10 most intelligent / least intelligent dogs

How smart is your dog?

I saw this entry from somewhere. It is a list of the 10 most intelligent / least intelligent dogs. check if your dog is on the list.

Going Vegetarian!

If you are looking for reasons why you should go vegetarian you should watch the video and see for your self why!

Watch more videos at PETA.org

Witnessing Animal Abuse or Neglect

People who witness animal abuse or neglect should report it to authorities. They should contact their local humane society, animal shelter, or animal control agency as soon as possible. Those agencies can help you and the poor animal because they have the power to enforce state and local laws related to animals. Aside from that they also have the capability to investigate and resolve animal abuse situations. We should do our part in protecting these animals from cruelty, abuse and neglect. If you do not help them who else will? Concern citizens are the eyes and ears of the community.

If your concerns are your safety, don’t worry because you can choose to remain anonymous when reporting such instances but giving your name to your humane agency will enable them follow up with you when necessary and to make a better investigation.

Please comment on this post to include your local shelter contact number or authorities that can help animals suffering from abuse, cruelty and neglect.

The Deadly Violence with Dog Fighting

One of the cruelest and deadliest games I’ve ever seen! You will find this deadly game in inner city alleys, quiet suburban backyards, and isolated locations. Scarred pit bulls on chains waiting for their turn in the pit! You will find dogs maul each other until one of them is unwilling or unable to fight and worst sometimes the fight will go on till one of the animals is dead!

The appeal of dog fighting's violent nature to gamblers has made this bloody and brutal game a popular pastime since early 1800s and today dog fighting remains one of cruelest exploitation of animals. Dog fighting is also associated with other illegal activities and crime such as money laundering and drug trafficking.

Dog fighting is against the LAW!

It’s hard to get figures on how many dogs are suffering from these kinds of violent activities. The dogs used in these kinds of activities can, while victims can also be very dangerous because they are raised to be brutally aggressive. Fighting dogs are not only a treat to other animals but to people as well. If dog fighting is present in your community, your children and pets are also at risk for attack form fighter dogs.

Whether losing or winning every dog fight can be a dog's last fight! Broken bones, deep bite wounds and internal injuries are some of the injuries a dog can get from these fight if not death. Sadly, even if they survive the fight alive their injuries are usually not being treated so I will not be surprised if those dogs die from blood loss or internal injuries.

So how can we help those poor animals?

There are still states where dog fighting is only a misdemeanor. This kind of blood sport is a menace to our community and despite the fact that it is already considered illegal in all 50 states there are still people doing it! 48 states have already made dog fighting a felony crime so if you really want to help, you can write to your state legislators and urge them to make it a felony.

We also ask you to spread this information to your friends and family. By doing this you will increase public awareness of the gruesome violence of dog fighting.

Dog fighting is an issue that should be taken seriously. You may want to display our dog fighting article to your community website.
Lastly, if you think that dog fighting is going on in your own neighborhood, alert your local authorities!

That’s it for now. I’ll post more information about dog fighting later. We need to do our part to stop dog fighting!

- image by

www.workingpitbull.com

Puppy mills

Someone asked me if I want to buy a new dog. I asked the man where the dog came from and asked if he can show me some papers. He wasn’t able to produce any papers or identification so I declined his offer. I worry about the puppy. I bet it came from puppy mills.

What are Puppy mills? It is a breeding facility that produces purebred puppies in large numbers and the puppies are usually sold either directly to the public via the Internet, ads, at the mill itself. There are some people pet shops that sell puppies from Puppy mills.

If you are thinking of buying a new dog read first about this information. Over breeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor quality of food and shelter, lack of socialization with humans, overcrowded cages, and the killing of unwanted animals; these are just few of the problems with puppy mills. Dogs that came from puppy mills usually need of immediate health and veterinary problems, worst some of the puppies have genetically borne diseases that do not appear until years later.

Dogs are forces to live in puppy mills just for the sake of producing more puppies and once their reproductive capacity declines they are killed. Puppy mills should be stopped and such activities shouldn’t be tolerated! If you know any puppy mills that do such activities report it to USDA or The United States Department of Agriculture. The USDA is in charged of enforcing AWA or Animal Welfare Act to those puppy mills that violates the AWA law.

why you should adopt a dog from a dog shelter or dog rescue

Here are reasons why you should adopt a dog from a dog shelter or dog rescue.

1. When you adopt a dog you will be able to save a life. There are a lot of loving and wonderful companion dogs that are being euthanized every year at dog shelters and dog pounds because there is not enough room or resources to care for them. So when you adopt a dog you also decrease the number of pets and dogs that are euthanized each year.

The demand to buy puppies at pet stores is due to the insatiable desire to buy pure bred puppies because people tend to think that they are getting good dogs when they buy it in pet stores. It doesn’t mean that dogs at a dog shelter or those dogs that are only pure bred are worth having.

2. There are pet stores that buy their puppies from puppy mills or breeders that operates one. Dogs from puppy mills are often the product of in breeding. Those dogs usually have genetic health problems that will surely hurt your heart and wallet with veterinary bills.

Just think of the condition of those pups that are kept in the horrible puppy mills. After they breed non stop they are disposed like trash once they can no longer produce litters. Click here for more info about puppy mills.

3. You give a fraction of the price when you adopt a dog or puppy at a dog pound or rescue compare to what pet stores charge for “pure bred” dogs.

4. The money you pay when you adopt from dog pound or rescue will be used to save more dog lives.

5. You usually find the most loving dogs at dog shelters.

6. Many dogs are in dog pound and rescue because of several reasons but whatever it is, isn’t it great to save a dog that is sitting caged on doggy death row. Why death row? Because many dog shelters only keep dogs a few days before killing them and some can’t afford for those pets to stay longer in their pound.

7. Another reason why you should adopt is that if you don’t have the time for the demands of life with a new puppy because puppies need a good deal of nurturing, training. You will also find fully grown dogs in dog pounds and rescues that are already ready for a new home, just needing your love and regular doggy care.

8. If you have a senior citizen in your family. A dog is suited to enjoy your family member’s golden years. Senior dogs are calmer and usually with less energy than a young dog which are perfect companion for mom, dad or any senior.

9. You will find wide variety of dogs that are ready to be adopted at dog shelters and dog rescues. You will surely find in dog shelter or dog rescue whatever you are looking for in a new dog.

10. Lastly, when you adopt not only that you will save a dog’s life, save money, help in the battle to put puppy mills out of business but also help save those dogs that are just being used to breed and make money.

Things you need to consider before adopting a new dog.

Dogs are created unique from one another. The variations in nature and traits among dog types can be compared to dissimilarities in people. Finding the right match between the dog type with the holder or family is the key to success in getting a dog into your home.

Dogs come in numerous varieties that are naturally introduced to the dog world and those produced purposely by breeding two different dogs, for example Labradoodle (cross of Labrador Retriever and a Poodle).

You should ask your family what dog type you can have. A house with a large yard is sufficient room for a huge dog to run and play.

Are you looking for a dog type that is strong, yet cuddly and good with kids? Are you hoping of getting a guard dog for your business? Do you want to own a show dog to enter competitions?

Maybe you just want to have a loyal companion, small enough to have in your home and calm enough to sit with his head on your lap in the evening? These are some concerns to think about as you look for the right type of dog.

Are you living alone in your home? If you are the type of person who works long hours then choose a dog breed that can handle with many alone time at home – maybe dogs that enjoy toys and entertains himself.

If you live with little children a medium to large-size dog is more appropriate because this breed of pet dog is calm by nature and also patient with children. Children often think that their dog is like a toy – your children don't understand that pets are living; breathing being that can get hurt by their actions.

There are some breeds that are not patient with the bad behavior of small children, but would be great with grown-up kids. A perfect choice of dog for older people is a breed that doesn’t need that much maintenance.

Dogs can also be divided into two important types - those that shed a lot and those that do not shed. Dog shedding is a huge trouble of people who have dogs. Dog fur clings to furniture, clothing as well as your guests who sit anywhere in the house. Although short haired dogs may seem easier to groom but they too can shed. Shedding can be grouped into barely sheds, seasonal only shedding and constant shedding.

Another significant factor to consider is the size of the dog. Smaller dogs weigh less than 10 pounds, medium dogs weigh 11-25 pounds, large dogs weigh 26-50 pounds and extra large dogs weight 51-80 pounds. There are also extremely large breeds that can reach up to 100-180 pounds. Now you see why size is also a big factor in picking a dog that is suited for you.

Do you think your furniture can take that much weight of dog? In picking a dog always remember to base your decision on the size the dog will grow to as an adult dog and not on the appearance of the puppy.

Big dogs are also big eaters. If you bring home a Mastiff, you may need a second job just to pay for the health care.

Care requirement is another important consideration. There are dog breed that need more grooming than others. Dogs like poodles or show dogs may spend a little more time in grooming centers than you do. An ordinary breed may need weekly grooming to keep their coats tangle free. Take time to research about the dog breed that you want. Check the dog breed’s temperament, size, and grooming requirements before you make a choice. Researching those important information will surely save you a lot of time and avoid any problem in taking care of the dog. It is only fair to the dog you picked that you be ready for the dog’s basic needs, aside from providing them love and attention that only you can give.