You may have heard stories in your high school science classes about kings and queens that used to keep their bloodlines pure by marrying within the family. After years and years of this practice, a child would be born with tons of physical and mental problems. Your teacher probably explained that this was because all of the "bad" genes finally showed up through the inbreeding. Whether this story is true or whether it is merely an illustration, it demonstrates a valid point, along with a little exaggeration. Genetics is a complicated science, so this will be put as simply as possible.
It is easier to understand the problems of breeding if you can identify the different methods of breeding. Inbreeding, as demonstrated with the kings and queens, is the process of breeding inside the family. That is, the male and female are related, even if only cousins. Linebreeding is a form of inbreeding that is used to achieve "hard to find" traits, such as a recessive color. Linebreeding takes a son or daughter and breeds it with the female. Crossbreeding is a practice where dogs are mixed breeds. Proponents of crossbreeding claim that the dogs are much healthier than inbred dogs. Almost everything about the dog is either inherited or developed through the environment. Eye color, coat color, size, and temperament are passed down through breeding. Temperament, though, can also be affected by the environment that the puppy is brought into.
Even the best breeders can run into problems. Depending upon the size of the operation, there are more than likely a small handful of males and females that are used to breed. Sometimes, even, there are only two dogs that continuously breed. You may be wondering why a breeder would not pull two dogs from completely different blood lines. This can, and does, happen; but the difficulty arises when the breeder is trying to reach a desired trait. It is highly unlikely that dogs from two different bloodlines carry the same trait. This is when linebreeding takes place. If a breeder is trying to produce puppies of a recessive color, then he will use linebreeding to accomplish his task. However, when breeding you cannot choose which genes will be passed down, and the bad are passed along with the good (the same is true with inbreeding). Eventually, a genetic disorder arises because, to put it simply, the bad genes have built up and affected the bloodline.
Another similar problem occurs when one dog is used to breed multiple litters. For example, people may want a direct descendent of a dog that has won all sorts of competitions and awards. Why not breed him? He's almost perfect, right? Well, in reality, he is still carrying not so good genes are veiled by the better genes. You can bet, however, that he will pass down both types.
A good breeder will not use dogs that have known genetic defects to breed more puppies. This is why many breeders will guarantee the health of their pups. However, a backyard breeder that is uneducated in the matter will continue to produce unhealthy dogs, especially since many of the disorders do not show up until later in life. Hip dysplasia, eye problems, and heart problems are all genetic disorders that have made their way into the bloodlines of breeds. Not only is this adding to the pet overpopulation (where many end up being euthanized), but it is adding unhealthy animals to the problem.
Breeding is a science that involves the help and knowledge of many people. Thankfully, breeders do not have to tackle the tasks on their own. There are organizations that help supply breeders information on certain diseases or genetic defects and the findings of recent studies concerning the two. Keeping an open line of communication between breeders also helps in the breeding process.
There are many problems that can result from improper breeding, and this merely touched the tip of the iceberg. Even though it is not easy to understand the hows and whys of gene selection and inheritance, it is beneficial to understand the complications of breeding. Even the best of breeders may run into problems that are simply out of their control (remember that environment can play a pretty big role). Open communication is growing in popularity and helping breeders breed healthy pets.
This article was written by Brian Spilner a provided by pet-super-store.com a site featuring: dog crates and pet carriers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Spilner
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Dog Training
http://reycoy.bezoogle.com/pp/dog-training
check out link above for general dog training and read our article on specific pitbull dog training. Good Luck and ENJOY!!
Read our article on adopting a new pet - before you buy!
Dog Training for Pitbulls
Training pitbulls is a specialized task that is unfortunately neglected by owners many times. Pitbulls when trained properly are known to be great pets and not the aggressive stereotype that many people think them to be. They can turn out to be the most loyal of pets if trained in the proper manner.
Pitbulls are very confident as well as strong animals. It is important to train them when they are very young. They tend to get certain mindsets that are difficult to change when they grow up. This is one reason why anyone looking to training pitbulls should start when they are puppies. This is the age when you can start off with the basic commands which can teach them to come, sit or stay.
You can always seek professional help when it comes to training pitbulls these days. You can find trainers in your vicinity through a simple search of the yellow pages or just hop online and get their telephone numbers. You can ask some of your friends or family members who may know a good pitbull trainer.
You too on your own can try your hand at training pitbulls. You can very easily teach them certain basic things with a little bit of effort. The first and foremost thing that you need to know is that these dogs have lots of nervous energy, which needs to direct properly. It is for this reason that you must take care to ensure that they get plenty of exercise during the day.
You must also take care to genuinely show your affection towards these pets. Giving them a bit of praise or gently patting can work wonders to make them loyal to you. Remember, pitbulls are dogs which actually crave for attention. They are often seen barking for this reason. Many people mistake their constant barking as a sign of aggression. It may not be so and could be just their way of attracting your attention. All these aspects form important points when it comes to training pitbulls.
You should also make it a point to talk to them in a normal tone and not scold them. Even if you were to be a bit strict with them, remember not to raise your voice too much. This sends a signal to the puppy that you really care for it. This in turn ensures loyalty and submissive behavior, instead of aggression. All these factors need to be considered when you are training pitbulls.
To get your complimentary Pitbull care course, or to learn the exact techniques I used to succeed in Pitbull Training, visit my website by clicking the links.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dane_Bergen
Pitbulls are very confident as well as strong animals. It is important to train them when they are very young. They tend to get certain mindsets that are difficult to change when they grow up. This is one reason why anyone looking to training pitbulls should start when they are puppies. This is the age when you can start off with the basic commands which can teach them to come, sit or stay.
You can always seek professional help when it comes to training pitbulls these days. You can find trainers in your vicinity through a simple search of the yellow pages or just hop online and get their telephone numbers. You can ask some of your friends or family members who may know a good pitbull trainer.
You too on your own can try your hand at training pitbulls. You can very easily teach them certain basic things with a little bit of effort. The first and foremost thing that you need to know is that these dogs have lots of nervous energy, which needs to direct properly. It is for this reason that you must take care to ensure that they get plenty of exercise during the day.
You must also take care to genuinely show your affection towards these pets. Giving them a bit of praise or gently patting can work wonders to make them loyal to you. Remember, pitbulls are dogs which actually crave for attention. They are often seen barking for this reason. Many people mistake their constant barking as a sign of aggression. It may not be so and could be just their way of attracting your attention. All these aspects form important points when it comes to training pitbulls.
You should also make it a point to talk to them in a normal tone and not scold them. Even if you were to be a bit strict with them, remember not to raise your voice too much. This sends a signal to the puppy that you really care for it. This in turn ensures loyalty and submissive behavior, instead of aggression. All these factors need to be considered when you are training pitbulls.
To get your complimentary Pitbull care course, or to learn the exact techniques I used to succeed in Pitbull Training, visit my website by clicking the links.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dane_Bergen
Monday, June 23, 2008
Newborn Kitten homemade formula
Mix the following together:
1 large can of evaporated milk
1 jar of plain yogurt
2 small jars of baby food (meat - infants)
2 egg yolks
2 Tbls. Karo Syrup
mix together stirring gently add enough water to mixture to make 1 quart.
Keep refrigerated.
1 large can of evaporated milk
1 jar of plain yogurt
2 small jars of baby food (meat - infants)
2 egg yolks
2 Tbls. Karo Syrup
mix together stirring gently add enough water to mixture to make 1 quart.
Keep refrigerated.
Friday, June 20, 2008
AnnaBelle
Tubbers, Angie and Spiderman were 3 little 2 week old kittens that someone found in their woodpile. Instead of leaving them there for their mother to care for them, he took them down to the local shelter.
These tiny babies were way too little to be on their own.
AnnaBelle is my cat who recently had babies and weaned them, lonely without her kids she was looking for someone to love.
The perfect match. Although she couldn't nurse these cute little balls of fur, she did everything else. All that was left for the humans to care for was the bottle feeding.
She is a wonderful cat, she rescued these babies herself without her they would have missed out on the love of a mother.
AnnaBelle is a old gray tabby, rotten teeth and skinny - she is the completion to our family
These tiny babies were way too little to be on their own.
AnnaBelle is my cat who recently had babies and weaned them, lonely without her kids she was looking for someone to love.
The perfect match. Although she couldn't nurse these cute little balls of fur, she did everything else. All that was left for the humans to care for was the bottle feeding.
She is a wonderful cat, she rescued these babies herself without her they would have missed out on the love of a mother.
AnnaBelle is a old gray tabby, rotten teeth and skinny - she is the completion to our family
Fostering cats and dogs
A great way to enjoy a new pet and see if you are really ready to ad to your family of pets is fostering.
Fostering gives you the opportunity to "try" out different breeds and or ages. Many rescue groups are looking for foster parents to house the many animals they rescue from shelters.
These animals help give the rescues groups a look in to their personalities to see what type of home is the best fit.
Does the cat hate dogs? Dislike other cats? Get along with children?
All of these characteristics can be defined as the animal you foster reveals them to you.
It also gives them a chance to get vaccinations and the spay or neutering done.
I have fostered many pregnant cats from the shelter and gave them an opportunity to raise their babies in a safe clean home. After the kittens are weaned and my vet gives the ok, I then get the mother spayed.
The downside to fostering is falling in love with the new foster. But as you go along you realize that for them, finding a forever home is the best thing and you can again open your home for another pet needing a place to go.
I know many rescue groups allow you to keep the foster if you just fall in love and want to let them be a part of your family.
All fosters families are screened so be prepared to answer questions!
And most important, enjoy the temporary addition!!
Fostering gives you the opportunity to "try" out different breeds and or ages. Many rescue groups are looking for foster parents to house the many animals they rescue from shelters.
These animals help give the rescues groups a look in to their personalities to see what type of home is the best fit.
Does the cat hate dogs? Dislike other cats? Get along with children?
All of these characteristics can be defined as the animal you foster reveals them to you.
It also gives them a chance to get vaccinations and the spay or neutering done.
I have fostered many pregnant cats from the shelter and gave them an opportunity to raise their babies in a safe clean home. After the kittens are weaned and my vet gives the ok, I then get the mother spayed.
The downside to fostering is falling in love with the new foster. But as you go along you realize that for them, finding a forever home is the best thing and you can again open your home for another pet needing a place to go.
I know many rescue groups allow you to keep the foster if you just fall in love and want to let them be a part of your family.
All fosters families are screened so be prepared to answer questions!
And most important, enjoy the temporary addition!!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Spay or Neuter??
I volunteer at our local shelter and I am amazed at the many animals that end up there. We have so many kittens that they are in danger of being put down, all because so many people don't spay their pets.
They want them to experience motherhood or whatever is their reason. Well, here is something to think about...
A lady who had 6 puppies that she was "giving away" in front of a local store. As she handed out each puppy thinking that these people are nice and kind giving these pups a home. Each one found a home within a few hours. This was on saturday.
By the next Monday, one puppy was already at the shelter, by Wednesday the second showed up. And within 6 months, 2 more will be there.
These animals deserve better. The shelter does what it has to do, and you as the pet owner are the ones that are responsible for the number of animals being put down.
I actually had a conversation with a lady at a store once. We started discussing animals and that I volunteered at the shelter.
She started telling me how much she hated the shelter and how horrible it was that they put down all those animals.
then she told me that her neighbor had a dog that got lose and ended up down there. The neighbor didn't want to be caught with the fine of having the animal run lose (around $40) so she asked this lady that I was talking with to go down and "adopt" the dog and give it back to her.
Well, she was uncomforatble with this as you must license your pet when you adopt and officially she would own the dog and it would really not be hers but go back to the orginal owner.
So the dog sat there....
And his time came up and was euthenized.
Who is to blame?
Not the shelter, the owners. Both of those ladies allowed the dog to die. They are responsible. They knew their dog was there and left him. I bet this lady now has a new dog, and the cycle will repeat itself yet again.
It is not the shelters fault, they have only so many spaces and every day people who dont want their pet anymore or just dont care - drop them off. Everytime a new pet comes in, someone must give up their space. There is no way all those unwanted animals can stay at the shelter. There simply is no room.
If you get a pet, spay or neuter it!! I dont care if you think you want to breed it, or the old wise tale of it being a better animal, or that you want your children to experience kittens. Go foster a cat from the shelter that is pregnant already.
The puppies and or kittens WILL end up at the shelter, or at least a portion of them. Yes, even AKA puppies end up there. We actually got a registed pom there, 5 months old with papers not long ago.
there are so many animals in the world today that the more that come the more that end up without homes and in the shelter.
spay and neuter PLEASE.
They want them to experience motherhood or whatever is their reason. Well, here is something to think about...
A lady who had 6 puppies that she was "giving away" in front of a local store. As she handed out each puppy thinking that these people are nice and kind giving these pups a home. Each one found a home within a few hours. This was on saturday.
By the next Monday, one puppy was already at the shelter, by Wednesday the second showed up. And within 6 months, 2 more will be there.
These animals deserve better. The shelter does what it has to do, and you as the pet owner are the ones that are responsible for the number of animals being put down.
I actually had a conversation with a lady at a store once. We started discussing animals and that I volunteered at the shelter.
She started telling me how much she hated the shelter and how horrible it was that they put down all those animals.
then she told me that her neighbor had a dog that got lose and ended up down there. The neighbor didn't want to be caught with the fine of having the animal run lose (around $40) so she asked this lady that I was talking with to go down and "adopt" the dog and give it back to her.
Well, she was uncomforatble with this as you must license your pet when you adopt and officially she would own the dog and it would really not be hers but go back to the orginal owner.
So the dog sat there....
And his time came up and was euthenized.
Who is to blame?
Not the shelter, the owners. Both of those ladies allowed the dog to die. They are responsible. They knew their dog was there and left him. I bet this lady now has a new dog, and the cycle will repeat itself yet again.
It is not the shelters fault, they have only so many spaces and every day people who dont want their pet anymore or just dont care - drop them off. Everytime a new pet comes in, someone must give up their space. There is no way all those unwanted animals can stay at the shelter. There simply is no room.
If you get a pet, spay or neuter it!! I dont care if you think you want to breed it, or the old wise tale of it being a better animal, or that you want your children to experience kittens. Go foster a cat from the shelter that is pregnant already.
The puppies and or kittens WILL end up at the shelter, or at least a portion of them. Yes, even AKA puppies end up there. We actually got a registed pom there, 5 months old with papers not long ago.
there are so many animals in the world today that the more that come the more that end up without homes and in the shelter.
spay and neuter PLEASE.
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