Choosing the Right Dog Toys For Your Dog

Dogs and puppies love dog toys, but how do you know what toy is right for your dog? With so many choices available, from plush toys, to tennis balls, to rubber toys, the right choice isn't always obvious.

First, consider the size of your dog. A large dog certainly requires a different toy than a small dog, for instance. One of the most important points to consider is that all toys you buy should be of a size that your dog can't swallow. Even large dogs may accidentally swallow a ball that is too small for their mouth, especially if the dog is running and playing with the ball in it's mouth.

Another point to consider is how rough your dog plays and it's energy level. Is he or she a real strong chewer? Then stronger, more dense toys will be needed. Or does the dog simply like to cuddle with a toy? Then a soft, plush doll type of toy would be the answer.

Safety should be your first concern when choosing dog toys. Read the label carefully. What is the toy made from? Are some parts toxic? Sometimes, inner parts of dog toys are made of toxic materials, so it's important that you keep an eye on the dog while playing with this type of toy. If the toy falls apart or is chewed apart, you need to take the toy away and throw it in the trash.

If you're in the habit of leaving your dog for long periods each day, consider a toy which will involve activity for your dog, such as a toy that bounces funny, makes noises or has a treat hidden inside. These toys will keep your dog occupied while you're not at home.

When you give your dog a new toy, make sure to remove any labels, price tags, bows, ribbons or packaging. These can cause your dog to choke.

Often, the simplest toys will keep your dog the most occupied and happy. Consider a thick, strong rope that's tied into a knot on one end. Dogs can spend hours trying to unravel this type of toy.

You'll also want to rotate your dog toys, for instance, if you give your dog some new toys for Christmas, then put the old, summer toys away for a while. Variety is good for your dog and rotating toys will help to keep their attention.

Rubber toys are good choices for dogs, they tend to last a long time, resist damage and resist bacteria and have a bounce that can keep a dog's attention for longer periods of time. Watch out though, as a strong chewer can break off a piece of rubber and they can choke on it. Once a rubber toy has broken apart, throw it away.

Take the time to inspect your dog's toys once in a while, and throw away any that look too dirty or that look like they may be falling apart. It's also a good idea to wash your dog's toys in a mild dishwashing soap when you can.

Lydia Quinn writes for KnineTraining.com, offering a dog training toolkit [http://www.kninetraining.com/] and free gourmet dog treats recipe book for instant download. Visit us at: [http://www.kninetraining.com/]

Choosing The Perfect Necklace

A necklace is an accessory worn around the neck. They are frequently in the form of metal chain with a pendant or locket often hanging from its end. Necklaces come in different styles and length that can change the look of your outfit. Of all your jewelry pieces, your necklace makes the greatest impact to your look. It gives flair and color to whatever you are wearing. The necklace you choose to wear could either make or break your outfit.

Your Necklace and Your Clothes

Necklaces can be chokers, princess necklace, matinee necklace, opera necklace, rope necklaces (Sautoir), dog collar, bib necklace, graduated necklace and uniform necklace. Collars are typically about 13 inches long but can vary. They are most suitable to complement v-neck, boat neck or off the shoulder clothing.

A choker is about 14 inches long. It is the most classic of all necklaces. It is wrapped around and lies on the base of the neck. It can be matched with any clothing from casual to formal evening wear. Chokers set off any neckline. It is stylish when used with a button-down shirt and trendy with a cocktail dress.

If you are wearing something with high necklines, crew or low necklines or if you are not sure what's the best strand to use, a princess necklace is best for you. It is also the ideal necklace to hang a pendant.

If you are going out for a business lunch or dinner or if you are wearing something casual or something with a high neckline, a matinee necklace is best for you. It adds elegance for a more sophisticated ensemble. It also suits sundresses and formal gowns. It gives a certain zest to an outfit while giving the person wearing it a feeling of confidence.

Opera necklaces are perfect for both crew and high necklines. It can be used for both casual and formal wear. It can be doubled to function as a choker. To create an old yet classic look, you could knot it at the neckline or above the breast line.

Rope necklaces are chic and incredibly sexy. You can have clasps placed in different locations so that you could have different necklaces and bracelets or have a multi-strand choker. Like Opera necklaces, you could knot this necklace for a trendier look. If you are wearing a backless dress, you could knot this necklace and sling it over your shoulder to give your dress more flair.

Looking for the Perfect Necklace

The best thing about choosing your necklaces is that you don't have to traipse through malls in search of your necklaces as you can always shop online for fine necklaces from the comfort of your own home and go out feeling confident and trendy. Online stores have a large collection of necklaces that you can choose from, and it is updated regularly to suit whatever the trend is right now. They also display vintage pieces if you are into a more classical look.

Now that you have an idea what necklace to put on with whatever you are wearing, choosing the perfect necklace to accessorize your dress is not that daunting anymore.

Eric Hartwell oversees "The World's Best Homepage" intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions on jewelry and visit his associated site for unique jewelry.

Miniature German Schnauzers - Choosing the Breed of Dog That's Right For You

Getting a dog can change your life. If you get a dog that is compatible with your lifestyle, it can be a very rewarding experience, but all dogs require love, attention, care and training, so before you make that decision, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I have time to give a dog the attention it requires?


• Do I have the ability to provide proper grooming, exercise and training for a dog?


• Can I afford the expenses that come with a dog?


• Do I have what it takes to be a strong pack leader?


• Do I want to buy a dog from a breeder or adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue?

If, after answering the above questions, you decide to move forward with getting a dog, it would be wise to learn about the different breeds and their characteristics, personality/temperament, possible health conditions and exercise and grooming requirements in order to make an informed decision.

This article is a basic overview of one particular breed -- a Miniature German Schnauzer. Read on to decide if this breed of dog is compatible with your particular lifestyle.

History/Background: Originally bred in Germany in the late 1800s, the miniature German Schnauzer is reportedly a cross between the standard schnauzer, the Affenpinscher and perhaps the poodle. It was named after the German word "schnauze," which means muzzle. It was primarily used for droving, stock tending, hunting vermin, pulling carts, guarding flocks and children and serving as watchdog, and excelled at killing rats. It was brought to America in 1925 and classified under terrier. It is currently the 10th most popular breed in America. Talents include hunting, tracking, watchdog, performing tricks and competitive obedience.

Physical Characteristics: The miniature German Schnauzer is small and squarely proportioned, with a bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows. The tail is usually docked. It has oval dark-colored eyes. The ears are V-shaped and fold forward or are cropped to stand erect. The double coat is harsh, hard and wiry with a short undercoat. Coat colors include salt and pepper, white, black or harsh black and silver outer coat with a soft undercoat. Height is 12-14 inches, and weight is 10-15 pounds.

Personality/Temperament: Mini Schnauzers are happy, affectionate, loyal and very friendly. They are intelligent, obedient and very adaptable. They are perky, bright eyed, energetic, active and playful and are good with children. This breed likes companionship and attention of its owners and is devoted to home and family. They make good companions and family pets, as well as good watchdogs and mouse catchers. They also travel well. Mini Schnauzers can be reserved with strangers but most of them love everyone.

They may develop behavioral problems such as separation anxiety, willfulness, nervousness, guarding, boldness and sometimes be temperamental if the owners do not display pack leadership. Charming and attractive, this breed has clean habits and generally does not have a doggy odor. They should not be trusted around smaller animals because of their hunting background. They are fairly easy to housebreak if trained properly.

Possible Health Conditions: Miniature German Schnauzers are usually healthy but may be prone to kidney stones, liver disease, skin disorders, Von Willebrand's disease, diabetes, cysts or hereditary eye problems. This breed tends to gain weight easily and should not be overfed. The mini Schnauzer shows no signs of age until quite late in life. Life expectancy is about 15 years.

Exercise/Grooming: Mini Schnauzers need daily, long, brisk walks. They love to play off leash. Grooming is fairly easy but the coat will become matted unless combed or brushed daily with a short wire brush, and the knots should be clipped out. The whiskers should be cleaned after meals, and the eyes and ears should be trimmed around with blunt-nose scissors. The coat should be clipped all over twice a year, spring and fall, to an even length. This breed of dog sheds little to no hair and is a good breed for allergy sufferers.

Living Conditions: This breed is good for apartment life. It is fairly active indoors and does okay without a yard.

Summary: Miniature German Schnauzers are small dogs that make good family companions, are usually fairly healthy, require little exercise and shed very little but, as with all breeds of dogs, require strong pack leadership to prevent behavioral problems and require regular grooming. So, now that you've learned a little about this breed of dog, one question remains -- Is a Miniature German Schnauzer the right breed for you?

Anita Funkhouser is the owner of http://www.gogreendogbeds.com, offering high-quality, eco-friendly dog beds, toys and sweaters made from recycled materials, and http://pickofthelitterblog.wordpress.com/, a blog about various breeds of dogs.