Benefits Of Dog Agility Training

Aside from entertainment purposes, dog agility training makes your dog vigorous and alert. This fun-filled activity even sharpens his mind and teaches him to make his own strategy on how to finish the course efficiently.

Agility training will also allow your dogs to perform obstacles. With this kind of training, dogs can improve coordination through the basic training exercises used to teach jumping and ramp work.

More importantly, you and your dog will build a better bond. This training teamwork nurtures a good communication between the pet owner and the dog which improves their working relationship.

In line with that, there are different kinds of dog agility equipment such as dog training crates and dog exercise pens that will complete your dog's obstacle training course. Every piece of equipment provides excellent improvement to your dog's whole being and attitude.

Below is a list of benefits that you and your dog can get from agility training.

Benefits to Dogs:
º Keep your dog healthy.
º Allow your dog to perform his needed exercise.
º Establishes trust and confidence to you as their friend and owner
º Learning to follow basic obedience and instructions
º Develop flexibility
º Sharpens your dog's mind
º Increases your dog's endurance and confidence
º Develops your dog's speed and accuracy
º Improves his communication skills
º Allows your dog to form his own strategies

Benefits to Pet Owners:
º Keep you in shape, healthy and alert
º Develop flexibility
º Helps to lose unwanted fats and gain muscle
º Increase your perseverance

Indeed, agility training gives your dog a great and exciting bonding time with you and other members of the family. Including it in your daily or weekly activities will surely strengthen your relationship with your dogs.

Review a Boarding Kennel and Get Rewarded!

Have you and your pet dog or cat found a great boarding kennel or cattery? Have you been wowed by the caring and friendly staff? Blown away from the cleanliness and cool extras of a boarding facility? Then we want to hear from you!

Why not share your experience with other pet owners to help them choose the best accommodations for their pets? Now you can with KennelSeek.com! KennelSeek.com has thousands of boarding kennels and catteries for you to review throughout Canada and the United States. Once you submit your review, as a thank you to our Canadian pet owners, each Canadian will receive 2 Airmiles® Reward Miles!

What is KennelSeek.com? KennelSeek helps you find and book boarding kennels and catteries anywhere in the USA and Canada online for your dogs, cats and other pets. You can quickly check availability, pictures, rates, requirements, and reviews of any kennel or cattery! KennelSeek.com truly allows you to be confident that you are choosing the highest quality of care for your dog, cat or other pet.

Founded in 2008, KennelSeek.com enables boarding kennel & cattery operators to grow their business by accepting real-time reservations and reservation requests from millions of pet owners online.

Holiday Tips for Pet Owners

The holiday season is often the most joyous time of the year. However, joy can turn to tragedy if simple precautions are not taken to ensure the safety of your pets.

“Pets are curious by nature,” said Dr. Steve Hansen, a board-certified veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president of The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Hansen, whose department also includes the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center, asks pet parents to be mindful of their pets this holiday season.

“Thinking about your home from your pet’s point of view will help ensure everyone has happy and safe holidays,” Hansen said. “Pets have the ability to get into everything, especially during the holidays when there is more to see and do.”

Simple holiday traditions, such as trimming the tree and decorating the house, can pose potential problems to pets if not monitored carefully.

Dr. Leon Robbins, doctor of veterinary medicine at Grandview Animal Hospital near Winston-Salem, NC, warned that much like toddlers, pets are attracted to bright lights, shining ornaments and dangling tinsel.

“Many holiday decorations are hazardous to pets,” said Robbins. “Try to use big, pet-friendly ornaments and keep the ornaments, as well as the lights, out of a pet’s reach.”

The most common pet-related emergency that occurs over the holidays is the consumption of human pharmaceuticals. Dr. Hansen said that many people keep their medications in daily pill minders, their luggage or even leave it lying out when staying with family or friends.

“All prescription and non-prescription drugs should be safely stored,” Hansen said. “Even in small doses, human medications can be potentially lethal to pets.”

Food is the culprit for the second most common holiday pet emergency. According to Dr. Robbins, pets should be kept on a normal diet, as it will alleviate digestive problems.

“If there is food left over, don’t give it to your pet as a holiday treat,” said Robbins. “Instead give baby carrots, green beans or broccoli as treats.”

To ensure a happy and safe holiday season for you and your pets, (Your Company’s Name) recommends that pet owners be cautious of the following:

Dark and baker’s chocolate. While milk chocolate is not poisonous, it will cause your pet to have an upset stomach. On the other hand, dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate contain high levels of theobromine and caffeine. Animals are extremely sensitive to both and ingesting either type of chocolate could be fatal.

Xylitol. This sugar substitute causes a dog’s blood sugar to drop quickly. This poisoning can be treated, but causes liver failure if not treated properly.

Macadamia nuts. Dogs experience severe weakness in their back legs, appearing paralyzed, after ingesting macadamia nuts. Dogs usually recover from this condition within three days.

Avocados. Avocados pose a serious threat to birds. Avocados cause respiratory distress in birds, causing fluid to build up in their lungs.

Bread Dough. When bread dough is ingested it continues to rise, causing an intestinal blockage.

If your pet ingests any potentially harmful product, call your vet or a local emergency animal hospital immediately.

At Home Pet Sitters offers pet owners these helpful hints to keep pets out of danger, while still enjoying the food, fun and festivities that accompany the holidays.

At Home Pet Sitters offers pet sitting, dog walking, overnight pet sitting, pet taxi and more. Bonded and insured pet sitters in Savannah, GA. Accredited members of Pet Sitters International. For more information, please visit our website: www.athomepetsitters.net

New Dry Paws™ Training and Floor Protection Pads

Dry Paws is now available at Mid West Homes for Pets, the leading provider of pet training products in the industry. For pet owners who are very meticulous in caring for their pets, Dry Paws is the perfect product to have. It can lock away bacteria and moisture quickly because of its absorbent polymer and quilted design. While training pets to make them completely housebroken, it is important to keep them clean and healthy.

The training pads of Dry Paws are a great help to house break a new pet. It is designed to be a pet's comfort zone, a place where he can eliminate during times when the pet owner cannot be available to let them out. This product is not also just for the newly introduced pets in the house. It can also be a perfect alternative for older pets that already are having a hard time eliminating outside or are unable to hold off eliminating long enough to go outside.

The product is also a great help for pet owners who live in apartments or homes that has limited outdoor areas to train their pets properly.

Dry Paws training and floor protection pads can be available in 7 count, 14 count large, 14 count, 30 count, and 50 count with different master pack dimensions and essentially the same sizes except for 14 count large.

Here are the different sizes of Dry Paws for shopping reference:

7 Count- Dry Paws™ Training and Floor Protection Pads
Model Number: PP07
1-30 lbs.
Size: 23 5/8 x 17 3/4
Weight: 1 lb.
Master UPC: 10027773009525
UPC: 02777300952
Master Pack Dimensions- 16 1/8L x 12 1/4W x 8H

14 Count Large- Dry Paws™ Training and Floor Protection Pads
Model Number: PPL14
1-160 lbs.
Size: 29.5 x 23 5/8
Weight: 1 lb.
Master UPC: 10027773009563
UPC: 027773009566
Master Pack Dimensions- 18 1/8L x 11 1/4W x 10 5/8H

14 Count- Dry Paws™ Training and Floor Protection Pads
Model Number: PPS14
1-30 lbs.
Size: 23 5/8 x 17 3/4
Weight: 1 lb.
Master UPC: 10027773009532
UPC: 02777300953
Master Pack Dimensions- 18 1/8L x 8 1/4W x 10 5/8H

30 Count- Dry Paws™ Training and Floor Protection Pads
Model Number: PPS30
1-30 lbs.
Size: 23 5/8 x 17 3/4
Weight: 1 lb.
Master UPC: 10027773009549
UPC: 027773009542
Master Pack Dimensions- 18 1/8L x 10 5/8W x 16 1/8H

50 Count- Dry Paws™ Training and Floor Protection Pads
Model Number: PPS50
1-30 lbs.
Size: 23 5/8 x 17 3/4
Weight: 1 lb.
Master UPC: 10027773009556
UPC: 027773009559
Master Pack Dimensions- 24L x 12W x 18 1/8H

Pet owners who are interested can go to www.midwesthomes4pets.com for more information about the prices and how to shop online for this product. They can also check their local Pet Stores or feel free to use the online store locator to find a Midwest Homes for Pets Retailer nearest their area. Please visit www.midwesthomes4pets.com for more information regarding training and housebreaking pets.

MidWest Homes 4 Pets, a division of MidWest Metal Company since 1921
Address: 4211 East Jackson Street, Muncie, Indiana 47303
Phone: 765-289-3355
Fax: 765-289-6524
Website: http://www.midwesthomes4pets.com

Did You Know Pharaohs Had Pet Dogs?

If you ask a cat (or a dedicated cat person), you're likely to be summarily informed there's nothing at all mysterious about dogs. Cats have, however, been known to prevaricate for reasons known only to cats. That's not to say that cat people share the same proclivity.

Dogs do have their mysteries -- some of the more interesting ones revolve around the origins of different breeds. With the science of DNA now available, those questions are beginning to be answered, and more found to be asked, but DNA identification is still a relatively infantile technology and the databases available for reference have not yet become broad enough to arrive at definitive answers to many of our questions about where our dogs' true origins lie. In 2004, when researchers announced the determination of the “14 ancient breeds” they were working with DNA from only 85 of the more common breeds -- out of all the hundreds of known breeds.

One of the most intriguing mysteries revolves around the Pharaoh Hound, an elegant hunting hound that closely resembles the Egyptian god of the dead, Anubis. Ironically, the breed has often been characterized as being “as clean as a cat.”

For generations, it has been believed that the Pharaoh Hound is an ancient breed dating back to the time of the pharaohs. Images of dogs closely resembling the modern Pharaoh Hound found in Egyptian tombs and glyphs have seemed to support this belief. Egyptian artisans depicted dogs with the characteristic long, narrow nose, the large, pointed ears, the attentive stance, narrow waist and deep chest of the modern Pharaoh Hound. The tomb of Antefa II, dated at about 2300 BC is graced with a particularly striking drawing.

But now we have evidence that changes this supposition. And Anubis wasn't known as the “hound god,” but as the jackal god.

The dog images from ancient Egypt are now believed to be of a truly ancient and now extinct breed, the Tesem. Our Pharaoh Hound appears to be a comparatively modern breed whose origins can be traced back to Malta and the Ibizan Hound, whose origins are ancient, most likely descended from the Tesem, brought by the Phoenicians around 645 BC to the island of Eivissa (that's EIvissa, not ELvissa, home of the Ibizan sighthound, not Elvis sightings).

In spite of significant evidence to the contrary some breed clubs, breeders, registries and commentators at the most prestigious dog shows in the world continue to claim the Pharaoh Hound that we know today is one and the same breed portrayed thousands of years ago as a companion and hunting partner to the pharaohs. It is not unusual to read or hear the breed described as tracing its origins back to 5,000 BC, becoming known to the Mediterranean world after the Romans invaded Egypt two millennia ago and the Phoenician traders transported them to Malta and the Balearic Isles where they were prized for hunting small game.

We even “know” that the boy pharaoh, Tutenkhamen, owned one named Abuwitiyuw. Maybe that's why we call them Pharaoh Hounds? Problem is, the evidence now points to the Ibizan being the older breed with the Pharaoh Hound being a later offshoot of the Ibizan rather than the other way around.

In Malta, the breed is known by the name Kelb tal-Fenek and is considered an indigenous breed to the island, the national dog of Malta. The first recorded mention of the hunting dog of Malta was written in 1647 by the Vice Chancellor of the Order of St. John (more familiar as the Knights of Malta): “There are dogs called 'Cernechi' esteemed for the hunting of rabbits , and as far as France are in demand primarily for stony, mountainous and steep locations.” “Cernechi” or “Cirnechi” translates literally to “Rabbit Dog.” Ironically, the Kelb tal-Fenek -- the Cernechi -- didn't become known as the Pharaoh Hound until the mid 20th century, when Dr. Eugen Seiferle dubbed the group of similar dogs “pharaonenhunde.” This designation further confuses the question as to whether the original rabbit dog of Malta was what we now call the Pharaoh Hound or better fit the standard of the Ibizan. Or perhaps another variant breed.

And the mystery and romance of the Pharaoh Hound continues. Which to choose to believe? Glyphs and drawings, myths and legends from ages past or hypothesis supported by fairly compelling although admittedly incomplete scientific evidence.

Provided by Tom Figler of www.pet-super-store.com: find great deals on GPS Tracking Collars such as Garmin Tracking Collars.

Dog Sweaters - Warm And Cozy

Just as winters can be harsh for us, in the same manner winters can be severe and chilly for pets as well. Even if they are at home or in their dog kennels , and to make them feel warm dog sweaters are available, making them feel cozy and warm. Dog apparels are available for all seasons, right from cool, light summer wear to floral prints and even thick warm jackets and woolen wears to beat the cold. These sweaters are so cute and comfortable for dogs and are easily available as pets are now found in almost every house these days.

Dog sweaters are needed to protect them from cold and any kind of winter diseases; if your pet is taken care of properly he will never fall sick during winter. Not only sweaters but other accessories are also available like socks, caps, shoes, ponchos, scarves, etc. to make your dog look more beautiful and even help them to be warm and fit during the winters.

It is necessary to protect your puppy with more care because they are more immune to cold and can fall sick very fast. Dog sweaters for puppies are a must and they should also be covered with other accessories as well. These sweaters are available in abundance in various sizes and colors. The colors range from whites, black, blue, pinks lovely mauves and the list goes on and on. The sizes of the dog sweaters are no issue at all since they are readily available in all sizes and can be easily stitched if there is a mismatch of size. A popular model is the Princess Sweater with Organza Ribbon.

Sweaters are also available in various patterns and designs like dotted, striped, textured, multicolor, single color and even have pockets in them that really make them look very smart and cute. The designs and patterns on the sweaters do match with the occasion or festival also, like the sweater might have a Christmas tree or Santa Claus, Halloween, etc. The All American Handmade Patriotic Sweater has design to depict patriotism and various other designs to grace the festivity occasion. Even for family functions there are dog sweaters available, these sweaters range from all prices to suit all classes of people. It is fun to see the pups dress up in sweaters of various designs and colors to match and grace each and every occasion.

Dog sweaters are available for extreme cold season to early winters. These sweaters are available as machine made or hand knitted. Some of the dog sweaters, such as the Marabou Glamour Sweater are also made of fur to make the dog look more cozy and fluffy. For your female dog, sweaters are also made of lace and frills to make them look more fancy and trendy. They are designed in such a way with matching colors and fabrics that make the sweaters look really cute and just appropriate.

To make the dog look more attractive they can have matching socks, shoes or scarves that are easily available in the market. Some sweaters have attached hoods and some have separate hats or caps.

Ways to Care For Your Pet For Free

Having a pet can be one of the most enjoyable experiences in life. They all have their own unique personalities and qualities that make them special. However, there are so many responsibilities that you have to consider when owning a pet. For one, caring for your pet is a large responsibility and can be quite expensive, especially if you own a dog or a cat. You have to pay for things like food, immunizations, grooming, and the list continues. To minimize the costs that you pay for your pet, have you considered obtaining free pet samples of your favorite products?

Pet samples are a great way for you to help save on the cost of owning a pet. You will find nutritious samples available online that can really help you to provide for your pet. These samples are provided by the leading pet manufacturers, so you know that they are especially safe.

Many of the samples available will include products like pet food. Many times the samples provided can easily allow you to provide enough food for your pet for an entire week. The sample size may actual be the same bag as what you would have gotten at the store. So, this is a great way for you to help minimize the cost of owning your pet.

There are so many people who are looking for ways to reduce expenses as much as they can. This is one way that you can cut back on costs while still providing the same level of care for your pet. It only involves you thinking outside of the box to explore the possibilities available online. Just by simply filling out a form, your pet can enjoy a delicious treat.

Free Pet Samples offers a wide variety of completely free samples that you can get for FREE. Check out top product samples and learn how you can get more for less.