Dog Lovers And Detractors Seek Common Ground

f_11311025044_015a-edited-1copy.jpgResponsible dog ownership not only involves taking top-notch care of your pet, experts agree, but also being considerate of those around you. A recent survey by the American Kennel Club (AKC) revealed that some dog owners need a tighter leash on their canine companions-especially when out and about in the community.

Forty-seven percent of non-dog owners surveyed cited “a lack of picking up after their dogs” as their number one complaint with dog owners. Twenty-five percent said “not controlling their dog” or “letting the dog jump on you,” and 13 percent said “allowing a dog to bark incessantly.”

One result that should cheer dog owners: Only 4 percent said they were most annoyed by “the way dog owners fawn over their pooches or use baby talk to address their dogs.”

Whether you’re looking to make peace with your neighbors or just now considering adding a pup to the family, you might want to circle the month of September on your calendar. That’s when groups across the country will be holding more than 350 free “AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day” events, aimed at educating first-time dog owners about their responsibilities and helping current owners enhance their relationships with their pets.

While each event is uniquely entertaining and educational, many include obedience/agility demonstrations, microchipping clinics, breed rescue information, therapy dog/service dog demonstrations, and presentations on safety around dogs for kids. Attendees can speak one-on-one with experienced dog breeders and trainers.

And for those looking to show their neighbors that their dog is a respectable member of society, there’s the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test-a 10-step test certification you can take that recognizes well-mannered, obedient dogs.

“We invite dog owners around the country to attend an AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day event in their area to learn how their dog can become a Canine Good Citizen and earn an A-plus in manners,” said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson.

An In Depth Look At Siamese Cats

f_01310586636_zsazsa2.jpgThe exotic and somewhat mysterious Siamese cat hails from the country of Thailand. They had always been a popular breed of cats, some even residing in royal palaces. Siamese cats, in the past, were trusted to protect royal palaces and monasteries from evil spirits. These cats were also thought of as bringing good fortune to their owners as well.

During the year of 1884, the very first Siamese cats began to make their way to England, when they were given as gifts to a British general. After that, they eventually made their way over to America. Now days, Siamese cats are one of the most recognized of the breed. Siamese cats are without a doubt the most popular short haired cat and among the top 3 in the entire breed of cats.

Even though there are several different colors to this breed, some questions what makes a cat a true Siamese cat. These cats have always been known for their bodies which are lighter in color, with darker areas throughout. The more darker areas found on their bodies are normally around the feet, tail, legs, or face. They can weight anywhere between 6 – 16 lbs, with bright eyes that are normally slanted – which is another clue that the cat is a true Siamese.

Traditionally, Siamese cats are robust, with round heads and a truly muscular build. They are well known throughout the world for their color points and unique personalities. Unlike other breeds, Siamese breeds have a talent for communicating with people. If you are looking for a cat that is nice and quiet, you wouldnt want a Siamese cat. These cats love to play, love to make noise, and they also happen to be the most social breed of cats out there.

Siamese cats demand a lot of attention, because in their minds, they believe that the world revolves around them. For this very reason, they can tend be quite dependant on their owners. They love to play, and crave interaction. If you leave them alone for too long, they wont like it. They like to get attention, love to play, and hate to be left by themselves.

Even though Siamese cats are emotionally high maintenance, they dont need a lot of maintenance They need a minimum amount of grooming, which involves bathing every once in a while, and brushing maybe once or twice a month. If you like cats with minimal maintenance, Siamese cats are perfect. Their hair is short to their skin, so a gentle brushing is all you need. They can get sick however, which is to be expected with any breed of cat.

Siamese cats have a life span that is similar to other breeds, which is normally around 15 – 20 years, sometimes even longer. As long as you feed him on a daily basis and take him to the vet for his regular checkups and shots, he will be around for years and years to come. Most people who have their Siamese cat for over 10 years, find the cat to be more like a child than a pet.

No matter how you look at it, a Siamese cat is a great pet. Although the Siamese breed does require a lot of attention, they are excellent pets that you can spend a lot of time with. They are great for kids as well, simply because kids can spend a lot of time with them. As long as you give your pet the attention he craves – he will be your life long friend for as long as you have him.

Don’t Skimp On Tools For Your New Dog!

f_21310585987_p1020393.jpgSo today is the big day, your new dog or puppy is coming to his new home! Getting a new dog means you