A dog run is either a private or public fenced off area in which a dog can be kept confined and get exercise. Since most dogs will get into just about anything, a private area keeps them safe from potential hazards such as poisonous plants, chemicals, or the street. A public dog run, on the…
A sheepdog is a dog which has been bred and trained to work with sheep. Sheepdogs are often used in herding, to manage sheep flocks as they are moved and handled, and they may also work as guard dogs to protect the livestock from predators and poachers. A wide variety of dog breeds are used as sheep…
Dogwoods are plants in the genus Cornus. They can take the form of either trees or shrubs, and the dogwood group is actually quite diverse. Many gardeners like to plant dogwoods, because many species are extremely attractive, and some are also useful. Dogwoods tend to do best in temperate zones, and they prefer partial sun and…
Cats are estimated to be three times more popular than dogs as pets worldwide. In the United States, there are more pet cats than pet dogs, even though more households own at least one dog. As of 2012, there were about 74 million cats and 70 million dogs kept as pets in the US, while…
Many people believe that dogs and cats are mortal enemies, as the common phrase “fight like cats and dogs” points out. The truth, however, is that these animals can learn to live together in harmony, given the right conditions. In fact, a cat and a dog can sometimes get along better than two cats or…
Dog foster homes are a unique idea that eases the burden on shelters, and also may exist in programs that train guide or assistance dogs. Like foster homes for children, dog foster homes are a means of temporarily sheltering dogs until a permanent home can be found for them. A dog or cat might be…
Citronella dog collars are bark deterrents usually considered more humane and effective than shock collars. This type of collar sprays citronella oil under the chin of the dog, which irritates the animal because of its strong sense of smell. It is a type of negative reinforcement; the dog barks and then immediately gets sprayed with an irritating smell….
Dog grooming scissors refer to numerous scissor types that may aid in grooming dogs or cats. Many people prefer to use electric cutters to trim off a great deal of hair, but for small jobs, like trimming the hair around ears or the feet, scissors can be a better choice. Yet not all scissors are created equally,…
Dog sweaters are a popular form of pet apparel that can be both useful and fashionable. They can be especially useful for short-haired, elderly, and small dogs, who may not be able to keep themselves warm effectively during chilly temperatures. The sweaters are available in many styles, sizes, and fabrics, including wool, fleece, cotton, and even cashmere. Originally designed…
Prison dog training programs are programs which bring dogs into prisons so that prisoners can train them. These programs have a number of important functions, from training dogs so that they are suitable for adoption to providing prisoners with therapeutic experiences, and they have become quite popular in some regions of the world. A typical…