German Shepherd Conformation Dog Shows

When breeder Max von Stephanitz created the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde as a means to standardize the German Shepherd breed, his vision was that of utility over aesthetic quality. The German Shepherd is a working breed above all else, and von Stephanitz worked hard to ensure that only the strongest, most intelligent and most capable dogs would represent the breed.

Unfortunately, von Stephanitz's vision has since faded. Conformation shows that promote visual beauty over working ability have given rise to an influx of show line dogs. True working line protection dogs are getting harder to find. However, not all conformation shows focus exclusively on aesthetic quality. Some trainers and breeders have set out to award working line dogs based on conformation standards that promote the breed's working ability. Only working line dogs are permitted to enter, and awards are given to dogs who will improve the integrity of the breed by their physique, intelligence and nerves.

True conformation standards should focus on how the dog's build will effect its working ability. Physically, a good protection dog must be healthy, strong, agile and well-balanced. Aside from the obvious lack of nerves and confidence found in show line dogs, many show line dogs are also poorly balanced, and as a result, are not as agile as their working line counterparts. Mentally, a German Shepherd needs to show intelligence, loyalty and strong nerves.

While many aesthetics-based conformation shows have contributed to the development of poor bloodlines, the efforts of a select few trainers and breeders are helping to preserve the true strength of working line dogs.

7 Things to Do If You Got a Puppy For Christmas

It Christmas morning. The kids come down the steps, expecting toys and presents but things will be better than they expect because there under the tree, with a bow on its head is a new cuddly puppy. But whether you know it or not, as cute and cuddly as that puppy is, it is also a bundle of work for someone and some additional expense. Its important to get off to the right start with the little critter, here's 7 things to keep in mind:

House Breaking - Its important to get a good start with house breaking. A puppy will tend to go to the potty in the same place it went to the potty last time, so wherever you want the spot to be make sure to give the little fur ball plenty of opportunity to use that spot.

House Breaking 2 - A puppy has a small bladder and digestive system. Like a baby human they poop and pee a lot. If they drink or eat something THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE TO GO so be proactive and take him or her to the appropriate spot.

Puppy Proofing - At this point the house probably is not puppy proofed and in fact it is probably puppy dangerous. There are wires, ribbons, paper and other tempting tidbits to chew on for your new resident. Puppies love to chew on stuff and have a potential to eat whatever they are chewing on, this can be a trip to the emergency vet so again, be proactive.

Not Puppy Food - As tempting as it might be, don't fill your puppy with the typical Christmas treats found in a house, like cookies, turkey and candy. This is a formula for vomiting or diarrhea and diarrhea is bad for anyone but can be very bad for a puppy.

Pass The Pup - Another way to get your puppy to throw up is to pass him around and have him or held just too much. Hold her and love her but do it in moderation.

Sleeping Beauty - Puppies sleep a lot. Alot. Be sure to give your puppy some quiet time to snooze and when he or she wakes up, its off to the potty, right away!

Puppy Place - Be sure to make a special place for your puppy. A place that's his or hers, whether its a fancy crate or a card board box (make sure he can't eat it) that is puppy proof. Don't make the area too big, it should be big enough for him to stand up and turn around, limiting the size will discourage accidents in the area.

A puppy is a big responsibility, think of it like having a human baby to look after. A baby dog has a lot in common with a baby human. If you haven't had the new addition to the vets yet, make sure to make an appointment to get his or her health checked out.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Puppies - 3 Commands You Must Teach Them

Staffordshire Bull terrier Puppies are some of the cutest puppies around and yet like all young dogs need to be taught some basic commands as early as possible. Staffy pups are very intelligent dogs and respond really well to training even when they are only 8 weeks old. So what are three key commands to teach? Well the experts may differ and yet as a Staffy owner for years these are the three I find most useful.

1. Their Name

This may sound really logical and yet many new owners dither about before they decide on what to call their new Staffy pup. This is a vital command and should be the first one you teach. Don't make it complicated either. This is a young puppy who responds well to sound and shorter words. Use it often as soon as they arrive home. Make sure you associate it with praise attention and food.

Within a matter of hours your Staffordshire bull terrier puppy will be responding.

2. Sit

The next command is to sit. It is really easy and is a way to establish your leadership role quickly with your new puppy. Use the two old faithful methods to get a response, that is puppy treats and praise to make sure your Staffy pup understands what they need to do. Combine it with a hand signal and you will get the desired result. A combination of hand signals food and praise works every time.

3. Wait

This is something I teach all my Staffordshire bull terrier puppies. It is similar to the stop command and has a number of uses. One of the easiest ways to teach this is using food and feeding time. By now you will have already taught your Staffy pup to sit. Now by using hand signals and sound you can make him or her wait for food until you command that they can have it.

Really advanced dog training can come later. These three commands are the essential ones that will make your life and that of your Staffy puppy that much easier and happier.

Safety Found in a Stainless Steel Bird Cage

A stainless steel bird cage is deemed as the best and the most expensive home for avian pets. These are the most sought after types of cages because of there durability and stability. It is almost unlikely that these types of cages and stands can topple no matter how aggressive the bird is becoming. A steel cage can also withstand the rigors of time and tarnish. The acid found in food and bird droppings may tarnish a lot of other materials but not stainless steel.

These cages come in all forms of finishes, size and shapes. The point of a bird cage though isn't so much on its visual pleasure but the quality of the material it is made from.

There are medical-grade stainless steel which doesn't contain the element chromium that may poison the pet if constantly eaten. A 304-Grade steel cage is said to be most ideal because it supposedly does not contain any harmful chemicals that pets can ingest. It is more expensive than normal stainless steel cages, but many bird owners will justify that it's well worth it.

Even if cages of this material are durable, maintenance is still important for its longevity and they are quite easy to clean out. It can be pressure-washed or scrubbed down with vinegar and water, then dried with another cloth. Stainless steel cages are easy to maintain though because the material resists bacterial formation

Again, the expense might be over the top, but for a pet lover, the best is rightly so.

Cockatiels As Pets - Best Practices to Prepare Yourself For New Cockatiel at Home

One of the popular birds preferred for a pet is the cockatiel. Pet enthusiasts have given consideration on cockatiels as pets primarily because of these birds' behavior and qualities. They are also known as little parrots with diverse color patterns and of course, a crest. Cockatiels are attractive, easy-to-tame and affable. With their size, some are convinced that they are easy to handle.

Any pet aficionado will adore raising cockatiels as pets because they simply are entertaining because of their specially ability in mimicking speech that they hear or taught upon. Quite the opposite, these birds are comparatively good in whistling several melodies that they either hear from or get taught as well. With these, you now know what type of talking parrots appear in some shows.

Should you choose cockatiels as pets, single out a hand-fed cockatiel that you can also supervise regularly. The prices of cockatiels differ depending on its color. Well, you can expect to shell out more amount of money for a cockatiel from decent breeders than getting from a pet store. But then, any expenditure of a good handled cockatiel is worth it.

Cockatiels as pets are obtainable from pet shops. Preferably, choose an active one. A cockatiel which quietly sits might be feeling sick and should be passed up by buyers. Their feathers should be supple, shiny and lays flat on their body. Feathers should be clean and dry. Look at their feet as their feet scales ought to be smooth. Their nails and nostrils must be in great condition and their beak should be well-shaped.

A proper cockatiel cage is another major thing to think about cockatiels as pets. Because of their playfulness, they have to be endowed with an ample-spaced cage. It should be at a minimum of 26 inches height and 20x20 inches width. Its spacing should not go over æ inches. Horizontal cages regularly provide a great way them to keep fit and climb perches. Few spaces should be provided as perches.

Cockatiels as pets entail giving suitable nourishment. Bird seeds are beneficial aspects of a cockatiel's diet. The problem is that they have high fat content. So, seeds must be given moderately. Experts can suggest a mere 30% of it. Conversely, pelleted diets are typically fine choices for birds as they are balanced and best of all, birds don't pick a favorite seed to eat a favorite kernel then just put down the remaining seeds.