The pet finder is a database for online users that want to provide homes for pets in need. Julie checked out this pet finder and discovered forums and full libraries of articles written about and for dog lovers. She discussed different issues with dog lovers about the pet finder. She found out about shelters and organizations preoccupied with dog adoptions. She started to investigate and research the institutions that the pet finder offered information about.

While her primary intentions were to find a dog for herself and adopt it, she became involved with rescue organizations that provide education and support services. She wanted to do more than simple dog lovers do. She volunteered to help homeless animals everywhere, to involve in programs of rehabilitation of abused animals. Continuing to use the pet finder she sustained the efforts of many volunteers and found out how many dog lovers struggle to help animals and people seeking a pet. However she did not forget about her own wish to have a new pet: dog lovers will always be dog lovers.

Having collaborative relationships with national organizations, the pet finder assisted Julie in finding the perfect dog friend she was looking for. She searched the pet finder database and used options to view species, breeds, locations and pictures in order to find herself a compatible pet. Regional and national searching was done and she even posted information about herself to be viewed by the people that took care until then of her present dog. Pet finder helped her and the homeless dog by uniting them.

Dog lovers everywhere struggle with the hope of helping stray and surrendered animals. Julie joined their fight against mistreatment and enhanced the number of pet finder volunteers. She did not just stood bye to watch others deal with the problems of dog lovers. Helping pet finder she helped herself and struggled to make a better world for all animals.

Its a common misconception that a goldfish can live in a tiny bowl. In order for him to survive for any length of time, youll need to do frequent water changes and cleanings of the bowl thats a lot of work and living in a bowl isnt much fun so its best to keep your fish in a regular tank with a proper filtration system.

The size of your tank depends on how many goldfish you want to keep in it. A good rule of thumb is to allocate about 7 gallons of water per fish, so if you want 5 goldfish a 35 gallon tank is recommended. Its better to keep fish in a long tank that has plenty of surface to air space as goldfish like to have a lot of oxygen in their water. A tall hexagon shaped tank wont be the best tank for these fish.

Goldfish like their water to be a little on the cool side between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit so in most cases a heater is not necessary. You should, however have a thermometer in the tank and take the appropriate measures if the temperature gets above 72 degrees as higher temperatures can make your fish more susceptible to disease. Bear in mind that most other tropical fish like their water on the warm side, so you will have to be careful what fish you put in the tank with your goldfish.

Provide the goldfish tank with a filtration system that is appropriate for the size of the tank. If you are keeping the fancy tailed goldfish, dont use a system that will provide too much current as this can make it difficult for them to swim around. Youll also want to provide periodic water changes as you should with any tank.

One of the main reasons that fish become sick is due to poor water quality. To keep your goldfish healthy, make sure you provide the filtration and water changes but also be careful about overcrowding and overfeeding. Too many fish or too much decaying food and waste will cause the water in your tank to become toxic to your fish.

What things should you focus on in dog training when you want your dog to understand the expected behaviors and even some fun tricks? Should you take dog training classes or complete dog training all on your own? The answer to these questions is that it depends. Take a look at the following dog training options to determine what type of dog training you want to provide for your canine best friend.

Possible dog training options include: a beginning obedience class that you can take through your local human society, dog supply stores such as PETCO, community recreation departments, and local colleges. These dog training classes can vary in price, time commitment, and personal attention. They are usually affordable and meet once a week at a community park. It is a great way to not only have your dog experience basic dog training, but socialize with other dogs as well.

If you have the financial resources and time you can hire a personal dog trainer. This type of trainer may be necessary if your pooch is having a hard time in basic classes and your dog training efforts aren’t making a difference. Before you invest in a private dog trainer it is important to make an accurate assessment of your dog training methods. Often times a dog that is not following directions is the result of the poor dog training by the dog’s owner.

A private dog trainer might be necessary if you are going to show your dog at dog shows. You can hire a dog trainer/handler or you can become one yourself. If you do, you must know the proper dog training techniques. You don’t want to have Fido jump up on the judges during the competition so he must be trained thoroughly and correctly.

You can also search through dog training books, guides, and various resources. There are products that will help you complete dog training such as special collars and muzzles. You can effectively go through a dog training regime with your canine if you follow these eight dog training tips.

Tip #1: Many people start their dog on the path to dog training success by enrolling them in a basic obedience class. This is a great idea because you will learn how to teach your do basic commands such as “sit”, “stay”, and “heel”.

You can teach these dog training commands by using verbal commands and physical actions. For example, right after you say the word “sit” you gently push your dog’s bottom down onto the ground and put them in the sit position. Immediately say “good” and smile. Give them a tasty treat as well. Basically, you want to do as much as you can to reinforce the action of sitting when you say “sit”.

Tip #2: Dogs act like absorbent sponges when it comes to learning proper behavior and tricks. If you do your job properly then dog training should be a hit. Your dog is ready and eager to learn proper behavior. They want to please you. Therefore, if they aren’t following your instruction it might not be their fault. You might be giving confusing dog training instructions.

Tip #3: Dogs thrive on positive reinforcement and encouragement. Positive reinforcement such as acting excited and petting your dog when they do the right behavior help with your dog training efforts. It is a dogâ?s nature to want to be close to you and make you happy. Showing encouragement and praise will help your dog much farther, much faster in their dog training. Make sure to encourage a dog through each dog training accomplishment, no matter how big or small.

Tip #4: Food is a powerful motivator when it comes to dog training. You will be hard pressed to find a dog that passes up food or a tasty treat. Dogs are always hungry and welcome any situation where food is involved.

Tip #5: Dog training should be a gradual process with regards to skill level and learning more complex commands. Give your dog time to understand new commands. They most likely won’t learn it the first day you teach them. You will have to review the commands and proper behaviors often.

Tip #6: Have dog training sessions at various times throughout the day. Your dog needs periodic training to reinforce the proper behaviors. You dog’s attention span can wane, so make sure to keep the training sessions to five to ten minutes long.

Tip #7: When you first start dog training work in environment that is free from distractions so your dog can focus on their behavior. Once your dog understands the basic commands you can try to use the commands in a busier environment.

One thing you may find is that your dog is distracted and seems to have forgotten the commands. Don’t fret. This can happen because dogs tend to be situational learners and your dog just needs to work on the commands in the busier environment.

Tip #8: Too many treats equals an overweight dog. Dog training is a process that involves tasty treats, but too many of these treats can be a bad idea for your dog’s waistline. Use small treats and wean your dog off treats as they understand the different commands. They will then rely on your praise as the positive reinforcement for each behavior.

These eight dog training tips will set you on the road to happy, healthy, obedient pooch.

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Was it a stray that adopted you? You heard a plaintive meowing, opened your back door and there she was. You won her confidence, gave her some scraps and a drink of water, spent some time petting her and then left her to it. Next day she’s back. And before too many days have passed you decide that as she has no collar, no address tag, that you have got yourself a cute new companion.

As well as not having an address tag, she also didn’t have a sign reading “I am a pregnant cat”.

Or perhaps you’ve had your cat since she was a little bundle of kitten fur. She was always going to be a strictly indoor cat, no need at all to have her spayed, she was never ever going outside, she would never be a pregnant cat. But…

…she did get out, and she is pregnant!

What do you do now? Take your pregnant cat along to your veterinarian, she will need to be examined, and your vet will confirm if she is indeed pregnant.

Do you let the pregnancy continue? Before you answer to yourself “Why yes of course!” there are some important considerations to think hard about. Your pregnant cat could produce a litter of maybe four or five kittens, are you going to keep them all? “No”, you may say, “but I’m sure that I’ll find good homes for them.” Do not be so sure, every year tens of thousands of cats are put down, simply because there are not the good homes for them. If you ask one of your friends if they would like a kitten, they may agree if they have seen the cute little mites, but are they going to care for it long term? How long before the novelty wears off, and that kitten ends up another feral cat?

If your friend really does want a kitten they can adopt one from a shelter.

What is the age of your pregnant cat? If under a year, or older than eight years, your cat will not have an easy time with birthing, and the possibility of deformed kittens is increased. Your veterinarian may advise abortion for this reason alone.

Be aware of how much commitment caring for a house full of new kittens is, it will take much of your time and attention. How do other members of your family feel about it, you will need to take everyone’s view into consideration. You will need a special safe place for your cat and her kittens where they will be safely separated from other cats, other pets and young children.

Okay, you have made the decision that your pregnant cat is to give birth. Or perhaps your veterinarian has advised that it is too late in the pregnancy to consider abortion.

During the later stages of pregnancy feed your cat small meals frequently, remember that her abdomen is full of little ones and she will not be able to handle a full meal in one go. She will need plenty of water.
Seek advice about kitten care and remember also that mother cats need a special diet, one that is high in nutrients.

Naturally, as soon as possible after birth you will have your cat spayed to prevent the same thing happening again. You will won’t you.

If you are considering becoming an owner of a GSD then you need to consider the commitment to training in order that you have happy, well behaved German Shepherd dog that you can take out safely in public.

If you haven’t previously owned one of these dogs then please do not take on a youngster lightly. Being involved in GSD rescue I have lost count of the number of young dogs I have had to re-home because owners bought them without doing a bit of research first.

As youngsters they can be very boisterous and can easily knock over children or elderly relatives, especially if you do not discourage the dog from jumping up when excited. A bored GSD can be very destructive and if left alone will trash your house and contents with ease using their big teeth and claws. Unfortunately these dogs don’t really mature until they are about 3 years old so you are in for the long haul to get through the puppy and adolescent stage

The German Shepherd needs to be well socialised from an early age and needs plenty of exposure to people and other dogs so that they do not develop aggressive tendencies as they mature.

Joining a dog training class from an early age is a good idea and most clubs will accept dogs into the puppy classes from about 4 months onwards. This should be good fun for your puppy and allows him to play and to socialise but it also serves the purpose of teaching him or her what is acceptable and what is not. This will prove invaluable grounding for your German Shepherd training.

When choosing a dog training class do check out a few first as not all classes make German Shepherds welcome and if any club asks that you muzzle your dog, please give it a miss and move on and find another club. No reputable dog training class would require a dog to be muzzled. If your dog is aggressive towards other dogs there are better ways of controlling the dog safely such as by using a Canny Collar which is a simple effective head collar similar to those used on horses.

The earlier you start training and socialisation the better as GSD’s often develop a tendency to be aggressive towards other dogs and also towards strangers and they can become very protective towards their owners and property.

Another important part of training your german shepherd is to get him used to being groomed because they shed copious amounts of hair and although they only moult once a year, it lasts for 365 days. So be prepared for dog hair all over your house, your clothes, in your food and buy yourself a very good vacuum cleaner.

Training your German Shepherd should be very much part of everyday life and is should be fun so stick with it because it really will be worth it in the end.

One of the most common assumptions with discus is that they easily get disease and die. This is not true. They will only get disease if you mistreat them.

The root of the problem is stress, if you cause discus stress there immune system will lower and make them venerable to disease. It is important to keep stress to a minimum so below I have made you a check list of things to do.

? Make sure all water is free from chlorine and heavy metals. It is important that you invest in either an RO unit, water purifier or use a good quality tap water condition.
? Give your discus a good varied diet including frozen bloodworm and slow sinking granules.
? Don’t place your discus aquarium near a door and all the movement will cause them stress.
? If you are keeping young discus, keep in groups of no less than six. Discus are a shoaling fish.
? Make sure there are no large changes in pH, hardness or temperature when changing water.

Since having a dog is such a common thing, do you really need to
know anything more than how much it costs?

Well, how did you choose your car, or your home? Did you consider
the cost, safety and suitability for your family? Of course you did.
If you heard stories of a particular car that was susceptible to
causing accidents or that a neighborhood was known for its rough
occupants you would find something that was safer.

If the car or home was too expensive to maintain, it would impact
your decision, as would the size of the vehicle or how many bedrooms
the house had.

However, many people bring home a dog that they have spent no more
time in choosing than selecting oranges at the grocery store.
Although we hear stories of dogs attacking children and perhaps know
of people who got rid of dogs after they grew too large for the
apartment or destroyed property, as a group, parents still choose to
bring dogs into their families with little instruction or research.

The truth is, most families with a dog will never deal with the
terrible situations we hear about on the news. Dogs love people.
Most dogs love children. Children and adults love dogs and it is
very doubtful that after thousands of years the connection between
canine and humankind will be broken.

What does need to be considered is how to make the best possible
environment for your children and dog so that you don’t need to
worry about unexpected tragedy or the sad disappointment of giving
your children’s pet away.

There are many experts with various views, but several points can be
generally agreed upon when choosing a dog for your family.

Find a dog that is good with children.

Don’t all dogs love children? The answer is simple ? NO. Some
breeds, and even individuals within a breed, are more or less
tolerant of children and the rough handling that usually ensues.
Selecting a breed that enjoys the rambunctious atmosphere of a
family home will go far in ensuring that the children have a willing
playmate and the dog is happy.

Choose a dog that is the right size or energy level.

Do you live in an apartment? Do you have a large, fenced yard?
Considering the size of home or yard you have should influence your
choice of dog. Some breeds are naturally larger than others. Some
smaller breeds (like Jack Russell Terriers) are small but have an
enormous amount of energy that can be difficult to control in a
small home.

Decide on a trained or untrained dog.

Perhaps you plan to train the dog yourself. You may choose a puppy
so the children participate in the training process. But how much do
you know about training dogs? Are you ready for the hassles of
housebreaking and obedience training? Perhaps selecting an older,
trained dog might suit your family better.

The decisions you make before bringing your dog home and selecting
the best dog breed for children will help your family enjoy their
new pet for a very long time.

Don’t let your puppy become a statistic. Make it your goal to choose a puppy suited to your family and circumstances. Think about your previous experience of owning a dog and the amount of time you have for training, grooming and exercising. Look at your health including possible allergies, your financial resources and the amount of space in your house and yard. Most of all work out how much time you have for a dog.

Of all the different factors in choosing a the right dog breed, among the most important is the relationship you want with your dog. Some breeds by nature are rather aloof and elegant, others are independent and energetic while others are dependent or submissive. If you want to do specialized training, consider breeds known for courage and trainability. If you want an affectionate pet, choose a breed that typically likes to be close to its people.

To ensure that your puppy fits in with your lifestyle begin by asking yourself these questions:

a) How much time can I spend with my dog, a social creature who craves companionship? - If your time is limited don’t get a breed which can become dependent on their owners.

b) How much exercise can I give my dog? - If you hate exercise, buy a small dog happy with a short walk. If you like to walk the mountains all day long get a dog breed which likes a lot of exercise.

c) How much grooming can I do? - If you hate grooming, buy a short-haired dog.

d) How much training can I give? - If you have limited time, choose a breed known for ease of training.

e) How much room do I have? - If you live in a small apartment don’t get a large dog!

f) What characteristics do I want in my dog? - Think of words like independent, energetic, submissive, affectionate, protective, quiet, funny or sociable. Try to match them to the characteristics of your family members. Your dog will fit in much better if you do.

Finding The Right Dog Breed

Once you have answered these questions it is time to go out and find the right dog breed for you. The internet is a great place to start. Just go to your favourite search engine and type in something like “dog breed information” or “dog breeds” and you will find some excellent sites giving detailed information about each breed.

Note the characteristics of the different breeds. What is best for your situation: large or small, male or female, purebred or mix? Short coat or shaggy coat? A dog needing lots or little exercise? A lot or little daily grooming? Think through your choices in detail and compare this information to your requirements and make a short list.

Next ask people you trust about the dog breeds you are interested in. Ask friends, family members and co-workers for suggestions of dog breeds they think would be good for you and your family. Ask them to be honest about the good points and bad points of the breeds they suggest. Visit dog training schools and breeders and ask about the dogs your think may be suitable. Follow up on and meet the breeds you feel are a good match.

Finally make every effort when choosing a puppy to make your final choice of a dog breed a family decision. Your dog will be part of the family, and each member needs to feel a sense of ownership for the dog and a willingness to help in its care.

So there you have it a short guide to choosing a puppy that will fit into your family perfectly and bring years of fun and happiness.

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Hairballs

Hairballs are among the most common of cat health problems. Cats groom themselves almost constantly, and swallow the loose hair that comes off their tongues. Occasionally, the hair gathers into a ball and lodges in the cat’s digestive tract instead of passing on through the body. If your cat starts coughing and hacking, he probably has a hairball. While the end product is unpleasant for the owner, most cats don’t have a problem dislodging hairballs.

However, hairballs can occasionally pass into a cat’s intestines and cause a blockage. This can be a life-threatening problem. There are a few signs to look for to see if your cat’s hairball is dangerous. If your cat is constipated, off his feed, or is lethargic with a dull coat, then he could have a serious blockage. A vet exam is definitely in order.

To prevent hairballs, groom your cat frequently to remove loose hair. In addition, feed your cat food that helps control hairballs.

Worms

For many cats, worms are a recurring problem. Roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms most commonly infect cats. Cats can occasionally develop heartworms, as well. If your cat seems unable to gain wait, is infested with fleas, or has white specks that look like grains of rice in his stools, take him to the veterinarian for worm testing.

Worms are easily cured with a few doses of medication, but if left untreated, they can be fatal.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are another common health problem in cats. This infection is particularly common in unneutered male cats, although female cats can also develop this problem. If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, a urinary tract infection is suspect. If your cat’s urine smells strong, again a urinary tract infection may be the cause. These infections need to be treated by a veterinarian. Ask about cat foods that reduce the likelihood of another infection.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

FIP is caused by a mutation of the corona virus. According to some experts, cats living in multi-cat environments tend to test positive for enteric corona virus. Cats can live with that virus remaining quietly in the intestines with no sign of disease for their entire lifetime. In other cases, probably a genetic pre-disposition, the virus mutates into FIP.

Once a cat has contracted FIP, it will display symptoms of a mild upper respiratory infection: sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal discharge. It may also have diarrhea, weight loss and lethargy. Most cats fully recover from this primary infection, although some may become virus carriers. A small percentage of exposed cats develop lethal FIP weeks or even years after the primary infection.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

FIV, or cat AIDS, is not always fatal. FIV decreases the ability of the cat’s immune system to fight infections. Cats with FIV may remain free of symptoms for years. It is when the cat contracts other illnesses in the chronic stage of FIV infection that FIV is first suspected. This long list of illnesses includes oral-cavity infections, upper-respiratory infections, weight loss, ear infections, kidney disease, and many others. Although there is, as yet, no vaccine, all cats should be tested for the virus. The virus is transmitted through saliva, usually when a cat is bitten in a cat fight.

Feline Leukemia Virus

FLV was, until recently, the most common fatal disease of cats. But with a vaccine now available, the number of cases is dwindling. Although the name leukemia means cancer of the white blood cells, this is only 1 of the many diseases associated with this virus, such as other types of cancer, anemia, arthritis and respiratory infections. FLV is preventable if the cat is immunized before being exposed to the virus. Although the disease is not always immediately fatal, cats with FLV rarely have a long life expectancy. NEVER bring other cats into your household when you have a cat with FLV.

Lyme Disease

If your cat spends time outdoors, you should check him regularly for ticks. If you find a tick on your cat’s body and he has been lethargic and acts as if he is in pain, ask your vet to test for Lyme Disease. This disease is transmitted to people and animals by deer ticks.

Some cats may show subtle symptoms while others may show none — symptoms are hard to recognize and often may be confused with other illnesses or old age. Be observant of your pet’s behavior. It is the only way to know if your pet has contracted Lyme disease if no tick was found. Some symptoms of Feline Lyme Disease include:

(a) lethargy,
(b) reluctance to jump or climb stairs,
(c) limping, or reluctance to put weight on a paw,
(d) loss of appetite.

The key to dealing with Feline Lyme Disease is prevention and early diagnosis and treatment. You should reduce the tick population around your home with simple landscape changes and spraying.

Good Health Care

Taking your cat for a regular check-up with the vet, and keeping all vaccinations on schedule will help assure your cat a long and healthy life. Prevention is the first line of defense for most feline illnesses.

Many owners keep their cats indoors to protect them from cars, from cat fights which may expose them to deadly viruses, from ticks, and other hazards.

Outdoor cats will enjoy greater freedom, but require a watchful eye, loving attention to their health status, and regular visits to the veterinarian.

Three Basic Dog Name Guidelines

1. Pick a name your dog can easily recognize. Dogs usually respond better to one or two syllable names. If you do want to go for a dramatic and unusual long name, consider whether you can easily shorten it to something a bit simpler for your dog to understand.

2. Avoid dog names that sound like the standard commands of No, Stay, Sit, Come, Down or Fetch. For example “Joe” is probably too close to “No”. It can be difficult for dogs to tell the difference between similar sounding words.

3. Choose a name that’s both easy to call out and one that you are happy calling out. Remember, you will be calling your dog’s name out in public places at times and shouting out “Parsnip” in the local park, may leave you feeling a little embarrassed! You also want a name that will work well when you are straining your voice to call your pet as he disappears into the sunset chasing after a rabbit!

Looking For Dog Name Inspiration

Start with the obvious. Take a long hard look at your new little friend he may be telling you his name without you knowing. Look at his appearance, behavior, personality, and disposition. Names like Spot or Red may come to mind. How about Bandit for a dog who steals things or Rebel for a stubborn dog?

Then look elsewhere for inspiration. You can name your dog after another famous dog, for example Pluto, Pongo, Lassie or Digby. What about your favourite sports, movie, music or comic strip star?

How about choosing a dog name after a member of your family or friend of a figure from history like Napoleon, Alexander the Great or Rasputin? Take a look at your environment or think about your favourite place they will give you more ideas.

Remember, the dog name you choose for your puppy says as much about you as it does about your pet. It shows how you view your dog and your relationship with him. But other people may judge your dog’s character by reference to its name and might therefore react negatively or fearfully to a ‘dominating’ name when meeting it. It is a good idea to use a dog name that conveys the image you want your pet to have.

Also, pick a name that will grow with the pet. For example “Tiny” may be less appropriate for a full-grown dog.

Whichever method you choose, have a good time doing it and choose a name that you will want to keep.

Teaching Your Puppy Its Name

Pick a dog name that pleases you and stick to it. It can be confusing for your puppy if you keep changing your mind. Your dog will learn his or her new name quickly if you use it often. When you call your pet, use his name. Do not say “here puppy”. Calling your pet by his name will help him to become familiar with it and with your voice as well.

If choosing a long name keep in mind the shortened version. A long name will inevitably be shortened, but it may ruin the effect that you were originally looking for.

Above all have fun and choose a name you really like. Your puppy will undoubtedly become your best friend and only you can find just the right name.

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