Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Dog Collars - How to Choose the Right One for Your Pet

A leather collar is the strongest, most practical, and most comfortable. It should be round for long coats, in order to avoid breaking the hair, and flat for short coats, in order to avoid leaving a mark. Both round and flat should be as narrow and light as possible within the limits of security. Braided leather, the sturdiest of all is recommended for large and powerful breeds, but do not buy . . .

Your Dogs Nutrition 101

Dogs have specific nutritional needs, but most pet owners do not realize that all dogs and most pet foods are not alike. Many commercial dog food brands are lacking in key nutrients, so reading the labels is a must. Price and brand names are not good gages of quality when it comes to food. Dogs are carnivorous so they need meat and protein, along with carbohydrates, vitamins, fat, minerals, and. . .

"Westie" - West Highland White Terrier

History Originating in Scotland, Westies were bred to hunt foxes, otters and vermin. They share their ancestry with many of the other true Scottish Terriers and became formally recognised as West Highland White Terrier’s in 1904 Appearance Westie’s are compact, stocky little dogs with shaggy white coats. They have little button noses and small, erect ears. They look very sweet, but strong and h. . .

Jake The Border Collie Tells His Tales

Hi everyone, it’s Jake here again... with a follow-up to my first dog story, that was called “Jake’s Own Story” and gave a brief biographical insight into my life so far. Here is my update... The last two years have been busy for mom and dad, for one reason or another, but somehow they always had time for me!Whenever they arrived home, I was always there with a big “Hello, missed you loads and . . .

The Havanese Puppy- Where Did It All Start? Part 2

The popularity of the Havanese breed increased in Cuba throughout the 1900’s. The Havanese breed really is the perfect house dog that is very affectionate, good natured, and has a beautiful silky coat. Their coat is so silky that these puppies are referred to as “Havana Silk”.One thing to note is, that the wealthy Cuban society loved the Havanese not only for their Wonderful features and affe. . .

How Fast Will Your Cat Will Grow - The Important Stages I...

Just like having a child, it can be incredibly fulfilling bringing a kitten into your family and watching it grow up. It takes only a year for your cute little kitten to mature into a cat. It can seem hard to believe but it will happen fast. Being prepared is the goal here. So what are the key milestones for a young cat?The First MomentsKittens are born blind and they are completely dependant. . .

Beyond Blackey & Smokey - 10 Great Ideas for Naming Black...

How can you look the dog in the eyes ever again? Every timeyou call his name, he wallows in shame. You've banished himto the lowest level of dog name hell - you've named your Lab"Blackey."Any four-year-old can explain that a dog's name shouldreflect something about him - the way he looks, the way heacts, what he likes to eat… something. So mostfour-year-olds will take the next most obvious s. . .

3 Important Things to Remember When Training Your Puppy

Puppies are eager and willing to do the right thing. They love your happy face and the squealy noises you make when they have done something great. They will do ANYthing to please you because of the loving rewards they get from being a Good Dog. They just cannot get enough of your praises and cuddles. Moving towards "What a good dog!" from "Bad Puppy!" is based on one thing. Your puppy do. . .

Living In Harmony Or At War? Having More Than One Cat In ...

I have two cats and I can't imagine that either of them would want to live without the other. They live like brother and sister. And I can't imagine me living with just one cat either.For those that love cats, having just one is never enough. Instead of having just one cat to call your own, you can have several. Those who have more than one cat realize that this is a good thing not only for t. . .

Groom Your Cat To Avoid Hairballs - Kitty Will Love You F...

As loving cat owners we hate to think that our beloved pets are feeling unwell. That can be the first impression when your cat starts making hacking noises. Usually this is the first signs of the cat trying to get rid of a hairball.If you see a blob of disgusting stuff on your floor, it is likely to be a hairball. Cats need to do this in order to remove hair from within their stomachs to keep . . .

Cats And Pills - Tablets

Nearly everything alive becomes ill at some stage in its life, and pets are no exception. I have been very fortunate in that my two cats have been very healthy for most of their lives. Recently the oldest cat become ill and had to go to the vet. Unfortunately she was diagnosed with a form of cancer. The treatment options were pills or radiation 'therapy'. The radiation therapy was very expensiv. . .

The Best Ways to Teach Your Puppy the English Language

Puppies are eager and willing to do the right thing. They love your happy face and the squealy noises you make when they have done something great. They will do ANYthing to please you because of the loving rewards they get from being a Good Dog. They just cannot get enough of your praises and cuddles. Moving towards "What a good dog!" from "Bad Puppy!" is based on one thing. Your puppy do. . .

Coping With The Loss Of A Pet

I run an online pet memorial web site and as you can imagine I come into contact with many people who have lost a much loved pet or animal companion.Looking through the memorial web sites that pet owners create when a beloved pet passes away has shown my that there are a number of ways that people come to cope with the loss of a pet.Some people seem to be unsure or even embarrassed about the de. . .

Crate Training Your Puppy the Easy Way

Teaching your puppy crate training is the first and best step in his life. It makes all the other steps in his training go so much smoother, much like a solid foundation makes for a superior wall. Establishing you as the Alpha member of his “pack” is one very good reason for starting your puppy in a crate when he is very young.Another reason for crate training is that dogs love predictability. . . .

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

History The title of “King Charles Spaniel” was bestowed upon these dogs during the reign of King Charles II, who adored his spaniels and would not be parted from them. A law that was passed by King Charles II, still stands today that these little dogs can enter any public place, including the houses of parliament! These little dogs were used to warm the laps of nobility on carriage rides and i. . .

Dog Training Tips: Things I've Learned About Agility Dog ...

I've owned many dogs, throughout my life, but have never known exactly how to train them properly. I based my training on punishment and just couldn't figure out why that didn't work that well. But, almost two years ago, I started training my Papillon for agility competition. She was extremely high-drive and I knew she'd really love it. So, I found a good agility training school and off we . . .

The Havanese Puppy – Where Did It All Start? Part 1

The Havanese puppy is a loveable dog that unknown to many is a member of the Bichon breed family. What does Bichon mean? “Bichon” is a French word that means “fleecy dog”. The Bichon breed is often related to the Barbet. The Barbet is the French name for a poodle like water spaniel that is thought to be an ancient ancestor of the current day Bichon breed varieties.Of course there are severa. . .

Help Keep The Pet Population Under Control, And Your Cat ...

If you, or a family member, received a kitten as a Christmas present there are many things you need to think about.It is essential that you take the time to really consider whether or not you should neuter your cat. Because there are so many strays and so few homes for them, it is wise to really take the time to make sure that if you are going to keep your pet natural that you should keep him . . .

It Is Possible To Give Your Cat A Bath, And Come Away Scr...

Although your cat doesn't realise it right now, after some tender loving care and a little shampoo, he will appreciate it.Cats hate water, that much is easy to see as he lashes out at you with his claws when he gets anywhere near it. Why would someone want to bathe their cat, then? Well, they are dirty and can become flea infested just like a dog, so they do need them. Sometimes, you’ll just. . .

How To Stop Your Cat Scratching - Get Rid Of Those Fleas

You know how annoying it can be when you have an itch, but you can't reach it to give it a scratch? Well, when your cat has fleas it's like your problem, just multiplied a hundred times.If your cat has fleas or ticks, you need to take action. If they are scratching or have irritated skin, your cats need you to bring this problem under control because it can become a much larger problem if you . . .

Your Dogs Emotions - Things Every Dog Owner Should Know

Your dog is more similar to you in their emotions than in their mentality. Some of their emotional reactions are so much like ours, that we tend to humanize them. The dogs emotions are visibly expressed in his eyes and face, his ear and tail movements, his posture, and general behavior. Sometimes they are vocally expressed as well. Your dog can feel and express the same emotions as we do: l. . .

Pampering Your Dog

When people think of spoiled pooches, they often conjure up images of highly coiffed dogs with fur jackets and diamond studded collars. And while this may be a way of spoiling man’s best friend, it can be expensive and a little over the top for most dog owners. So how does one go about spoiling their pet? Well, there is nothing better than pampering your dog in ways that encourages overall w. . .

Dog Grooming and Skin Care

Who likes a stinky dog? Not many. And when your dog is less than spring fresh, your attitude towards him may change. Although this may be as little a thing as turning your face away when he jumps on you; however, your dog can read into this behavior and translate it into a sign of rejection. Like it or not, all dogs have to be groomed. And despite what you might think, even shorthaired dog. . .

The Top Three Pet Rat Training Mistakes

It can be very rewarding to train your pet rats to do tricks and learn obstacle courses. Since they tend to be highly intelligent creatures, rats can actually learn a lot (and get bored if they have nothing to do).Furthermore, because they're people-pleasers, rats enjoy the challenge of striving for your reward and praise.However, before you begin training, you may be interested to know the mai. . .

Pet Rat Care: The Top 10 Mistakes Of New Rat Owners

Being a dedicated rat owner can be very rewarding. All it takes is a little research and a lot of preparation.If you're getting ready to adopt a rat as a cherished pet, there are some pitfalls that you should be aware of beforehand. Here are 10 of the most common pet rat care mistakes that first-time rattie owners make:1. Getting only one rat. A person might think that getting two rats is too m. . .

Things You Should Know About Your Dog - But Don't Want To...

When you decided to get a dog, I'll bet you daydreamed about the great times you'd have with your new best friend. However, there are many things that you need to consider in order to keep your pooch happy and healthy. Things that perhaps you'd rather not even think about!When you go to the veterinarian he may ask you to bring along a urine sample from your dog. How do you do this? Your dog sur. . .

How to Stop Puppy Chewing

So you got a new puppy this holiday season and so far, his chewing has cost you more then what you spent on Christmas presents. Before your puppy starts chewing up your wallet or needs surgery to remove something, he’s swallowed, lets look at ways to stop you puppy from chewing things he shouldn’t. Where do you start? First, are you reasonably sure that your puppy is healthy? There is a med. . .

How to Housebreak Your Puppy

So you gave yourself the gift of a new puppy or someone else gave it to you. Unfortunately, this little bundle of joy doesn’t understand the specific places designated for going to the bathroom. So what do you do? How do you housebreak your new pet?Housebreaking really isn’t all that difficult. As with all, dog training it will take consistency and patience but the hardest part will actuall. . .

Breed Profile - Labrador Retriever

BREED FOCUS - Labrador RetrieverHistoryLabradors originated from the coast of Newfoundland in the 17 th Century. They were trained by fishermen, to collect the nets from the icy waters and for this reason, were bought to Poole Harbour in the UK in the 19 th Century.With such an attractive dog, the fishermen were often offered money for them and they very soon were found to be extremely effectiv. . .

Dog Training: Tips and Tricks to Stop Your Dog From Diggi...

It’s downright infuriating to look out the window and see Buddy digging another hole in the yard. You yell out the window; he may or may not even acknowledge he’s heard anything; then back to the digging. This dog behavior has got to stop.WHY DOGS DIG.....Did you ever stop to think WHY Buddy digs? (except to make you mad!). This is the real trick – to figure out why he’s digging in the first pl. . .

Read Your Cat's Body Language - Know Your Pet More

Read Your Cat's Body Language - Know Your Pet MoreMeow! That is the sound you hear when you meet your cat walking down the doorway. It will move with his head and tail held high, looking directly at your eyes and emitting a faint sound summoning you to follow wherever it goes. That is your cat? Right? The fluffy little mass, whose behavior seems quite odd at times, and leaves you baffling with . . .

Important Nutritional Information On Cat Food

Cat Food Fact #1 Cats must get their Protein Protein is crucial for your cat’s health, and generally comes from fish, meat or poultry. Advertisers will often say their brand is beef, turkey or mackerel flavoured, but it may not actually contain those products, meaning it may not be rich in protein. Always ensure the food you buy but your cat has a sufficient amount of protein in it, irres. . .

How To Do Cat Litter Box Retraining

Cats stop using the cat litter box for a number of reasons. Once you discover the reason why and correct it, you may need to re-train your cat to use her box again. Despite what you think, you can train a cat! For most cats, it's not hard. They instinctively want to use a place with sand-like material to do their business.To re-train your cat back to her good litter box habits, confine her to o. . .

Life Isn’t Always Easy with a Big Dog

Several challenges face owners of big dogs. Beside the most noticeable things such as endless appetites and the grand yards they require, owning a big dog has some hidden difficulties as well. From vet bills and airfares, to the things they break, large breed dogs bring large breed problems.Apartments Typically Don’t Allow Large DogsYou almost have to be a home owner to have a large breed dog. . . .

Do Pets and Apartments Mix?

If you’re a pet owner who is considering a move to an apartment there are certain things you must be keep in mind. First, whether or not your pet will be accepted by most landlords depends primarily on the type, size and personality of your pet.Dogs: If you own a large dog, apartment living is probably not for you. Not only will accepting landlords be hard to find, but your dog will not be happ. . .

Kiki and the Rattlesnake

It gets hot in Texas. The air shimmers and dances above the plains, and the baking sun draws a spider's web of foot-deep cracks in the hard-packed clay. Lizards dig in under the biggest rocks they can find, and even the prairie dogs hide deep in their burrows, venturing out only in the late evenings to scrounge for seeds and dry grasses. And cats? Well, cats mostly stay indoors, if they have a . . .

Why Not Consider The Manchester Terrier Dog?

The Manchester terrier is one of those dogs that puts a lot of personality into a fairly small package. A remarkably attractive pet with a convenient smooth and short-haired coat, this terrier is one of those breeds with an interesting background stemming from the early, "working dog" days.These terriers derive from the old black and tan terrier breed in England. Back in those days, terriers we. . .

Choosing The Right Breed Of Dog For Your Family

There comes a time for most families to add a four-legged friend to the household. This decision is not one to be taken lightly. Choosing the right breed of dog can be the difference between complete happiness and absolute terror in your home. I have outlined the steps I walk through prior to bringing a dog into my home and I recommend these steps to my friends and family.A good topic to discus. . .

Are Pit Bulls Dangerous To Children?

We all know that something comes to mind whenever “pit bull” is mentioned. More often than not, that something is negative. A large part of the reason why so many of us have negative thoughts about pit bulls despite never having had a bad experience due to one is because of the media. This is why many of us tend to think of pit bulls as particularly aggressive dogs which has actually fueled . . .

Pet Insurance – Check Out 10 Key Questions Before You Buy

If your bones and joints are strong and flexible, they move smoothly. And that means life can be fun, and appreciated fully. But for one in seven people, movement is restricted by a musculoskeletal disorder - arthritis, back pain, fracture, osteoporosis, or sports trauma. Faced with such pain and discomfort, you may be pleased to pay £3,500 for orthopaedic surgery or hydrotherapy to get those p. . .

Facts about Dog Agility

Dog agility trials are becoming more and more popular the world over. They began in England, as so many good things, do, but "agility fever" quickly spread all over the globe. Now there are clubs and events everywhere that there are dogs.Some clubs include the Kennel Club (in the U.K.), the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA), the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Agility Association. . .

Puppy Agility Training

You may be asking, "When can I start agility training with my new puppy?" Puppies are always learning, so every time you are with your pup you can be playing and socializing with agility in mind. Always remember, if you can control your puppies environment, you can teach and train the behaviors you want, left on their own, even in a fenced yard, puppies will learn and develop behaviors that . . .

Teaching Directional Commands for the Dog Agility Beginner

Playing, training or working your dog is incredibly rewarding. Dogs are generally friendly, responsive, and quick-to-learn. Agility training is a healthy sport for both canine and owner, as it gets you outside and active building your bond in the fresh air. We see dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds (including mixed breeds) come into their own when presented with a bit of agility training. . . .

Dog Agility Training for Your Puppy

You may be asking, "When can I start agility training with my new puppy?" You can start immediately, with certain recommendations. Puppies are always learning, so every time you are with your pup you can be playing and socializing with agility in mind. Always remember, if you can control your puppies environment, you can teach and train the behaviors you want, left on their own, even in a fen. . .

Dog Aggression Training

Why do so many dogs get euthanized when there owners could have taught them not to bite?When it comes to dog aggressiveness, there are laws that state the dog’s owner can be charged and the dog put down if the dog bites someone. Of course, with some serious dog training, dogs can be taught to enjoy people and not be aggressive.There are a number of reasons why dogs become aggressive. The dog ma. . .

Dog Agility Equipment: Where do I begin?

There is such a wide selection of dog agility equipment, where do I begin? There are several factors to consider when making your agility equipment purchases. Two major factors are your goals and your dog. Are your goals to develop a deeper bonding with your dog by taking agility classes together, having fun, and seeing how far you and your dog can progress with agility skills? Do you have . . .

5 Big Reasons to Crate Train your Dog

Are you frustrated with your dog?Does he chew everything in sight? Does he leave puddles and piles everywhere? Is a car ride with your dog synonym of a nightmare?If you answered yes to any of these questions, I have a simple solution for you: crate training.Here are 5 big reasons why you should start crate training your dog:Reason #1: A Crate Stops Destructive BehaviorsMost dogs are destructive. . .

How to Begin a Dog Training Career

Do you love dogs? Do you find yourself automatically trying to train each dog you come across? Would you like a fun, satisfying career that revolves around working with dogs? Then starting a dog training career could be the best career option for you. As a dog trainer you will be able to work one-on-one with loveable dogs and help them to learn the proper behaviors. Having a successful dog trai. . .

How To Take Care Of Your Pet Parrot

Parrots make wonderful family pets because they are great companions, they are beautiful birds with colorful feathers and you can teach them to talk. But you must have a strong level of commitment to your parrot because he will need daily and weekly maintenance, as well as plenty of attention.What a Parrot NeedsWhen you consider how to take care of you parrot, you will have to consider what you. . .

Create a Backyard Habitat for Wild Birds with a Bird Feeder

With a little imagination and very little effort, you can transform your backyard into a natural habitat for birds. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher, or simply want to invite nature a little closer to your home, birdfeeders put down the welcome mat for our avian friends. According to the Audubon Society (www.audubon.org), a bird feeder comes in one of four basic designs. Ground feeders are fl. . .

It's a Dog's Life

What do we mean when we say “Oh, It’s a Dog’s Life”?Maybe it’s because the ideal dog’s life is to have nothing more than a warm bed, to be fed regularly, and know that there is at least one human who cares and loves them. Or, is it that some dog’s are left out in the cold... literally! Knowing that you care for them, your dog is always delighted to welcome you home. A happy face, a wagging tai. . .

Pet Insurance - A Waste Of Time?

According to a survey published by Mintel, one in three pets needs an unexpected visit to the vet each year. This means that you are more likely to claim on your pet insurance than on a home & contents policy or even your car insurance. The word “unexpected” is important here. If you are looking for pet insurance to provide cover for routine treatments such as vaccinations or worming, forget it. . .

Getting The Dog You Always Wanted

Do you look on with envy as your neighbor jogs through the neighborhood, his faithful dog trotting happily and calmly by his side? Does your arm ache after every walk with your dog – sore from almost being pulled from the socket? Do you watch dog shows with disbelief, unsure how that many dogs can behave so well all at the same time?It only takes a few minutes a day to achieve a well-trained do. . .

Winter Dog Agility Training

Yes, its cold outside, but don't stop your dog's agility training. Depending on where you live, there might be snow on the ground from November through March, but thats no reason to give up your agility training. Bring your training indoors, right at your own home.Get creative with your training locations. Do you have a hallway, basement, or garage? Then you have a place to train! Before it. . .

4 to 8 Dog Agility Jumps Makes Ideal Training

We are often asked, "How many jumps should I start with?" You can never have too many single jumps to practice agility. A good starting place is four jumps. This is the absolute minimum number of jumps that we recommend. You can teach a variety of skills, drills, and exercises with four jumps. Four jumps will allow you to work on a short jump chute or jump grid. You can setup a "box" with. . .

Teaching Dog Agility Weaves With A Weave Chute

There are many methods to teach dogs how to weave. Having attended a variety of agility camps and agility seminars, I've seen quite a few of the top handlers present their preferred method of weave training. Their training techniques vary,but the one thing they do have in common, the end result, their dogs all weave fast and efficiently. The Weave Chute is one method of training weaves. The. . .

Agility Builds Confidence in Your Dog

Is your dog timid around people or other dogs? Is your dog sensitive to sounds? Agility training can provide the environment and structure to build confidence in your dog. Agility classes are a great place for people to learn about the sport and learn how to train, but the timid dog may take a long time before he is ready to venture from under your chair or off your lap. A timid or shy dog . . .

How to Correct Your Dog's Stay on the Agility Starting Line

Does your Agility Dog Stay everywhere but on the starting line? My "over the edge Border Collie", started breaking her start line stays after about one year of trialing. I had to go back and examine the cause and what lead to the deterioration of her start line stay.As I pull pieces of the past, I realize that at first I asked my dog, Rip, to Sit-stay at the start line. But she began to lean. . .