Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs caused by a novel influenza virus that was first discovered in 2004. Like influenza viruses that infect other mammals, canine influenza virus causes an acute respiratory infection in dogs. Like influenza viruses in other species, canine influenza virus causes a flu-like illness consisting of cough, sneezing and nasal discharge (”runny nose”). Because canine influenza is due to a virus that is novel to the canine population, dogs lack preexisting immunity to the virus. Canine influenza virus does not infect people, and there is no documentation that cats have become infected by exposure to dogs with canine influenza. read more

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Chrissie Brodigan is arrested in a subway station. A Brooklyn woman caught carrying her pet pug in a subway station said she was roughed up by a cop during a showdown over the sick dog. Chrissie Brodigan , 32, said she was bruised on her arms when Officer Joel Witriol violently cuffed her as she carried the pug, Dempsey, in the Bedford Ave. Police said Brodigan, who writes for The Huffington Post and other Web sites, was given a series of summonses after the ordeal. The brash Brodigan admits she mouthed off to Witriol after, she alleged, he continually said, “If you’re going to act like a woman, I’m going to treat you like a woman. Cops drove Brodigan to a transit police stationhouse in Brownsville before letting her go. read more

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And you thought we had problems?

In Southern Germany in a town by the name of Bayreuth, the German police are in a quandary. The town’s dog poo is under attack. Park officials are desperate to resolve what could become an international incident. Unknown person or persons have been sticking little US flags into piles of doggie poo for over a year now.

Surprisingly the dog poo brigade has managed to target between 2,000 to 3,000 abandoned piles of excrement in Bayreuth public parks. Quite who actually counted them all and provided these statistics is debatable but the source is rumoured as coming from the Parks Administrator - Josef Oettl. And you wondered what your parkie did each day?

What was thought to have started as a protest against the Iraqi war has continued through the US election campaign and is still a regular occurrence today. Have the German’s not heard of poop a scoop? Surely all self respecting German citizens collect their doggie poo. Poop in the parks and pavements was surely just a British thing?

German police are now stepping up patrols in order to catch these offenders. However, the poo could hit the fan if they ever tried to bring them to court. It is unclear what they would actually charge them with as there is no law against using doggie poo in this way. In fact, you could fly any flag from any piece of turd you find lying around. It’s not illegal but it cannot be a pleasant task.

Surely this wouldn’t catch on over here in the UK - would it?

About the Author

From the Website at www.birminghamuk.com The Voice of the West Midlands

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Gord

A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented and they always love to be around people. Treat them as family members. Never underestimate their need for human companionship, which is the most notable trait of this breed.

The Boxer is happiest when it is with people. Its whole pelvis moves when a Boxer wags its tail in delight and exhilaration. It can adapt to any environment as long as it is with people.

They love being with their “families” and don’t like to be alone. Include them in your gatherings when company is around.

They love to be your shadow. Boxers are intelligent and are quite capable of participating in many family adventures.

Boxer dogs are like humans and they need lots of love to feel like a part of the family.

Accept them for what they are and give them time to show how loyal they can be. They are very sensitive animals too so never hit them.

Boxers Work Well With Kids

Boxers are gentle with children. Boxers love to play and are always ready for a romp or game, “…so make sure you have kids,” said one owner.

Introduce the Boxer to the children early, as this will bond the Boxer and child together and help prevent jealousy from either one. You will find the Boxer will be more protective towards that child it grew up with as well.

Some owners found their Boxers love to be around children more than adults.

They are good-natured, accept friendly strangers and will calmly suffer the pokes and prods of children.

Boxers are also accepting toward other family pets.

One owner said: “My girl Boxer is wonderful to my daughter´s little half-rat terrier puppy. She lets the very hyper puppy do whatever to her and they even sleep together.”

Boxer Dog Information Pictures - Boxer Dog Information, Puppy Articles, Dog Pictures, Dog Training Tips and Resources.
This article courtesy of http://www.1st-in-dogstuff.com
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Corporal Kevin Hickey had been looking for stolen vehicles in the area when he heard a commotion in the backyard of a home on Olive Avenue. Visit our County-By-County section for the latest news headlines out of your county. When you take videos or photos of Central Florida news or weather events, iWitness is your place to upload them. Visit your headquarters for county-by-county news and resources, and a place to share community videos and photos. read more

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Samuel Murray

Obedient dogs make the best companions. Time spent training your dog will reward you with a pet that is deeply bonded to you, respects you and is a joy to have around. Training your dog doesn’t mean extinguishing her unique personality, it is simply a means of setting boundaries-something that makes dogs feel secure.

Some owners unconsciously train their dogs to exhibit bad behaviors. Since dogs are social animals, they are interested in doing whatever gets them attention. Positive attention is best, but if negative attention is all they can get from you, they’ll try to obtain that. This is why yelling at a dog that has had an “accident” in the house doesn’t teach her to not do that. All your excitement reinforces her behavior. The best way to let a dog know you are displeased with her is to ignore her.

Positive reinforcement is the key to training your dog. Basically, this means rewarding desired behavior. A reward might be a food treat, lots of verbal praise in a high voice and/or a good pet or scratch in her favorite spot. Rewarding your dog’s behavior accomplishes two things: it makes her want to repeat the behavior to reap the reward and establishes you as her leader. Some dogs are more assertive than others, and will try to become dominant over you. It is important that you remain the “leader of the pack,” and obedience training helps with that. However, even, and perhaps especially, less assertive dogs benefit from training. Following a leader is instinctive in dogs. Training your dog allows her to employ that instinct to follow someone else, and makes her feel more secure.

There are many training approaches within the realm of positive reinforcement. Some behaviors will be captured-rewarded as they occur-while others can be shaped by gently coaxing the dog into the desired action. Most professional trainers recommend using both a verbal commands and hand signals to communicate with your dog. Besides words/signals for behaviors such as sit, stay, and come, you will need a “release” signal. This is a word or sound that tells your dog she’s done something correctly. The release signal is always immediately followed by a reward, so that the dog comes to associate it with something positive.

You have lots of option as to how you go about training your dog. Libraries, bookstores and pet stores offer plenty of “how-to” training books. You can also find a lot of great information by surfing the Internet. If you prefer to have a professional by your side every step of the way, enroll in a basic obedience class. Major pet supply chains, humane societies and dog clubs usually offer classes. These classes are an excellent way to socialize your dog and educate yourself. If your schedule doesn’t allow you to participate in a class, check your community phone book for personal dog trainers. Most will come to your home on a regular basis, and provide in-depth training custom-tailored to your needs.

About the Author

This article courtesy of http://www.dog-training-questions.com

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes. A dog has died after the owner was accused of vehicular assault for a crash as he rushed the pet to a veterinarian in Olympia. According to investigators, Ottoboni admitted drinking three tall beers while playing golf before his dog was struck in front of his house. State troopers write that he was going 70 to 100 mph and left the scene of the crash in his rush to get the dog to the vet. Doesn't say who struck the dog in the first place but I hope it wasn't the owner who also struck the kids. read more

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