Archive for Dogs, Cats, Pets
08.10.08
Posted in Cute Kids, Dogs, Cats, Pets, Infos at 2:24 pm by admin
I have always loved dogs and I have always had one in the house. We recently lost both of our two older dogs and we do not know what to do next. Our dogs were really large and the problem we had is that it was hard to find someone to take care of them we went out of town. While I would like to have another dog I think that we are going to get a smaller dog and we have been looking at teacup poodle puppies. I would like to think that a smaller breed will be able to manage for just about everyone.
My children have been pestering me for a long time now that they want to have a dog. We have done a lot of training to get to the point that I think they could handle one. We have practiced for the last few weeks with a stuffed dog animal so that the kids could get the hang of feeding, walking, picking up after it, etc. So now we have come to the dilemma of which type of dog would be appropriate. The kids have been looking at teacup poodle puppies but I need to make sure that these types of dogs would be ok around children.
Permalink
06.03.08
Posted in Dogs, Cats, Pets at 11:33 am by admin
If you are thinking about buying a Shih Tzu puppy - congratulations! This adorable and loyal dog will most likely become an important and treasured part of your family.
The Shih Tzu is a toy dog; characterized by its proud, sturdy and miniature stature - this dog breed is one of the most popular of the miniature breeds. But did you know it was originally bred to look like a lion?
The Shih Tzu’s regal attitude is as a result of its long and distinguished history. Recent DNA testing has confirmed what researchers already suspected - the Shih Tzu is one of the oldest breeds of dog. The name comes from that of Xi Shi who is regarded as one of the most beautiful women in ancient China.
The earliest history of the Shih Tzu dates back many centuries. The Buddhist monks bred what is now believed was a cross between the Pekingese and a Tibetan dog breed called Llasa Apso.
The Buddhist monks were known for breeding special temple dogs. These monks bred special “palace dogs” for various emperors. As was their custom they sent some of what they then called the Tibetan Shih Tzu Kou or Tibetan Lion Dogs to the Tzu Hsi - the Empress of the Manchu Dynasty. She fell in love with her little dogs and they became common around the palace from then on.
From the middle of the 19th Century the Shih Tzu was bred as a watchdog for the emperors of the Manchu Dynasty. Typical of a Shih Tzu; these little dogs were expected to do little else that sit on laps and be pampered. You can now see where the “pampered princess” aspect of the breed originated from! The Shih Tzu was kept along some other toy dog breeds and while originally they were strictly bred in separate quarters but it is believed that after the empress died they were crossbred with the other dogs.
The Shih Tzu’s were not kept separate from the other palace dogs and today’s Shih Tzu’s have traces of Pekingese and Pugs thanks to the sloppy breeding practices at the palace.
At this time it was somewhat of a competition in China between various palaces to produce the best looking dogs with the most beautiful colorings and coats. Breeding practices became guarded secrets and sadly the records of the Shi Tzu’s rich and unique heritage will never be known.
Today’s Shih Tzu’s are a popular breed which is widely loved and make a great royal companion.
Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu’s and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, Carpet Secrets and Moving Secrets Guide
Permalink
05.27.08
Posted in Dogs, Cats, Pets at 8:42 pm by admin
By nature, Shih Tzu is generally not an aggressive type of dog. However, there are exceptions and in this article I will discuss 4 types of dog aggression that could be a warning sign to the owner that his Shih Tzu is in need of professional help.
Four types of dog and possibly Shih Tzu aggression are:
1. Dominance Aggression Toward People
2. Interdog Dominance Aggression
3. Fear Aggression
4. Territorial Aggression
Dominance aggression toward people: Dominance is the driving force behind all canine aggression. Without dominance dogs and Shih Tzu also would not be able to stand up for themselves. Even a Shih Tzu with a submissive type temperament will have a small amount of dominance behaviors, enough to warn intruders off a favorite food, toy or circumstance. Protection of the Shih Tzu’s valued assets can be virtually the only sign of dominance. An aggressive response by a dominant Shih Tzu may also occur when the Shih Tzu is prevented from doing something it wants to do, in response to manipulations around the head and neck or when the Shih Tzu is disciplined. Different dogs and different Shih Tzu have different priorities with regards to what will “tick them off.” Dominance aggression is also dependent upon the time, place and circumstance. Dominant Shih Tzu is not likely to become aggressive toward the person he perceives as his leader. Dominance aggression is the primary way dogs and Shih Tzu establishes their hierarchical structure and relationships with each other. Therefore, some dominance aggression in dogs and Shih Tzu is to be expected.
Interdog dominance aggression: This is a dog or Shih Tzu that constantly picks fights with other dogs. The subordinate dog defers to a dominant dog by averting his eyes; holding the head low, body hunkered down, tail tucked or held low, which is the canine equivalent of waving a white flag. Treatment of aggression between dogs is not easy. You can, however, keep your interdog dominant Shih Tzu on lead when he is likely to be confronted with other dogs. Seek professional help if your Shih Tzu continually exhibits this type of aggression.
Fear aggression: Fearful and insecure dogs or Shih Tzu may exhibit aggression whenever they feel threatened. Often there has been a point in these dogs’ lives when they were exposed to some unpleasant experience involving a person or another dog. Many Shih Tzu from rescues, pet shops or puppy mills may acquire fear aggression. A Shih Tzu purchased from a reputable breeder and then mistreated by new owners can also acquire fear aggression. Fear aggression involving people are often men and children, and almost always strangers. Professional help is often needed for this type of Shih Tzu and most often the cause for the fear aggression can be ascertained.
Territorial aggression: Some Shih Tzu aggressiveness to strangers and other dogs occurs when they are approached within their own space or territory. The territory can be the owner’s home and property. They will bark and otherwise attempt to intimidate intruders until such time as it is clear that the visitor is welcome by the owners.
One very positive side of dog aggression is that a good guard dog is better than any alarm system. A house with a dog is far less likely to get burglarized. Many times the house with the dog or dogs remains unmolested. Just having a dog with you as you walk is a deterrent for many would-be attackers.
Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com Designer Dog Clothes are offered on the website.
Permalink
05.23.08
Posted in Dogs, Cats, Pets at 12:53 am by admin
In the last couple of articles I shared with you the great tips
on selecting good aquarium fish and how to transport and
acclimatize them to there new surroundings. Today I’m going to
tell you about the right way to feed your tropical fish because
it is very important.
Did you know that overfeeding is the most common cause of death
in aquarium fish? I know this is hard to believe that something
so simple could cause the death of more fish than all the
diseases and problems with water quality but it is one area that
people overlook when is comes to tropical fish.
You need to make sure you don’t over feed your fish but on the
other hand they need to get enough food to be able to survive
and grow healthily. Here are a few tips on how you should feed
your new tropical aquarium fish.
1, Feed often but sparingly. This will cut down on uneaten food
that will turn into ammonia and could harm or even kill your
fish.
2, Watch at feeding times and work out how much the fish can eat
within five minutes. Then never feed more than that. This again
will create less waste.
3, Try feeding other feeds than don’t pollute the water as much.
Only feed meaty foods twice or three times a week as these tend
to create the most waste.
4, Think about buying a more powerful filter. If you over feed
then, the extra waste will cause a strain on your existing
filter. Look into upgrading your filter if you keep having
problems with ammonia.
5, Buy a few catfish or pleco’s. These bottom feeding fish eat
the waste food that is left by other fish and will cut down on
the end waste. Pleco’s also eat algae and keep the tank cleaner.
I hope you look into trying a few of these tips to try and avoid
over feeding and ammonia problems caused by food. If you do try
them out then I’m sure you will see good results and less fish
deaths if you’re having problems with ammonia and nitrate levels
in your tank water.
Permalink