Pets Care

While there are many breeds of hypoallergenic dogs, if you are looking for a dog that is unique, then you may want to research hairless breeds. While many people believe these breeds are made up of small dogs, this is not always the case. Medium sized dogs can also be found. Four types of hairless breeds include: the Mexican Hairless, the American Hairless Terrier, the Chinese Crested, and the Peruvian Hairless. If you are considering buying one of these breeds, you may have to search for a breeder online as these dogs are not as common as other breeds of hypoallergenic dogs.

The Mexican Hairless may be the most difficult hairless breed because there are very few breeders in the United States and in other countries. This breed has a short coat that will not need to be groomed or brushed because it is so short. This means that you will not have to worry about matting, or other issues concerning the care of the coat. The Mexican Hairless is available in different sizes, contrary to popular belief.

The American Hairless Terrier is another breed that is not truly hairless. This breed also has a short coat that does not have to be groomed. Originally, an accident of nature discovered in 1972, breeders successfully reproduced other puppies in 1981 and have been selling them ever since. True to its Terrier roots, the American Hairless Terrier is a small, husky dog that is very friendly and outgoing. These dogs are great for those who are allergic to dogs and who live in small apartments or homes.

The Chinese Crested is an unusual dog because it is available in two distinct varieties. The first variety is truly hairless except for long hair that grows on its paws, head, and tail. Grooming can be done by a professional or at home if you know what you are doing. The second variety called the powder puff and has long, fine hair that resembles human hair. Both varieties are considered to be hypoallergenic because these dogs do not shed too often.

The Peruvian Hairless is truly hairless. This breed is medium in size and is intelligent and friendly to most people. This dog is not for those who have had no prior experience working with dogs. They need to be trained to follow commands and even though they are intelligent and learn quickly, they will not always obey.

Hypoallergenic hairless dogs need exercise, crave attention, and enjoy being with their owners as much as other breeds. You will have to be careful when taking them outdoors because they get sunburnt easily and will require lotion when this happens. Since certain breeds can experience dry skin or acne, you may have to apply skin creams in order to reduce pain or itchiness.

In order to find a breeder, you may have to search online because there are few breeders that breed hairless dogs simply because they are as popular as other breeds. If you can’t decide if a hairless dog is for you, visit those who have a hairless or visit the breeder to learn more.

Finding the purrfect cat for your family might not be as easy as going to your local pet store. The purchase of your new four legged family member is something that takes time and planning.

Different breeds of cats have different temperaments, health issues, and personalities. To find the best cat for your family you have to research the different breeds.

Get to know the different breeds and figure out in general what you are looking for; what size, hair length, personality type will fit into your lifestyle and living conditions?

Online research is a good place to start looking for the perfect breed. Looking a photos as well as learning about the various breeds will bring you that much closer to finding the perfect cat for your family.

After you narrow down your choice of breeds I recommend that you attend a cat show so that you can see the breeds and talk with the breeders about their breed. They can tell you the good as well as the bad on the breed you are looking at. If you are unable to attend a show contact breeders in your area and set up a meeting to visit with them and ask questions.

No question is too small either. How else will you know if this breed is right for you? Do not limit your questions to just one breeder find several and ask the same questions. Some breeders have more experience than others and will be able to provide you with more information. Also do not be offended if they ask you questions as well. This helps them know if the kitten/cat is right for you as well.

About the Author

Pure Breed Cat Breeder – Cat Lover.

Many factors need to be considered by a family, before bringing home a new pet.

Some are as followed:

GENDER – SIZE – HAIR:

What about the gender of the dog? Are you interested in a male or female? Will you breed the dog once it is grown? If a breeding program is not in its future, consider neutering the dog. Are you interested in a large or a small dog? Often, potential owners donÂ’t consider the frame size and weight of the puppy when it becomes an adult. Also think about the grooming needs of a long-haired dog versus a short-haired one.

VETERINARY CARE:

The dog will also need regular veterinary care. All these costs can add up, especially if youÂ’re on a limited budget. What type of dog do you want? Purebred or mixed breed? Research the traits of the breed that interests you. Be aware that some breeds have specific benefits or problems. In addition, some purebreds can be very expensive. Perhaps adopting from your local animal shelter is an option.

TIME:

Another important factor is your familyÂ’s lifestyle. Do you work all day? How much free time do you have? Remember, a new puppy will require four or more feedings a day and will need to go out just as often. Do you spend a lot of time traveling or entertaining? Do you have small children or other animals at home? Are you physically able to handle a dog? What about your location? Do you own a home or rent an apartment? Will your landlord allow pets? Do you live in the city or in a rural area? Is there enough fenced-in yard space for the dog to properly exercise?

DOG ROLE IN YOUR FAMILY:

Think about the role your new dog will play in your family. Will it be used as for:

a) My son/daughter/children

Trust me; this will be YOUR dog! After the ‘honeymoon period’, the kids may only play with the dog, occasionally. They may groan and grumble about any dog-related responsibilities, doing them, begrudgingly, only after significant prodding from you. As children’s interests and activities change, over the years, their level of involvement with the dog will most likely be, inconsistent, at best. Additionally, your children, especially, young children, will need to be ‘trained’ in how to behave with the dog and will need to be supervised when with the dog.

b) Protection

I know some may disagree but, it is my opinion, that the only time is it a good idea to get a dog for the purpose of protection is in professional or agricultural situations and only when the owner/trainer is humane and knowledgeable of dog behavior and dominant dog training/handling. In all other situations – probably 99.9% – an alarm system, security fence, or other measures are much more appropriate and effective.

c) To breed puppies

If you’ve read the third paragraph of this piece and still feel this way, there is probably little I can offer to change your mind. But, just in case, let me restate the case a little more thoroughly. The breeding of dogs is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. If it is not your intention to remain responsible for all of your puppies for their entire lives, including being willing to take back and care for those who may find themselves homeless, do not enter into this endeavor. If you are planning on breeding for profit, understand that there are much easier, more profitable and ethical ways to make a buck. Dogs are living beings and dog breeding requires a significant investment of time, money, labor, knowledge, both academic and practical, patience, and emotional fortitude, to be done responsibly and humanely. Please visit a few of the shelter and rescue websites, or your local shelter, and witness the problem yourself. View the faces of the homeless dogs and talk to the volunteers and staff who, all too often, must take that ‘final walk’ with them.

BUYING STRATEGY:

Once youÂ’ve decided on the type of dog you want and where you will purchase it, do not buy a puppy on the first visit. Instead, potential owners leave, think about the decision, and then go back. Avoid the temptation of buying two or more puppies. A single puppy will bond to its owner better and will be easier to train.

Depending on the breed, the best time to purchase a puppy is between 7-9 weeks of age. As soon as possible have the puppy examined by a veterinarian. If possible, ask the seller if you can have the puppy checked by a veterinarian before you purchase it.

About the author:

Mike Freije A Pets Health Guide Specialist

http://www.pets-guide.com

http://www.health-shop.info

Generally people are very keen on animals, dogs especially,wanting to have one in their apartments or houses. The dog breeders are the persons you can contact whenever you want to take a pure breed dog. Yet, the problem of the dog breeders’s reputation arises and you need to be sure that this person is indeed looking after his animals that they are healthy and so an.

It is easy to check the advertisements in your local newspaper but it would be advisable to make sure that the dog breeder you have chosen is reputable. The purpose of this article is to suggest some ways by which you can find out whether that particular person is responsible and trustworthy or not.

Try to reach his references

Generally, responsible and professional dog breeder are very careful with their references: if this can be extended, any person characterized be professionally should be interested in that.

The good dog breeder will provide you some information regarding his past ‘collaborations’ and will give you the telephone number or any other contact mean by which you can observe his success. You can always contact a dog breeder who has helped some of your friends because you can be told by them exactly how responsible that person was.

You will be asked several questions

A good dog breeder is likely to be fond of many of his animals and might ask you more questions than you will. They want to make sure that the animals are placed in a correct environment with the correct people because this is very important.

They will need details of your life and finances: whether you have children or not, the size of your house and garden and other questions to make sure the dog is sent to the right place, with the right family. If your dog breeder doesn’t ask all these questions, is definitely interested in your money and might not have looked after the dog properly.

Risks and guarantees

A professional dog breeder will have had all the dogs and puppies passed through medical analysis before selling them.Yet, there are some problems which can be seen after several moths or maybe years.

For instance the golden retrievers may have this problem called dysphasia, a genetics flaw in the animals’ hip joints, which cannot be seen until the animal is several months old. In this case, a good dog breeder should have no problem in giving your money back despite any unfortunate situation.

These genetic problems can be avoided by means of selective breeding, yet many puppies have it as consequence of an hereditary genetic disorder, while some of them gain it not as an hereditary effect.

Other ways of reaching a dog breeder

The Internet and local newspapers are only some of the places where you can find a dog breeder. You can also try the veterinary offices and pet shops as well as dog exhibitions. The last mean is indeed trustworthy as the dog breeder is giving off his success and love for his dogs as well as the performance he has reached.

About the author:

For great information about dog breeders, dog breeds, dog books, dogs for sale, stud dogs, dog names, dog rescue, dogs wanted and missing dogs just visit us at http://www.Doggies.ca

So youÂ’ve decided to buy a puppy? Dogs can bring joy, laughter, love, loyalty, protection and companionship into your life. However, there are a few things you need to be aware of before you choose the puppy you wish to bring into your home. Use the following checklist to ensure you purchase the puppy thatÂ’s right for you.

The Breeder

* Is the breeder experienced with the breed of puppy you are choosing? Can she answer any questions you have? Will she stand behind the puppy if problems arise?

* Has the breeder explained all the pros and cons of the breed you have chosen? Every dog has good and bad characteristics and the breeder should make you aware of them.

* Has the breeder insisted the puppy be enrolled in obedience school? Today many reputable breeders insist on this.

* Has the breeder offered you a starter kit? Many breeders offer customers a package when they purchase a puppy. It should include instruction on the care of the dog, at least one dog care book for the specific breed you are purchasing, a sample of the puppy chow that the puppy has been being fed, a list of supplies you will need for your puppy and information on obedience schools, dog trainers with experience in behavioral problems and veterinarians in your area.

* Has the breeder discussed crate training with you? The breeder should inform you on how important it is to crate train your puppy, explain how useful crates can be and instruct you on how to use the crate. Crates can keep your puppy safe from harm.

* Does the dog breeder have your puppyÂ’s papers in order? You and the breeder should have a contract that you both sign, as well as a pedigree. Reputable breeders sell puppies with a spay and neuter requirement. This means you donÂ’t receive your puppyÂ’s papers registration application until the puppy has been spayed or neutered. All stipulations should be specified in the contract and explained to you so that you fully understand what your responsibilities are. There should never be an extra fee for your puppyÂ’s pedigree.

* Be sure to check with the Better Business Bureau, or an equivalent to ensure the breeder that you are buying from is reputable.

Health

* When a breeder takes you to see the puppies, take note if they appear healthy and clean. Puppies should have bright, sparkling eyes, a healthy looking coat, clean ears and no odor. They should be active, frisky and full of life.

* Ask the breeder if the puppies have been de-wormed and vaccinated. If they have, the veterinarian would have issued a report stating exactly what was done.

* Ask the breeder if the puppies have been checked for hereditary diseases and conditions. Ask if the pups have been certified in these areas.

Socialization

* Are the puppies active, friendly and fascinated by people? Do they come running to meet you when approached? Puppies love being held, petted, played with and they should have outgoing personalities. If puppies shy away when you approach, buyer beware. You might want to consider choosing a different breeder.

* Is the mother dog attractive and friendly? Is she clean and does she look as if she is well cared for? By the time puppies are old enough to be weaned, the mother shouldnÂ’t be overprotective of them or act in an aggressive way when you approach. If the puppyÂ’s father is around, he should be friendly and greet you with ease. Never buy a puppy if either of his parents is aggressive. Dog aggression is often hereditary and you donÂ’t want a dog that has a bad temperament.

* Are the puppies old enough to be sold? Puppies should not be separated from their litter until they are between 6 and 8 weeks old; 8 are best. On the other hand, puppies should have homes before they are 10 weeks old to prevent them from becoming dependent on their mother and siblings.

* Has the breeder begun to socialize the puppies? If the puppies have spent time with humans and have been given proper care, attention and training, it will be obvious in the puppyÂ’s reaction to you. ItÂ’s imperative that puppies become socialized at a very early age.

Your Responsibilities

* Are you committed to the dog that youÂ’re planning on purchasing for the rest of its life? Purchasing a puppy is not something to be taken lightly. You are committing to the care, training and health of the dog and to love it and tend to its every need. Dogs, depending on the breed and lifeÂ’s circumstances, usually live 10 years or more.

It is your responsibility to make sure it is in good health and happy as long as it lives. A dog is not a toy that you buy and then toss it in the corner when youÂ’re tired of it. Dogs are living things that have to be nurtured. They have to be cared for and take as much, or more, care as a child. Owning a puppy is a very serious commitment and not to be taken lightly. If you are willing to spend the next dozen or more years caring for your dog, then by all means bring one into your life. You will have a firm bond to each other and spend many happy hours interacting together.

About the author:

Ian White is founder of Dog-Breeders.biz. This extensive online directory includes listings by private breeders, kennel clubs, and occasional hobby or family breeders. Those seeking dogs can locate and match with appropriate breeders. Dog-Breeders.biz automates the matching of dogs for sale with puppy wanted entries, with daily email notifications to all parties.

For more information about matching dog lovers with breeders visit http://www.dog-breeders.biz

Many years ago I read a book about selecting the perfect canine companion. The concepts in that book altered my life forever, because it changed the way I made pet choices.

Instead of selecting a puppy simply because it was cute, I “tested” each puppy considered for adoption. I was able to choose just the right puppy, one compatible with my family and home needs.

The tests helped to reveal certain aspects of the puppyÂ’s temperament and personality. Selecting a new puppy based upon test results instead of how adorable it was helped ensure that the adoption would be a happy and successful experience, both for me and the puppy. We would fit together like a glove!

The first things to consider before choosing a new family dog are the basics: where they will live, home and yard size, ages and temperament of family members, family lifestyle, and characteristics common in certain breeds of dogs.

For instance, a Great Dane might not make the best companion for someone on the go, living in a one room kitchenette on the fifth floor of a high-rise apartment building.

A family with small, active children might not provide the best environment in which to introduce a new pit bull. Larger, active dogs like Labrador Retrievers appreciate lots of yard space to exercise, while small breeds such as toy poodles and Yorkies would make pathetic guard dogs, restricted to a dog house in the back yard.

In addition to family, home, and location considerations some breeds of dogs, such as Irish Setters and Shelties, are generally speaking “higher strung” than a Golden Retriever or Basset Hound – both breeds renowned for their “low key” easy going temperament. And, breeds such as German Shepherds and Malamutes usually have a natural protective instinct that makes them more suspicious of strangers.

Another thing to consider before acquiring a new dog is “why” one is being sought. As companionship for adults, or as a playmate for children that will help teach responsibility? Will the new family pet be trained as a hunting dog, or to provide protection as a guard dog?

Once these questions have been considered, and certain sizes or breeds that do not fit the criteria omitted as possibilities, you are ready to start looking for your new dog.

When it comes to selecting an adult canine, making the right choice is much simpler than it is for a puppy. What you see is basically what you get; size, appearance, temperament and personality. By spending a little time together, you get a general idea as to whether or not that particular dog would fit into your family, or adequately meet your needs.

Puppies are an entirely different matter. A puppy changes as it grows. But whether you purchase a puppy from a pet store, adopt one from an animal shelter, or respond to an ad in the newspaper, you can still pretty much determine which pup is best suited for your home by implementing one or more of the following tests:

1.) Kneel down in front of the puppy. Calmly and gently stroke his chest with one hand while lifting his head to make eye contact. Once the puppy has relaxed, stand and walk away. Does the puppy lunge after you, jumping up on your leg and nipping at you, demanding more attention? This type response suggests a dominant personality. Or does he merely sit and watch you walk away? This usually indicates a more passive personality. A puppy that happily prances along side of you might be middle of the road, neither too dominant nor too passive.

2.) Kneel down in front of the puppy. Pet and play with the puppy until he responds, then turn him over on his back. With one hand on his tummy, hold him down. What does he do? Does he frantically thrash about, resisting and nipping at you? Again, this would suggest an aggressive personality. Does he fail to resist at all? He most probably is very passive. Or does he struggle somewhat, then lay still once he realizes he can not free himself? This type puppy will probably grow to be “middle of the road;” neither too aggressive nor too passive, but submissive to his care giver.

3.) Kneel down facing the puppy. Calmly stroke the puppyÂ’s head and chest while lifting his head to make eye contact. Talk to him in low, friendly tones. While he is in the sitting position, have someone hold him in place while you walk 8-10 feet away from him. Turn to face him and kneel down again. Repeatedly call to the puppy at the same time the other person releases their grip on him. What does he do? Does he immediately lung toward you, jumping and nipping? Does he playfully run to you, without jumping? Does he approach slowly or hesitantly, with his head down and his tail between his legs? Or, does he fail to come to you at all? Each response reveals something about the puppyÂ’s degree of aggression or submission.

If you seek a well rounded family pet, one that will be both a good companion for adults and a playmate for children, as well as provide protection around the home, a “middle of the road” response is what you should be looking for.

An all adult household looking for a canine family member for the main purpose of providing protection might want a puppy that responds somewhat more aggressive.

While more passive responses might be good in a puppy obtained solely as a playmate for small children, totally passive, hesitant responses usually indicates that the pup wonÂ’t train as easily as one with more confidence. He will also be more easily intimidated by people and other dogs.

Taking the time to consider “why” you want a new dog, your house and yard size, family lifestyle, and canine breed temperament will keep you from barking up the wrong tree when selecting a new family dog. And performing these simple tests will help you select the puppy with the best qualities and temperament for your home and family.

By choosing wisely you are sure to enjoy your new canine family member for many years to come.

About the Author

Ian White is founder of Dog-Breeders.biz. This extensive online directory includes listings by private breeders, kennel clubs, and occasional hobby or family breeders. Those seeking dogs can locate and match with appropriate breeders. Dog-Breeders.biz automates the matching of dogs for sale with puppy wanted entries, with daily email notifications to all parties.

For more information about matching dog lovers with breeders visit http://www.dog-breeders.biz

Because my wife is a toy dog breeder, it isnÂ’t unusual for her to get several calls a week from people who practically beg her to sell them a puppy. They cite their financial and social ability to care for the puppy and often try and avoid the question of children in the household.

As a rule, my wife finds this humorous. People shouldnÂ’t have to beg, fill out a twenty-page adoption application or hide the fact that they have children to purchase a puppy. ItÂ’s pet protection gone wild.

There isn’t an honest or ethical Dog Breeder in the world who would send a beloved pup to someone they had questions about. Unfortunately, it’s very difficult and not entirely lawful to make that kind of determination. In most States it’s technically illegal to provide some sort of ‘test’ for a consumer to be able to purchase a product. That comes later and isn‘t the responsibility of the Breeder. A good example of a similar situation would be buying a car.

If a person has the cash or credit to purchase a vehicle and possesses a current drivers license, they get a car or the dealership gets sued in most places. The dealership canÂ’t run a check to see how many DWI summonses the person has had or how many times they have been convicted of speeding or some other moving violation. If they drive their new vehicle in an irresponsible manner, itÂ’s up to the Police and Courts to decide if they should continue to do so.

ThereÂ’s a lot of difference between a living thing and a vehicle, but not in the eyes of most state laws. If a Breeder feels that a puppy may be in danger, they can always take the chance of reporting the new owner to animal protection authorities.

Those authorities will come to the ownerÂ’s home and check on the welfare of the puppy. If the puppy is not being properly cared for, it will likely be removed from the premises. However, most people that spend a substantial amount of money for a puppy are unlikely to mistreat or fail to care for it.

The quest for the perfect puppy owner is an obsession with many Toy Dog Breeders. I have always viewed these people as being selfish. They would keep every puppy if they could and probably have more dogs then they should already. This type of person will tend to restrict purebred registrations fearing that someone else might benefit from their years of careful breeding by having a litter of their own.

Their concern for animal welfare extends well beyond the norm, has more to do with their personal obsessions then anything else and doesnÂ’t take into consideration the joy a puppy can bring into a new ownerÂ’s life. Breeders like these have no real loyalty to their customers and view them as a necessary evil to move out extra pups they cannot keep.

If someone who is looking for a toy dog breed puppy can get past the egos and obsessions of these kinds of Breeders, the next hurdle they are likely to face is passing the ‘children’ test. Many toy dog breeders refuse to sell their pups to people with children under the age of sixteen. Some will actually refuse to sell a puppy to anyone with children under twenty-one living in their household. That’s ironic when children are likely to benefit the most from caring for a puppy.

Children are not the enemy when it comes to the health of toy dog breeds. The enemy is owner apathy. To my knowledge, more puppies have been injured in households where there are no children then in those were kids are a part of the puppy care process.

ThatÂ’s because adults are busy and will often forget to feed and water their animals, leave them unattended for too long in places or temperatures dangerous for them or place them with pet sitters who canÂ’t even care for a goldfish, let alone a dog.

While it would be unwise to leave very young children alone with a puppy of any size, most children can easily be taught how to care for one. As a parent with seven children, I can attest to this. In the many years that my wife has been breeding toy dogs, not one of our puppies has ever been injured (and certainly none by our kids). Just the opposite. Our children have helped care for the puppies and alerted my wife if one seemed sluggish or might need a change of diet.

The most common argument made against allowing children access to toy dog breeds or most any puppy is that a child shouldnÂ’t be allowed to learn responsibility at the cost of the health or life of an animal. While no one would argue with that logic, one wonders if that should apply to all animals, or just dogs. After all, pet stores sell tens of thousands of fish, small reptiles, rats, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters and snakes to children every day. Are the lives of those pets any less precious or valuable then that of dogs?

In reality, puppies and adult dogs are much easier to care for then fish, reptiles, rats, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters and snakes. It would seem an obvious mistake to ask a child to take on the responsibility of caring for a high maintenance pet when a puppy or adult dog is available. ItÂ’s also wrong to believe that toy dog breeds can be far more fragile then larger ones. For example, more German Shepards become ill or die each year from low blood sugar issues then any single toy breed, despite the fact that people often associate that problem with smaller breed dogs.

When it comes to children and puppies, itÂ’s all about rules no matter what size breed is chosen. Children learn by example. If adults in the home are responsible with pets, the kids will follow that example. Simple things like cleaning up after, feeding, watering and securing the location of a puppy are essentials that any child can easily be taught.

Every one of my children learned how to take care of dogs by watching us. It didnÂ’t take long for them to understand the importance of feeding, watering and cleaning up after a pet on schedule. After watching us take care of our dogs, they wanted to take part in the process and were happy to lend a hand. Our younger children learned from our older kids.

When considering the addition of a puppy to a household of any size, there are some basic considerations. The first and foremost being the ability of household members to train, care for and spend quality time with a pet. Puppies are not play things for people of any age.

They are living creatures capable of a surprising number of feelings and emotions. The next important consideration is how all the members of your household will react to a new pet. Will the puppy be a welcomed addition, or a point of contention and jealousy? A puppy should bring joy into the lives of people, not more problems.

If the members of your household all agree that a puppy would be a good addition to the family and they are ready, willing and able to meet the emotional and physical requirements of a puppy, then start your search. However, itÂ’s important for children and adults alike to understand that puppies and adult dogs need care, love and attention everyday of the year. Their needs do not take a break for vacations, holidays, school or work schedules.

Puppies of any size or breed can bring a huge amount of joy into a household. ItÂ’s wrong to believe that children are a threat to a toy dogÂ’s safety or quality of life. More puppies of all sizes are killed or injured each year by falling or accidentally being flung out of cars and trucks then have ever been injured by children. ThatÂ’s because adults fail to properly secure their pets in a vehicle. WeÂ’ve all seen the idiots who think itÂ’s cute to allow their pets to hang out the window or be bounced around like loose groceries in the back of a van, SUV or pick-up.

If you ask them, most veterinarians will tell you that the vast majority of injuries to dogs of any size are caused by adults, not children. If injuries do occur because a child failed to secure their animal properly or got involved with some sort of rough play during which a pet was injured, they are far out-numbered by injuries involving dogs being watched or cared for by adults.

After examining statistics compiled by various veterinarian organizations, rescue groups, breeders and government entities, IÂ’ve found that more puppies and dogs die each year during routine teeth cleaning procedures in veterinary offices then are injured by children.

In the end, itÂ’s not about the children, itÂ’s about the adults in a household. If you do not have time to spend with your children, do not even consider bringing a puppy in as a replacement for your attention. You will not have the time needed to supervise your child as they learn to care for and train their new pet. If you do have enough time to teach your kids how to care for a puppy and supervise them throughout the process, it can be a wonderful experience for everyone involved (including the puppy).

About the author

Bill Knell – http://www.billknell.com

A native New Yorker now living in Arizona, Bill Knell is a forty-something guy with a wealth of knowledge and experience. He’s written hundreds of articles offer advice on a wide variety of subjects. A popular Speaker, Bill Knell presents seminars on a number of topics that entertain, train and teach. A popular radio and television show Guest, you’ve heard Bill on thousands of top-rated shows in all formats and seen him on local, national and international television programs.

Parrots are one of the most attractive and rewarding animals
in the world. Though parrots are very intelligent their requirements and demands are quite different from other types of pets.

They need the care and attention of their owners far more than other household animals. Most of the parrot breeds are both noisy and destructive; and the larger breeds live for a much longer time than the smaller ones. Therefore it is necessary for you to think carefully about the following issues before buying them.

* The foremost thing to consider is whether you want to buy a single parrot for your entertainment and pleasure. If so you might want to purchase a small group of parrots for keeping in indoor cages. They will make a beautiful collection and can also breed.

* The price of your parrot is another matter of concern that must be taken in to account. You must decide on roughly how much money you are willing to spend – not only on the bird but also on its food, housing, raining, and care. These things can sometimes cost a great deal. Sometimes, people spend a significant amount on buying a parrot but then at a later stage, hesitate to spend money on its care. Parrots are not cheap pets, and in recent years, their prices have increased hugely.

* The next thing to take into account before buying a parrot is the environment where you are planning to keep it. You must decide which type of parrot you want to keep and whether it can survive and adapt to your environment and lifestyle. Whether big or small, all types of parrots require sufficient space for exercise and play. Therefore, you will need to keep them in a cage that is big enough for them to spread their wings and move a little bit.

* You also need to think about your neighbors – because some of the big parrots like cockatoos and Amazons make a lot of noise that can cause significant disturbance. Their twice-daily periods of vocalization at sunrise and sunset are appreciated by those who love birds but can be quite disturbing for those who do not like birds or loud noises.

* Since parrots require a lot of both mental and physical stimulation you will have to make sure that can you have enough time for taking good care of your parrot. If you are planning to keep more than one parrot then you will have to allot sufficient time to take care of each member of the group. Also, you will need to find a reliable person who can take good care of your pets when you are not in town or you want to go on a vacation.

* When you select a breeder from which you want to buy a parrot make sure that the supplier offers a money back or exchange facility on your bird for a reasonable period after purchase. This is because if the birds you choose do not turn out to be suitable for your requirements or they develop any signs of disease, just after short period of your purchase, then you will be able to exchange them.

* If you are buying an adult parrot then check carefully that the bird looks healthy and appears to be bright and alert.

* If you want to buy a baby then before buying check that the baby you have selected has bright eyes and healthy skin which should be free from clinging hand feeding formulae. Check that the birds have been kept in a clean place.

After you have completed your research and decided which parrot you want to purchase, the next thing you must decide is where to buy your bird. Here are some of the options at your disposal:

* Breeders: Many of the breeders are bird-loving, caring persons who breed parrots out of love. However, some breeders just breed birds for the sake of earning money. They do not have complete knowledge of breeding and rearing young parrots. So before buying a parrot from a breeder you should talk to different breeders; look at the cage, living area, and other facilities they are providing for their birds.

* Pet Stores: Most of the pet stores are generally not a good place for buying a bird. Usually the staff members and storeowner of a pet store are not breeders and they do not have up to date information about all their birds. The information provided by them for the customers is usually not accurate. They only know one thing well – and that is how to sell their animals.

* Bird Specialty Stores;- These can be a good option to buy a bird. They are generally pet stores that deal particularly in birds only and have good a knowledge of them. Since their livelihood depends upon their bird quality they usually sell good birds. Often the birds available here are bred on site, as most of the owners of the pet sores are themselves good breeders.

* Rescue Groups: Rescue groups adopt the birds, which have often been discarded or left by their owners. These groups take good care of the birds and adopt them out to people after making sure that bird is healthy and ready to adopt the new environment. While adopting a bird for a rescue group don’t think that you are buying a scratch but think of it as the reward of offering a home to someone who needs your help.

About the author:

Milo Piros is the Author of “The Parrot SuperPak”
Sign up for his FREE 4-part parrot training course, learn: Speaking, Trick Training, No Biting and the ‘Up’ Command Click here ===> http://www.parrotadvice.com

With the current number of puppy producing mills everywhere in the world, itÂ’s an understatement to say that itÂ’s DIFFICULT to find a genuine pet dog belonging to a genuinely friendly breed.

Today, we have all kinds of mixed breed dogs, Great Danes with Golden Retriever legs, snippy headed American Eskimos, etc. The point is that we are looking for a pet dog, a family pet dog, not a show dog! But the inbreeding programs by puppy breeding mills continue to flush the market with such incredulous mix breeds of dogs. Therefore, if youÂ’re looking for a pet dog, a manÂ’s best friend, itÂ’s best that you learn how to find answers and ask the right questions at the pet shop.

Going to a shelter or rescue home for dogs is always a good idea if you’re looking for puppies in need. There are many advantages of owning a pet dog as compared to owning a cat. After all, it’s a fact that dogs make better pets – they didn’t get the name ‘man’s best friend’ for nothing.

The key to finding the right dog for the family, especially if you have kids, is to do some homework before you go dog-shopping. ItÂ’s easily to get emotionally deterred when you see the dogs on display. A particular attractive dog may not be suitable to your needs and itÂ’s not a good idea to get emotionally attached to the wrong pet dog.

Despite the fact that it takes more effort and time to have a pet dog (compared to cats and other types of pets), they are still the most popular types of pets. Pet dogs must be walked, brushed, exercised, talked to, stroked, and loved unconditionally. Pet lovers treat their dogs like human beings. Pet dogs will thrive on your attention to it and they will give you their unconditional friendship and companionship.

Imagine coming home to a best friend who will do anything for you, with you and to you, irregardless. ItÂ’s not the same as having other types of pets. A pet dog is capable of unconditional love and devotion.

Puppies are adorable, thatÂ’s for sure, but if they are not allowed to socialize with as many human beings and dogs of other species outside its home as possible, they will grow up with a kind of fear that could transform into something more serious later on in its life.

For instance, dogs that fear other human beings and other dogs can behave erratically and have unpredictable temperament. The constant socializing must take place consistently and regularly during the first 5 months of its life. Taking your best fiend pet dog to training classes at an early age will be extremely beneficial to your relationship immensely.

Pet dogs are like kids too – kids have their teething problems while growing up (some have problems all through their lives), so, we should not expect any less from our dogs. Be patient in teaching them how not to chew, scratch and vandalize everything in your home. With your guidance, love, supervision, socialization, gentle and human attention, your pet dog can be trained to grow into your best friend for the rest of its life!

About the author

Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.great-pets.info on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

Many animal lovers get parrots because they are attracted to the parrotÂ’s unusual personality. Parrots are entertaining and beautiful but they are also quick-tempered, independent and very smart animals.

With that being said is a parrot the right pet for you? There are many things to consider should you finally decide to purchase a parrot.

The first thing to consider is the size of your space. Do you have enough room to keep a large cage to house your parrot? You want to make sure that you and your parrot will be comfortable with the amount of room that you have.

Another thing to consider when deciding if a parrot is the right pet for you is noise. Parrots can be quite loud. You may enjoy the noise a parrot makes when it is trying to get your attention, however, you want to take into account your surroundings. If you are in an apartment or your neighbors are really close, it may be more noise than they can tolerate.

Do you have other pets, for instance a dog or a cat? There are some dogs that like to chase anything that moves and cats are natural hunters. This doesnÂ’t mean that a parrot cannot become friends with a dog or cat but you should supervise them whenever your parrot is out of the cage.

Do you have small children? If you do you will want to make sure that you can keep an eye on them. A parrotÂ’s beak if very powerful and a small finger through the cage can look mighty tasty or threatening to the parrot. You may want to make sure that you have a way to keep the parrot in a safe place when you cannot be around to supervise.

Please take these things into consideration when deciding if a parrot is the right pet for you. The last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time and money on getting a parrot just to have to get rid of it later on.

About The Author

Amy Howard is the creator of the website Parrots Page where itÂ’s all about parrots. Find out if you have room in your life for one of these beautiful creatures.