Posts Tagged ‘dog’
Old Style Farm Collies are also known as American Working Farmcollies, or the Old Farm Shepherd dogs. They were the most popular type of dog in the country at one time. These versatile working dogs were kept by farmers dogs to protect (guard dogs) and keep animals in their proper enclosures (herding dogs). Sometimes they also worked as hunting dogs.
These dogs are not the AKC collies of today, but a breed of herding and shepherd dogs. With a Scotch Collie heritage, their ancestors were brought here from Europe. Dogs that are registered as American Working Farmcollies must meet the following qualifications:
- Of Scotch Collie ancestry (or appear to be so if the background is not known), resembling the breed standard.
- Must qualify in at least two of the three working categories of guardian, herder and hunter.
- Required to be at least one year old.
If a dog qualifies in each of the three working categories, it gets a Certification of Merit. It is also an encouraged practice to double register dogs with both the AFWA (American Working Farmcollie Association) and as an English Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog, Kelpie, AKC collie, or Border Collie.
Knowing the rules and routines of the farm and being well socialized to his or her master are essential traits of a good farm collie. The dog should also know the boundaries of the property and stay within them, besides being aware of what animals are supposed to be on the farm and their appointed places. In the role of guardian, a farm collie should protect the farm animals from predators.
These dogs are meant to be an all-purpose farm dog, working as guardians, herding and hunting. Bear in mind not all dogs will do well in all three categories, so it is important to find the dog that can do the things you want it to do.
Checking out both parents to see what traits they have is a good procedure when buying a puppy. Take into account, however, that the puppy may not mature into exactly the dog you envisioned. Each dog is an individual, and will have a distinct personality of its own. A puppy may not have exactly the strengths you wish for, but if the parents exhibit the traits you’re looking for, the puppy is at least likely to have some of them.
American Working Farmcollies can be a super asset on farms and homesteads of all sizes.
Terriers are a very loving and energetic breed that demand a great deal of attention from their family members. They love to make noise and most enjoy being a typical “lap dog.” Terrier training can be a bit difficult if you aren’t persistent, therefore you’ll need to be prepared to be firm and corrective with your terrier pup. If your interest is in breeding terriers, you should do plenty of research and speak to a vet to ensure that you are prepared for the responsibility. This article lists a few of the responsibilities you can expect when raising a terrier.
Understanding your dog’s needs is the first step to becoming a good pet owner. The behavior, as well as the grooming requirements of a terrier varies depending upon which type you get, as some may have more exercise requirements, thicker coats, etc. For instance, Yorkshire terrier training may be more difficult than other terriers as they are notoriously hard to housebreak. Doing a bit of research on the personality and physical requirements of different terrier breeds is the best way to help you decide which is right for you.
The type of food you feed your terrier is very important. If you’re able to, find out from the dog’s previous owner what type of food they were feeding him. If you can help it, try to keep the dog on the same brand of food, as this can prevent a possible upset stomach, diarrhea, etc. If you can’t find out what food the dog was previously eating, just do your bed to sort through various brands, taking care to read the nutrition label.
Owning a terrier is a large responsibility and when you get him as a puppy, you will need to make sure he gets all of the required vaccinations. The shots are to help protect your pet against certain dog health problems. The pet needs to have their check up throughout the year in order to be healthy and be the dog you want.
Caring for a terrier will be like any other dog, but they will be a bit more energetic and need play time. Playing with them everyday will help them grow on you and listen a lot better, resulting in a calm pet you need. There are many places in which you can obtain your terrier, including pet shops, breeders, and even the classified ads section of your newspaper. You can also do an Internet search, such as “Westie puppies for sale” which will display the sites of many breeders or rescue organizations in which you can contact.
Any great pet owner understands the importance of preserving your pet’s health. This is particularly true to dogs, who can so easily develop an array of conditions. Did you know that a simple set of pet stairs can drastically reduce the chance of your dog developing a joint or bone problem such as arthritis or hip dysplasia?
If your dog regularly jumps onto and off of furniture (even if it isn’t very far off the ground), his ankles, knees, hips, and spine are absorbing the shock that occurs when he lands. Using pet steps will keep him from having to exert any unnecessary pressure onto his body.
One thing that should be taken into consideration is where the steps will be placed. If you’re looking to buy dog steps for beds, you’ll want to measure the entire height of your bed (not just the mattresses) and find a set of steps that will reach the full height of the bed. This will ensure that your dog doesn’t trip or slip while stepping onto the bed. Another perk is that you won’t feel your dog jump onto the bed while you’re sleeping!
Make sure that whichever set of steps you choose are the proper height for your dog. This can be determined by the size of your dog. Large dog steps will have a 16” step width for dogs 30lbs and over and small dog steps will have a step width of 12” for dogs under 20 lbs. Purchasing steps that are too small or large for your dog could cause him to trip or overexert himself.
There are several different materials you can choose from, as well. The most common finish being carpeted, as it enables your dog to get a good grip as he ascends and descends the steps. You can also get wooden stairs in various shades, and even molding!
A puppy’s growth rate depends on what type of dog breed you have. You will find different puppy weight estimates with each breed. To find out how much your dog should be growing by the year or month you should check out information about your breed of dog.
You can use the Internet as a resource for finding out roughly how much your puppy should weigh at particular age plateaus. Many veterinary office and websites have a dog weight chart you can look at, which determines a dog’s healthy weight based on an age to size ratio for each dog breed.
Many sites will publish a separate chart for each dog breed, or you can ask your vet for a puppy growth rate guide. If you are at all unsure whether your puppy is a safe weight, simply pop into the vet’s office for a check-up. If anything is wrong, your vet will be able to advise you of the proper foods your puppy should be receiving, and in some cases recommend a diet food brand or issue a nutrition supplement for under-nourished puppies.
Understanding the physical expectancies of your dog’s breed is the first step in preparing yourself for adequately meeting his needs, not to mention you’ll have a better idea of what to expect in terms of dog growth rate. It’s safe to say that smaller dogs will usually be fully grown around their first birthday, whereas larger dogs, like the Bernese mountain dog, can take 18 – 24 months to reach their full adult size.
If you can’t seem to find any information on your dog’s growth rate, ask your vet if they would be willing to give you a guide for your pup’s first two years of growth, make a record of it, and keep it somewhere visible where you can check up often. A good place would be near your dog food storage area or on the refrigerator.
Cats are exquisite pets to own. Their play and relaxation times are a pleasure to watch, especially when you have cat furniture. Some people think that cats are relatively moody but for others who love cats, there is no better pet to have in the house.
Whether you have one cat or multiple cats as your pets, having some furniture for them to enjoy keeps them purring and happy all the time. Some cats enjoy beds to sleep in as this comforts them at night and keeps them cozy and warm. A favorite past-time for cat owners who have more than one cat are the cat towers or cat scratching furniture.
Pet stairs are a fabulous piece of furniture to have around. Contrary to popular belief, cats really can fall without landing on their feet. They can be just as easily injured falling from a bed or other tall place just as a dog can. Keeping pet stairs by your bed, sofa, or any other of your cat’s favorite places will encourage him to exercise the safe way to get up and down from furniture.
Cat steps let your pet get from one level to another safely and enjoyable. Cats often love to climb and these steps are the perfect solution to their love of moving up and down from high to low and back again. Adjustable height steps are an excellent solution for the kitten who is still growing.
Every year many cats are treated for injuries that result from falls which could have been prevented. There are many different retailers who offer pet stairs and other types of furniture for your cat. Whether you’re looking for a cat tunnel for friends to play in or other types of ways to pamper your pet, there are a variety of choices on the market.
Just make sure that your pet is safe when playing or using the steps by keeping toys free of debris and steps clear of obstacles that might cause them to stumble.
Raising a mastiff is much the same as caring for any other breed of dog. You should take care to begin training your mastiff puppy as soon as you can, as well as develop a good exercise routine. Mastiff training can be stressful if you don’t have the drive for correction. Your mastiff will need a good diet and regular grooming to ensure he remains in good health. Be aware when taking in a mastiff that they have a tendency to want to lie around with very little desire to exercise. You will need to have a determined attitude toward exercising your mastiff.
You can start your exercise routine by walking your mastiff at least twice a day, to keep his naturally large build from becoming overweight. If you have a private yard, letting your mastiff walk around for a bit is an excellent source of exercise. If you live in an apartment or other area without a private yard, it is recommended that you walk your mastiff twice a day in the nearest dog-friendly area.
Mastiffs are big dogs and require a regular diet of quality dog food to maintain good health. Mastiff puppies should be fed roughly four times a day after they’ve been weaned onto puppy food. As your mastiff grows, you can gradually reduce the amount of times you feed him to once or twice a day. Usually there will be a set of guidelines on the package of the dog food that tells you how much food your dog should receive in one serving based on weight.
The grooming process for a mastiff is pretty simple as they are short haired dogs that do not require a lot of grooming time. As they are also natural hair shredders it makes the process a lot easier as the hair is already loose. Like any other dogs, mastiffs have natural oils in their skin that helps them look after their fur. Thanks to these oils you will only need to bath your mastiff a couple of times a year.
Although they are very large, mastiffs are a gentle breed and can be very wonderful pets if taken care of properly. They have a wonderful attitude towards children, but naturally their size may not make great pets if your child is very young and can easily get knocked over by a grown mastiff. There are many different types of mastiffs, some of the most popular being bull mastiffs, English mastiffs, and American mastiffs. If you decide to introduce a mastiff into your home, you won’t be sorry!
Pet owners know that their dogs and cats have special mobility needs. That’s why dog stairs and cat furniture were invented!
Why get dog stairs? Think of the exploding popularity of toy-sized dogs. They’re adorable, but their size is a drawback when it comes to getting up to places to be with their people: chairs, couches, window seats, and many kinds of vehicles, especially large trucks, sports utility vehicles and vans. Small dogs and older, arthritic dogs have trouble getting to these places. You can solve this problem by getting a set of pet stairs (which are not limited to dogs–they’re great for cats as well).
When looking for a set of dog steps, it’s important that you take into consideration the material of the steps. While there are many colors and wood finishes to choose from, your main concern should be the sturdiness of the steps. There is a general rule to go by, which is: large dogs (over 35 lbs) require steps that are 16 inches wide, medium dogs (above 20 lbs but less than 35lbs) should have steps that are 14 inches wide, and small dogs (weighing under 20 lbs) should have steps that are around 12 inches wide. You will also need to check the weight restrictions for the stairs to make sure that they can indeed hold your dog’s weight.
Cats have a totally different mobility need: They love to climb. Because of their nature as predators, cats feel happier and safer in high places where they have more control over their surroundings.
The perfect choice to get your cat off the kitchen counter is a climbing tree or tower. As with dog stairs, it’s important to get the right design for your cat or cats, and to get something of good quality that will last for many years. If possible, get a cat tree that extends from floor to ceiling with several shelves for perching and sleeping. The cat tree or tower should be completely covered in carpet, rope or other textured material to give your cat plenty of climbing traction.
With so many households containing a dog or cat, the amount of retailers carrying dog stairs and cat furniture are growing rapidly. There are many websites online that you can browse, which is probably your best bet if you’re looking for something cheap or a little more customized.
In America alone, do you know how many households have dogs? About sixty three percent. If you think about it, that equals to about seventy million households! Yes, there is no denying that dogs are our best friends. They constantly crave attention from their family and they enjoy being in the spotlight. Your cute little dog may be a young one now, but that does not mean you should not look into dog ramps and steps. What are we talking about? Let us continue further to tell you some information.
No matter what breed of dog you have, or how young he is, he is not impervious to joint or spinal injuries that can be cause from jumping to and from furniture and other objects. Of course some breeds are especially susceptible to injury from jumping, such as Pomeranians, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and other breeds that have short legs, fragile bones, or long spines.
No matter what size of dog you have, small dog steps and large dog steps are available to aid your pet in ascending and descending. Keep a set next to your bed, couch, or porch to help him avoid repetitive, harmful impact on his joints and bones. Using pet stairs and ramps can not only prevent an already healthy dog from developing injuries or long-term conditions, but it can also promote healing and comfortable mobility for dogs with pre-existing conditions, such as obesity and arthiritis.
There are many stylish dog ramps and steps out there. If you have a breed, such as a Rottweiler or a Pit bull that is more prone to hip dysplasia, then this should be a must have in your home. Apart from hip dysplasia, it will also help those dogs that are prone to spinal and join problems, arthritis, bone wobblers syndrome, bone defects, osteopathy, bone tumors, diabetes, cancer and many other health issues. Vets know what is best for your furry friend, which is why they recommend the steps and ramps for that furry friend.
It’s no surprise with the financial crunch we’re all living in, that many of us pet owners are on the hunt for cheaper pet accessories. When hunting for cheap dog steps, we have two options, which are to buy them or make them ourselves.
Dog steps can seem like a luxury when money is short. However, the advantage to dog steps is that they enable dogs with special needs to get to places where their humans live.
For instance, dog steps can be especially important if you have one of the smaller breeds of dogs weighing less than 20 pounds. Some breeds of dog, particularly the teacup and miniature breeds can have extremely fragile bones, and have been known to actually break their legs by leaping from furniture. Dog steps can reduce or eliminate this hazard.
Older and larger breeds of dogs can also benefit from pet steps. As older dogs tend to have trouble ascending and descending, a good quality set of steps could mean a world of difference in and older dog’s comfort. As with larger breeds of dog, they can easily develop conditions such as arthritis, which is quite common, but can be very painful and expensive to treat. A set of dog stairs would easily allow them to maneuver from furniture.
You can easily purchase an inexpensive set of pet stairs for around $20, which are usually made from foam and covered in carpet of a similar substance. These can be purchased online or at some retail shops.
Those with a knack for hobby projects may want to try building cheap dog steps. Once again, most of these projects are made from foam and covered with carpet or other suitable fabric. One pet owner even reported he covered his dog’s homemade steps with artificial turf. However, this can be expensive depending on the materials you use for the dog stairs.
Whether your dog’s steps are purchased economically or homemade, it’s essential that you keep in the size your dog needs. Small dogs need steps that are no more than 12 inches wide. Medium-sized dogs weighing 35 pounds or less can use steps 14 inches wide. Larger dogs need steps that are at least 16 inches wide.
The height of your dog is also another thing to consider. Dog stairs that have very tall steps aren’t going to work very well for a short-legged dog, yet very short steps could trip a long-legged dog.
Last but not least, no matter where you get your dog stairs from, but sure that they are made of durable materials that will withstand the weight of your dog. You can easily check the weight restrictions on the stair’s packaging or on the website you wish to buy the stairs from. For more durable materials such as mahogany, you can expect that the price will go up quite a bit.
Maybe you love adorable toy breeds that fit in a handbag. Perhaps you prefer to romp around with a sturdy big breed. Maybe your beloved longtime companion has grown old and frail. Whatever your dog’s size and situation, finding the right dog steps matters to you and your pet.
Dog stairs can be a terrific solution to many disabilities or conditions that ail dogs of all breeds and ages, such as dysplasia, obesity, and arthritis. Dog steps can enable your pet a level of freedom you both will have thought long gone.
First, be careful about the dimensions of the stairs. Just as there’s no one-size-fits-all dog, there’s no one-size-fits-all style of dog steps. If you have a small breed of dog weighing less than 20 pounds, get steps that measure 12 inches wide. For medium-sized dogs (those weighing under 35 pounds), choose steps 14 inches wide. Dogs larger than 35 pounds can use steps that are 16 inches wide. Many sites sell both small dog steps and large dog steps.
The next item to take into consideration is the height of the steps. Smaller dogs generally have shorter legs, therefore each step’s height should be shorter, but the overall height of the stairs should be tall enough to reach your bed, couch, or other desired furniture. Larger dogs should have stairs whose steps are a bit taller so they don’t trip over small, more frequent steps.
When getting your dog into bed, however, you’ll need dog steps ranging from 17 to 29 inches high, depending again on the size of your pet.
Last, but certainly not least, you’ll want to make sure the steps you buy are made of good quality materials. While plastic steps can work okay for smaller dogs, they are partial to damage caused by both hot and cold temperatures and usually degrade in quality a lot faster than wooden or metal steps. You can also choose a style of finish which matches your décor, such as mahogany wood or specific color of carpet.
Investing in a good set of pet stairs will give both you and your pet a new lease on mobility!