In addition to being a great companion, dogs could be excellent protection to those living alone. Most dogs will bark when they here a strange sound or sense the presence of someone who doesn’t belong near their home. Some dogs make better watch dogs than others.

Here is a list of  dog breeds that make the BEST watch dogs.

1. Rottweiler
2. German Shepherd
3. Doberman Pinscher
4. Scottish Terrier
5. West Highland White Terrier
6. Miniature Schnauzer

Here is a list of dog breeds that make the WORST watch dogs.

1. Bloodhood
2. Newfoundland
3. Basset Hound
4. Vizsla
5. Norwegian Elkhound

We classify dogs that don’t make very good watch dogs as being the ones that don’t necessarily bark if they hear a strange sound.

Most dogs will  bark at strangers when they are outside in the yard or on their dog leash.

Throughout the course of history, cat behavior has always fascinated people. Cats are independent but also still very social animals.  They combine a hunting instinct with playfulness. They love playing with their cat toys. While dogs belong to their master, cats are very territorial animals.  Cats like to stick to their home. That’s why they really don’t like to travel.  Cats see their home as a “sacred place.”  They mark it by rubbing, scratching and spraying.

They have an excellent memory of smells, sounds and sights.  They can return to their home from great distances. They don’t accept hierarchy from people.  You’re not their master but rather their equal.  Even though they can stay by themselves for a long time, they like company very much.  Cats are less responsive to vocal commands then dogs are but they can be taught to do tricks if rewarded.

Cats make great pets. You just can’t compare them to dogs. They are really very different yet still very loving and affectionate.

Well, we know all dogs can bark, they can chew, dig and also can sense an eerie presence but could they all swim? The answer is yes. All dogs can swim and some breed have excellent aquatic abilities. Some of these breeds are Retrievers, Spanish Water Dogs, Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dogs and the Newfoundland. All of these breeds have outstanding swimming abilities. Some of these breeds are even web footed. These breeds don’t need any swimming lessons. If you are a person that loves the water, then one of these breeds are for you. They love diving and chasing after their dog toys in the water.

Not all dogs love the water but like humans, they have an instinctive ability to start paddling. There are a few dogs who get very nervous in the water. If you see a dog slapping the water and trying to use his front legs to get out, then always put  a flotation device on him if he has to be near water.  Dogs can swim but not all dogs are good at it. Don’t assume that your dog will be a great swimmer and love the water. Carefully observe him around water at a young age to determine his aquatic abilities.

I had to go out of town overnight this weekend. I just got home and when I first got in, my cats seemed to ignore me. It seemed that they may were a little “miffed” that I left them for awhile. I usually take them with me. Now they’re back to normal.  Unlike, children, cats cannot give their owners verbal feedback on how they coped in your absence.

There are signs to look for if you’re leaving your cat with a sitter.  The sitter may notice that the cat is not eating as much as usual. They may not want to play with their cat toys. If there is no medical condition, it’s safe to assume that your cat is simply missing you and has decided not to eat for awhile.  They probably don’t feel as secure or content as they are when you’re there. The best thing that the sitter can do is encourage the cat to eat by placing fresh food and water in your cat’s bowl everyday. He should start eating again after he adjusts to the fact that you’re not around.

Cats could also act differently when you’re gone. A docile cat may starting picking fights with his companion for no apparent reason.  This could be a sign that the cat owner’s absence is causing anxiety and even insecurity. The sitter should not intervene unless the fight is vicious. As soon as you return home, your cat will behave as if you were never gone.

Some of the unusual traits in this dog breed would be considered faults in other breeds. The Norwegian Lundehund has six toes on each foot. This allows them to climb up vertical cliffs in their native Norway. Their neck joints enable them to bend their head backward 180 degrees over their shoulders so that their forehead touches their back.

The Norwegian Lundehund could also close it’s ear canals at will. This protects them against dirt and moisture. Their fore-shoulder joints are extremely flexible and enable their front legs to be stretched straight out to both sides.  This makes swimming and maneuvering easier in the crevices of the Norwegian side cliffs. This is where their bird prey exist.

This breed is the most ancient of Nordic dog breeds. It isn’t every day that you see them on a dog leash in your hometown.

It’s springtime and time to start protecting your dog and cat from fleas. Did you know that one flea could bite a dog about 400 times? In one months time, one flea can turn into two million fleas! Fleas are a major problem for our furry friends. They are blood sucking parasites.  This could mean major trouble if your dog or cat has an allergic reaction to the proteins in a flea’s saliva.  Your dog or cat can develop flea allergy dermatitis.  This will cause constant scratching, skin problems and permanent hair loss.  Fleas can also transmit bacterial diseases, anemia, tapeworms and other parasites.

It’s best to treat your dog or cat at the beginning of the season. There are lots of flea and tick products on the market including various types of flea collars. Your vet could also administer medication that is placed on the back of your pet’s neck. This treatment can control fleas for up to six months. Don’t wait until you have a huge problem, protect your pet today.