Support Your Puppy's Growth With Proper Nutrition
Darcy Lockman for The Dog Daily

Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult and senior dogs. They need food specifically formulated for young dogs. Puppies also have size-specific needs. Small breeds need more protein and calories. Large-breed puppies must have less of both to avoid joint and bone problems as they grow. Here's more advice on what you should look for when choosing a commercial puppy formula.

Food Allergies Can Dog Canines Too
Elizabeth Wasserman for The Dog Daily

The expression 'eat like a dog' comes from the canines' reputation for gulping down meals of all sorts in a matter of seconds. Their indiscriminate palate, however, isn't helping their health, and veterinarians are noticing a rise in the number of dogs with food allergies. Veterinarians caution that there are two types of issues your dog may have with foods.

Dog Training Can Be Fun and Games
Darcy Lockman for The Dog Daily

Kay Laurence runs Learning About Dogs, a business that organizes conferences and offers classes all on the subject of dog training. In her latest book Laurence advocates teaching dogs through play. In this article, she explains both how and why.

The Easiest Way to Assess Your CatŐs Health
From the Editors of The Daily Cat

If your veterinarian were to ask you to take your catŐs temperature at home, would you know what to do? This often-necessary task might seem simple, but it requires preparation and practice. Dr. Jodi Korich, a veterinarian and the director of Partners in Animal Health at Cornell UniversityŐs College of Veterinary Medicine, explains what you should do both now and when the moment of need arises.

Cat Product Trends for 2010
From the Editors of The Daily Cat

Although fallout from the worldwide recession continues, the APPA says spending on pet products and services has been on the rise. Many of the purchases come from owners buying 'products that allow us to keep our pets well taken care of in spite of our more frantic personal lives,' says APPA President Bob Vetere. Here's some new cat products for 2010.

How and Why Cats Purr
From the Editors of The Daily Cat

Did you know that, like vibrating piano strings, the sounds and vibrations your purring cat emits are in perfect musical harmony with each other? Those positive vibrations form the basis of one of the most soothing and pleasurable means of communication in the entire animal kingdom. Usually, your cat is telling you, 'I'm feeling good.'

Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe in the Cold
Steve Dale

The weather outside can still be frightful. Here are 12 tips to keep your pets safe in the cold

Steve Dale and the Puppy Pros

Steve Dale -- pet expert and certified dog behavior consultant -- and the Puppy Pros share their expertise in the following dog training vidoes ... Why brushing your dog daily is important for you and your pup ... This one command will help save your dog's life ... and more ...

Westminster Dog Show Expert Shares Training Secrets
Darcy Lockman for The Dog Daily

While non-show dogs don’t need to be as comfortable with the human touch as Westminster wannabes, they can nonetheless learn something from Westminster training and grooming standards. In this article, professional dog handler Clint Livingston of Denver shares his tips for helping your puppy dog achieve best in its own show

Are Dogs Like Human 2-year-olds?
Jennifer Viegas for The Dog Daily

Children go through the "terrible 2s." Dogs do something similar, only they never grow out of it. Canines aren't quite as terrible, however, because they can't throw a decent temper tantrum. Numerous recent studies compare dogs to human 2-year-olds, both in terms of intelligence and behavior. Consider the following

Signs of Illness in Your Dog
Darcy Lockman for The Dog Daily

When your dog is ill, the sooner you intervene, the better. While lethargy and changes in appetite and elimination patterns are easily detectable, other signs of illness may slip under the radar for months on end. Dr. Trisha Joyce, a veterinarian at NYC Veterinary Specialists, offers advice on what you should watch out for to ensure your pet stays healthy.

Canine Heart Disease - A Silent Killer
Susan McCullough for The Dog Daily

More dogs than people suffer from heart disease. According to Novartis Animal Health, 25 percent of dogs over the age of seven have the most extreme form of heart disease -- heart failure. By contrast, the National Institutes of Health estimates that only 6.4 percent of men and 2.5 percent of women between the ages of 65 and 74 suffered from the same condition

Westminster Still Thrilling Dog Lovers After All These Years
Steve Dale

There are dog shows, and then there's Westminster. Established in 1877, Westminster is second only to the Kentucky Derby as America's most established sporting event. The founders thought that having a little event in New Year City might stir up interest in dogs. If only they could know what they built!

Exercise With Your Dog to Prevent Obesity
Jennifer Viegas for The Dog Daily

According to the National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Study conducted by 95 veterinary clinics nationwide, more than 44 percent of all dogs are overweight or downright obese. The fat stats for people in America are even higher, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that around 67 percent of adults are heavier than they should be

Health Clues in Your Dog's Behavior
Susan McCullough for The Dog Daily

Here are some common apparent canine behavioral problems and their possible medical causes

Is Your 'Natural' Dog Food Truly Natural
Elizabeth Wasserman for The Dog Daily

You are probably concerned about putting 'natural,' or minimally processed, foods on your dinner table, and that standard now extends to whatŐs in Fido's bowl. That's why you look for recognizable ingredients, such as chicken and carrots, when choosing commercial food for your dog. However, thereŐs still some confusion about what constitutes a 'natural' dog food.

Vitamins and Minerals Your Dog Needs
Kim Boatman for The Dog Daily

Is improving your health on your list of new yearŐs resolutions? This year, donŐt forget to include your dog on that list as well. But first, find out which vitamins and minerals your canine needs and where to find them.

Selecting the Best Kibble for Your Dog
Karen Asp for The Dog Daily

Selecting the right kibble for your dog can be an overwhelming task. After all, there are dozens of choices on the market these days. To help simplify your decision, ask yourself these seven questions

Veterinary Research on Compulsive Behavior Could Benefit Dogs and People
Steve Dale

It turns out that your dog's brain isn't all that different from your own. Dr. Nicholas Dodman, director of the behavior clinic at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, has been studying compulsive behaviors in dogs, horses and cats for decades. And for years he's been encouraging using these animal models to help understand what's going on with people

Canine Conduct - Sniffing and Whiffing
Amanda Harrison for The Dog Daily

Is your dog like a shopaholic at a rummage sale, smelling anything and everything that comes its way? You are not alone. As every dog knows, the best way to get the scoop on anything is through its nose.

Common Cat Health Myths - Debunked!
From the Editors of The Daily Cat

Lots of fibs have been told about felines through the ages. Sometimes the myths are harmless, but sometimes the tall tales can cause harm. When the myths deal with feline health and nutrition, owners like you need to take extra steps to verify what you might have read or heard. Here are common assumptions to help you test your cat-telligence

Is Feline Diabetes Becoming An Epidemic?
From the Editors of The Daily Cat

Your cat may be at risk for feline diabetes. Cases of this disease are soaring, to the point where some veterinarians consider diabetes in cats to be an epidemic. Educating yourself about feline diabetes can go a long way toward protecting your cat's health. Here are four important steps you may follow

Whet Your Cat's Appetite With Wet Cat Food
From the Editors of The Daily Cat

Canned or bagged, wet or dry cat food: These are basic choices you must face when perusing the pet food aisle of your favorite store. "Wet" cat food products have undergone some major improvements this year and may be a great choice for your kitty. Here's what you need to know.

Is Your "Natural" Cat Food Truly Natural?
From the Editors of The Daily Cat

Over the years, people have become more concerned about making sure the food they put on the table for their families is "natural" or minimally processed. Now that concern is being extended to what they put in their cat’s dish, according to Katy J. Nelson, D.V.M., an emergency veterinarian in Alexandria, Va., who also works on pet nutrition. But just what is a "natural" cat food?

Not so Stupid Pet Tricks for Cats
From the Editors of The Daily Cat

Dogs often steal the spotlight when it comes to tricks because cats are 'misunderstood when it comes to training, enrichment and living a happy and healthy life indoors,' says Cary Rentola of the Larimer Humane Society. You may not be able to teach an old dog a new trick, but you can teach your cat tricks commonly associated with dogs.

Signs of a Stressed-out Cat
From the Editors of The Daily Cat

Did you know that cats sometimes compulsively pull out their fur when they feel anxious? "Stress is a very big deal because it has a profound effect on all aspects of animals' experience," says Patricia B. McConnell. Stress can trigger feline reactions ranging in severity from hiding to self-mutilation. Just as humans need support during tough times, so do cats when feeling anxious

Understanding Why America Loves Animals, But Eats Them
Bonnie Erbe

A new book asks the question in the title, Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows, and then attempts to supply answers from a psychological perspective. Author and psychologist Melanie Joy has some pretty surprising answers to that question

Experts Share New Year's Resolutions for Pets
Steve Dale

Here are some New Year's resolutions for pets from luminaries in the pet world, readers of this column, and friends on my Facebook fan page

My Pet Resolutions For 2010
Steve Dale

Pet Resolutions For 2010 by Steve Dale

Wish-List For Pets for 2010
Steve Dale

More than resolutions, this might be better described as a Top-10 Wish List for Pets for 2010.

Animal Books for Your Pet-Loving Friends and Relatives
Steve Dale

Searching for last-minute gifts? How about books for your pet-loving friends and relatives, or maybe as presents to yourself? Here are some suggestions:

Scoop the Poop! Your Neighbors Will Thank You
Steve Dale

Already it's happening -- it snows and people don't pick up after their dogs. Doesn't that stuff carry disease?

Innovative Pet Gifts Sure to Please
Steve Dale

The economy may be in the doghouse, but the joy of giving to our pets hasn't diminished. Here are some new products to consider this holiday season

Holiday Pet Adoption Campaign Saves Many Lives
Steve Dale

Iams Home 4 the Holidays is arguably the most successful pet adoption campaign in history. Within the past decade, over 3 million pets have been adopted through the program. The goal this year is ...

Give A Gift From the Heart This Year - To A Charity That Benefits Pets

Let's face it, lots of people don't need a thing this holiday season. They have plenty of bottles of wine, more pairs of pajamas than they can wear and all the latest electronic gadgets. So, what can you do?

FIP Remains Fatal, But A New Drug is Being Tested
Steve Dale

Many cats, particularly kittens, come down with the enteric corona virus, which is benign; kitties get better on their own. However, in a small percentage of cats, the virus mutates into an auto-immune-like fatal disease called FIP. It's always been thought that FIP is rare. However, ...

Should We Worry About Pets Catching H1N1
Steve Dale

The fact that a single cat came down with the H1N1 is fascinating to scientists, veterinary infectious disease researchers and human virologists, but is this truly significant at all?

2009 National Dog Show Will Spotlight Work of Therapy Dogs
Steve Dale

The National Dog Show, presented by Purina, will air in a two-hour special on Thanksgiving Day, following the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC, 12 p.m. ET. Arguably, even more than the legendary parade, the dog show, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, has a little something for one everyone in the family. That's a rarity on TV these days

Home 4 The Holidays Pet Adoption Drive Saves Lives
Steve Dale

Iams kicked off its annual Home 4 the Holidays campaign with Academy Award-winning actress Hillary Swank proclaiming how wonderful it is to adopt a pet. But Mike Arms, president and CEO of the Helen Woodward Animal Center, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, deserves his own Oscar for saving lives

Cat Microchipping Effort Breaks Record
Steve Dale

Breaking the Guinness record book -- or maybe it's a Garfield record book -- 59,074 cats were microchipped and enrolled in the HomeAgain Pet Recovery Program from June through August. For the second consecutive summer, HomeAgain donated $1 per cat 'chipped to the non-profit Winn Feline Foundation.

Celebrating Feral Cats
Steve Dale

Domestic cats have been living with people for around for about 10,000 years, according to recently uncovered archeological evidence. Sometimes the cats provide great benefit. Credit cats for killing rats who spread the Great Plague. Today, we know living with housecats is beneficial for our health

Ian Dunbar Dogs' Best Friend and Advocate
By Steve Dale

You may not know Dr. Ian Dunbar, but your puppy sure thanks him. He's the one person who arguably most impacted dog training until Cesar Millan hit the scene a few years ago. Dunbar focuses on lure reward (dogs are lured with treats). In fact, this gray-haired veterinarian from Royal Veterinary College of London University single-handedly popularized puppy classes

Abandoned Pets Innocent Victims of the Housing Crisis
Steve Dale

Due to foreclosures and evictions, people have been losing their homes in record numbers. And when people are displaced, so are their pets. Now, many pets are paying the ultimate price. Feeling they have no choice, more and more struggling homeowners are abandoning their pets in empty homes.

Arrests Show Dog Fighting Surprisingly Widespread
Steve Dale

Michael Vick's arrest for fighting dogs shocked America. Unfortunately, two recent dog-fighting busts are arguably more shocking, though they haven't received the same national press. Over 300 dogs were confiscated in the biggest dog-fighting bust ever, encompassing eight states.

Legendary Trainer Thinks Dog Training Might be in Trouble
By Steve Dale

Dr. Ian Dunbar fears dog training may be going down the tubes. Dunbar, arguably the most influential dog trainer of the past four decades, shifted the standard from punishment-based techniques to positive lure reward training, motivating through food and toys. Dunbar first appeared on the scene when most dogs weren't even trained at all.

Survey Offers Some Surprises on Pet Ownership
By Steve Dale

Despite the economic downturn, America's pet population continues to rise, according to the just released 2009-2010 American Pet Products Association (APPA) National Pet Owners Survey.

10 Best Places to Live for Pet Lovers
Kimberly Palmer

For the 4 in 10 American families that own at least one dog, choosing a place to live isn't just about the humans in the family: They want their pets to be happy, too. Green spaces and good weather make pets -- and their owners -- happy.

Jail Behind Him, Will a New Michael Vick Finally Emerge
Steve Dale

The majority of fans contended their disgust with Michael Vick. Yet, I wonder how many season ticket holders would actually cancel, and how many would turn off their TVs on Sunday afternoons. I argue, it's a sad reality that there may be an increase in seats filled and TV ratings might shoot up, especially if the team signing Vick has little else to offer.

New Vaccine Will Fight Canine Influenza
Steve Dale

The flu season is here, and vaccination may be a good idea - for your dog. A first ever vaccine to fight off canine influenza was announced at a press conference during the American Veterinary Medical Association Convention in Seattle, WA.

Who Knew? Cat's Meow Had Subtext
Ana Veciana-Suarez

In any case, cat behavior made headlines recently when a university study, published in Current Biology, concluded that household cats control us with 'a certain type of urgent-sounding, high-pitched meow,' described as a purr mixed with a cry. For the uninitiated, it sounds a lot like a human infant bawling.

Pet Airways

Pet Airways - Flying with Fido and Fifi
Ed Perkins

All the recent publicity about the start of Pet Airways raises the question of exactly how to transport pets when you're flying. My basic advice -- as a dog owner for nearly 40 years -- is, 'Unless you can't avoid it, don't.' But you sometimes can't avoid it, so here are your options.

 

Here Are Some Exotic Pets You Can Actually Live With
By Steve Dale

Here are five relative newcomers to the pet world. Perhaps their exotic appeal is bringing a little of the wild world into our concrete jungles

Avoid Summer Hazards for Pets
By Steve Dale

You can have hot fun in the summertime with your pets, but if the heat is on, your pets could potentially be in danger. Here are some tips for keeping your pets safe in summer

New Initiatives Tout Value of Microchipping Pets
By Steve Dale

A microchip is a permanent form of identification; it's the size of a grain of rice and is implanted just under a pet's skin by a veterinarian. Estimates are that somewhere around half of all dogs in the U.S. are microchipped, yet less then 10 percent of cats have chips.

Tick Numbers Climbing, Even in Urban Areas
By Steve Dale

Ticks, and the diseases they transmit, are now in all 50 states. And experts concur that their numbers are rising. Dr. Dwight Bowman, a veterinary parisitologist at Cornell University, says that a general increase in wildlife numbers -- including deer, wild turkey, raccoon and other animals -- intersecting with suburbia likely has the most impact

Excellence in Veterinary Medicine
By Steve Dale

Presenters offered the latest news in veterinary medicine. Here are a few highlights

Advances in Veterinary Medicine Helping Pets Live Longer, Healthier Lives
By Steve Dale

There's little doubt pets are living longer than ever before, and advances in veternary medicine clearly are one explanation

Use Treats to Break Dog's Barking Habit
By Steve Dale

My 11-pound American Eskimo dog Foxy barks constantly when she sees another dog outside. Foxy may have simply trained you to let her out to see her friends. Foxy's "issue" may be more complex.

Treating Cats with a Heartworm Preventative
By Steve Dale

My vet suggests I treat my cat, Sasha, with a heartworm preventative. Sasha is an indoor-only cat. I've never heard of this before

Tampa Tops List of Cat-Friendly Cities
By Steve Dale

Dogs may have the claim as our best friends, but Americans' favorite companions are cats. There are more pet cats than dogs in the U.S. (81.7 million cats vs. 71.2 million dogs). Tampa, FL, topped the list, followed by Phoenix; San Francisco, CA; Portland, OR; Denver, CO; Boston, MA; Seattle, WA; San Diego, CA; Atlanta, GA, and Minneapolis, MN.

Questions Answered at the American Animal Hospital Association Conference
By Steve Dale

These pet-related questions were answered at the American Animal Hospital Association Conference May 26-29 at the Phoenix Convention Center. The AAHA supports excellence in veterinary care.

Heartworm Disease on the Rise
By Steve Dale

Experts stop short of calling it an epidemic, but the newly-released results of a nationwide survey indicate that the number of heartworm cases is rising. As a result, it's also likely that more pets are dying of the disease. The tragedy is, heartworm disease in dogs, cats and ferrets is totally preventable.

Dog Owners Share Some Smelly Stories
By Steve Dale

A few weeks back, reader K.S. in Atlanta offered her personal view that dogs' paws smell like Fritos, which sparked an onslaught of email and other comments directed to my Facebook page. I received around 100 comments, and still the controversy rages!

Positive Reinforcement Beats Force in Training Dogs & Cats
By Steve Dale

Cesar Millan, TV's 'dog whisperer,' seems to have success by forcing dogs into what he calls submission. Many veterinary professionals and groomers use the same technique. However, the outcome of force may cause a previously content and amicable dog or cat to develop other problems.

Bone Up Before You Buy: Read About Pet Care Before Bringing Home That Cute Dog or Cat
By Steve Dale

'Tis the season for adding a furry member to you family. But wait! Before you bring home that dog or cat, do your homework and learn how to integrate the pet into your family. Once you do adopt a pet, learning about care and training are imperative. Here are some great new books to help along the way.

Humans May Owe Very Existence to Dogs
By Steve Dale

Whether or not you like dogs, you can thank a canine for your very existence, according to Stanley Coren, a psychology professor at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. Without the domestication of canines, early man might never have survived at all, Coren theorizes.

Cat's Quirky Eating, Drinking Habits Not Unusual or Harmful
By Steve Dale

This entire column is devoted to cats. The first two questions were answered at a meeting of the CATalyst Council at the headquarters of the American Veterinary Medical Association. CATalyst is a non-profit organization devoted to elevating the status of cats.

Cat Overpopulation Remains a Problem, Especially in Summer
By Steve Dale

In 1975, American Humane, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting children and animals, designated June as Adopt-a-Cat month. "Cat overpopulation was a real issue, a big problem back then," says Dena Fitzgerald, publications and communications manager at American Humane. "Unfortunately [today], most shelters are still over-filled with cats."

Water Dragons

Often confused with Green Iguanas, Chinese Water Dragons are reptiles that require large water enclosures.

Water Dragons are native to Asia, while Green Iguanas are found in South America.  They are both similar looking, but Water Dragons do not get as large as Iguanas and need a home more like what a fish would require.

I'm not a fan of pet stores selling these guys because it tends to persuade many unprepared people from owning them, but if you provide a proper home and care for water dragons, they can be a great addition to your household.

Water Dragons originally appeared on About.com Exotic Pets on Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 at 14:37:39.

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Irish Beer and Whiskey Pet Names

In honor of the upcoming St. Patrick's day, I present to you VPI's top 10 Irish Beer and Whiskey inspired pet names (drumroll please).

1. Guinness
2. Jameson
3. Brogan
4. Caffrey
5. Smithwicks
6. Murphy Stout
7. Harp
8. Galway
9. Beamish
10. Tullemore

There you have them.  So if you're Irish, or just enjoy an Irish drink once in awhile, consider one of these for your next hamster or other exotic pet name.

Irish Beer and Whiskey Pet Names originally appeared on About.com Exotic Pets on Friday, March 12th, 2010 at 12:12:45.

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Alligator Surprise

A drug bust in Virginia surprised police when they found an alligator living in the basement of the house they were searching.

The gator is okay, but can you imagine how the police officers felt when they found an alligator while looking for drugs? I don't think that was what they were really expecting to find.

Photo © Getty Images/Sam Greenwood

Alligator Surprise originally appeared on About.com Exotic Pets on Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 at 16:43:47.

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Love Handles

Maybe you could relate a little more with your fennec fox if you knew that they too, can get love handles.

Now these aren't bulges of fat like we humans unfortunately get, but rather an area of hairloss on the side of a breeding or in heat female.

So the next time you're feeling insecure, just snuggle up to your favorite female fennec fox and remember she knows how you feel.

Photo © Flickr user Yvonne in Willowick Ohio

Love Handles originally appeared on About.com Exotic Pets on Monday, March 8th, 2010 at 22:52:05.

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Pet Poetry Contest

If you have a child between the ages of 5 and 12 and they are budding poets, encourage them to write a poem about their favorite gerbil, pot bellied pig, or other pet for a poetry contest.

The contest, "Paws for Poetry", is co-sponsored by MeetMeAtTheCorner.org and FlashlightPress.com. It is being held for the third time to celebrate April as being National Poetry Month.

Prizes include autographed books and Amazon.com gift cards.

For more information on the contest, visit PawsforPoetry.org.

Pet Poetry Contest originally appeared on About.com Exotic Pets on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010 at 15:36:48.

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Is Your Exotic Pet Insured?

Did you know that the Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI) insures exotic pets, as well as cats and dogs?

Just a few examples of some of the 5,000 exotic pets that are insured with the only company to cover exotics are:

33 Caiques (South American parrot)
10 doves
7 ducks
1 goose, hawk, and pigeon
334 Guinea pigs
38 hedgehogs
19 pot bellied pigs
1,437 rabbits
18 sugar gliders
60 iguanas
1 anaconda
4 boa constrictors
18 pythons
1 Uromastyx (spiny-tailed lizard)

I just think it is awesome that our exotic pets aren't being forgotten! We love them just as much as the dogs and cats!

Is Your Exotic Pet Insured? originally appeared on About.com Exotic Pets on Monday, March 1st, 2010 at 22:37:53.

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Sick as a Bunny

Gross, yet true - Rabbits cannot vomit.

Can you imagine not being able to have that ability? Yeah, I know this is a pretty disgusting thing to imagine. You don't need to imagine it in a graphic manner, but seriously, think about it.

This just reminds me how important it is to feed your rabbit fresh hay and veggies. Because unlike us, they can't just puke it up if it upsets their tummy.

Photo © Flickr user rossjl

Sick as a Bunny originally appeared on About.com Exotic Pets on Sunday, February 28th, 2010 at 23:53:13.

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Stick Out Your Tongue

Can you touch your nose with your tongue?

Whether or not you can, a chameleon will definitely have you and Gene Simmons beat.

Chameleons have tongues that are 1.5 times the length of their body. No competition.

Photo © Getty Images/Dmitri Vervitsiotis

Stick Out Your Tongue originally appeared on About.com Exotic Pets on Saturday, February 27th, 2010 at 00:37:00.

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Waving Into Submission

Dogs show their belly when being submissive. Bearded dragons wave.

It isn't uncommon to see a baby beardie holding one of her arms in the air and moving it around in circles. This wave is done to tell larger, threatening beardies they are just babies and to not hurt them.

Older beardies, usually females, will also bob their head slowly to show submission to a mate.

Beardies aren't the only exotic pets who show submission, but it is definitely pretty cute to see a little bearded dragon waving!

Photo © Amy Kruzer

Waving Into Submission originally appeared on About.com Exotic Pets on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 00:14:18.

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Turtles, Rats, and Worms in Space!

Iran has taken a new step in developing their weaponry - by sending a rat, worms, and turtles into space in the country's new home-built satellite.

This was Iran's first experience with sending living things into space, and have reported the satellite returned to earth successfully. But despite the successful homecoming, they did not report on the condition of the animals.

I'm unsure why rats, turtles and worms were chosen, but their fate does not sound good.

In 1968 Russia also sent turtles into orbit. Thankfully, these turtles returned only having lost 10% of their body weight, but were otherwise reported to be okay.

I am far from being a weaponries expert, but I don't see what these critters have to do with nuclear missiles.

Photo © Getty Images/Rob Atkins

Turtles, Rats, and Worms in Space! originally appeared on About.com Exotic Pets on Saturday, February 20th, 2010 at 00:44:38.

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About Exotic Pets
Exotic Pets

 

Brown Anoles Sidestep a Battle of the Sexes

Male and female brown anoles are embroiled in an ongoing genetic tug-of-war. On average, male anoles are 30% longer and 150% heftier than their female counterparts. This difference in stature among the sexes is a form of sexual dimorphism and it means that when it comes to producing offspring, brown anoles may be vulnerable to a phenomenon known as 'sexual conflict'.

Sexual conflict arises when males and females of a species experience different selection pressures. For example, if you're a male brown anole, it's better to be bigger. If you're a female, it's better to be smaller. So what happens when it comes time to produce offspring? If large fathers are more fit and they produce large daughters, the daughters don't reap any benefits by having a fit (large) father. In fact, they may be less fit than if they had been sired by a small father (and had been smaller themselves, as a result). In general, high-fitness parents often produce low-fitness offspring of the opposite sex.

But the story doesn't end there for the brown anole. This species seems to have developed a way to moderate the battle of the sexes over size. It turns out that female brown anoles produce more daughters when they mate with sires that are smaller (thus ensuring smaller daughters). Conversely, when females mate with sires that are larger, they produce more sons (ensuring larger sons). This bias for producing sons when the father is large and daughters when the father is small means that the offspring on average more fit. A clever solution to what could have been a battle of the sexes for the brown anoles.

Photo © Science / AAAS.

Brown Anoles Sidestep a Battle of the Sexes originally appeared on About.com Animals / Wildlife on Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 at 14:05:44.

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The Message Is in the Egg

Before they've hatched, canary chicks receive clues about what life will be like for them outside the egg. Chemicals produced by the mother serve as messages to a developing chick that describe the kind of parenting that awaits it as a nestling. The chick interprets these messages and, after hatching, develops the behavior most appropriate for the conditions it will face.

This discovery was made by Camilla Hinde and her colleagues from the University of Cambridge and is reported in the 12 March 2010 issue of Science.

The research explores the complex, give-and-take relationship between canary parents and their offspring. It reveals how chemical signals in the egg serve as a pact between parent and chick, one that ensures that the begging efforts of the chick are attenuated to the feeding efforts of the parent.

Feeding young is a demanding responsibility for a parent bird. The parent must expend its own energy to gather and provide food for the young. If the parent burns up too much of its own energy in feeding its chicks, the parent's fitness suffers. If the parent doesn't invest enough energy into feeding the young, the chicks suffer.

If, for example, the chick gets the messages that its parents will be stingy with the food they provide, the chick won't beg as vigorously. This ensures that the chick saves its energy by not begging when it would serve no purpose.

On the other hand, if the chick gets the message that it will have generous parents, it will beg with greater zeal because the effort it expends in begging is rewarded with more food.

To illustrate the importance of the chemical messages between mother and chick, Camilla Hinde and her colleagues swapped eggs among canary parents. In doing so, they mismatched the prenatal clues between parent and offspring. In some cases, chicks that expected generous parents were paired with parents that were stingy. In other cases, chicks that expected stingy parents were paired with parents that were generous.

They discovered that foster mothers that raised chicks that were more demanding than their own laid fewer eggs the following year. Mothers that raised chicks that were less demanding than their own laid more eggs than expected the following year.

This illustrates that the chemical signals within the egg ensure that parents and offspring have similar expectations and behaviors. It ensures that both parent and offspring are best suited to one another.

Photos © Fernando Trabanco.

The Message Is in the Egg originally appeared on About.com Animals / Wildlife on Monday, March 15th, 2010 at 08:20:16.

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State of the Birds Report Published

Global climate change will have a significant impact on birds in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats according to a report published by the Interior Department. The report, The State of the Birds, examines the threats facing birds that inhabit the United States and assesses the risks they face. The report indicates that the bird species most vulnerable to climate change are those that rely most on the ocean or inhabit the Hawaiian Islands.

State of the Birds Report Published originally appeared on About.com Animals / Wildlife on Sunday, March 14th, 2010 at 15:50:37.

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Giant Filter Feeders of the Jurassic

Basking sharks, manta rays, whale sharks, and baleen whales all have one thing in common: their eating habits. These animals are marine filter feeders. They get their meals by straining tiny organisms from the seas in which they swim. Basking sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks employ gill rakers to sift their food from the water. Baleen whales filter food from water using, as their name implies, a keratinous structure known as baleen.

The tradition of filter feeding is not new. There is evidence of marine vertebrates that used this feeding strategy during the Middle Jurassic. The largest fish that ever lived, Leedsichthys, was a filter feeder that measured a whopping 9 meters in length. Until now, scientists believed that Leedsichthys was one of only a few filter feeders that lived for a short time during the Jurassic. But now, a new report reveals fossil evidence for an entire dynasty of big filter feeding fish that spanned a much longer period of time than previously thought.

Image courtesy of Robert Nicholls / www.paleocreations.com.

Giant Filter Feeders of the Jurassic originally appeared on About.com Animals / Wildlife on Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 at 17:33:08.

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Ancient Jawbone Hints at Polar Bear Origins

When compared to brown bears, polar bears are the new species on the block. The two species diverged from each other 150,000 years ago on islands in the Alexandar Archipelago, Southeast Alaska.

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences details the research that led to this conclusion. Scientists from Penn State University, the University at Buffalo, the University of Oslo collaborated to analyze a rare pair of fossil —a jawbone and tooth from an ancient polar bear.

The fossils—the tooth and jawbone—were discovered in 2004 by an Icelandic geologist working in Norway's Svalbard archipelago. The find was unique—few polar bear fossils have been discovered and are believed to be rare. "Because polar bears live on the ice, their dead remains fall to the bottom of the ocean or get scavenged. They don't get deposited in the sediments like other mammals," said Oystein Wiig, a co-author of the study from the University of Oslo's Natural History Museum.

Photo courtesy US FWS.

Ancient Jawbone Hints at Polar Bear Origins originally appeared on About.com Animals / Wildlife on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 at 21:30:19.

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Sea Turtle Hatchlings Are Sure-Footed on Sand

A sea turtle begins its life as an egg buried beneath a pile of sand at the edge of the sea. After hatching, a sea turtle must dig its way out of the nest to reach the surface. Once at the surface the tiny turtle is exposed and vulnerable to predators. It must find its way—quickly—over clumps of dune grass, loose sand, and wet beach to reach the relative safety of the ocean where it will spend the rest of its life.

Sea turtles have four flippler-like limbs that are specially adapted for life in water. They enable the turtles to maneuver and propel themselves through the open ocean. But the turtles' flippers are adapted for more than just swimming. It turns out they also are well suited for crawling through sand and turf, a skill so much needed during those first moments of a sea turtle's life when it has to crawl from the nest to the ocean.

Scientists from the Georgia Institute of Technology conducted a field study to show just how sea turtle hatchlings use their limbs to move quickly across the varied surfaces—loose sand, packed sand, vegetation—to get to the ocean.

"On hard-packed sand at the water's edge, these turtles push forward by digging a claw on their flipper into the ground so that they don't slip, and on loose sand they advance by pushing off against a solid region of sand that forms behind their flippers," said Daniel Goldman, assisatnat professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology School of Physics.

The information Daniel Goldman and team gathered may help robotics engineers to build robots that are better able to cross similar terrain.

Photo © Alan Rees / Georgia Tech.

Sea Turtle Hatchlings Are Sure-Footed on Sand originally appeared on About.com Animals / Wildlife on Monday, March 1st, 2010 at 10:06:09.

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Grizzly Bears Wander into Polar Bear Habitat

Polar bears are no longer the only bear to roam Canada's Wapusk National Park. According to Robert F. Rockwell and Linda Gormezano from the American Museum of Natural History and City University of New York, grizzly bears have recently moved into the region.

Wapusk National Park lies in the northeastern stretches of Manitoba on the shores of the Hudson Bay. The region was once thought to be too isolated for grizzlies to migrate to. But in 2008, Robert F. Rockwell and Linda Gormezano spotted a grizzly bear while flying over the region surveying fox dens. That sighting inspired them to examine records and trapping data for the region to find out how common grizzly sightings had been over recent years.

They discovered that prior to 1996, no grizzly sightings had been recorded, but between 1996 and 2008, there were nine confirmed sightings. In the summer of 2009, three sightings were recorded.

"The opportunistic sightings seem to be increasing," Linda Gormezano said. "This is worrying for the polar bears because grizzly bears would likely hibernate in polar bear maternity denning habitat. They would come out of hibernation at the same time and can kill polar cubs."

Scientists are still uncertain whether the grizzlies are settling in the region or just wandering through. To this point, no grizzly dens or cubs have been spotted to indicate that they are settling permanently in the region.

Photo © Linda Gormezano / City University of New York.

Grizzly Bears Wander into Polar Bear Habitat originally appeared on About.com Animals / Wildlife on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 10:04:44.

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Photos: Top 25 Most Endangered Primates
A recent report identifies the 25 most endangered primates on the planet today. The list includes species such as the Rondo dwarf Galago, the Tana River red colobus, the simakobu, and the cotton-top tamarin. You can view a gallery of these endangered species here.

Photos: Top 25 Most Endangered Primates originally appeared on About.com Animals / Wildlife on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010 at 10:09:58.

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Photos: Leaf-Cutter Ants Tend Their Garden

This collection of images shows leaf-cutter ants clipping and carting away chunks of leaves and tending their subterranean fungus gardens.

Photos: Leaf-Cutter Ants Tend Their Garden originally appeared on About.com Animals / Wildlife on Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 at 00:26:15.

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Leaf-Cutter Ants Dabble with Nitrogen Fixation

Leaf-cutter ants are crafty cultivators. They tend vast gardens of fungus that they harvest to feed their minions. In return, the ants care for the fungus. They constantly clip and compost bits of leaves to form a rich substrate on which the fungus thrives. When the fungus is attacked by pathogens, the ants fight back, armed with bacteria that counteract the pathogen.

The fungus gardens the ants tend are complex communities. There are numerous interactions in the gardens, both symbiotic and parasitic. Scientists are just now starting to unravel the many complex connections that exist in an ant fungus garden. The latest discovery, made by Adrian Pinto-Tomas and colleagues, reveals that the fungal gardens tended by leaf-cutter ants are a haven for one of life's most basic processes: nitrogen fixation.

Read more...

Leaf-Cutter Ants Dabble with Nitrogen Fixation originally appeared on About.com Animals / Wildlife on Monday, February 15th, 2010 at 23:59:23.

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Talk About Your Cat

Here's a purrfect opportunity to create your own article on the About.com Cats site with your cat brag and photos of your favorite furry companion. Do you play housemaid to a Siamese, "Wegie," Maine Coon, or any other breed of cat? There's a place here too for your domestic cat aka moggie, or mixed breed cat.

Each Breed in the A-Z Cats Breed List on this site now has a link to a form for writing your own cat brag. Even easier, is the one-page list in the linked article. Each breed listed includes both a link to the breed profile and one for your own cat brag. Be among the first to Talk About Your Cat. Pictured here is Pixie Bob Bear
_{Photo Credit: © Helmi Flick}

Talk About Your Cat originally appeared on About.com Cats on Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 at 16:57:56.

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How to Tell a Cat is Pregnant

If your cat was in heat and had access to a tom (unneutered male) cat, the likelihood that she is pregnant is very strong. A pregnant queen will show both physical and personality changes which will become more evident around three weeks after breeding. The gestation period for cats runs from 60 to 67 days. I like to use 63 days as an average, because it is easier to equate with human gestation (nine weeks vs nine months). Read the rest of this article for specific details.

Related Reading:

• Email Course: Care of a Pregnant Cat
• Online Course: Care of a Pregnant Cat
• Reasons to Spay & Neuter Pet Cats

_{Photo Credit: © iStockPhoto/manuel velasco}

How to Tell a Cat is Pregnant originally appeared on About.com Cats on Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 at 12:02:51.

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Cat Breed of the Week: Pixie-Bob

The origins of the Pixie-Bob are clouded in mystery and Legend. Carol Ann Brewer, the founder of the breed, does not hesitate to proclaim the breed "Legend Cats," nor to admit there is no verifiable proof that the legend is true: that Pixie Bobs are the result of naturally-occuring matings, e.g., not assisted by human intervention, between the American Bobcat and feral or barn cats. However, the evidence strongly points to the truth of her assertations.

The Pixie-Bob is described as highly intelligent, strongly bonded to its family, curious and playful, but not destructive, and getting along well with both children and other pets. Pixie-Bobs can be leash-trained easily, and love to take walks with their humans. Their vocalization is usually limited to chirps and twitters, although they will meow occasionally.
_{Photo Credit: © Helmi Flick}

Want to Brag About Your Pixie Bob?
Post your own story and picture of Living With a Pixie Bob Cat.

Cat Breed of the Week: Pixie-Bob originally appeared on About.com Cats on Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 at 01:18:04.

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Meowing

Do you fully understand "felinese?" That's Amy Shojai's term for the various communication sounds cats make, that are sometimes exasperating because we don't fully comprehend what the cat is saying.

Sometimes it's easy, as in a cat standing next to her empty food dish, meowing piteously. Kittens' first mews are charming. At other times meowing can be downright annoying, as it is when we're trying to catch that last hour of sleep. Amy does a great job of explaining the meaning of cats' many forms of vocalization, but she doesn't stop there. Be sure to read her full article to find out how to out-think loud-mouth cats.
_{Photo Credit: © iStockPhoto/Ruslan Olinchuk}

Meowing originally appeared on About.com Cats on Monday, March 15th, 2010 at 12:37:05.

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Kitten Fosters Share Their Stories

Kitten fosters perform a challenging, but rewarding, and valuable service to the world of cats at large. Fostering abandoned cats and kitten litters is a wonderful way to help the cat population problem, while also enjoying kittens grow and thrive under your loving care. While it may be sad to give up a cat or kitten you've nurtured for weeks, it is a joyous event to see that baby go to a permanent loving home.

Kitten fosters were invited to share their photos and stories in a Show & Tell on my site, and the enthusiastic acceptance was heartwarming. I particularly like the story by Cat Foster, Foster Mom of 75 Kitties in 2.5 Years!. She describes the best parts of fostering, as well as the sad parts in poignant detail, and dispenses valuable advice to would-be kitten fosters. You may contribute your own Kitten Foster story and photos by using the online form.

If you are the member of a cat rescue/foster group, you are also invited to participate in my Adoptable Shelter Cats Gallery, which features shelter and rescue cats from many organizations. It is my way of giving back to the cats who have given me so much. Please use the Shelter Cat Submission Form for that purpose.
_{Photo Credit: © Foster Mom}

Kitten Fosters Share Their Stories originally appeared on About.com Cats on Sunday, March 14th, 2010 at 05:19:04.

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Nature's Variety Recall Expanded

Dr. Janet Crosby, DVM, and Guide for Veterinary Medicine has reported on the expanded recall of Nature's Variety frozen chicken diets announced by the FDA and Nature's Variety in February, 2010. The recall is now expanded "to include all Chicken Formula and Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets for dogs and cats with any 'Best If Used By' date on or before 2/5/11." You can find out more information on this recall by reading Dr. Crosby's blog entry dated 3/9/2010.

Nature's Variety Recall Expanded originally appeared on About.com Cats on Sunday, March 14th, 2010 at 03:53:35.

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Cat Picture of the Week: Biscuit

I am almost certain that another of Leigh's cats has been Cat of the Week in the past. Leigh is very proud of her cats, and dotes on them, as you can see, and her cats have appeared in several galleries on this site. I chose Biscuit this week, not from favoritism, but because Leigh painted such a loving picture in her description, and of course, because Biscuit is clearly a beautiful tabby cat. Leigh writes in part:

Biscuit is a blue Maine Coon, aged 5. He is Muffie's elder brother. When I first got him, he didn't like being touched because he was very nervous. He had a heart condition. Now, four and a half years later, he no longer has a heart condition, and he loves being kissed, held, brushed, combed, you name it. He takes CoQ10, vitamin E, Taurine, Stress B, etc. In this picture, he is in my lap, reveling in being petted. As you can see, he has very interesting markings. The father was pure blue; the mother was a white, red, and black patch Maine Coon, the daughter of a beautiful red and white show winner. . .Read more of Biscuit's story.

Biscuit appears in the 2010 Tabby Cats Picture Gallery, now online on About.com Cats. You may submit your own tabby cat photos by following the Photo Submission Guidelines. Sorry, but I will be unable to publish your photos without all the requested information. Please use Tabby Cat Photo as the subject of your email. With your very best picture, along with an appealing story about your cat, your tabby may also appear as a Cat Picture of the Week.

Cat Picture of the Week: Biscuit originally appeared on About.com Cats on Saturday, March 13th, 2010 at 04:00:22.

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Who Put the "Nip" in Catnip?

That cats go crazy over catnip is no secret. All three of our boys, find their "kitten within" when presented with a new catnip toy or a recycled sock filled with catnip. Even our Angel Cat, Bubba, was kittenish over catnip in his advanced years. Our newest kitty, Jennifur is also "nutty for 'nip." The other day I received a free small plastic packet of catnip with a mail order scratching post. I put it aside on the end table next to the sofa where I sit. Jenny appeared from waaay across the room and made a beeline for the package. Not wanting her to knock over my soft drink and other stuff cluttering the table, I put it up in a high shelf over the desk in my kitchen. A few minutes later, I heard a crash, and found Jenny on the desk, doing a meerkat impression as she tried to figure out a way to jump up onto the shelf. I finally scattered the catnip on the scratching pad where it belonged, and Jenny spent several minutes licking and rubbing her face against the scratcher.

It's sort of like the old "chicken and egg" conundrum. Did catnip get its name because cats are so nuts over it, or did they fall for the oldest marketing ploy in the world? Strangely enough, not all cats are wild for catnip, and we've noticed our cats have a definite "tolerance level" for it. Usually after 15 or 20 minutes they get bored with it, or simply drift off to sleep.

We recently also received a larger sample of Kong Premium Catnip for testing purposes. My son found an old sock and filled the toe with catnip, tied the top, and let our boys have a go at it. Joey ate a small bit off a paper plate, but Jaspurr went wild over the sock. Read the full article for more interesting facts about catnip's effects on cats (and on humans).
_{Photo Credit: © Lance Syufy}

Who Put the "Nip" in Catnip? originally appeared on About.com Cats on Saturday, March 13th, 2010 at 00:11:21.

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2010Tabby Cats Picture Gallery

Because Mother Earth comes alive in the Spring, when the earth is rich with promises of things to be, we celebrate tabby cats in our March Cat Picture Calendar. Tabby cats are so ubiquitous that many people think of them as a breed. Not so; tabby cats are a color pattern, actually a variety of color patterns in stripes, whorls, spots, and combinations of the three. Tabby cats are almost as old as Mother Earth herself, and are the epitome of Catness in all its wonder and glory.You'll find dozens of tabby cat pictures here, each with its own special beauty.

All of these tabby cat pictures were submitted by readers. Katie Kat, pictured here, is one of those darling tabbies featured in this new gallery. You may submit your own favorite tabby cat photos for consideration, by following the Photo Submission Guidelines. With your very best tabby picture and a detailed compelling story, your tabby cat might end up as Cat of the Week some Saturday in March.
_{Photo of Katie Kat Credit: © Heidi Grundeland}

2010Tabby Cats Picture Gallery originally appeared on About.com Cats on Friday, March 12th, 2010 at 03:21:26.

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Is Your Female Cat is in Heat?

If your female cat has not been spayed, chances are that she is either in heat or will be in a matter of weeks. It's hard to miss the signs. Female cats in oestrus, commonly called "heat cycle" are unabashedly provocative during that period, and their sole goal in life is to mate. They will sidle up against your leg, rub their bodies lovingly against furniture, stuffed toys, or male cats.

This YouTube video of Sadie, a young cat experiencing her first oestrus, gives an intimate picture of the gyrations of a cat in heat. The male cat in this video was more annoyed than enticed by Sadie's come-hither posturing, because he was neutered, as were all of Ron's rescued cats. Had Ron not spayed Sadie soon after her heat cycle ended, she would have gone through it again as soon as two weeks. You will notice that Sadie licked her genitals several times. This is likely because heat cycles are very uncomfortable. Please read this article and learn the other signs and symptoms of a female cat in heat.

Kitten season is upon us, a season cat rescue groups and shelters dread, because litter after litter of kittens are dumped in their laps, pushing out the senior cats and special needs cats, who so richly deserve to be adopted. If you have an unspayed cat, I beg you to do the responsible thing and get her spayed immediately. Do your part in breaking this cycle. It's the right thing to do. If you delayed, your cat is pregnant already, and you are not an accomplished cat midwife, please consider enrolling in my free email course, Care of a Pregnant Cat.

Is Your Female Cat is in Heat? originally appeared on About.com Cats on Friday, March 12th, 2010 at 03:00:53.

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dog pet plastic surgery vet

"Plastic surgery is good for dogs!" according to a leading Brazilian pet plastic surgeon. A face-lift for a dog? [Seattle Post Intelligence] Not only can you get a face-lift for your dog, but you can even order up a mammary lift for her droopy tits after she's had her puppies... (Surely the SPCA would label this kind of pure cosmetic surgery an unnecessary and cruel procedure?)

dog eats strange objects stories

18-inch dog swallows 16-inch stick UK [Yahoo News: Fortean Times]

Wannabe robber's dog mask gets laughs, foils robbery PA [Post Gazette via  Romenesko's Obscure Store]

Prosecuters recommend 10 years in jail for teens who tortured dogs AL [Tuscaloosa News]

'In the end, it is love and attention --- from humans and animals alike --- that keep pets happy and healthy...'  Caring for pets, Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier]

Google customizes news

Customize your Google News: If you're looking for updated news for dog and pet owners, nothing beats Google News' new customize your own news service! We rolled a dog news url for pet owners in just a few minutes: Google custom news for pets and their companions:

After enabling cookies, javascript and images, try this url:

[ Geek News: Google gets personal; Betanews: Google adds customization XP Central: Sweet! Google News goes custom]

Dog News: weird, inspiring dog tales
'Paws' to enjoy current dog news. Weird, wonderful, and educational dog news for the post 9-11 world.

 

Dogs and Birthdays

Today is my dog's 15th birthday. Well, technically I don't know her exact birthday. I got her as a stray when she was approximately 8 weeks old, so I estimated her birthday as March 15. Truthfully, I don't remember her birthday every year (fortunately, neither does she). Sometimes I give her a special treat and an extra long walk. However, this year is kind of a milestone: the big one-five. Not that she knows the difference, but it feels like a reason to celebrate. This led me to thinking about dogs and birthdays. Read more...

Dogs and Birthdays originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Monday, March 15th, 2010 at 21:33:32.

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Dog Breed of the Week: Border Collie

Since I'm on the subject of dog sports this week, I though it fitting to feature the Border Collie. Most dog sports are open to just about any breed of dog, but the Border Collie is the poster child for dog sports. These intelligent and driven herding dogs have boundless energy. They thrive when given a job, which is why they tend to excel at dog sports.

The Border Collie is definitely not the right breed for everyone. Unfortunately, some people find they are in over their heads if the get a BC without researching first. These dogs need to work - whether that means herding sheep, competing in disc dog competitions, or tearing up your house. Don't let the latter happen - give your BC a job. And, if you are thinking about adding this breed to your home, read all about Border Collies first. If indeed this is the right breed for you, then a wonderdog is in your near future.

Have you lived with Border Collies? Tell your story!

Photo © Digital Vision/Getty Images

Dog Breed of the Week: Border Collie originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Thursday, March 11th, 2010 at 10:10:08.

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Get Active with Your Dog

Spring is coming up, but it just can't get here soon enough! Your dog is probably aching to get outside and expel some energy, and he wants you there with him. Participation in dog sports is a wonderful way to get active and connected with your dog. While many require agreeable weather, other dog sports and activities can be enjoyed indoors. Agility can go either way.

Perhaps you are looking into a sport for you and your dog. Or, maybe you are just curious about canine athletes. Check out today's top dog sports. There is pretty much something fitting for any dog/owner team. Got a great story about your dog's accomplishments? We would love it if you share your story.

Get Active with Your Dog originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Thursday, March 11th, 2010 at 00:19:40.

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Getting Started in Canine Agility

It was many, many years ago when I saw my first agility demonstration. I was floored. All I could think was "is this for real?" Knowing just a little bit about dogs at the time, I did realize they were intelligent and athletic, but I never imagined they could fly around the field like that. Since then, I have been hooked. I've always wanted to get my own dogs involved in agility, but for whatever reason it has not worked out yet. However, I still try to check out the events in my area, or at least catch them when they are on television. What a thrill!

Canine agility is a competitive dog sport that takes place within an obstacle course. Dogs are trained to make jumps, travel through tunnels, and navigate various walkways - all in a specific order. Each step of the way, the dogs are directed by their owners. Agility is an excellent form of exercise and mental stimulation, making it ideal for high energy dogs like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds. However, just about any dog can participate in agility. The intensity and difficulty of the course can be altered to accommodate dogs with health complications or special needs. Teamwork between dog and human is the cornerstone of this sport. Learn more about agility training from dog training expert Amy Bender. It could be a great activity for you and your dog.

Are you and your dog already involved in a dog sport? Tell us about it.

Photo © Joe Camerino

Getting Started in Canine Agility originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 at 21:13:57.

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Dog Breed of the Week: Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog is a breed with a special knack for herding cattle. This energetic dog breed also makes a wonderful companion for the right home. Named for its country of origin, the ACD was developed in the 19th century to herd cattle on large ranches in Queensland. In fact, the breed had a key role in the development of the Australian Beef industry. Fearless, athletic and intelligent, there is no better cattle herder than the ACD.

Today's ACD is still an amazing herder and worker, but is also quite successful in agility, flyball, Frisbee, and other canine competitions. This breed makes a wonderful companion for an owner with an active lifestyle. This breed is no couch potato and needs to work in order to be completely happy. If you are looking for an energetic, loyal and intelligent dog that will make a great exercise partner, consider the Australian Cattle Dog. Have you had experience with this beautiful and amazing dog breed? Tell others the story - talk about your Australian Cattle Dog.

Photo © chrisamichael on flickr

Dog Breed of the Week: Australian Cattle Dog originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 at 21:28:15.

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Please Welcome Writer Amy Bender

I am pleased to announce the arrival of Contributing Writer Amy Bender to the About Dogs site. With a focus on dog training, Amy will provide valuable information about obedience, behavior problems and much more.

Amy is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and has written many dog-related articles for both print and the web. As dog lovers, we all know the essential roles training and behavior play in our daily lives, and how frustrating it can be when things do not go as planned. Amy's expertise can help you train your dog and better understand his behavior. With vast knowledge and experience, she is a delightful addition to this site. Please join me in welcoming Amy!

Recent Articles by Amy Bender

• Agility Training for Dogs
• Train Your Dog to Walk on a Loose Leash
• Dogs and Aggressive Behavior
• Treating Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Please Welcome Writer Amy Bender originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 at 17:30:33.

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Dog Breed of the Week: Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is a powerful dog that was originally developed for protection. English gamekeepers in the mid-19th century crossed the Mastiff and the Bulldog. The result was a powerful, fearless dog that could stop poachers in their tracks.

Today's Bullmastiff is still a highly capable guard dog, but the breed is most treasured as a companion. Despite it's powerful and somewhat intimidating appearance, this is a gentle and affectionate dog that forms a solid bond with it's family members. However, the Bullmastiff's tough side does instinctively comes out when necessary. One important thing to know about this breed: be prepared for slobber. The Bullmastiff owner tends to carry around a drool rag. If this sort of thing bothers you, then look elsewhere for the breed of your dreams. Otherwise, there's a lot to love about these big sweeties. Could this breed be the choice for you? Learn all about the Bullmastiff and see for yourself.

People who know Bullmastiffs simply cannot say enough wonderful things about this breed. Have you been lucky enough to share your life with a Bullmastiff? Tell your story!

Photo © iStockphoto.com/Terry Bouvier

Dog Breed of the Week: Bullmastiff originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 22:57:41.

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Seizures in Dogs

If you have ever seen a seizure occur in an animal or a human, then I don't need to tell you how stressful it can be. Most people feel helpless and frightened when they witness a seizure, especially if it's the first time. Unfortunately, seizure disorders in dogs are all too common. Whether or not your dog has had a seizure in the past, it is essential that you educate yourself. If your dog ever has a seizure, knowledge may be the thing that saves her life.

Not all dogs that experience seizures are epileptics. In fact, there are a number of causes for seizures. Some can be cured while others are able to be medically managed. Take the time today to learn about seizures in dogs. It could make all the difference tomorrow.

Have you had a dog with seizures? Tell us about your experience.

Seizures in Dogs originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010 at 23:12:03.

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Top Ten Dog Breeds of 2009

It's Westminster week, and although the show is over, I deemed it fitting to talk about dog breeds. Every year, the AKC releases the list of the most registered dog breeds. More or less, that list ranks the breeds in order of popularity. With the order of the top ten "usual suspects" slightly shifted, 2009 brought no surprises. Did you love seeing all the breeds at Westminster? Check out the Top Ten Dog Breeds of 2009 to find out more about the most popular dogs and why they are so sought after. Where does your favorite breed rank on the AKC registration stats list?

Photo © Katheryn Harris on flickr

Top Ten Dog Breeds of 2009 originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Thursday, February 18th, 2010 at 00:02:56.

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Dog Breed of the Week: Scottish Terrier

This week's featured breed was chosen in honor of "Sadie" AKA Ch. Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot, Best in Show winner at this year's Westminster Kennel Club dog show. This Scottie also competed for best in show at Westminster in 2009, where she lost to a Sussex Spaniel named Stump. Well, this year she was back and, apparently, in it to win it. Congratulations to Sadie, her handler and her owners.

The Scottish Terrier, or Scottie, is an active and bold dog with very short legs and a small but sturdy build. The Scottie is strong and fearless, but also makes an affectionate companion. This breed is well known for its distinctive beard and short stature, as well as it's frequent Scottish attire in pictures and cartoons. Scotties have been owned by many well-known public figures over the years, including Queen Victoria, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart and George W. Bush. Do you love Scotties too? Tell us all about them.

Image: Sadie, Westminster 2010 Champion
Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images

Dog Breed of the Week: Scottish Terrier originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 at 23:47:21.

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