Education begins at home, but it doesn’t end there
Education begins at home, but it doesn’t end there. It’s important that you supplement your dog’s home schooling with a good obedience class – or several! Why is obedience school so necessary? Well, here’s a starter list:
1. You and your dog will learn more advanced commands. You’ve got a good start with “sit” and “let’s go,” but in class you’ll master exercises like “down,” “stay,” “heel,” “stand” and “come” as well – the vocabulary she’ll need to become a really responsive and trustworthy friend and partner.
2. Your instructor can address your specific needs. Books and videotapes are great, but they can’t stay after class to discuss your dog’s individual problems or strong points, they can’t demonstrate new moves to you, and they can’t tell you whether you’re holding your leash funny or giving your dog a confusing command. There’s really no substitute for the one-on-one attention and suggestions of a good instructor.
3. You ‘II learn from the other people and dogs in the class. Your classmates may have new ideas for you, or you may pick up tips just from watching them. And you’ll find that they’re sympathetic to your problems and proud of your successes in ways that your non-dog-loving friends may not be.
4. Your dog will get used to other people and dogs. This is a biggie. No amount of backyard practice can teach your dog to behave in the presence of other exciting people or pups. And if your dog is still a little worried about the world at large – and many of them are – obedience class will give her a chance to make friends and gain confidence. So even if you’ve already been through obedience class with another dog and know the ropes, it’s a good idea to take your new dog to a class of her own.
5. It’ll give you an incentive to train your dog. Let’s face it, sometimes it’s tough to get motivated for your daily training sessions when you know only a couple of exercises and you don’t have an instructor and classmates to keep you from getting lazy!
6. You’ll have a terrific time. Obedience class is fun! You’ll make new friends (I know several married couples who met in obedience class) and get lots of exercise, and your relationship with your new dog will soar to new levels. And who knows? You might just get hooked on dog training and find yourself with a new hobby.
There are at least 20 symptoms and signs that you should be aware of that your goldendoodle needs to see a vet if you are a new dog owner
There are at least 20 symptoms and signs that you should be aware of that your Goldendoodle needs to see a vet if you are a new dog owner. Unfortunately too many people wait until it is too late to get their pet to the vet, then wonder why it passed away. While it is a decision delimma for many, it is very important that you take your Goldendoodle to the vet if the follow occurs:
1. Decreased appetite
2. Lethargy (especially in a young puppy or senior dog)
3. Vomiting
4. Diarrhea
5. Straining to potty….either thru urine or the other
6. Not gaining any weight or fails to grow
7. Appearing too thin
8. Constant scratching or chewing on the feet or tail
9. Shaking its head and scratching at the ears
10. Loss of hair (more than normal)
11. Coughing
12. Sneezing
13. Limping (for unexplained reasons)
14. Not able to housebreak (could be urinary tract infection)
15. Excessive drinking (should check for diabetes….especially if your pet is over weight.)
16. Can’t tolerate exercising
17. Has collapsed
18. Excessive urination
19. Urinates or loses bowls suddenly and without warning
20. Has blood in the stool
Healthy living with your Goldendoodle starts with maintaining a healthy diet and keeping up with appropriate vaccinations. Many pet owners fail to keep their puppy’s vaccinations current and this causes the puppy to be at risk for catching parvo, distemper or other deadly canine diseases. Your Goldendoodle puppy’s first visit is usually called a “wellness check up”. During this type of check up, your veterinarian will look at your doodle’s eyes, ears, teeth and listen to his or her heart. They will look for puppy cataracts and possible heart murmurs. They will look at your doodle’s coat and weigh him or her. Some vets will let you walk in while others require a scheduled appointment.
Viral infections with puppies can occur suddenly and without warning. Early recognition can help your puppy survive if he or she has become ill. Puppies can become dehydrated quickly which is why it is very important to not wait if you suspect there is something wrong. Better to be safe than sorry.
Keep your doodle’s vet records up to date. It is important for your vet to know what you are feeding your doodle, how much and when. Your vet may recommend changes if your doodle is gaining weight too rapidly or not enough weight at appropriate stages…especially in the first year. Know your doodle’s birthdate. Depending upon where your Goldendoodle resides, it is important to pay attention to fleas and ticks. Goldendoodles should NOT be on any type of topical flea preventatives. These type of treatments can cause early organ failure and sudden seizures. “Comfortis” is recommended for Goldendoodles which is a once a month flea preventative. When your Goldendoodle turns 2 years of age, you may want to have your veterinarian x-ray the hips so that they can be evaluated. Just because your doodle’s parents had an OFA rating of good, fair or excellent does not mean that your doodle is free and clear of possible hip problems. Testing is only valid for the dog that is evaluated, not for offspring.
?It is understandable that many Goldendoodle owners are stressed when taking their new puppy in to see their vet. Your doodle can only communicate through his or her body lanquage. Unfortunately, they can’t tell us where they hurt or how they feel. Owners who are stressed out can transfer their anxiety to their doodle. If you are tense, worried, scared, upset or feeling anxious, you will transfer those feelings to your Goldendoodle. They are very sensitive dogs. They will then associate those feelings each and every time he or she goes to the vet. Try not to be anxious when its time to take your Goldendoodle to the vet.
The foundation of a healthy Goldendoodle is very important. A healthy Goldendoodle is central to his or her well being. Try to make an effort at being calm, relaxed and positive when it is time to take your doodle to the vet. If you are purchasing a young puppy, make sure to “puppy proof” your home. Children always have small toys that can easily fit inside of your doodle’s mouth. Small toys can be swallowed which can cause choking and possible death. A good rule of thumb is that if an object is small enough to fit into your doodle’s mouth, he or she can swallow it.
We like to think that our dogs have common sense. They don’t. If you can’t supervise your doodle, make sure that he or she is either crated or somewhere that is enclosed to help keep your doodle from getting hurt. Goldendoodles are very intelligent dogs. They can easily escape from your yard or slip out of their collar or leash. Don’t let your doodle run loose as they will then be at risk for being hit by a vehicle. Don’t leave pills lying around. I, myself, am a diabetic who takes glipizide. This lowers blood sugar. This medication can be deadly to any pet who eats it. I have to always be careful to NOT drop a pill and if I do drop a pill, I have to immediately find it and pick it up. Never leave medications on a counter or table where a puppy or adult dog can easily get to it.
Lastly, there are tons of great books and videos on the market to help you learn how to be a good mommy or daddy to your Goldendoodle. Being prepared is the best took for surviving an emergency.
*About the author: Dee Gerrish has been writing about the Goldendoodle dog since 1999. More about Goldendoodles can be found on her website at http://www.goldendoodleworld.com
A pet is more than a family member; it is a soul mate, a friend for life and its passing can cause immense emotional suffering to its owner and those around him
A pet is more than a family member; it is a soul mate, a friend for life and its passing can cause immense emotional suffering to its owner and those around him. However, even if those close to you can understand your suffering, few of them will know how to comfort you or ease the pain that you are feeling. Fortunately, for all pet owners all over the world, there is someone that can not only understand the pain associated with the loss of your pet, but can also ease that pain and help you forever cherish the memory of your beloved dog, cat or other pet.
There are several ways through which you can honor your pet’s life and forever keep him in your memory. You can choose a pet urn, either a dog urn or a cat urn, or you can have a pet memorial. These two methods will help you relief the grief you feel over the loss of your beloved pet, they can make others understand what you are going through and most importantly, they represent the closure that you need in such times.
Pet urns can be brought online and shipped in two days maximum. They are a constant reminder of your pet and one of the most beautiful ways of showing your love for your dog or cat. With over seven hundred models to choose from, dog urns can give you that needed closure as well as the felling that your beloved pet is always going to stay with you. Dog urns or cat urns can be customized to your satisfaction and delivered in record time. There is nothing more comforting than having your beloved pet next to you forever. Dog urns and cat urns can bring you that satisfaction.
Another great method of celebrating your pet’s life is having a pet memorial. Sharing your feelings is one of the most efficient ways of relieving the pain felt with the loss of your dog or cat. However, if those around do not understand and share your feelings or your need to have a dog memorial, than you cannot get the closure you need. Fortunately for you, there are online web sites where you can have your dog memorial or your cat memorial. You can post pictures of your cat or dog, you can express your feelings about the loss of your friend and you can celebrate its life. This online dog memorial or cat memorial will certainly bring you the closure that you need and something extra: it will allow your pet to live forever! By having this pet memorial, you will also be able to share and celebrate the life of you dear, departed friend and companion.
Celebrating your dog or cat’s life by purchasing a pet urn or by having a pet memorial is the best and easiest way of paying a tribute to the one that made your life beautiful, fun and exciting. Furthermore, you will be able to share your feeling with people who will understand you and who understand the pain you are going through. Don’t be sad that your pet has left you, celebrate what it has given you and make it proud to have been your pet!
Canister filters are renowned to be the most efficient fish tank filters around today
Canister filters are renowned to be the most efficient fish tank filters around today. It is true that they will cost a lot initially but if you can afford to install one, they will save you a whole lot in terms of time spent maintaining them and of course money. But for people who have already installed a canister filter in their aquarium, what now comes to mind is whether they should then install two filters and what are the benefits of this extra filtration to the aquatic life?
Actually, this is a matter of preference that most fish breeders cannot agree on whether it is a good idea or not to have two canister filters in one tank. That question has been argued about since canister filters were invented.
Rather than taking a side, I will instead talk about what happens when you have two canister filters in one aquarium and it will be up to you to decide which you choose.
The Benefits Of Having Two Canister Filters.
The obvious reason for most supporters of two filters is backup. That is to say that you will have a spare filter running in case one of them needs repair, thus ensuring that the water in your fish tank remains filtered. This reason becomes even more critical for those who live a distance from the nearest aquarium store and cannot get hold of spare parts fast enough.
Another reason is the size of the fish tank itself. People who like more than one filter say that if the aquarium is too big, one filter will not be enough to cleanse the entire tank as there will be blind spots where the water will not be drawn into the filter. Having two canister filters with their inlet positioned at opposite ends of the tank will ensure that there are no blind spots.
What’s The Downside Of Using Two Canister Filters
The main issue about having multiple canister filters is water movement. The movement of water in the aquarium affects the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The faster the rate at which water moves, the faster the exchange will be thus reducing the amount of CO2 in the tank. But isn’t less CO2 better? Well, not if you also have aquatic plant life. Plants take in CO2 and expell O2. By doing so, plants actually help maintain a healthy balance of CO2/O2 levels in the water. Having insufficent carbon dioxide levels will stunt the plants growth and cause them to lose their lustre.
Also, excessive filtering will not only filter out the waste materials but also the nutrients that plants are very dependant on. it is actually true that in a tank with plants, it is the plants that provide a netter and more efficient biological filtration than the beneficial bacteria.
And lastly, and this is especially important for fish that naturally come from a slow moving environment, too much water movements will actually be bad for the health of your fish. Too much movement places unnecessary stress on them as well as actually stunt their ability to breed. So these are the pros and cons of having more than one canister filter in a single aquarium.
If you do plan to install an additional filter, just remember to reduce their suction rates to counter balance the disadvantages.
Senior pet tips: simple things you can do to make your senior pets more comfortable
Senior Pet Tips: Simple Things You Can Do To Make Your Senior Pets More Comfortable
As our beloved companions get older they begin to slow down and many suffer from the same age-related wear and tear as we humans do. Arthritis, gastric upsets, diminished senses, sensitivity to extreme heat and cold are just a few. Below is a list of tips you can use to make your senior pet more comfortable, happy and healthy.
Feed the best diet
Feeding your pet high quality food not only makes them feel better, but can reduce the chances of illness and disease in the future. Raw food, home-cooked meals or premium commercial food will go a long way in keeping your pet happy and healthy. And don’t forget to add variety to your pets diet. By rotating what you feed you are insuring that your pet gets a more balanced array of vitamins and minerals. Not to mention, how would you like to eat the same thing day after day year after year. Be careful, however to introduce dietary changes gradually to avoid tummy upset and diarrhea. Begin by adding in 1/4 of the new food to what you currently feed for between 5 to 7 days. The second week feed 1/2 new food to 1/2 the current diet and so on until you have made a complete change. Once your pet gets used to more variety they will more easily tolerated dietary changes.
Consider adding supplements
Adding natural vitamins and supplements can also be of great benefit to our pets, especially seniors. My personal “Holy Trinity” is a good Mulit-Vitamin, EFA’s (essential fatty acids) and a Plant Enzyme and Probiotic Supplement (such as Animal Essentials). A good multi-vitamin will ensure your pet receives adequate daily amounts of necessary vitamins and minerals. EFA’s do more than keep skin and coat healthy. EFAs are the building blocks for prostaglandins, which work to regulate hormones, immune and nervous systems and cardiovascular function. People and pet’s bodies cannot make them and so they need to be added to our diet. Enzymes and Probiotics help enhance your pet’s health by promoting the proper balance of good intestinal flora and by supporting the digestive systems that aid in the assimilation and utilization of vitamins and nutrients. Enzymes combine with food and water to aid in the breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
Even if your dog or cat is not displaying signs of arthritis you can help prevent or slow the onset by starting them on a natural supplement designed to promote joint and cartilage health. Look for supplements that contain ingredients such as glucosamine, chrondroitin, MSM, vitamin C, white willow bark (not for cats), boswellin, yucca powder, manganese ascorbate, bromelain, selenium (especially in conjunction with vitamin E), vitamins C, A, and E. In addition, Omega 3 fatty acids from fish oils has shown promise in treating arthritis in animals and humans.
Buy an orthopedic pet bed
Beds made out of convoluted foam offer greater support for sore achy joints and muscles. Soft fluffy beds may look and feel appealing to us, but as anyone with back problems will tell you, a nice firm bed is much more comfortable. The same is true with our pets.
Raise your pet’s food and water bowls
Raise your pet’s food and water bowls to provide the height that your dog (or cat) needs for healthy eating and drinking. Raised feeders minimize neck strain and reduce air ingestion making them ideal for senior and large breed pets.
Be aware of diminishing sight and hearing
Don’t drastically rearrange rooms and furniture as your pet has probably learned to navigate his/her environment quite well and sudden changes can lead to fear and confusion. When approaching your older pet make sure they can see or hear you coming. A pet with sight or hearing loss can become very startled by an unexpected touch. Clapping your hands or making some other loud noise can help alert pets of your approach. The vibrations created by walking heavy-footed also work well to alert pets that someone is coming.
Just like people, our pets become more sensitive to extreme heat and cold
Provide pets with a warm place to lie and sleep in the winter, away from drafty windows and doors. Consider buying a heated bed or insert to keep them cozy. In the summer, make sure outdoor areas have plenty of shade and cool fresh water available at all times. Indoors, make sure they have a cool spot away from direct sunlight.
Ramps and special harnesses can make life for seniors much easier and less painful
They can help them climb stairs, get in and out of vehicles, rise from lying down and provide extra support while standing or walking. Cats can greatly benefit from portable stairs that aid them up and down from the bed, couch or other favorite cuddle spot.
Don’t forget about exercise
Your older pet still needs to get out there and be part of the world; drinking in the fresh air and soaking up some sunshine. It’s just as important for them to keep moving as it is for us when we age. Be aware, however that you need to adjust the length and strenuousness of their exercise. Shorter distances and less challenging terrain may be needed. And, definitely be careful in any extreme weather, as older animals cannot tolerate extremes like when they were younger. Also, make sure you always have an ample supply of clean water for you and your pet.
Christine Mandrake is the owner of WellBeings.com, a site that is dedicated to providing information and resources about caring for senior pets.
http://www.wellbeings.com