How to Help Your Local Dog Shelter

Summary: Dogs play important roles in our lives. Here are some tips on how you can give back by helping your local dog shelter.

Dogs have earned the title of “Man’s Best Friend” because of how big of an impact they have had on us. They are loyal, they help brighten our days up, and they just want to make sure their humans are safe and happy. Fortunately, some stray, abandoned, surrendered, or lost animals end up in shelters, where they are cared for until someone adopts them and brings them to a new home. These dogs in shelters may feel scared or nervous. Even if you are unable to adopt an animal there are steps one can each take to help these animals out.

Donate

Of the approximately 7.6 animals that enter animal shelters each year, around 3.9 million of them are dogs. It should come as no surprise that these shelters go through tremendous amounts of supplies to care for all of the animals. You can donate bottles of water, canned food, hard food, and packaged treats. Before delivering them, make sure they are unopened and have not yet passed their expiration dates.

Beyond food and water, there are plenty of other supplies that dog shelters use a good amount of. If you want to help your local dog shelter our, you can also bring in some items to help with the maintenance of the facilities. Things like paper towels, dish soap, sponges, and towels are all play a role in keeping the shelters and animals clean. Foam inserts can help make the cages more comfortable and welcoming for the dogs. They will add some extra padding to separate the dogs from the hard floor surfaces.

Volunteer Time

In addition to donating items to assist your local dog shelter, you can also make a difference by volunteering some of your time. Dogs, just like humans, need regular exercise to be strong and live healthy lives. If you have previous experience, you can help walk dogs.

If you do not feel up to the task of walking dogs, you can volunteer your time in other ways. You can help groom dogs, clean cages, and help around with general maintenance tasks. Some shelters are understaffed and can use the extra assistance.

Spread The Word 

Perhaps the most important way you can help your local dog shelter is by spreading the word. There are plenty of people out there who love animals but they may not be aware of all of the help these shelters need. Whether the shelter needs someone to stop by Petsmart for food or check The Foam Factory for more padding, every little bit helps.

By talking to your friends and family and telling them about how they can get involved, you increase the chances of someone else donating supplies and time to help the cause. Word of mouth truly is important. Even if someone you speak to is unable to help out, if they also tell people they know about the shelter, they may find someone who would be more than willing to lend a hand.

How to Choose the Best Kennel For Your Pit Bull

Summary: If you’re choosing to have your pit live in a kennel, be sure that it’s secure, safe, and built to ensure your dog lives peacefully.

Whether you’re in the business of pitbull breeding or are just looking to provide the very best care for your pit, here are some useful tips that you can implement to provide the very best shelter for your furry friend.

Kennel Enclosures

Kennels are designed to provide a secure and weather-resistant enclosure for your pit bull. Depending on the design, they can range from being large and airy to snug and insulated. If you’re in the market for a kennel, be sure that it includes a solid floor or ground wire around the edges to prevent your pit from escaping, an area that provides shade and a separate area to allow for sunlight exposure, a wide space to allow the pit to move away from his or her feces and urine, and an insulated dog house for heat conservation. These are necessary features that will allow your pit to live in comfort.

You Get What You Pay For

When purchasing a kennel, don’t purchase the cheapest one that you see. A poorly built kennel puts your dog at risk. It can’t be stressed enough that these aren’t designed to be long-term solutions and can potentially injure your dog or place him or her in an unsafe environment.

Wood Versus Cement

Do not use wood flooring for your kennel surface. For one, it can hold disease and parasites that can easily sliver into your dog’s paws and induce infection. This cannot be stressed enough. Many dog owners believe that wood floors provide a luxurious environment for the dog, but it’s quite the opposite. If he or she is outside, the floor panels are subjected to the environmental changes. Meaning, if the wood starts developing mold, bugs are likely to infest the innards of the panels, causing an unsafe and gross sleeping are for your dog.

Additional Kennel Tips

Never kennel two pitbulls together. An experienced pitbull owner will tell you that leaving two bulldogs for example, locked together puts them at an unnecessary risk, no matter how well they seem to get along. There are bound to be fights that can cause serious injuries to the both of them. Also, if you’re thinking about picking up that American pitbull dog for sale down the street, be sure that you have your kennel picked out and ready for when you bring him or her home. It’s crucial that you place your pit in his or her living space immediately. This way, your dog can get accustomed to the surroundings. Be sure to secure the water bucket to prevent it from tipping. But, be smart about it. Don’t hook it to an area where your dog’s collar can get tangled up with it. Keep it open but away from wires or areas that can snag easily. Once they get stuck on it, they’ll try their best to run opposite of where he or she is snagged, causing asphyxiation and serious injury. This should essentially be common knowledge though.

Bio: Iron King Kennels offers the finest XXL pitbull puppies for sale. For more information, contact the experts at Iron King Kennels today.

Balancing a Pitbull’s Diet for a Strong and Active Lifestyle

Summary: Specific nutrients must be included within a pitbull’s diet to ensure optimal growth and health.

Blue nose pitbulls aren’t only a spectacle due to their unusually satisfying color pigmentation, but they’re also a powerhouse of playfulness and cuteness. Your pitbull pup will be the center of attention, a loyal guardian, and someone that will always be there at your side. In return, it’s your responsibility to care for him as best as you can. The first thing you need to look after is your pitbull’s nutrition and diet.

 

Phosphorous and Calcium

Ask pitbull breeders all around the world and they’ll tell you that it’s preferable that you choose a diet that is specially formulated for larger breeds due to their muscle mass. Large breed puppies have a tendency to grow rapidly at first, but then take their time when it comes to maturing. Because of this process, it’s important to have a balanced amount of phosphorous and calcium in their chow. Most popular brands will have an adequate amount within their product, but always double-check to ensure that it does – not too much and not too little. By giving them these nutrients, you’re essentially developing their lean muscles and strengthening their bone mass to support them.

Pitbulls can weigh anywhere from 30 lbs to 70 lbs and up. Relatively speaking, they can mature to a respectable size at any point in their lives. By keeping them properly fed and exercised, your pitbull will grow into a healthy and strong body that will support them for the years to come. And, with all the genetic diseases that they’ve been known to contract such as cataracts, it’s important that you keep a watchful eye on their maturation process at all times.

Bio: Iron King Kennels offers the most premium pitbull terriers for sale. With generations of experience on their side, Iron King Kennels has been supplying the country with purebred, gorgeous pitbulls for decades.

How Observation Plays a Key Role in Pitbull Breeding

Pitbull breeding requires patience, dedication, and a keen eye for detail.

Contrary to popular belief, the pitbull terrier is actually an affectionate and loyal breed that displays an easygoing attitude towards humans. Properly bred pitbulls can make great household additions but the process involves a detail-oriented approach.

Ensure Your Pitbull is Suitable to Breed

Pitbull breeding requires you to trace the lineage of the pitbull that you are planning to breed. This is to make sure that your dog does not have any abnormalities that could affect the breeding process. Remember, pitbulls are active dogs, but they are also prone to numerous health conditions when poorly bred. It’s not just excruciating to see your pitbull suffer from hip dysplasia for example, but the amount of pain that your dog will feel on a daily basis essentially makes everything worse.

Select the Right Pitbull

By verifying the history of the pitbull that you are looking to breed with, be sure that both the male and female’s records are clear. Then, spend a good amount of time with both dogs to observe their demeanor. Ideally, you’ll want to find a pitbull that has a confident but calm attitude. Some pitbull’s will appear frightened or distraught whenever someone comes near them. If you are looking to properly breed, avoid these pitbulls as some of these traits could appear on your pitbull pup. Observation is a key aspect when it comes to blue nose pitbull breeders due to the fact that these signs are indicators that could have dire consequences once the breeding process as been completed.

Looking for a strong and confident pitbull for sale? Visit the pros at Iron King Kennels today for more information.

How to choose a dog collar

Written by Costbuys

There are many web shopping pet stores that offer a wide variety of dog collars for sale. However, it is important to consider your budget, functionality, material and size of your dog’s collar before your purchase. Here are some useful tips to help you choose a suitable dog collar.

Budget – The price you are able to pay will depend on the features and materials used. However, the cheaper nylon collars are great in terms of quality and comfort for your pet. If you, however, choose a leather design, you will be spending more.

Material and functionality – You should know in what conditions you will be using your collar. For example, a nylon collar will be best for owners that take their dogs walking in the snow, rain, for swims and for activities in high humidity climates. These collars are strong and light weight, while low in price. Genuine leather, on the other hand, will last long but will need you to treat it with water repellant and leather conditioner. The leather is also suitable for dogs that have sensitive skin or less fur. Metal is used to correct your dog’s behavior. They are often rustproof and water resistant due to their chrome layer.

Size – The size of your dog’s collar should be measured by his neck measurement. Remember to leave ample room for your dog to feel comfortable.

Look at pet stores that offer a discount online, for purchases over a certain value or products bought as a bundle.

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Costbuys is a little different than the average shopping website and customers get a discount online when they place orders for larger quantities.

What You Need to Know Before Adopting a Pitbull for Your Home

 

Article written by Buddah Lounge, a blog about various topics

 

Pitbulls are naturally calm and gentle by nature. They make fantastic household pets and even better friends.

 

There are various typess of pitbulls including blue nose pitbulls, red nose pitbulls, and gator pitbulls. Furthermore, they come in a wide array of colors like black, red, blue, white, and mixtures of each color. This article will discuss the important details about pitbulls that you should learn and understand before becoming an actual owner of one. They require major TLC and a healthy diet to thrive and live a balanced lifestyle. So, let’s begin with understanding what a pitbull actually is.

 

Where the Pitbull Derives From

 

A pitbull is a mix between a Staffordshire Terrier, the Pit Terrier, and the American Pitbull Terrier. Originally, these dogs were bred to work on farms with cattle and made great house pets. However, their gentle reputation quickly turned sour during the 19th century when gamblers, hooligans, and low-lives used them as fighting dogs. This is where their “so-called” erratic and aggressive nature came from. But, it should be noted that this pitbull breeding process was filled with fear, torment, and aggression. So reasonably speaking, any dog that has to undergo this type of treatment will end up acting out of fear and irrationality. Don’t give in to this false image, pitbulls are actually great household pets and are loyal to the core.

 

Health and Weight

 

Pitbulls will normally grow to a height anywhere between fourteen to twenty four inches and can reach a walloping weight of thirty-five kg. Most pitbulls will live to a ripe old age of twelve to thirteen. It should be noted that pitbulls are prone to diseases and illnesses such as dysplasia, allergies, cataracts, and also congenital heart disease. It’s important that you schedule checkups to ensure that your pitbull is healthy and happy.

 

Socialization and Normal Behavior

 

Pitbulls are an extremely intelligent breed. They love to please their owners and family members through their actions. This is why it’s so important to train them to properly behave at a young age so they can mimic this as they grow older. They are not naturally aggressive. Owners that train them out of fear force them to act out of aggression however. Socialization is usually done when they are at a young age. They can typically be problematic if they aren’t socialized due to the fact that they aren’t accustomed to seeing other dogs and people and do not know how to react. Sometimes they simply want to protect you from anything that is foreign to them. By slowly introducing the outside world to them, you’ll find that they aren’t just loyal, but they’re extremely friendly!

Looking for pitbull puppies for sale? Look no further than the experts at Iron King Kennels. With years of experience on their side, they can help you find your next pitbull today.

What Actually Causes the “Blue” in Blue Nose Pitbulls

 

Article written by We Review Websites

 

The color pigmentation is a combination of perception and a mixture of colors.

A blue nose pitbull is simply one with a “blue” coat that look anywhere from a light shiny dark to a more profound charcoal. Similarly, blue nose pitbulls have grayish nose calfskin as opposed to the more regular dark nose. Blue pitbulls ARE NOT a different breed as many have claimed them to be. Many blue nose pitbull breeders can verify this.

More than Meets the Eye

What causes the blue-dim color may really astonish you. Blue is a dilution of the shading dark color. The hereditary make-up of a blue pitbull contains a passive characteristic that causes the shading pigmentation to cluster around the center of the hair shaft leaving the tips lackluster in color. The impact to our eyes is the dim dark that is ordinarily called blue.

How the Blue Color Comes Into Play

You may remember from your high school days in science class that in order for a recessive trait (like blue eyes in people) to be given to the offspring, both guardians must convey the quality for the passive attribute. Add to that the way that the alleles that cooperate with and impact coat and skin shading and shading examples are found in a few spots along the canine genome, and you can acknowledge how dubious creating a specific shading can be.

Breeders who “practice” in blue pitbulls, keeping in mind the end goal to guarantee the creation of blue pups, should fundamentally constrain themselves to a generally small gene pool. It’s not unprecedented for raisers to utilize puppies from the same families again and again in rehashed breedings to convey the passive attributes to the fore. This practice, when overcompensated, is connected with both wellbeing and behavioral issues. So before you go and look at each and every sign that says “blue nose pitbull puppy for sale”, be sure you do some thorough background check on the business.

Iron King Kennels can help you find your next pitbull for sale. With only the safest and most humane breeding grounds, Iron King Kennels can help you bring home your next family friend today!

Leaving Your Pup at a Dog Hotel

Article written by Elite Sites, website reviews

The next time it’s time to take a trip out of town, you should think about pet boarding in Miami at a hotel made just for canines. In the past, many dog owners hated leaving for long periods of time because it meant that their pets had to endure an equally long stay in some kind of dingy kennel.

This is no longer the case though. Now, when you leave town, your pet can enjoy a relaxing stay in a beautiful room with plenty of other pups around that they can play with during their multiple daily breaks (as long as you approve).

Your dog will receive plenty of personal attention from staff members who absolutely love dogs. In fact, you may soon find that your dog actually begins looking forward to their visits!

Leave any toys they love, treats they normally get and instructions for their food and the staff at these swanky hotels will take care of the rest.

Never again do you have to feel bad about leaving your puppy at some type of kennel or finding a friend who will agree to house them while you’re gone. You can even call the hotel regularly to check in on how your canine is doing!

Before Doggies Gone Wild came along, most would agree Miami dog boarding  left a lot to desire. Fortunately, nowadays, you can leave your dog there and might even find they begin looking forward to your trips.

Choose an Electric Fence for Your Dog

Article written by Pets on the net, articles and pictures of cool pets

Having a dog is great and it’s only natural that you want to give man’s best friend everything they need. One way to do this is by fencing off your yard so they can run around and enjoy themselves outside. If you’re considering a fence for your dog, consider purchasing an electric fence. Read on to find out why.

A electric fence is an easy way to ensure your dog’s safety by keeping them secure on the property. Because of the mild shock, your dog won’t be tempted to simply dig under it like they often are with traditional fences. Depending on the size of your dog, digging a tunnel and escaping can take less than an hour.

Electric fence installation is also quick and affordable, especially when you compare it to the alternatives. Depending on how large the land is you want fenced off, installation can take less than a day.

The fences take very little in the way of maintenance. Unlike wood fences, for example, you’ll never need to paint it. Simply owning an electric fence charger, tester and some other tools should be enough to keep your fence in working condition.

When you want to give your dog some land to run free on, you need to be sure they have a fence to keep them from danger. An electric fence is your best option for a number of reasons. Most important of them all, it will do the best job at keeping your canine safe.

The Importance Of Animal Health, Keep Your Dog Healthy

 

Article written by Happy Tail Pets, tips and advice about pet care

 

When you think about overall animal health it is arguably one of the most important things when you are a proud pet owner.  If you have a cat, dog, or a different pet whom you have fallen in love with over the years, you know exactly what I am talking about.  What you want for your pet is the same that you would want for your spouse, parents, or even your own child.  You want them to be as happy and as healthy as possible.  The way in which you can allow them to get there though is with the help of quality pet food that will allow their bodies to benefit.

There are no two pet foods that are exactly the same.  When you are shopping for pet foods there are many distinct differences that exist when you think about if you want to buy pet food from the grocery store versus more gourmet pet food from a specialty shop or even from the veterinarian office that you may go to with your animal.  When you are shopping for pet food though what you want to make sure is that the food is as natural as humanly possible.

How to put on a dog harness

Whether you’ve never used a dog harness before or are considering trying out a new style, it’s easy to get tangled up in the process. With every new style there is a different set of benefits that vary from training to comfort purposes. There are also unique guidelines and different ways to put on the many styles of harness. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to find out which harness is best for you and how to properly put it on your dog.

 

“Walking your dog should be enjoyable for both pet and walker,” said Susan Konecny, RN, DVM and Medical Director at Best Friends Animal Society®. “Body harnesses are ideal because of the comfort they afford the dog and the ease with which most dogs adjust to them. Different types of harnesses can be used depending on the dog and the situation.”

 

Why Your Dog Might Need a Dog Harness

A pet parent might consider getting a harness over a collar for different reasons. “Certain dogs who have medical conditions like megaesophagus (an enlargedesophagus) or a neck injury are better off with a harness because it won’t put any pressure on the neck,” said Ashley Atkinson, CPDT-KA and behavior consultant at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

 

You may also consider a harness to help train your dog to not pull or jump. Harnesses are a less severe option when compared to pinch or chain collars as training methods. “We recommend harness over those other styles because pinch and chain collars can actually increase certain behavioral concerns like lunging or growling at other dogs while on leash,” Atkinson said.

 

Types of Dog Harnesses

Collars are pretty straight forward, but the harnesses can become overwhelming fast. “There are quite a few different types of harnesses on the market today,” said Annie Angell, CPDT-KA and co-owner of My Two Dogs. The options may look like a bunch of strings and clips, but there is more to it, as each type of harness will have a slightly different style and fit, Atkinson said. Here are the most common options available:

 

  • Back-clip: this style is generally the easiest style for most dogs to adjust to. Back-clip harnesses are for calm dogs that are trained not to pull on the leash and are especially useful for small dogs with delicate throats that are easily irritated by collars.
  • Front-clip or Training Harness: this style has a leash attachment in front of the harness and should be in the center of your dog’s chest. Trainers often choose front-clip harnesses to help decrease the dog’s pulling on the leash. The chest clip will give better control over the direction that your dog is going and allows him to be redirected if needed.
  • Comfort Wrap or Step-in Harness: this style is typically designed to easily have your dog step into the harness and close on his back. Lay the harness on the ground, have him step in, pull the harness up and around his shoulders and then clip him in.
  • Soft or Vest Harness: this harness option is typically made of a mesh material that comes in a range of colors and patterns. The style will resemble a vest and may seem thicker and wider than other options.  Some slip over the head and some can be stepped into.
  • No-pull Harness: like a training or front clip harness, this style is designed to help discourage your dog from pulling. The leash attachment ring will be at the center of your dog’s chest and harness will tighten and add pressure if the dog pulls (encouraging him to stay closer to you). Some styles also tighten around your dog’s leg area in addition to his chest.
  • Auto Harness: these harnesses have an attachment that hooks into your vehicle’s seat belt and are perfect for the pet that enjoys going on car rides.
  • Dog Mobility Harness: this style is used for senior dogs or those with leg or spine injuries. The full body style is a dog lifting aid and is not used for everyday walks and outings like the other styles.

 

How to Measure a Dog for a Harness

“When picking a harness and trying it on your dog, you want to make sure that it is snug and the clip hangs higher up on your dog’s chest,” Atkinson said. “If it dangles too low, then it can’t help control forward momentum.” You’ll also want to be careful that the harness is not too snug or difficult to clip or buckle, making sure it does not rub under a dog’s armpits or anywhere else. If possible, take your dog to try on a few options before making a first-time purchase.

 

Harness sizes are typically offered in sizes extra small through extra large. The size is determined by your dog’s measurement around his rib cage and chest. If your dog cannot try on a potential harness before you purchase it, measure across your dog’s rib cage and chest then add two inches. If your dog is between sizes, select the next size up. Typically, these measurements align with the following sizes:

 

• Extra small: 8 to 14 inches

• Small: 10 to 20 inches

• Medium: 16 to 28 inches

• Large: 26 to 40 inches

• Extra large: 40+ inches

 

How to Put On a Dog Harness

Each style of harness has its own set of techniques to consider when putting it on your dog. Typically, the harness will either require your dog to step into it or you’ll have to slip it over your dog’s head and the have him step through the arm holes before you clip him in. With any style, it is important to get your dog used to how you put it on so that you both stay tangle-free. “I recommend teaching the dog to stand still,” Angell said. “You could teach them to stand and put one paw through the harness and then the other.  If the dog is a little fidgety, give him a treat to eat while he gets all harnessed up.”

Building your own dog house

Here’s a stylish ranch-style doghouse a beginning-to-intermediate woodworker can make for about $200.

It’s made from three sheets of plywood and big enough for a large dog. Redwood lattice battens and a shed roof create the rustic ranch-house look. A little arbor of 2-by-2s above the door adds interest and provides shade, and a removable asphalt-shingle roof makes cleaning inside easy.
Materials to build this doghouse

Tape measure
Pencil
Square
Protractor
Circular saw
Paintbrush
Electric drill
Tin snips
Hammer
Materials
2 sheets of 3⁄8-inch rough cedar plywood
1 sheet 5⁄8-inch exterior plywood
1 pound 11⁄2-inch deck screws
Three 8-foot-long redwood 2-by-4s
Four 8-foot-long redwood 2-by-2s
2 quarts exterior paint or stain
Twelve 8-foot lengths of redwood lattice
1 tube all-purpose panel adhesive
5⁄8-inch wire brads
Two 10-foot lengths metal drip edging
1 box 5⁄8-inch galvanized roofing nails
1 pack asphalt shingles
DIY doghouse instructions

1. Following the diagrams at left, cut and paint plywood sides (A, B) and panels for the rear (C), front (D), floor (E), and roof (F). Sketch out front opening.

2. Cut and screw four 41-inch-long 2-by-4s to the underside of the floor panel so it sits off the ground. Check that floor height matches the sketched front opening’s bottom (41⁄8 in. from base of front panel), then adjust sketch if necessary and cut opening.

3. To make it easy to screw the panels together, reinforce each side-panel corner with one 2-by-2 that will run from the floor to 1⁄2 inch from the top edge. Screw side, front, and back panels to the floor.

4. Center roof above the structure and use screws to attach two painted 46-inch-long 2-by-4 rafters that flank the exterior of the side panels. To keep the roof from sliding to the rear, attach three painted 6-inch-long 2-by-4s that butt against the exterior of the front panel.

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5. Referring to the diagram, build and attach with screws (from the inside) the arbor of 2-by-2s. Add the painted lattice trim with panel adhesive and wire brads 6 to 8 inches apart and paint over them.

6. Mask roof edges with metal drip edging, attaching it with roofing nails. Also use roofing nails to attach asphalt shingles, working up from the roof’s bottom end.