TOP 5 DOG'S TO GET FOR KIDS

WHICH DOG'S DO KIDS LIKE?

If you are looking for the best breed of dog to get for kids, then read on! In this article, we look at breeds of all sizes, shapes and from all corners of the world, that all have one thing in common: they're great with kids! So read on, and find the perfect dog to get for your kids today!

Labradors

There's a reason that labradors are so popular around the world - they're a great family dog! In fact, labbies have the perfect mix of a gentle nature, and energy, that makes them a great companion for children of all ages.

Your labrador will probably have a lifespan in excess of twelve years, which means that he or she will be able to grow up with your kids, and they're also easy to keep in good health (although they are prone to gaining weight, so watch the portions and treats!) All round, if you're looking for a great dog to get for kids, and you don't mind a medium to large breed, this is a great choice.

Pugs

If you're looking for a smaller breed to get for your kids, then pugs are a perfect choice. They may have a face that some would say only a mother can love, but pugs are living proof of the old saying 'dynamite comes in small packages!'

Pugs are friendly, energetic and tough little dogs, all of which makes them a great choice of dog to have when you're looking for a pet for your kids, and they're also intelligent and easy to train.

Beagles

Another great choice of a breed of dog for kids, the Beagle is a medium sized, short coated dog that again combines a gentle, friendly nature with energy and an outgoing personality.

Beagles are also easy to train, respond well to training, and will get along well with other dogs and pets in your family too.

Rough Collie

There's a reason Lassie made it into the movies! Rough collies are another great breed to consider if you are looking for a great dog to get for your kids. They're friendly, generally gentle and good natured, intelligent, and when they're younger, energetic too.

The only drawback to getting a rough collie is that their long, silky hair needs a lot more maintenance than their short coated peers, so you will need to make sure you have the time to devote to grooming and keeping your collie in tip top condition.

Jack Russel Terrier

Another great choice of breed, when you're looking for the perfect dog to get for kids, is the Jack Russel Terrier. Another small breed that proves that dynamite comes in small packages, these little terriers have big personalities, and they're usually able to keep up with (and outrun!) even the most adventurous kids.

If you choose a Jack Russel, be warned that they can be a handful, and don't be surprised to be the only family on the block with a dog that routinely climbs trees!

Of course, another great option, if you're looking for a dog for your kids, and to do a little good, is to consider adopting from a shelter. Even a mixed breed dog, or a slightly older dog, can be a great companion to your kids, and if it's not important to you to have a pedigree as long as your arm, many rescue dogs make great companion animals.

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Ingredients For DOG FOOD

WHAT DO DOG'S LIKE TO EAT?

     

What are the ingredients in dog food? If you look at the pictures on the packages of dog food, you will see healthy chickens, good-looking pieces of beef, fresh grains. Just looking at the packages will make your mouth water and stomach rumble.

That is exactly the reaction the manufacturers want you to have. They spend large amounts of money to advertise their products, making them look decent so that you will buy them. The question is, Are They Healthy? Of course, the manufacturers will say that they are. They will also point out that they pass all of the governmental requirements for nutritional value for your dog.

What most consumers do not know is that the pet food industry uses a large portion of by-products from the Human Food Industry. The by-products are deemed "unfit for human consumption" but are allowed for animal consumption. By using these by-products in pet food, these companies are turning waste into profits. The by-products include but are not limited to: intestines, udders, heads, hooves, and possibly diseased and cancerous animal parts. All of these ingredients are items that would be thrown away. You would not eat them, why would you serve them to your dog?

If you read the label of dog food, you would think that you are serving something healthy to your dog. What the government allows dog food manufacturers to print on labels is misleading. The labeling requirements are governed by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). AAFCO provides standards that are followed by the Pet Food Industry.

The ingredients printed on the label in descending order. To use the term "all" or 100% means that the product has to contain only one ingredient, not including water. The 95% Rule is used when the ingredients derived from animals, poultry or fish constitutes at least 95% or more of the total weight of the product. The ingredients names are legally defined. Meat only applies to cows, pigs, goats and sheep and can contain only specified muscles. All items regarding dog food ingredient definitions are published in AAFCO's Official Publication.

The pet food industry loves to say that it is more highly regulated than human food, but that is not true. Pet food manufacturing regulation exists in a vacuum, rules and definitions are on the books, enforcement is another issue. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has limited authority regarding Pet Food manufacturing. The real enforcers are the feed control officials. Applying of rules varies from state to state. Texas and Kentucky enforce the standards heavily. California does not enforce the standards at all.

The three main types of dog food manufactured are: Dry (Kibble), Moist and Canned. For more information on each type see my article on Introduction to Dog Food.

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Dress Your Dog

                CLOTHES FOR DOGS

There are many different types of small dog apparel available for your pup to sport around. Dressing your pet in clothing is a great way to let her personality shine. You can dress her up to match your own clothing or let her sport around something totally unique that suits her own personal style, it's up to you.

If you haven't looked at some of the clothing accessible today, you may be a little surprised at how many different styles and outfits there are available. These will surely keep your pet in fashion for any special occasion or event.

Here are some of the different types of small dog apparel that you can buy for you pup:

· Formal Wear- There's many occasions in which you can dress your pup in formal wear from weddings to parties. You can buy suits, tuxedos, bridal gowns, shirts, party dresses and more. All of which will ensure your pet is properly dressed for the occasion.

· Sports Apparel- These are a fantastic way to show off your team spirit. A cute dog jersey with your favorite player's number or the team logo is sure to be a hit at your next sports get-together.

· Pajamas- Keep your small dog warm and comfortable during the chilly nights with a cute pair of doggie pajamas.

· College Apparel- From sweaters to cheerleader outfits there are many wonderful designs to choose from that will let your small dog join in and help you support your team. You can also find tees and jerseys to show your support in a more casual way.

· Casual Wear- This describes the apparel used to help keep your pup warn and comfortable. A bright yellow raincoat and hat combined with a matching pair of booties is a necessity when you live in areas where it tends to rain often. A sweater can help keep your pup warm on those cold winter days and t-shirts are available as well. There are many cute, comfortable and outlandish designs in all types of colors and patterns available. This makes it easy to find something to suit your pet's style perfectly.

After choosing the small dog apparel that suits your pup, you can add a few accessories that will give it that special touch. These include hair bows, studded collars or harnesses, bowties and jewelry. Dog apparel is fun, exciting and functional all at the same time. After you begin collecting a few items for your pet, you may find yourself buying small dog apparel for every occasion.

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Dogs and Cats Living together

   CATS AND DOGS BEING FRIEND'S

It's been a long held myth that cats and dogs can't live together. It's been said that to have a cat and a dog living together is like mixing oil and water. But many pet owners have dispelled this myth. The fact is that when a dog and a cat have been socialized to live together, not only can they get along, but they can even become dear friends, in as much as pets befriend each other.

There are some things to keep in mind when you want to keep a dog and a cat in the same household. First, you need to take the energy of the household into account. What type of environment is your home? Is it full of children and rambunctious activity? Is it a very quiet environment? Are there any senior citizens in the home? These will all determine what types of pets that a person would want in the home. Just like with humans, pets have personalities. Having said that, cats tend to be very independent; they just don't require that much attention. Some breeds of cats flat out don't want your attention. If someone tries to pet a cat, some of them are okay with it for a little while, and some of them will hiss and snap at the person touching them. Cats in general want to be social on their terms, and on their time table.

Dogs on the other hand need lots of attention. They crave lot of love. They are very active, and they want to be touched. As such, they will assume that the cat in the home wants to play with them, just like the humans do. Here lies the problem between cats and dogs. They are both loveable, but for different reasons. They naturally have different temperaments. So the human pet owner has to decide what breeds of cats and dogs would fit into their household and with each other.

It would make the most sense to pick out cat and dog breeds that complement each other. For example, you wouldn't want to get a rambunctious dog to live with a very independent and scary type cat. The dog will want to play, and the cat will scratch and hiss at it. On the other hand, kittens can be an issue with a huge, older dog. Older dogs are slow and impatient. Kittens are frisky and all over the place. Plus, the large dog might crush the kittens. So be mindful of size and personalities.

It might take some work to get your dog and cat to live together, but don't believe the myths. Dogs and cats can live together, and they can both be valuable parts of the family.

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