The perfect kennel for my dog

By Ken Wilson
Choosing the right dog kennel can become a strenuous concern for some of the dog owners. There are so many things that need to be considered before making the final choice. Even when thinking about purchasing a kennel cover kit, other things have to be taken into consideration as well because they are just as important for the dog’s comfort and safety, like the kennel cover’s design, length and height and color and type of the tarps, either heavy duty tarps or poly tarps.

Fortunately, the market dedicated to dog care products is quite generous and responsible dog owners have where to choose from. Besides picking a proper kennel for their dog, animal lovers also think of installing a kennel covers to protect their dogs from unfortunate weather. Therefore they also think about purchasing tarps.

All kennel shade kits are designed to help owners keep their dogs cool, dry, clean and healthy, and provide a comfortable home for man’s best friends. The heavy duty tarps included in the kennel shade kits protect animals from rain or light snow. Not only that the heavy duty tarps keep your pets cool, they also offer the best protection animals can get in the battle against the hot rays of the sun.

The perfect kennel is the one that satisfies the principles of convenience for the owner and comfort for the dogs. A kennel must be comfortable and big enough for your kind of dog. These two characteristics must be of essential consideration since dogs spend a lot of time in their kennel. So, they must be able to move around, in order to exercise and relax. More than that, kennels need to be tall enough to let the dogs stand and wide and long enough to provide room for them to sit in or lay.

Kennels are convenient for dog owners because they are safe and secure places for their beloved pets. They are also the least expensive method of providing some space for dogs to run outside. Dogs confined in an outdoor kennel cannot be picked up by animal control services and accused of being violent; they cannot start fighting with other dogs in the neighborhood or attack people coming up the walk, paying a visit. In these regards, dog owners with an outdoor kennel are freed of concern over their dogs doing something wrong, with possible severe consequences.

Kennels come in a variety of models, depending on the manufacturer. ShadenThings.com is an online shop, entirely dedicated to providing comfort and protection to the man’s best friend. Site visitors and shoppers can choose from a list of kits ranging from Standard Starter, Heavy Starter, and Basic to Standard, Standard Full and Standard Heavy. The main difference in all these kit frame types is the strength and reliability, with Standard Starter kit frame being the least reliable.

The most care-free and worry-free shade kit is the standard/heavy kit. Here are some tips for interested dog owners, which would hopefully be of great help. The basic kit is suggested for all deep southern and mostly sunny regions of the country. The standard kit is recommended for the lower mid-states and for windy locations. The standard heavy kit is suggested especially for all 10' and 12' wide kennels, and for any mountainous areas.

The good news is that any of these kit frame types have a sun-blocker poly tarp or a heavy duty tarp included, depending on the model, obviously. Besides being waterproof, a sun-blocker poly tarp of any size, color and model is designed to last a year, sometimes longer. However, specialists underline the fact that any poly tarp depends on the UV factor of the sun and the acid rain in the area it is located. The most reliable poly tarps are the ones with 4-ply thickness, because they are much cooler and offer a better protection. For these to happen, poly tarps need to be kept taut, which means that tarps must be no less than 2-3 inches shorter than the frame in front. Otherwise, even a heavy duty tarp that is not tight will cave in with snow or rain, which can cause you loose the kennel or, in even worse cases, injure your pet.

After having said all these, it is more than obvious that the best advice one can offer is to thoroughly research all options when it comes to offering protection and safety to the animal you love. We recommend visiting shadenthings.com, a shop which offers you the possibility to benefit from the best products online at this moment. Don’t miss the chance to give your dog a better life!

About the author:
So, when choosing a kennel shade kit for your dog, always look for a heavy duty steel frame and 100% sun and rain blocker poly tarp. After all, something as thick as a heavy-duty tarp offers adequate shade and rain protection to your pets.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

History Of The Pit Bull

By John Foley Foley
No other breed of dog has experienced as many discriminations and misconceptions as has the Pit Bull. While some people would tell you that Pit
Bulls are a gentle and harmless pet, other people consider them as wicked and evil enough to be Satan’s guard dog. Although neither viewpoint is accurate, both have some basis in fact and in the dog’s controversial origin.

Humans and dogs have long shared a bond that was based on function. Early dogs that were the least valuable and useful did not make it into today’s time. On the other hand, the most valuable and helpful of dogs remained and created others like them. Ultimately, breed predecessors were produced by breeding the best hunters to the best hunters and the best guards to the best guards. Those that proved to be the toughest and the bravest, which are traits that were most valued during the early times, became more and more specialized.

By the Greek era, large and powerful dogs which were called Molossians, were very popular and valued as a high price piece. Phoenician traders regarded them as an expensive commodity and used them as a bartering item. By means of bartering, the Molossians were distributed along the Phoenician shipping course which included stopovers in ancient Britain. The Molossians who remained in Britain became further specialized and brought about the beginning of the mastiff line of dogs.

The Mastiffs were polished as war dogs in Britain. When the Romans invaded Britain, they were impressed by the Mastiffs’ stance and strength that they brought some back to their country. The Mastiffs then became known as fighters or “dog gladiators” who went against humans, lions, bears, and even against each other.

Like Rome, the British also reveled in this vicious sport. They also placed high worth on contests that showed animals fighting to death. The display of a powerful dog fighting and ultimately killing a bull was the biggest entertainment that the villages could provide its citizens. This form of entertainment extended over all classes and by the sixteenth century bull-baiting and bear-baiting became the finale for a royal night of entertainment.

The dogs’ owners gained popularity for their animal’s impressive act, and the offspring of these dog gladiators were desired and sought after for their capability of delivering high prices. And because of their power, strength, and ability to bring wealth to their owners, more and more of these dogs were produced over the course of time. This is where the Pit Bull claims his heritage.

During part one of our brief history of the Pit Bull we touched up on the origins of the fighting arena which included this dog. From Rome to Britain, these dogs were used as fighting sport dogs which ranged in battles with other Pit Bulls, to lions, to animals as fierce as cage bulls, in which this dog invariably got its name.

In order to understand the influence that created the Pit Bull of today and what could be a dire future for the Pit Bull of tomorrow, you should be aware of its roots and origin. This remarkable and yet controversial dog is a mixture of strength and softness, between fun and serious business, all wrapped up in loyalty and love.

Where did Pit Bulls come from and why were they branded as the most vicious dogs that were ever to walk the planet?

During the sixteenth century, the cruel practice of bull-baiting was the favorite pastime of the British. Bull-baiting is a spectator sport in which one or two dogs were released and would try to grab a bull (which was chained to a stake) by the nose. This exhibit of tormenting the bull often lasted for hours for the purpose of entertainment. The British also had a misguided belief that torturing the animal before killing it made its meat more tender. For these reasons, bull-baiting became very popular to everyone from all walks of life.

This atrocious sport finally became illegal in England at around 1835, but that only forced the dog fighting fans and gamblers to conduct their own covert matches underground. And although organizing an underground bull-baiting event would have been a difficult task, setting up a dog fight in a barn or back room without being caught was quite easy.

The sport favored a somewhat smaller and swifter dog than the ones that were used at baiting bulls and other large animals. Many historians believe that the stocky bull-baiting dogs were crossed with the more swift and alert terriers to create a small, strong, and agile breed that was named Bull and Terrier. Other historians think that the Bulldog of the time was very similar to today’s Pit Bull and it was a simple process of choosing and breeding the most successful fighters.

As the Bull and Terriers or Bulldogs became less recognized for their bull-baiting ability and began to be more popular for their fighting skills in the pits, these breeds became known as Pit Bulldogs, or as we call them today, Pit Bulls.
Nowadays, Pit Bulls are recognized as fun loving dogs that would make wonderful additions to any family. But that way of thinking has not always been the case. Before they were considered great pets, these dogs once endured awful prejudice and unfairness because of their ability and strength.

Although dog fighting is considered illegal, fans and supporters continued to carry out the sport with minimal interference from law enforcement. In the 1970’s however, the American Dog Owner’s Association (ADOA) decided to lobby against dogfights. The association successfully brought public attention to pit fighting, helping to push it into the shadows and completely put an end to the sport.

But that did not stop the supporters and enthusiasts to carry on with the game. Dog fighting continued and went underground. Instead of turning people away, the sport’s illegal nature only attracted more people, many who whom knew more about the game’s pay-offs but had very little knowledge about the Pit Bulls.

Knowledgeable breeders of fighting Pit Bulls could no longer disclose information about training methods for fear of getting caught by the authorities. For this reason, novice dog trainers as well as Pit Bull breeders began using cruel practices to train these dogs. They would often use stolen puppies and other dogs to try to encourage the Pit Bulls to kill. These breeders and trainers would go as far as feed them with gunpowder to make them mean. In addition, they used other people to beat the dogs with clubs in order for them to turn aggressive toward strangers.

Needless to say, these poor methods of training were unsuccessful and the dogs rarely won at matches. The breeders and trainers had no other choice but to discard these dogs. The terrible harm that was done to these dogs made them very difficult to bring home as pets and the harm done to the dog’s reputation was beyond measurable.

While most people shun these dogs because of their notorious reputation, some people seek them in order to have the toughest dog on the block. Although certain types of breeds filled the position throughout the years, it was not until the early 1980’s when the Pit Bull made it to the top of the list.

While most people think that the Pit Bull makes the supreme macho dog, a lot of them do not understand the instinctive nature of the breed and the training it requires. In an attempt to create a bigger and more aggressive dog, these people promote random aggression and even cross their dogs with larger and more aggressive breeds. This mixture of bad breeding and bad training produced more aggressive dogs that have resulted in the Pit Bull’s notorious popularity.


Article Written By J. Foley
http://travelguy.typepad.com/just_about_dogs
















About the author:
Article Written By J. Foley
http://travelguy.typepad.com/just_about_dogs


Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Shelter Dog - How Did He Get Here?

By Rena Murray
Let's talk about the rescued dog in the local dog shelter. In a recent article I sought to create awareness about dogs you find in a dog rescue shelter, but now let's gain a greater understanding before you entertain dog shelter adoptions.

An abandoned dog may be in the dog shelter for any number of reasons. He may be a rescued dog, delivered from some great tragedy or depravity. But don't overlook the reality that some dogs are abandoned simply because they were bad ones with psychological, emotional, or treatment-induced bad dog behaviors and obsessive dog behaviors that the previous owners could not handle. Beware! Don't buy another man's problems!

Shelter evaluations are not all created equal, and not all are to be trusted. To avoid potential heartache down the road, it is wise to get professional help in the assessment prior to selecting your pet. We discuss assessment of the dog adoption candidates in another article, but just remember to do it with open eyes and open mind.

Still, do not overlook the fact that many rescued dogs (like my Border Collie, Gatsby) are fabulous animals and ideal pets. Gatsby's story involves two of the major reasons many abandoned dogs wind up in dog rescue shelters:

(1) His first owners abandoned him simply because they were lazy, irresponsible and did not value their precious pet.
(2) His next owners were loving and wonderful people, but they experienced catastrophic illness.

Yes, Gatsby needed some rehabilitation and further training when he came to me, but now he is a loving, beautiful, mellow, obedient, loyal, patient, balanced pet who steals people's hearts right and left. He helps enforce "pack rules" when I am caring for and training other dogs in my home. He loves people but is cautious, and he would defend me with his life!

Bottom line: There are wonderful animals just waiting for adoption in a dog shelter. But you must be prudent, informed, and careful. Affairs of the heart can be grossly misleading if not curbed with knowledge, understanding, reason and competence to do what is best for the one you choose. In other words, don't be a "softie."

Yes, I am very much for checking your local shelter or a dog breed rescue organization to see if a certain dog steals your heart. Every dog deserves a second chance, provided he is safe for a home environment. Indeed, good dog shelter adoptions can bring joy to a family.

Abandoned dogs include both mutts and purebred dogs and puppies. In fact, some twenty-five to thirty percent of dogs abandoned at shelters are purebred. My Gatsby was one.

But don't eschew the mixed breeds, either. I have owned some wonderful mixes. However, mixed breeds can have their own health problems and can of worms, too many to mention here. Just make sure they are mixes of compatible breeds, because conflicts in natural instincts can in some cases cause incurable psychological problems.

For example, Labradors and Golden Retrievers have the same mindset… but a homebody who wants to be with his people mixed with a rugged individualist runner, such as a Lab-Huskie mix, will cause inner turmoil for the hapless pet. The behavioral results of such emotional problems may be the reason a certain dog was left at the shelter in the first place!

When will people "get it?" Dogs are not THROW AWAY! You can't just take them "for a test drive" then dump them again. Unlike the plastic toys, "Puppy in my pocket" and "Littlest Pet Shop," dogs have feelings, and proper treatment of them and care for them DO matter. Your decision is a serious one.

Rescued dogs often have a bad name because of the conflicts and other factors mentioned above… and because people who adopt them often feel that they need to make up for the dog's sad past. They try too hard to do that, through love instead of providing structure.

If you don't go away with anything else, please remember this:
After having a sad or horrific past, your shelter dog deserves a chance to be a normal dog. Only that will make him happy … not coddling, caving in, and other signs of your weakness. His comfort and security are derived from your strength, consistency, and guidance as a true leader. Be one!

If your dog is scared of something, make him face it. The fear will then go away.
NOT addressing the problem leaves him IN the problem….

Remember too, many shelter dogs are great animals. Just choose wisely, and treat them like you would any dog … so they get to live a full and happy dog life!

About the author:
Dog Obedience Trainer - Dog Behaviorist, Rena Murray, dares to tell it like it is! Growing up with the Horse Whisper, avid wolf pack studies, Pit Bull and other dog training, Rena solves "impossible" situations, e.g., teaching an old dog new tricks, solving dog dominance and dog destructive behavior, even stopping a Doberman attack in mid-launch! Available for Consultations, Rena blends the best of the Dog Whisper and other techniques to each specific situation and will bring fresh insight to yours. See Rena's Expert Articles and subscribe to her FREE Ezine at http://www.PawPersuasion.com and comment on Rena's BLOG - http://www.pawpersuasion.com/blog/

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Find New Dog Strollers at Pet Stroller Mart

By: Daniel Dan
PetStrollerMart.com continues to provide customers with the largest assortment of dog strollers and pet strollers available. We've got a wide variety of brand new dog strollers that you and your pet are sure to enjoy. Like previous collections, our new stroller selection continues to attract customers' demands of easy travel storage, reliability, and pet safety and comfort. Many customers of ours will also use these strollers for puppies, ducks and even guinea pigs. Pet owners that have disabled or weak animals find that products from Pet Stroller Mart are a perfect way to take their pets along with them no matter where they go.

Our Central Park Pet Stroller is a fantastic stroller that is larger than our 4-Wheel Pink Pet Stroller. Offered at a fantastic price, it can be found in bright colors with a neon stripe to make it easier to spot on busy streets. This dog stroller or cat stroller also has storage spots for pet treats and water. This is the perfect pet stroller for a relaxing walk in the park, or to take your pet shopping in. This pet stroller's wheels are built to last, and are designed for smooth sidewalks as well as uneven roads. Our cat and dog strollers make wonderful Christmas or birthday gifts.

Portable pet houses are the newest in travel accessories for pets, and are a part of the always growing product line at Pet Stroller Mart. The portable pet house is designed to fold easily and pack away in the car or in the home. Its well-made design is built just for use in backyards, parks, and any other terrain when you travel. It is easily washed, and is constructed out of fabric that's easy to take care of. Its well-built design is built to last. This portable house can be found in several colors, and you can purchase it and get free shipping within the continental United States.

Our new Jogger Pet Stroller is a fantastic way for pet owners who are active to take their pets with them when they're exercising. The stroller is made just for tough terrains and reliable for all types of running situations. Active adults can now jog and spend some good, quality time with their cat, puppy, or other pet as they keep their bodies in shape. The pet stroller comes equipped with bigger wheels for speed, and is built to suit even advanced runners. Remember, runners should wear high quality running shoes since shoes that are worn or old may cause back and leg issues.

Future plans for Pet Stroller Mart are to broaden its product line past pet strollers. We are hoping to have products specific for dogs, cats, and small critters or small pets. Pet Stroller Mart is fully dedicated to offering consumers cutting edge and innovative products that large pet stores may not carry. Be on the lookout for luxury pet beds, and even complete bedroom sets for pets, including clothes hangers to hang up your pet's outfits. We at Pet Stroller Mart plan to continue our expansion, and hope that our customers will be happy with what they buy and our merchandise.

Pet Stroller Mart from Pet Stroller Mart offer the opportunity to bring your family pet with you everywhere your travels take you. Pet Strollers from PetStrollerMart are perfect for disabled or weak pets, puppies, small dogs, cats, small animals, and older pets with arthritic joints or hip problems.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Austin Dog Parks

By Dane Smith
Austin is a dog loving town. Along with the dog friendly restaurants, and dog related businesses, Austin is home to several dog parks. While San Antonio and Ft. Worth offer one dog park each, and Houston and Dallas have two, Austin boasts twelve official dog parks in the city limits.

Just below the Tom Miller Dam on Red Bud Trail lies Red Bud Isle. It’s a beautiful wooded peninsula with open areas for dogs to run, secluded trails to hike, and several spots to access the water for dogs to swim, kayakers to launch, and fishermen to drop a line.

Bull Creek District Park is another lovely leash-free dog park bisected by Bull Creek, one of two spring-fed water supply creeks in Austin. Dubbed “The Galapagos of Texas” due to the many species of animals that have evolved here, Bull Creek also hosts many dog “meet ups” for different dog groups, such as “Active Dogs” or “Great Dane Day.”

Norwood Estate and The West Austin Dog Park are the only parks fully enclosed by fencing, a plus for those dog owners afraid of their unleashed canine running off towards busy thoroughfares. Norwood Estate is actually double-gated, and has a separate area dedicated for puppies.

As if twelve official dog parks weren’t enough, several other areas in town have become unofficial dog parks as well, many of them located along the Barton Creek Greenbelt, including “Dog Beach,” just below Barton Springs pool. Dog owners take heed- having a dog off leash in an undesignated area can lead to fines up to $500.

Dog parks bond a community of humans as well as their four-legged pets, though they might refer to each other by the dogs’ names- for instance, “You are Bingo’s owner, right?” According to the Austin Parks Foundation, the most popular dog parks are kept up by different volunteer community groups, such as Friends of Turkey Creek and Friends of Norwood Park. These groups maintain the parks by picking up waste, planting, and laying down fresh mulch, providing a fresh and clean area for all of Austin’s dog owners to enjoy.

About the author:
To start investigating the Austin market Ki's site is has information on Austin Texas real estate. Their site provides a free search of the Austin MLS along with market updates on his Austin real estate blog.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com