The different breeds of guinea pig can be recognized by their type of coat. The most common breeds are American (smooth, short- haired), Abyssinian (rough-haired, rosetted), Angora (long-haired), Sheltie (long-haired) and Peruvian (long-haired). Sheltie This is one of the long haired breeds. This variety of Sheltie has a crest on the top of its head, and is called a Coronet. Abyssinian These rough-haired guinea pigs are sometimes called ‘tufted’ or ‘rosetted’, because their hair grows in a pattern of rosettes. American Guinea pigs of this breed have smooth, silky coats.... [continue reading]

Any animal can develop dental problems including dogs. Before they were domesticated, the eating habits of dogs kept their teeth clean and safe from decay. However, dogs no longer catch and eat wild prey so chewing through hide and bone no longer cleans their teeth and gums. Now, it’s up to their owners to protect the integrity of a dog’s teeth and gums. Causes of Dental Problems Plaque occurs naturally on the teeth. When plaque builds up and hardens, it can lead to tartar. Tartar can build up and lead to tooth decay, abscesses, and infections. If the tooth decay leads to an infectio... [continue reading]

Guinea pigs are cheerful, good-natured little animals, and one of the easiest pets to look after. If handled gently they become very tame, and as long as they are fed correctly, and their hutch is kept clean, they rarely get ill. Guinea pigs came originally from the grasslands of Peru and Colombia in South America, where they are still living wild today. In spite of their name, they are not related to pigs. They are a species of rodents called cavies. Perhaps the way they trot about, their plump bodies balanced on short legs, reminded the first people who saw them of pigs. Then, because it was... [continue reading]

By following the 8 simple steps outlined in this article, you will establish yourself as the alpha of your pack. And by doing so, you will be a step ahead of the rest when it comes time to obedience trainig your dog. Content Details In dog training, the most simple acts often produce the best results. In any dog pack, the alpha sets the rules and the rest follow. Therefore, by establishing yourself as the alpha, you can be sure that your obedience training sessions will be that much more productive. The following is a list of 8 simple things you can do to teach your new puppy or unruly dog tha... [continue reading]

That ancient adage “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” simply isn’t true. Any dog, of any breed, or ANY personality can learn these basic doggy tricks. None of these tricks require any special knowledge on your part, or any complex equipment. This is meant to be fun! Teaching your dog tricks is a great way to bond with your pet, so remember: have fun, relax, and enjoy your furry friend. If your dog naturally excels at some of these tricks, you may want to consider auditioning them for films. Your dog may be the next Benjy or Lassie! Some of these tricks can actually improve y... [continue reading]

Even if your dog is an indoor pet, you may still want to purchase a doghouse for him for those times when he is outside. After all, doghouses can provide your dog with shelter from the elements of Mother Nature- sun, wind, rain, and snow. Additionally, it is nice for your pet to have a place to call his own when he is away from his private inner domain. A large variety of doghouses are on the market today, offering consumers a large selection. Available in various sizes including small, medium, large, and extra large, doghouses on the market today run the gamut from mass produced to custom ... [continue reading]

Just as people are affected by the planetary positions at the time of their birth, so are our precious pooches. Here is a concise look at all twelve astrological signs and the characteristics of doggies born under them: Aries: March 21 – April 20th This is the first sign of the zodiac and pooches born under Aries will have a definite ‘me first’ attitude. Born with boundless energy, the Aries dog requires loads of exercise and does best when taken for several walks a day. If there are more than one dog in the family, the Aries dog will naturally gravitate toward being the ... [continue reading]

What is Dog Tellin’? Over the years customers and friends have regularly asked me “What is the number one thing I can do to care for my dog?” My answer is always the same: Dog Tellin’. What is Dog Tellin’? It is definitely the best opportunity you will ever have to better know, train, and care for your dog. Simply put, Dog Tellin’ is the simple ability to understand what your dog is telling you through its body language. Dog Tellin’ has been called many things (Dog Whispering, Canine Communication etc.) largely as a result of some savvy marketers and sales people. But there is re... [continue reading]

If you currently reside with the canine species, you may be in the same position that I am. I do not own my dog. My dog owns me. Catering to my dog’s needs on a daily basis just seems to be what I do. I work in real estate, which thankfully, allows me to have a flexible schedule. I basically go by Moxie’s schedule. If I’m out on the road, I constantly stop by my home to make sure she’s okay or to let her outside to do her thing. I don’t make plans if I know it’s going to take too long and nobody else would be home to let her out. My life is based on my dog’s life. If my... [continue reading]

Responsible dog owners must familiarize themselves with the laws of their city. There are leash laws, license laws, and nuisance laws to be concerned with as a dog owner. However, you might be surprised what other laws are on the books around the United States, perhaps even in your town. Most areas have leash laws that prohibit dogs from running loose. An example of one such law is in Jasper, Texas, where dogs must continuously be on a leash or else the owner could be fined one hundred dollars. In Provo, Utah, dogs are not allowed out on the streets after 7:00 P.M. Arvada, Colorado, has strict... [continue reading]