Dog Breed Comparison
The larger the paw, the larger the footprint
In the mountains, a 4x4 SUV is almost a necessity if you plan to drive when it’s snowy. But if you live almost anywhere else, the “gas guzzlers” are a target of green scorn.

Looking for a design that's chic and at the same time unconventional? Try your luck at animal jewelry. Far from being tacky or inelegant, animal designs are actually rather distinctive. Finely crafted jewelry with animal motifs lends a mysterious air to the person who wears them.

Graceful jewelry patterns can be achieved with animal motifs. Dolphins, snakes, swans, and other beautiful beings of nature depict naked beauty and mysticism, and including images of them in jewelry inspires this "look." Moreover, the carnal appeal of wearing nature-themed jewelry should not be bypassed; sporting nature-themed accessories speaks of someone who is in tune with an "inner animal." If we're going to talk sex appeal -- well, animal jewelry may just be an understated way to achieve it!

Animal jewelry is also a great way of encouraging environmental awareness and love of nature -- even among children. A child who has a favorite pet may appreciate having animal jewelry to remind him or her of that pet. In fact, if the pet were domesticated enough to sport a little jewelry as well -- like a cat or a dog -- it might be great if master and pet could have matching pieces! Like a pendant for the collar for Poochie, which could also be worn as a bracelet charm for Nancy.

In fact, not only children would appreciate jewelry that would remind them of favorite pets. If one had a favorite animal, a pet, a totem spirit or just an animal with whom s/he identifies with, a piece of charm jewelry would be a great gift. An accessory that reminds one of a pleasant thought is always something that makes one glow.

The inner strength one derives from inspiring motifs is one of the best things about animal jewelry; when a person is calmed or energized by the sight of a familiar animal, it affects one's mood and the way one looks at things. In fact, Native American tradition believes that animals can give you strength and guidance. Jewelry symbolizing these animals may serve as a reminder for someone who desires to be stronger in one particular aspect. For example: the dragonfly symbolizes illusion, the deer symbolizes gentleness, the bear means power, and so forth.

A person may select his/her ensemble based on his/her philosophies, or simply the feelings of the moment. A person who wishes to give another the gift of animal jewelry may consider which particular animal/s the recipient brings to mind. This requires a personal touch, and this in itself makes the act of selecting animal jewelry a cherished moment indeed!

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com. Also includes informative articles, comparison shopping, rare book excerpts, & link directory.

Dog Breed Comparison

Dog Training Biting

Aggression is a survival skill required by all canines. Dogs bite for many reasons. Over the past two decades it has become "trendy" amongst dog trainers and behaviorists to attempt to resolve and eliminate dog aggression. A typical definition of "bite" is "to seize with the teeth so that they enter, grip or wound."

To quantify the degree of severity, Dr. Ian Dunbar, has created the following chart/guide on bite "levels".

Level 1: This bite does not touch the skin. The dog is air biting or snapping.

Level 2: This bite makes contact with the skin, but doesn't break the skin. Pain and bruising may result, but no abrasions will be visible.

Level 3: This bite ranges from a one to three punctures in a single bite with one puncture less than ½ the depth of the eye-tooth (fang) with or without some tearing.

Level 4: The dog is putting great pressure into the bite. 1 to 4 puncture wounds with or without tearing, more than ½ the depth of the eye tooth. This is usually accompanied with bruising and likely to require medical attention. These injuries suggest the dog grabbed and shook what was in its mouth.

Level 5: Multiple level 4 bites. This dog is usually beyond the ability to reason and may feel his/her

life is threatened.

Level 6: The dog has killed.

Biting can also result when the dog is highly aroused/excited when chasing people along a fence line or from a tie out/chain. This is called "barrier frustration" and it can (and does) occur commonly though most dogs don't bite. Bites usually occur when the dog's owner/handler attempts to physically control the dog. The dog is so aroused, that he indiscriminately bites the person. This is called "displacement aggression" and is quite common.

Most large powerful breeds can cause more severe injuries than small dogs. Keep in mind that it is mixed breeds and not pure bred dogs are the type of dog most often involved in inflicting bites to people.

Some warning signs of aggression and biting may be possible:

• Any health change or long term health problem

• Anxious or hyper behavior (fear of new or certain people or places)

• Biting or a history of biting (past behavior is a predictor or future behavior)

• Growling

• New behavioral changes (sudden obstinance)

• Obsessive fence/kennel running/chasing

• Severe separation issues

• Uncontrollable lunging at people or dogs while on leash

Most dogs that inflict Level 6 and level 5 bites are euthanized. Level 3 and 4 biters need serious behavior modification to remove any further risk. Level 1 and 2 biters should also be helped with relative ease and the guidance of a behavior consultant.

However, if your dog is obedience trained, maintains a social life (regularly gets out of the house & yard), is neutered or spayed, healthy and is female, your dog is less likely to bite. But, that doesn't mean he won't. After all, anything with teeth can bite!

Written by Kelly Marshall from Oh My Dog Supplies - the largest provider of dog car seat covers online

Dog Training Biting article

Professional Dog Training

While the phenomenon is yet to sweep across Australia, in the United States professional dog walking is a fast growing industry with organisations such as the National Association of Professional Dog Walkers (NAPDW) being established to support and educate dog walkers and pet owners. Members (the dog walkers) agree to a Code of Ethics, provide insurance and preferably have studied one of the many courses now being offered in order to become a professional dog walker.

Regular dog walking, exercise, re-enforcement training and socialisation have many benefits – it promotes a healthy social temperament, decreases separation anxiety, lowers stress and can even prevent behaviour problems. Utilising such a service can also reduce elimination problems.

If you are considering employing a professional dog walker to care for your animals during the long hours you are away from home, consider then that their responsibility is not an easy one. Firstly, a dog walker must understand the various kinds of dog training techniques available and be able to provide re-enforcement training as specified by the pet owner. This ensures that the dog walking session or backyard playtime is stimulating, fun, rewarding and challenging for the animal.

Secondly, a dog walker will have to consider the care and treatment of those pets with diabetes, epilepsy and other special care cases that may involve providing an injection or support throughout an episode. Furthermore, they will be insured and aware of council dog laws in your area. Lastly, they are dog lovers and will provide the reliability and integrity that comes with running their own business. They may charge, but the long-term benefits of a well-exercised and healthy animal should outweigh this concern.

It is not necessary for the dog walker to remove the animal from your premises. The dog walker can just turn up, take your dog outside in the backyard and play with them for 30 minutes for toileting, training, a game of fetch, lots of tummy scratches and a brush.

A professional dog walker may ask to see proof of registration and request that your pet is properly tagged. They may also ask for proof of vaccinations and if your dog is spayed or neutered. Dog walkers will generally not agree to take an undesexed animal off your property, but they will agree to backyard playtime as an alternative.

For lots of easy to read articles, full of useful information that is sure to help you out with your pet or pets, go to http://www.P-E-T-S.info. While you are there sign up for the PET NEWS email newsletter - it is FREE and packed with handy tips for pet owners.

Professional Dog Training article