The Grassroots of Business Success

In the modern world it is easy to forget the tremendous importance of horses and horseback riding to the development of our civilization. Homo sapiens and Neanderthal man were hunting horses for meat far back into the obscure mists of history and there are some clues which indicate that more or less domesticated horse herds were kept in southwestern Europe for the purpose of meat and milk. There are even some tantalizing indications that riding them may go back to those distant times as well.

In any case Egyptians, Mesopotamians and tribes of the Asian steppes were riding horses before 3,000 B.C. Some claim that they were used to draw chariots in Egypt and Mesopotamia before they were actually ridden. In any case, long before the glory days of the ancient Greeks, the popularity of chariots had faded considerably in favor of the advantages of the mounted horseman. The cavalry became indispensable for success on the battlefield. Not only could a well timed cavalry charge destroy the formations of enemy infantry, but mounted scouts could provide intelligence on the movements of the enemy and pass messages back and forth to different sections of the army with much more rapidity than could be done by runners on foot. Many key battles which altered the course of history have been won or lost by the use of cavalry.

Chihuahuas are one of the most popular dog breeds today, especially after the famous Taco Bell commercials. They are the smallest of any breed, which is another reason why they everyone likes them. Even though they are so common, this does not mean that this is the dog for you. These dogs are not for everyone.

The Chihuahua dog was named after a region in Mexico called Chihuahua. It is the oldest breed in America. Even though this breed is native to Mexico, the Chinese introduced it. At the end of the nineteenth century it was brought to Europe and has become more and more popular since then. Most people today want these dogs as small as can be and the smallest are often the most expensive.

The Chihuahua breed comes in two varieties, long haired and short haired. Both coat types come in many colors, such as brown, black, fawn, white and silver. They weigh between two and six pounds and their height is only six to nine inches. They also have the longest life span of any breed and regularly live over fifteen years.

Each Chihuahua has its own personality, so not many generalizations can be made about the breed. Most Chihuahuas are very devoted and loyal to their owners. This causes jealousy and suspicion when strangers are around. They are very courageous, lively, strong-willed, bold and fearless. With their owners, these dogs are very gentle and loving. However, because they are so protective of their owners, they are very wary of strangers.

Chihuahuas do not do well with other dogs except for their own breed. If they are around other dog breeds they tend to be aggressive. They are also not recommended for children. These dogs need to be socialized extensively from a puppy to prevent aggressiveness with strangers and other dogs. If they are not socialized they can become so wary of other people that they will bite.

If you have a short haired Chihuahua it will only require occasional brushing, however, the long haired variety requires brushing several times a week. This dog is an average shedder. When bathing them, you must be sure not to get water in their ears because they are very susceptible to ear infections. When this dog is a puppy, they are very fragile and you must be very careful with them. Also, they cannot handle the cold, so it is recommended that they be kept inside. If you bring them outside, you should put a warm sweater on them.

The breed does have several health problems that owners need to be aware of. They have a very short nose which causes them to sneeze and snore. Because their eyes are so large, they are prone to corneal dryness. Other common health problems include colds, stress, gum problems and rheumatism. You need to be sure not to over-feed Chihuahuas because they gain weight very easily.

Chihuahuas can be difficult to train, but if you are consistent they do well. The best way to train them is to use positive reinforcement. They do not respond well to other forms of discipline.

Chihuahuas make great pets if they have intense socialization and consistent training. The Chihuahua’s extremely small size makes it a great dog for people that live in apartments. It is very adaptable and hardy, but must live inside. They are good companions that travel very easily and are very loving to their owners.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Dogs.

You know them. They’re the family with fifteen dogs that all the neighbors hate. Their dogs run all over the neighborhood and are largely responsible for the local canine population explosion. When neighbors aren’t at their door complaining about the little reminders left behind by the annoying pets, the animal control people are making a warning stop or pick-up. It’s the terror of irresponsible dog owners!

Your neighbor has retired from challenging five hundred ton tanker ships with a rowboat and taken up the cause of rescuing all the stray dogs within a five hundred mile radius of their house. Unfortunately, you live next store to this wannabe animal rescue center that smells like a collapsed septic tank. It’s the horror of the doggie do-gooder!

The people with that extra bit of property discover that people admire the five or six dogs they have running around the place. When puppy litters come along, they make a quick buck by selling the pups. Some of the dogs are purebred, others aren’t, but they all bring in some extra cash when puppies come along. Before you know it, the place is awash in purebred and mixed breed dogs that look cute and make the family extra money. Neighbors start to complain, so the dogs are caged. But when litters aren’t just right around the corner, it becomes hard to feed and care for the animals. They are neglected and some are let loose to lessen the burden on the family. A typical puppy mill is born and adds to the stray problem in town. It’s the nightmare of the brainless breeder!

Has anyone ever noticed that society works because of a thing called BALANCE? People balance their rights with the rights of other people and living things to co-exist in the fairest way possible. But life isn’t always fair. If it was, we would all be living a perfect existence just the way we imagined it to be. Sometimes life deals people and animals a low blow that they never recover from. While we can all pitch in and make life a little easier for people or animals down on their luck, we cannot take over their responsibilities when it comes to living. That crosses the line of balance.

Today’s dog owners have benefited from lessons learned by society over the past one hundred years. Gone are the days when every yard had some huge mutt chained to a tree whose diet consisted of mail carriers who moved a bit too slow, table scraps and some defrosted, forgotten meat left too long in the back of the freezer. But not everyone has gotten the message. There are still plenty of people that just keep going to the pound, paying their fifty bucks and bringing home dogs that they have no intention of properly caring for.

Pet owners who take care to adopt animals that are appropriate for their situation, purebred pet owners and legitimate breeders constantly face the wrath of local officials who find themselves under-budgeted and understaffed trying to deal with a growing stray dog problem. Law after law is passed demanding that pet owners and breeders act responsibly toward their animals. In many areas it’s now a felony to own a pet without taking proper care of them. Up to date vaccinations, a safe and clean environment and available food and water are a given to most responsible pet owners, but others just don’t get it!

Pet ownership of any kind is a sacred responsibility. You have taken a living thing with feelings and a personality into your care. You can’t save every pet on the planet or do very much about the idiots that think of their animals as lawn ornaments and abuse them. What you can do is make sure that you set an example for others by treating your pet with love and respect. Dogs are intelligent creatures that are able to show affection and receive it. Bring balance to your home by purchasing or adopting a pet that fits into your environment without overwhelming it. Treat your pet as you would any other member of the household (unless members of your household happen to resemble characters from a Stephen King novel).

I often hear people saying that they have a problem pet. But more often then not, it’s the owner who has created the problem. For example, large dogs that bark a lot may do so because they lack enough space to run around in. They become frustrated and take to venting their frustrations through their snouts. Smaller dogs sometimes bark a lot because they feel unsettled or threatened. It may be that their owner just doesn’t spend enough time playing with them.

Dogs are people too, almost, and should not have to exist in poor conditions because of the wacky whims of their owners. No one is saving the doggie world by having twenty-five animals jammed into a one bedroom apartment with little food or veterinary care. People who bring a Great Dane into a yard perfect for a toy Poodle should be stuffed in a car trunk for a few years to see how they like it. Dog owners who make monthly trips to the pet adoption center because their last one ran away again should try adopting some intelligence. Backyard breeders who go through a steady stream of strays for quick puppy litters and a fast buck should be spayed or neutered.

Don’t miss out on the pet ownership experience of a lifetime by taking on more dog then you can handle or subjecting your animal to your own pet passions.

Author: Bill Knell
Author’s Email: billknell@cox.net
Author’s Website: http://www.billknell.com

Terms To Use Article: Permission is granted to use this article for free online or in print. Please add a link to or print my website address: http://www.billknell.com

I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years, and they are well known for ear conditions. But remember, no matter how efficient you are in caring for your dog’s ears, serious conditions may still arise. Also, beware when your dog flaps its ears too much; this can cause a hematoma, which I will discuss a little further on. My Golden had to be operated for this.

Regular inspection of your dog’s Ears

By performing ear inspections you will be able to detect problems early. Use both your eyes and your nose. A small flashlight will assist you in seeing problems. I have “smelled out” more serious problems using my nose.
This method can detect ear infections early. Normally a dog’s ears shouldn’t smell foul in any way. A dark waxy discharge this may be a sign of ear mites. A pus-like discharge along with a foul smell this is a sign of a bacterial infection. Allergies are also known to cause a foul smell in your dog’s ears. My Golden had very sensitive ears. If something feels wrong, make sure you have your Veterinarian check it right away. Have your Vet show you what to look for, and how to look for potential problems! My Vet is an amazing teacher and he is always willing to show me things.
What dogs are more susceptible to ear problems?

Dogs with floppy ears, like spaniels and bloodhounds, are very prone to ear infections because very little air flows into their ear canals. There are also breeds, like the Lhasa Apso, that have a heavy growth of hair inside their ears. Dogs that frequently swim are more susceptible to ear problems. And, Goldens can be very susceptible to ear problems.

If you suspect that excess ear hair is a problem, you may need to remove the hair that grows inside your dog’s ears. This is not very difficult and if you have a problem, find a good groomer to do it for you.

How to clean your dog’s ears:

Your dog’s eardrum is better protected than a human’s, but you should still proceed with caution when cleaning the ear canal. Do not insert anything into your dog’s ear. Use only the small square cleaning pads, or cotton balls. Use anything that is very soft, but has no tips. Ask your groomer or Vet to show you the best way to clean YOUR dog’s ears…

Checking your dog’s ears only takes a few minutes so make it a part of your dog grooming routine. And when your dog’s ears need a cleaning don’t put it off. Remember regular cleanings can prevent many common ear problems. If you think a problem may be developing that is beyond the scope of your home dog ear care routine, take your dog to the vet for a check up immediately. An infection, if left untreated, can be very painful.

Hematomas

My Golden had one once, a big one, from shaking her head because of her ear condition. My Vet says a hematoma can turn into a very serious condition if not treated. Hematomas are collections of blood. They are common in ears because there doesn’t seem to be anything in the ear to generate enough pressure to stop bleeding until
the ear swells enough with blood. Ear infections, ear mites, fly bite irritation, mosquito bites, allergies and immune mediated diseases have all been implicated as underlying causes for this problem. Anything that causes the dog to flap its ears can make this happen and it appears to occur spontaneously in a number of dogs. Large hematomas should be treated surgically or medically.

Surgery usually involves making an incision on the inner aspect of the ear and draining the blood, removing any blood clots that are left and then suturing the two sides of the ear together by putting sutures all the way through it, in a “mattress” pattern. Sometimes it is possible just to place a drain and massage the blood out of the ear daily until it heals.

Side note:

If you use a commercial ear product please make sure it is of good quality and please make sure it is the proper product for the condition. So many dogs have had tremendous ear pain and complications because of the wrong product, or the wrong use of a product.

An educated dog owner is the best kind of dog owner.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is designed for educational purposes only and should not be used in any other manner. This information is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice.

My name is Ruth Bird, and I am the owner of 3 dogs, 2 are Registered Therapy Visiting Dogs, my third dog is blind. My passions are health for people and pets and promoting a happy, healthy and wealthy lifestyle. http://www.happypetstop.com
http://www.mimfreedom.com/dogtherapy.htm

I know what you must be thinking. A dog poster? A work of art?

When we think of the word, ‘poster,’ most of us imagine a garish, wrinkled picture with tattered corners and torn edges, scotch-taped to the back of teen-ager’s bedroom door or a college student’s dormitory wall. Certainly, not a Van Gogh by any definition!

However, with all the great framing and laminating options available today, it is possible to turn your favorite dog or puppy print into a masterpiece that any dog lover would be proud to display!

A great option for protecting and displaying your dog prints is wood-mounting. Laminated, wood-mounted posters or prints are chic, appealing and appropriate in any surroundings!

When you choose to have your dog poster wood-mounted, it is fastened to a 3/8 inch wood fiber board and then laminated with an ultraviolet filtering film. This film insulates your dog poster or print from dirt, moisture, fingerprints and other potentially damaging elements.

Your wood-mounted dog poster is then trimmed, beveled and finished in black to create a beautiful, elegant piece of art!

Wood-mounting is available for most posters up to a certain size. If wood-mounting is not available for your preferred size dog poster, you can choose to have it laminated which will extend the life of the print.

The next time you’re shopping online for a new dog or puppy poster to adorn your wall, take the time to consider your framing options. It might cost a little more to have your poster framed, mounted or matted, but the final result will be worth it. You’ll have a stylish, attractive, well-preserved work of art that you’ll be proud to display on any wall in your home!

You can find a wonderful assortment of pictures of dogs and pictures of puppies that you can wood mount, frame and laminate at: http://www.bestdogpictures.com

One of the things you may, or may not, be prepared for when getting a new puppy is its desire to chew. Often this can be quite destructive depending on exactly how you handle this situation.

Instinctively puppies often chew because they need to- not because they want to destroy your personal items. As puppies begin to loose their “milk teeth” and get their 42 adult teeth they chew to help alleviate some of the discomfort they are experiencing. Overall, the best thing you can do is protect your puppy from potentially harmful situations and help set him up to be successful.

Below you’ll find several ideas to help your puppy from being “bad” and to help it through this stage of development.

• Give plenty of exercise and attention to relieve boredom which often leads to chewing
• Crate the puppy if you cannot watch it
• Use commercial sprays to alleviate chewing of household items- Listerine is also good
• Do not give the puppy old shoes or socks to chew on- it cannot differentiate old ones from your brand new ones
• Give your puppy toys of its own to chew on- it is also good to give these to your pup when he begins to teeth on you
• Give your puppy one of its toys when it acts as though it may chew something it should not
• Move items you do not want the puppy to get out of its reach- cover all power cords, remove pens/ pencils, plants (many are poisonous), books, etc.

With a little bit of planning, patience and caring, you can help your puppy through this stage.

Article written and reprinted with permission of: http://www.pedigreedpups.com/

Purebred Dogs, Puppies and Dog Breeders - “Your New Best Friend”

Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.

About The Author

Debbie Ray

http://www.pedigreedpups.com is a website offering the best purebred dog breed information, online resources and high-quality dog content for all dog owners, dog lovers and those considering dog ownership. Debbie is the owner of pedigreedpups.com, a dog lover, owner and dog breeder of many years.

As the top dog of top dog shows was announced last Sunday, we can be fairly sure that the owners of Caitland Isle Take a Chance were not “taking a chance” on dog pet insurance. While we enjoyed watching the most pampered pooches in the Kingdom
strut their stuff, we can also be sure that they are all likely to be fully covered. Yet, whether your pet is a champion
pedigree, or a Heinz 57 mongrel, being prepared for sickness, accident or loss should be top priority. From exotic pet insurance & Cheapest pet insurance, getting your furry companion insured must be important no matter what the circumstances.

Most dog owners, whatever the breed or pedigree of their pet, can not have failed to be aware that the most prestigious dog
show of all, Crufts, was taking place at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre last weekend. This event has been running
for 115 years and each year draws the crowds. Watching the show on television, it is quite obvious that the dogs love it
just as much as the owners.

The Australian Shepherd’s owner, Ms Nancy Resetar from California, USA, was “overwhelmed” when the five year old dog, whose pet name is “Chance”, won Best in Show at Crufts, and his handler, Larry Fenner, was “overjoyed” and “speechless”. In
reserve was the wire haired Fox Terrier El-Rays Snowtaire Iceni Payback, whose owner comes from Swansea.

The seven categories specified by the Kennel Club, who organise and run the Crufts events, are gundogs, hounds, pastoral,
terriers, toys, utility and working dogs. Chance and Payback had each won best in their group of pastoral and terriers
respectively. Other winners of each group were a Welsh Springer Spaniel, Ferndel Maverick Spaniel (Gundogs), a Norwegian Elkhound, Kestos I Spy at Graythor (Hounds), a Pomeranian, Finch’s Ovations for Me (Toys), a Miniature Poodle, Minavers Secret Assignment (Utility) and a Bouvier des Flandres, Gijs Santos from the Dogs Farm (Working).

The first Crufts show was in 1891 at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington, and it was founded by Charles Cruft, who ran
the show until his death in 1938. Cruft had had no desire to join the family jewellery trade, and he became a salesman for a
brand of ‘dog cakes’. His job took him to Europe, and it was in Paris that he was asked to organise the canine section of
the Paris Exhibition. In England he set up the Annual Terrier Club Show in Westminster and it was soon after this that
Crufts officially began. After his death, his widow handed over the responsibility to the Kennel Club in 1942 and it has
increased in popularity year by year since the first show under the Kennel Club in 1948. It was in 1991 that the show moved
from its London home to the Birmingham NEC. This year, over 22,200 dogs took part, and owners come to the UK from 32
countries to show their dogs here.

Breed showing is the main part of the show, but there are plenty of other fun and exciting events that now are part of the Crufts experience. Events include Agility, Flyball and Obedience, but there are many more events - and the dogs love the team games. The atmosphere is exciting and exhilarating and for a four-day event, it is packed full of things to do, not forgetting the hundreds of trade stalls with every possible doggy need catered for.

Yet Crufts is for the privileged few. There are 1.6 million mongrels in Britain alone, and none of them could be considered
for showing at Crufts, which is the show for pedigrees. However, that does not mean that you cannot show your dog; the
Kennel Club also organise one of the most popular crossbreed competitions in the country: Scruffts. Heats take place
throughout the year and winners from each heat are invited to a Grand Final. Dogs have a chance to win in four classes,
including Most Handsome Dog, Prettiest Bitch, and Golden Oldie.

It also does not mean that you don’t need pet insurance. Vets’ bills can be huge, but insurance costs do not have to be. The vast majority of dog owners would say that they love their dogs, whether they are a pedigree, cross-breed, mongrel, stray, rescue dog or just plain mutt. All dogs make faithful and friendly companions, so we should return what they give to
us by giving them the best life possible. Most owners would be heartbroken if they were unable to afford a life-saving operation for their pet, so insuring your dog is a must for all - not just for champion owners!

Diane Newsom writes for the UK search portal UseWho. Please visit them for more information on exotic pet insurance & Cheapest pet insurance.

Small and spunky, the pug dates back over 2000 years. Their story is rich in history and they have been favorite subjects for many painters. They weigh between 14-18 pounds and are 10 inches to 14 inches in height. They are known as Mops in Germany and Carlin in France.

The Pug comes in many colors including black, apricot-fawn or silver. They are AKC recognized. Their short, smooth, glossy, fine coat is very easy to groom. They only need an occasional brushing and only need bathed with necessary. Be sure to clean the creases in their face regularly. Pugs have been known to love attention and they typically enjoy the attention that a good brushing gives them. Their curly tail, flat muzzle and prominent eyes are three of their best known appearance traits.

Born to be a companion dog, the Pug loves attention and being with their family. They need a family that will not leave them alone for long periods of time on a regular basis and do best in homes where someone is around most of the time. They are a lap dog and enjoy relaxing with their family, but they also have an energetic side and need plenty of play time. Be sure that you don’t over exert them. They are happy-go-lucky little dogs. They do well with other pets and dogs, but early socialization is recommended. They have an *I’m in charge* attitude with their family and other pets. Due to this reason and their small size, they work best with older, well behaved children. They will let you know if they hear an unfamiliar sound or if someone is at the door making them excellent watchdogs.

Dating back to 700 BC, the Pug originated in China. There is a debate among many groups as to which dogs were used to develop the pug. Pugs were mainly used as companion dogs for royalty and nobility. They were introduced to Europe through trade ships traveling between China and Europe. It is said that a Pug saved the life of William, Prince of Orange by alerting him that the Spaniards were approaching. Napoleon’s wife used a Pug to send a secret message to him when she was in prison. Winston Churchill’s wife called him by the nickname Pug. Many of you might be familiar with the famous pug Frank that appeared in the movies Men in Black and Men in Black II.

With their loveable, happy nature and need for affection and companionship, the Pug makes an excellent dog for families looking for a lap dog with a take charge attitude. They enjoy traveling or staying at home as they are happy whenever and wherever they are with their family. Their whimsical looks and nature make them hard to resist.

Learn more about the Pug or visit us online to talk about Dogs or to see Dog Pictures.