Paw Nation http://www.pawnation.com Paw Nation http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.pawnation.com/media/feedlogo.gif Paw Nation http://www.pawnation.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/The Right and Wrong Way to Give a Christmas Pethttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/12/15/the-right-and-wrong-way-to-give-a-pet-at-christmas/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/12/15/the-right-and-wrong-way-to-give-a-pet-at-christmas/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/12/15/the-right-and-wrong-way-to-give-a-pet-at-christmas/#commentsFiled under: ,

mathias-erhart, Flickr

Is it ever a good idea to give a kitten or puppy as a holiday gift? Most experts wave the red flag at the idea of holiday pets, but if the animal in question has been a long-considered family addition, it isn't always a bad idea. Here are some things to keep in mind when thinking of gifting a new pet this month.

The Wrong Way
"Never surprise anyone with a pet as a gift. It's not an inanimate object. It's a living, breathing being that's going to depend on [that person] for food, water, exercise and attention -- for at least 15 years," says Sandra DeFeo, director at the Humane Society in New York City.

"Every year, people get a kitten or a puppy for someone as a present and the person receiving it isn't ready for the responsibility," says DeFeo. Pets given as gifts start trickling into the Humane Society soon after the holidays have passed, but most are surrendered in the spring, DeFeo tells Paw Nation.

Continue reading The Right and Wrong Way to Give a Christmas Pet

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]]>christmas giftschristmas petschristmas presentspets as giftspets as holiday giftsHelena SungWed, 15 Dec 2010 13:00:00 ESTZoo Review - San Diego Zoo Touts Education and Conservationhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/27/zoo-review-san-diego-zoo-touts-education-and-conservation/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/27/zoo-review-san-diego-zoo-touts-education-and-conservation/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/27/zoo-review-san-diego-zoo-touts-education-and-conservation/#commentsFiled under:

san diego zoo pictureHelena Sung

Bright pink flamingos are the first things you see upon entering the San Diego Zoo in San Diego, Calif. Dozens of the leggy birds are wading in a lagoon ringed by tall, leafy trees. Some are being trailed by their young offspring, who are small and gray.

"Those are baby flamingos," explains Christina Simmons, the Zoo's Public Relations Director. "Their feathers haven't changed color yet."

One of the most progressive zoos in the country, the San Diego Zoo shows its animals living in "bioclimactic environments." "Before, zoos grouped animals taxonomically, meaning, for example, that all cats were shown together in one part of the zoo," says Simmons. "We took a new approach of replicating prehistoric bioclimactic zones that shows different species of animals living together in their natural habitats."

There's an exhibit showing how elephants, jaguars, lions and the California condor co-existed long ago in the area that is Southern California. In another section, a sloth lives in an enclosure with a Kirk's dik dik, an adorable little antelope that is no bigger than a beagle. "It's a way of exhibiting the animals, but also talking about extinction and conservation," says Simmons.

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]]>flamingogiant pandasan diego zoozoosHelena SungWed, 27 Oct 2010 17:00:00 ESTShow Cat Lives the Pampered Lifehttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/15/show-cat-lives-the-pampered-life/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/15/show-cat-lives-the-pampered-life/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/15/show-cat-lives-the-pampered-life/#commentsFiled under:

tortoiseshell Persian cat pictureStar Rose, a tortoiseshell Persian show cat. Larry Johnson Photography

Show cats are born, not made. A kitten that possesses the physical perfection and personality to compete at cat shows is coddled like the rare and precious creature that it is. "You treat the kitten like it's a live jewel," says Donna Isenberg of Catsafrats Cattery, who has been breeding and showing Persian cats for 32 years.

Star Rose, a tortoiseshell Persian kitten that Isenberg currently is showing, displayed championship qualities almost immediately. "When she was born, we knew there was potential," Isenberg tells Paw Nation. "Until 4 months of age, you hope the kitten is healthy and viable and is as gorgeous as you think. You keep all circumstances around it wonderful."

Pampering starts at birth. "We make sure she has bottled water," says Isenberg. "She is combed every day. Her eyes are washed. Her ears are cleaned. She is bathed once a week beginning when she is 8 weeks old. When she starts being shown, she gets bathed three times a week, Wednesday nights and Saturday and Sunday of the show."

Cool as ice. When flying to cat shows, Isenberg carries Star Rose in a soft-sided pet carrier that she lines on the bottom with a large, rectangular ice pad covered with a towel and mat. "It's cool, but not cold," explains Isenberg. "Some of the planes' cabins are very warm and dry during the flight and [the ice pad] makes her comfort level much higher."

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]]>cat fanciers associationcat showspersian catsshow catsHelena SungFri, 15 Oct 2010 16:00:00 ESTRare Baby Panda Twins Debut at Madrid Zoohttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/13/rare-baby-panda-twins-debut-at-madrid-zoo/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/13/rare-baby-panda-twins-debut-at-madrid-zoo/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/13/rare-baby-panda-twins-debut-at-madrid-zoo/#commentsFiled under: ,

baby panda twins pictureDominique Faget, AFP / Getty Images

It was the "awwww!" heard 'round the world when a pair of baby panda twins made their debut at the Madrid Zoo & Aquarium on October 7. The tiny black-and-white panda cubs dozed in an incubator as cameras captured how they wriggled around, snuggled up to each other and scratched at their noses with their tiny claws.

The month-old pandas, who were born on September 7, have set several records with their birth. They are the first ever twin pandas to be born in Europe, reports ITN News, and the first pandas born from artificial insemination outside of China, reports AOL News. Additionally, they are the first panda bears to be born in Spain since 1982, and only the third litter to be born in Europe, reports the (U.K.) Guardian.

Bottle-fed since birth, the twin pandas weigh just two pounds now. According to ITN News, veterinarians at the Madrid Zoo have determined that one of them is male, while the gender of the second panda is yet to be ascertained. We'll also have to wait a little while longer to learn their names. In keeping with Chinese custom, reports AOL News, the twin panda bears will not be named for 100 days. For now, we may have to refer to them as cute and cuter.



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]]>baby pandasBabyPandasmadrid zooMadridZooPandaHelena SungWed, 13 Oct 2010 11:00:00 ESTCorgis: Put Your Knowledge To The Testhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/12/corgis-put-your-knowledge-to-the-test/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/12/corgis-put-your-knowledge-to-the-test/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/12/corgis-put-your-knowledge-to-the-test/#commentsFiled under:

Anne Bowes has been breeding Pembroke Welsh corgis for 41 years. "I'm what you call a 'breeder-owner-handler,' which means I both breed my dogs and show them in the ring," she told Paw Nation. Bowes has bred 74 champion dogs, and in 2007 she was named the AKC "Breeder of the Year" for her group. "I love Pembroke Welsh corgis," Bowes said. "They can pick their owner out of a crowd of fifty."

Steve Gladstone is president of the Cardigan Welsh corgi Club. He has been breeding the lesser-known Cardigan Welsh corgis since 1974, producing dogs who have garnered over one hundred AKC titles. "The Cardigan Welsh corgi comes in a small package, but it has a big mentality," Gladstone told Paw Nation.

Though both are called corgis, the Pembroke Welsh corgi and Cardigan Welsh corgi are actually two separate breeds. How much do you know about these storied dogs? These two experts are putting us to the test!

How Well Do You Know Corgis?

Which group do the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi belong to?

  • Working
  • Herding
  • Non-Sporting
  • Hound

What is the telltale physical difference between a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and a Cardigan Welsh Corgi?

  • Cardigan Welsh Corgis are shorter than Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
  • Only the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has an undercoat.
  • The Cardigan Welsh Corgi does not have a tail.
  • The Pembroke Welsh Corgi does not have a tail

Which of the following statements are true?

  • The word


Learn more about your favorite breeds at the upcoming Meet the Breeds event in New York City on October 16th - 17th. For more information, visit MeetTheBreeds.com.

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]]>cardigan welsh corgicorgicorgisdog breedsdogs 101pembroke welsh corgiHelena SungTue, 12 Oct 2010 16:00:00 ESTCurious About Cat Shows? Here's How They Workhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/12/at-shows-how-they-work/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/12/at-shows-how-they-work/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/12/at-shows-how-they-work/#commentsFiled under:

Cornish rex cat picture A Cornish rex at a CFA cat show in San Mateo, Calif. shinzui, Flickr

Canines aren't the only ones who get to win ribbons for their physical perfection. Cats have been starring in their own competitions since 1906 and the creation of the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA).

A member of the CFA's Board of Directors, David White has been showing and breeding cats for 15 years. He currently has the number-one ranked Cornish rex in the country and the tenth best cat in the country. White talked to Paw Nation about what happens at cat shows and how felines are judged.

What is the Cat Fanciers' Association?
It's the world's largest registry of pedigreed cats.

How many different cat breeds are there?
The CFA currently has 41 recognized cat breeds.

When are cat shows held?
The CFA show season lasts from May 1 to the following April 31. Every weekend, there are five to 10 shows throughout the country, and there are international shows too. Serious competitors can spend upwards of $15,000 in a show season.

How large do the cat shows get?
Entries for cat shows in the U.S. are limited to 225 to 450 for space reasons. At international shows with larger exhibit spaces, there can be 1,000 or more cats per show.

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]]>cat fanciers associationcat showCFAcornish rexmeet the breedsMeetTheBreedsshow catHelena SungTue, 12 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST'Martha Speaks' Teaches Kids About Shelter Dogshttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/11/martha-speaks-teaches-kids-about-shelter-dogs/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/11/martha-speaks-teaches-kids-about-shelter-dogs/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/11/martha-speaks-teaches-kids-about-shelter-dogs/#commentsFiled under: ,

Martha Speaks shelter dog pictureAuthor Susan Meddaugh. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

October is Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog month, and who better to promote the plight of homeless dogs than Martha, the chatty canine star of the bestselling "Martha Speaks" children's books and PBS KIDS television series.

Martha was once a stray in real life. "She was a kind of scrawny white dog with spots and ears that my neighbor found," Susan Meddaugh, Martha's owner and author of the "Martha Speaks" books, tells Paw Nation. Meddaugh adopted the dog and named her Martha.

One day, Meddaugh's then 7-year-old son Niko (who is now an adult) asked a question while eating alphabet soup with Martha by his side. "He said, 'Mom, if Martha ate alphabet soup, would she speak?'" Meddaugh recalls in a PBS video. It was an "a-ha!" moment that led to the "Martha Speaks" books.

Since becoming a beloved children's book character, Martha has been putting her gift of gab to good use. The conversational canine has been teaching kids new words through her animated PBS television series and educating children about shelter dogs.

"Just about everyone who works on 'Martha Speaks' has a cat or dog they love, so we are very conscious of the importance of supporting animal rescue and responsible care initiatives," the show's executive producer, Carol Greenwald, tells Paw Nation. "And of course, Martha herself is a rescue dog, so she is always reminding us of the importance of supporting our local animal shelters."

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]]>dog adoptionmartha speaksshelter dogHelena SungMon, 11 Oct 2010 14:00:00 ESTCesar Millan Returns for 'Dog Whisperer' Season 7http://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/08/cesar-millan-dog-whisperer-season-7/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/08/cesar-millan-dog-whisperer-season-7/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/08/cesar-millan-dog-whisperer-season-7/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Cesar Millan and Howie Mandel pictureCesar Millan instructs Howie Mandel. MPH - Emery / Sumner Joint Venture

"Cesar, please, help me!" pleads comedian Howie Mandel. So begins the premiere episode of the newest season of National Geographic Channel's "Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan."

Mandel, who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and did not grow up around animals, is terrified of his wife Terry's chihuahua. Millan is quickly dispatched to Mandel's Los Angeles home to meet the tiny and temperamental dog named Lola. The little pooch stations herself on the sofa beside Mandel's wife and snarls at the comedian every time he tries to approach. "I am afraid for my life," admits Mandel, and he's not joking.

Mandel isn't the only TV star in need of pet intervention. Even after six seasons, there seems to be no end to troubled canines, and celebrities, needing Millan's help. This season, viewers of the popular series can expect to see actress Rhona Mitra, who most recently starred on the ABC show, 'The Gates,' getting help for her aggressive French bulldog, Oscar. Even wildlife expert Casey Anderson -- best-known for having his 900-pound pet bear Brutus serve as best man at his wedding to actress Missi Pyle -- calls Millan to help tame the couple's two dogs.

Nor does Millan ever seem to run out of pithy admonishments and his brand of wisdom. "You can make a dog unstable by giving it only love," says Millan after observing Lola the chihuahua dominate the humans in the household.

And finally, no season of "Dog Whisperer" would be complete without stories about dogs possessed by strange obsessions. In this season's premiere episode, we meet an English bulldog named Bebe who is inexplicably driven to destroy lampshades.

The seventh season of "Dog Whisperer" premieres Friday, October 8 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on the National Geographic Channel.



More From AOL Lifestyle: If you are interested in other celebrity news from the new season's TV shows, check out "The Fug Girls Pick the Best and Worst Looks of Fall TV" over at Lemondrop.

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]]>casey andersoncesar millandog whispererDogWhispererhowie mandelHowieMandelNational GeographicRhona MitraRhonaMitraHelena SungFri, 08 Oct 2010 12:00:00 ESTI Work With Animals! Cat Fashion Designerhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/06/cat-fashion-designer/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/06/cat-fashion-designer/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/06/cat-fashion-designer/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Talk about the cat's pajamas. Pet fashionista Carla Reiss actually designs them!

Her company called "Meow-Wear" makes and sells ready-to-wear and couture feline fashions and accessories. The line offers everything from stretchy collars to special occasion harnesses to kitty jewelry. There's even a "Supercat" cape.

"I'm not advocating that animals habitually wear clothing," Reiss tells Paw Nation. "It's more for a photo opportunity. It's a chance to put some fashionable elements on your pet for special events, photographic moments, the family holiday card, whatever suits your fancy. But I'm not suggesting that the clothing be used 24/7."

That goes for the cat's pajamas, a top seller that Reiss says will keep a hairless cat warm, but she doesn't recommend a cat actually sleep in it. "I think it's funny enough that people just want to photograph their cat and put it on their Christmas cards," says Reiss. "When the photo session is over, the pajamas come off."

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]]>carla reisscat clothescat fashionmeet the breedsmeow-wearHelena SungWed, 06 Oct 2010 11:00:00 ESTForget Those Adorable Puppies! Petfinder Gives Great Reasons To Adopt Other Petshttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/09/23/petfinder--less-adoptable-pets/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/09/23/petfinder--less-adoptable-pets/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/09/23/petfinder--less-adoptable-pets/#commentsFiled under: ,

superfem, Flickr

Why is it that some shelter animals have dozens of people clamoring to adopt them, while others are disregarded, leaving these dogs and cats to languish in shelters, often for months at a time? "Sometimes, it's hard to distinguish one feature that makes them less adoptable or why they are perpetually passed over," Betsy Saul, co-founder of Petfinder.com, tells Paw Nation. Other times, it's obvious.

Why Some Pets Are Left Behind at Shelters
Adoptable pets that are blind, deaf or otherwise have "special needs" are often hard to place, states Petfinder.com. So are pets that are older, shy, have dark fur, are too large or can't live in a home with other animals. Then there is breed prejudice, with pit bulls being the most common type of dog being put down in shelters.

A troubling survey by Petfinder.com -- which has over 13,000 shelters and rescue groups listing adoptable pets on its website -- prompted the organization to proclaim September 19-25 to be "Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week."

Nearly all of the shelters and rescue groups that Petfinder surveyed reported having "extreme difficulty" finding homes for some of their animals. More alarming, 33 percent of Petfinder.com members had pets listed on Petfinder.com for one to two years. Another 27 percent have had pets listed for even longer than two years. By bringing attention to the plight of these overlooked animals, Petfinder hopes to find permanent homes for pets considered less desirable.

Reasons to consider adopting a "less adoptable" pet
- Older dogs have already gone through the hyperactive puppy or kitten stage and have fully formed personalities, which means you know what you're getting.

- Many of them are already housebroken or know how to walk on a leash.

- A deaf dog may be less likely to bark at your loud neighbors.

Continue reading Forget Those Adorable Puppies! Petfinder Gives Great Reasons To Adopt Other Pets

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]]>adopt-a-less-adoptable-pet weekAdopt-a-less-adoptable-petWeekpet adoptionPetAdoptionpetfinderpetfinder.comshelter petsShelterPetsHelena SungThu, 23 Sep 2010 16:30:00 ESTZoo Review - Get Close to Exotic Animals at San Diego Zoo Safari Parkhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/09/21/zoo-review-get-close-to-exotic-animals-at-san-diego-zoo-safari/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/09/21/zoo-review-get-close-to-exotic-animals-at-san-diego-zoo-safari/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/09/21/zoo-review-get-close-to-exotic-animals-at-san-diego-zoo-safari/#commentsFiled under:

San Diego zoo giraffeHelena Sung

Have you ever felt a giraffe's tongue? You may be surprised to learn that it's scratchy just like a cat's (though much larger).

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park (not to be confused with the San Diego Zoo located 35 miles away) is one of the only places I know of where visitors can hand-feed giraffes and rhinos. Situated on 1,800 sprawling acres, the Safari Park was designed to mimic the African savannah and Asian plains that are the natural habitats for the thousands of wild animals and endangered species that call the park home.

On a hot, sunny Saturday afternoon, I climbed into the back of a flatbed truck to embark on a Photo Caravan Tour of the Safari Park. Though pricey ($90 to $150 per person), the tour is one of the best ways to experience the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and the only way you'll get the opportunity to feed giraffes and rhinos.

I sat in the back of the truck with a wildlife guide as the truck rumbled along a dirt road. We passed by Lion Camp, where a large lion lounged atop a broken-down, white Range Rover that was part of the exhibit. In the distance, gazelles, tigers , cheetahs and elephants roamed the open fields. The truck passed through a set of high, metal gates and the ride got bumpier. We were venturing into the open terrain that housed the truly exotic creatures rarely seen at zoos.

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]]>antelopeselephantsgiraffeslionssafarissan diego zoo safari parkzoo reviewZooReviewHelena SungTue, 21 Sep 2010 13:00:00 ESTYorkshire Terrier Quiz - Test Your Knowledgehttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/09/01/yorkshire-terrier-quiz-test-your-knowledge/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/09/01/yorkshire-terrier-quiz-test-your-knowledge/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/09/01/yorkshire-terrier-quiz-test-your-knowledge/#commentsFiled under:

Though the Yorkshire Terrier has only once -- in 1978 -- won "Best in Show" at the venerable Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the Yorkie remains one of the most popular dog breeds in the country. For 30 years, our expert Sharon Jones has been involved in breeding and showing Yorkshire Terriers and she tells Paw Nation, "It's an endearing and very spirited breed. They have a lot of spunk and are a big dog in a small package."

Think you know all about Yorkies? Take the quiz and find out!

How Well Do You Know Yorkies?

The American Kennel Club (AKC) classifies the Yorkshire Terrier into which group?

  • Toy
  • Terrier
  • Non-sporting
  • Hound

What was the Yorkshire Terrier originally bred to do?

  • Look pretty
  • Keep the laps of royalty warm
  • Alert farmers to intruders
  • Catch rats

In order to meet the AKC's breed standard, the Yorkshire Terrier must weigh no more than how many pounds?

  • 10
  • 8
  • 7
  • 5

What was the breed called before it was re-named the Yorkshire Terrier?

  • Silky Chinese terrier
  • Dublin terrier
  • Broken-haired Scotch terrier
  • Wire-coated Irish terrier

The Yorkshire terrier is named after the city located in which geographic region?

  • England
  • Scotland
  • Ireland
  • Wales

What is the earliest recorded date of a Yorkshire terrier being born in the United States?

  • 1901
  • 1859
  • 1872
  • 1776

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]]>dog triviadogsDogTriviaquizquizzesyorkiesyorkshireYorkshire TerriersYorkshireTerriersHelena SungWed, 01 Sep 2010 16:00:00 ESTFinding a Lost Dog or Cat - 10 Ways To Improve Your Oddshttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/08/31/finding-a-lost-dog-or-cat/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/08/31/finding-a-lost-dog-or-cat/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/08/31/finding-a-lost-dog-or-cat/#commentsFiled under:

cat fence outsideHans Pama, Flickr

One out of three pets will get lost at some point in their lives. This statistic strikes fear in all pet owners, but there are services and strategies to boost your odds of finding your dog or cat. From simple to high tech, here are 10 things you can do to help bring a missing pet home safely.

1. Collar and ID Tags. Only 2 percent of cats and 15 percent of dogs without tags or microchips will be reunited with their owners, states the American Humane Association. So make sure your cat or dog is wearing a collar and identification tag that bears your current contact information, including phone number.

2. Microchips. Many different companies manufacture pet microchips, which are read with scanners provided to veterinarians, animal control agencies and shelters, etc. According to the American Microchip Advisory Council for Animals, it is best to pick a microchip that operates at the American standard of 125 kilohertz. Be sure to register your contact information and keep the information up to date. Many microchip companies will now accept registration information for another manufacturer's microchip, so consider cross-registering you and your pet with several different microchip databases.

Continue reading Finding a Lost Dog or Cat - 10 Ways To Improve Your Odds

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]]>Dog Sheltersfind petsFinding a Lost DogLost CatLost Doglost found petslost petsmicrochippet psychicpet resourcespets rescueHelena SungTue, 31 Aug 2010 13:00:00 ESTCesar Millan or Victoria Stilwell? Who Would You Rather Have Train Your Dog?http://www.pawnation.com/2010/08/09/cesar-millan-or-victoria-stillwell-who-would-you-rather-have-tr/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/08/09/cesar-millan-or-victoria-stillwell-who-would-you-rather-have-tr/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/08/09/cesar-millan-or-victoria-stillwell-who-would-you-rather-have-tr/#commentsFiled under: , ,

cesar millan victoria stillwell Getty Images

You have a dog you just can't get to behave. Who would you turn to? That seems to be one of the questions raised in a recent Time Magazine article called, "Dog Training and the Myth of Alpha-Male Dominance."

The article stirs up a long-running debate among experts in the dog training and behavior world about what is the best way to work with dogs. Many experts have gone on record against Millan's use of dominance techniques -- finger jabs, quick flicks to a dog's flank and forcing a dog onto its back -- to assert control over an aggressive or misbehaving canine. "He's a charming, one-man wrecking ball directed at 40 years of progress in understanding and shaping dog behavior and in developing non-punitive, reward-based training programs." one expert wrote in a 2006 New York Times op-ed piece about Millan. (Millan will be the first person to tell you that he is not a dog trainer, but akin to a "dog psychologist.")

Victoria Stilwell, the British dog trainer and star of Animal Planet's,"It's Me or the Dog," espouses the positive-reinforcement method of dog training, and the liberal use of treats to coach an ill-mannered dog into displaying better behavior. "She uses positivity as a counterpoint to dominance theory and reserves her aggression for the poorly behaving humans," says the article's author, Jeninne Lee-St. John.

Viewers of his popular show, "The Dog Whisperer" on the National Geographic Channel know that Millan is not averse to using a bag of treats to lure a shy dog out of a kennel, for example. But the main thrust of Millan's techniques is based on dominance theory, in which the dog submits to the human.

Experts quoted in the Time article say that this dominance style is based on an outdated study of wolves. That study suggested that the alpha-male wolf emerged by displaying aggression over other wolves and the idea is that because dogs are descended from wolves, humans need to display alpha behavior (or be the "pack leader," as Millan would say), dominating their pet dogs to get them to behave.

Continue reading Cesar Millan or Victoria Stilwell? Who Would You Rather Have Train Your Dog?

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]]>cesar millanCesarMillandog trainingdog whispererDogTrainingDogWhispererits me or the dogItsMeOrTheDogMary BurchMaryBurchpositive reinforcementPositiveReinforcementVictoria StilwellVictoriaStilwellHelena SungMon, 09 Aug 2010 15:00:00 ESTNational Geographic's 'And Man Created Dog' Premieres Sundayhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/08/06/national-geographics-and-man-created-dog-premieres-sunday/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/08/06/national-geographics-and-man-created-dog-premieres-sunday/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/08/06/national-geographics-and-man-created-dog-premieres-sunday/#commentsFiled under:

Evergreen Films Inc.

Picture a tiny chihuahua standing next to a massive St. Bernard. It's difficult to imagine they share the same ancient ancestor: the wolf.

In a two-hour television special entitled, "And Man Created Dog," the National Geographic Channel tells the story of how the modern dog evolved from wild wolves tens of thousands of years ago, and in the hands of man, became the most diverse species on the planet.

"If humans were as varied as dogs, we would range in height up to 22 feet tall and could weigh more than 1,000 pounds," according to the show.

The tale begins with wild wolves who lingered at the edges of human campsites eating scraps of food. They became known as "camp wolves," and as the more docile ones stayed near humans, they became genetically isolated from wolves in the wild. This led to the creation of a "proto-dog," and eventually, the modern dog.

Continue reading National Geographic's 'And Man Created Dog' Premieres Sunday

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]]>And Man Created DogAndManCreatedDogNationalGeographicorigin of dogsOriginOfDogswolvesHelena SungFri, 06 Aug 2010 15:00:00 ESTCreative Cat Grooming Competitionshttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/26/creative-cat-grooming-competitions/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/26/creative-cat-grooming-competitions/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/26/creative-cat-grooming-competitions/#commentsFiled under: ,

cat groomingRen Netherland, AnimalPhotography.com

Do you assume that cats would never tolerate being snipped, styled and colored the way dogs are for creative grooming competitions? Well, think again! A new trend is taking hold in the pet world, and it's creative cat grooming.

Called "Feline Fantasy," the concept was introduced in 2003 at Intergroom, an annual pet grooming conference. After a brief hiatus the last few years, the creative cat grooming competition returned this year. "It just seemed like it was time to bring it back," Christine DeFillipo of Intergroom tells Paw Nation. "And this year, we allowed the use of color."

Five professional cat groomers were allotted one hour and 15 minutes to clip and color their cats with safe, non-toxic products. The cats could arrive pre-bathed, but all the grooming and design work had to take place in the ring.

You can see some of the before and after photos from these competitions in the gallery below, including one done by certified feline master groomer Beth Rex. "I tried to make it look like my cat was being swallowed whole by a shark," Rex tells Paw Nation, referring to Mr. Toes, her brother's 8-year-old cat whom she borrowed for the contest. To color Mr. Toes's hind end blue, Rex used children's sidewalk chalk. "I talked to the manufacturer of the chalk and my veterinarian to make sure it was safe," Rex says.

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]]>creative cat groomingcreative pet groomingexpire-images:2011-10-6feline fantasyintergroomprofessional cat groomerHelena SungMon, 26 Jul 2010 13:00:00 ESTMary Tyler Moore and Bernadette Peters Host 'Broadway Barks' Pet Adoption Benefithttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/16/mary-tyler-moore-and-bernadette-peters-host-broadway-barks-pet/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/16/mary-tyler-moore-and-bernadette-peters-host-broadway-barks-pet/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/16/mary-tyler-moore-and-bernadette-peters-host-broadway-barks-pet/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mary Tyler Moore and Bernadette Peters.
Photo: Helena Sung

When two legendary stars of film, television and stage host an event, you can bet it will draw a crowd. Hordes of spectators crowded into Shubert Alley on a muggy Saturday afternoon in New York City for the 12th annual Broadway Barks benefit hosted by co-founders Mary Tyler Moore and Bernadette Peters.

"The whole afternoon is like pet therapy," Peters tells Paw Nation. "And every year it's different dogs, so it's fabulous."

For the first time this year in honor of Broadway Barks, the Empire State Building was lit all weekend in purple, pink and yellow, the colors of Peters' latest children's picture book, "Stella Is a Star," a story about acceptance that is based on Peters' rescued pit bull, Stella.

Wandering throughout the crowded event were dogs with wagging tails wearing bright orange vests saying "Adopt Me." Representatives from more than a dozen different local dog and cat shelters were in attendance with some of their adoptable pets. There was Twiggy, an 8-month-old pit bull mix from BARC, an animal shelter in Brooklyn. "We hope to find her a home today," BARC volunteer Emily Hendricks tells Paw Nation. "Two kittens have already been adopted," announced a volunteer with Tigger Foundation.

Moore and Peters were joined on an outdoor stage by a string of stars including Sean Hayes, Richard Thomas, Tony Shalhoub, Brooke Adams, Ruthie Henshall and Cheyenne Jackson, who are currently starring in Broadway shows. Each celebrity took a turn introducing adoptable dogs and cats to the cheering crowd.

"I've never been here before, so this is exciting for me," Sean Hayes announced before introducing a sturdy-looking, white pit-bull mix from the ASPCA. "This is Pearl and she's a cutie, although she needs a little Jenny Craig," Hayes joked.

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]]>Bernadette PetersBernadettePetersBroadway BarksBroadwayBarksMary Tyler MooreMaryTylerMoorepet adoptionPetAdoptionHelena SungFri, 16 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST9-Year-Old Colorado Girl Wrestles Alligatorshttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/06/22/9-year-old-colorado-girl-wrestles-alligators/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/06/22/9-year-old-colorado-girl-wrestles-alligators/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/06/22/9-year-old-colorado-girl-wrestles-alligators/#commentsFiled under: ,



9-year-old Samantha Young of Colorado wrestles alligators. More astonishing, she's been doing it since she was 6 years old, reports the (U.K.) Telegraph.

"We've never been too worried about Samantha wrestling alligators because she's been around them her whole life," her father, Jay Young, tells the Telegraph.

Her dad might not be worried, but watching this video isn't exactly comforting. While Samantha does seem very adept, we aren't so sure how good an idea recreational alligator wrestling is. And you have to wonder how the animals feel about being part of this sport.

The Young family owns and operates Colorado Gators Reptile Park in Mosca, Colo. The 12-acre farm is home to 350 of the carnivorous crocodilians known for their "bone crushing bites" and lurking ways. For $100, members of the public can take a three-hour class at Colorado Gators Park to learn alligator wrestling. "This is the only class in the world where you can get hands-on experience with a nine-foot alligator," states the Park's website. "You'll learn how to handle a small alligator and then gradually work up to a larger size gator, all the way up to the nine-footers!"

Samantha demonstrates how it's done. Wading into a shallow pool, she grabs an alligator's tail, drags it to shore, then scrambles onto its back, quickly straddling it and wrapping her arms around its torso.

"I was a little afraid when I first started, but as I grew older and older, I grew more comfortable with them, and my dad taught me that if you're going to work with them, you're going to have to be comfortable," Samantha tells the Telegraph, sitting on an alligator. "It's all about getting your balance and position on top of the gator's back so that you can control its mouth and neck."

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]]>alligatorsColorado Gators Reptile ParkColoradoGatorsReptileParkHelena SungTue, 22 Jun 2010 17:00:00 ESTRescuing Greyhounds - 10 Things to Know Before Adoptinghttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/06/08/rescuing-greyhounds-10-things-to-know-before-adopting/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/06/08/rescuing-greyhounds-10-things-to-know-before-adopting/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/06/08/rescuing-greyhounds-10-things-to-know-before-adopting/#commentsFiled under: , ,

greyhound dog pictureJAGwired, Flickr

Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog. "They can run up to 45 miles per hour for short distances," says David Wolf, founder and director of the National Greyhound Adoption Program (NGAP). This genetic gift ultimately puts these dogs in harm's way as it drives the racing circuit which puts greyhounds at great risk.

"I found there was a terrific need to reverse the trend of what was happening to greyhounds when they didn't win anymore [at the racetrack]," says Wolf, explaining why he started the NGAP some 20 years ago. "They would be destroyed in such enormous numbers, and it disturbed me so much I wanted to get involved trying to reverse that." To date, NGAP has rescued and found homes for some 7,000 former racing greyhounds.

Have you ever considered adopting a greyhound? Here are 10 essential things to know about adopting one (or more) of these magnificent dogs:

1. They are couch potatoes. Although greyhounds are very fast when they're in action, they are not hyper or high-strung dogs. "When they're not racing, they are in a cage at least 22 hours a day, so they're used to being sedentary," says Wolf. "They're actually quite calm and low-strung."

2. They have to learn to walk steps. Racing greyhounds have to be taught how to go up and down stairs because they've never had to do this before, says Wolf. Glass doors are another potential hazard because they've never been exposed to them. Wolf recommends frosting the lower portion of glass doors so that greyhounds are less likely to run into them.

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]]>choosing a dog breedChoosingADogBreedgreyhoundgreyhound adoptiongreyhound rescueGreyhoundAdoptionGreyhoundRescuenational greyhound adoption programNationalGreyhoundAdoptionProgramHelena SungTue, 08 Jun 2010 11:00:00 ESTSweet Reunion Between a Man and the Gorilla He Raised as a Babyhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/24/sweet-reunion-between-a-man-and-the-gorilla-he-raised-as-a-baby/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/24/sweet-reunion-between-a-man-and-the-gorilla-he-raised-as-a-baby/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/24/sweet-reunion-between-a-man-and-the-gorilla-he-raised-as-a-baby/#commentsFiled under: ,

This heart-tugging video captured the extraordinary reunion of two old friends: a man and the gorilla he raised from infancy.

It had been five years since British naturalist Damian Aspinall had seen Kwibi, a lowland gorilla who was born at Howletts Wild Animal Park in England as part of an ongoing conservation program by the Aspinall Foundation to re-introduce gorillas back into the wilds of Africa.

Several years after Kwibi was released to live in Gabon, West Africa, Aspinall traveled there to see if he could catch a glimpse of his old friend. Cameras captured the scene as Aspinall glided down the river calling out to Kwibi, "C'mon! C'mon!" Incredibly, Kwibi appeared on the bank. "He heard my voice and came to the edge of the river," Aspinall explained in the video.

What happened next is astounding. Aspinall approached Kwibi cautiously. After all, the gorilla is a wild animal and he hadn't seen the naturalist in many years. And yet, Kwibi recognized Aspinall. "The moment I heard his deep, rumbling love gurgle, I knew I was OK," explained Aspinall. Kwibi nuzzled his face close to Aspinall, then wrapped his hairy arms around the man, refusing to let him go.


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]]>Aspinall FoundationAspinallFoundationdamian aspinallDamianAspinallgorilla reunionGorillaReuniongorillasHelena SungMon, 24 May 2010 11:00:00 EST