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Your dog’s first agility trial: a comprehensive guide
It’s time to enter your first agility trial. Daunting? Perhaps. Here is some information that will guide you through the process. The venue There are numerous agility venues in the United States and Canada. Decide on which to enter based on your dog’s breeding, proximity and frequency of trials, classes available and competitiveness of the venue. Limit competition to two or maybe three venues so you can learn the rules and classes for those organizations and begin to accumulate points towards titles. All venues require your dog to be registered with the venue to compete. Some allow registration with the first entry. Your dog’s registration number will stay with him…
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10 famous eccentrics in history and their bizarre pets
If you think your pet lizard makes you weird, it really doesn’t. Rich people have always had a thing for raising and showing off extravagant pets, and the animal companions some of history’s more eccentric people procured from near and far sometimes went into the downright bizarre. In this article, I’m going to tell you about the most peculiar recorded cases of this phenomenon. King George I’s human pet The human pet’s story starts at some point during the summer of 1725, in the woods near the German village of Hamelin of Pied Piper legend, when the villagers spotted a strange hairy creature walking on all four and eating grass.…
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How cats and dogs came to be seen as natural enemies
It is commonly thought across the world that cats and dogs are natural-born enemies. Cartoons present this age-old belief time and time again with cats often portrayed as the wily, clever species and dogs the dummies constantly chasing them. Is this simply a myth or will cats forever be dog’s nemesis? Do cats and dogs hate each other? The simple answer to this is no. Cats and dogs are not born with an inherent hatred for each other. They are born with predatory and survival instincts, respectively, have conflicting communication methods, and behave very differently to one another. Not unsurprisingly as they are different animals. These are fundamentally the contributing…
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10 steps to canine-proofing your home for your new pup
Are you bringing a new pup home? Your preparations for the new family member must be exhilarating! From purchasing all the necessities to finding the perfect vet, it’s time for you to make every preparation to give your little one everything it needs for a happy life. The most important part of this care is pet-proofing your home in order to make their environment is as safe as possible. Wondering where to begin? Most of the problems can be taken care of with a few simple rules, but remember that baby-proofing is not the same as pet-proofing. The following checklist will provide you with the necessary steps to dog-proof every…
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10 fearless war heroes that were also animals
Since there have been wars, there have been heroes. Men (and women) who have stared death in the eye and done things we can’t imagine. When you picture these heroes you think of friends and family who have served their country. Epic warriors who are battle-hardened and godlike. What you might not picture when you think of war heroes are pigeons, horses, and dogs. You should though. There are tons of animals that make the same harrowing sacrifices and acts of bravery… even if they do do it for a milk bone. Sergeant Stubby Left His Mark on World War I During World War 1 a new breed of hero…
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Five great obedience training exercises for puppies
Stuck at home with your pup? With COVID-19 shutting down businesses of all kinds, obedience school is out of the picture for owners of rambunctious puppies. Luckily, you can keep up their training from home with this helpful dog training guide from Coupon Chief. Obedience commands aren’t just cool tricks to teach your dog –– they can help keep your dog safe in dangerous situations, help you maintain control if your dog gets off its leash, and ultimately, strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Obedience command #1: Sit “Sit” is the most basic obedience command –– all dogs should know it! It also happens to be one of…
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70 ways to show your dog you love them
Happy dogs are easy to spot! Whether it’s eagerly wagging their tail or jumping up and down, a dog’s happiness becomes obvious right away. This is why it’s important to value spending time with your dog and understanding their needs. Here are 70 easy ways to show affection to your dog and fill their life with even more happiness. Give your dog a hug when you see them. Brush your dog’s fur using a good dog brush. Buy a new dog toy. Let them snuggle beside you while watching TV or using the computer. Make a special doggy treat that will make them drool in excitement! Take your dog out…
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13 reasons to get a dog in your early twenties
Everyone knows that dogs are man’s best friends, and it goes without saying that they’re cute little nuggets. But despite loving dogs, a lot of people in their twenties forgo dog-owning because it can be a drain on time, money, and energy. It’s easy to convince yourself that you’re too busy or too young to take on the responsibility. And while it’s important to consider this and make sure you’d give a dog a good home, more twentysomethings need to consider becoming dog parents. Here’s why being a dog owner the best move at this stage in life: 1. It makes you less self-centered. When a cute and fuzzy thing…
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With dog theft on the rise, here’s how to discourage the dognappers
Prosecutions of dog thieves have fallen by 70% over the last 20 years, while the number of dog thefts has risen to 1,849 in the UK alone. Dognapping is described as a “low-risk, high reward” crime, and it’s an unfortunate reality dog owners should be aware of. That is why Oakpark, a home security specialist, has written this guide on dog theft to coincide with Pet Theft Awareness Day on the 14th of February. The aim is to raise awareness of the risk of dog theft and help dog owners protect against it. Why are dogs being stolen? Dog thieves are mainly motivated by monetary gain. Certain breeds, often known…
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7 great dog breeds for homes with children
Dogs are ideal playmates for your kids. They not only provide comfort and entertainment but also teach your children a sense of accountability, the value of teamwork, and many other lessons that will serve their development well. Dogs can also help in the reduction of stress levels, encourage them to engage in physical activities, and even contribute to kids’ cognitive abilities. But not all dog breeds are appropriate as pets in family situations. Some breeds find it stressful to live in a family with children, and others have a nature that is not safe for children at all. Children get rowdy and aloof dog breeds don’t always have a tolerance…