You are here: Home

Dog Breeds: Rottweiler

Written by on May 21, 2009 · Leave a Comment

rotweiler The Rottweiler is believed to have been bred in Rottweil, Germany, where its ancestors had been left behind when the invading Roman army withdrew.

The Rottweiler was crossed with a sheepdog, resulting in a dog that was capable of herding and guarding cattle.

The Rottweiler is a compact, muscular dog that makes an imposing and effective guard dog.

This is a large dog that is not suitable for the inexperienced owner and requires firm handling and training.

Rottweilers are often used in police, military and rescue work.

FACTS ABOUT THE ROTTWEILER

Size Males:      25-27 in (63-69 cm.)
Females:  23-25 in (58-63 cm.)
Weight Males:    100-135 lb (45-61 kg.)
Females: 90-120 lb (41-54 kg.)
Temperament

The Rottweiler is an intelligent dog that is loyal, devoted and affectionate with their family.  They are cautious with strangers and can be aggressive with other dogs. Keep your Rottweiler on a leash when out in public.

This breed is very strong, so if your Rottweiler has not been trained from an early age to respond to your commands, you will have trouble controlling the dog in public. They are very strong and an adult Rottweiler can easily pull an adult off their feet
Grooming An average shedder, the smooth coat requires daily brushing with a firm bristle brush. Bathe only when necessary.
Exercise Rottweilers require daily vigorous, strenuous workouts.  If you have a large backyard your Rottweiler will spend a lot of time running and playing, however be prepared to spend a lot of time exercising your Rottweiler. Begin training early at around 6 weeks and continue on a daily basis, taking great care not to intimidate the dog making it fearful or viscous.
Living Area Rottweilers are not really suited to flats or units unless they get regular rigorous exercise.  They are relatively inactive when indoors and do adapt well to family life indoors.
Health Rottweilers are prone to hip dysplasia. Skin and eye problems can also occur. They have a tendency to snore. Watch their diet as they will overeat.
Life Expectancy 10-15 years
Books

Categories: Dog Breeds - Tags: ,

How To House Train Puppies – A Simple Approach to Housebreaking Your Puppy

Written by on May 21, 2009 · Leave a Comment

A simple approach to housebreaking your puppy

One of the more common problems we have with our puppies is housebreaking them. Housebreaking some puppies is more difficult than others and these puppies will take longer to train. Keep in mind that no matter how well the training is going, your puppy will occasionally have accidents. The key is to be patient and never take your frustrations out on your new pet.

Puppies are creatures of habit. If they learn that they can relieve themselves in your house then they will continue to do so. Don’t let your puppy get into this habit. Begin housebreaking as soon as you bring your puppy home.

Puppies will generally use the same area to relieve themselves so designate an area in your yard. When your puppy wakens, finishes eating or before he is ready for another nap, take him to the designated area. The more consistent you are with this method, the quicker your puppy will learn that it is the yard that he should use and not the house.

You can always pick when puppies are about to relieve themselves. Their nose will hit the floor and they will start sniffing around looking for the best spot. This is the key for you to pick up your puppy and take them to the designated area in the yard. Puppies are like toddlers – you need to keep your eye on them at all times otherwise you will have an accident of some sort.

Even with the best of training, puppies will make a few mistakes. If you see your puppy in the act, then pick him up quickly and tell him ‘No’ in a firm voice. Take him to the designated area immediately. You should not need to do anymore than this. Your puppy will eventually get the idea. If you have found an accident but didn’t see your puppy in the act then don’t admonish your pet or rub your puppy’s nose in it. He will have no idea why you are yelling at him. Just continue on as if nothing has happened.

Be consistent with your training habits and your puppy will be housebroken before you know it.


Categories: Dog Training, How To - Tags: , ,

Dog Supplies and Treats Available Online

Written by on May 18, 2009 · Leave a Comment

dog-smoking-jacketDog supplies are available online at greatly reduced prices. Why spend the time driving from shop to shop looking for the best deal when you can do it all from the comfort of your own home. You can purchase dog collars, leashes, dog doors, dog clothes, kennels, dog gifts, treats, dog food, magazines and books, dog beds…the list is endless. Find your discount priced dog supplies online at the click of a button.

Your dog is an important part of your life so when buying dog supplies you want to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.

If you have just brought home a new dog or puppy then you might consider the following list of dog supplies as the first products you should purchase for your new pet:

The above list of dog supplies are the basics and once purchased you probably won’t need to buy much else. Of course if you are a dog lover then you will probably want to spoil your pet and go on to purchase a wide range of products including:


Categories: Dog Clothes, Dog Supplies, Food & Treats, Toy & Gifts - Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Shih Tzu (pronounced Shidzoo)

Written by on May 16, 2009 · Leave a Comment

shih_tzuKnown as the Chinese Lion dog, Shih Tzu were originally developed by Tibetan Monks and sent to China as a gift for the Emperors of the Manchu Dynasty in the 19th Century.

FACTS ABOUT THE SHIH TZU

Size Up to 11 in (28 cm)
Weight 10-18 lb (5-8 Kgs)
Temperament The Shih Tzu is friendly, playful, loyal and independent. They can be obstinate but will respond well to patient training.
Grooming Requires daily brushing and combing with a bristle brush. The top knot should be tied back, out of the dogs eyes.  Bathe at least monthly and dry shampoo as necessary.  Shih Tzu shed little or no hair.
Exercise Naturally active but will lie around if not encouraged to exercise. Regular walks will keep the dog healthy and trim.
Living Area Ideal breed for apartments and units.  Not suited to outdoor living.
Health Some have a tendency to get dry eyes and suffer from ear infections. Is prone to weight gain so do not overfeed.  Have your veterinarian check the teeth regularly as Shih Tzu tend to lose their teeth early
Life Expectancy Around 15 years.

Categories: Dog Breeds, Featured - Tags: ,

Dog Memorials – a Lasting Memory of a Beloved Pet

Written by on May 14, 2009 · Leave a Comment

pet-urn-box-style-with-photoThe pain of losing a pet can be as intense as losing a family member and yet many of us do not consider pet memorials as a fitting way to remember our dog’s lives. Pet memorials are a lasting memory of a beloved pet. If you have lost a pet then you might be considering a pet memorial but deciding on the most appropriate method can be daunting.

Plant a Memorial Tree

One type of pet memorial is a tree planting. Many do not consider this method but it is a touching and memorable way of remembering your pet. A tree planting pet memorial will generally also include a certificate, framed or unframed, to hold on to as a keepsake.

Memorial Stones

Pet memorial stones are a wonderful way of remembering your pet. They can be purchased for backyard use and come in granite, metal, or wood.

Cremation Urns

If you are considering having your pet cremated then you have a large range of urns to choose from. Photo urns are available and as the name suggests allows you to display a photo of your pet. Rock urns are an option for owners who do not like to keep their pet’s ashes indoors. These urns are made to look like real rocks and will sit in your garden with a nameplate for engraving. Other more traditional urns are available including vase urns and wooden box urns.

Caskets

Caskets are available for pets in the traditional wood style. Other more economical versions are available including a durable polystyrene variety. These can be fitted with satin lining and a pillow.

Categories: Pet Memorials - Tags: , , , ,

Dog Breeds: Siberian Husky

Written by on May 11, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Male:     45-60 lb (20-27 kg)
Female:  35-50 lb (58-66 kg)
siberian-huskyOriginating from the Kolyma river region in Siberia, the Siberian Husky was imported into Alaska in 1909.

This breed thrives in the cold and was bred by the nomadic Chukchi tribes of north-east Asia as a hardy dog which could be a companion and hunter as well as a speedy sled dog.

A medium-sized dog that interacts well with man and is good with children.

The Siberian Husky is often used in search and rescue operations and because of its speed it is used in sled racing.

FACTS ABOUT THE SIBERIAN HUSKY


Size Male:     21-23 in (53-58 cm)
Female: 20-22 in (51-56 cm)
Weight Male:     45-60 lb (20-27 kg)
Female:  35-50 lb (58-66 kg)
Temperament The Siberian Husky is independent, intelligent, full of energy with a tendency to roam. These  dogs are friendly with everyone and tend to bark little therefore, they are not suitable as watchdogs.  Siberian Huskies do not like to be alone so it is often preferable to have two dogs.
Grooming Siberian huskies require brushing twice weekly. Take extra care during the moulting season. Dry shampoo occasionally.  Not generally necessary to shampoo as the coat readily sheds dirt.
Exercise The Siberian Husky requires considerable, regular daily exercise. Although ease off a little in warmer weather.
Living Area Siberian Huskies require a large area to exercise in if they are not to become bored and destructive.  They have a tendency to wander off if not socialised with. Ensure fences have a solid foundation into the ground as your Siberian Husky is quite capable of digging his way out of the yard.
Health Not suited to hot climates.  The breed can suffer from hip dysplasia and eye problems.  They tend to be small eaters but will eat whatever is put in front of them so keep the portions small otherwise you will end up with an obese dog.
Life Expectancy 12-15 years

Categories: Dog Breeds - Tags: ,

« Previous Page
Next Page »