Let’s take a brief look at ten of the more popular family dog breeds:

Basset Hound – The droopy personality of the Basset may not inspire many active trips to the park, but this lovable hound is rather low maintenance.

Beagle – Beagles have great dispositions and are often high-spirited. Many love to play, and they are very loyal.

Collie – The active Collie is a good choice for a family with older children, and active families that like to spend time outdoors.

Dachshund – The well-known “weiner dog” is a popular breed with families and singles. Some believe they are easier to care for than other breeds, and they are quite loyal and friendly despite a tendency to bark.

Golden Retriever – A popular breed among families, the Retriever is arguably also one of the friendliest types of dogs.

Irish Setter – Known for their gorgeous long russet coats, Irish Setters are easy to train and amiable around families.

Labrador Retriever – Whether it’s a Black or Golden Lab, you can be assured of many fun memories with this loving breed.

Newfoundland – Hardy and playful, the Newfoundland can grow to be a rather large dog, so if you have a good-sized yard or access to a dog park this may be the breed for you.

Papillon – “Papis” are adorable and very smart, and good if you live in an apartment. They are also quite delicate, and therefore is recommended for homes with older children.

Pug – With it’s scrunched-up face and inquisitive eyes, the Pug may not win beauty contests but the breed is very active and able to keep up with your kids.

Of course, there are many other breeds of dog to consider for your family as well. It is important, regardless of breed, to choose the right one for you. Take your time and get to know potential dogs before bringing one home.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on dog supplies and pet supplies.

According to Banfield Pet Hospital, the top 25 dog names of 2011 were as follows:

• Bella
• Max
• Buddy
• Daisy
• Bailey
• Lucy
• Molly
• Coco
• Charlie
• Rocky
• Chloe
• Maggie
• Sadie
• Princess
• Sophie
• Lucky
• Roxy
• Jack
• Lola
• Harley
• Toby
• Bear
• Sasha
• Jake
• Ginger

All appear to be rather good dog names, suitable for any breed and color. You may have considered any of the above yourself to name your new pet, even your new black and white dog. What if, however, you want a name that is better suited to your dog’s looks? Black and white dogs in particular have a unique, striking look that attracts attention, and when you call your dog over to you after playing at the park you want a name that best represents your pup.

Here is just a sampling of possible names you could give your dog:

• Bandit – Particularly if you have a dog with a darker face and white body – especially around the eyes – Bandit is an appropriate name. Your dog might have an appearance of wearing a hood or mask, not unlike the stereotypical bandit.
• Checkers – Checkers is a good name for dogs with dark and lights spots on his body, somewhat resembling a checkers board. Checkers is also a presidential name – it was the name of Richard Nixon’s pet.
• Oreo – This popular cookie is a black and white, and a fairly common name among black and white furry friends.
• Spot – A more obvious choice for dogs with spotted fur.
• Chaplin – Actor Charlie Chaplin is known for his distinctive look, including his mustache and black and white suit. If you have a dog with that “tuxedo” style coat this might be a good name to use.

Other suggestions include names of other black and white animals – if your dog resembles a zebra or panda by color, those may make for interesting names. Whatever you decide to name your dog, know that you’re in for a lifetime of memories.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on dog supplies and pet supplies.

Happy New Year! When we think of the first month of a new year, we probably ponder all the resolutions to make for our personal and professional growth. We want to lose weight, eat better, and maybe work toward improving skills to do well at work. If you have a feline or canine companion at home, you may wish to consider adding a few resolutions and include your dog or cat in on your plans for improvement. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1) Commit to daily walks so you both get in your exercise. We like to make excuses for not getting in shape – we have to work, we have to take our kids to their practices, and so on. When the dog needs to go out, at best we may just circle them around the neighborhood, but that’s not always a good, healthy walk. Consider broadening your walk circuit with your dog so that he/she gets his exercise, too. With cats, you may not walk them as you would a dog, but it’s a good idea to engage in some kind of exercise program with yours to keep him/her and you fit.

2) Groom your pets regularly. Keep an eye on fleas and ticks, and watch those paws and claws, too. A clean and well-groomed pet is a healthy one, and the more attention you give could mean less problems with the veterinarian as far as skin issues are concerned. Taking the time to properly groom your dog or cat also helps you bond with them. Give it a try – you’ll enjoy the time spent.

3) Keep regular veterinarian visits. Speaking of the vet, don’t sacrifice doctors’ visits. Your pet’s health is vital, and if you suspect something is wrong and you are not schooled in veterinary medicine it’s best to leave any diagnosis to a doctor. Regular check-ups for preventative measures can help keep your dog or cat feeling great.

4) Include your pet. Your dog or cat is part of the family – therefore it makes sense to consider his/her wants and needs when you travel and when emergencies arise.

Make this year the one you and your pets grow in happiness and health. Whether you are a new pet owner or have had a four-legged friend at home for some time, making New Years’ resolutions to help you and your pets can start the year off right.

Somewhere in my memory there is a “you might be a redneck joke” that proclaims if your dog has gas and you take credit, you may fit the bill. All kidding aside, dog flatulence is hardly a laughing matter. Speaking from experience when my father would bring his Beagle to the house, I can remember clearing a room after a particularly nasty episode. As a dog owner, you probably don’t look forward to dealing with this sort of thing, either, so it’s best to work toward handling the problem before it gets too, uh, explosive.

It’s important, first, to determine the cause of the problem gas. Where people are concerned, we tend to get gas when we eat certain foods or intake too much air as we eat. It’s similar with dogs, so it’s probably a good idea to watch his/her eating habits for a few days to see how the food is eaten. Keep track of everything given to your dog in this time – meals, snacks…and watch for instances where the dog might be chewing on a bone or a stick outside. From here you can work to eliminate foods gradually to determine if one of them is causing the stench.

For example, if you have been feeding your dog a specific brand of food, trying a small change – like from beef to chicken or turkey, or a meat-based meal to one that is more vegetarian – and see if it makes a difference. Take note of the combinations you use and watch for signs of gas. It is also a good idea, if you have a larger breed that may be more apt to eat fast – to try smaller portions and encourage slower eating.

Let’s say after experimenting with the food, you notice that the flatulence problem hasn’t gone away. What now? You can’t not feed your dog, but this may tell you that the food is not necessarily the culprit. There is the possibility your dog may have worms or some kind of bacteria that is causing the gas. At your earliest convenience, make an appointment with your veterinarian for an examination. The doctor will be able to tell you if your dog needs medication or a more drastic change in diet to help the gas problem.

Whatever you do, don’t let it get to you – literally. Your dog can’t help the smell, and there are temporary solutions to use like air fresheners or opening a window until you figure out the problem. Be mindful of what your dog eats and does, and you can eliminate the discomfort of gas for both of you.

So you’ve found out that you are expecting… but you already have a furry “baby” at home who thinks she rules the roost. Everything has been well and good until now, and you’ve already noticed she’s checking out that crib and giving you the stink eye as if to say “This IS for me, right?”

Of course you love your pet… she is your very first baby. You pamper her with lush pet beds. You stop everything you are doing when she wants to be petted and you even have grown used to your hand growing sore from patting her belly for hours at a time. You eat the generic brand of Hamburger Helper so she can eat the fifteen dollar vet brand of cat food. So it’s really no wonder that as much as you adore your pet you are feeling like you’ve set yourself up for a BIG problem when that BIG belly deflates and a TINY little baby then arrives and steals the show.

Whether or not you like to entertain the thought you’ve probably already envisioned the worst case scenario and you wonder what you would do if the pet tried to harm the baby. Or maybe you are on the opposite spectrum and simply want to be cautious but yet don’t want to think of any extreme measures like giving your pet to another loving home. Whatever the case may be, it’s a good idea to begin preparing now so you know how to start introducing the baby now and things you may need to know in the future.

Introduce the Idea
While you can’t put your baby in the crib just yet a baby doll is great way to introduce the idea of your baby to your cat or dog. Simply place the doll in the crib and by no means allow it to hop in or jump up on the crib. This will begin the learning process. You have no idea how curious your pet will be until baby comes home so it’s ‘ good idea to put that training in practice now because when baby does arrive having to consistently shew the dog or cat away will be the very last thing that you need. The stress that comes with baby is tiring enough! Trust us, once the baby arrives the things that seem really easy will seem like a major hassle and may leave you a tad bit grumpy.

Never Leave the Baby with the Animal Alone
While it may seem trivial this is very important. Keeping the pet away from the new baby when you are not in the room is vital. While many people worry about the cat scratching or biting the baby, this is actually the lesser likely of scenarios. Because cats are cuddlers at heart… they tend to want to warm up to the coziest place. What cozier place than the new adorable baby that she’s been itching to love on! Many instances of cats lying on top of newborns have proved fatal while the cats meant no harm. Don’t become obsessive but don’t be unaware. Be sure to keep baby’s door shut when you walk away or go to sleep and instead by a quality baby monitor.

Keep Tidy Hands
Even little hands can get icky… and the first place that and goes is to the mouth! So be sure to keep the baby’s hands clean. One of the main threats of cats and babies is bacteria. You may recall your doctor telling you to steer clear of the liter box while pregnant and this is still true for baby… only because the cat is mobile and so are little hands you have to be on cleaning guard. I she wants to play with the kitty make sure she washes up afterwards.

When it comes to pets and babies, sometimes there is a little rivalry at first… but mostly curiosity. In many cases the pet believes the baby is one of hers and she may begin to check on him or her throughout the day and run to see why they are crying. While it may be a little scary right now not knowing how it will all play out, in the end pets almost always end up falling in love with the baby and giving you plenty of “aw” worthy moments in the meantime.

When it comes to picking a dog breeder there are some important things to know. But first there are a few vital questions to ask: Is the breeder registered? Do they have a good reputation? Are the kennels clean? And do they breed show quality or pet quality? If show quality a breeder may request that you agree to show them and this can be more work then you want to get into. When it comes to choosing a dog breeder, it is very important to locate ethical, straightforward dog breeders, ones who willingly provide you with written health guarantees. A good place to find reputable breeders is at dog shows or your local breeder directories. Do a web search and record check for added security.

Once you have found a dog breeder it’s a good idea to visit them in order to look over their kennels and home environment. Observe the cleanliness of the dogs’ living environment, this will impact the state of the puppies’ health. An unclean pen where a lot of feces is found can result in worms being transferred from the mother to the puppies as she cleans them. This can cause a lot of discomfort for your puppy as well as for you in terms of vet visits, cost and reduced ability to get dog insurance. An unclean pen can also result in the puppy forming the unpleasant habit of eating feces which carries on into adulthood; this habit is called Coprophagia, which develops when a puppy nurses on the unclean fur of the mother.

A warning against dealing with any pet stores who have puppies or adult dogs for sale, because ethical dog breeders will never sell to stores or brokers. Pet stores get them from puppy mills who have little or no regard for conformation breed standards, dog diseases, genetic testing or dog care. Ethical puppy breeders do care about their chosen dog breeds.

Once you have located a reputable breeder it is a good idea to get a sense if you would be able to maintain a good relationship with them. A good relationship is invaluable as they would be a good resource for you for the life of your dog. They are experts with regard to that particular breed as well as to the genetic history of the individual dog you’ve chosen. A healthy relationship with the breeder can be invaluable if important questions arises down the road or a particular health issues arise where added insight is needed.

Once you’ve chosen and purchased your dog don’t forget to get all documentation, proof of pedigree as well as health guarantees from the dog breeder. Be leery if the breeder indicates that they do not want further contact with you after the sale. A good breeder would want to make sure the dog is well taken care of and to be of assistance to any new dog owner in order to give the dog the best life possible.

Moving to a new home can be just as stressful on the family pet as it is on you. Here are some tips to keep your four-legged friend happy and safe on moving day.

- Maintain normal routine: Pack over a period of time and try to maintain your pet’s normal routine. Advance planning will make your move less stressful.

- Keep your pet secure: Place your pet in a safe, quiet place, such as the bathroom or pet carrier on moving day so that he or she cannot escape. If you place your pet in a room, place a large sign on the door that says DO NOT ENTER. Containing your pet in a pet carrier on moving day will keep them safely confined as well. Gradually get them used to the carrier ahead of time by having your pet spend time in it prior to moving day.

- Purchase a new ID tag: Get a new pet ID tag that includes your new address and telephone number. An up-to-date ID tag is a lost pet’s ticket home.

- Safe car travel: Be sure that your dog or cat is safely restrained in the car. Utilizing a pet travel harness or travel carrier are the best ways to keep your pet safe. They not only protect your pet from injury, but they help by keeping them from distracting you with their usual enthusiasm as you drive. Keep their heads inside the windows, make frequent pit stops, and don’t leave them alone. Pet barriers also work great!

- Talk to your vet: Talk to your veterinarian about traveling with a furry friend who doesn’t like to travel. They can recommend behavior modification tactics or medication that might lessen the stress of travel. Depending on your new address, your pet may also need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates.

- Find pet friendly hotels and accommodations in advance.

- Plan ahead for air travel: Check with your veterinarian and the airline if your pet will be flying. Familiarize yourself with the rules specific to the airline you are flying.

- Prepare your new home: Pets love familiar surroundings so be sure to take with you all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need from day one in your new home.

- Photo: Have a recent photo of your pet on hand if your pet becomes lost.

These tips can help ensure your pet is welcome, happy and safe in traveling to their new home.

Some dogs love snow, and you happen to have a four-footed friend at home who enjoys playing in the wet white stuff, it might not immediately occur to you that you must watch and make sure he/she stays safe and free of colds this winter. It’s true that some breeds of dog are hardier than others in inclement weather, but if you have a dog that is sensitive to winter chills it’s important to make sure he/she stays warm. You wouldn’t send a child outside without a heavy coat, and you definitely do not want to leave your dog unprepared, either.

Looking for ways to keep your pup warm this winter? Here are a few tips to consider – some obvious, but all very effective.

1) Keep your pets indoors as much as possible. Yes, it will be necessary to walk your dogs when nature calls, but keeping them in a warm environment is easily the best way to ensure their good health. If the dog park proves too cold for exercise time, look around town for an indoor alternative.

2) Buy a dog sweater or jacket for outdoor trips. Some pet owners may balk at the idea of keeping a wardrobe for their dogs or cats, but if you have a short-haired canine at home a sweater can help against the cold. If you live in an area susceptible to heavy snow, buy something that won’t soak or absorb the wet.

3) Observe good paw care. While humans tend to lose heat through the tops of their heads, dogs may lose it from their feet. Walking on cold surfaces can bring a chill, so if you are able to find paw-sized boots for winter get them! They will keep your pup’s feet toasty and protect them from the elements.

4) Feed to prevent a cold. When the weather is cooler, dogs burn more calories. Your dog doesn’t have to gorge, but if you add a bit more food to his bowl it can help keep him warm.

5) Give your dog more attention. Snuggle with your pup on the couch, add a special blanket to his bedding, and offer an occasional treat to keep his spirits up. When your dog is well cared for and happy, he will definitely feel warmer inside.

Take the time to prepare your dog for the winter months. While we can forecast snow and other weather hazards, we can’t predict how our pets will react.

If you have considered bringing a cat into the family, you hopefully have read up on the proper methods of cat care. Whether you live in a house or apartment, you likely will keep your cat indoors – yet, however you decide to care for your new feline friend, you’ll know you need to get a litter box and stock up on plenty of litter for use. This means cleaning the box on a regular basis, or else foul odors could permeate your home and make things unpleasant.

Of course, removing the used litter from its box and replacing it with a fresh batch is simple enough, but what do you do with the mess once you are finished? Let’s first take a look at the steps involved in replacing the cat litter, which you pet may use several times in the course of a day.

Pet owners may offer different opinions on how often one should scoop the mess from a litter box before replacing the contents entirely. This will depend on the number of cats you have, but for the sake of argument let’s say you have one cat and one box. A good suggestion – if you want to keep the environment as fresh and clean as possible – would be to scoop waste once daily and change out the litter once a week. With more cats, of course, you will want to pay more attention, but your nose is likely to tell you when it’s time to clean!

In looking for a good brand of litter, you may wish to consider an extra strength brand design to accommodate multi-cat households. You may find waste clumps more easily, allowing you to scoop without problems. Always use gloves when handling litter and waste because you will be dealing with urine and feces. Remove soiled litter to a trash bag, seal the bag, and dispose of in an outside can.

When it is time to replace the litter completely, make sure every last bit is removed from the box into a heavy duty trash bag, and wash the box with detergent and hot water. Do not add more litter until the box has completely dried.

Caring for a new cat requires a great sense of responsibility. You will be charged with making sure the litter box is fresh and changed regularly. Be mindful of when your cat uses it, and you will know when to change it.

Moving is actually a hassle for everybody. Planning the process of packing, moving and unpacking your belongings can be a headache all its own that’s only compounded whenever you realize that you simply will want to make arrangements for your feline buddy at the same time. There are many methods that you can simplify this process to decrease as much anxiety as feasible for both you and your cat while reducing the time until you’ll be able to kick your feet up, give a sigh of relief and take pleasure in your new home.

The initial and most important step to a profitable move is usually to get some outside help. While friends and loved ones can offer invaluable help in transferring your belongings, professional movers are an exceptional resource for those of us that do not move on a daily basis. Ask around for recommendations of long distance moving companies, search the net or neighborhood telephone book and be sure whichever firm you choose on has a solid reputation. While costs for hiring skilled movers may differ, you don’t wish to find yourself with boxes of broken items since you decided to pass on quality function for a much better rate. Finding the correct moving business will allow them to focus on your belongings while you may focus on taking care of Kitty.

Prepare your cat on moving day by keeping them in a closed region as far away from the action as feasible. Your kitty almost certainly already notices that something isn’t rather right so make certain to make them as comfy as feasible with a preferred bed, blanket, toy or treat and lots of food and water. As soon as the movers have finished emptying your belongings, it is time to put your cat in a pet carrier and be sure that it truly is secure within your car.

Once you and your kitty reach your new home, make sure to slowly introduce him or her towards the new environment. You do not need to force a really stressed feline out of his cage till he is prepared. Give him time to observe from the safety of the pet carrier and get used towards the new sights, smells and sounds. Eventually curiosity will get the better of your cat and he will venture out to explore the new territory.

Should you be still worried about your furry friend come moving day, you will discover experts on the market who will help you in transferring your pet to a new home. Just as you need to do your analysis for a standard moving organization, you have to do your investigation on any individual you wish to move your precious pet. Probably the most crucial thing to recall is to plan ahead. The less you need to worry about on moving day, the less hassle and tension you and your kitty will have to endure via the procedure.

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