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Should You Adopt a Dog From the Dog Pound?

by Shari Coxford

People often hesitate to adopt a dog from the dog pound or animal shelter because they don't know what they're getting into by adopting an adult dog. They assume that the dog is at the dog pound for a good reason. Perhaps he chewed up someone's shoes, peed on Aunt Molly or got into the trash. There must be something wrong with the dog for his previous owners to abandon him.

That's the big myth. Dogs are abandoned for a number of reasons. Some of the most common are:

1. Moving to an apartment that doesn't allow dogs.

2. Getting married to someone who is allergic to, or doesn't like dogs.

3. The dog doesn't get along with other family pets such as a cat.

4. The owner doesn't want to deal with a pregnant dog or a dog who just had puppies.

5. Someone gives a child a dog without asking the parents, who later take the dog to the dog pound.

6. Wanting a puppy but not an adult dog. Once the puppy grows up the owners lose interest and get rid of the dog.

7. Failure to train a puppy and when he grows up, the owners cannot control him. They take the adult dog to the animal shelter and sadly, start the cycle again with a new puppy.

8. Going into the military or taking a job that requires a lot of travel and having no one at home to care for the dog.

9. The dog's owner dies or goes into a nursing home.

10. Changing their mind. They simply don't want a dog anymore.

More than half of the reasons for abandoning a dog have nothing to do with the dog having behavioral problems. What's more, you're not necessarily going in blind when you adopt a dog from the dog pound. Animal shelters often have a record about the dog which includes whether he's been potty trained, crate trained, spayed or neutered, knows the basic commands, is an indoor or outdoor dog, and whether he gets along with other dogs or cats.

In addition, the workers at the animal shelter have spent a few days with the dog and can tell you if he's aggressive, friendly, fearful, etc. Dogs don't just appear on their doorstep. People turn them in and in doing so they fill out a fact sheet about the dog.

Adopting a dog from the dog pound is no more risky than adopting from a newspaper ad, internet posting or even a friend of a friend. Your dog should be a lifelong commitment and you should be prepared to train him or reinforce his existing training regardless of where the dog comes from.

What should you look for when adopting an adult dog?

Calmness

A dog who is jumping around in the cage is going to be jumping around in your home. A dog who is jumping up with his feet against the cage trying to entice you is likely to jump up on you as well. Be prepared for some dog training exercises to calm a hyper dog.

Barking

If he's barking for attention in the cage he'll be barking for attention when you get him home. The dog may continue barking when separated from you or left alone.

Peeing From Excitement

If the dog gets excited when you approach the cage and pees, he may have a problem holding it when excited. Be prepared to potty train the dog or break him of a nervous pee habit.

Fear or Aggression

If the dog is cowering in the cage or appears fearful, he may become a biter. If he growls at you, he may become a biter. Do not adopt such a dog unless you have complete confidence in your abilities to handle a dog that may have special training needs.

Previous Environment

If you're given any information about his previous environment take it into account when adopting the dog. The owners often give valuable clues in their recommendations such as whether the dog needs a fenced yard or prefers indoors or outdoors. If they've recommended that his new home have a fenced yard, you can bet part of their difficulty with the dog involved NOT having a fenced yard. Sometimes the fact sheet tells you if the dog is good with other dogs or cats or kids.

Age

Puppies and younger dogs will be full of energy and playfulness. You will need to give younger dogs an outlet for the energy or they will cause you problems. Older dogs are by nature more calm and mellow. As many people prefer puppies, older dogs are also harder for the dog pound to find homes for and are often euthanized regardless of how well trained they are.

Breed

This is a key factor in choosing a dog who is suitable for you. A long haired dog will require a lot more maintenance and you must be prepared to provide it. Certain dog breeds are high energy and need daily physical exercise or they will cause you problems. High energy dogs won't do well in a home full of couch potatoes. Consider whether your home is big enough for a big dog or whether you'd be better suited to a smaller dog. Some breeds do better with children. Do a little research before adopting a dog and you'll have a better chance of finding your perfect dog.

Choose the right dog for you and your family and don't be the owner who abandons him. Be the owner who befriends and teaches him and your dog will be your best friend for life. Never assume that just because somebody abandoned the dog that there's something wrong with the dog. Perhaps it's the owner who was the problem.

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The Savvy Traveler: 4 Ways You Can Reduce Your Air Travel Costs

Is the rising cost of airfare causing you to postpone your travels? There are 4 ways you can save on air travel costs. If you're already on a budget, these tips can help you to still fly, especially if your reason for flying is to visit family or go on that much-needed vacation.

Many Americans have cut back on air travel primarily due to the rising costs of airfare. This is reflected in the continual decrease in ticket sales as reported by airlines across the country. If you are looking for ways on how to reduce your travel costs, below are five ways you can save on airfare.

1. Choose the right day to book your flight.

Very few people realize that the day you book a flight can actually have a huge impact on how much you have to pay for your ticket. The secret is to book your flight either on a Wednesday or a Saturday morning. On these days, airlines usually offer discounts in order to fill up remaining empty seats on their upcoming flights.

2. Schedule an off-season trip.

The more potential passengers there are, the higher the airfare will be. This is why plane tickets are considerably more expensive during peak vacation seasons. For instance, most people living in the northeastern part of the country want to get away from the freezing snow so for the months of December to February, you can expect New York to Florida flights to be priced higher than usual. In order to avoid these steep prices, you can try scheduling an off-season trip. If you are a New Yorker and want to visit Orlando, you will save a huge amount by postponing your vacation until the summer.

3. Travel on a Wednesday.

Most people like to fly on Fridays and weekends because these are the days they don't have to go to work or school. Airlines know this, which is why they raise airfare costs during these days. Mondays are also expensive because this is the day most business travelers depart. The best days for traveling are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Wednesday in particular tend to have the cheapest airfare costs, during which you can save $100 or even more.

4. Don't travel during the holidays.

Even with the decreased frequency of air travel in the United States, there are three times out the year when all flights are sure to be fully booked. These are the days right before Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. During these holidays, airlines don't have any problem at all filling up their seats. In fact, the demand for tickets is so high that the airlines actually increase the prices on these days. It might not sound fair but that's business.

If you don't want to pay the extra cost, all you have to do is not fly anywhere during the holidays. Of course, this may not always be an option. For some people, these holidays are their only opportunity to be with family. In this case, you will just have to book your flight as far from the actual holiday as you can. Avoid the two days right before the holiday, as these are the times when airfare rates are at their peak. It's good if you can get an early leave from work and fly at least three days before a holiday. This way you won't have to pay the ridiculously high travel costs and you will be able to spend more time with your family.

Follow these simple tips and you can experience the enjoyment of traveling without going over your budget.

Copyright © 2009, Ian White petsitterneeded.com

Author Ian White is founder of PetSitterNeeded.com Pet Sitting Directory

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How to Tell if Your Dog Has an Illness

Many people consider their dogs part of the family. However, unlike other members of the family, dogs are incapable of communicating when they are feeling ill. Most dog owners are able to easily identify when their pet is acting strangely. However, it can be difficult to know when a trip to the veterinarian is in order. Luckily, there are a few obvious warning signs that you can look for to help determine when your dog might need a professional examination.

Like humans, dogs can act abnormally for a variety of different reasons. Sometimes, dogs can become temporarily lackadaisical due to fatigue or depression. In this case, some simple TLC can be a suitable cure. However, there are certain symptoms and behaviors that should be taken seriously. If your dog demonstrates any of the following symptoms, you should immediately take him or her to a veterinarian for a proper examination.

Physical Symptoms

The skin, ears, eyes, nose and mouth can tell you a lot about whether or not a dog is ill. If you notice redness, swelling, crust or discharge coming from either the eyes or the nose, your dog might be suffering from a viral or bacterial infection. In this case, a veterinarian might be able to prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and provide drugs that can relieve uncomfortable symptoms.

The ears can also give hints to how your dog is feeling. If you notice drainage or foul odors emitting from the ears, you should be suspicious of a possible infection. Also, unusual twitching, scratching or shaking of the ears can point toward feelings of discomfort caused by a potential illness.

The skin and mouth should also be checked for strange, foul odors. The dog's tongue should be checked for dryness or strange coloring. Flaky, dry or red skin also represent warning signs as these could point to a potential fungal or parasitic infection.

Behavioral Symptoms

Most people have a good idea of how their dog normally behaves. If your dog is acting differently, it may just be a faze. However, if he is not eating or drinking water at the usual rates, this is generally a cause for alarm as this can be a sign of a variety of illnesses. Rapid weight loss, scratching, sleeplessness or sleeping too much are also indications that something might be affecting his or her health. Trembling, stumbling or falling should prompt immediate action as this could point to serious, advanced illness.


For many, their dog is more than just a pet. More than a few homes are full of photo albums peppered with images of the family canine. A lot of people consider their dogs an integral part of their family life and can't imagine life without them. By knowing what to look for, you can help keep your dog healthy and get him the proper attention he requires if he falls ill.

Copyright © 2009, Ian White pet-sitters.biz

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The Safest Breeds of Dog For Children

It's no secret that children love dogs. However, the feeling is not always reciprocated. Small children can often provoke dogs unintentionally, leading to potentially dangerous or even fatal altercations. Most of these tragedies could be avoided if parents took the time to learn about the potential dangers associated with certain breeds of dog. Although any breed of dog can be raised to be a loyal, loving pet, the fact is that some breeds are safer for children than others.

Although it is a fact that certain breeds can be more dangerous to children, the truth is that any dog can be a threat to a young child. The reason for this usually has more to do with the children than the dog. Young kids often annoy and harass dogs by pulling their tales or ears. Also, children are often unaware of boundaries and tend to do a poor job of discerning when a dog is becoming scared or angry.

That being said, there are certain breeds of dog that should be avoided if a child's safety is of specific concern. There are literally tens of thousands of breeds of dog, and it can be confusing to know which breeds represent the greatest threat to a child. One helpful rule in general is to avoid large, loud and hyper breeds like, Dalmatians, Boxers and Huskies. Although these dogs may not intend to harm your child, their large size, raw power and tendency toward excitability make them prone to crashing into things and potentially knocking children over. Breeds with aggressive temperaments, like Chows, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers and Pit Bulls should also be avoided. Although these dogs are often raised to be loyal, loving pets, they can be specifically dangerous to children because of their strong territorial instincts and deadly raw power. These breeds have amazingly powerful jaws and this biting power can make even a well-trained pet a significant danger to a child who doesn't respect boundaries.

So, if those breeds are generally the most dangerous around children, which ones are the safest? Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are good choices for people with children because they are generally intelligent and good-natured. Not only are these dogs usually quite docile, they are good at following instruction and are relatively easy to train. Boxers, Shih-Tzus, Pugs, Border Terriers, English Bulldogs, Norfolk Terriers, Beagles, Poodles and Cocker Spaniels are usually safe breeds for children because of their small non-threatening body sizes. These types of breeds are typically safe for children to play with; as an accidental or even intentional bite usually requires nothing but a band-aid or, at worst, a couple of stitches.

Although, some breeds of dog are a better fit for people with children, it is important to remember that no dog is 100 percent safe. Parents should always supervise young children when a dog is present. Even a good-natured, well-mannered dog can react aggressively when he or she feels threatened or confused. Many people are often shocked when their normally gentle dog erupts in an aggressive manner after being provoked by a small child. If you have children and are planning to adopt a puppy, you should definitely be selective when choosing a breed. However, there's more to the safety equation than just that. Teaching children how to behave around dogs combined with thorough supervision can help ensure that you and your family are able to avoid a potentially dangerous altercation.

Copyright © 2009, Ian White pet-sitters.biz

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How to Handle a Dog That's Aggressive Over Food

Does your dog growl or snap at you or the other dogs at meal time? A dog that becomes aggressive over food can be a sign of a bigger problem. Dogs are social animals that interact with people and other animals based on a pack hierarchy. Generally, a dog will only show aggression towards an animal or person who’s perceived to be lower in the pack order than he is. When a dog becomes aggressive over food, it means that he feels entitled to it because of his higher place in the hierarchy. If that aggression is directed towards a human, it can be a particularly serious problem. How is a dog that’s aggressive with food best handled?

If a dog’s aggression over food is directed towards another dog in the family, the problem can be simpler to solve. The best solution is to separate the two dogs at meal time, preferably in separate rooms so they’re unable to see one another. It’s important to understand where each dog lies in the pack hierarchy so this can be reinforced at feeding time. If the dogs are fed together, the dominant dog should be given his bowl of food before the other dogs. In the wild, the dominant dog or wolf is expected to eat first, while the submissive dog waits for his turn. Reinforcing the pack order helps both dogs feel more comfortable and they’ll be less likely to become aggressive over food.

If a dog becomes aggressive over food with a human, the dog considers himself to be higher in the pack hierarchy and feels justified in demanding the food. A dog that’s aggressive with food may growl or snarl, but in some cases, could bite or attack. This is more likely to happen with a smaller, less threatening human such as a child. It’s obvious that this behavior needs to be stopped both for the safety of family members and to maintain peace in the household.

The only way to eliminate aggressive behavior with food is to clearly establish that the humans in the household are higher in the pack hierarchy. When feeding a dog with food aggression, show him that the food will be taken away at the first sign of bad behavior. Encourage him to sit and make him wait for a minute or two before setting his food bowl down to show him you control the food supply. If he growls or shows signs of aggression, quickly remove the food bowl. Once your dog sees that the food will be taken away when he shows aggression, the aggressive behavior should gradually stop. It’s important not to punish your dog as this can make the problem worse. Consistently show your dog that you control the food and treats. This should be reinforced by every member of the family.

Because a dog that’s aggressive over food can be a threat, particularly to small children, it may be best, especially with larger dogs, to seek the help of a dog trainer or dog behavior specialist. It’s important to take any sign of food aggression seriously, even an occasional growl. If the problem isn’t addressed quickly, the dog could rapidly become more aggressive. Keep in mind that problems with aggression can be caused by underlying medical problems, so have your dog checked out by a veterinarian if he suddenly becomes aggressive over food.

by, Dr. Kristie

Yes You Can Find Your Missing Cat

How you go about finding your missing cat depends enormously on your cat's personality. Your approach will be different depending on whether your cat is an experienced outdoorsman or a timid indoor kitty.

If your cat has regularly roamed your yard or neighborhood and suddenly fails to return within the usual time span, it is time be proactive. Begin by letting the neighbors know your cat is missing by handing out flyers complete with a good photo of the cat, and your own contact information.

Local shelters should be contacted and most vets will permit a notice to be posted on their bulletin boards, although the size of the notice may be restricted. You will want to let your town or city's animal control office know as well. In this way, if the worst has happened, you will at least have a better chance of finding out.

If your cat normally responds when you call him, then by all means do so. If your neighborhood is safe, calling your cat quietly in the wee hours of the morning may be most effective because his vocal response can be more audible when not masked by traffic and pedestrian noises, lawnmowers and the other distractions of daytime life.
A newspaper article can also be helpful, but beware scam artists who exploit such ads for their own gain.

Finding an escaped indoor cat is entirely a different matter. If your cat is skittish and timid by nature, she may be especially distrustful once she is outdoors in unfamiliar territory. If she did not come when you called inside, she will certainly not do so outside.

Neighbors may be able to help by giving you permission to look under their bushes or porches and into their garages, but, chances are, your cat will be using her most developed skill, which is to make herself invisible.

Experts tell us that timid cats rarely venture more than a few hundred yards from home, but within those few hundred yards, they are adept at concealing themselves well. Unfortunately, the instinct to hide is so strong that sum may remain concealed long after starvation or exposure begins to weaken them.

The single most effective way to recover a timid cat is to use humane traps.
These are long rectangular cages with a spring-operated door at one or both ends. Food is placed inside the trap, and when the animal enters to eat it, she trips a wire that closes the doors behind her. Humane traps are available on loan from most humane societies and animal shelters. It is best to borrow at least two if possible.
Next, you must find a way to lure your cat to the trap. To do this, you must disguise it. Wrapping the outside with a towel will make the trap seem less foreboding and more like a safe haven. Make sure the towel is placed in a way that does not interfere with the trap mechanism. Next, line the floor of the trap with cardboard, again avoiding the trip wire. By Allo3.

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