DOGS

Paris Hilton’s Chihuahua ‘Tinkerbell’ may be solely responsible for bringing the term ‘toy dog’ to the attention of the world and the fascination with using one’s dog as an accessory to its owner’s outfit. Designers like Gucci and Burberry who have created haute couture fashion for dogs and high price tags for consumers exemplify the obsession with how a dog’s breed and style reflects upon an owner. The trend with designer dogs does not end there. In some of the latest breeding technology, dogs have been genetically created and crossbred for optimal behavior and looks. The Labradoodle, Yorkipoo, cockapoo and Schnoodle are the hottest dog breeds to walk the streets of 5th avenue, with or without high heels and sitting in designer handbags. . .

Designer Dogs And Pampered Dogs

Submitted By: Donna Boras

What are designer dogs? The biggest trend in dogs isn’t purebreds, but specially created hybrids (puggles, pookimos, Jack-a-bees). Dogs that fall under the designer category include boxers, doxies, dachshunds, beagles, poodles, and more. The list of what is considered to be a hybrid is long; however; if your pet doesn’t make it on this list, it doesn’t mean that he is not a designer dog. This descriptive name also refers to pampered pets and any pet can be treated like royalty . . .

Do Toys Stop Your Pet From Becoming Bored?

Submitted By: Derek Rogers

No matter which type of pet you own, there will always be a range of toys suitable for them. Cats and dogs in particular have a large number of toys available to them and they are often seen as an essential for any pet owner . . .

Urban sprawl grows exponentially every year, so living in those quiet country settings that we all dream of is becoming less likely for most people. For dog owners, this can cause a host of problems that could result in a lot of frustration and pain as it becomes more difficult to contain our pets at home and still allow them safety and freedom . . .

We all know that prevention is better than cure. Simple common sense precautions can go a long way to ensuring that our pet does get lost after escaping on a frolic of his own. We all know the kind of thing . . .

Last year my best furry friend Baby, who is getting up in years, started having accidents around the house. We had her checked and there were no good solutions offered. The pill frequently prescribed for this type of problem was of little use and the accidents became more frequent.

I have to admit it was driving us half crazy dealing with soiled carpet and furniture. I even found myself wondering the unthinkable thought of giving her up and new a fast solution was needed . . .

I was having a conversation with a friend of mine and I thought I would quickly send this out to you, before I leave for the weekend.

Remember: Bored dogs cause problems. If you don't keep your dog's mind stimulated, chances are that he'll find activities to stimulate his mind, himself. And you won't like those activities . . .

Bringing a new puppy home is exciting, but there are many potential hazards both inside and outside of the home that could harm your puppy. Therefore, it is important to identify these hazards and to take steps to remove them in order to keep your beloved pet safe, happy, and healthy . . .

For many children the death of their pet will be their first experience of death or loss. Children today often have a particularly significant relationship with their pets as families are smaller and both parents may work outside the home, leaving children to spend more time alone, with the family pet taking the role of daily companion.

For many children, a pet can be a source of comfort and a supportive, uncritical friend, always available to listen. Pets often give children a valuable sense of self-worth because they will not judge or make children feel inadequate. Children frequently describe their pets as a best friend or sibling . . .

Poodle Hybrid Designer Dogs

Submitted By: Mike Mathews

Designer dogs are really hybrid or cross-breed dogs that have been developed to try and gain some positive characteristics or lose some negative characteristics from the founding pure-bred dog breeds. “Poo” hybrid dogs where the Poodle is crossed with a number of breeds such as the Labrador Retriever (Labradoodle), Golden Retriever (Goldendoodle), Maltese (Maltipoo) Cocker Spaniel (Cockapoo), Bichon Frise (Bich-poo), Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkipoo) and the Schnauzer (Schnoodle) are very popular. This is because the Poodle is a very intelligent breed with a non- or low-shedding odorless coat which is said to be hypoallergenic. While there is no guarantee as to what characteristics will be passed on to the first generation puppies from the breeding parents, the Poodles non-shedding coat seems to be a dominant characteristic which is often passed on to the first generation of puppies, accounting for the popularity of the “poo” hybrids. I guess if you wanted to ensure a hypoallergenic and non-shedding coat, then you should acquire a Maltipoo, Schnoodle or a Bich-poo where both parents have non-shedding coats. It should be noted that there are really two types of Labradoodles. The first is the unofficial mixed Poodle/Labrador designer breed described above and the second is the Australian Labradoodle which has resulted from an exhaustive Australian breeding program involving 6 different parent breeds: Poodle, Labrador Retriever; Irish Water Spaniel; Curly Coat Retriever; American Cocker Spaniel; and English Cocker Spaniel . . .

Just like people, dogs have separation anxiety. As for what causes it, there are many. As a result, the dog and the owner can have quite the difficult experience. Overcoming the separation anxiety can be work, but it pays off for both the dog and the owner in the end because it is healthier and makes the overall environment more bearable . . .