January 25th 2008 4:48 am
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Your dog is very important to you. For, this very reason you want to keep your dog in the best health. Grooming your dogs is the most important care you can give to your dog after you see to their basic needs. Dog grooming keeps their skin healthy, the dead hair away, and the matted hair down to a minimum. Think of grooming kind of like you would a horse. A horse needs to be brushed after you ride them to remove the dirt. A dog needs to be brushed every day to remove dead hair, matted hair, and the dirt. You will find a few tips on how to get your dog to cooperate.
First your dog needs to understand who the master is. They also need to enjoy the process. So you have to make it as painless as possible. You may teach them that there is a certain hour and place that grooming will occur on a daily basis. This helps with consistency and making sure they are understanding what you need from them.
Once they are cooperative you can start your daily examination. First you need to make sure there are no cuts, fleas, rashes or bumps. They may have other types of bugs hiding in their hair. Some dogs are more prone to diseases like cancer or skin rashes so you need to keep up with grooming to make sure they don’t have anything you should seek a vet about.
During this process you will need to brush the dogs coat. Depending on the type of dog you have you will need to have a few different kinds of brushes. A fine tooth comb generally takes care of the bugs they may have.
If you are in a prime tick area you will also need to search their fur for the bugs. Ticks are one of the hardest bugs to get rid of because you need to use tweezers and even alcohol to remove them. Ticks bury their heads under the skin so just using tweezers may not be enough. Sometimes if you just pull gently back and forth to loosen the head and then pull firmly you can remove the tick without incident.
You will also need to check the ears, feet, and teeth daily. You are going to be looking for cuts, potential injuries, tumors, or other lumps during this process as well. You want to make sure, especially when left alone, that they did not get hurt. There are many dangers when you leave them alone in the backyard from sticks, bugs, and other things that could harm their thick skin.
Dogs love to chew on things and though their teeth are quite hard they still have problems with tooth decay and can harm their teeth. Part of the grooming process is making sure they get regular cleaning. You may brush their teeth at home and take them to the vet for teeth cleaning once a year. (Depending on vet recommendations)
Your dog’s feet are also important. You will have to clip their nails every two to three weeks. You need the dog to be placid during the grooming so teach them to sit and lift their paw for you. That way you won't nip an area or clip too far down on the nail. You need to understand just where to cut. The dog has a blood supply to their nails, which if you clip with bleed and hurt the dog. Before clipping their nails make sure you know where the quick is, which is the nerve.
January 24th 2008 4:33 am
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When begging to teach your remember the most important things are consistency, rate of reinforcement and motivation. Consistency would be always giving the dog the same signals dogs love consistency and it will make stress levels go right down and produce far quicker results.
The rate of reinforcement is how often the dog is rewarded when starting to teach a new behavior the rate of reinforcement should be very high. The rate of reinforcement should gradually come down as the dog begins to learn the behavior until the rate of reinforcement is very low. A high rate of reinforcement will also encourage faster behaviors thought motivation.
One of the biggest aspects to any dog training whether it be obedience, agility, fly ball or just general behavior obedience the most important thing is the dogs motivation. The dog must love to do what you're asking of it when this is the case the dog will work fast and highly accurate. A dog that has little or no motivation to work will be very slow and de-motivated making any training extremely difficult. Forced behavior which is where a dog is forced into the behavior will often produce a de-motivated dog in cases where dogs have been forced into behaviors the best thing to do is simply start from scratch with very high levels of reinforcement.
Reinforces to use:
Toys are the number one way to train dogs they produce highly motivated and highly obedient dog. When dogs love there reward and associate it with fast exciting situations then dogs will always work well.
Food is also a motivator often used I personally would always avoid using food for training as it produces a dog that becomes dependent of constantly being fed.
Clickers are a way of reinforcing a dog's behavior with a simple click rather than the reward itself. This is a good way to train as it produces very quick results. The dog is being reinforced down to the millisecond getting through to the dog exactly whets excepted using a consistent click at the same consistent point when the desirable behavior is shown.
Motivation, consistence and the rate of reinforcement are three huge factors in training any dog. I hope through reading this guide you have learned how to train your dog more efficiently while producing a happier dog.
January 23rd 2008 3:36 am
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As you can imagine there are many hounds that have been used for fox hunting and other hunting over the years. In the UK most are familiar with the foxhounds. The American foxhound is really just another breed of the UK foxhound that has been adapted. If you are looking for a lovable dog that will want to play, exercise, and have a generally good time in your back yard you may be interested in the American foxhound.
The American foxhound looks much likes it UK counterpart in that it has the same color pattern and body type. You will find the American foxhound is a little taller and a little light in the body, but they are still about the same. The height of this foxhound is 21 to 25 inches with 65 to 75 pounds. They have straight bones adding to the height and making them a bit more agile as foxhounds. They have floppy ears, a long tail, and thin legs. They are usually white with black spots, and a brown head; however they can be just about any colour. The American foxhound was breed from the English descendent and the French hound.
The foxhound has several wonderful qualities including hunting, tracking, being a watchdog, and a trail dog. They are a hardy breed, which means they have a lot of energy to expend and love to have some type of job or game to play during the day. They have been used as pack dogs as well. You will find they are not good around other pets like cats. Their instincts are to chase and they can end up harming the other pets. They do okay with other dogs, but again this depends on the breed of the other dog. They can do well with the same breed. You will find they are not the best of dogs to have around children or novice owners. However with the proper training in socialization and obedience they can be in family homes. Training will be difficult as they are a stubborn breed. As long as you are firm, but gentle you should have no difficulty in further training after obedience. They are often a barker, so you may need to train them when to bark and when not to bark. They are very friendly, loyal, and energetic pets to have in your home. You will find they do better in outside kennels and should not be placed in apartment living.
For proper care of your foxhound you will need to have a small or large home with plenty of backyard. The foxhound likes to run around during the day and play. They also need attention from their owner. They should not be left alone for long periods of time. Exercise should be given daily, especially long walks. Usually two to three walks a day are needed. Typically if you provide the right care they can live for twelve years. They are prone to some health conditions that are genetic like hip dysplasia and bone problems, but on the whole they are very healthy. Grooming is important on a weekly basis. The short hair requires a brushing to remove dead or loose hair. They should only be shampooed when necessary as they have sensitive skin. They are an average shedder all year long, so it helps to brush them often. For nutrition it is best to supply them with a high protein diet, with little meals throughout the day to prevent weight gain.
January 21st 2008 2:56 am
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Did you know that there are a lot of private owners of search and rescue dogs? Well there are. Many people find they need to do something during catastrophes and because they love dogs they decide to adopt and have a dog trained for search and rescue. If you are interested in adopting a search and rescue dog or just in knowing how to care for one you will want to read the below article.
Search and rescue dogs are very hard working heroes. They can work in earthquake aftermaths, hurricane rescues, and even as water rescue dogs. They are very loyal, lovable, and determined dogs. They also require special training, handling and care above other dogs. You will find that most often a search and rescue dog will go through training on a daily basis to make sure they have not forgotten any skills and to keep the dog’s minds active. In some cases new training is added. As a private owner of a search and rescue dog you have to keep them in tune. This means you need to go through the class with them, and provide as much support and skill to the session as they do. You should also know that a search and rescue dog usually thinks of the training and actual rescue situations as play. This means that if they aren’t having a little fun, and being useful they will want to quite- in other words it is too much like work.
There are certain dogs that work really well as search and rescue dogs. First the dog have to be a good tracker, hunter, hound, and good swimmers. Since dogs often have to smell for blood, or human scent they have to have great noses. This means that bloodhounds, Labradors, German shepherds, Old English sheepdogs, and St. Bernard’s are usually the best. Golden retrievers are also really great at working as search and rescue dogs. Keep in mind that the dog thinks it is a game; for the owners you have to be sure you can handle the issues you will be dealing with. Most people are great in rescue situations, but some individuals may have lasting problems of the death and destruction they have had to deal with. So it is not just find a dog to go with the owner, but making sure the owner can handle the job required as well.
Most of the time search and rescue handlers are volunteers, like the private dog owners we have been discussing. This means they show up when they can and must also be physically fit. They are going to be training with the dogs, working a lot of hours at a seen, and of course need to have a handle on rescue criteria for survival as well.
Training as mentioned above is very important. You can not just watch a video and say “I have a search and rescue dog.” In fact what you need is a training facility that will help you learn how to be a handler as well as how to train the dog. You must have certification as well as rescue equipment. Training will last for the dog’s lifetime in the service. This means that you must keep up with the training on a daily basis and be extremely committed. Search and rescue dogs are heroes and so are their handlers, but remember you should be fully prepared for the tasks at hand.
January 20th 2008 4:57 am
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Your dog is very important to you and I bet you have treated your dog carefully, making sure they have the proper nutrition, exercise, and of course love. Even owners who spend all their time trying to prevent cancer in their dog will be shocked to find out that their dog has cancer. In some cases you just can’t prevent cancer no matter how careful you are. In these cases you just have to learn how to care for your sick dog and understand the progression of the disease to help treat it. With brain cancer you will find there really is no cause science has been able to find. They believe that brain cancer is usually a result of a genetic disorder in the cells that allow them to mutate and form.
Brain cancer or meningioma is a tumor cell that can form in several areas of the brain. The cancer can form at the base of the spine, or any part of the brain. The cells will mutate and the cancer will grow if left untreated. You should know that this type of cancer is malignant. This means that the cancer will continue to grow in the brain until the dog either dies from the cancer or from the pressure on the brain causing an aneurism. It is important that you know and recognize the early symptoms to prevent suffering and of course death of your loved one.
Symptoms of brain cancer include personality changes, stress, aggression, shyness, or depression. They are also appetite changes, lethargy, lameness, muscle twitches, eye and facial issues, coordination problems, bleeding in the nasal cavity, respiratory issues, and heart problems. The early symptoms are usually related to the appetite, weight loss, and personality changes. As the brain cancer progresses you will see more changes and of course extremely muscle weakness. The brain is the center for all things in the body. If a small section is affected it can through off the other functions of the body such as the liver, heart, lungs, and immune system. Sometimes brain cancer is a result of another cancer forming somewhere in the body and moving through the blood cells until it creates a second mass on the brain. Some of the symptoms will be determined by the location fo the actual brain cancer.
As I mentioned above there really is no known prevention making the treatment for your dog extremely important. You will have a few choices in treatment and therefore care. Surgery is often very difficult on dogs with brain cancer as they have to go in to remove the actual mass. This can cause lasting effects, so most often an owner will decide care and medication are the best choices. There are medications that have been created to prevent the actual mutation of cells. Keep in mind that the medication usually does not reduce the cells already formed; therefore you may need to try radiation or chemotherapy with your dog to reduce the cells that have already formed and prevent the cells from re- growing. If you choose medication and radiation you will need to make adjustments for care. The dog will need a different diet, more care from you while you are home, and less exercise. Exercise is important, but when they are feeling ill they tend to want to lie around. So allowing for more rest is as important as short five minute walks. You also need to realize that they can be sick from the treatment so they need you to be there to help them get over the vomiting and other issues of the treatment.
January 19th 2008 3:52 am
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There are certain diseases that dog’s can have during their lives that can cause many problems in their overall health. With hypothyroidism in dogs their endocrine system tends to suffer the most. The endocrine system regulates things like temperature, weight, memory, muscles, and a few other things. We are going to explore the symptoms of hypothyroid disorder in dogs including symptoms, causes, and treatment to help dog owners to better understand what their dog may be going through.
The dog breeds that are most commonly affected by hypothyroid include Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, and Greyhounds. In some cases these breeds may be affected by the counterpart, which is hyperthyroidism. You should also know there are two types of hypothyroid disorder in dogs. First autoimmune thyroiditis is where the immune system actually attacks the thyroid gland; in the other case you have lymphocytic thyroiditis which is where the gland fails to produce enough of the thyroid hormone to regulate the body. You will find that in each case the symptoms and treatment will be the same.
Symptoms of hypothyroid disorder can be a little difficult to diagnose by the unsuspecting owner as there are several reasons some of these symptoms may occur. The first in the short list of symptoms is hair and skin changes. You will start to notice that your dog is shedding more. There are inadequate levels of thyroid hormone for hair to grow which means it will begin to grow sporadically over the body and they will lose hair. Most areas that are affected by this hair loss are the legs, and back. You will also find that the dog’s hair will become scruffy, dull, and flaky. The skin is another clue. Most often dogs have sensitive skin, but in the case of thyroid disorders they can gain more irritations, in some cases they may have black pigment growing on the skin around the groin area. They will also have itchy areas and allergic reactions or infections. The toenails will become less strong, and they tend to break off or have infections.
Infertility is another symptom of hypothyroid disorder. With females the cycle they go through becomes erratic. This means that it is very hard to gauge when they will be in a fertile state or be in heat. Often times they just pass over being in heat. They may also display a false pregnancy. With male dogs you will see low sperm levels or a decreased desire to mate.
Weight is another area of hypothyroid disorder that is affected. Most usually it is hard to understand the weight gain a dog will experience with this disease because diet, a change in exercise, and other things can cause a weight gain and you may not always notice the weight gain. These are the most common symptoms to look for, but what causes the actual hypothyroidism? The cause is largely undetermined. It is thought to be a genetic disorder, but we don’t really understand why some dog breeds are more commonly affected by this ailment. The most common treatment for hypothyroid is a medication that will synthesize the actual thyroid hormone the dog is not producing. The vet will have to work with the dosage until they get it on the proper level, but the dog can live a relatively normal life by taking the medication every day. In some cases medication for a few months may be enough to help regulate the thyroid into producing the hormone again, but most dogs will be on medication for life. They should be tested every six months to make sure the thyroid levels have not changed or if they have to change medication appropriately.
January 18th 2008 1:53 pm
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Dogs are one of the most wonderful pets you can add to a home. Not only do they show a lot of affection, but they can also be therapeutic for children with issues. Dogs should be loved and treated well, but as we all know that is not always the case. There are over 12,000 cases of animal abuse in the abuse database. Of that amount you will find that more than half is usually dog abuse. We may feel badly about the dog abuse that has been inflicted, but if you are considering going to a rescue shelter to adopt one of these dogs you have to be prepared for certain ramifications. Dog abuse even though it is physical can have lasting psychological effects on the dog. We will explore some of the psychological effects for dogs that have been abused below.
First dog abuse is usually considered to be yelling, screaming, hitting, or injuring the dog in some way. This means that most often dogs who have suffered abuse will have at least some type of psychological effect from verbal abuse and may also have physical damage. In some cases physical damage can actually leave the dog handicapped for the rest of its life or at least with severe health problems. When adopting an abused dog you have to be prepared to take care of all aspects, especially the health issues they may have. So, if you feel you are prepared for the physical demands of the dog care needed for abused dogs let’s look at psychological effects.
Psychological effects generally present themselves as shy or aggressive behaviors. The behavior of the dog may also be extremely destructive to your physical property. Let’s look at the shy behaviors first. In most cases the dog will shy away from being touched or petted. They will hide under beds, in closets, or other spaces they feel you will not notice them in order to keep them from being harmed as that is what they were trained to recognize as human behavior. In some cases the dog may latch onto one person of the household. Typically if the dog has been abused by a male they will be extremely shy and will not approach or be in the same room when a male is present. It is the same if the abuser was a woman. In some cases the dog may stay in the room, but they will not allow the gender of the person to pet them unless they are sitting down. For an example a German Shepherd mix was abused. The history is unclear, but it was plain to see the dog was abused by the behavior of avoiding any large man in the room unless they were sitting down. Only then would the dog hesitantly approach to be petted, even though the dog had been in the vicinity of this person for several months.
Aggression is another way to show the effects of abuse. In most cases the dog will snarl at anyone who tries to approach and they may even attack. In this case of abuse or psychological break it is best to have the dog enter a training course to be rehabilitated. Dogs that have psychological issues can have a behavior therapy that will re- teach them proper behavior. It will also help them to overcome their fears. Lastly when discussing dog abuse we need to look at destructive behavior. Some dogs may not display destructive behavior right away in a new home. It may take time to come to the forefront. In the same example as above a dog began to slowly destroy things around the home. In one instance the dog actually broke through the backdoor. Part of the problem was that the dog needed attention during the day that the owners were not supplying, but the other part was the actual abuse. They needed to show destructive behavior in the hopes that they would get any attention and that it would be several hours worth of that attention good or bad. Again therapy is needed as well as a more active roll.
January 17th 2008 4:05 pm
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There are several wonderful dogs that you may wish to adopt, but how do you make that finally decision? Below you will find information regarding the Afghan hound dog breed in the hopes that you can make a sound decision as to whether their temperament, size, and of course grooming needs are what you are looking for.
The Afghan hound is one of the most beautiful dogs with their long fur coat and aristocratic stance. You will find this dog breed is going to be very sweet, happy, loyal, and intelligent. The Afghan hound has been known for its courage as well as its sensitivity. Things you should know about their temperament include its ability to be around older children and other animals. As affectionate creatures they do well with older children who will exercise them as well as show them the attention they love. They are also good with other animals, especially after socialization. You will need to offer training as a puppy for obedience because they can be quite stubborn if you don’t. They are also very dignified creatures so they are typically not going to jump in water or puddles and play certain games. They can be a little hesitant around strangers, but for family they are very affectionate.
As I mentioned above training is important at the puppy stage. When training an Afghan hound you need to make sure you use a gentle, but firm hand. They are sensitive dogs and can be affected by rough behaviour or even harsh words. Consistency is also warranted when dealing with these dogs. You should allow proper socialization and obedience training before trying to teach them any tricks. For exercise you will find they need to have a fenced in yard and daily walks. While they are not active indoors they do need plenty of space. Their size is part of the reason they need space. When you exercise the dog you need to make sure you exercise them for a half hour each day, with running. They can overheat easily in warm climates or in the summer so you may have to take a break during the exercise to avoid any issues.
The Afghan hound stands between 25 and 27 inches and weighs 50 to 60 pounds. They are usually any colour from cream to black. Typically the hound will have a long light coloured coat, with a dark patch on the back, ears, and around the muzzle. They are not bulky dogs, but rather thin from the face through to the rear. Their face is usually thing with a long narrow muzzle. You will find they have long floppy ears that can be hard to distinguish from their coat. For grooming you need to brush them daily to avoid matting and tangles. You also need to make sure they visit a groomer every six weeks or so to get a trim and their toenails clipped. You will want to make sure you give your Afghan hound a bath frequently to help avoid the matting and tangling of the hair. Often times when you live in a dry climate brushing can cause more of an issue than in a humid climate. It may be easier to seek a groomer who has the proper tools as their coat can be quite difficult to work with.
Afghan hounds make some of the best pets as they are loyal, elegant, and affectionate creatures. You will want to make sure to provide proper nutrition as well as time with your dog. Like most dogs you do not want to leave an Afghan hound alone for too many hours. They strive on attention and affection.
January 16th 2008 3:58 am
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Beagles are well known in the United States and extremely popular based on the cartoon Peanuts that ran in the newspaper for several years and actually created some movies and TV shows. Snoopy has always been popular with children, which of course makes the demand for these dogs in homes. So if you are one of those families that finds the beagle dog breed entertaining you may want to read up on how they came to be, their characteristics, and of course the proper care, training, and grooming.
Beagles are one of the most active dogs you will ever find. They love to play, shower affection, and just generally be a part of any family. They make great pets for anyone who wishes to have a dog with children. You will find that the beagle is a very small dog. In fact they only grow to be about thirteen to fifteen inches in height and weigh at most thirty pounds. They are not the softest pet that you could have, but their little hearts speak for themselves. Their coats are extremely thick, but very coarse and short haired. Most often this type of dog breed will offer tan, white, and black patches. The pattern of the fur will be determined by the parents and ancestry. Some of the beagles are only two colors rather than multi colored.
For grooming care you will find the short to medium length of hair is a moderate shedder, which means that grooming is fairly easy with this breed. The beagle needs to be brushed at least once a week to remove dead or lose hair and keep their skin in perfect health. While they have moderate skin irritation, you do want to make sure you groom them properly. It is not wise to bathe them often. You will also find that a damp towel that is soft works well for removing the hair. Moving from grooming we will discuss some of the training.
Training for any dog is extremely important. The thing you have to remember about the beagle is that they are very active. This means that while they are not as intelligent as other dogs they are able to be trained for a variety of things such as hunting or some tricks. It will take quite a bit of time and patience to get them trained as well. Most often they need a high energetic training course because they can get very bored easily. Obedience training can be a little difficult as they tend to want to play over being trained.
The beagle can be a great therapy dog based on their temperament. We have mentioned that they tend to be very energetic and affectionate, which makes them great for someone who needs the slobbery love of a good pet. They like to be in people’s laps as well as hang out on the floor playing with toys. For this time of characteristics you will find apartment living with small daily walks works out great. Unlike larger dogs they can be quite happy indoors for most of the day. This means that they do need at least one walk in the morning and one in the evening to get the best exercise, but other than that playing around the house and being a little devious will be the most enjoyable options. Make sure that you have plenty of toys for beagles or they may find their own. They can have a few health issues so make sure to provide a healthy diet with the proper nutrition and treats.
January 15th 2008 8:54 am
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There are three types of poodles that you can choose from when you are a poodle fan. First you will have to decide how much room you have for the poodle, and then you will have to decide just what kind of affection you really want from your new dog. The teacup poodle is the smallest poodle breed that you can find. The other two breeds are miniature and standard poodles. The Teacup poodle can only reach a height of ten inches, and are usually about six. They are also about six to nine pounds in weight making them extremely small, like cats. You may also hear the Teacup poodle referred to as the toy poodle.
The toy poodle or Teacup poodle is elegant, affectionate, and sensitive. You will find they are really just a smaller version of larger poodles with the small skull, long, but narrow muzzle, and floppy ears. They also have the characteristic curly fur that is usually shiny and soft. The coat is not as dense, but very pretty. They can be several different colours, from white to black and all those in between. You will usually never see a multi coloured poodle. There are three grooming techniques that groomers usually use. They are Continental clip, English saddle, and the Pet clip. Depending on whether you are going to enter your dog in shows you may just choose the pet clip for easier care of their coat. You have to brush their coat at least once a day to prevent matting and tangling. You will probably want to visit a groomer at least once a month for the clipping, but sometimes you can go a few months.
Their temperament as mentioned above is affectionate, loyal, intelligent, and of course sensitive. You will find they are very active and responsive for their owners, making them one of the easier trained dog breeds. You can work for an hour everyday on training as long as it is fun and active. They love to learn new things and please their owners. They should be socialized as puppies to help them interact with strangers as well as children. You will find they are very amusing to watch as well as entertaining. You will find they can be nervous and a little timid, but proper socialization should take care of most of that. You will also want to train for their incessant barking. If you train the dog to only bark as a watchdog they tend to not bark as much. Some people love teacup poodles, but find after a while the barking is too much, so be prepared that early training is needed to head this off.
Proper care of your teacup poodle is absolutely necessary. You will find with proper nutrition, exercise, and love they can live for 12 to 15 years. They need to have regular baths every six weeks to help reduce some of the health ailments they are susceptible to. They also need to have daily walks. Since they are small a fifteen minute walk is usually all that is needed. You also need to make sure they have a safe place to play. They love to play indoors with toys and of course have interaction with humans. They are okay in apartments, but you may find they are happy with a small backyard. Typical ailments for teacup poodles include heart disease, eye and ear infections, digestive tract issues, and slipped stifle. They can also be affected by anemia.
January 14th 2008 5:22 am
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As you might imagine there are tips for just about any type of pet care or dog care. You will find the following information provided is how to care for your dog during travel. There are of course several modes of travel so you will want to consider everything before taking your dog on a trip.
Dogs can become quite agitated when left alone for too long. They can also become anxious during travel. You need to learn how to relieve some of these problems by preparing for your vacation and the mode you will take. Traveling on a plane is probably the most difficult for a dog to handle. Most dogs will have to be caged, given a sedative that will last most of the flight, and then you will be able to help relieve their anxiety. Some of the smaller dogs can be brought with you on the plane and most often they will not be given a sedative, unless the vet thinks it is necessary. Dogs can get air sick as well so make sure you provide them with plenty of space and water. You may wish to feed them four hours prior to a flight in order to avoid discomfort.
When you are traveling you need to consider the area you are traveling to. There are certain places that cause disease your dog is not vaccinated for. If you have any questions about the vaccinations they have received and may need speak with your veterinarian. You will also want to see your vet about two weeks before you travel to ensure that they are healthy enough for the trip and that you have everything you need as far as vaccinations, medications, and tips for traveling with a dog.
If you are going camping you definitely want to make sure the dog has been treated with a tick and flea medication before leaving. These medications can be purchased through your vet or online from a pet store. Things such as Lyme disease, spotted fever, and other diseases can be on the road when you are camping.
Exercise is also very important especially if you will be traveling by car, truck or RV. They will need to have stops along the way as well as exercise outside of the vehicle during the trip. Even if it is a road trip you need to spend at least twenty minutes every three hours at a rest stop letting the dog out. They will need to have bathroom breaks, water and food during the journey.
Items that you may wish to bring should include: a crate, first aid kit, familiar toys- to relieve anxiety, dog food, treats, their leash, a spare collar, food and water bowls, their tags, vaccination records, and grooming tools. You may also want to have an extra set of tags just in case they loose their collar.
If you are going to leave them in the car during your meal breaks make sure you have provided them with enough air, food, shade, and water. It is best to park in the best-shaded area even if you have to walk a little to the restaurant. They are already going to be a little anxious so adding to it is not a good thing. You may want to bring them to the outside of the restaurant for exercise where they can see you and you can see them. You will of course need to make sure they are tied to a post of some sort. Taking your dog on a trip can be very demanding for them so you need as much comfort as possible.
January 13th 2008 12:17 pm
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When we decide to get a dog for our home we are taking on the care, responsibility of someone depending on us, and of course the other aspects of owning a pet. Dogs require a great deal of care and when they are puppies you should view them like infants or toddlers. They are very dependent on you and while they grow fast training is essential during the puppy stage. We are going to look at puppy proofing your home and what to expect when bringing a puppy home.
The first thing you need to look at is how old the puppy actually is. Most usually a puppy that is six weeks will be weaned from the mother and can go to a new home. This means that they have very little training if any. A puppy that is perhaps two to three months old may already have some house training. So there are supplies you need to have as well as things you should do before brining the puppy home.
It is always best to read up on the type of dog breed you have. You will need to learn about the general development of the breed, common ailments, and of course what training you should expect them to learn for a pet. You also need to have a collar, leash, dog bowls, kennel, and training supplies. Training supplies to help your puppy become house trained is usually a lot of newspaper and certain rewards. There are certain dog supplies that will help teach the dog not to pee on the carpet or in the home. You will also want to make sure to take them out frequently in the first few days they are home. When training a puppy to be house broken you want to teach them commands or behaviors to make sure they understand they need to let you know when they need to go. If a bark or just brining the leash is the command you would like you can train the dog for this. You may also want to have a dog book regarding training in your supply list.
House training is just a small part of preparing to bring a puppy home. Like toddlers who can walk and grab just about anything you will find that puppies are curious in nature. They will run around in a home, they will pick up things that are left lying out, and they may even try to eat dropped food. You need to make sure any breakable items are on a stable shelf, high up to where they cannot jump or swat it with a paw. You also need to make sure any pillows, blankets, clothing, or shoes that you don’t want ruined are placed in a closet that they cannot get into. When you are gone for the day it is important to leave them in their own room, like a laundry room. Make sure they have plenty of space to run around, but that they can’t escape into areas of the home they may have accidents in or that are not puppy proof.
You will want to establish right away where their quarters are. They may whine a little being left alone in a room, but it will eventually help them to sleep at night as well as learn who the master is. You should have a comfortable spot with food, water, and a dog bed so that they can feel at home. In the first few days it is important to establish the rules of the house for them as well as a routine for eating and getting daily exercise.
Faith - Puppy Dog Toys
January 11th 2008 6:50 am
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Poodles are one of the most loved dogs around the country. It seems that their temperament, as well as their ability to be great show dogs has endeared them to many dog owners. If you are interested in having a poodle for a pet you should consider first what type of poodle. There are three sizes of poodle from the miniature, standard, and teacup poodle. We will be discussing the characteristics of the standard poodle in this article to help you make your decision.
The standard poodle will generally reach a height of 15 inches to about 20 inches. They will also weigh about 45 to 70 pounds. The standard poodle is considered a medium dog with a large body and smaller head. The head of the poodle is generally characterized by a narrow, but long muzzle, floppy ears, and a small angular skull. You will find the coat is generally curly, unless it has been sheared short. The coat should be soft, with natural oils, and rather luxurious looking. You will find that the coat is usually white, cream, black, blue, red, pink, gray, silver, and other single colors. A poodle will not have a mixed coat. They have a medium length tail to go with the rest of the body, and it is usually fluffy on the end.
The standard poodle has one of the most pleasing temperaments for show dogs. They tend to be elegant when they walk, full of dignity, and they are very well behaved. You will find they are extremely intelligent as well as trainable. The intelligence and eagerness to please will make training easy even in obedience classes. Unlike the miniature poodle you usually won’t find the standard poodle doing tricks that are beneath their elegance. The standard poodle is also the calmest of the three types. They don’t tend to be really energetic in play and they do not like being left alone. They are very dependent on their owners for affection and play time. They are great with children, but again it may help to socialize the poodle for the best results. The standard poodle tends to be wary of strangers, but on the whole friendly. They make good guard dogs, and don’t bark as much as the miniature poodle.
For care you should realize that the standard poodle coat does take a great deal of grooming. It is best to seek a professional groomer at least once a month to keep the coat looking beautiful and soft. You should also brush the standard poodle daily to keep the hair from tangling or matting. The standard poodle does need a daily walk and they love to play in water. They are not as demanding as some breeds when it comes to exercise, but it is best to give them plenty of time outdoors to exercise. They can live in apartments as they tend to be inactive indoors as long as they get exercise outside. You will find this breed can suffer from hip dysplasia, eyes and ear infections, and Von Willebrand’s Disease. For most standard poodles the life expectancy is going to be 12 to 15 years. When you are considering owning a dog it is important that you are willing to make the commitment for their life. Most dog breeds, and especially poodles will get attached to their owners. This can make it difficult if you can not handle the care of the pet and have to give it up. It is recommended for any adoption that you weigh all aspects of owning a dog before adopting.
Faith
Dog Collars
January 10th 2008 3:26 am
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Many first time dog owners have many questions about whether their dog will be good around other pets, around cats, and of course around children. You will find that most dog breeds have specific information on whether they can actually be around other pets. You may have seen stories of dogs adopting little baby chicks or becoming friendly with deer, but are the stories really true? For the most part you have to be very careful with dogs around other pets. There are certain breeds of dogs that tend to have affection for cats; however you will find that some dog breeds are not ideal. Below you will find a list of some of the dogs that will do well with cats and some reasons as to why. You should also realize that making this important decision before owning a new dog or before introducing a cat into your home with a dog is an important aspect of caring for your dog.
First dogs take a lot of care. You will find that most dog breeds need to be walked for at least fifteen minutes a day if not an hour. They also need a lot of affection and attention throughout the day with play time, training time, and of course their bathroom breaks. So before you introduce a cat into your home with a dog you have to make sure you are willing and able to take care of both pets. Cats are easier to handle as they are mostly able to have a food bowl on the floor constantly and can be trained to use the litter box. They generally need affection as well, but not always the amount a dog requires. Once you have made the decision that you can handle two types of pets you need to look at the breed of dog you have.
Dog breeds that you need to stay away from with small pets include Great Danes, Affenpinschers, Sheepdogs, hounds, and hunting dogs. You will find that most large dog breeds do not do well around small animals. For larger dog breeds like the hounds or Great Danes they were taught to hunt. Their instincts are to hunt the cat rather than allow it peace. Even if they understand the cat is part of the family they can also be too rough on the cat. For instance German Shepherds love to play. They will adopt a new family member well, especially cats, but they can be extremely rough on the smaller animal, not understanding the gentleness needed even during play. This is the major concern with all dogs and cats. Dogs tend to be rougher during play and most breeds have been breed for working as hunters or hounds, which mean they prey on smaller animals for their masters to catch in the hunt.
Dog breeds that can do well with cats include German Shepherds, Boxers, Labradors, and the smaller dog breeds such as small Terriers, Beagles, Basset Hounds, and Collies. What you must realize with any dog is that training is extremely important in these cases. You will find that German Shepherds all though they can be harmful to cats can be trained to behave around smaller pets. During training you need to socialize the dog with other dogs as well as cats or other animals they may be around. The idea is that at an early age if the dog understands the behaviour required of them around other more delicate pets they will be able to live in harmony rather than harming them. So yes dogs and cats can live together as long as the proper training and precautions are taken.
January 9th 2008 3:02 am
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The American Eskimo dog is one of the most beautiful dog breeds you will find. This dog is of medium size offering a white, cream, or biscuit colour. They’re size proportions are 30 to 40 pounds and an average height of 12- 19 depending on the gender of the animal. You will find that in most cases the male dog is slightly bigger than the female. Going back to the coat for a moment you will find that with the longer hair they tend to shed a little more in warmer months, but typically in Alaska and other cold parts of the country they will not shed very much. The coat is a double fur with a thick undercoat for warmth and a top coat that is very soft and bushy. The coat will usually be straight. The tail on this particular dog will curl up like most of the Husky breeds to lie on the back. The muzzle is long, and they have short pointed ears.
The American Eskimo dog has a long history dating back to German settlers. Apparently the dog breed is descended from the Spitz breed. You will also be glad to learn that this particular dog was a working in circuses for many years. This means that along with the affection and intelligence they show you will also find an agility and alertness that makes them a true companion. They can learn many skills in training from tricks to actual work with dog sleds. They are a hardy breed, which means they do not have many health issues. You will also find that they enjoy large families. The American Eskimo dog will be really great with children as well as other pets. They can be suspicious of strangers, but most often you will find they are quick to get over these feelings. In fact they will bark as a stranger approaches and make great guard dogs. American Eskimo dogs need a lot of attention, which means part of their care is the amount of exercise, playtime, and general time you spend with them.
You will need to be around the dog for most of the day. This means frequent trips home during the day if you work out of the home to offer playtime as well as exercise. They should have at least an hour of exercise a day and you should never leave them alone while you are on vacation. They tend to become destructive if they are isolated for long periods of time. You will find that they are great at giving love as well as receiving it. For training you will find they are easy to please. This means that they will enjoy the training because they get to play and they will listen to your commands and be very alert. You may have some trouble with obedience, but most often that is short lived with a firm, but gentle hand.
This dog breed needs a large backyard and home. They can do okay in apartments as long as most of the day is spent out side playing. They are also very active indoors so make sure you have plenty of toys for them to enjoy. For grooming you will find that the care is a little more in depth than other pets. The American Eskimo dog needs to have a daily brushing after their walk in the evening. This will help keep the hair from matting as well as tangles. It will also get rid of any dead or loose hair they may have. They have dry skin so bathing is not recommended.
January 8th 2008 2:29 am
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Are you looking for unconditional love, someone to give you affection, and someone who always wants to play? If you are then you are probably looking for your next pet. A dog makes one of the best pets you can have, as they love to play, shower attention on their owners, and of course love you. When you are choosing your dog you have to be aware of certain issues. There are dog breeds that have certain medical conditions and there are others that are more working dogs than playmates. The following is going to be a few tips on what you need to consider before purchasing your dog.
If you already have a dog breed in mind you may wish to do a little more research before you go pick them up. A lot of animal shelters carry both mutts and dog breeds depending on where they got them. You also have a choice between pet shops and breeders to find the correct dog for you. Every breed is going to have characteristics that may make him or her the best pet or may make you think a little harder. It is very important that you know exactly the type of dog you wish to have before purchasing one.
You need to consider the dog breed’s temperament. Some dogs are very social and love to be around strangers, children, and other dogs. Other dog breeds tend to be a little less friendly and need a little training before they will be the best pets. A few suggestions for the friendliest dogs include: Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Maltese, Yorkie, Beagle, Basset Hound, Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels.
Grooming and dog care are also very important when you are considering a dog. Dogs like the Old English Sheepdog, Akita, Huskies, and German Shepherd are a few dogs that need to have extra care when grooming. All pets need to have water, appropriate food, and time with their owners, however these dogs have special grooming needs. The Old English Sheepdog is just one of the dogs that suffers from medical issues as does the Golden Retriever. When choosing a dog you need to understand the attention and care they will need to make sure you are compatible.
There are different training techniques for the many breeds of dogs. Some dogs require a lot of stimuli during training so they will not become board. Other dogs are extremely patient and very intelligent making training a little easier. German shepherds for example take repetitive training as well as consistency, however they are very intelligent animals. A Affenpinscher may require a bit more attention as they tend to be a little more hyper. They often take a firm hand, and a lot of activity during training to keep them interested.
Depending on the size of dog you are wishing to purchase you need to know if you have a large enough yard, will keep them in the house during the day, or if your flat is large enough. German shepherds, Old English sheepdogs, and huskies require a lot of room to move around a home and have a medium sized yard. They require quite a bit of exercise. On the other hand small dogs such as Yorkies need a smaller yard, home, and exercise to be happy. Of course the more room you have for a pet the better you and the dog will be.
Dogs are wonderful creatures and often you will already know your favorite dog breed long before you enter the pet shop, animal shelter, or speak with a dog breeder. There are of course many details about the dog you will need to know such as care, health, temperament, and characteristics.
Dog Leads
January 7th 2008 3:33 am
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The dachshund is one of the more affectionate dogs you can have in your home with children. When you are considering offering a home to this dog breed it is important that you understand the grooming, training, and care needed. You will find all the information you need to make a sound decision below.
The dachshund is a very small dog and often referred to as a Weiner dog because of their shape. The dachshund is a very sleek looking dog that rises about 5 to 9 inches off of the ground. A health dachshund should never be more than 20 pounds, most usually they are about 11 pounds. You will find this breed is typically cream, white, black, or tan. They can also be a mix of colours like black and tan. It will depend on what the parents looked like as to what colour they may be. You will find that the dachshund has floppy ears and a silk appearance to the coat. The coat or hair is going to be short and very easy to groom. In fact when you consider the care of these dogs you will find that they do not need to be groomed, but once a week to help remove any dead or loose hair they may be carrying around. They have a muscular body that offers a sleek look about them and their muzzle is generally narrow and long.
Dachshund dogs are usually very affectionate pets. You will find they do really well in families with little children as well with other types of pets. They are a loyal and intelligent breed that has often been used for hunting badgers, foxes, and otters. The dachshund can even be a good watchdog. They tend to bark a little more than some of the other dog breeds, but most usually on the approach of a stranger or car at the residence. You will find that the dachshund characteristics mean that they will be dominant unless it is trained out of them. The intelligence of this dog breed will allow its training to go rather easily once obedience has been seen too. During obedience they may be a little stubborn. They also need socialization training to make sure they do well around children and other pets. It is best to train this dog with a consistent, gentle, but firm hand. Most dogs are very sensitive so you should never be unduly harsh.
The proper care of a dachshund means that you give them the proper nutrition daily and offer a short walk on a daily basis. The dachshund, unless you prod it tends to be more of a docile creature. They can exhibit energy, but most often they will be content to sit at your feet and play with a toy every now and then. They do well in apartments for this very reason. If you have a backyard they will go out and play every once in a while. They tend to overeat, and the lack of exercise can make them over weight. It is important to set up a feeding regime with these dogs rather than leave the food out during the day. You should always give them plenty of water though. Some of the problems a dachshund can have include skin irritations, heart disease, and back issues. Since they are prone to back issues it is important that they do not jump a lot when they are playing. In other words you should never hold up a toy and have them jump three or four feet to try and get it.
January 6th 2008 11:04 am
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There are several different dog breeds out there that you can choose from when adding to your family. One of those dog breeds is the Pug. A Pug is a smaller dog that offers intelligence, loyal and a lot of affection for their owners. Below you will learn about their history, care, training, and grooming needs to see if they will fit into your family.
The pug is originally from China. They are thought to be a cross between a Pekingese and a bulldog. You will find that the pug usually grows to ten or eleven inches and they are about fourteen to sixteen pounds. You may recognize the pug from some of the movies or commercials as they have been in quite a few. The pug was actually used in Men in Black, among others. Characteristically you will find the pug has a wide face, but a short snort, a muscular body that actually makes their head look larger, and floppy ears. They usually have a black mask around the eyes and black on the ears and some on the legs. Typically this dog breed is going to be tan, but they can be silver. They have short hair making grooming fairly easy on the owner. Grooming usually needs to be done on a daily basis for the ears, eyes and face. They tend to have eye and ear infections and the slobber can get into the folds on their face and cause skin irritations so it is really important to take a soft wet cloth to their face and ears. Their coats are short haired, which makes it easy to brush or rub down with a towel once a week to remove dead or loose hair.
As for other care they do need to have a little bit of exercise daily. They don’t usually take long walks, but fifteen minutes at a time with a little playtime around the house is great. They like to play with toys for the most part. They tend to be susceptible to heatstroke so don’t over exert them when they are out of doors. You will find that a healthy diet usually consists of protein, and you may want to speak with a vet about heart problems they can have. They tend to have genetic issues related to heart disease and therefore may need special diets.
The pug can be a jealous dog, which means they don’t do well in households with small children who require a lot of care. In fact the pug would rather have all of the attention. So it is important that they go through obedience training as well as socialization training. They can be extremely happy, friendly, and loyal dogs. The pugs are also sensitive to voice changes. This means that they tend to exhibit the emotions around them and can feel despair. The pug should never be aggressive or shy, but constantly happy. If they are not left alone for several hours each day or while you are on vacation they will definitely continue the happy life. When you train these dogs it is important that you use a gentle, but firm hand. Consistency is going to be the key to this dogs training as well. They can be a little lazy so some times you may mistake laziness for intelligence. Just keep in mind that diligence as a part of training will be most successful.
With the many dog breeds that exist it can be a hard decision to make, but you should know that pugs are wonderful in households with older generations as well as a one pet family.
January 5th 2008 12:30 pm
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Taking care of your dogs is extremely important. You will find that dogs need to be taken care of to avoid certain diseases and that some of the other diseases are genetic. With genetic diseases you will find that they are difficult to prevent, which means that if your dog is susceptible you will be unable to prevent the disease, but there is much that you can do to help your dog through such diseases. When you are talking about prevention of dog diseases you do need to understand the inner workings of some of the more popular ailments of dogs. We will look at a brief overview of some of the dog diseases that you can prevent.
First it may be a surprise to you, but there are many dogs that have issues with the ears and eyes. Most of the dog breeds that suffer from ear or eye infections tend to have long hair that gets in the way of these two areas. Dogs that have long fur tend to have hair that will grow around the eyes and fall into the eyes. While the hair is part of their body it can cause infections based on the oils as well as the dirt that may be on the hair. You will want to make sure that when you groom your dog you remove any hairs that are near the dog’s eyes. Poodles, some terriers, and English Sheepdogs tend to be a few of the breeds that suffer from eye infections. To prevent these eye infections grooming around the eyes should be done once a month. In other words that means that you should check their eyes daily for infection and remove any hairs that have grown in the way, and once a month you should trim around the area. For ear infections you will find that ticks and other small insects can get into the ears. This means that you have to keep the ears clean on a daily basis. You should check to make sure there are no insects in the canals and that any dirt is removed. Hair can also cause ear infections in certain breeds like the Mexican Chihuahua that tends to grow hair in the ears and cause infections. When you are worried about eye and ear infections for your dog breed you should make sure to use a soft wet cloth around the areas each day to prevent any such infection from occurring.
Another dog disease that can be a difficult is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is one of the most common ailments you will find in large dogs. Hip dysplasia is caused when the hip bones do not form properly. There really is no reason for the bones not to form, but most believe it has something to do with a calcium deficiency during the puppy stages. Hip dysplasia can be treated in a variety of ways. In English Sheepdogs they tend to cut the tail short to prevent the issues. In some cases they offer nutrition and calcium supplements to help your dog grow the bones as a puppy that they need.
Diabetes is another common ailment in dogs that has been seeing an increase like it has in people. You see with most diabetes cases there is a direct link to an improper diet as well as improper exercise. Diabetes is luckily treated with medication as well as changing the diet of your dog so it can be prevented. In some cases after a dog has suffered diabetes and the nutrition and exercise has been fixed the dog may not need to have medication for life. You will find that most dog breeds can suffer from this disease.
January 4th 2008 3:32 am
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The Jack Russell Terrier is one of the most popular dog breeds to have in a home. They are full of life and one of the cutest pets. The Jack Russell is a small dog only growing to fourteen inches and seventeen pounds. Their characteristics include small floppy ears, a short tail, and short legs with oversized paws. They are typically white with tan or black. They usually have a brown spot on the side or back, near the neck, and their ears and head are usually a mask of tan. The snout is short, with narrow set eyes. They are constant shedders despite the short hair.
The Jack Russell began its life in England in the 19th century. They were used for hunting, digging, and burrowing into foxholes and dens. Today they are still popular for the hunts as well as for pets. You will find that even though they are small they are hardy and loyal. They tend to be fearless, with their big heart. You will find that they can be quite vocal with their bark, but it is more the large bark than a yappy sound. In fact they’re bark is much stronger than their size. They are very loyal dogs and therefore they make excellent guard dogs. You will find they are better with older children as they like the well behaved over the harsh treatment of younger children. They are amusing as well as very active dogs. You will find that they have strong hunting instincts, which makes them difficult for smaller pet households. They do need a lot of attention from their owners so beware.
Training of the Jack Russell Terrier can be difficult. They tend to display determination, stubbornness and dominance. You will need to have a consistent hand, be firm, and provide a lot of different activities. They can become bored rather easily. They also need to know who is master. If they feel they can be master you will have obedience issues. Training should begin as a puppy and continue on through adulthood. They do need a little socialization, but are relatively friendly dogs on the whole. Keep in mind training should use the agility they can display.
For care you will find a protein diet is essential to keep their energy up. You will also find that despite the energy they can have weight issues. They should be fed three times a day, with small meals. You should always give them plenty of water. They need minimal grooming, such as a weekly brushing, and should not be bathed unless necessary. Jack Russell’s need to have their nails trimmed on a regular basis. They are prone to deafness, glaucoma, epilepsy, allergies, and skin problems. You should also provide plenty of exercise. They need to have constant stimulation indoors and out. This means long walks, plenty of toys, and preferably a home with a yard. They can be destructive if left alone with nothing to do.
If you wish to have a Jack Russell Terrier in your life you need to be prepared for the attention they need. They do best in homes that have at least one person home for most of the day. They also need to be walked at least twice a day and they thrive on chasing balls and catching sticks. You will find that any mentally stimulating activity will keep them happy. Care of any dog is important and understanding the commitment you need to make is very important. Many find that the Jack Russell becomes too much to handle for a two career family. Make sure you have thought this over before seeking a breeder for a puppy.
January 3rd 2008 4:11 am
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The Great Dane as his name suggests means he or she is a very large dog in the dog breeds. You will find the Great Dane to be an excellent family companion or guard dog. Typically the Great Dane dog breed is considered a working dog, but you can just teach him a few tricks and play. The Great Dane is also known as the gentle giant because while he appears fierce, this dog is actually very gentle and affectionate.
This dog breed typically reaches a hundred or more pounds, with a maximum height of thirty- two inches. They are rarely seen in any other color besides black or blue. They can be brindle, fan masked with black, or white with black patches. You will find they are a short haired dog making grooming rather easy for you. They should always have a shiny coat that is thick. For |
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