During the competition, the dogs show how they are in charge of their movements and their skill as they navigate around a path, without a leash, in positions that necessitate unexpected changes and levels of complexity. The contests have specific obstacles, grading, and measures they anticipate from each of the dogs that have entered. To receive outstanding marks for your dog, you need to be completely prepared prior to the day of the competition. The goal of a competition is for the dogs to prove to the judges and their trainers their responsiveness. You will want to spend time readying your dog in the areas of nimbleness physically (he will need to this for quick movements through weaving), self-control, and fortitude. You and your dog will need to develop an excellent team-working relationship so the dog’s ability to listen to your commands (or hand signals) is paramount to success in this sport.

You can begin training your dog for this sport as early as puppy stage (around four months old). Training during this time is more like playing and that is what the dogs like the most anyway. You never want to make the puppies jump over poles as their bones are not strong enough, but you can begin teaching them the general idea by having them cross over a pole on the ground and as they grow begin raising it until they are at competition level. Puppies love to run – in and through everything – so training them to go through tunnels is actually quite easy. As you are training your puppies to learn basic commands you can incorporate those same commands to get them through the tunnels. This same principal applies to teaching them how to lie down on the table. They will learn the quickness of the table early. You can use a touch stick to begin introducing the aspect of weaving through the poles to the puppies (they love any type of activity where they can move). Puppies are so enthusiastic to learn and so happy to please. They pick things up fast. Once a puppy learns an obstacle, they will not forget it. Another advantage to teaching the obstacles of an agility sport to the puppies is the socialization they are getting with each other.

During an agility competition the dog and their handler move from each consecutive course, the difficulty increases. The advanced courses entail split-second timing for the dog to complete the course within the established time frame. If you are worried for the protection of your dog, you can relax because each barrier has been carefully considered with the safety of the dogs as well as the amusement of those who are watching. Agility competitions are fun for the dogs, trainers, and spectators. They are a great way to show everyone how agile your dog is as you leads him through various obstacles,

Agility trials are open to all dogs. Dogs of medium build that come from breeds and/or lines of breeding that have maintained their original working abilities have a tendency to be the most undefeated in agility competitions. However, no one breed dominates agility trials. Because of the athletic demands of the sport, dogs that are less agile are rarely seen or successful in the forms of the sport conforming to international rules. This applies mainly to the larger, giant breeds and to some degree the short-legged, long backed breeds.

For those who love dogs and love competitions this is a great sport to become involved with. You can cheer and support your favorite dog or simply enjoy watching the dogs as they show the judges their best.

Zahid N. Sindhu is a dog enthusiast who, after noticing the lack of an online resource for dog lovers in Pakistan, decided to launch http://www.DogsPK.com The site features a comprehensive list of breeds, breeders, veterinarians and online classifieds. The site also has a forum where people meet to discuss their canine friends.

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Every day we hear more about the new hybrid dogs, or designer dogs. Each feature is accompanied by pictures of adorable puppies that are examples of this new breed.

Of course theyre cute! All puppies are! Should you pay hundreds, and in some cases, thousands of dollars for one? Certainly not! The offspring of a mating between two purebred dogs of different breeds is a mongrel, a mutt. And if you have one, you should love it, train it and care for it as if it had the bluest blood of the canine kingdom.

Every dog breed, and there are hundreds in the world, was created by humans. Each breed was developed for a specific purpose whether that original job was guarding the flock or being the ideal lap-dog. Theres no reason that development shouldnt continue. If there is a need for a dog with particular characteristics, enterprising individuals will come forward to fill that need.

However, it takes many generations to breed true. Compare yourself to your siblings. Do you all have the same looks, same personality, same interests and strengths? Chances are, you dont. Each of you has some of the best traits of your parents. But those may not be the same traits. And each of you has some of the worst.

Two of the best-known mixed-breeds out there now are the Golden Doodle and the Puggle. The thinking behind these crosses is fairly obvious: wouldnt it be nice to have a Golden Retrievers personality and willingness to please combined with the Poodles non-shedding coat and intelligence? Wouldnt it be equally delightful to have a small dog without the breathing issues of a Pug, but quieter than a Beagle?

But there is no way of knowing you wont get a high-strung, noisy, stubborn, slobbering mutt who sheds like the dickens!

If you are considering spending the kind of money that these hybrids are commanding, be sure to research all of the traits of the contributing breeds. You will get a mixture of the two. And an equally adorable mixture may be waiting for you at your local shelter the size you want, with the coat you want and the adorable face that melts your heart.

If you require certain characteristics in your puppy whether a family member has allergies, or you have a very small, or no yard, or your household requires a quiet, easy keeper, or if you wish to fully participate in the world of canine competition, consider a pure-bred animal. There are over 150 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. Research them at www.akc.org. Surely one of them is right for you.

Hope Saidel is the co-owner of http://www.GollyGear.com, a bricks-and-mortar and online small dog shop featuring fun, affordable and practical products for small dogs. She has trained and competed in Obedience with small dogs for over a decade and is on the Board of Directors of the North Shore Dog Training Club.

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Designer dogs are the up and coming rage among Hollywood and dog lovers alike. Dogs like the puggle (pug beagle), the cockapoo aka cockerpoo or spoodle(cocker-spaniel poodle), the labradoodle (Labrador retriever poodle), the peekapoo (pekingnese poodle) and the Schnoodle (Schnauzer Poodle) are growing ever more popular today than ever before. Why are these mutts so big right now?

1.Cute Names Designer dogs have cute names that people love and make the appearance of a new breed of dog that very few have heard of. For example: the puggle.

2.Great for those with allergies Unlike some purebred dogs, designer dogs are often bred to reduce the amount of allergens they produce by not having an undercoat.

3.Sheds less Some designer dogs are bred to shed less than other dogs.

4.Genetic advantage – Believed to be less prone to inbreeding, the designer dog is thought to have better temperaments and also thought to be smarter and more trainable than their purebred counter parts.

Controversy surrounding these dogs have made purebred dog owners enraged. Its bad for there business and the qualities listed above only hold true in specific cases. The designer dog fad has also had its fallbacks.

1.Bad breeding bad breeding leads to unwanted dogs. Many people want to produce a designer dog without doing back-ground checks and without the skills needed to do so.

2.Bad owners Some believe that just because they bought a designer dog means that they dont need to train, care for or love their pet as much. This couldnt be further from the truth. Designer dogs need just as much care and attention as all other dogs do, if not more.

3.More expensive the price for these dogs have sky-rocketed sometimes hit the $1,000 mark. Sometimes its better just to go to the humane society or animal shelter and find a perfectly fine dog. The shots and care for these dogs can make their prices higher as well.

Dont get me wrong, these are wonderful pets. However, they need wonderful owners as well. Love and care and proper healthcare and grooming are essential for a happy life-long companion. If you would like to keep your costs and concerns down when purchasing a designer dog I suggest that you check its breeding history and do temperament tests as well as get them screened for certain common genetic disorders such as hip-dysplasia and retinal atrophy. Proper preparation and responsible habits lead to a great dog.

Gage Killian – pet enthusiast, web publisher
http://www.cockapoodog.info
http://www.puggleluv.com
http://www.caninefacts.com

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The Yorkie, nickname for the Yorkshire Terrier is affectionately called by its devoted owners and is a pleasure to live with. Content to be stroked and petted, your Yorkshire Terrier will take up residence on your lap whenever possible. Yorkies have a keen sense of adventure. They are brave and loyal and seem to be oblivious to their size – or definite lack thereof. The Yorkshire Terrier has been in the top 10 most registered with the AKC for the last several years.

These dogs need minimal space and are perfect if you live in a smaller space like an apartment. Yorkshire Terriers will also get along well with small children. They can be possessive and you should always exercise caution when you introduce your Yorkie to your child. Well trained Yorkies will have no problem adjusting to family life. Yorkies are also excellent dogs to have with cats.

If you have already decided that you want a Yorkie then there are various things you can do to make sure you get the best possible puppy.

Make sure you have a clear idea of exactly what you want before you start looking for a breeder. There are many things you will want to make sure of like deciding whether you want a male or a female puppy. Would you prefer a dominant or quiet puppy? Your lifestyle and resources will play a large role in your choices.

If you are wanting a Yorkie puppy it is recommended that you steer clear of pet store puppies. They are often bred in poor circumstances and have not had enough interaction with their siblings. You could end up with a sickly, badly socialized Yorkie.

Choosing a reputable Yorkie breeder is important even if you don’t plan to show the puppy. Problems that you will find is the puppy may be inbred or the fancy terms used by certain breeders is called linebreeding. The pet the problems associated with choosing a half-bred or worse is a cruelly bred puppy can cause your family a lot of heartache later. Just like any other big decision research is one of the most significant ways in which you can be sure you are committing to the best breeder.

Does the breeder offer a health certificate, vaccinations and other paperwork like the registration documents? The health certificate is the most important paperwork because they can only be issued by a licensed veterinarian. To get the health certificate the vet must exam the puppy and if there is something seriously wrong with the puppy the vet wont issue the health certificate. Be prepared to pay extra for the health certificate as most breeders charge extra for this.

Another thing to consider is there a health guarantee. A health guarantee is needed in case some were to happen a year down the road. Buying from the newspaper just doesnt offer this. Most of the time its 48 hours and thats it. If something were to happen to your puppy a week later most will say, it’s your puppy now. The standard guarantee on the internet is a replacement guarantee up to a year. However a year is not really a long enough time for some genetic type defects. If possible look for someone that offers a guarantee longer then that.

Buying on internet may cost a little more but it is well worth the investment. If having a happy, healthy puppy and a good guarantee doesnt matter to you then buy from the newspaper. However beware the newspaper has a reputation of where puppy millers and backyard breeders sell their puppies. Are you willing to take the risk and deal with the heartache later? It can be a terrible thing for a family to go through especially if you have children. A guarantee gives you a little peace of mind.

Yorkies are amongst some of the cutest puppies on earth. They are so tiny you can put them in your pocket and nobody will be the wiser. Enjoy your puppy and make sure you spend enough time bonding with your Yorkies and you can be assured of many healthy, happy years with your dog.

Steve is the owner of All My Puppies Online and also has a casino review website at All Best Bets Visit his blog at Doggie Blog

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Why use a crate:

When used properly and not abused, crates are the fastest and most humane method of housebreaking dogs. Dogs are den animals that will instinctively seek out a small, cozy place to rest for shelter and security. Crates act on a dog’s instinct to keep its den clean and unsoiled. Keeping your dog in a crate teaches him to hold it until he can go in an appropriate place, which helps your puppy develop his bladder control. For older dogs, crates act as a bedroom where they can relax and escape the hustle and bustle of kids, other pets, and everyday family life. Also, it’s never too late to crate train! A crate can help break bad habits that improperly trained dogs may have developed over the years.

Plastic or metal?

Plastic kennels are good for travel, and are generally the only method of containment permitted by airlines. Metal wire dog crates are ideal for home use, however. They are generally roomier and more open. They’re also sturdier, so they will stand up to your pet’s movement/ activity and be able to last as your dog’s permanent bedroom.

What size?

A crate should only be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down. If the crate is too big, your puppy will have enough room to soil one side and sleep in the other, which defeats the purpose of the crate. Buy a crate large enough to accommodate your dog’s full-grown size and get a divider panel. This way, you can keep the one crate and have it grow along with your dog.

Accessories:

Always be sure to include appropriate toys and treats in the crate. This will keep your dog occupied and prevent your teething puppy from chewing on the crate’s metal bars. It is also important to purchase crate bedding. A crate cover is great for lowering the number of outside distractions your dog sees, which can reduce barking and stress in the crate. A crate pad will be more comfortable than the crate’s plastic pan. Finally, a bumper like the one included in Pet Dreams Cratewear will help protect your puppy from injuries caused by chewing or leaning against the crate’s metal bars.

For more information:

In addition to Cratewear, Pet Dreams provides a wealth of Crate Training Tips, articles, and FAQs to help you crate train your dog. Weve also recently launched Forums where you can discuss all aspects of training with others and get advice from the experts!

Visit http://www.petdreams.com for Dog crates, Cratewear bedding and Sleep-ezz dog beds.

More articles at Articles Database

Although the history of the Yorkshire Terrier is sketchy, there is a great deal known about the origins of this exceptional, vibrant breed. The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie for short, finds it humble beginnings in Northern England, in the counties of Yorkshire, Manchester and Leeds, during the years prior to 1750.

During this time, the onset of the Industrial Revolution gave rise to small communities located around coal mines, textile mills and factories. The people of these areas originally made their living from the land and experienced great upheaval during the time of the Industrial Revolution. Many had to learn new ways of life to continue to support their families. These persevering families, many from as far away as Scotland, were drawn to the small fledgling communities to begin a new life.

Along with this hardy group of migrants came equally hardy pets and companions. During the 19th century, Scottish weavers began to arrive and brought with them the sturdy Scottish Terrier. Far from being a simple bloodline the Scottish Terrier has been attributed to creating several different types of Terriers including the Yorkshire Terrier.

Part of the Scottish Terrier bloodlines later became the breeds today known as the Skye, Scottish Terrier, West Highland White Terrier and the last of the named from their separation, the Cairn Terrier.

The Scottish Terrier was also known to be on Argyle or the Isle of Skye. It was of a bluish color and was also known as a broken or smooth haired Scots depending on the length of coat it had.

There is every possibility that they were forerunners to the modern day Skye Terrier. Other breeds that have ancestral claim to the Yorkie are the Paisley and Clydesdale Terriers and the Broken-Haired Scotch Terrier.

All of these Scottish breeds, along with some English ones, were working dogs, used to keep the vermin under control in the coal mines and mills.

In an effort to produce canines with exceptional skill at catching mice and rats, the common men of the day would breed only smallest, quickest and best ratters of the bunch. These men were not out to produce a purebred, sophisticated breed of dog; instead they desired the best dogs to keep the mice away. This is the reason why no records were kept as to what breeds were mixed to create the Yorkshire Terrier.

The best guess is that miners in Yorkshire County bred the Black and Tan English Terrier with the many breeds of the Scottish Terriers. It is even believed that Maltese may be thrown in there somewhere. The resulting Terriers were then probably crossed with yet again other types of terriers such as the Welsh Terrier.

In the late 1800s, the first written recordings about the ancestors of the modern-day Yorkshire Terrier began to appear. Most of these were written by wealthy educated men who had traveled to Yorkshire County and witnessed the intelligent, spunky dogs chasing down their prey.

Rawdon B. Lee, speaking of Yorkshire Terrier in Modern Dogs says: How the name of Scotch Terrier became attached to dog which so thoroughly had its home in Yorkshire and Lancashire is somewhat difficult to determine, if it can be determined at all, but a very old breeder of the variety told me that the first of them came from Scotland, where they had been accidentally produced from a cross between the silk-coated Skye (the Clydesdale) and the black and tan Terrier. One could scarcely expect that a pretty dog, partaking in a degree of both its parents, could be produced from a smooth-coated dog, a long-coated bitch or vice-versa.

Maybe, two or three animals so bred had been brought by some of the Paisley weavers in Yorkshire and there, suitably admired, pains were taken to perpetuate the strain.

Then, at the turn of the century, Mr. James Watson claimed in the Dog Book, that the pedigreed origins of the Yorkshire Terrier could be traced back 60 years. Before that time, there were two Class Registrations for Toy Terriers, Rough and Broken Haired. In 1866 Broken Haired Scotch Terriers were registered as not exceeding 5 pounds. These were later registered as Yorkshire Terriers in 1874.

Since the official recognition of the Yorkshire breed, there have been many famous, well-loved Yorkies. And today, this breed is gaining newfound attention as more and more people are turning to this lovable breed for companionship.

By Rose Lenk
Get Rose’s free mini course:
7 things you need to know about Yorkshire Terriers
http://www.GoodYorkie.com

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Why use a crate:

When used properly and not abused, crates are the fastest and most humane method of housebreaking dogs. Dogs are den animals that will instinctively seek out a small, cozy place to rest for shelter and security. Crates act on a dog’s instinct to keep its den clean and unsoiled. Keeping your dog in a crate teaches him to hold it until he can go in an appropriate place, which helps your puppy develop his bladder control. For older dogs, crates act as a bedroom where they can relax and escape the hustle and bustle of kids, other pets, and everyday family life. Also, it’s never too late to crate train! A crate can help break bad habits that improperly trained dogs may have developed over the years.

Plastic or metal?

Plastic kennels are good for travel, and are generally the only method of containment permitted by airlines. Metal wire dog crates are ideal for home use, however. They are generally roomier and more open. They’re also sturdier, so they will stand up to your pet’s movement/ activity and be able to last as your dog’s permanent bedroom.

What size?

A crate should only be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down. If the crate is too big, your puppy will have enough room to soil one side and sleep in the other, which defeats the purpose of the crate. Buy a crate large enough to accommodate your dog’s full-grown size and get a divider panel. This way, you can keep the one crate and have it grow along with your dog.

Accessories:

Always be sure to include appropriate toys and treats in the crate. This will keep your dog occupied and prevent your teething puppy from chewing on the crate’s metal bars. It is also important to purchase crate bedding. A crate cover is great for lowering the number of outside distractions your dog sees, which can reduce barking and stress in the crate. A crate pad will be more comfortable than the crate’s plastic pan. Finally, a bumper like the one included in Pet Dreams Cratewear will help protect your puppy from injuries caused by chewing or leaning against the crate’s metal bars.

For more information:

In addition to Cratewear, Pet Dreams provides a wealth of Crate Training Tips, articles, and FAQs to help you crate train your dog. Weve also recently launched Forums where you can discuss all aspects of training with others and get advice from the experts!

Visit http://www.petdreams.com for Dog crates, Cratewear bedding and Sleep-ezz dog beds.

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Does your puppy or dog Beg, Borrow or Steal from your dinner table? Turn the tables on him! You can turn begging, borrowing or stealing from the dinner table into an asset by following this simple plan.

So many times we see behavior we don’t like and think how can I stop that? We do ourselves a great disservice because then our focus is on ‘stopping’ the behavior we don’t want rather than training the behavior we DO want.

Why do dogs beg or steal from the dinner table? Quite simply, they want food.

Some dogs are particularly brazen (and agile) and will attempt to steal food directly from the table. This is usually met with some sort of reprimand, but if your dog has ever been successful in his raid then the pattern is set. If you leave your plate unattended (except by your vigilant dog), then don’t be too surprised to find half your dinner missing when you return.

It has nothing to do with dominance. It has just become reinforced behavior.

Other dogs aren’t quite so brazen, or would have physical difficulty in stealing directly from the table. These dogs tend to ‘beg’, by staring, drooling, pawing or whatever works to get them a little of the delicious meal you have prepared. Their behavior only needs to be reinforced once and it will take a very long time to go away without any further reinforcement (and that means from anyone, even by accident).

However, we can turn this begging or stealing into an asset by ‘turning the tables’ (so to speak) on our pet!

First up, we need to decide what we would prefer our dog to do instead of begging or stealing. I would almost always prefer a ‘down’ – as in ‘lying down quietly’. My dogs are big, and when they sit, long shoelaces of drool dangle disgustingly from their mouths. Laying down just looks better to me.

To begin with, during actual meals we will lock our dogs out of the room or put them in their crates. This is so we can enjoy a meal without having to train. In the early stages we need to concentrate during training.

If you have more than one dog, just work with one at a time at first. Lock the other dog/s out of the room.

Have your dog’s normal meal in a bowl on the dinner table. Obviously, a clean bowl is preferred for reasons of hygiene.

If your dog doesn’t already know how to lay down on command, then take a small piece of food and lure him into position. If you don’t know how to do this, find out. (You may need to cut some types of food into tiny pieces before you begin).

Silently, count to 1 in your head and give him some food if he is still laying down.

Now immediately count to 2 in your head, and give him some food if he is still laying down.

Now count to 3 in your head, and give him some food is he is still laying down.

If at any point your dog gets up, then ask him to lay down again and re-start your count at 1. If you get all the way to 10 and he gets up, ask him to lay down again and re-start the count at 1, feed, 2, feed etc

Keep your sessions short, 5 minutes at the most to begin with. You can do this 2 or 3 times each day if you have the time, but keep each session short.

When your dog can stay laying down for a count of 30, you can start using this exercise during normal meals unless you have another dog. If you have two or more dogs, start working with both of them when they can both stay down for a count of 30 individually. When they can both stay down for a count of 30 together, then you can start using this exercise during normal meal times.

By all means, if you want to feed them healthy tid-bits from your plate, then do so. I now only use food off my plate, and my dogs will stay in position for nearly a whole meal. I give only two or three tid-bits during a meal.

This exercise will teach your dogs some self-control, manners and over time, how to work for a long duration.

Aidan Bindoff is Editor of Positive Petzine, a free resource for people training their own dog.

Join now, and for a limited time you may download all available back issues (a $29.95 value) for FREE!

As Featured On Best Ezines

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Zoonoses is the term applied to a grouping of diseases that are transferable from canine/feline to human. Basically, these diseases fall into three groupings based on their means of transmission. This also groups these, ideally, in the means of treatment and control. The three groupings of diseases are as follows -diseases spread through :1) urine or feces, 2) hair and skin contact, or 3) bites and scratches.

Zoonoses – Spread through Urine or Feces

Hookworms

Hookworms enter the German Shepherd’s body in the area that directly comes in contact with the feces-contanimated soil. Seen more commonly in the South, these parasites are unsuited to ideally live in human beings. Traditionally they die after crawling several inches underneath the surface layer of the skin. Inflammation usually occurs as a result of these parasites in humans and causes a condition called creeping eruption which may last several weeks or months depending on its severity.

Leptospirosis

German Shepherd’s may come in contact with this disease through swimming, drinking, licking their fur, or by eating food contaminated with animal urine. Many animals may carry this, though rats are most often the culprit.

This zoonoses symptom in humans include flu-like including chills, body aches, vomiting, fever and headache. Sometimes kidney damage may occur or the membranes covering the spinal cord or brain may become inflamed. This disease is not usually fatal though it does make its host miserable for weeks at a time.

Roundworms

If these parasites are swallowed by humans they migrate into the body tissues and may cause damage, including symptoms of fever and liver enlargement which can last up to a year in length including symptoms of fever and liver enlargement which can last up to a year in length.

These parasites are most commonly found in small children (2-4 yrs. of age) who mistakenly swallow the eggs and become infected. Children playing in an area in which an animal has defecated in the past, who do not wash their hands after coming in contact with the eggs and inadvertently sticks their hands into their mouth are the most common receptors of roundworm. Only rarely fatal, the disease is traditionally mild though it may be long lasting.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms can easily be ingested by any German Shepherd who swallows a flea carrying the infected form when biting at or chewing their coat. Children may get it virtually the same way- minus the coat chewing.

Tapeworm infestation in humans this way is actually quite rare when compared to infestation from eating undercooked pork or beef.

Toxoplasmosis

Rarely this may cause death in humans since most people develop a resistance to it during normal exposure. It can cause many types of birth deformities in children born to mothers who have been infected for the first time without having developed an immunity before becoming pregnant. Most commonly this is picked up through contact with infected cat feces or in contact with contaminated soil.

Zoonoses – Prevention of Waste Transmitted Diseases

There are a few basic precautions everyone should take to prevent transmission of any of the above mentioned diseases – zoonoses. First, clean up all pet droppings and wash your hands each time you any come in contact with contaminated soil. It is extremely important to teach children these steps. Also, if your German Shepherd has gone wading or swimming in any water which may have become contaminated with animal urine, bathe it at once when you return home.

Zoonoses – Spread through Skin/Hair Contact

Fleas

Fleas prefer feeding on your German Shepherd though they will not turn up the chance of of making an occasional meal on humans as well.

Ringworm

Most commonly found in children (though anyone may be infected), this disease is caused by a skin/hair eating fungus which first appears on people as a round, red, scaly area. It grows outward in a circular formation and is the most common fungal disease currently reported.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Tick borne, this disease or Zoonose can cause symptoms such as fever, chills and headache though it is not usually fatal. Symptoms may last many weeks and it can be treated with antibiotics.

Most commonly this disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Also, you may become infected while pulling a tick off your German Shepherd. It is best to wear gloves when removing ticks.

Scabies

The less commonly found version of mange (as opposed to the demodetic version), this may still cause intense itching, irritation and thickening of the skin. Animal mange may live in human skin though it cannot reproduce there. Humans have their own version of the scabies mite.

Zoonoses – Prevention of Skin/Hair Contact Diseases

Overall, proper nutritional care and health of your German Shepherd is the best defense against the chance of your dog harboring any of these diseases.

Frequent grooming and herbal repellents are good choices in combating most of these diseases or Zoonoses before they become major. Stress, roaming and contact with other dogs are the three most common points of transmission among the previous diseases.

Wash your hands after dog contact and minimize contact with any infected pet until the problem is cured.

Zoonoses – Diseases Caused by Bites and Scratches

Cat Scratch Fever

Some people will develop a fever, enlarged lymph nodes and malaise near the area of a bite or scratch from a cat a few weeks after the occurrence. Though not fatal it can be very uncomfortable and can be followed by complications. Infected cat bites may become infected with an entirely different bacteria though the symptoms are similar.

Probably best, is to thoroughly wash an area bitten or scratched by a cat and to clean it liberally on a frequent basis to prevent, hopefully, infection.

Rabies

Virtually 100% fatal once the clinical symptoms appear, this disease is carried by a virus transmitted through the saliva of an infected biting animal. Symptoms include frothing at the mouth, extreme behavioral/personality changes and convulsions which usually ends in the aggressive, staggering and bleary- eyed condition.

If you happen upon an animal showing any of these disease symptoms, get away from it as quickly as possible and call your nearest animal control unit. If by chance you are bitten, try to follow it to where it lives (if it is a stray) so that the proper officials may capture it for testing. If you do kill it, do not injure the head as this will be needed for verification. Also, if you are bitten by an animal exhibiting any of the symptoms above, thoroughly wash out the wound as quickly as possible and contact your personal physician immediately. Overall, your chances of getting rabies are rare though you can never be over cautious.

Zoonoses – Prevention of Bite and Scratch Transmitted Diseases

Best advice, keep your German Shepherd in tip-top physical condition through exercise and proper nutrition to reduce its chances of picking up any diseases or parasites from less healthy animals. Also, try to minimize your pets contact with wild animals or sick pets.

The author, a lifelong dog lover and German Shepherd owner, has been a German Shepherd breeder for over to 15 years. For more information and articles covering other German Shepherd related topics, feel free to visit: total-german-shepherd.com

Interested in other purebred dog breeds? Visit: pedigreedpups.com

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Why use a crate:

When used properly and not abused, crates are the fastest and most humane method of housebreaking dogs. Dogs are den animals that will instinctively seek out a small, cozy place to rest for shelter and security. Crates act on a dog’s instinct to keep its den clean and unsoiled. Keeping your dog in a crate teaches him to hold it until he can go in an appropriate place, which helps your puppy develop his bladder control. For older dogs, crates act as a bedroom where they can relax and escape the hustle and bustle of kids, other pets, and everyday family life. Also, it’s never too late to crate train! A crate can help break bad habits that improperly trained dogs may have developed over the years.

Plastic or metal?

Plastic kennels are good for travel, and are generally the only method of containment permitted by airlines. Metal wire dog crates are ideal for home use, however. They are generally roomier and more open. They’re also sturdier, so they will stand up to your pet’s movement/ activity and be able to last as your dog’s permanent bedroom.

What size?

A crate should only be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down. If the crate is too big, your puppy will have enough room to soil one side and sleep in the other, which defeats the purpose of the crate. Buy a crate large enough to accommodate your dog’s full-grown size and get a divider panel. This way, you can keep the one crate and have it grow along with your dog.

Accessories:

Always be sure to include appropriate toys and treats in the crate. This will keep your dog occupied and prevent your teething puppy from chewing on the crate’s metal bars. It is also important to purchase crate bedding. A crate cover is great for lowering the number of outside distractions your dog sees, which can reduce barking and stress in the crate. A crate pad will be more comfortable than the crate’s plastic pan. Finally, a bumper like the one included in Pet Dreams Cratewear will help protect your puppy from injuries caused by chewing or leaning against the crate’s metal bars.

For more information:

In addition to Cratewear, Pet Dreams provides a wealth of Crate Training Tips, articles, and FAQs to help you crate train your dog. Weve also recently launched Forums where you can discuss all aspects of training with others and get advice from the experts!

Visit http://www.petdreams.com for Dog crates, Cratewear bedding and Sleep-ezz dog beds.

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