Augusta Bulldogs Blockwatch

Our Pets: Basic Care and Training Info

Eight Reasons to Obedience Train Your Dog

Here are eight reasons to put some basic obedience training into your dog, even if you have absolutely no interest in going on to obedience competition. These reasons fall roughly into two classes: reasons that are good for you; and reasons that are good for your dog.

* For You:
Convenience around the house. A dog that has learned basic obedience exercises such as come, sit, and stay, can be easily taught not barge past you out of a door or gate. A dog that has been taught to lay down and stay cannot simultaneously be underfoot as you prepare dinner, be drooling on your knee while the family eats, or be jumping on a guest at the door. For a dog that will grow up to be large and strong, basic training in manners is absolutely essential. However, as you will see below, training brings benefits for a dog of any size.

* Ease of handling in public. It ?­s a joy to walk a dog that isn?­t constantly pulling on the lead or menacing passing dogs or people. For safety's sake, it ?­s great to have a dog trained not to jump out when you open a car door until you tell it to get out. A dog that will sit and stay by your side to be petted by people you meet is much less embarrassing than one that is trying to jump all over them, bark at them, or mount their legs.

* Improving your bond with your dog. Presumably you bought a dog for companionship. Positive motivational training will deepen the bond and understanding between you and your dog. And a civilised dog is likely to spend more time in the house being a companion than one so out of control it is banished to the back yard.

* For the Dog:
Preserving the dog?­s life. The most common cause of death in dogs under one year of age is euthanasia for behavioural problems. Some basic obedience training could save your dog?­s life by preventing or minimising problems that might otherwise lead to the dog being put down or surrendered to the pound.

* Quality of life for the dog. A dog that is well mannered will probably enjoy a much more interesting and stimulating life. It will be taken on more walks, because walking a well behaved dog is fun rather than work. It will get to run off lead in dog exercise areas more often, because you?­ll know you can get it back when you call it. Walks and free running are essential to a happy and well adjusted pet, but are often denied to those not fortunate enough to have mastered basic obedience.

* The dog can be handled with communication rather than force. Suppose I want you to sit down in a chair. Would you rather I grab you and shove you down on the chair by force, or simply ask you to please go over there and sit down? People whose dogs aren?­t trained must often resort to force (jerks on the lead or physical manipulation) to control the dog. A trained dog needs much less force because you can tell it what you want. If I want my dog to come over for grooming, lay down and stay so I can brush one side, then get up and lay on the other side so I can brush the other side, I simple tell her what I want - no need to physically push or hold her down or manually roll her over. If I want her to leave what she is sniffing and walk on with me, I tell her rather than jerking the lead. Surely this must be more pleasant for the dog than being constantly manhandled without understanding what it is you want of them.

* A secure place in a stable pack. Dogs are pack animals and are constantly aware of the rank structure of the pack around them. Living in a pack where no one is acting as a good leader can be stressful for the dog. It?­s also not much fun for human pack members if the dog decides to step into the leadership void and run the show. Obedience training and consistent rules provide the guidelines the dog needs to feel safe and secure. Like children, dogs need to know that someone is setting and enforcing consistent rules. A good obedience class will make you a better leader as well as making your dog a better follower.

* Mental simulation for the dog. Obedience training (and trick training) can provide mental stimulation for the dog - an opportunity to interact with its owners regularly and a job to do. This is especially important for active young dogs and the working breeds. These dogs need a job, or they will manufacture one that might include constant barking, rearranging the garden, herding the children, or eating the lawn furniture.

* For both yourself and your dog, it makes sense to attend obedience class. You and your dog will enjoy the benefits of effective training throughout the dog ?­s 10-15 year life span.

Cyn D. Fisher

Rabies/Animal Control of Maricopa County, AZ Pets Programs

Rabies/Animal Control of Maricopa County Shots Program

4-in-1 for dogs = $6.00
3-in-1 for cats = $6.00
Rabies for pets 4 months or older $6.00

M-F 9-6, Sat 9-4:30, Sun 12-4:30

2333 South 35th Avenue (south of Buckeye Road) in Phoenix

for further information call 602-506-7387

Rabies/Animal Control of Maricopa County Voucher Program

Dogs or cats get their first shots, sterilization (neuter or spay), their rabies shot, a tick/flea dip (if needed). All the owner pays is the 10$ for the one year tag.

It is for low income households. Must provide proof of identification, ie., AZ state issued identification or driver's license, a current utility bill and a recent pay stub.

2333 South 35th Avenue (south of Buckeye Road) in Phoenix
for further information call 602-506-7387, press option #4.

Your dog must have current rabies shots and be licensed in Maricopa County each year. The cost of obtaining your dog's tags is $20 for non-sterilized and $10 for sterilized, per dog. Must provide proof of sterilization.

Maricopa County does not require your cats to have rabies tags, but they do encourage you to get their immunizations and rabies shot.

Basic Pet Care Links A - Z UPdated 03 28 02

"HELPING OTHERS IS THE RENT YOU PAY
FOR YOUR ROOM HERE ON THIS EARTH"
~ unknown ~

These links are not intended as a replacement for medical care. For complete diagnosis and treatment, see your doctor.

Our posting these sites does not indicate any endorsements of products or webpages.


A

21 Cats is a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and well-being of all cats! Visiting this web site often will make you a virtual Master in kitty care, with majors in medical diagnosis and treatment, cat-owner communication, behavior, and most important, fun! And remember, your donations keep our research and our other efforts going so please consider a donation today.
21 Cats.org
http://www.21cats.org/

AAHA Pet Care Library
http://www.healthypet.com/Library/index.html

American Medical Veterinary Foundation Home
http://www.avma.org/avmf/

Animal Aid of Tulsa
http://www.animal-aid.org/

Animal Care Home Page
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/reac/

AnimalLibrary
www.animallibrary.com

Animal Planet - Emergency Vets
http://animal.discovery.com/animalpages/e-vets/e-vets.html

Are You Poisoning Your Pet, Unknowingly, a Little Each Day?
http://www.galaxymall.com/animals/wellpets/

The American Veterinary Medical Association
http://www.avma.org/

Affordable Cat Fences. "This is a fence that you put at the top of
your fence, and it keeps your cats in your yard. I can let my cats
in the yard now without worrying about them leaving or other cats
getting in." (It's available from the manufacturer, 1-888-840-CATS.)



B

Behavioral Training in your home--Posted: Jan 10

Having issues with your dog? Let me help you understand how your canine thinks and what you need to know to make him a happy, well-behaved dog. Basic obedience, crate training, separation anxiety tips, housetraining, leash training and general etiquette. Call Playtime Forever at (602) 670-5248. Sessions start at $25./hour in your home!

Contact: Christine Finch Email: PlaytimePetsit@aol.com
Phone: 602-670-5248 City: Phoenix, AZ

Bird Groomer
In-house bird grooming. Don't stress your bird with travel. I will come to you. Evening and weekend appointments available. Please call for price quotes. Serving the central & east valley.
(480)969-3536
Email: bigbirdgroomer@aol.com

Bunnies and Easter Don't Mix
http://www.rabbit.org/easter/index.html


C

Canine Eye Registration Foundation
http://www.prodogs.com/chn/cerf/index.htm

The Canine Inherited Disorders Database
http://www.upei.ca/(tilde)cidd/intro.htm

Care2's Pet Channel - Alternative and Holistic Care for Pets
http://www.care2.com/channels/lifestyle/pets

"Fill in your cat's current age and click the button to see your cat's age in human years."
Cat Age Calculator
http://www.hhforcats.org/calculator/calculator.asp

College of Veterinary Medicine - University of Minnesota
http://www.cvm.umn.edu/


--- Cancer Treatments for Dogs ---

Cancer Treatments- Morris Animal Foundation.Canine Bone Cancer News
http://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/Dog_News.html#Bone

Cancer Nutrition Q and A-Dogs Health
http://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/cancer_QA.html

"According to the Cancer Prevention Coalition (CPC), ingredients on some flea collars are carcinogens, neurotoxins, or both. An effective and natural collar can be made using repellent essential oils."
Cancer Prevention Coalition
http://www.preventcancer.com/



D

Dalmatian Club of America - Skin and Coat Disorders in Dalmatians
http://www.dalmatians.com/dca/derm.htm

Dalmatian Club of America - Urinary Stone-Forming in Dalmatians and Other Dogs
http://www.dalmatians.com/dca/dal_book.htm

"To find your dog's age in human years, to enter your dog's age and press the fetch button."
Dog Age Calculator
http://www.bowwow.com.au/calculator/index.asp

Dog Cat Pet Supplies Free veterinary clinic Veterinarian's Best
http://www.vetsbest.com/

A Doggie's Plea
http://host.ipowerweb.com/~babybird/dogplea.html

Dog Owner's Guide: The critters on our critters
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/critter.html

Dog Training Expert - Meet Amy Robinson
http://www.ivillage.com/pets/experts/petexpert/articles/0,4437,82090,00.html

Dog Training - Obedience, CGC, Behavior, Housetraining!
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Estates/1210/training.html


E

Evaluate your Sources
http://www.library.vcu.edu/help/evaluate.html

Evaluating Internet Research Sources
http://www.virtualsalt.com/evalu8it.htm

Evaluation of information sources
http://www.vuw.ac.nz/~agsmith/evaln/evaln.htm



F
Flea and Tick Collars
http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/healthy/29

Flea Free
http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/healthy/30


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--- Govt. Solutions to Pet Problems ---

Animal Abuse Hotline (Sheriff Joe Arpaio's Pet Posse)
Phone Number: (602) 256-1681
Description: Animal Abuse Hotline (Sheriff Joe Arpaio's Pet Posse) Use for NON-EMERGENCE contact with MCSO (cannot treat animal injuries), to report animal abuse or mistreatment OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS. In city limits contact the police department to report animal abuse.

Animal Control aka Dog Pound (Maricopa County)
Phone Number: (602) 506-7387
Description: Under a continuing contract with the City of Phoenix, the Maricopa County Department of Animal Control Services operates two animal shelters (aka pounds) in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The shelter in Phoenix is located at 2323 South 35th Avenue. Animals which are turned in by their owners or apprehended by animal control officers are held in this facility for a minimum of 3-days. Residents are urged to call the main telephone number to receive information about licensing, lost pets, leash law provisions and other dog/cat questions. TDD Phone number is (602) 506-1390.

Dead Animal Pick Up and Graffiti on Freeway(State)
Phone Number: (602) 712-6565
Description: Arizona's Deparment of Transportation for dead animal pick up, as well as other debris and graffiti on the freeway. 24 hour reporting. Phoenix Maintenance District Office 2140 W. Hilton Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85009-3740

Barking dogs
Phone Number: (602) 262-6466
Description: Information is provided on: talking to the dog owner and mediation services available to Phoenix residents. It also provides phone numbers for problems with a dog-at-large and a vicious dog.

Dead Animal Collection
Phone Number: (602) 262-6791
Description: This number is used to contact the staff that arranges for pickup of dead animals.

Dead Animal, over 150lbs, pick up (State)
Phone Number: (602) 542-0872
Description: Government Offices-State Agriculture-Animal Svc Div 602-542-0872 1688 W Adams St Phoenix, AZ

Stray Livestock Pick Up (State)
Phone Number: (602) 542-0872
Description: Government Offices-State Agriculture-Animal Svc Div 602-542-0872 1688 W Adams St Phoenix, AZ

Vicious Dog Petition (city of Phoenix)
Phone Number: (602) 262-7120

--- Govt. Solutions to Pet Problems ---


H

"Welcome to 1-800-HELP-4-PETS, the nationally recognized 9-1-1 emergency service for pets.

With more than 20 years experience behind it, 1-800-HELP-4-PETS is the pet protection service chosen by veterinarians and pet-care professionals when it comes to the safety and welfare of their own pets.

1-800-HELP-4-PETS was originally created by Liz Blackman, a pet lover like yourself, to protect her own pets. Now, this nationwide service is available to protect your pet too.

Remember, the time to protect your pet is before he or she needs it. Join today and have the peace of mind knowing that you've done everything possible to protect your loved one. With 1-800-HELP-4-PETS, your pet is always just one FREE phone call away from immediate help in any emergency."
25$ for first pet; 20$ per add'l pet PER YEAR...
1-800-4-Pets
http://www.help4pets.com/

"Every time someone buys a puppy from a pet store, a puppy at an animal shelter is destroyed because no one adopted him or her.
Millions of dogs are killed in animal shelters every year in the United States. Despite this tragedy, tens of thousands of puppies are sold in pet stores."
Help Puppies.com
http://www.helppuppies.com/index2.html

Holiday Tips for You and Your Pet
http://www.petsmart.com/acme_pet/features/seasonal_tails/articles/article_5288.shtml

Holistic Vet Care Expert - Meet Michele Yasson, DVM
http://www.ivillage.com/pets/experts/petexpert/articles/0,4437,81452,00.html

House Rabbit Society Home Page and Rabbit Care Guide
http://www.rabbit.org/index.html

Adapted from Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats by Richard H. Pitcairn, D.V.M., Ph.D. & Susan Hubble Pitcairn
How to Groom Pets for Fleas
http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/healthy/234

How to Love Your Dog: A Kid's Guide to Dog Care, Training, Tricks, Riddles, Stories, Poetry and more!
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Estates/1210

House Rabbit Society Home Page and Rabbit Care Guide
http://www.rabbit.org/index.html


I

iVillage Contributing Pet Experts
http://www.ivillage.com/pets/experts/petexpert/articles/0,4437,71745,00.html


J

July 4th Is No Picnic For Pets
http://www.petsmart.com/acme_pet/features/seasonal_tails/articles/article_8389.shtml


K

hotline for low cost neutering and spaying...
Kitty Love
http://www.public.asu.edu/~icrjc/kitty/love.htm


L

home life, autos, computers, pets, homework help...
Welcome to Live! Ask and Answer
http://live.looksmart.com/cgi-bin/uncookied_home.cgi?isp=adb2



M

Make Sure Your Pet Is Safe During These Cold Months
http://www.aspca.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6216&JServSessionIdr007=c051ar68um.app2a&news_iv_ctrl=-1

MartaW@concentric.net
P.O. Box 110
Graton, CA 95444
707.829.8186
Marta Williams - Animal Communicator
http://www.marta.org/

Martindale's Health Science Guide: Veterinary Center
http://www-sci.lib.uci.edu/HSG/Vet.html

Bandit Ayers...5 2000 RIP
Meisha's Hope
http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/

Merritt Naturals- Dog And Cat Vitamins, Animal Nutrition, Herbal Pet Supplements, Free Samples
http://www.animalessentials.net/index.html


N

NetVet Veterinary Resources
http://netvet.wustl.edu/vet.htm



O
OncoLink: Veterinary Oncology
http://www.oncolink.upenn.edu/specialty/vet_onc/

Our Pets: Basic Care and Training Info
http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/public/genpage.html?nid=723039198&nneighid=402048063&nsupercity=559970528

Our Pets: Emergency Care and Info
http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/public/genpage.html?nid=444270825&nneighid=402048063&nsupercity=559970528

Our Pets: General Information and Links
http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/public/genpage.html?nid=636230166&nneighid=402048063&nsupercity=559970528

Our Pets: Pet Loss and Support Links
http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/public/genpage.html?nid=741871107&nneighid=402048063&nsupercity=559970528

Our Pets: Lost & Found, Rescue Organizations, Info
http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/public/genpage.html?nid=405635052&nneighid=402048063&nsupercity=559970528


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A Parent's Guide to a Happy Family Pet
http://www.ivillage.com/pets/features/kidsandpets/articles/0,4437,81150,00.html

Pets Care - Couponing and Refunding - Net Links
http://couponing.about.com/msubpet.htm

Pet Care Forum - Main
http://www.vin.com/PetCare/Main.htm

Pet Care Forum - Health Care Library - Medications
www.vin.com/PetCare/Articles/VetHospital/M00762.htm

Pet Consumer Report.com
http://www.petconsumerreport.com/

Pet Food and Accessories at The Boojum Tree
http://www.theboojumtree.com/petproducts/

PetPlace.com - Quality, Trust, Ethics, Education
http://www.petplace.com/

The Petition Site - Authentic Petitions. Real Change.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/

Petsville - The Online Pet Care Community
http://www.petsville.com/


--- PETA ---

P.E.T.A. - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
http://www.peta-online.org/

PETA Kids
http://www.peta.org/kids/index.html

PETA's Guide to Becoming an Activist
http://www.peta.org/cmp/actguide1.html

PETA: Companies That Test & Companies That Don't Test Lists
http://www.peta-online.org/mall/cc.html

PETA - Health Charities That Test & Charities That Don't Test
http://www.peta-online.org/mall/cc.html

PETA: PETNO : Where the Pets Die
http://www.peta.org/feat/petco2/index.html

--- end PETA ---



Q


R

Responsible Pet Giving During the Holidays
http://www.petsmart.com/acme_pet/features/seasonal_tails/articles/article_5529.shtml


S

Sex and the Kitty: FixCats.com
http://www.fixcats.com/

The Spay-Neuter Assistance Program, Inc. (SNAP) provides free and low cost spaying, neutering, and veterinary care. We currently operate clinics in Houston and San Antonio. We exist to end the destruction of healthy dogs and cats in animal shelters resulting from overpopulation.Spay - Neuter Assistance Program, inc. SNAP offers free and low cost dog and cat services
http://www.snaptx.org/

SNAP - Ask The Vet Archive
http://www.snaptx.org/ask_the_vet/default.htm

Symptom Solver for Dogs and Cats on Family at Women.com
http://www.women.com/family/pets/symptomsolver

Symptom Solver for Dogs and Cats: Part II - Caring for a sick pet, on Family at Women.com
http://www.women.com/family/pets/symptomsolver/general/40sick11.htm

Symptom Solver for Dogs and Cats: Part III - First-Aid, on Family at Women.com
http://www.women.com/family/pets/symptomsolver/general/40firs11.htm

Sticky Paws. "These are double-sided strips that keep your cat from
scratching. They don't like the sticky feeling, and the product does
not damage your furniture. Sticky Paws literally saved my furniture.
I had holes in my couch." (They're available at Petco and Petsmart,
and in many pet-supply catalogs and Web sites.)


T

Tick Biology
http://entomology.ucdavis.edu/faculty/rbkimsey/tickbio.html

Ticks: Integrated Control of Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases
http://www.ruu.nl/tropical.ticks/


U

V

Veterinary Information Network's Pet Care Forum
www.vin.com

The Veterinary Information Network's Pet Care Forum has put together
a thorough collection of articles on dental care for pets at
Veterinary Information Network's Pet Care Forum
www.vin.com/PetCare/Articles/Temp/DentalHealthMonth.htm

Veternet, the Internet's leading directory of pet care professionals. Search our on-line directory for veterinarians, pet si
http://www.veternet.com/search1.html

Veternet, Inc. - Breed Clubs
http://www.veternet.com/breeders/breedclub.html


W

What To Do For A Poisoned Animal
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=apcc_whattodo

a story of their dog with cancer...many health care links...
The Woodro's Good Fight
http://www.geocities.com/~woodro1/diary.html


XYZ


Pet Care Webrings A - Z

END

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