Louise Louis

1. Are there any size or weight restrictions on dogs within
your condominium or community? Many won’t allow dogs over 30-pounds.

2. Do you keep your home very warm? Some dogs are bothered by warm room temperatures. A Chihuahua would be a better choice than Shih Tzu in that case.

3. How much dog can you lift? A Pug is a happy-go-lucky companion but may weigh 18-pounds while a Yorkshire Terrier usually doesn’t exceed 7-pounds.

4. How much grooming can you do? If arthritis is a problem, avoid longhaired breeds such as Pekingese or Maltese and look at short, smooth-haired dogs such as Toy Manchester
Terrier. Beautiful coats are beautiful because they’re groomed daily.

5. How much exercise does the dog need? Any Terrier is a high-energy dog requiring outdoor exercise. On the other hand, an English Toy Spaniel or Japanese Chin can get all the exercise they need inside an apartment.

6. Is the breed’s temperament a good match with you? Some people find Toy Poodles too challenging and would do better with the sweet-tempered Papillon.

7. Are you prepared for the costs of dog ownership? The bare minimum estimate for dog ownership is $1 a day.

8. Can you acquire pet insurance? Many companies offer group rates to their employees and retirees.

9. Would being a “foster” owner satisfy your need for canine companionship? Even if you don’t want to take a dog
into your home, shelters always need people who can walk and play with the dogs or provide temporary housing.

10. Finally, have you considered what happens to your dog if you can’t care for him? Toy breeds often live 15-years
or longer. Be sure to include instructions in your will on
how your pet should be placed.

With a little forethought and planning, you can select the right breed of dog for your lifestyle and enjoy many happy
years together.

About the Author

Former dog breed and all-round dog
person, Louise Louis now operates
a website, toybreeds.com dedicated to
helping people select the best small
dog breed for their lifestyle.

Annie Garrett

This describes the joys of borrowing a dog and in particular Roger, an aging squirrel enthusiast.
I sit in prescribed meditation posture in my morning attempt at spiritual practice. Bringing my mind back from a very non-spiritual gallivant, I open my eyes to peek at how much time I have left, and instead of the clock, I see two cataract glazed eyes peering at me over a wet, black nose. The furry snout is not inches away.

My wavering career path (not that there has been much of a career nor a path along the way) brings me periodically back to Teresa’s Titanic Era apartment and her part Rottweiler, all mutt dog. We are the last two of our college friends still single. Teresa is a sensualist and I’m an ascetic, but we share an appreciation for wine, a Catholic upbringing and a mutual tolerance of each other’s differences; I prefer museums and home to her bars and late nights. It’s a complimentary trait of our friendship since I am happy to come back early to feed and take Roger out while Teresa is still enjoying nightlife and multiple flirtations.

Teresa acquired Roger while we were in graduate school from another student who hadn’t realized the commitment of a dog and now, ten years later, they’re still an unsavory pair. While Teresa’s passions are men and merlot, Roger’s are more straightforward - food . . .or rather anything comestible regardless of nutritional value. His thick black coat adds an extra furry dimension to the dust bunnies that collect under the radiators and during my frequent unemployed periods, I find a certain unpaid job security hunting these rodents with Teresa’s vacuum.

Roger, increasingly stiff with age, makes his way up and down the flights of stairs to the apartment complex’s courtyard, precious space in this inner city neighborhood, a private park. Here, in spite of his advancing age and retreating physical capabilities, Roger practices his passionate hatred for squirrels, UPS men and Harley Davidson Motorcycles with hysterical barking whenever he has the good luck to catch sight or scent of one of his arch foes.

When Teresa travels, I often apartment/dog sit and if Roger and I are not exactly soul mates, we do appreciate certain traits each other possesses. In my struggle with career and loneliness, the necessity of regular trips outside provides a minimal structure and the fuzzy presence comforts. On the other hand, Roger unfailingly exhibits enthusiastic admiration for my ability to scoop kibble into his bowl. Perhaps someday I’ll have enough of a job to keep my own place and dog, but until then, I enjoy dog borrower status with Roger.

About the Author

Annie Garrett is a freelance nomad from western Colorado.

Jeff Cuckson

I was talking to a friend of mine today and I asked him how his kids (dogs) were. He lives on his own and the standing joke is - “does he want to do a swap with his dogs and my kids?”

He informed me very sadly that he had to get the older dog put to sleep. I knew the dog was quite old, but I knew from his expression and my own experience that it had been a hard decision.

He had stayed with the dog, stroking and talking to him as the vet administered the injection. I was suprised at my reaction, because it immediately brought back memories of my last dog being put to sleep. It surprised me that it still hurt after all this time.

I have found that non-dog owners think you are a bit barmy for reacting with a lot of emotion to a dog’s death. They tend to forget that the Westie ( or any other animal) was part of your family.

If dogs could talk what stories they could tell.

I remind you of a beautiful prayer called “A Dog’s Prayer”. It is by Beth Norman Harris. I hope she dosen’t mind but I have renamed it “A Westie Dog’s Prayer”

“Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick yourhand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.”

Have you a poem, story or photo. Then I would love to hear from you. Go NOW to: http://www.crazyaboutwesties.com/forum/index.php

Love to hear from you.

(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)

Until next time, good health and best wishes.

Jeff Cuckson
webmaster@madaboutwesties.com
**************************************
Want To Know How To Have The Healthiest, Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You Have Ever Dreamed Of! Then Visit NOW!
http://www.madaboutwesties.com
***********************************

About the Author

By Jeff Cuckson

Author of….

“Mad About Westies!” .. How You Can Have The Healthiest, Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You Have Ever Dreamed Of!

“101 Kind and Positive Thoughts For Westie Owners On Rough Days!” - How to put a ray of sunshine into a Westie Owner’s dull grey day

“100 Top Westie Sites!”

“115 Travel Tips For Having a Successful Trip With Your Westie!”

Ruth Bird

Regular ear care for your dog Routine ear care is very important to the health of your dog. Perform regular checks and cleaning between visits to your veterinarian, it will help keep your dog’s ears healthy and pain free. This is extremely important to do.

I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years, and they are well known for ear conditions. But remember, no matter how efficient you are in caring for your dog’s ears, serious conditions may still arise. Also, beware when your dog flaps its ears too much; this can cause a hematoma, which I will discuss a little further on.

My Golden had to be operated for this. Regular inspection of your dog’s Ears By performing ear inspections you will be able to detect problems early. Use both your eyes and your nose. A small flashlight will assist you in seeing problems. I have “smelled out” more serious problems using my nose. This method can detect ear infections early. Normally a dog’s ears shouldn’t smell foul in any way. A dark waxy discharge this may be a sign of ear mites. A pus-like discharge along with a foul smell this is a sign of a bacterial infection.

Allergies are also known to cause a foul smell in your dog’s ears. My Golden had very sensitive ears. If something feels wrong, make sure you have your Veterinarian check it right away. Have your Vet show you what to look for, and how to look for potential problems! My Vet is an amazing teacher and he is always willing to show me things. What dogs are more susceptible to ear problems? Dogs with floppy ears, like spaniels and bloodhounds, are very prone to ear infections because very little air flows into their ear canals.

There are also breeds, like the Lhasa Apso, that have a heavy growth of hair inside their ears. Dogs that frequently swim are more susceptible to ear problems. And, Goldens can be very susceptible to ear problems. If you suspect that excess ear hair is a problem, you may need to remove the hair that grows inside your dog’s ears. This is not very difficult and if you have a problem, find a good groomer to do it for you. How to clean your dog’s ears: Your dog’s eardrum is better protected than a human’s, but you should still proceed with caution when cleaning the ear canal. Do not insert anything into your dog’s ear. Use only the small square cleaning pads, or cotton balls. Use anything that is very soft, but has no tips. Ask your groomer or Vet to show you the best way to clean YOUR dog’s ears… Checking your dog’s ears only takes a few minutes so make it a part of your dog grooming routine. And when your dog’s ears need a cleaning don’t put it off.

Remember regular cleanings can prevent many common ear problems. If you think a problem may be developing that is beyond the scope of your home dog ear care routine, take your dog to the vet for a check up immediately. An infection, if left untreated, can be very painful.

Hematomas My Golden had one once, a big one, from shaking her head because of her ear condition. My Vet says a hematoma can turn into a very serious condition if not treated. Hematomas are collections of blood. They are common in ears because there doesn’t seem to be anything in the ear to generate enough pressure to stop bleeding until the ear swells enough with blood. Ear infections, ear mites, fly bite irritation, mosquito bites, allergies and immune mediated diseases have all been implicated as underlying causes for this problem. Anything that causes the dog to flap its ears can make this happen and it appears to occur spontaneously in a number of dogs. Large hematomas should be treated surgically or medically. Surgery usually involves making an incision on the inner aspect of the ear and draining the blood, removing any blood clots that are left and then suturing the two sides of the ear together by putting sutures all the way through it, in a “mattress” pattern. Sometimes it is possible just to place a drain and massage the blood out of the ear daily until it heals. Side note:

If you use a commercial ear product please make sure it is of good quality and please make sure it is the proper product for the condition. So many dogs have had tremendous ear pain and complications because of the wrong product, or the wrong use of a product. An educated dog owner is the best kind of dog owner.

This article is designed for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used in any other manner. This information is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice.

Dr. Jane Bick’s also has a wonderful ear solution, plus, regular online telephone call in opportunities where you can ask her questions. Dr. Jane Bicks http://www.healthypetnet.com/mydoghouse

About The Author

My name is Ruth Bird, and I am the owner of 3 dogs, 2 are Registered Therapy Visiting Dogs, my third dog is blind. My passions are health for people and pets and promoting a happy, healthy and wealthy lifestyle. http://www.happypetstop.com/.

internetmarketerster@gmail.com

Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Large
Height: 48 - 71 cm (19 - 28 inches)
Weight: 30 - 58 kg (65 - 130 lb)
Life Span: 12 years
Grooming: Minimal
Exercise: Demanding
Feeding: Medium
Temperament: Fearless & confident
Country of Origin: United States
AKC Group: Not registered
Other Names: Old Country Bulldog

Temperament:
The American Bulldog is confident, gentle, fearless, determined and protective. American Bulldogs should not be overly aggressive with other dogs depsite their self-confidence and bravery. These dogs genuinely love children and have strong protective instincts towards their handler and family. To prevent American Bulldogs from becoming overly protective or dominant they need to be socialized with a variety of animals, people and situations during puppyhood. They tend to be reserved towards strangers and make excellent watchdogs and guard dogs. American Bulldogs make truly devoted and loving pets when they receive proper training and socialization from an early age.

Grooming:
American Bulldogs don’t need much grooming except when the coat is shedding. During these times the coat should be brushed regularly with a firm bristle brush to remove the dead hairs.

Exercise:
American Bulldogs are extremely energetic and need plenty of exercise. They enjoy long walks, jogging, playing catch or participating in agility trials. If American Bulldogs receive adequate daily exercise they should be calm when indoors.

History:
In the 1800s a number of European immigrants brought the original type of Bulldog from England to the United States. These Bulldogs had been used for bull baiting in England until this brutal sport became illegal. As a result these dogs disappeared from Britain and made their way to America with working class immigrants. These dogs were used to work with livestock, but almost became extinct by the end of World War II. It was John Johnson, Alan Scott and some other dedicated breeders who managed to revive this breed and develop the American Bulldog from them.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Sturdy, athletic, powerful, muscular and hardy.
Colour: Any colour, colour pattern, or combination of colours is acceptable, except for solid black, solid blue, and tricolor (white with patches of black and tan).
Coat: Short, close, and stiff to touch.
Tail: Set low, tapering and can either be natural or docked (a natural tail is preferred).
Ears: Set high, of medium size and may be dropped, semi-pricked or rose-shaped. The ears may be cropped but natural ears are preferred.
Body: The chest is deep and moderately wide with well sprung ribs. The back is broad and muscular with the topline slightly declining downwards. The loin is short, broad, and slightly arched, blending into a moderately sloping croup. The flank is moderately tucked up and firm.

Additional Comments:

The American Bulldog is higher on the leg and more agile than the English Bulldog. Some of these dogs are reportedly able to leap six feet or more into the air.
The American Bulldog should not be confused with uniquely different breeds such as the American Staffordshire Terrier or the American Pit Bull Terrier.

About the Author

This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/american_bulldog/

Lateef Olajide

——————————–
You have permission to publish this article electronically
or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are
included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be
appreciated.
——————————–

Discover: How to prevent dog bites case.

Of all the aggressive behavior in dogs dog bites is the most
serious.
However no matter how serious it may be you can contain it
if you are
able to diagnose the cause of this aggressive dog behavior.

In the following 8 tips

1. Before you treat any illness you have to be able to
recognize
the type of aggression your dog is exhibiting. Bellow are
few aggressive
dog behavior you have to notice I will be expanding the
subsequent tips.

Fear aggression
Possessive aggression
dominant aggression
dog to dog aggression
aggression towards infants
punishment or pain elicited aggression
protective or territorial agression

2. Then you have to consult an authority like professional
trainner, veterinary behaviorist.

3. You need to avoid situations that elicit aggressive dog
behavior.

4. Lots of the aggressions are even fault of the dog owners.
Many employ punishment in teaching
obedience commands. All you have to do whenever you want to
teach obedience comman is to
use reinforcement methods.

5. Fit your dog with a head halter while training, a humane
way to treat and
control your og. Use this option only on a temporary basis.
Employ the service of
experience head halters to fit dog handler.

6. Fit your dog with a basket muzzle if restraint is
necessary for extended periods (about 3-5minutes).

7. A helpful technique for behavior modification is
obedience training, though this type of training
will hardly eliminate a dog aggressive behavior.

8. It is advisiable for you not to approach a dog that is
sleeping or unaware of your presence.

About the Author

Lateef Olajide is the author of “Aggressive Dog behavior
Training blog.” Visit his site to find out how you can get
a free consultation.
http://aggressive-dog-behavior-training.blogspot.com

http://www.dog-bite-prevention.com

for many years a

nd started his career in Israel, working on the Border Police. He has been involved in all forms of training, including air sea rescue, air scent work, and has trained dogs for finding drugs. David has devoted the past 10 years to studying behaviour and the very passive approach. He does not use choke chains, check chains, or any form of aggression.

David The Dogman is available for private consultations in your home, for further details telephone; Tel; (95) 2883388

He Won’t Come BackDavid the Dogman
from David the Dogman

Just this side of Heaven is a place called The Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill or old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling to each other in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…

Commitment, Firmness, but kindness.

Brought to you by: World Wide Information Outlet - http://certificate.net/wwio/, your source of FREEWare Content online.

Do you have any problems with your pet? Then why not send your problem to DAVID THE DOGMAN.

David is a Canine Behaviourist who works and lives in Marbella, Spain. Tel/Fax (00345) 2883388.
His web site is located at: http://www.thedogman.net.

David has his own radio and TV shows, and writes for many newspapers and magazines. David has been working with dogs for many years and started his career in Israel, working on the Border Police. He has been involved in all forms of training, including air sea rescue, air scent work, and has trained dogs