Another surprising fact about the breed (especially given their renowned placid temperament) is that they were originally bred as fighting dogs. The Boston Terrier is a small, compact dog, ranging from about 10 to 25 pounds in weight, and 15 to 17 inches in height. They have small, erect ears, a shortened muzzle and large, slightly protruding eyes.

They have a distinctive coat which somewhat resembles a tuxedo, and can be black and white, brindle and white, or seal and white. The Boston is not a true terrier, despite its name. The AKC recognized the breed in 1893, classifying it in the non-sporting group.

Within the breed there are variances of temperament, some are extremely eager to please, while others may be stubborn and willful. Having said that, Boston’s tend to form strong bonds with their owners and have an uncanny knack of interpreting their moods. They are very sensitive to tone of voice and don’t appreciate harsh words or treatment.Despite their stature, they are not afraid to stand their ground, and will protect their family against any threat.

Grooming a Boston is easy. These dogs shed very little and the coat only needs to be brushed once or twice a week. In addition to brushing you will need to keep the eyes clean, by wiping them daily with a damp cloth.

Although they are not the most active of dogs, you will have to get your Boston Terrier out for a walk every day. Dogs that are insufficiently exercised and lacking in mental stimulation often develop behavioral problems, and in this breed it is likely to manifest as chewing and problem barking.

You should however take care not to overexert the dog, especially in hot weather. Like many short-faced breeds, the Boston Terrier is prone to breathing problems. These dogs do very well in an apartment, as long as they get enough exercise.

Bostons have an above average lifespan, with many living 15 or longer. They do, however, have a number of health issues including, brachycephalic syndrome, skin and heart tumors, and cataracts.

Picking a name for your Boston Terrier can be a challenge. The best advice is to visit some of the many puppy names, sites online. My recommendation is puppy-names-hq.com, which has a huge database, including thousands of cute dog names.

If your pet is a big bruiser, be easy on your hands and be sure of having a good robust leash by utilizing a horse lead rope that would serve as your leash. These come in the standard 6' length in synthetic rope or soft cotton with a very robust snap being attached. They come in lost of pretty colours and are sturdy and robust.

Hear your pet. Don't insist that he would greet someone else, dog, or animal if the dog seems troubled. It is vital to realize that there is a reason he is uncomfortable, and you want to consider that. If the pet is implying that he is troubled, don't force the issue as it can lead to bigger problems down the line.

Always recall that it needs patience and time to train a pet. Some dogs pick up things fast, while others would take longer. Every dog will have a learning pace of their own, so be sure to be aware of your dog's pace. As a dog training advice, try and be as positive as possible when working with him so that he suspects it's a exciting activity to do with you and will look forward to your training activities.

No matter what your skill level and the behaviour of your pet, education is key to good dog training. Knowing dog psychology, especially what influences and incentivizes pets and the impact your behaviour, body language and 'body tells ' can have on that is imperative. This post has provided you with several strategies and recommendations for doing exactly that, which ought really to be enjoyable for you and your pet to try.

You can check out several informative dog training posts at http://www.dog-biting.com/.

The crate simulates the den environment of a wolf, so not only is crate training humane, it actually draws on natural canine behavior.

The best time to start crate training in the first night the puppy spends in your home. By now you should already have bought a crate that accommodates your puppy's adult size. Buy one with a sliding panel, and adjust the panel, so the pup has just enough space to lie down and turn around.

Put in a soft towel, rather than a blanket, for the puppy to sleep on. If the pup then ‘has an accident’ in the crate, the towel will absorb any messes.If you bought your puppy from a breeder try to get a strip of blanket with the mother's scent on it. This will be a comfort to your puppy as she settles in.

Put the crate in an area that will allow the pup to interact with the family. Don't put the crate in a secluded spot as the puppy will feel isolated and take longer to settle. Remember that dogs are social creatures by nature.

For the first few weeks, you should put the crate in your bedroom at night. Expect a ruckus at first. Remember, she's just a baby, taken away from her family and put into a place filled with strange sights, smells and sounds.

Don't feel you have to respond to every whimper though. Do this and she'll soon figure out how to get you to come running.

Within a day or two, your pup will be used to the crate and within a few weeks you can move her out of the bedroom. She'll probably kick up a fuss again, but provided you don't respond to her cries, she will get used to the idea quite quickly.

Before too long she'll learn to love the crate and will go there of her own accord.

An often overlooked benefit of crate training is that it makes house training a breeze. Dogs are, by nature, clean animals, so if your puppy needs to go while she's in the crate she'll learn to keep it in.

Remember that your pup will not have the bladder control of an adult dog, so keep her stays in the crate short – no more than an hour at a time.

If she starts making a fuss and wanting to go out, get her outdoors right away. Give lots of praise when she relieves herself outside and your potty training will be much easier.

Visit dogsanddogtraining.com to learnmore about crate training puppies, dog care, dog walking and other helpful dog advice.

But lurking in those woods lies a hidden danger. No, I’m not talking about bears, or wolves, I’m talking about dog ticks!

These gruesome little critters are arachnids, like spiders. But unlike spiders, they're not hunters, they're parasites who feast on the blood of an unwitting host. For whatever reason they seem to have a particular liking for dogs, and if your dog spends time in open fields or woodlands, he's likely to attract these freeloaders.

These parasites have perfected the art of ambush. They cling to a tall stalk of grass and wait for an unsuspecting animal to walk by. Then they hop on board, burrow under the fur and begin feeding.

They even inject a numbing agent into the wound, so that the dog does not detect their presence. And they are voracious feeders. A tick can suck up to 100 times its own body weight in blood.It's therefore very important to check your dog for ticks. In fact, this should be part of your grooming regime.

You'll be looking for one of two kinds of ticks. The first type is round, hard bodied, brown in color, and looks a bit like a small spider. The other somewhat resembles a leech, it is greyish, and may be flaccid or distended depending on the amount of blood it has consumed.

If you do find a tick on your dog it is vital that you remove it immediately. Ticks are a serious threat to dog health and spread a number of serious illnesses, including Lyme Disease. They also attack humans, and as someone who has been bitten, and suffered a bout of tick bite fever, I can assure you that it is no joke.So how do you remove these parasites? Well for starters don't follow any of the folksy remedies like burning, using petroleum jelly or alcohol. These methods don't work.

The right way to do it is with a fine-tipped pair of tweezers. Get a grip on the tick's head as close to the dog's skin as you can, then pull back gently, giving a gentle twist as you do so.You should also use a hydrocortisone spray on the bite spot to take care of the irritation.

Once you've removed the tick place it in a bowl with an ammonia based household cleaner to kill it. Or if you have pity on the poor creature you could just flush it, but be aware that it will most likely go on to feed on some other poor animal or person.

If your dog is often outdoors in fields or woodland I'd recommend that you treat him with a preventative like Frontline or Revolution, one a month. This will kill any ticks already attached and prevent other freeloaders from using your dog as their personal buffet.

Learn more about dog ticks, dog care, puppy care and other helpful dog info at www.dogsanddogtraining.com

It does not matter what type of animal that you own, all of them need care and love to some degree, however some animals can be a little less complicated to care for than others. If you have got a goldfish, then here are some important pet care tips for taking care of your fish in order that it has a contented and active life :

Always make sure that you have a tank or a bowl that is big enough for your fish. If you have more than one fish, then you'll need a larger bowl. And don't forget, fish grow just like every other animal so when they become too large you need to get them a larger living environment.

A very important pet care tip when it comes to fish and goldfish is that you should not over feed them. Fish aren't like us, they don't know when they're hungry and may continue to eat even if you give them too much. Try to feed your fish around two times each day and only splatter a finger full of food on the top of the water this is lots for a goldfish.

Another significant pet care tip for goldfish is to always keep the tank or bowl clean. Scum can build up on the glass and the water can get truly dirty, so it is crucial that you clean your goldfish bowl at least once a week.

Remember fish aren't the same as cats and dogs and other pets, they shouldn't be handled as they're cold blooded animals and the heat from your hands can end up slaughtering them.Here are some vital pet care tips that you need to remember when it comes to caring for a new cat or kitten :

Pussies and kittens need a lot of attention and taking care of, that said a pussy can be pretty self acceptable and will spend lots of time going out on his own. It's very important that you confirm your pussy-cat is well looked after, make sure that he has a collar with and ID tag on it just in case he becomes lost.

A very important pet care tip to recollect is that pussies need check ups just like you and me, so you must make sure you take your cat to see a vet continually for injections to protect against disease when they're outside. Click here : holistic pet care and natural pet food for more information.

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Unfortunately, no-one has yet written a handy reference guide, but by following the guidelines set out below you'll quickly be up to speed on what your dog is trying to tell you.

Here are some of the most common dog language cues you'll need to know.

Standing Still – When a dog suddenly stops moving and stands very still, he's indicating to you that he wants to be left alone. He may also do this if he's standing guard over some or other possession. You may also see this behavior if a dog is given a treat while there are other dogs around.

Exposing his Teeth – Dogs seldom attack without warning. They may growl, raise their hackles, and posture. And if all else fails, they'll show their teeth as a final warning that they're about to attack. The best thing to do is to back down.

Growling – Growling is a dog's way of telling you to back off. If you refuse to do so, you'll hear the growl rise in intensity as the dog works himself up for an attack.Dog owners often shout at the dog, or punish him for growling. This is the worst thing you can do. Growling is a warning and if the dog is not allowed to growl he may just bite.

Raising the Hackles – The hackles refer to a ridge of hair that runs down the center of the back. A dog that is frightened will often raise his hackles to try and make himself look bigger. Be aware that there is often more risk of a bite from a frightened dog, than from an aggressive one.

Tucking the tail between the legs – A classic sign of fear or timidity, but can also mean the dog is anxious. This may have any number of causes, the owner leaving the house for instance, or the dog being introduced to a stranger.

Putting the head down – This can have a number of meanings. It could be a submissive behavior where the dog tries to avoid eye contact, or it could be an invitation to play.

Raising a Paw – This is a friendly gesture meaning, "let's be friends".

Wagging the tail – The tail is one of the dog's most important communication devices, and the one that is most often misinterpreted. A common belief is that a wagging tail suggests happiness, but this is only true if the tail is being wagged loosely.If the tail is moving in rapid, short, side to side flicks, it means that that dog is agitated, while a tail that is wagged while being held between the legs indicates fear, or uncertainty.

In the canine world, body language will always carry more weight than words. Yes, a dog may learn voice commands, but they will always be secondary to posture and movement.

Learn to interpret their language and you'll understand your dog that much better.

Learn more about dog training tips, dog care, information on dogs and other interesting dog information at www.dogsanddogtraining.com

So what were dogs fed for the thousands of years before then? The truth is they were pretty much left to scrounge or hunt for their own meals. Occasionally, they may have been thrown a bone from the master’s table or given a treat by a kindly soul.

As dogs became more popular as pets, they would have been fed more regular meals by their human guardians. These meals though would still have been table scraps, perhaps supplemented by some dry or tinned dog food.

With the advent of the information age, there has been an explosion of television programs, websites and magazines about dogs. People have become more informed about dog nutrition, and more concerned about dog health.

There have been volumes written on canine nutrition, as well as the introduction of premium and super premium dog food brands. Add to that things like the raw dog food diet and it's easy to see why the average person can become quite confused about the best food for their dog.

So, what is the best food to feed a dog?

Well, depending on who you listen to, it could be anything from raw meat and vegetables, cooked homemade meals, or a premium, vet-approved brand of kibble.

The important thing is balance. Dogs are omnivores, and they need to be fed a diet that reflects that. Most raw food proponents accept that, premium kibble brands strive for it, and if you’re cooking for your dog you need to take it into account.

Strive for a three way split between meat, veggies and fiber. But if you’re going to err in any direction, feed a higher percentage of meat.

While good canine nutrition is important you obviously have to balance this with your time availability. If time is an issue then the safest route is to opt for a high grade, premium or super premium dog food.

There are many variants available, so be sure to choose the right one from puppy, senior, lite, large breed etc. Some even cater to the nutritional needs of specific breeds.

What you should definitely avoid is the cheap commercial dog food brands, while feeding table scraps is another no-no.

Most of the brands you find on the supermarket shelves fall into this category. They often have grain as their primary component and are therefore lacking in the nutrients needed in a healthy canine diet. There is also evidence to suggest that some of the colorings and preservatives used may be behind a whole catalog of ailments and diseases.

Table scraps are also not ideal for dogs. Generally these will be high in fat and contain things like onions and garlic, which are harmful. If you feed your dog from the table you're also likely to end up with a persistent beggar on your hands.

To learn more about best dog food, dog care, dog training and other interesting dog advice drop by at dogsanddogtraining.com

They survive by attaching themselves to the intestinal lining and then feeding off the nutrients in the food the dog eats. As they mature the tail segments, containing tapeworm eggs, break off. If the dog has tapeworm you will clearly see these, which resemble grains of rice, in the faeces.Dogs become infected by swallowing a flea that contains tapeworm eggs. The infestation cycle goes something like this. A flea larva eats tapeworm eggs. The larva then grows into a mature flea, living on the dog.

The dog may swallow the flea while biting an itchy spot on his skin. Once the eggs are in the dog's system they hatch, and the worms attach themselves to the intestines and start feeding. Later, as they mature, the tail segments break off and the next batch of tapeworm eggs is excreted by the dog to start the cycle all over again.

Tapeworms are not particularly harmful. They absorb only a small percentage of the nutrients that your dog eats and cause only mild irritation. However, a severe infestation may cause your dog to lose weight, so it is always advisable to treat your dog if he has worms.

The clearest indication is tapeworm eggs in the faeces. A common belief is that a dog that scoots along the ground has tapeworm, but this is not usually the case. The behavior is more commonly due to skin irritation around the anal are, or to blocked anal sacs.

Fortunately, tapeworms are very easy to eradicate, Just give your dog a vet prescribed or commercial de-wormer and the problems will be over in no time. Be advised though that some over-the-counter worm medications contain pesticides, so they can cause health problems if used too often.

If you take your dog to the vet, the treatment will normally be a pill or injection that dissolves the protective outer lining of the tapeworm. This allows the worm to be digested and passed from the body.

While most dogs will suffer a tapeworm infestation at some time, you can reduce the chances of it happening to your dog.

To begin with you can have your dog de-wormed every 3 months or so. Most de-worming medications protect against other parasitic worms too, including hookworms, roundworms and other parasites

It is also important to keep your dog free of fleas, as tapeworms cannot be passed without them. Simply give your dog a monthly flea preventative and keep the dog's bedding and environment free of these pests.

Bear in mind also, that although it is extremely rare, some tapeworm species can be passed from dogs to humans. And as they're so easy to control, why take the risk?

Click here to learn more about tapeworms in dogs, dog care, dog walking and other useful dog advice at www.dogsanddogtraining.com

Don’t believe me? Okay then, here are some ideas to get you started…

But first let’s narrow the field down a bit first. Let's talk about your dog. Describe her to me. What's her color, size, and personality? Is she a Great Dane or a Chihuahua?

All of these factors will, of course, influence the name you choose. You want a name that works, right?

Right, let’s be a bit counter intuitive and come up with some tough girl dog names. When people think girl dogs, they generally think of cute, fluffy, lap dogs, with names to match, but what if you have a female Rottie or Doberman?

Good tough names girl include; Mayday, a female baddie from the James Bond movies, Xena, warrior princess from the TV series, and Sabbath, after the legendary Heavy Metal band, Black Sabbath.

Let’s offset that with some of the cute and cuddly names we mentioned earlier, like Bambo, Chiquita, Dixie, Flea, Google, Hootie, Iggy, Kylie, Lexie, Margo, Newbie, Pinky, Punkin, Squidoo, Sonic, Titch, Yoda, and Ziggy. As you can see there is definitely no shortfall in the cute female dog names department.

But let’s say you’re after something a little different, something truly unique. Abraxsas, Io, or Quarterflash do it for you? No? Then how about Isis, Nonotchka or Souixsie?You see there are female dog names to suit just about any dog. All you have to do is think of something that you (or your dog) is interested in and the ideas literally drop into your lap.

Is your dog a fashion hound?…Gucci, Dolce, Prada. Like music?…Joplin, Joan Jett, Latoya. Movies?…Hepburn, Garbo, Harlow. Television?…How about Oprah, Murphy (Brown) or Ally (McBeal)?

See how easy it is to come up with a great dog name? Need some more inspiration? No problem! What about first ladies?…Martha (Washington), Dolley (Madison), Pat (Nixon). How about royalty?…Diana, Lilibet, Maud.

You could even famous your dog in honor of a great female historical figure. Maybe Golda (Meir), Isadora (Duncan), or Agatha (Christie).

See how easy it is? Now that you know the drill pick a subject you’re interested in, then write down as many names as you can think of (use Wikipedia if you must). Now narrow that down to your favorites and pick the one that really suits your dog to a tee.

Or you could save yourself the trouble and head on over to Puppy names HQ, where we have thousands of great female dog names just waiting on your approval.