Choosing Koi For Your Aquarium

While you may purchase young, small koi, like other species of creatures, they will adapt their growth and size somewhat, to the restrictions of space. Food and overall conditions in the aquarium will also affect their growth rate, with premium food being important, and overfeeding to be avoided both for the health of the fish, and the health of the tank environment.

Clean water is a must, as is good aeration. Large fish eat a lot of food and produce a lot of waste. If you have a 50-gallon tank, and several fish, you may need a filtration system whose capacity is actually over 50 gallons, in order to keep the water as clean as possible.

You might like to choose from several of the varieties of koi, for a more interesting mix of colors, but remember that koi in their natural outdoor environment, tend to have more intense color in cooler weather, so keep your tank temperature in a moderate zone. If you'd like to have males and females, ask for help from the breeder or store in sexing your purchases. Very young koi are difficult to tell apart, although young adult females tend to have a fuller, cigar type shape.

Some of the more attractive varieties of koi include:

Kohaku- White body and red pattern down the back. One of the most popular varieties for koi hobbyists.

Tashio Sanke- White body and red patterned back, with black accents

Showa Sanke- A three colored variety, having a black body, with white and red accents, although some strains have more white

Bekko, Utsuri- Body color is non-metallic black on white, yellow or red.

About The Author
Nate Jamieson
Love Tropical Fish? Find out how to create a beautiful, low-cost tropical fish aquarium with complimentary tips at http://www.TropicalFishIsland.com.

Dog Lovers And Dating

No doubt if you're reading this article, you have a dog. Moreover, you like to go places with your dog and Rover definitely prefers going out with you instead of staying home alone! But, you are not only a dog lover, you're also a people lover and like to go out on dates too. Finding harmony between dating and your dog's needs may be a challenge for you. Perhaps you and your dog have both been sad when you've left your dog behind to go out on a date. Luckily for you, there are some solutions that could make everyone happy.

First though, there is one dilemma, not every potential date wants you to bring your dog along! So, right away you have to decide, if you meet someone that is not dog friendly, do you want to bother dating that person at all? However, if you meet someone who doesn't have a dog, but they are up for going on a date with your dog, why not give them a chance.

Actually, this could be a fun way to break the ice in a more casual setting to find out if there is any dog karma between you and your date. And, more importantly, a good chance to see how Rover sizes up your date. Dogs have an uncanny way of sorting out the poochie people. So pay attention, how your date interacts with your dog will give you a lot of clues about their personality.

For example, you might go to a "pets welcome" coffee shop where it will be easy to see if your date is attracted to the dog friendly environment or turned off by it. Most doggie people are more laid back friendly types who don't lose their appetite if they see an ill-timed doggie accident! But to the un-dog person, this may be too "ruff." The good part about a coffee get together is that it's easy to cut short the meeting if things don't seem to be working out.

An alternate dating rendezvous could be arranged at a local dog park where you often go to give Rover and yourself a workout. Perhaps you prefer to be around people who are active and like to stay fit. While you are at the park, you'll definitely be able see if your date is an energetic type who eagerly joins in the fun and games with your dog, or appears to more of a couch potato who poops out early!

If the relationship is going to go anywhere, these things are important to you and your dog, so this is a good way to get the scoop early on. As a dog lover, you don't want your dog to take a back seat to a new relationship - that would inevitably sabotage it in the long run.

So what other way could you meet a person that would welcome a date with your dog? One that comes to mind is a rather new idea - online dating and matchmaking services exclusively for people with pets, particularly dogs. The odds are bound to be far more in your favor if you start at a place where the members are already in sync with your pet loving nature. Not only that, before you set a date you can also sniff out the more personal stuff to help you select the right person.

Once you have set a date with a dog person, you can start out by having your first date at a dog friendly meeting place. A casual environment will take a lot of the stress out of that first face-to-face meeting. If that pans out, there are numerous other places you can go that put out the welcome mat for Rover too. Many of them always have a supply of doggie treats and water on hand to keep Rover happy.

Among the more romantic choices where you can include your dog are the nice dinner restaurants that have outside heated patios. I even found one place that offers a doggie cocktail called appropriately a Dogarita. Some cities offer old-fashioned carriage rides around the town square and the driver's have no problem with doggie passengers.

Another unique option is to rent a sail or powerboat for a day of sightseeing in the fresh air - don't forget Rover's lifejacket. And of course you can always find great dog beaches and parks across the nation where Rover can socialize with his pals, enjoy a game of frisbee with you, or just have a good run.

So you see, you don't have to leave Rover home alone or give up dating. Doggies want to be with us and true pet people who love their special and loyal companions, think they deserve to be included. Who knows, even Rover may find true love!

I hope this article will help you and Rover to discover the many possibilities for having fun on your dates.

About The Author
Val Witt is the publisher of dog-spoiling-made-easy.com. Inspired by a fervent love of dogs and a long held desire to create a website, Val decided to leave the corporate world and turn her dream into a business reality. Perhaps you have a similar dream. To discover how you can make it happen, visit http://www.greatwebsiteinfo.com

Considering a Pet Bird? Ask Yourself These 7 Critical Questions

Birds can make wonderful pets and companions and there are many different birds to choose from. Two of the most popular are cockatiels and parakeets. Cockatiels and parakeets make wonderful pets that only require simple daily care. They don't take up a lot of space, they eat small amounts of food, and they don't require a daily walk outside. They love being around people and often want out of their cages just so they can be closer to you. Some even learn to talk.

You're not alone in considering a pet bird. In fact, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), birds are the 3rd most popular pet behind cats and dogs.

It all sounds great doesn't it? Slow down a little bit, before you rush out to buy a cockatiel or a parakeet, take some time to think about whether or not you are ready for a bird companion. There are a few things for you to consider before you decide if you're ready for the responsibilities that comes with parakeets and cockatiels.

Do yourself a favor and don't buy a parakeet or cockatiel until you ask yourself the following questions:

Do I have enough patience for a bird? Cockatiels and parakeets are social animals and they like attention. You should give them at least a half an hour of attention a day to keep them happy.

Am I a neat freak? All birds (not just cockatiels and parakeets) can be fairly messy. You're probably going to have some feathers and bird seed to pick up around the cage.

Can I care for my bird properly? You're taking the right first step by looking for information about birds. It's important for you to know all of your cockatiel's or parakeet's needs before you bring him or her home.

Don't make the mistake of assuming that since you already have a dog, cat or some other pet, that you know how to take care of a bird. Birds have very different needs than other pets. I'm afraid it's a little more complicated than sticking your bird in a cage and giving it water and birdseed.

Do I have room in my house for a bird cage and other 'bird accessories"? You need to think about where you're going to place the cage in your house before you walk in the door with it. And remember, the bigger the bird, the bigger the cage. (Be sure to study the do's and don't of cage placement. There are places in your house that are very dangerous for your bird.)

Do I have the time to give my bird what it needs? In addition to the time you should spend with your bird giving him or her attention, you should spend some time preparing meals for your bird. A proper diet for a healthy cockatiel or parakeet includes fresh vegetables and fruits - not just seeds.

Exactly what type of bird (and how many) do I want? Decide whether you want a female or a male bird. Maybe you would like to have a pair of birds so that you can breed them. It's easier to think through these types of questions now instead of waiting until you're talking to a breeder.

Am I ready for a long-term commitment? As I said above, it's not unusual for cockatiels to live 15-20 years and parakeets can live 12-14 years. Getting a pet bird is a long-term commitment. Please don't get a cockatiel or a parakeet thinking that you're going to "try it for a while". There are already too many birds in rescue and adoption centers.

Pet birds can bring a lot of fun and happiness into your home. If you don't know what to expect before you bring one home, you may be in for a surprise. However, if you've gone through the checklist above and decided that you're ready for a new feathered family member, then congratulations! Get ready for a long, loving and happy relationship.

About The Author
Simon Blake is a bird lover and the author of Cockatiel Secrets and Parakeet Secrets. Discover how you can have a happy, healthy and well behaved pet bird.
http://www.CockatielSecrets.com/
http://www.ParakeetSecrets.com/

What Are Bottom Water Tropical Fish?

Bottom water fish are those that prefer living at the lowest level of the aquarium. It's not that they can't swim into the upper regions, they will when spurred by a fish that pesters them, or just for the sake of a quick dash around the tank. But for the most part, they live on the bottom, which is where most of their food comes from.

Tropical fish that prefer the bottom of the tank, usually eat algae that grows there, as well as leftover food that falls on the substrate or the broad leaves of some plants. In a way, the bottom water fish are the housekeepers of your aquarium, cleaning up scraps and preventing the build up of algae. But this is not always a sufficient diet, and they need to be given food that comes in a form or shape specifically designed to reach, and appeal to the bottom feeder.

This is usually a wafer shape, dense enough that it sinks past the top and middle feeders, to rest on the bottom and soften. The bottom feeders can then browse at their leisure, returning later to clean up the remains. In that respect, they are not like top and middle feeders, where food is given a pinch at a time, and feeding should stop as soon as they lose interest. Those tropical fish that hang around the bottom tend to be "grazers", and not the gulpers that you'll find dashing for the surface when they see you coming.

Some of the better-known bottom water fish are the loach, and catfish. There are also algae eaters, Botia, Corys, Knifefish and the more unusual specimens like Goby and Needle Nose.

About The Author
Nate Jamieson
Love Tropical Fish? Find out how to create a beautiful, low-cost tropical fish aquarium with complimentary tips at http://www.TropicalFishIsland.com.

Choosing Healthy Foods For Your Dog

Today's pet food market is larger and more diverse than ever before. While this offers a large number of choices in various types of pet food, it also presents a dilemma in choosing the healthiest food for your dog. Are generic or store brands suitable for a dog? What about familiar name brands like Purina and Alpo? Are the pricier brands that advertise specially formulated ingredients (Science Diet, Eukanuba) really living up to their claims and worth the extra money? All of these are valid questions that loving dog owners deserve to have answered.

Dog Food Considerations

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right food for your dog. Different dogs have different nutritional needs at different stages in their lives. Some things to consider when selecting the food you'll give your dog follow.

• The Dog's Age

Puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs just as human children have different needs than adult people. Senior dogs also have different requirements than younger adult dogs. Make sure that you select a food that is appropriate for your dog's stage in life.

• The Dog's Health

Does your dog have a specific medical condition? If so, the food you choose may need to be partially dictated by that condition. Diabetic dogs need low-glucose foods and dogs with specific allergies (yes dogs can be allergic to all sorts of things, just like people) may require certain foods as well. Your veterinarian can help you choose foods that are appropriate for a dog with a specific medical condition.

• The Dog's Size or Body Type

Some dogs are overweight. Some dogs are underweight. Some have a natural tendency to get lots of exercise while others tend to prefer to lie around a lot. There are, of course, small, medium, and large dogs as well as the ultra-tiny "toy" dogs. All of these different types of dogs will have different requirements for the type of food they need as well as how much of it.

• Your Budget

Dog food can be expensive, there's no doubt about it. And where dog food is concerned, the rule really is "you get what you pay for." Low cost generics and store brands will lighten the burden on your wallet, but may not be the healthiest choice for your dog as they are made with cheap ingredients and lots of fillers. You should buy the best dog food you can on your budget to help ensure your dog's nutrition.

About The Author
Kirsten Hawkins is a dog lover and animal expert from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.doghealth411.com/ for more information on dog health, the care of dogs, and dog travel.

Pros and Cons of Online Pet Shopping

The internet has created tremendous opportunities for pet shelters and adoption agencies. While most of them are legitimate and responsible organizations, it is highly recommended to research the organization thoroughly before you consider adopting a new pet from one of them.

As the internet provides a certain amount of anonymity, it is relatively easy for unsavory breeders or suppliers to create the appearance of legitimacy. A number of stories have been printed recently in the press regarding the deceptive techniques used by animal breeders operating outside the realm of good conscience. Ensure that you are not supporting the unethical treatment of animals by supporting these unscrupulous businesses.

If you are serious about pet adoption, be sure to explore legitimate adoption agencies first. While there are countless pet stores both online and offline, it is not advisable to purchase a new pet from any of them. It is no secret that the animals being sold in many stores have been ill-treated and not properly cared for. Based on the reports we have researched, a high percentage of the animals in pet stores tend to be extremely unhealthy.

The best possible place to start in your search for a new pet is your local pet adoption agency. Alternatively, you can do your preliminary research online. The internet is a wonderful tool for doing research and investigation. By all means, if you are unsure about the type of animal you might like to adopt, do some research online. However, be sure to investigate various sources. Do not decide to adopt a certain breed, for instance, based on the information from a single website.

There is one website in particular, that is a leader in the online pet adoption industry. They operate based on high ethical standards and an honest love of animals. It is called petfinder.com, and it is a wonderful organization. They have created a network of non-profit animal rescue and adoption agencies, and their site has an abundance of useful and meaningful information. They also have a searchable database of pet adoption agencies, to help you locate a new pet in your community.

Pet adoption is the only reasonable means of acquiring a new pet. Many of the animals at shelters are beautiful, healthy animals that are simply in need of a loving home. In order for these animals to be eligible for adoption, they must receive a health inspection by a Veterinarian and they must have all of their vaccinations up to date. Adopting your new pet from a legitimate adoption agency will save the life of a beautiful animal, and bring years of joy to you and your family.

About The Author
Christine Arbor is a volunteer at her local Humane Society, and a regular contributor to topsellingpetsupplies.com – an informative and insightful website with information about pet food analysis( http://www.topsellingpetsupplies.com/pet-food-analysis.aspx ), pet identification( http://www.topsellingpetsupplies.com/id-tags-and-microchips.aspx ), pet insurance( http://www.topsellingpetsupplies.com/do-i-need-pet-insurance.aspx ) and more.

Top Ten Dog Training Mistakes

If you are in the process of training your dog or considering it, then you might like to check the following list to ensure that you are not making one of the common mistakes.

1) Giving different words for the same command.

If you want your dog to obey your commands, you must be consistent with the words that you use. For example you may issue the command "Sit" most of the time. It is no good expecting your dog to also sit down when you say "Get down off my favourite chair"

2) Rubbing nose in urine

This has no affect on training a dog. All you are doing is burning is nose. Which is probably something that you don't want to do.

3) Smacking, hitting and punishing the dog.

Experts dog trainers have shown that this type of human behaviour has no positive effect on a dog,

4) Shouting

This will just confuse the dog. Remember, that the whole point of verbal commands is that you have taught the dog to learn from the sound of your voice to link it to an action that he needs to take.

5) Letting the dog eat at the same time as you.

This indicates to the dog that he is your equal. What you need to do is let the dog eat after you. This will teach him that you are the master and in control.

6) Making training session to long.

15 minutes is just about right for a training session. This keeps it fun for young dogs that can have a short attention span.

7) Starting training too late in the dogs life

It's far easier to train a young puppy. As a dog gets older you will have to put in a lot more obedience training and may have to take the dog to a training school.

8) Puppy crate to big

Puppies don't like to be a in a big crate. It makes them feel uncomfortable. You can get crates that are adjustable. So that as the dog gets bigger you can adjust the size of the crate to accommodate him.

9) Training the dog when you are in a bad mood.

Don't train the dog when you are in a bad mood. This means that the tone of your voice will be different and the dog will not be able to link your verbal commands to the action that he should take.

10) Not giving lots of praise.

To enforce your commands, when the dog has taken the right action give him lots of praise.

About The Author
Copyright Rachel Brett 2005
If you need more information about dog training techniques then please visit my dog training resource website for information and techniques on how to make improvements.
http://www.informationondogtraining.com

3 Important Dog Training Tips

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Dog training can be a grueling process but if done correctly, it can be very rewarding in the end. Whether you have a dog in the city, the suburbs, or the country, a trained dog is always easier to handle, especially when it comes to social situations.

1. Be fair with corrections.

Be sure that your dog comprehends what you want before you correct him for not doing it. Also, let the punishment fit the crime. A correction should not be a release of anger on your dog. Instead, a correction is a way to communicate with your dog, a way to foster in him a clear understanding of his place in your human pack. At its mildest level, a correction can be the absence of praise. Before jerking the leash, remember to ask yourself if you're being fair.

2. Be positive.

As a dog's trainer, you must have the right attitude. Praise that is well timed and appropriate is essential to your dog's learning process. If all that you ever do is say "no!" to your dog, your relationship isn't going to be a very good one. How would you like to work with a boss like that?

Praise is cheap and free - so use alot of it! Use praise when your dog attempts to get it right. Use it more when your dog is successful in his task. Use it when your dog pays attention to you, because that's the first step in the training. It's not necessary to be some gushing goof, but you should let your dog know when you're proud of him.

3. You and your dog are on the same team.

Don't think of training your dog as a you versus your dog endeavor. Instead, think about the two of you being on the same team, albeit in different positions. Just as if you were the quarterback, you call the plays. Winning is a team effort. It's just a matter of your dog learning the plays first, and you're the one to teach him.

As a team, you will need to spend time together. Bring him into your life. Let him sleep in a crate in your bedroom, practice his "sits" in the kitchen. The more opportunities for interaction and practice you have, the faster and more reliably your dog will perform.

About The Author
Felix Senhouse is a contributor for http://www.familydogcare.com.
Family Dog Care is your complete resource for dog related news and information, covering topics that range from dog training to dog nutrition.

Pet Care - There's No Other Job Quite Like It

"Pets are such agreeable friends, they ask no questions and they pass no criticisms" said George Eliot about pet animals. Pets often reciprocate the love that their masters lavish on them by demonstrating various forms of affection including licking, hickeys, even love-bites.

There's no other job quite like keeping a pet. Pet care is in fact a permanent job, and includes the very important functions of grooming and striving to maintain good pet health care. General pet supplies could be considered a definition of useful tools for grooming and keeping your pet in good health.

Pet Supplies:

An essential list of pet supplies for purchase could include the following: pet food and food dishes, pet id tags and collars, pet medications, supplements and tonics, etc. Some other items to consider are animal carriers, pet houses and furniture, pet beds, clothes, and pet jewelry.

Online Pet Supplies:

Online pet supplies are supplies that can be purchased from pet stores over the Internet. There are numerous pet grooming product manufacturers and pet-grooming stores selling their products online through their individual official websites.

Pet Grooming supplies:

Pet grooming supplies include items such as grooming clippers, pet hair care products, soaps, shampoo and perfumes.

Pet Health Care:

Pet health care is a very important responsibility of pet ownership. For puppies and kittens, or any other four-legged pets, important treatments would include giving a hygiene bath, cleaning, combing, brushing, checking ears, paws, teeth and underside of the tongue, nail trimming, removing fleas and insects, and fixing regular meetings with a professional veterinary. A good pet owner should follow a regular schedule of grooming sessions.

Pet care can require a lot of patience. Like children, pets often require special attention. A puppy, kitten or any other pet in its infancy needs to be handled with extreme care. In particular they must be groomed properly, fed carefully, and bedded properly.

Choosing A Pet:

The process of choosing a pet is very important. Choosing a pet depends on one's preferences, but there are still some important things that should be kept in mind. One should always choose an animal of good breed. Secondly, the pet should be healthy especially if it is still in the initial stage of its life. A healthy young pet shows good fast growth.

Pet Grooming Business:

The pet grooming business is a flourishing business today. There are numerous pet grooming schools offering the equivalent services of a pet grooming professional. People hire the services of these professional experts for the proper grooming of their pets. Professional pet grooming is becoming quite popular in United States, Canada, and European countries.

About The Author
Paul MacIver writes about pets and pet health care. Visit http://www.complete-pet-supplies.info to read more about Pet Care, or http://www.complete-pet-supplies.info/pet-grooming-products.html for info on Pet Grooming, and Pet Supplies. You may freely reprint this article as long as nothing is changed, and bio is included with all links intact.

Could Your Dog Have Whipworm? How To Detect And Treat Whipworm In Your Dog

When it comes to keeping your canine companion healthy both inside and out, it's important for owners to know which parasites see your dog as the perfect host.

One of the lesser-known parasites that pose a danger to dogs is the whipworm. Whipworms, like most parasites, are resilient. In egg form, their hard shells allow them to survive outdoors in the soil for years in the time. In many ways, whipworms are like hookworms, but instead of ending in a hook shape, one end of this worm tapers to a narrow, whip-like point.

Unlike hookworms, whipworms can't enter the body through the skin. The only way for your dog to contract them is by eating the eggs. Whipworms exist throughout North America, and transmission is easy if your dog has any contact with other dogs. The long-lived eggs can show up in the soil, dog toys, discarded bones and water dishes. Once eaten, whipworms then grow to maturity inside your dog's digestive system.

When they reach maturity, the adult worms fasten themselves to the large intestine and the cecum, a transitional pouch between the large and small intestine. Here, these nasty little parasites slash and puncture the intestinal walls in order to feed. The female starts to lay her eggs, which the dog excretes through the feces.

Symptoms for whipworm resemble those for other worms, such as hookworm. Many dogs can carry a certain number of whipworms without showing distress, but past a certain point, your dog may begin to exhibit signs such as a dull coat, anemia, rapid weight loss, and a loose and bloody stool. He may also begin vomiting up a yellow-green substance. In very severe cases, the worms may begin to puncture the intestinal wall, to the degree that the intestine begins to stick to the body wall. In this case, you might see your dog licking and worrying his right flank.

When you take your dog to the vet, it may take some time to diagnose him with whipworm. Whipworms lay eggs only intermittently, and even when they're actively releasing eggs, any diarrhea in your dog can make the eggs hard to find. Typically, vets will perform four stool samples over four days before ruling out whipworm.

If your vet finds whipworm eggs, she'll administer a potent dewormer. But all whipworm dewormers on the market are only effective against worms in their adult form. As a result, you'll probably need to re-treat your dog.

There are no simple and effective ways of removing whipworm eggs from the soil around your house. However, a contaminated environment can infect your dog over and over again. The best way to combat reinfestation is to make sure your dog's quarters are sunny and dry, since whipworm eggs require moisture. Try to place him in an area of fresh new gravel, pavement or soil.

About The Author
Nathan Fischer writes for Poodle-oo, a site for small dog clothes and wedding dresses for dogs.
http://www.poodle-oo.com/

Big Bucks for Selling Horses

Selling horses means big bucks in many parts of the world. There are people who are in the business of acquiring and selling horses. If you want to sell a horse there are some things that are good to know about the venture. Selling horses is not a sure thing. It is usually feast or famine. There are few horse sellers who enjoy steady sales. Most horse sellers will have side jobs in addition to their horse selling business.

However, if you just want to sell a horse your best bet is the classifieds. You can do this either in print publications or online. It is somewhat easier to sell a horse online because you reach a much broader market. When you sell a horse online there certain things to consider. For instance, when you make the sale and the buyer is in Rhode Island, but you are in New Mexico, how will the horse get to its new owner? Will the owner be responsible for transporting the horse? Will you pay all or part of transporting the animal? If the buyer did not travel to you to see the horse in person, do you offer some sort of guarantee if he does not like it when he gets it, or if he feels it is not as described? If so, who pays for the return? These do not necessarily need to be problems, but you do need to consider them if you are going to be selling horses to buyers who are not nearby.

When you decide to sell a horse, whether it is print or online, give as much information as possible. If you sell a horse online, make sure you include your location in the ad, preferably in the headline. This is a great service to your buyers who may only want to buy in a particular region. You should sell a horse that is sound unless you are up front about any defects. Any attempt to sell an animal that is unsound without giving full disclosure can quickly destroy your reputation as a horse seller. Horse people stick together and if one of them gets wind of a horse seller's unethical behavior, you can bet that many, many of his horse people friends will know soon! If you sell a horse online, be as honest about the animal as possible, in your communications with the potential buyer. You do not want to sell an animal, have it transported several hundred miles only to have the buyer reject it because there was something that you did not tell him. It is bad for your reputation, but, more importantly, it is very stressful to the animal. And you want to avoid that at all costs.

About The Author
Shannon Margolis
Equine Classified Listings
www.horsegalore.com
View their website at: http://www.horsegalore.com
shannonm@horsegalore.com