Archive for the ‘Dogs And Man’ Category

Dog Information

The phrase “No Kill” has become overused, misunderstood, and often used to manipulate. It is now a signal to DONATE HERE. It is too frequently used to indicate a purity of purpose that makes one rescue group more deserving of financial support than another. An interesting evolution of this phrase is the attachment of the words “the largest.” Various rescues now seem to feel it necessary to describe themselves as the largest NO KILL rescue in the region, state, or country.

The decision of where to donate or what groups to support can be very complicated and needs to be made with all available facts. The KILL versus NO KILL philosophy is the second on my list of ten big issues to consider before making any donation decisions; and there are four equally important aspects of this issue to consider.

Facts about the KILL vs. NO KILL philosophy everyone should know:

1) Not all groups claiming to be NO KILL really are.

Unfortunately, there are a few rescue groups that understand the public’s current insistence on being a NO KILL rescue, so they advertise themselves as such. However, for a few groups, this is a blatant lie. For a few others, they maintain their NO KILL status by transferring dogs to KILL facilities. For these groups, their definition of NO KILL just means WE don’t kill–but they have no problem transferring dogs away and removing those dogs from their concern.

How can you know? If you volunteer for a rescue group and you routinely see signs on kennels indicating dogs to be transferred to another group, alarm bells should go off in your head. If you are not a volunteer, then knowing for sure can be difficult. Doing some online research into your group of interest might shed light on the truth. Very often, people who know the truth and are appalled by it–former volunteers or employees–will share that information online.

Only having one person’s word for anything is not wise, but it should inspire you to dig deeper; and help you realize that having a group claim to be NO KILL does not necessarily make it so. It would be wonderful if what people say could be guaranteed to be true. Unfortunately, money too often changes the rules.

2) There are “degrees” of NO KILL.

Many groups advertise themselves as NO KILL but readily admit that if an animal is extremely ill, is in pain that cannot be alleviated, or is a danger to people or other animals, it may be euthanized. For most Americans, this is an acceptable concept.

There are, however, rescue groups that take NO KILL to its extreme. These groups believe there is no acceptable situation for euthanasia. These group members believe animals should be medicated as necessary until they die “naturally.” Sadly, some of these same groups use pictures and/or stories about these animals to solicit donations.

Only you know your own personal philosophy about the euthanasia issue; but for this particular issue, you probably don’t want to support a group that treats death in a way you don’t support.

3) All rescues and shelters can become NO KILL!

NO KILL needs to be a societal goal, and we all need to be working to meet this goal. It will take time, money, volunteers, legal changes, and changes in philosophy, but it is possible! It is already happening.

Nathan Winograd is one of this country’s leaders in the NO KILL movement. His strategies for converting shelters from the methods of the past to the NO KILL philosophy have become the model for accomplishing this very important goal. You can find information about Nathan Winograd on my website or on his.

The important concept for you to understand here is that you must NOT make the assumption that rescue groups that cannot call themselves NO KILL actually WANT to be killing animals. Many groups are in the process of conversion and many others are willing to make the change with the right help. Maybe you can be that help.

4) Groups that are already NO KILL do not need your donation.

This may sound crass, but it is true. Groups that have already achieved the NO KILL goal have done so because they have a sufficient number of financial supporters and volunteers. Certainly, these groups would say they could do more with more; and, if you currently support such a group, your support needs to continue.

If you are just beginning your search and research for making a donation to an animal rescue, perhaps you can have a greater impact by helping groups that are actively pursuing the NO KILL goal, or by helping to change laws and public attitudes.

In conclusion, as you consider donating, make sure you do your due diligence. Educate yourself about all aspects of the animal rescue “industry.” Just as the KILL vs. NO KILL philosophy is more complicated than it initially appears, the same is true for all 10 big issues surrounding donations. Remember, this is only the second issue I have discussed. Be looking for the other eight; or go to my website where all 10 issues are discussed.

Shirley Slick, “The Slick Tips Lady,” is a retired high school math teacher and a life-long animal lover. In addition to her goals about mathematics education, she is equally concerned about puppy-mills, the dog rescue industry, and designer dogs. For more information about these topics, or tips about donating to rescues, visit her website at http://slicktipsaboutdogrescues.com/

Build a Relationship With Your Dog

January 14, 2012 5:17 pm - Posted by Susan in Dogs And Man

Dog Information

How to build a good relationship with my dog? Pets secure us, they ground us emotionally. Coming home after a stressful day of work, it’s nice to know that someone still loves me. I want to help keep that going, keep the love coming from both myself and my dog. But how can I show him how much I care? How do I keep this relationship healthy and helpful for both of us?

To start with, I include my dog in my life as much as I can. He sleeps in the same room as me, and his cage is in the kitchen where the majority of life happens in my home. By keeping him a part of my life, I let him know that he’s important to me and that I care. I’m receptive to his wants, and he can see me and know that I’m around.

After a day at work, I spend time with him so we can bond. We play games, I take him for a walk so we can get some exercise, and he even watches TV with me. Again, I’m keeping him part of my life: physical and emotional contact goes a long way to keeping him happy and receptive; the contact is good for me as well, acting as emotional therapy and a good way to relax and ease the stress from my mind.

Proper diet is good for the soul, and proper diet for him is no different: I make sure that we both eat well, according to our needs. He eats a raw diet, and I always make sure he isn’t hungry. More important than that, I make sure he always has cold water. Dogs can’t regulate their body temperature as well as humans, so proper hydration is even more important for him than it is for me.

Our relationship needs all of the above to foster and grow: as I become a part of his life, something he associates with good feelings, so he becomes a part of mine, each the other’s world entire. It’s helpful for me and helpful for him: as he feels better, he reciprocates the love to me and helps me through hard times. There’s nothing better than coming home from a hard day at work and having someone who truly, more than anything else, loves you, run at you as you close the door to kiss you.

Milos Obrenovic

On Pekingese Dogs Care site you can learn about history and origin. You can use tools, see advices about breeding, feeding, grooming, health etc. Feel free to see more at http://PekingeseDogsCare.com/

DOGS IN NEED – CAN YOU HELP?

January 5, 2012 4:26 pm - Posted by Susan in Dogs And Man

Dog Information

Dogs In Need – Can You Help?

There is much hardship for dogs in this world in our day and age.

  • Dogs lose their homes because their humans don’t have enough money to buy food.
  • Dogs lose their homes because their people need to move and can’t find a new home where dog keeping is possible or permitted.
  • Dogs are put in shelters because their owners need to go to hospital and have no one to look after their friend.
  • Dogs are put to sleep because they are not wanted anymore.
  • Dogs are being abused because their people don’t know how to control their anger.
  • Dogs are being abused because their people think that beating a dog up is a good way of training him.
  • Dogs are left alone all day long without any means of exercise or communication because their owners are at work from nine to five.

The list could go on and on and on…

  • Dogs are treated with steroids and antibiotics before a proper diagnosis is given.
  • Dogs are being stuffed with unsuitable foods which create havoc in their bodies and ruin their health.
  • Dogs are being used in all sorts of ways without concern.

Most of the hardship a dog suffers is caused by a human being who dearly loves him. Isn’t that sad?

Can you help a dog in need?

  • Could you donate some money or food to some dog owner who without help from friends would have to give his dog away?
  • Could you adopt a dog who needs a new and perhaps even better home?
  • Or could you give a helping hand to someone who is struggling to find someone who would look after his dog whilst he himself is in hospital?
  • Could you teach someone how to properly train a dog? Perhaps run a charity dog training class?
  • Could you volunteer to take someone else’s dog for walks when you take your own pooch out?
  • Could you donate some money at a regular basis to an animal shelter?
  • I think we need to ask ourselves whether we are dog lovers or just in love with our own dogs.
  • As true dog lovers we could try to do our best every now and then to selflessly help an unfortunate canine – just to shine a little light for those who are less fortunate than our own and our friend’s dogs.
  • You never know what life holds in store for you – maybe one day it is your own dog who needs someone to protect him from harm and make him feel safe again.
  • It’s just a though…

From M. Annelie Becher at http://www.dogsandhappiness.com

Choosing A Canine That Fits Your Lifestyle

December 3, 2011 3:58 am - Posted by Susan in Dogs And Man

Dog Information

The decision to adopt a dog will affect your life for many years to come. Your pet will become your companion, and look forward to spending time with you whenever he is given the opportunity. He’ll also expect you to provide for his basic needs, such as food, shelter, and exercise. Pet adoption takes commitment since there will be challenges along the way.

A lot of people decide to adopt canines without considering the traits that would best suit their lives. Our goal in this article is to provide direction. We’ll discuss grooming needs, size, age, and activity level. Choosing a dog that matches your lifestyle ensures you’ll enjoy his company.

Maintaining Your Dog’s Appearance

Grooming involves giving your pet regular baths, brushing his hair, clipping his nails, and providing him haircuts. Keep in mind that some canines’ hair grows faster than others, and thus needs to be cut more frequently. For example, a Poodle has fast-growing hair, and may need haircuts every two or three weeks. Hair growth will also influence how often you’ll need to brush your dog. The more quickly his hair grows, the more quickly it will become matted and tangled.

Baths should be given at least once a month. If your canine gets dirty more often, or develops an unpleasant odor, bathe him more frequently.

Large Versus Small: Selecting The Right-Sized Pet

Small dogs are popular for a number of reasons. They can be easily transported from place to place; they are small enough to sit on their owners’ laps; and they are better suited for apartments and condominiums. On the other hand, they can be injured more easily than their larger counterparts.

Large canines are less fragile. They also tend to be protective of their families, and particularly good with young people. One of the downsides to owning one is that they need more room than smaller pets. In cramped spaces, their tails may knock over objects. Additionally, large dogs are usually more costly to care for.

Puppies Versus Adult Canines

Most people choose to adopt puppies. The reasons vary, and range from cuteness to a desire to raise them from an early age. But it’s important to note that adult canines also make wonderful companions. Moreover, they do so without subjecting their owners to the challenges of raising a puppy.

For instance, adult dogs are usually house trained. Their temperaments are more reliable (a puppy’s temperament often changes). Many adult canines are also socialized, having spent substantial time around other people and animals.

Puppies require a lot of time and patience. They need to be house trained. They also need to be supervised lest they chew and destroy valuable possessions. Plan to invest plenty of time into training a pup.

Couch Potato Versus An Active Dog

Some canines are far more energetic than others. Breed plays a role. Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers, and Chihuahuas tend to be high-energy pets while Great Danes, Chow Chows, and Bernese Mountain Dogs usually have much less energy. But other factors that are more difficult to predict (and control) are also important.

One of the most important things you can do is provide your canine with daily exercise. Not only will doing so help to ensure his long-term health, but will also normalize his energy level. As a result, he’ll be less inclined to display poor behavior (e.g. barking, destroying furniture, etc.).

Choosing a dog that suits your style of living will have a major influence on the relationship you share with one another. It will make the experience of caring for him seem even more rewarding.

Jon Ericksen

Treat your dog with quality all natural Bully Sticks from the eco-friendly dog treat company www.PawLux.com.

Which Dog Is Right For You?

October 25, 2011 3:32 pm - Posted by Susan in Dogs And Man

Dog Information

Dogs are an incredibly diverse species. Not only do they have an amazing array of of physical characteristics, but even their personality traits and behavioral characteristics differ from one breed to another.

Much of this is down to human meddling. For centuries we have bred dogs to meet our needs, so that over time we’ve developed over 600 distinct dog breeds.

However, recent studies suggest that many of the physical changes in dogs may have occurred spontaneously. So as amazing as it is, it seems dogs have actually evolved along the lines they believe we expect of them. Now that’s what I call devotion!

Fascinating stuff, but there’s also a practical purpose to all this.

Let’s say you are interested in buying or adopting a purebred dog. I’m sure you’d want one that is a good fit for your life style. It would be foolish for example to adopt a Husky, if your idea of fun is flopping down in front of the TV with with a bowl of popcorn. Before you know it you’ll have an extremely frustrated dog, most likely with behavioral problems.

By the same token, an active person who gets a Bulldog and expects him to join in the Sunday morning jog is bound to be disappointed.

And it’s not just energy levels you need to consider. As you begin to put together a picture of your perfect dog, think about the level of affection you want, the level of independence, guarding ability, whether you mind a dog that barks. You’ll find there’s a breed that matches just about any profile you can think of.

And what about physical appearance, size for example? It’s hard to imagine two animals more different than a Saint Bernard and a Chinese Crested, yet both are unmistakably, dogs.

Another factor you need to take into account is the amount of hair the dog sheds. Some dogs shed enough hair to make another dog, while others hardly shed at all. And if shedding is really an issue there are hairless dogs, like the Xoloitzcuintle.

Trainability is another factor that should be considered. If you’re determined to obedience train your dog, then you’ll want a breed that is pliant and obedient, not the canine equivalent of an obdurate mule.

So if trainability is an important factor you’ll want a dog that is a quick learner with an eagerness to please. Dogs that fall into this group include the Poodle, Papillon and Golden Retriever.

At the other end of the scale you’ll find the the hounds – stubborn, obstinate and downright bloody-minded. Dachshunds are said by some (only half-jokingly) to be impossible to train, while some toy dogs just can’t be bothered to pay attention.

And then there are the so-called designer dogs, as well as mixed breed dogs, which we haven’t even spoken about here.

The point is, there’s a dog that’s ideal for every person, every lifestyle. What’s your dog type?

Gary Clint Walker

Whichever type of dog you choose, puppy-names-hq.com has the ideal dog name, with 1000′s of categorized male dog names and female dog names.