Aqua Articles

February 26, 2007

Facts on Blue Pitbulls

Filed under: Other Pets — gregwatson @ 7:49 pm

By Dane Stanton

The rise in popularity of blue pitbulls has been on the rise the past decade with the ever-increasing interest in the dogs themselves. The interest is spawned from the media coverage that a pitbull gets when it attacks someone however; this fact is pretty uncommon also. It”s hard to say how many people are attacked by pitbulls in a year because many are owners attacked and go largely unreported however, on average in the United States there are only a reported 3-4 cases a year. There is no reason to speculate on why or try to understand why these things happen but blue pitbulls haven”t been an issue, yet.

What is a Blue Pitbull?

A blue pitbull is a pitbull is interbred with another species of pitbull to achieve the desired effects such as a blue pitbull. In Ireland many hundreds of years ago, the breeders wouldn”t allow this practice to happen because they kept pedigrees a secret and it was thought of as a highly protected secret. This ties in to blue pitbulls because when the gene pool is relatively small it can increase recessive traits such as blue pitbulls.

The blue pitbull is just a dilution of black that looks blue to the human eye and the regular pitbull started getting variety called the blue pitbull. Its imperative to realize having said this that sometimes breeding these dogs to one another for too many generations can cause unknown and known problems and perhaps this is the case of excessive aggression displayed in some blue pitbulls.

How Can I Get a Blue Pitbull and What is the Cost?

A blue pitbull can be extremely hard to locate because they are very rare and in high demand so its not a common thing to find one. Most pitbull breeders, if they have a blue pedigree will constantly try to breed them to produce more but there is no guaranteed equation to make a blue pitbull. The breeders try to have them but due to these reasons it is sometimes a lengthy wait to acquire this rare pet. The general rule of thumb in trying to find a blue pitbull is to put your name on a waiting list and then once they become available you can go and have your pick of the litter.

For a price. Blue pitbulls are extremely expensive and depending on how many dogs were in the litter, and what order of litter picking you are, the price can be even more inflated for first choice, second choice and so on. Blue pitbulls can be upwards of two thousand dollars and usually a down payment is required much like buying a house.

About The Author

To learn more about Pitbulls or more specifically blue pitbulls, then check out PitBullSuccess.com A comprehensive resource covering every topic about pit bulls. Loads of information including articles, pictures, books and more… Take a look for yourself at http://www.pitbullsuccess.com/

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Traits and Characteristics

Filed under: Other Pets — gregwatson @ 2:25 pm

By Jake Kennedy

Before you bring a Staffordshire bull terrier puppy into your home, make sure you know what owning a ”Staffy” entails. Bear in mind that the cute little puppy you have set your heart on will grow into a powerful and muscular animal which will require firm handling and lots of time and energy. This breed of dog is very strong and requires firmness and consistency while training. You need to be sure that you wish to commit yourself to your dog”s welfare for the next 10 -12 years.

Of course, the Staffordshire bull terrier has many wonderful inherent characteristics – he is a dog with special intrinsic qualities, which makes him an endearing pet. The Stafford is renowned for its affinity with humans and is exceptionally good with children and infants. Adored and adoring within their own family circle, these dogs are more than happy to share your home with you rather than spending long periods on their own in a kennel. They really enjoy getting involved in family activities like car rides, going on hikes and walks, romping on the beach, and especially cuddling up with you when you settle down for an evening of TV watching or reading. Staffords will also often be boisterously welcoming with visitors and you and your friends have to be ready for this. These dogs are incredibly like humans in a furry form!

Although each dog will have its own individual personality traits, there are some personality characteristics common to all dogs of this breed. Staffords are tough, courageous, tenacious, and stubborn by temperament. They are also very protective, curious, active, quick and agile. The Staffordshire bull terrier is highly intelligent and being ever eager to please, he will give you and your family a lifetime of devotion.

As puppies, these dogs need to chew on anything they can set their teeth into and need a safe alternative to furniture, toys and clothing for their busy jaws. Stafford puppies love to play rough, but you must make it clear right from the start who is the boss. This is not a difficult task if you begin working with your Staffie when she or he is a puppy. Puppies require a lot of time and patience and to housebreak will require double the effort and twice the patience. Of course, these puppies love people and need to be comforted and loved in return.

When a Stafford shows its teeth in a snarl, it can be rather disconcerting. They look tough and strikingly menacing, but because of their natural fondness for people, DO NOT make good guard dogs. These dogs can be trained for agility and competitive obedience.

The Staffordshire bull terrier does everything with persistence, passion and intensity. Totally fearless and curious, these dogs love a challenge and variety. These energetic dogs are active from dawn to dusk, and are unable to be left for long periods without outside stimulation. Whilst they thrive on being with people, they react if challenged by another dog. Born fighters, these dogs possess the strength and tenacity of the Bulldog with the exceptional athletic ability of the Terrier. Staffords also have no fear of traffic and sadly often become road accident victims.

These trustworthy dogs with their sound temperament are faithful companions to humans all through their life.

About The Author

For More Info On ”Staffies” Staffordshire Bull Terriers Website.

Visit our Staffordshire Bull Terrier forum for more info on the dog breed and to meet with other Staffy lovers.

February 23, 2007

The Ancient Elegance Of Arabian Horses In The Modern World

Filed under: Other Pets — gregwatson @ 2:34 pm

By Riley Hendersen

Horse enthusiasts will often regale you with stories of their predisposition towards a particular breed. Whether it”s the horse they grew up loving or the horse they always admired, there is often a strong attachment to one kind of horse over another.

But when it comes to a long history of admiration, no other breed comes close to Arabian horses; a breed long held in great esteem by nations far and wide.

The most ancient breed of riding horses, they have unclear origins as a wild horse. But experts believe that the breed was domesticated by the Bedouin, an ancient Middle Eastern tribe that resided along the Arabian Peninsula.

This arid land, belonging in today”s world to Iran, Iraq, and Syria, was known for its inhospitable climate. The Bedouin relied on Arabian horses for their dependability in the heat and dryness of the desert and used them for lengthy treks in wartime.

Arabian horses were so relied upon and revered by the Bedouin that firm rules were established regarding the breeding of the horse. And even today they continue to be the only true purebred horse. But the reverence of these horses can most significantly be traced to the prophet Mohammed whose followers used the horses as they rode from village to village in seventh century AD spreading the word of Allah.

Mohammed elevated the breed”s status still by proclaiming Arabian horses to be gifts from God that must be treated with kindness and respect. The breed”s close connection with their owners established a strong human compatibility; today”s horses are still highly intelligent and engage easily with man.

The Arabian horses of today also maintain the regal beauty of the ancient breed. While the modern horses are somewhat smaller in build, they have the same elegant stature as their ancient counterparts – imparting nobility and grace.

Their bodies are muscular and athletic, their eyes wide-set, their ears small, and their forehead large and broad. The profile of the Arabian horse, however, is by far its most distinguishing feature – both significantly curved and finely chiseled.

Today”s breed of horses also continue to hold the same mass appeal as it always has; ownership often marks success and nobility in many cultures. The breed also shows well and is often used in horse shows and horse racing where they compete wholeheartedly and without hesitation.

But most importantly, Arabian horses continue to maintain their amiable personalities that make them so likeable and preferred by owners. Their intelligence and the ease with which they are trained make them an extremely popular breed.

And those who are enthusiasts of Arabian horses will always remind you of the breed”s stunning beauty and distinguishing features. For this reason, it”s no wonder the horses have been so popular in movie making over the years, starring in films as far back as the 1920s. But no matter what the future holds for horses, it is certain that Arabian horses will continue their reign as a breed revered above all others.

About The Author

For more information on horses, try visiting http://www.interestinghorses.com – a website that specializes in providing horse related tips, advice and resources including information on Arabian horses.

February 22, 2007

Care for Your Giant Green Iguana

Filed under: Other Pets — gregwatson @ 6:00 pm

By Dane Stanton

So you”re here looking for tips on how to care for your Giant Green Iguana so you have purchased one or are hoping to purchase one. There are some things you definitely need to know before setting out on this desire. These Iguanas can grow up to six feet in length and need plenty of room in the house to design or buy for it. These animals can live for up to fifteen years and it is the largest of all iguanas being held in captivity.

About the Giant Green Iguana

The Green Iguana is a daytime active iguana that originates from the bowels of Central and South America and is extremely wanted by lizard all lizard standards. The Giant Iguana is a tree living being so it needs plenty of plant life in its habitat and this is an important feature to remember when you are selecting things to house your new pet.

How Do I House My Giant Green Iguana?

This is the most essential part of owning this breed of Iguana in the manner in which you house them due to their size as well as the fact that iguanas by nature are prone to disease and because of their lizard nature, they hide illness for survival in the wild. To begin with, your iguana will be small and you”ll use a small tank but as it grows and matures, you will need to have a big custom made tank and it”s advisable to do that prior to your needing it.

The top of the cage or aquarium needs to be made from wire to provide heat, light and ventilation and it is best to not keep your pet outside due to the effects of the sun on a glass enclosure is likened to a magnifying glass.

Lighting For Your Giant Green Iguana

The Giant Green Iguana, like any lizard is required to have at least 12-14 hours of sunlight or artificial light a day. Generally this can be purchased from any local hardware store to provide your new pet with the essential requirement for lights. A commercial 50-watt bulb can be sufficient when placed properly with a clamp light and alternate the schedule by turning the lights on and off every 12-14 hours. A very easy and cheap timer can be used so you don”t forget about the light cycle.

About The Author

To learn more about Iguanas or more specifically Giant Green Iguana”s, then check out IguanaInstitute.com – A comprehensive resource covering every topic about iguanas. Loads of information including articles, pictures, books and more… Take a look for yourself at www.iguanainstitute.com

The Yorkshire Terrier – A Little Dog With A Lot Of Energy

Filed under: Other Pets — gregwatson @ 5:23 pm

By Lee Dobbins

The Yorkshire terrier was named for the place where it is believed to have originated from, Yorkshire, England. When they were originally bred they were much larger than they are today. The smaller size was achieved by selective breeding.

They were originally bred to chase and kill small rodents like field mice. Because of their long hair women use to use them as feet warmers during church services. They have now become a fashion statement with woman carrying them in their purses and dressing them for all occasions.

The fist known showing was in a dog show, where the standard characteristics are the same as today, was in 1870. The American Kennel Club admitted the Yorkshire terrier to the AKC toy group in 1878. The dog usually is six-seven inches in height and weighs an average of seven pounds. The have a general life span of 12-15 years.

They are judged on their overall characteristics. This includes their hair. The coat should be like fine silk, be ultra long with a part down the spine. It should fall on either side of the body and lay straight. The tail, which has been docked, should be level with the back. The Yorkshires head is considered flat, the muzzle length is medium with a black nose, and the teeth are regular. The “V” shaped ears can either stand erect or semi-erect. The limbs of the dog are straight and the feet are round with black toenails. The coat is tan in color and the body and tail are considered steal blue.

These dogs are high energy and very curious which can get them into trouble. But they are a very loyal breed, especially towards their owners. They are very brave, quite clever, and affectionate. They tend to be a little hardheaded and demanding. They will need lots of attention from their owner. Their disposition is usually very loving and sweet. If they are startled or scared they may become snappy.

Yorkshire terriers are a little fragile; falls could easily lead to fractures. They can have problems in the spinal and hindquarter areas. They can herniated the disks and suffer from paralysis. Early tooth decay is also something to watch out for. They are prone to bouts of Bronchitis.

A Yorkshire terrier does not require a lot of exercise, making it a good breed for apartment type housing. You should give it opportunities to run and play, though. They like the warmer climates because they are sensitive to the cold.

Although they shed little to no hair you should brush your Yorkshire regularly, preferable daily but at least once a week. This will help keep the coat shiny and tangle free. Their hair should be trimmed occasionally. Make sure you clean their teeth to help prevent tooth decay.

About The Author

Lee Dobbins writes for Dog Breeds 123 where you can learn more about all breeds of dogs as well as see photos of the Yorkshire Terrier.

What Are The Best Pond Filters?

Filed under: Other Pets — gregwatson @ 10:46 am

By Allen Jesson

Although a natural pond does not require the use of a pond filter a man made pond can only benefit from its use. Pond filters are designed to break down toxins within the water usually caused by decaying organic particles, if a pond filter is not used to remove this physical dirt your pond could be at risk of having poor pond water which could result in health problems for any fish living within the pond.

Depending on the size of your pond and how many fish you have will determine the type and size of the pond filter you need. Once installed the pond filter will keep both the water free from particles that can cause the water to be murky, smelly and even toxic, your fish and pond plants will also benefit from the pond filter as they will be healthier.

Pond filters not only optimise the viewing of your pond by cleaning the water for enhanced viewing of the fish, plants and inhabitants pond filters also conserve water by cleaning and recycling the ponds original water, When the water is pumped back into your pond it keeps the pond water which also helps to reduce the risk of the pond becoming stagnant.

There are several different types of pond filters to choose from all of which will produce a noticeable difference to any garden pond.

External Filters

External pond filters are usually the largest type of pond filter available. They are situated outside of the pond but close to it. They are usually filled with large sheets of foam with porous or plastic stone biological media underneath.
The biggest advantage of external pond filters is the improvement of the water quality it is also possible to add different filer media to serve other purposes should you have a specific problem with your pond. Having the pond filter outside of the pond makes the unit a lot easier to clean also the external pond filter supports the largest fish load.

The only disadvantage is the size and visibility however it is quite easy to disguise the pond filter behind pond plants making it less visible.

Submersed Filters

These pond filters are extremely versatile and are filled with a mixture of filter media for different types of filtration including chemical, mechanical and biological filtration. The advantages of this type of pond filter is not only the cleanliness of the water but the pond filter can also be used for other purposes such as water fountains, pond spitters and many other water based pond feature.

The only disadvantage is this type of pond filter is submersed in the water which may mean that you will need to stand in the pond to retrieve it depending on where it is situated when you decide to clean it.

When purchasing pond filters you will find that pet shops are always happy to help you chooses the right filter to suit your pond, take the time to ask someone in the shop and explain what sort of pond you have it is also wise to have a rough idea of the size and how many fish reside with it to make sure the best pond filter is selected.

About The Author

Allen Jesson writes for several sites including Seapets, a leading source for Pond Filters and hot dog training tips and training for dogs.

February 21, 2007

Is It a Medical Cat Peeing Problem or Is It Cat Spraying?

Filed under: Other Pets — gregwatson @ 2:00 pm

By Rona Limsy

Many cat owners are puzzled when their cats start to pee all over the house. It can be quite a nightmare trying to remove the smell of cat pee! But more importantly, you may be very worried that your cat is having some ill health or disease.

Before you get sick with worry (or overly frustrated), do take a minute to see if your cat is having a medical peeing problem or if your cat is in fact spraying to mark its territory.

You can tell the difference between a cat”s normal peeing and spraying by this:

If your cat is peeing normally, it would squat to do it and this usually lasts for a few seconds. However, if it is spraying, it would give out a short quick spurt of urine at different parts of the house (and this is usually done standing).

There is always some trigger that causes a cat to spray. Usually, it has to do with a feeling of insecurity and anxiety that your cat is having. Some common triggers are:

1) A new cat or another pet has been introduced into the family
2) A new baby has arrived in the family
3) A visitor is staying over at the home
4) A new partner/spouse to the cat owner
5) New stray cats in the neighborhood
6) Stray cats entering the house
7) If you have always had a cuddly relationship with your cat but now you don”t have the time to spend quality time with it because you are busy or your cat is left at home alone more often than in the past.

If you identify any of these triggers as possible causes of your cat peeing, then focus on removing the triggers or taking more time to shower love on your cat so that it feels secure and less anxious. If removing the triggers still does not work, you may need to consult a cat behaviorist for help.

Here are some signs to help you determine if your cat has a medical cat pee problem:

1) Smelly urine accompanied by blood. Cat may be peeing much more frequently than normal or it has trouble holding in urine. It may also be licking the vulva or penis.

2) Large quantities of urine. Cat is experiencing excessive thirst, mouth ulcers, weight loss, bad breath, anaemia or vomiting

3) If it”s a male cat and it”s straining to pee, accompanied by vomiting and mournful howling

4) If it”s a young animal and it”s pee is very pale. It is also having difficulty growing and strengthening itself.

One or more of these signs could signal kidney and bladder stones and infections. If your cat is showing any of these signs, it is urgent that you bring your cat to a vet immediately.

About The Author

For solutions to your cat peeing problems, visit http://www.My-Pet-Cat.com

How to Litter Train A Kitten

Filed under: Other Pets — gregwatson @ 1:44 pm

By Rona Limsy

If the mother cat is still in the home and she is already litter trained, then litter training her kittens is a natural process. Her kittens will simply follow what she does. However, ultimately, each cat should have its own litter tray or else it may create a host of other litter tray problems for you!

For most kitten owners, the mother cat is not in the home if the kitten was orphaned or purchased. But this is not a problem. It is easy to litter train a cat when it”s still a little kitten. Cats are creatures of habit and it may not be as easy to litter train once they have become used to their favorite toilet spots.

The key to litter training a kitten is to let it get used to the litter tray as soon as possible. You will need to manually place your kitten onto the tray initially, as it is neither used to it nor is it able to climb over the edge to get in.

Most kittens would defecate soon after waking up and after a meal. You could place your kitten in the litter tray during these times and after a few weeks, your kitten would get used to the routine and it would become a habit.

Just be sure to place the litter tray a reasonable distance away from where the kitten is fed and where it sleeps. Cats and kittens are fastidious creatures and do not like to do their toilet near where they eat and sleep.

When a kitten is still very young, it will not be able to “cover up” very well after its toilet, as most adult cats are capable of. But you don”t have to worry about this. Once they are about 1 to 2 months old, they will instinctively know how to cover up their poop.

In the wild or in the garden, cats will scoop soil and earth to cover but in the home, if you provide commercial cat litter, they will naturally scoop the litter to cover up the poop. You will notice, even if you only provide a newspaper for their soiling, your kitten will still scoop at the newspaper in an instinctive act to cover up their poop.

Although you can expect to pick up poop after your kitten in the first few weeks, litter training a kitten is relatively easy and can be 100% trouble-free once it gets used to the routine of using the litter tray.

About The Author

For more tips on how to litter train your kitten, visit http://www.My-Pet-Cat.com

Dog Training, 7 Reasons Why You Should Do It Yourself?

Filed under: Other Pets — gregwatson @ 1:43 pm

By Leo Enoch

Dog training is a very important part and should be one of the factor that can keep your dog integrated into your life.

Here I present to you 7 very important reason that you should conduct the training yourself:

Reason 1:

Poor dog training resulted in unruly dog which can be a serious nuisance and be destructive to the relationship with its owner.

Effective training is essential for both a pet”s and it”s owner safety and the quality of life. Would you take the risk of leaving the Training to someone whom may not love your dog as much as you?

Reason 2:

Effective dog training must be consistent.

Effective training starts even while they are still puppies. The problems of leaving them to training school, is that they might be trained by different trainer and this reduces the consistency, which might confuse the dog.

Reason 3:

Effective dog Training must be fun.

Well, can you imagine how fun it is for an employee or trainer in the training school have? When in one day he or she has to conduct these type of Training for more than 5 dogs per day.

You get what I mean don”t you? but if you do it yourself, you can make the dog training session much more fun both which will be enjoyed by your dog and yourself.

Reason 4:

Dog training creates lasting bonds between the trainer and traniee.

Since it is your pet, how would you like it to have a better relationship with the trainer instead of with you. This can be disastrous.

That is why there is some cases where robbery occurs and the dogs did not even bark or show any aggression, because the one that enter the house is known to the dogs.

Training him/her yourself can create a much more satisfactory relationship with your dog and thus benefitting for both

Reason 5:

Professional dog training Session is costly and expensive while its effectiveness is very questionable at times.

The cost and frustration of bad training is very very expensive. You have to pay a lot and at the same time it will aggravate the dogs and frustrate you. Do it yourself training cost much lesser and if you do it right, it brings much pleasure and satisfation for the dog and yourself.

Reason 6:

You know your dog better than anyone.

You know when to train them at their most effective moment. When your dog is down with sickness or is not having fun, you will be able to notice them.

A lot of dog trainer may not be able to notice them as they are just doing their job. In addition to that, since your dog will be one of your best company,

Conducting training by yourself will set your dogs to be familiarise with your habit and the environment and places you have in your life.

This will be a much fulfilling experience for both the dogs and the owners. While in training school, your dog will only be confined to one or few common area of training.

When you bring the dog back home, you will still need to train him to the environment of your life. Isn”t it a waste?

Reason 7:

Effective dog training do closely related on the condition of the trainer during the training Sessions.

You as trainer know your own condition during the training better than anyone. If you are not feeling well or not in the mood for training because of some personal problem that happens in your life.

Then you can choose not to train your dogs during such situation. What about when those trainer in the training school. When they are facing problem at home. Do they still need to train your dog? yes definitely ….

Do you think it will be effective and good for your dog?

So that”s it, The 7 reason, dog training, why you should do it yourself?

One fatal misconception that most dog owner have, is: It is difficult to conduct the dog training yourself….

Let me tell you that it is not as much difficult and troublesome as taking your dog to some training school.

It is much worth the the risk in dog training yourself than leave it to people whom you may never know what they instill in your dog while training them.

About The Author

For Free Information and Tips on Proven, Simple and Effective Dog Training Leo Enoch highly recommended You visit:

www.DogTrainingSolution.com

Dog Training is a Must After Puppy Proofing Your Home

Filed under: Other Pets — gregwatson @ 9:45 am

By Leo Enoch

What happened when one day you bought a puppy and this cute dog suddenly start biting and chewing everything in the house, from socks, toilet papers, carpets, etc… and there is nothing wrong with his health?

It is very important that dog training is conducted at an earliest stage possible while they are still puppies but when you just got your new dog, here are some ways to puppy proof your home as an emergency and short term solution that you can use immediately to reduce the damage.

It”s perfectly natural for puppies to want to explore their surroundings.

They know the world around them through their noses and mouths, which is why many puppies can be seen smelling or chewing on just about everything they encounter.

The fastest way to prevent this destructive behavior for your Puppie is this Puppie Proof Your Home instead of reprimanding her as she is not trained yet.

What does “Puppie Proof” your home mean:

1.Temporarily take up any throw rugs.

2. Place all plants, poisonous substances, household cleaners, trash receptacles, paper products (such as tissue and toilet paper), shoes, and any small chewable objects out of reach.

3. Either remove, cover or tape down all accessible electrical wires.

4. Remove or secure heavy objects which could fall or be pulled down and cause injury to the puppy.

5. Confine her to just a specific location of course with a few toys to play with. Too much toys is also not good and may cause her to confuse between what belongs to her and what belongs to you

6. Apply bitter apple spray to some things which is very hard for you to move like furniture legs and etc.

That”s it some of the ways to puppy proof your home.

Last Note, it is good for your puppy to have a lot of outdoor exercise and for a much better and fruitful relationship with you, it is good to let your puppy goes through dog training session.

Puppy proofing your home should not become an excuse for you for not training your pets, but instead puppy proofing will give you some breathing space to create a dog training routine while preventing the puppy from his own destructive behavior.

So with that say, training is probably your must solution to providing long term solution to your dog behavior problem and in the long run will create a more meaningful relationship for both the dog and its owner.

About The Author

For Free Information and Tips on Proven, Simple and Effective Dog Training Leo Enoch highly recommended You visit:

www.DogTrainingSolution.com

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