Sunday, May 18, 2008

Harrier Puppy And Dog Information

By: Mitch Endick

The Harrier is a very friendly dog that actually makes a good watch dog but may help a prowler find your house keys. She loves everyone! She needs plenty of exercise so she is not an apartment dog. A properly fenced in yard or acreage is essential for her. She can be very vocal and may tend to wander off after a scent so keep her under control. She is a pack dog so she generally gets along very well with other dogs. Be cautious with her and other pets besides dogs as she may consider them prey. She is generally very good with older children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Harrier is 18 to 22 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 40 to 60 pounds. The female runs smaller and lighter than the male.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Harrier is no exception. Although this breed is considered very healthy, be on the look out for rare cases of epilepsy (common in dogs), jaw malformations and Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Harrier has a short dense, glossy and hard coat sheds average. She should be brushed weekly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Harrier can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Harrier comes from Great Britain where they were developed for hunting rabbits and small game in packs. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1885.

Some Registries:
*Harrier Club of America (HCA)
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 7 to 8 Harrier puppies

Category: Hound

Terms To Describe: Active, strong, friendly, loves, outgoing, playful, cheerful,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Good watch dog.
They love everyone.
Very good nature.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Poor guard dog.
May bay and be very noisy.
May tend to wander off on a scent so keep under control.
Need plenty of exercise.

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

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


Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com. www.petpages.com is a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds, and puppy for sale info Petpages.com also offers information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Guide To Dog Friendly Hotels For The Pampered Pooch

By: Rebecca Prescott

In France, small dogs have always been pampered and accepted virtually anywhere their owner goes. That can now be extended to cities worldwide and is especially true of Hotels at the top-end of the market.

There are two main reasons for this. Increasing numbers of clients wish to have their dog with them to maximize the pleasure of the vacation. This is a huge market - around 62 million people in America own dogs and 29 million of them take their dogs with them when then go travelling. The other factor is that many owners feel guilty at putting their dog into kennels. This all reflects the way dogs are now seen much more as part of the family, rather than a mere pet.

NUMBER CRUNCHING

A survey on behalf of a Hotel chain came up with some surprising findings. 76% of respondents claimed that they would show more loyalty to a hotel chain that was prepared to accommodate their dogs - even if they weren't bringing their dog on vacation! 16% admitted that they had, at one time or another smuggled their dog into a hotel that wouldn't accept pets!

WHAT CAN MY DOG EXPECT FROM A HOTEL?

Most dog-friendly hotels offer basics such as food and water. Others add nice touches like a gift on arrival and custom-made ID tags. The more expensive the hotel, the more luxuries your dog can expect to indulge in. You will be provided with toys, leashes and collars, poop scoops and even videos for your dog to watch.

Dogs can now get organic roasted chicken and Aberdeen Angus steaks from room service. Some hotels offer dog meals that have been developed with the help of a veterinarian - especially to help your dog deal with the stress of travelling! The hotel concierge will organize dog walkers and a pet sitter, if you're planning to spend some time away from your dog. One of the most amazing things offered in a Pampered Pooch Package is the use of a 'dog translator' so that guests can communicate better with their canines!

DOGS LOVE TO GROOM!

If you go for a relaxing pedicure, you dog can lie next to you and have one too. In-hotel grooming parlors are increasingly popular. Why not treat your pampered pooch to some highlights, lowlights or French braiding? Teeth cleaning and massage is also on offer.

THE TOP TEN DOG-FRIENDLY CITIES IN THE USA AND CANADA ARE:

1. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

2. San Francisco, California

3. Chicago, Illinois

4. Boston, Massachusetts

5. Austin, Texas

6. Seattle, Washington

7. New York City

8. Long Beach, Los Angeles

9. St Louis, Missouri

10. Northern Virginia Area of Washington DC

THE SKY'S THE LIMIT

Here's a quick run-down on what your dog could get at a stay in a high-end hotel in The Big Apple:

* Personalized ID tag plated in 22 carat gold

* Spritz treatments for the dog's coat in a choice of aromatherapy fragrances

* Luxury dog pillow in the shape of a bone

* Home-baked dog biscuits and treats

* 300 thread count sheets on a special dog mattress

* Room service for dogs offering appetizers, entrees and deserts

The hotels can't control the weather but they can make life more bearable for your dog with the loan of a trench coat (rainproof, naturally!), a leather jacket or if it turns chilly - a cashmere sweater. It's a dog's life!

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


For more information on dog kennels, click here. Rebecca runs this dog and puppy site.

5 Tips For Buying The Perfect Dog Collar And Leash

By: Lee Dobbins

Among the many devices used in obedience training a dog collar and leash are the most important. Every dog should have its own collar and leash. However, in obedience training, there are specvially made leashes and collars designed to support your training sessions with your dog.

In general, dog collars are viable and stylish. Your dog's name or any identification detail can be embedded within the collar. This can be a big help in case your dog got lost. You can even customize dog collars according to your taste or fashion and show off the way you would want to pamper your dog.

With the latest trend in today's dog training tools, choosing the best dog collar and leash can be very difficult. The options are too many and getting the best brand with the best function can be quite a problem.

If you are in for fashion, you can choose whatever chic and stylish collars and leashes available in the market. However, if you are in for some high quality and efficient training tools, you must opt only for the best.

Here are some factors you need to consider when choosing a fully functional collar and leash:

1. Size matters

In buying a dog collar or leash, size really matters. Do not buy your dog collar without your dog's actual measurement. To be sure, use any long thread such as tape measure or string and measure your dog's neck. Make room for allowances, probably 2-3 inches.

To check that the collar fits your dog's neck, try inserting two fingers between the collar and the dog's neck. If you can insert your fingers easily, the collar fits just right.

2. Color of the fur

You do not have to be fashionable when choosing dog collars. What matters most is the way the collar will look good on your dog. In doing so, the collar must match the color of your dog's fur. It must also complement the dog's breed. For instance, a chic collar with lots of trinkets may look good on a poodle, but not on a German Shepherd.

3. Comfort

You do not have to be very choosy in getting your dog's collar and leash. However, your dog's comfort should be on top priority. The quality should come next since training would entail rigid activities. Hence, dog collars should be sturdy enough to clutch your dog.

4. Specifications

Know what you need. Before you go to a pet shop, it is best that you have all the necessary features that you have in mind. In this way, people at the shop will know exactly what you need.

Specifications are important such as describing the things you want in a dog collar and leash. Would you go for a fashionable dog collar and leash or a fully functional item with all the necessary technical features included?

5. Budget

Not all leashes and collars are created equal. So if you have a particular dog collar and leash in mind, try to consider your budget first. Fashionable and fully functional items usually cost more than the typical ones.

Try to shop around for more choices. The more choices you have, the higher chances of getting a good bargain without sacrificing quality.

Boiled down, buying a dog collar and leash may not be that easy, but with these guidelines, you can definitely get good item for your dog.

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


Lee Dobbins writes for dogcollars.topicgiant.com where you can learn more about dog collars and how to buy the perfect dog collar and leash.

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