its coat brushed, ears cleaned and nails trimmed will also make your dog familiar with this routine. Each session will get easier and easier as time goes by.

SPAYING AND NEUTERING:

Every year in the United States, between four and six million companion animals end up in animal shelters. Many of these animals are euthanized. Animal activists and those who are holier than thou want to blame breeders for this problem. It is NOT always because of a breeder. The last place a good breeder wants its dogs is in a shelter. Animals make their way to shelters via their irresponsible as well as uneducated owners. Or sometimes they go to shelters due to an owner’s death or severe illness. Provisions for your pet’s care after your death is essential. Always include your pet in your will. Many people never give it a second thought. Dogs can make their way to shelters by being allowed to roam the streets and they can make their way to shelters due to irresponsible breeders NOT taking care of their dogs. The best age to sterilize your pet is before he or she turns six months of age. This is the age that male dogs are capable of siring a litter. A female will usually go into her first heat at the age of six months.
Having your dog spayed or neutered before the hormones kick in reduce many unwanted behaviors and also prevents unwanted or unplanned pregnancies. My personal beef with those who advocate spaying and neutering such as veterinarians and some kennel clubs is that they do NOT make it easy for dog owners to spay or neuter. Many owners WANT to have this procedure done, but prices on sterilization have gotten out of control and many Kennel clubs, such as AKC, who hold show events pretend to ADVOCATE the spaying or neutering of dogs, yet they REFUSE TO ALLOW AN ALTERED DOG IN THE SHOW RING….which is complete nonsense and shows a double standard!
As a matter of fact, it is BECAUSE of kennel clubs who don’t advocate this procedure that there are many unplanned and unwanted pregnancies. A male dog or a female dog can be just as beautiful whether they are intact or altered. Many vets charge outrageous prices and there are many people who can not afford their out of control fees.
A clear example: To have a cat neutered or spayed costs over $180! As of the year 2006, we have watched the cost of spaying and neutering reach over $400! This is the entire cost for having the procedure, hospitalization and other shots, etc; I personally believe that if vets would set their spaying/neutering fees on a sliding scale based on the owner’s income, we would have fewer puppies and kittens making their way to shelters where they will most certainly have only been born to die an early age. Homeless and unwanted. Dog owners would then be able to afford this procedure which could possibly help the population explosion of unwanted and unplanned pregnancies in their dogs.
Many shelters or humane societies are now spaying and neutering dogs prior to them leaving their shelters which is great….but you have to remember that they are getting state funding or donations from the general public to make this possible. It is important that you can afford this procedure when thinking about purchasing a new pet. Depending upon your area, spaying & neutering will vary in price.
DO NOT assume that a breeder will sell a puppy or dog to you with the cost of spaying & neutering included. There are times when canine will be advertised in a local paper or online who have been altered and the owner is not seeking any money or is only asking for a small, reasonable fee to allow you to adopt the dog. Most of the time such owners are having to suddenly move or their lives have changed that can not include their pet.
We are not above spaying & neutering our own dogs. As time goes by, our dogs do age or we no longer want to continue breeding a specific breed or specific dog. Many of our dogs are spayed and neutered “senior” dogs. Every year, as our dogs age and we remove dogs from our breeding program, they are spayed or neutered. Although we advertise these dogs to approved, adoptive homes…..the fact remains that those who call us only want puppies or they want dogs who have not been altered so they can “breed” them. Sadly, senior or dogs ranging from 4-6 years of age, have difficulty being placed into adoptive homes because of the lack of quality homes being available to them. We have learned, over the years, that when someone calls and claims they are interested in our older dogs….they are only seeking a “FREE” breeding dog. When we tell them they have to complete an application and that the dogs are altered and if they have not yet been altered, they must be altered before being allowed into their homes…we get the usual “okay, thanks anyway” response. This shows us that the home, number one was NOT a quality pet home we wanted our aging dog to go to and it also shows the lack of homes available to older dogs who could still contribute love and companionship to someone seeking it.

DID YOU KNOW?

For the record, most people who desire to own a dog, desire to own their dog as a companion/pet. There are large numbers of people who do participate in the show ring and on the field in competitions with the dogs that they purchase, but the majority of people only desire to own a pet. People in other nations such as China, Thailand, Vietnam and other Asian countries take pride in their dogs because they consume them as a meal. The manner in which they are slaughtered is completely outrageous! The beliefs are that if the dog is beaten, boiled alive, burned alive or hanged, they will release their adrenaline which supposedly makes their meat tender and the myth goes that the meat boosts a man’s virility. Of course there is no scientific evidence of such and this abuse is outrageous!
South Koreans consume over 1 million dogs a year. Horrific? This is of no concern to those who believe there is no wrong doing in consuming a dog for a meal. To those of us who love them & worship them as pets, it is mortifying!
South Koreans believe that there are health benefits such as easy digestion if they consume dog meat.
Fortunately since many groups have tried to change this practice, this tradition is dying out. JUST NOT QUICK ENOUGH!!! The practice of eating dog meat seems to be exclusively with the older generation living outside of South Koreans’ major cities. About 3 million (fewer than 10%) of the country’s 46 million people, eat dog meat and consider it a delicacy. This means that millions of dogs are killed each year for this country’s purpose. Many of the younger generation find this cruelty to animals (and indeed it is) and hope this practice will fade into history.
Thank God, this is not a practice within the United States, but there is still a large amount of animals who suffer at the hands of their owners & breeders. There is still a problem in the United States with dog fighting rings and those who beat them, train them for fighting purposes. We urge ANYONE who knows of this type of behavior going on to notify their local police. There are many breeders who breed their puppies and ship them to Asian countries and know full well that they are selling their pups to be consumed as meals or kept for breeding purposes to have puppies for consumed meal purposes. There are breeders who do not care where their puppies end up and sell them to pet stores or for commercial purposes. This type of breeder is a worthless human who should not even own a single dog. We have never sold a single puppy or dog to a pet store or for commercial purposes and we definitely will NEVER ship a puppy or dog to an Asian country.

To Micro-chip or NOT to Micro-chip….that’s the question:

We believe in micro-chipping all pets! This reality hit home for my eldest son who moved into a new home/area in California and his beloved Golden Retriever (which came from us many years ago) ran away with her pal, a Labrador, when a storm blew through and caused their gate to swing open. During the terrible storm, their dogs became scared and hit the road. For days, my son searched high and low for his dogs. Some weeks later, he happened upon a shelters’ website where he saw one of his dogs’ picture showing the dog up for adoption! Needless to say, he immediately drove down there and regained his dog. The Lab has never been located or found. Had his dogs been micro-chipped, as we urge everyone to do,
Their dogs would have been scanned immediately and found their way home. He is very fortunate to have been able to retrieve at least one of his beloved pets …..however, on a sad note, their Labrador who was their Golden Retrievers’ best pal, never made it back home. The two became separated during the storm. We urge everyone to join PETTRAC, the national recovery system backed nationally by state Veterinarian Medical Associations. Nearly every dog and cat that makes its way to a shelter is scanned upon entry. Unless you and your pet belong to this recovery system, there is no way to identify your pet or to know where it came from. Many animals lose their collars or are removed by those who steal them. Should your pet become stolen, this system also notifies agencies and vet clinics to be on the look out for your pet. Micro-chipping is NOT a luxury….its a necessity. Its a very simple procedure that can be done at the same time your pet receives his or her vaccinations and the cost is minimum. All of our canine are micro-chipped and we highly recommend it!

SO, YOU WANT TO PURHASE A PET FROM A PET STORE?

If you have stumbled upon a very cute dog at your local pet store….here’s what you need to know about the puppies who make their way to these pet facilities. Breeders who sell their puppies to pet stores are irresponsible breeders who have difficulty selling their pups to the general public or They can also be private uneducated breeders who don’t want to “deal” with their litter of pups that they just HAD to let little Susie watch being born. More than likely, they sold a few and then had pups they just didn’t want to “deal with”. People always assume that puppies in pet stores come from “Puppy Mills” or “Commercial Breeders”. NOT ALWAYS SO! More uneducated, private breeders sell their pups to pet stores than any one else. Unfortunately, we are even seeing Goldendoodles being sold to pet stores from the kinds of breeders mentioned above.
Pet stores scour the nation through newspaper and Internet ads for breeders who are either giving their puppies away or who have very low prices because they know that by marking them up by at least 300%, they’ll make their money back and then some.
Pet store owners purchase many of their puppies under false pretenses and present themselves to the breeders as a family seeking to replace a dog that has died or seeking a puppy for their “children”, knowing full well that the puppy they just bought will go to their store to sit in glass cages for the general public to view. Many become sick and unhealthy from being shuffled from one pet store to the other, if the store is a chain. Believe it or not, the majority of puppies inside of pet stores are registered with the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB…the supposed GOD of all Kennel Clubs who has “nothing but responsible” breeders registered with them!!! Hmm! Yeah, right! Another sad fact is those who sold their puppies to the pet stores don’t even care who buys them or whether or not they will be taken care of properly. No responsible breeder would ever dare sell their puppies to a pet store or any kind of facility like this. One of the ways a responsible breeder can deter pet stores from contacting them is to NOT bargain with a person who wants the breeder to “lower the price” or “give them a break” in the price. When a potential customer claims they’d “give the puppy a good home, but can’t afford much to pay”. This is a red flag. If a customer can not afford the price a breeder is asking, most likely they can not afford the dogs’ unexpected vet bills either. Most pet stores will ONLY purchase puppies from the above mentioned breeders that are registered with the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB. This is because they can get TOP DOLLAR for the puppies from people who believe that dogs registered with this kennel club are QUALITY dogs. What amazes me even more is how many people assume that all breeders who register their puppies and their breeding dogs with AKC, are RESPONSIBLE BREEDERS with quality dogs! Where do these AKC registered puppies inside of pet stores and pet shops come from??? If your first answer was “a puppy mill”…you just got an “F” for failure to respond correctly! These so called responsible breeders who sold their puppies to the pet stores and pet shops are private breeders and commercial breeders who register their litters with the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB, CONTINENTAL KENNEL CLUB and other canine registrant services, who breed to make a quick buck! Yes…many quick bucks can be made when all you do is produce a litter of puppies and six weeks after they are born, sell the entire litter to the pet store. It’s very simple! Pet stores across the country buy entire litters and then spread them out across their chain of other stores. It is very sickening. The breeder never has to spend a dime in taking care of the puppies…never has to spend any time or effort either! Any breeder…commercial or private can make many quick bucks in doing this. WE KNOW! WE GET CALLS FROM PET SHOPS AND PET STORES ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY WANTING OUR PUPPIES and since I began in 1996….I can proudly claim and scream I HAVE NEVER SOLD A SINGLE PUPPY THAT I HAVE CREATED TO A PET SHOP OR A PET STORE! Private breeders who sell their puppies and litters to pet stores and pet shops across the country are the real “puppy mills” and this is exactly what I personally believe a puppy mill to be. The puppy mill is NOT the breeder who spends an arm and a leg on their litters….who has enormous outgoing expenses and who has put in an enormous amount of time with their pups and dogs. I don’t care how many dogs a breeder owns….that is NOT WHAT MAKES A BREEDER A PUPPY MILL. Private breeders who dump their litters off at pet stores don’t give a rats ass who buys their puppies…..what kind of home their puppies are going to…how long they have to sit being gawked at by passers by through a window…don’t care whether or not a pet store or pet shop will take good care of their created pups…all they care about is that they have dumped a litter of 5-12 puppies off and picked up their “pay” check from the pet store. That’s fact whether people select to believe it or not! I personally know breeders who do this…don’t condone it…don’t do it….but know it to be a fact that this practice happens all over the United States on a daily basis.
What you don’t know too is that a PET STORE AND PET SHOP don’t want anything to do with an older puppy. They also pay very little to the breeder for each puppy….but to the breeder who does this…they’d rather rake in $200 per puppy than pay out more than they know they will take in, by keeping the pups until someone calls them to buy one. They also have less hassle and don’t have to pay out any advertising costs. Breeders who dump their pups off at these stores do not have to speak to anyone about the puppies they have created, except the pet store and pet shop they sell to.
Hence, you never know about them until you buy one of their puppies from the store and see their name listed on the pup’s registration documents as the breeder.

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Jake the Norwegian Elkhound at Crate Escape in Belmont, MA. www.crate-escape.com

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Dee Gerrish -
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Dee Gerrish has been a private, professional breeder since 1996. She founded Goldendoodle World in 1999 and has written about Goldendoodles extensively. Her Goldendoodle World website is very educational, extensive and shows a comprehensive look at the Goldendoodle hybrid. Dee Gerrish is the first breeder to register the Goldendoodle hybrid with a kennel club in the United States. Dee is also one of the original founders for the Goldendoodle dog in the southern region of the United States.

The older dogs have a lifespan of around eight to sixteen years. Some of the breeds have less age expectancy, while some of them have a longer life span. It is time to take some preventive actions when you know that your dog is grown old. These steps are needed to keep the dog healthy, happy and active. Keep a regular appointment with the veterinary doctor, this means that they are kept healthy and the owners know if there are any health issues. The veterinary doctors know different types of breed and they can also advice you on how to keep a tab on the health of the old dogs.

The older dog also needs to keep a tab on the weight. In case the dog is overweight, they develop joint problems, arthritis, diabetes and liver or kidney malfunctions. Treat your dog for less amount of sugar, salt. You can buy the dog cookies which are manufactured especially older and fat dogs. In case your dog is growing old, you can fewer amounts of treats, and more amount of healthy and low calorie food. Sometimes, it is little difficult to stop them staring at food when you eat, but it is for their good. You can feed your pet once or twice a day in smaller quantity. In case you find children feeding the dog, explain them why they should not feed the dogs.

In case the dog food is dry, you can add water or pre soak the food in hot water. Brush the dog teeth daily to ensure that they do not have any dental issues. Daily brushing with the toothpaste manufactured especially for the dogs helps prevent any dental problems. Make sure that you brush the teeth starting from the time when your dog is young, so that they get used to it. Have your dogs teeth checked up regularly and periodically.

Make sure that, irrespective of the age, fresh and cool water is available for your dog. Some of the older dogs cannot go to the water. In such a kind of situation make sure that you give them the water at regular intervals. You can place water bowls at different place in the house, so that they do not have to go far away for a drink.

The older dogs also suffer from arthritis like humans. Keep a tab on your dogs food and weight and feed them with a specially formulated food. Have regular visits to the vet, so that he can advice you about how to keep your pet healthy and keep it more comfortable even if it is growing old. There are some supplements available for the dog, but before you try any one of them consult the vet.

There are multiple varieties of orthopedic dog beds available. Some of them are manufactured of memory foam. These beds give the dog the extra heat and the extra comfort to the aging body. Make sure that the dog is very healthy and is taken good care of.

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ADOPTED!!! Marlee is a medium-sized female Hound/ Terrier mix who is only about 8.5 months old. Marlee is a frisky, intelligent girl who has lots of spirit and likes to have a good time. She is currently in foster care and her Mom has been working on basic obedience training. Marlee would do best with an experienced dog owner who will be a good pack leader. She needs an active home where she will get lots of exercise and play time. Marlee spends many days at doggie daycare so she gets along well with other dogs. She does best with dogs that match her energy level. We recommend a home with older children (15-16yrs.+) We may require a home visit before finalizing any adoption.

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Jeff Nenadic -
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Written by Jeff Nenadic from My-DogShop.com

Just as humans do, your dog may be in need of dog dental care. If your dog has typical bad doggie breath or if you notice a terrible smell when he breathes in your face, that may be a clue that your dog needs dental care.

It has only been recently that pet owners have been concerned with their pet’s dental health.  Now pet owners are learning it is important to keep their dog’s teeth and gums healthy. In the past it was believed that nature would take care of the dog’s teeth naturally. That may have been true in the wild where dogs ate raw meat and chewed the bones of their kills, but in today’s society where dogs are subjected to ‘people food’ and many treats, the health issue of your dog’s dental health is more of a concern. 

Commercial pet food companies have become aware of this problem and have introduced hard dog biscuits that help clean your dog’s teeth. Although that was only the beginning, it has since become well known that dogs may need help in the teeth cleaning and breath area.

Dog dental care is only one aspect of your overall pet’s health care. Dogs with healthy teeth and gums and healthy mouths, may tend to live longer and happier lives. Although having bad dental care may not necessarily decrease your pet’s overall life expectancy, it could cause him pain and discomfort and may even lead to him losing one or several teeth.  Having dental problems may also cause a serious infection in the mouth which in turn may lead to heart and kidney disease.

As in humans, a dog with a healthy mouth will have better smelling breath. Bad breath can be a sign that the dog may be having trouble in his mouth. Chances are that you may not even notice unless there is a really serious problem. A clue to your dog having trouble with his teeth may be if you find that he cannot chew on one side. This may be caused by him being in pain.  You may also notice that he isn’t eating because he is in so much pain. Both of these cases could be a sign that your dog has a toothache or some other kind of infection in his mouth.

Bad breath is caused by the plaque and tartar that builds up on your pet’s teeth. If the plaque and tartar are not removed from the teeth an infection in the mouth can occur. To avoid the bacteria that can cause gum disease in your dog, get your vet to remove the plaque and tarter that has been built up on your pet’s teeth.

Dogs can also get cavities in their teeth. Vets today have noted that there has been a rise in dog cavities, probably due to more of the sugary dog treats available on the market. Check the labels of the dog treats you buy to help reduce this threat. And, only feed your dog treats that are especially made for dogs.

If you are worried about your dog’s dental health, it is a good idea to brush your dog’s teeth regularly. Starting a dog dental care program when your pet is young should help to prevent dental health problems and will help solve the problem of getting your dog to submit to regular teeth brushing. It is a good idea to try to brush your dog’s teeth daily, but even brushing ever other day will help keep the plaque build-up under control.

You can get toothbrushes and toothpaste made especially for dogs. It is important to use toothpaste formulated especially for dogs because human toothpaste can upset your pet’s stomach. Also, toothpaste made for dogs will have a more pleasing flavor for him. Pet toothbrushes are softer than human ones, shaped slightly differently and are generally smaller. You can also use sponge cleaners instead of a toothbrush, which consist of small sponges attached to a handle. You can generally obtain these items through your veterinarian or at pet stores.

Another area of dental care for dogs includes crooked teeth.  You may find it necessary for some dogs to get braces on their teeth. Some dog breeds typically have problems in this area and need their teeth straightened enough so that their mouth opens and closes correctly. It may be necessary for your dog to get orthodontic work done on a few teeth or even have a full set of braces. Consult your vet if you feel this may be a problem area for your dog.

Dog dental care should be part of your dog’s regular health check-ups to discover any problems that may be occurring.  If your dog has poor dental health it can impact how he enjoys life, and even how long he lives.  Be pro-active and start your dog on a dental health routine early.

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Snow Day at Affectionate Pet Care,our Big Dogs group is having fun running in the yard, December 2009 after the East Coast Blizzard recorded in 1080p Doggie Daycare Dog, recorded on a Sony hdr-sr12

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Denny Phillips -
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