DOUBLE STITCHED 60lb. NYLON THREAD.PADDED FOR COMFORT.
Holds up-to 1-32oz. water bottle, drink, hot or cold.
Can also be used to hold a variety of tools and materials.
TOOLS & ITEMS NOT INCLUDED. FOR ADVERTISEMENT ONLY.
Price: $12.95
Friday, December 31, 2010
Quick Belt System QBS25 Insulated Water Bottle Bag with covered pocket for Hiking-Walking-Camping-Fishing-Hunting-Dog Walking-Dog Training & more
DOUBLE STITCHED 60lb. NYLON THREAD.PADDED FOR COMFORT.
Holds up-to 1-32oz. water bottle, drink, hot or cold.
Can also be used to hold a variety of tools and materials.
TOOLS & ITEMS NOT INCLUDED. FOR ADVERTISEMENT ONLY.
Pet Vet: Animal Hospital Triple Treat - 3 Complete Games in 1
This software is BRAND NEW. Packaging may differ slightly from the stock photo above. Please click on our logo above to see over 15,000 titles in stock.Price: $14.99
Happy Dog Connections - Online Dog Training Magazine
50% commission Unique - We bring K9 experts to dog owners via webconferencing. Presented as an online multi media magazine. Download on Iphone, Ipad, MP3s, Desktop, Kindle or watch live workshop with Q&a. Affiliates page for tools and graphics
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How To Groom Your Dog At Home ***updated
How To Groom Your Dog Or Puppy At Home - Simple And Easy Grooming Steps That Will Help You Create A Loving Bond With Your Dog.
Housebreak Your Dog In 7 Days!
Housetrain any dog or puppy in 7 days. High converting sales page. Make 60% commissions.
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Thursday, December 30, 2010
Do It Yourself-Complete Dog Training Program. Upgraded
Consistent seller with excellent conversion rates. Looking for a "no brainer" product to promote? You have found it. You can easily start earning up to $52.20 per sale (with Upsell)!
The Complete Dog Potty Training in 7 Day Guide - A proven product!
Consistent seller and a popular product with very healthy conversion rates. Continually tested sales page and low refund rates.
Take with Your Small Dog Everywhere
Learn how easy it is to take your your precious pet with you whether its around the corner, to around the world...
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Golden Retriever Care and Training
Golden Retriever Dog Book on choosing, caring for and training your Golden Retriever. Golden Retriever puppy training and obedience training as well as grooming and health care. Owners Manual. Ebooks / Audio / Visual package.
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New! 26 Dog Training & Care ebooks For Only $12.95us
Get your collection of 26 ebooks for only $12.95 usd and check out the 60 video dog training, puppy training and much more absolutely free.
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Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Dog Cancer Survival Guide & Video
Cancer is the #1 killer of all dogs. 1 in 3 dogs gets cancer. World respected dog cancer vet helps with quality book & video. Top converting sales page. Low returns. Great for all dog related sites. Powerful emails-
Gentle Leader Deluxe - Large in Black
Same great Gentle Leader head collar now with a felt cushion padded nose and matching lead. Both with designer ribbon. Available in angel red pattern or black bones on bones pattern. Also includes a training and use DVD.Price: $29.99
Two Outstanding Instant Dog Grooming Video Downloads
1. Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie 2. Miniature Schnauzer Why own? a. Save hundreds of dollars in grooming fees b. Maintain dogs health for longer life c. Build confidence with professional instructions
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House Training Any Puppy
Top Converting Dog Training Product In The Industry Amazing Video Based Sales Process. Earn 75% Commission
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Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Pit Bull (Pitbull) Terrier Dog Guide
Affiliates Earn a Whopping 75% Selling the Complete Guide To Owning, Raising, And Caring For Pit Bull (Pitbull) Terriers!
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The Complete Dog Food & Nutrition Guide - ebooks and audios
Consistent seller & excellent conversion rates! Looking for a product that is simple to promote that sells easily? You have found it. Paying up to $51.53 (with upsell).
The Akita. Everything you need to know
Everything you need to know about buying, training and owning an Akita dog. Discover how to avoid getting an aggressive dog. How to choose a dog that suits your personality. Learn how to establish your authority from day one.
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Garmin USA - DC 30 GPS Dog Tracking Collar (DC30) (DC30)
This rugged, all-weather collar has an integrated GPS transmitter and antenna that work with the Astro 220 to ensure that your dog will never be lost again. Plus, it's specially weighted so the antenna will always point to the sky for optimal signal. When teamed up with the Astro 220, this system will have you hunting in no time. The DC 30, in combination with the Astro 220, pinpoints your dog's position every 5 seconds and runs for 17 hours. You can extend the battery life of the DC 30 by changing the position transmit rate from 5 to 10 or 30 seconds, enabling the DC 30 to work up to 36 hours in the field on one charge. You will know if your dog is pointing, sitting, moving or treeing. Where it's at. Where it's been. How fast it's moving and how far it's gone. Package contains: DC 30 transmitter collar, AC adapter, vehicle power cable, quick start manual.Price: $268.86
How I Trained My Dog In One Evening
The Secrets A Retired Plumber And His Wife Used To Train Their Out Of Control Dog In One Evening!
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Monday, December 27, 2010
Canine Hardware Treat Tote Small, 1 Cup (Colors Vary)
Perfect for afternoons in the park or training sessions, the Treat Tote is a small pouch designed to carry a handful of treats for your dog. The versatile Treat Tote has a specially designed clip that slips onto your pocket or belt. Keep crumbs out of your pocket and a smile on your dog's face.Price: $8.99
David Dikeman's Command Performance Dog Training System - Vol. 1 & 2
Developed over a 20 year period, The "Dikeman Method" has been recognized as a practical and effective traing tool by Veterinarians and leading dog proffesionals. David's common sense approach will enable you to confidently train your dog, quickly and easily.Price:
Training Dogs the Woodhouse Way: Come When Called/ Advance, Stand, Sit & Down [VHS]
Developed over a 20 year period, The "Dikeman Method" has been recognized as a practical and effective traing tool by Veterinarians and leading dog proffesionals. David's common sense approach will enable you to confidently train your dog, quickly and easily.
Price: $19.99
Remote Pet Trainer LCD display Remote Dog Electric Training Collar With Remote Controller 100 Level Shock and Vibration
Is your dog out of control? Many dogs simply do not respond to traditional training methods which is why thousands of owners and professional trainers have used training collars to assist them in their training programs. Training collars can help you achieve a well trained and contented dog within days. This compact, easy to operate system will control bad behavior and dogs who run off when taken outdoors for exercise. Features:
Brand new Dog Electric Training Collar
Patented design.
Provides a professional 100 level shock & 100 level Vibration with LCD Remote Electric Training Collar
For mild-mannered to stubborn disposition dogs.
The strong static impulse can penetrate the hair of the pet and fabric within 6mm thick. It is unnecessary to let the discharging point touch the skin of the pet. Therefore it is safe for the pet.
The static impulse can quickly and effectively curb the improper deeds of the pet.
With the movement induction power switch in the collar receiver, it will turn on/off automatically to save power.
Convenience of easy-to-read LCD screen shows the stimulation level
Over 3,000 different identity codes to prevent conflicts with other e-collars.
Lightweight and non-obtrusive collar
Pager non-electrical stimulation
300 meters away from the control
Specifications:
Collar:
Length: 43mm Height: 68mm Width: 38mm
Weight 56g (module + battery)
Collar length adjustable from 12 inches to 20 inches
Power:2 x 1.5V AAA battery (included)
Water Resistant and shockproof
Length: 83mm Height: 25mm Width: 45mm
Weight: 40g (with battery)
Power: 2 AAA batteries (included)
LED signal light and illumination at night
The sound function for attracting attention
Package Includes:
1 x Remote Transmitter
1 x Collar(with battery)
1 x Test light
2 x AAA batteries
2 x 4LR44 6v batteries
Price:
Mommy Says No!
The magnificently indefinable Asylum Street Spankers stand as one of America's most distinctive live groups. With an all-acoustic mix of genres hailed by Rolling Stone as "inspired, lunatic brilliance," what other band can boast of appearances on both NPR's All Things Considered and The Bob & Tom Show? Mommy Says No!, the group's sixth studio album, features an inspired approach to childhood that one pundit likened to "Dan Hicks meets Dan Zanes." In the best tradition of classic Warner Bros. cartoons, the album is full of the sort of inside joke that will appeal to the Spankers' decidedly adult fans, even while the disc's sounds and themes catch the ears of children.
Though family-friendly, Mommy Says No! pulls no punches in musical sophistication or songwriting. Addressing childhood from both kids' and adult perspectives, the songs nod to Dr. Seuss, Maurice Sendak, and Shel Silverstein in their clear-eyed view of the joys and anxieties of being a kid. Gorgeously produced, it's a rich listening experience for kids of all ages.
Price: $16.95
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan - The Complete First Season
If you think your dog has behavioral problems, you'll feel better after watching 10 minutes of Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan's hard-luck cases. The smashing success of Millan's National Geographic Channel series is due partly to that feeling of relief--that no matter how bad your own dog's behavior, by and large, it's not nearly as bad as Millan's clients'; it's kind of like Nanny 911, but with dogs. Millan is also a telegenic, confident animal handler, whose basic message is reinforced in virtually every case: Don't treat your dog like a human; treat him like a dog, and be the alpha dog of your own household/pack. This canine golden rule applies to all kinds of doggie nut jobs: crazy little Chihuahua NuNu, who bites everyone but his owner; big sweetie-pie Great Dane Kane, whose puppy mishap sliding on a slick floor has made him terrified to walk on tile or linoleum; Brooks, who spins in circles trying to re-create a game involving looking for a laser light; and Maya the pitbull mix, who's sweet-tempered enough to let a kitten "nurse" on her nightly, but who tears apart her household a dozen times a day. One of Millan's most amazing success stories in this 26-episode series involves Churchill, a Rottweiler-shepherd mix who's docile and loving at home, but literally tries to attack all other dogs and even bites a neighbor, thus ending up on the brink of doggie death row. But within 15 minutes, Millan's calm confidence, and gentle but firm application of tugs on a well-angled leash have Churchill passing and sitting near a strange dog placidly.Extras include some outtakes, footage of Millan's beloved wife and kids, and a hilarious "audition" tape, in which owners with their unhinged dogs are telling an off-camera producer why their pet should be considered for the show. All the while, the dogs are pacing, whining, refusing to budge and otherwise providing a lot of unintended amusement. --A.T. Hurley
Price: $29.98
Fruitables All-Natural Pumpkin & Apple Dog Treats, 7-Ounce Pouch
Combining Nature's tastiest Fruits and Vegetables to create the world's finest pet foods... they're Fruitables. These Pumpkin Powered Pet Treats provide a truly amazing sensory experience in each fresh pack. Hints of cinnamon, vanilla, and selected fruits accent a warm pumpkin muffin aroma. Great things happen when you treat your pet with Fruitables! love life together.Price: $10.99
Dog Training Secret Exposed
Great dog training ebook. Everyone with a dog needs dog training materials.This's hot product with great sales page and high conversion rate. Get 75% per sale. Affiliate link: http://dogtrainingexposed.net/affiliates.php. Please don't miss out
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Priva Ultra Plus Waterproof Sheet Protector, 34" x 52", White
Keeps sheets dry all night. Unique brushed polyester fabric channels fluid away from the surface for maximum comfort and ultra-dry surface. Absorbs quickly and locks in moisture for the best in skin care. Goes over the bottom sheet to protect mattress AND sheets from moisture and staining. No more middle-of-the-night bed stripping, simply replace the Priva sheet protector with a fresh one in seconds! Non-slip backing. Waterproof. 34" x 52"Price: $18.99
Dog Training Tutor
Dog Training Tutor is the latest dog training product in CB - Get on and promote this Hot Product while no one else is and claim the commission for yourself! Email support@dogtrainingtutor.com for more information.
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Personal Trainer: Walking
Personal Trainer: Walking for Nintendo DS...A new entry in the Personal Trainer series is Personal Trainer: Walking, which launches May 25. Personal Trainer: Walking tracks users' progress and makes going for a walk a little more fun. It comes with two pedometers that users can wirelessly connect to their Nintendo DS system when they return home.Price: $49.99
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Training Day
Give thanks to the folks behind Training Day for aiming a little higher on the musical food chain and actually putting together a collection that has more beef than filler. The meat is represented by an eclectic array of talent--everyone from underground champs Gang Starr to P. Diddy, whose hook-up with David Bowie's "American Dream" bites off more than it can spit out. On the plus side, there's "Put It on Me," an X-rated G-funk romp from Dr. Dre and DJ Quick; a fiery remake of N.W.A.'s "F*** tha Police" (now called "Watch the Police") by C-Murder and Trick Daddy; and "Wolves," a snarling, take-no-prisoners salvo from street dawgs M.O.P. Hip-hop's golden child Nelly checks in with "#1," a more-rugged-than-usual shout-out to the glory of success, while Pharoahe Monch's rock-stoked "F*** You" shines a light on this oft-overlooked wordsmith. In short, a veritable feast for ravenous rap fans that feels more like music than product. --Amy Linden Price: $18.98
Viatek BC16G Super Bark Stop
Bark Stop Super has an innovative High Output Directional Cone Speaker maximizes effectiveness of bark stop control through its Sound Focusing Technology, by targeting the Ultrsonic Bark Stop training sound directly to the dog's ears.Bark Stop Super is a barking deterrent system that uses an Ultrasonic tone to teach your dog or your neighbor's dog not to bark incessantly. When the Bark Stop Super senses your dog's bark, it emits an irritating sound that your dog will hear up to 50 feet away. Your pet will quickly learn that his barks trigger this noise and will stop barking without provocation. Stop that nuisance barking today!
Bark Stop Super Features:
? Superior High Power Speaker. Highest in the industry, up to 130dB
? Audible and Ultrasonic frequency settings
? Integrated microphone is sensitive up to 50. Microphone will hear the dogs bark and activate the high powered speaker.
? Built in audible test button / Volume Slide Switch / Sensitity Slide Level
? Battery Operated, 4 "D" batteries required. Battery Life 10,000 bursts (barking should be fixed by then) Optional adapter is DC 6 V 500mA
Price: $79.99
PetSafe 6-Volt Lithium Battery (2 Batteries per Pack)
RFA-67D-11 PetSafe's exclusive battery for your pet's collar. Features: -Comes with two pack. -Packaging in English, French and Spanish languages.Price: $7.99
Fast and Esay Dog Training
Dog training product developed by a veterinarian which includes video, audio and ebook.
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Dog Training Revealed
At Last! Learn The Truth About Dog Training And Learn How You Can Have A Perfectly Behaved Dog No Matter How Uncontrollable He Is Today
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Accelerated Dog Training Health Grooming
Offering an e-book resource for dog training, dog grooming, house training, and general pet care for all dog breeds.
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Friday, December 24, 2010
Good Puppy [VHS]
![Good Puppy [VHS]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tWOYHOy5LIWQfIKBdfPqrs-PSr5ptpXOTTCpyEOuvQ_KrVpdASUTD3MQqpITUOeb6vN6F9-qGDbD8BlqRrsbP0wsGbtQPuEGZgoUCJJIJgXrLP7CXjpw=s0-d)
Developed over a 20 year period, The "Dikeman Method" has been recognized as a practical and effective traing tool by Veterinarians and leading dog proffesionals. David's common sense approach will enable you to confidently train your dog, quickly and easily.Price: $19.95
Shiba Inu Dishwasher Magnet No 1
These are fantastic large 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch (9cms x 6.5 cms) rectangular DISHWASHER MAGNETS. Each item is printed to a very high quality gloss finish on a sturdy metal casing. The back of the item features a very strong full size magnet. Buy this magnet and prevent hubby, wife, son or daughter from putting those dirty dishes in with the clean ones. Simply rotate the magnet and everyone knows the Dishwasher status. Could not be simpler. These items are professionally factory manufactured and make ideal gift items for any lovers or collectors of items featuring this adorable breed. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR DISHWASHER HAS A MAGNETIC FRONT AS OBVIOUSLY THIS FRIDGE MAGNET WILL NOT STICK TO A PLASTIC, ALUMINUM OR GLASS FACED DISHWASHER DOOR.Price:
Learn the Unbelievable Secrets to Dog Training with Dog Learning Pro
Cut your dog training in half. Learn how to stop your dog's bad behavior! Learn the Unbelievable Secrets to Dog Training with Dog Learning Pro.
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Zuke's Mini Naturals Dog Treats
Mini Naturals offer the healthy benefits of rice, malted barley, and essential vitamins and minerals. The finger-nail size pieces are tender, meaty, free of preservatives and contain no wheat, corn, added animal fat, artificial colors or flavors. Ideal for training or anytime as a delicious treat. Resealable pouch.Price:
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Pet Trainer the Humane Pet Training System As Seen on TV
The Humane pet training method that uses effective ultrasonic sound. Uses High Frequency Ultrasonic pitch that only dogs and cats can hear. Teach your pet to: Sit, heel, fetch, roll over. Complete obedience training instructions included. May also be used by joggers, bikers, walkers and hikers to keep animals safely away. Effective up to 20 feet away. Battery indicator light show you its working. Uses 1 9 volt battery, not included.Price: $14.99
Not Just Dog Training, A Complete Guide To Responsible Dog Ownership
This is a very easily promotable product. Every 4th home has a dog! The sales page is professionally designed and converts Very well. Send some targeted traffic to my professionally written sales page and find out for yourself how well it converts!
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Dog Collar Battery Fits Dogtra 1100NC, 2000NC Receiver Tritronics BP-12 1100NC, 1200NC, 1500NC, 2000NC
The Humane pet training method that uses effective ultrasonic sound. Uses High Frequency Ultrasonic pitch that only dogs and cats can hear. Teach your pet to: Sit, heel, fetch, roll over. Complete obedience training instructions included. May also be used by joggers, bikers, walkers and hikers to keep animals safely away. Effective up to 20 feet away. Battery indicator light show you its working. Uses 1 9 volt battery, not included.Price:
SCENT ATTRACT FIRE HYDRANT
CHAPPELLE'S SHOW:SEASON 2 - DVD MovieThe Very Best of Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan
Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 03/24/2009 Run time: 109 minutes Rating: NrPrice: $14.98
Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
Over 130 Homemade Dog Treat Recipes. Promote something other than the usual dog training ebooks!
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Wednesday, December 22, 2010
How To Housetrain & Potty Train Any Dog
Learn How To House Break Your Dog Or Puppy The Quickest Way Possible. Never Had Refund. Very High Conversion Rates. Converts 1.5% to 4% in sales on average.
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Simple Solution Disposable Diapers, XX-Small 12-Count
Product Highlight(s):Disposable Diapers from Simple Solution offer no-leak protection for a secure, comfortable fitEach diaper absorbs wetness and eliminates messes from excitable urination, incontinence, male marking or for puppies that are not yet housetrainedEach diaper features an adjusting elastic tail hole, re-sealable closures and a comfort leg fit.Disposable Diapers from Simple Solution offer no-leak protection for a secure, comfortable fit. Each diaper absorbs wetness and eliminates messes from excitable urination, incontinence, male marking or for puppies that are not yet housetrained. Each diaper features an adjusting elastic tail hole, re-sealable closures and a comfort leg fit.Price: $10.49
Baby Sounds for Pets
A revolutionary training aid to help your pet adjust to the arrival of a new baby.Model/actress Kristen Overdurf has created BABY SOUNDS FOR PETS to ease pets, and pet owners, from the stress, anxiety and jealousy that can arise when a home changes with baby's new arrival. So why not start weeks, even months ahead, with the sounds your pets will hear on a daily basis. These are the authentic recordings of infants and toddlers you often read about in magazines, but can never seem to find! Finally they are all here on one CD - laughing, cooing, gurgling and crying! Even the dreaded temper tamtrum.
1 Intro from Kristen & Fred
2 Baby Talk
3 Baby Crying
4 Baby Cooing/Gurgling
5 Baby Temper Tantrum
6 Baby Laughter
7 Nursery
Price: $19.95
KONG Extreme Dog Toy, Black
KONG Extreme represents the most durable version of our original KONG toy. The ultra-strong, black rubber compound is recommended for power chewers.Price:
Pack Leader Club Dog Training Kit
Become the pack leader of your house with our premier dog training kit. Includes obedience command videos, dog psychology interview, potty training, and bonuses. Affiliates: http://PackLeaderClub.com/affiliates
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Dog Training Success
This information packed 90 page eBook will show you exactly what you need to do to change your dog from disorderly nuisance to a well behaved pet that everyone wants to be around!
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Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Remote Control Training Collar for 2 Dogs with Vibration and 3 Levels of Shock
Brand new dog training collars with one remote control. Can be used to train two small to big dogs at the same time. It is easy to use, great for training your dog(s).FEATURES
* One remote control can operate the trainings of two dogs up to 300 meters away.
* The three different static impulse and vibration calls can meet the needs of different situations
* The soft conductive rubber electrode will discharge impulses through the pet's hairs without direct touch of the skin.
* The high static impulses can quickly and effectively curb the improper behavior of the pet
* The auto on-off switch for battery saving
* Water-resistant collar
Collar
Weight 65 (receiver+battery)
Collar strap length adjustable: 20-50 cm
Collar size 30mmx58mmx34mm
Power: 4x4LR44 6V batteries
Water-resistant and shockproof
Handset
Weight 90g (w/battery)
Length 120mmx45mmx25mm
Power: 1x9V battery
LED signal light
Water-resistant
What you will get
* TWO dog training collars w/4 batteries
* One remote control w/battery
* Instructions
* gift box
Price:
Solve the Dog Food Puzzle
Did you know that you can prolong your dog's life and avoid potential health risks such as heart disease and obesity just by selecting a quality dog food that is appropriate for your individual dog? A Dog Lovers Defense against Poor Quality Dog Food...
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Dog Care and Dog Obedience Training Membership Club for Dog Owners
Dog Care and Dog Obedience Training. This Professional Dog Training course will teach Pet owners the Strategies for successful dog training, how to handle bad dog behavior problems, dog health care, potty training, dog recipes & day to day dog care tips.
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Video Dog Training Secrets
A revolutionary yet extremely easy video dog training system that will work for you and your dog without you spending a fortune on expensive dog obedience classes or big 300 page e-books!
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Monday, December 20, 2010
Choosing The Best Dog For Your Kids
Help For Parents Choosing A Dog For Their Children. Top 10 Breeds For Families, 5 Steps To Choosing The Right Dog And More...
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StarMark Clicker Dog Training System
Using the Triple Crown Clicker is an easy and fun way to shape and reward positive behaviors in your pet. It is based on the scientific principles of Classical conditioning and Operant conditioning, and its ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use. Free Training Guide included.wPrice: $5.99
Spot, Inc. SpotBrites Glo-Brite LED Safety Dog Collar (Large 23 - 30) Training Aids
Visible up to 1/2 mile!
The Spotbrites Glo-Brite LED Large Safety Dog Collar is great for walking your dog safely at night. Glow bright collar has super bright, long lasting LED lights to flash a warning to passing motorists, bicyclists or other animals. It flashes bright LED red, white and blue lights and visible up to half mile away. The safety collar has a tough double latching clasp with stainless steel D-ring and both are made of durable nylon and water resistant.
- Collar Size - Large (23" to 30")
- Adjustable collar
- Super bright long lasting LED lights
- Safer night walks and peace of mind while walking your pet
- Flashes in red, white and blue colors
- Visible up to a half mile
- Water resistant
- Durable and comfortable
- Nylon collar
- Uses 2 CR2032 3V batteries (included)
Price:
Dog Training Home Study Course
Earn over $25 from this high converting Dog Training Course that delivers the highest value for money for your visitor. If you want a High converting Dog Training product to sell, but one that delivers real value to your visitor, then this is it!
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Biting veterinary dogma for a back-to-basics look at vitamins
As I teach, I learn. In October, I was updating my lecture on holistic diets for cats and dogs for my course, “Critical Overview of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.” In this talk, I speak about the plusses and pitfalls of various veterinary diets, such as raw meat, home-cooked, Chinese veterinary food therapy and more. But the pros, cons, benefits, and risks of going natural versus mainstream used to be clearer.
That distinction disappeared for me this year. The seemingly endless recalls of commercially prepared pet foods both “natural” and “not so natural” (i.e., those touted “holistic” and others more traditional), made me realize that we still have serious problems with pet food, three years after the melamine tragedy. No matter what the label claims as to its health benefits, the food can still be tainted, or the vitamins in the package present in excess or deficient amounts.
This past October, Vitamin D toxicity in “all natural,” “healthy,” and “holistic” dog food led to canine health problems across the country. In June, 2010, Iams recalled ProActive Health Cat and Kitten Food due to insufficient levels of vitamin B1, or thiamine. Thiamine deficiency, as I discuss later, can lead to serious neurologic impairment and weight loss.
No wonder we’re scared.
In fact, if human-grade food is so detrimental, and a diversity of foodstuffs so dangerous, why is a mainstream manufacturer now advertising their “natural” diet, replete with whole grains, fruits, and veggies? I’m accustomed to seeing this panoply on “holistic” labels, but not an industry giant’s.
Home cooking offers the benefits of selecting high-quality meats and vegetables while destroying organisms that might otherwise pollute our households. Home-prepared meals, however, usually require supplementation in order to compensate for potentially missing nutrients. On the other hand, hypervitaminosis (i.e., vitamins in excess) is not good, either. Both can cause serious metabolic, orthopedic and neurologic problems.
Nutrient needs vary with species and state of health. Not all vitamins essential for humans are needed by other species. For example, aside from primates, guinea pigs and some fish, vitamin C is not essential to add into the diet for most other species, as they can make their own. However, animals facing certain disease states may require additional vitamin C, rendering the nutrient “conditionally essential.” Physiologic changes during illness, pregnancy, or lactation alter requirements. Anyone considering home-prepared meals for their dog or cat should work in conjunction with their veterinarian and/or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to ensure that the foods meet muster.
Becoming acquainted with the signs of vitamin deficiency and excess can help us identify contributors to chronic ailments in our companions. We can then “consider the source” of vitamins and then add foods rich in daily requirements that might otherwise be missing from the diet.
Vitamin A
What It Does: Vitamin A provides chemical components necessary for vision, reproduction, and normal development of skin, bone, and muscle. Pregnancy and lactation increase vitamin A needs.
Sources: Vitamin A levels vary in foods; processing and storage can destroy it. Liver, fish oil, egg, and dairy products contain high amounts of pre-formed vitamin A. While dogs can transform beta-carotene from vegetable sources into vitamin A, cats cannot. As such, they require it pre-formed, from animal sources.
Deficiency: Prolonged deficiency of vitamin A causes dry eye, night blindness, retinal degeneration, weight loss, poor skin and hair coat, kidney and reproductive problems, bone changes, and immune deficiency. A recent report linked vitamin A deficiency to epilepsy in calves.
Toxicity: Cats fed home-made diets of raw pork liver may develop hypervitaminosis A, or vitamin A toxicity. The bones in their neck and elsewhere deform or fracture, compressing nerves and the spinal cord. They experience neck pain and loose teeth. Hypervitaminosis A can also cause appetite depression, skin thickening, internal bleeding, conjunctivitis, and impaired liver and kidney function.
B vitamins
Syndromes associated with deficiency of the various vitamins B overlap. If a veterinarian suspects a B vitamin deficiency, they ordinarily treat with vitamin B-complex. B vitamins balance immune function. Vitamin B-complex given along with vaccinations may improve protection against canine distemper infection in dogs. Since B vitamins are water soluble, they rarely accumulate in toxic amounts.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
What It Does: Thiamine participates in a number of metabolic pathways. Without it, a brain problem called “progressive encephalopathy” takes hold.
Sources: Foods high in thiamine include whole grains, yeast, and liver, especially pig liver. While raw meat supplies significant amounts of thiamine, cooking, ionizing radiation, oxidation, and alkaline conditions all destroy it. Therefore, food manufacturers must replace thiamine after cooking kibble.
Deficiency: Thiamine deficiency arises from two possible causes – either inadequate intake or too high an ingestion of thiamine antagonists. One thiamine antagonist (a “thiaminase”) is an enzyme that restructures the vitamin, rendering it inactive. Another group of antagonists include chemicals such as tannins that likewise disturb thiamine function. Raw fish, shellfish, and microorganisms such as yeast, bacteria, and fungi contain high concentrations of thiaminase. Cooking fish destroys thiaminase.
Without thiamine, young animals fail to grow correctly. Their muscles weaken and their nervous system functions poorly. Dogs can develop cardiac hypertrophy (i.e., an enlarged heart) and incoordination.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
What It Does: Riboflavin metabolites produce energy for metabolism.
Sources: Since riboflavin does not accumulate in the body, animals must ingest it daily. Dairy products, organ and muscle meats, eggs, and green plant matter offer abundant supplies. Yeast also contains riboflavin.
Deficiency: Though uncommon, dogs and cats lacking sufficient riboflavin exhibit skin eruptions, weight loss, impaired reproduction, neurologic changes, cataracts, and poor appetite.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
What It Does: Niacin provides chemical factors critical for proper cell function, energy production, and metabolism.
Sources: Foods highest in niacin include yeast, meats and fish, cereals, legumes, and oily seeds. The body utilizes the amino acid tryptophan to form niacin.
Deficiency: Niacin deficiency manifests as the “4D”: dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and death. Cats are more likely to develop deficiency than dogs if insufficient amounts are present in the diet.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)
What It Does: Pantothenic acid is crucial for metabolism and energy production from food components, including fat, glucose, and amino acids.
Sources: Most foods contain pantothenic acid, though the highest amounts appear in liver, heart, rice, wheat bran, yeast, and peanuts.
Deficiency: Dogs and cats lacking pantothenic acid develop fatty livers and poor appetites. Their immune system becomes depressed and they may fall into a coma in later stages of deficiency.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
What It Does: Pyridoxine participates in the synthesis of a number of important neurotransmitters, including serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It assists in forming histamine and helps create niacin from tryptophan. Pyridoxine is involved in synthesizing taurine from the amino acid cysteine as well as in making carnitine from lysine.
Sources: Pyridoxine is found in most foods, but meats, whole-grains, nuts, and vegetables contain an abundant quantity. Cooking destroys as much as 70% of the vitamin B6 found in animal products.
Deficiency: Signs of pyridoxine deficiency include seizures, anemia, irreversible kidney disease, muscle weakness, growth impairment, and loss of appetite. Pyridoxine-deficient cats can form oxalate crystals in their urine.
Excess: Over-supplementation of pyridoxine can induce toxicity, in contrast to most other B vitamins. However, signs of excess pyridoxine resemble those of deficiency, including incoordination and muscle weakness, confusing the picture.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
What It Does: Cobalamin is critical for folic acid metabolism, and as such participates in the synthesis of many biochemicals vital for life, including neurotransmitters and nucleotides (i.e., the molecules that make up the structural components of DNA and RNA).
Sources: Organ meats, milk products, microbes, and yeast contain cobalamin. Plants do not make cobalamin; as such, carnivores placed on a vegan diet risk becoming deficient.
Deficiency: Low vitamin B12 levels lead to poor growth, nerve damage, and a specific type of anemia.
Vitamin C
What It Does: Vitamin C assists in the formation of collagen, a vital element of tissue repair. Vitamin C, an antioxidant, protects against free-radical damage. It may help prevent cancer as well as gum and periodontal disease.
Sources: Exogenous sources of vitamin C include fruits, vegetables, and organ meats. While nonhuman species that manufacture their own vitamin C rely less on dietary sources, research indicates that their capacity to do so falls far short of previous assumptions. Aging liver cells lose some of their ability to synthesize and recycle vitamin C, making this a conditionally essential nutrient for geriatric dogs and cats. Health status may further influence vitamin C requirements. For example, dogs with lymphoma had significantly lower levels of vitamin C in their system after chemotherapy, suggesting a possible need for post-chemotherapy supplementation with this and other antioxidants.
Deficiency: Insufficient vitamin C causes delayed tissue healing and increased susceptibility to disease.
Excess: In too great quantities, vitamin C can lead to diarrhea and flatulence.
Vitamin D
What It Does: Metabolites of vitamin D regulate calcium and phosphorus absorption from the intestines and assist in the distribution and mobilization of these minerals throughout the body. As bones form and repair, their needs for calcium and phosphorus change. Vitamin D allows the body to adapt to these variations.
Sources: Fatty fishes provide the richest natural sources of vitamin D. Additional sources include fresh water fish, egg yolk, beef, liver, and dairy products. In the wild, carnivores obtain vitamin D by consuming the body fat, blood, and liver of their prey.
Deficiency: Depending on the contents of homemade diets, dogs and cats may not be receiving enough vitamin D. They cannot meet their needs simply through sun exposure, as dogs and cats lack the ability to cutaneously synthesize D3 in adequate amounts. Growing puppies and kittens receiving inadequate vitamin D or calcium exhibit soft bones that may bend and fracture Problems such as “rubber jaw syndrome”, or secondary hyperparathyroidism, have arisen in young dogs. Cats may become paralyzed due to injury of the spinal cord. Adults can experience weakening of the bone and osteoporosis. Humans with low vitamin D experience disturbed muscle function. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a host of chronic conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), certain types of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and even multiple sclerosis in humans.
Excess: Overnutrition with supplemented vitamin D, calcium, and calories in puppy diets has been linked to predisposition for canine elbow dysplasia. Like its fat-soluble counterpart vitamin A, excessive administration of vitamin D may result in serious negative consequences. Hypervitaminosis D produces high circulating calcium levels, calcification of soft tissues, and even death. Be wary of those advocating megadoses of both vitamin A and D for pets with cancer.
Vitamin E
What It Does: Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant. In so doing, it is one of the first lines of defense against oxidative stress, protecting cells and their membranes from the damaging impact of free radicals. Dogs with chronic liver disease may benefit by vitamin E supplementation (along with other supplements) to prevent further oxidant damage to their liver.
Vitamin E actually comprises eight subtypes, including four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. Attention is turning to this latter group, the formerly neglected half of the natural vitamin E family. Tocotrienols confer neuroprotective benefits and possibly more antioxidant properties than a-tocopherol. Tocotrienols distribute more widely throughout the fatty layers of cell membranes and tocotrienol, not tocopherol, suppressed growth of human breast cancer cells.
Sources: Tocopherols are found in highest concentrations in green, leafy vegetables. Tocotrienols come from the bran and germ portions of some plants. Since only plants synthesize vitamin E in nature, this argues in favor of including plant products and certain cereal grains and seeds in foods made for dogs and cats.
Deficiency: Lacking sufficient vitamin E, veterinary patients develop membrane dysfunction and cell breakdown. Clinically, this translates in dogs to muscle deterioration, sterility in males, and intestinal dysfunction. Cats can develop heart, muscle, and liver problems, as well as a condition known as pansteatitis (“yellow fat disease”), a problem identified in cats fed mainly fish (especially red tuna) or fish by-products. Cats suffering from pansteatitis develop lethargy and progressive abdominal enlargement, along with blood chemistry changes. Unbalanced home-made diets have been shown to cause this condition, which can mimic feline infectious peritonitis, perhaps spelling diagnostic confusion and inappropriate treatment.
Excess: Vitamin E toxicity rarely develops, as both human and non-human animals tolerate large quantities without negative effects.
To supplement or not? Clearly, questions remain about whether or not a given pet food regimen has adequate, balanced vitamins, even if it claims to do so on the label, given the recent recalls. If your animal companion is suffering from any of the medical conditions noted above, ask your veterinarian if a vitamin imbalance could be contributing to the problem. Ask about adding home-made veggies and meats that might boost the intake of specific nutrients. Before giving any vitamins or supplements, check with your vet. Then check the recall list, because multivitamins for pets have been recalled, too.
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Note from Gina: Blogs aren’t really made for footnotes, but the references on Dr. Robinson’s post are so valuable I have added a Word version complete with references. Click here to access. (Gina again: There’s a problem with this file at our end. Bear with me while I figure it out and then I’ll re-post the link.)
Healthy, normal puppy flunks shelter ‘behavior evaluation’
December 15, 2010
Good thing a dedicated rescue group was there to say, ummm, no. Here he is with his new mom in the parking lot of the San Francisco Raw Feeders group, demonstrating both his sweet nature and good behavior — not to mention the fact that anyone with half an eye can see he’s still not six months old.
I adopted a 12-week-old mostly stray puppy who was a brutally hard mouther — she was a cattle dog mix, so you know what I’m saying here — and while it took me a little longer to get her to lighten up than it did my Deerhounds, it wasn’t beyond the ability of even a mediocre trainer like me.
It’s inexcusable to “flunk” a puppy for exhibiting completely normal, fixable puppy behavior, all the more so when this kind of decision can mean death, which is entirely unfixable.
Paws With A Purpose
Above: Pediatric patient Delana Guffey, 14, of Waynesville, enjoys time with pet therapy dog Dooley at Mission Children’s Hospital
The dogs from Paws with a Purpose offer aid and comfort to the sick and ailing. Spending time with an animal has proven to be extremely therapeutic, speeding up healing time and easing stress. Volunteers with the nonprofit organization Paws with a Purpose bring specially trained pet therapy dogs to hospitals in and around Asheville, North Carolina.
“The visits lower stress and anxiety and create healing bonds”, says Pam Hardin, Paws with a Purpose founder/executive director and pet therapy coordinator at Mission Hospital. "Dogs are perceptive and more in tune with nature than we are,” she says. “They can sense what a patient needs.”
“Pet therapy helps lift moods, which can relieve symptoms like nausea,” says Dr. Orren Beaty III, a pediatric oncologist at Mission Hospital. “It gives children a chance to just be a kid with a dog."
Learn more about Paws with a Purpose.
Photo Credit: Mission Hospital/Michelle Rabell/Special to WNC
posted 2010 Mar 15 by Chip GreenSunday, December 19, 2010
Featured Photo: Sweet Rosemary
Meet Rosemary. This sweet dog has the brightest smile we have ever seen. Isn't she adorable?posted 2010 Aug 11 by Chip GreenFeatured Photo: Phoebe The Sweetie
Meet Phoebe. This sweet little Boston Terrier is a friend of PupLife and she is only seven weeks old. Isn't she adorable?
posted 2010 Nov 05 by Chip Green
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