Springer Spaniel - The Best Choice For a Pet?

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There are many reasons to get a dog and there are many types of dog to choose from. Here we will take a look at some of the up-sides to dog ownership as well as the downsides, particularly with regard to choosing and training Springer Spaniels.

Most people know the therapeutic value of stroking a dog. It calms the old and infirm and gives a general feeling of well-being even if the dog is not their own. Calm dogs, often Labradors, are brought into homes for the elderly or ill, and the inhabitants feel better for being able to stroke these gentle creatures. Blood pressure goes down and stress diminishes. This is a medicine with positive side effects. It does have a drug like quality as the patient looks forward to the next visit of their four legged friend with the soft, understanding eyes and wagging tail.

Consequently, your family dog can do the same for you. No breed more so than a Springer. They are not usually used for visiting the old or infirm but they are probably more intuitive than most dogs. Happy to run around all day and excited by anything going on in the family, they are also ready to listen to any problem you have. When nobody else will listen, the Springer will sit and listen, head cocked to one side, trying so hard to understand. He does not disagree or answer back to the irrational questions or statements. The perfect friend and companion.

However, the perfect friend and companion can sometimes have his drawbacks. Rain, snow or sleet does not qualify as an excuse for the Springer to miss his walk, after all, he loves water. He has more than his fair share of energy for a dog of his size and if he is not able to expend it, he will think of something else to do. Springers, like all dogs will find something to chew, and it will probably not be the dog chew you bought him. A more likely target to the Springer is one of the new leather shoes you have just bought.

One of the reasons to have a Springer as a family pet is the way he loves to be with all the family. Conversely, when separated from his family, 'pack', he will become stressed and anxious. It may help to have another dog as a companion for him, however this may just result in you having to clean up two 'separation anxieties' instead of one when you get home. He will see being left alone as a form of punishment, as in any animal pack, where a disgraced member will be excluded.

There are two types of Springer. One type has been breed as a working dog, the other as a show dog. One difference between the two, is that in very rare occasions the show dog may have rage disorder. A dog with this problem will be happy and friendly one moment and then without any provocation or reason may suddenly attack blindly. This is not to be confused with a dog who gets so excited that he won't listen to commands, this can be fixed by a good training course. Rage disorder has not been identified in the working strain of Springers.

All in all, Springers make a great family pet. He will try to understand what you want from him, in return you must understand his needs.

It is important to make sure that you and your dog not only get off to a good start together but also maintain a good ongoing relationship. To accomplish this you need to learn how a dog thinks and apply some simple training techniques and re-inforce them consistently.

To help you there is a lot of information to get started training springer spaniels as well as all other breeds at our website, Poochdogs. We also have a free dog training ebook guide which you can download completely free of charge right now to get you started and have many other free resources for you which we include in our regular free newsletters. Register now and get your FREE guide at http://poochdogs.com/blog

Modern Warfare 2 Addiction MW2 In real life Part 1 2

For more videos visit Modern Warfare 2 Addiction MW2 In real life Part 1 Modern Warfare 2 is a first person tactical shooter and the sixth entry in the popular Call of Duty series. True to its name and following the lead of its predecessor Call of Duty: Modern Warfare it places players in modern combat settings as opposed to the WWII environments of the earlier Call of Duty games. This modern approach brings with it new weapons action and options. Coupled with a variety of gameplay modes including single player multiplayer and the co op Special Ops Mode it is destined to be one of the most popular games of 2009 and a worthy addition to the Call of Duty series. ash wednesday mullah abdul ghani baradar nick dewar bloom energy press conference reshma shetty who won for the love of ray j 2 Tom Watson Finds Tiger Woods' Swearing as Distasteful as his Infidelity punxsutawney phil groundhog day westminster dog show 2010 capt phil harris death centralia pa coal fire sachin 200 when does the super bowl start free games to play previews bowling games state games pc game game emulator game walkthough game tips game crack on line love games online game game for

Uno: Best In Show

One of Uno's co-owners calls Advance home. And so has Uno for the past two years. c visited Uno's home base today and has more on Uno and his family tree.

Luke at the Dog Show

Luke made his debut dog show appearance in August 2009 at the Westminster Fair.

Walking the dog

Butch walking the dog "Dog Show" style.

Dog Kennel Clubs 101

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There are two major kennel clubs in the U.S. They are the American
Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC).

The AKC is the oldest, largest,best-known (thanks to the Westminster
Dog Show) and most rigid.

The UKC is second oldest, second largest and generally considered
more accessible to ordinary dog owners.

Both register dogs and both have standards of conduct for breeders.

Generally, however, the AKC is more concerned with breeding dogs that
meet the physical demands of a breed standard.

Sometimes that, in my opinion, has led to unfortunate side effects such
as miniaturizing dogs to the point they developed slipped kneecaps
and collapsed wind pipes.

The UKC, on the other hand, stresses the whole dog - both looks and
temperament. It is well known for its performance events: Coonhound field
trials, water races, agility trials and hunting tests for the retriever
breeds.

Your own interests would determine which kennel club would appeal to
you although you register in both.

There are other kennel clubs and other "purebred" registries. Be aware
that some of these exist only because the breeders can't meet the standards
of the AKC or the UKC.

For example, one of the largest alternative kennel clubs was started by a
group of Missouri dog breeders who were booted out of the AKC because
they violated safety
and health standards.

When they could no longer advertise their puppies as being AKC-registered,
they created a registry of their own.

Another registry was started to handle a franchised chain of pet shops.

It's easy to tell a true registry from a quick-buck operation. The real
kennel clubs require a pedigree and often DNA or genetic testing.

The quick-buck ones require you to send a check. Many do not require your dog
to be a purebred and one of them even registers wolf/dog crossbreeds.

Many reputable breeders are registered with their breed club as well as
the AKC or UKC.

Many breed clubs have a stricter code of ethics than either the AKC or UKC.
It's reassuring to only deal with a breeder who dual-registers or only
registers with the breed club named in the AKC's list of breed clubs.

I don't know why you would ever want to be registered with any kennel club
other than UKC or AKC.

Louise Louis is a certified canine specialist and creator of the popular website on small dogs, http://www.ToyBreeds.com

The 500 Lb Gorilla in the Room - Is He Handling Your Pet at the Airport?

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Some of you might recall a television commercial that aired some 30 years ago: A tourist placed his suitcase on an airline's conveyor belt and watched it disappear behind fringed flaps. What he never saw was the 500 lb. gorilla behind the flaps who threw the suitcase around like a handball. As the suitcase ricocheted off the walls (much of it disintegrating on impact), the ad's message was clear: To survive baggage handling, you'd better own our high quality luggage.

I was returning from our National Specialty last fall and was at the airport as I watched my dog's crate move along a similar conveyor belt. It had just cleared the fringed flaps when the crate started tipping backwards, then flipped entirely onto its roof. That's when the commercial popped into my head. Odd, the stuff you think of when your heart nearly stops.

In the blink of an eye, I leapt over a railing, scrambled up the still-moving conveyor belt and shimmied through the flaps to rescue my dog. I was later told that just about everyone was yelling at me, and in hindsight, I suppose I must have broken a dozen rules and regulations. But if you're reading this, you're here by invitation and that means I kind of know you. You care about your pets and under similar circumstances, you'd have done the same thing.

Despite the adrenaline, I had a moment of clarity and was struck by how scary this environment could be to a dog. It was dark and noisy - and that was before I recognized the reason for the mishap: Just beyond the flaps, the conveyor belt pitched into a steep incline which had caused the crate to flip over.

With the help of a few baggage handlers - nice guys who apologized profusely and didn't look at all like gorillas - I opened the crate door and helped get my dog onto his feet. He was all right, though rattled, and as I comforted him, I chastised myself for not having listened to my instincts that it was wrong to put a dog on a conveyor belt in the first place.

After I emerged from the "land behind the curtain," I was berated by an airline official for having broken regulations by running onto a conveyor belt and into a restricted area.

In return, I had a few choice words that went something like, "How dare her airline endanger my dog!"

I'm sorry to say what seemed get her full attention was mentioning that the dog in the crate was a "show dog" on his way home from a big show. Silly me, but every dog is valuable in my book. Like many airline officials, she was likely aware of the tragic story of "Vivi," a whippet who escaped from her crate at Kennedy International Airport after winning an Award of Merit at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in 2008. "Vivi" was never found, though sightings of her are still reported to this day and have taken on the feel of urban legend. (For more on Vivi, look here) The lawsuit resulting from Vivi's loss got everyone's attention, but in reading about the case, my impression is that the loss of a pet is still largely treated by some airlines like the loss of a suitcase. The "Vivi Crusade's" mission statement can be read on-line. My advice to anyone flying with their pet? Flyer Beware.

The "Boris Bill" (also known as the Safe Air Travel for Animals Act) went into effect in the summer of 2005 after Barbara Listenik's Basenji/Pit Bull dog, Boris, was lost. Unlike Vivi, Boris' story had a happier ending, but as a result of Ms. Listenik's lobbying of Congress, airlines must now report how many companion animals are killed, lost, or injured on their flights. When you intend to fly your dog, act like a consumer and start by knowing the policies of each airline when it comes to flying pets. Web sites are a good place to start, and I provide links to them at my blog under the same title as this article;

Here are some phone numbers:
Air Tran Airways - 800-247-8726
American Airlines - 800-433-7300
Continental Airlines - 800-525-0280
Delta Air Lines - 800-221-1212
Jet Blue Airways - 1-800-JETBLUE
Midwest Airlines - 800-452-2022
Southwest Airlines - 800-435-9792
Spirit Airlines - 800-772-7117
United Airlines - 800-241-6522
US Airways - 800-428-4322

What's really helpful is to know the track record of the airline on which you're going to fly your pet and there are online reports of pet mortality incidences along with the names of the particular airlines involved.

I was lucky in that my dog was unharmed, and I ultimately worked with an agent who was an animal lover. She pressed her business card in my hand and urged me to contact her airline with my complaint. My communications with this airline are still on-going.

In thirty years, I've attended every National Specialty except for two, and I got to most of them by flying. 9/11 changed not only how we fly, but how our dogs fly, as well. TSI agents are now required to examine the inside of a dog's crate before the dog enters it, and are also required to make sure something isn't hidden on the dog. Faced with a dog with a huge coat like the one on the dog who flipped over in his crate (pictured above getting a haircut), most agents hardly know where to start. I'm pretty sure I could hide a small companion animal, say a gerbil, in that coat. and like most Puli owners, I've got some amusing stories about traveling with a corded dog.

In addition to researching the airlines, there are a couple of things you can do to help your dog travel more safely. Because some crates have been known to pop their doors out if dropped, some savvy travelers drill a couple of small holes into the plastic of the crate right around the door and secure the door to the crate using plastic cable ties. Also, "humanize" your pet to the baggage handlers by adhering notes to the crate. If anyone tries to put your dog's crate on a conveyor belt, insist that they get a cart and wheel your dog to the appropriate area.If your dog isn't handled appropriately, become pro-active and speak up to the airlines!

S.E.Szeremy, a writer by profession and a breeder/owner/handler of Pulik since 1978, is also the creator of KnobNots and BabyKnobNots. Follow her blog at http://knobnotes.blogspot.com

FVM 3-1 Darkest Hour -With a Thousand Words to Say But One

Darkest Hour Performs With a Thousand Words to Say But One live at the Clubhouse in Tempe Az.

Westminster Dog Show

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Since 1887, the Westminster Kennel Club has shown the way as the leader in dog show competitions held in the United States. In the beginning this was a way for hunters to demonstrate their "Gun dogs". The Westminster Dog show has now become a world famous competition, where only the best of each breed contend for the title of "Best in Show."

As the biggest all-dog breed show in the entire world, the Westminster Dog Show is now a national event. This show has millions of viewers who watch as the dogs are lead by their handlers. These dogs are tested by the judges, and finally narrowed down to the exclusive best dog at the show.

Dogs are estimated based on their alikeness to a "breed standard". The judges rate the dogs with a series of numbers based on gait, color, size and symmetry. Different breeds have different principles. While some of the breed selections are subjective, the judges always try to do their best to match the breeds against the previously written arguments.

Each dog begins with others of its breed. These dogs are estimated individually and pointed down until the best in breed is selected. As soon as the best dog of each breed has been selected they are positioned in their suitable groups according to the type of dog they fall under.

In reality there are seven groups or classes:

1) The Hound
2) The Terrier
3) The Non-Sporting
4) The Herding
5) The Sporting
6) The Working
7) The Toy

Each Group is estimated separately. The top 4 of each group are chosen for an extra judging, and the best in this group is selected and they move on to the final round. During the finishing round, the judges convene to judge each of the dogs that were named best in Group, and from those dogs, a best in show is selected.

Since the show started, its reputation has grown with each passing year. In the year 2008, a Beagle has won the Best in Show for the first time in Westminster history. While the Westminster Dog Show may not tempt everyone, but still it has become one of the preferred actions for dog owners and dog lovers through out the nation.

The Westminster Dog Show is a two day show which features more than 2,600 dogs and 165 breeds. You may be concerned to know that the dog show held at Westminster is one of the oldest yearly sporting events in the USA. This is second only to the Kentucky Derby.

Nowadays the Westminster dog show is not only for hunting dogs, but it includes all kinds of different breeds. The focus of the show has changed from performance to appearance as well. This show is now in its 132nd year. Champions who are selected are considered to have won the equivalent of the Nobel Prize, of the canine world.

JD Files is an accomplished website developer and author. To learn more about westminster-dog-show visit Dog Daycare Franchising for current articles and discussions.

All About Wellington Boots

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Wellington Boots are now amongst the most popular and versatile items of footwear in the world. From children going to school in the rain, to farmers working in fields, wellies are worn throughout the world.

Wellington boots were invented by the First Duke of Westminster, in 1817, who asked his shoemaker to modify his hessian boots. The modifications resulted in a new boot made from calfskin leather, with a low heel, and fitted round the calf. It allowed for boots that were comfortable enough in battle, yet could still be worn the rest of the time.

Soon, the boots became popular with people who wanted to copy their war hero. After the rubber vulcanisation process was invented, and the patent for Wellington boots was bought, Wellington boots started to be made from rubber, and were made in France for the French farm workers who were still wearing wooden clogs to work. The advent of the rubber boot meant that their feet were warm and dry at the end of the day.

The rubber boot was in high demand during WW1, and the mills ran day and night to keep up with demand. In total, 1,185,036 pairs of Wellington boots were made for the army. WW2 also saw a high demand for the boots. By the end of WW2, Wellingtons had become popular with civilians, and it wasn't just farm workers who were wearing them.

Although we tend to think of wellies as mainly for children on wet and rainy days, there are many other situations where wellies are invaluable. Wellingtons are the staple footwear of many farmers and those who live, work and play in the countryside. Because of their versatility, anglers, walkers, hunters and visitors to the countryside find their wellies are essential.

For those festival goers who spend their summer weekends in tents, and listening to bands at music festivals, wellies are essential, even if it's not raining. The grass often soon turns mud and makes walking around quite precarious. By wearing wellington boots, you can protect your feet and still get around whilst staying warm and dry. If it's raining or muddy to start off with, wellingtons are even more important.

They can be worn by those who are likely to be walking across wet grass, perhaps at amateur sporting events like Sunday League football, or when taking the dog for a walk. If you regularly go to the beach, you might find that your wellies are more use than a pair of trainers or walking shoes. Also, as you're wearing wellies, you can explore the rock pools, and maybe even paddle when the water's cold.

It's a good idea to keep a pair in the car and be prepared, especially in winter. You may have to dig your car out, or abandon your car completely, and it's much better to walk in wellies than in your work shoes.

Now you know more about wellington boots, isn't it time you made sure that you and your family have wellies, so that you are prepared, whatever the weather and wherever you go?

If you're looking for a pair of Wellington Boots, or need a new pair of Green Hunter Wellies, you'll find all this, as well as Fishing Tackle and Outdoor Clothing, and much more at JohnNorris.co.uk.

Westminster Kennel Club

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The Westminster Kennel Club is the most popular dog show in the world. It is synonymous with purebred dogs; just say the name Westminster, and people will know what you are talking about.

It seems that even at very first Westminster Kennel Club there was great success. The very first show was in 1877, with over one thousand dogs entered into the competition. More people showed up than expected, numbering into the tens of thousands. Since that time it has grown in prestige and elegance. Over the years many famous people have entered their dogs in the competition to compete right alongside regular people's dogs for the coveted prizes.

It is the second longest continuously running sporting event in the United States. Only the Kentucky Derby has been around longer. Each year it is held in Madison Square Garden in New York.

Another interesting fact is that the only dog to win the best in show three times was a Smooth Fox Terrier bitch named Ch. Warren Remedy, and six other dogs have won the show twice.

There are 162 different breed categories to compete in and the top dogs of each breed compete for the overall championship called the best of show.

Westminster got its name from a bar in Manhattan that is no longer around. It was at this bar that men gathered to talk about hunting dogs and their accomplishments. It was out of these meetings that it was decided to start a dog show.

One of the greatest influences the Westminster dog show has had on the nation is the focus on purebreds. People are more aware of purebred dogs, and the characteristics that each breed should have.

More than anything else, the Westminster Kennel Club symbolizes the human animal bond felt by millions of people as they tune in each year to see who wins best of show.

Get your facts straight! Visit my website at Dog Breeds

Perez Hilton gossips with Wendy Diamond

Wendy Diamond talks with celebrity gossip columnist Perez Hilton. Don't miss Wendy and Lucky starring in the new CBS show Greatest American Dog, airing on Thursday nights.

Westminster breed: German Pinscher (with puppies)

More videos: tinyurl.com One of a series of videos highlighting the different breeds from the Hudson Valley competing in this year's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

French Bulldogs Make a Fine Choice

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The overused cliché tirelessly tells you that a dog is man's best friend. Indeed, many folks take this principle by heart. There is no doubt that you likewise equate your pet with your best friend. Yet you can't simply jump into the decision of purchasing a pet dog. The size of your home, the health, feeding, characteristics, and lifestyle conditions, to name a few are some considerations that must be looked into when choosing the breed of dog to rear. There is an array of choices when it comes to dog breeds and one of the bestsellers is the French Bulldog.

The Origin of French Bulldogs

The roots of the French Bulldogs could be traced back to England as they are known to be the descendants of the English Bulldogs which were not at all into the craft of dog fighting. The English artisans who reared them soon took off for France during the heights of the Industrial Revolution and in the latter part of the 1800s, the French showed interest in raising them. Eventually, the breed evolved as French bulldogs or Frenchies, and thereby acquired characteristics which were far different from those of their English bulldog ancestors.

By the time that many of the well-off American families visited Paris, they were captivated with the Frenchies and began to import them in the United States. In 1896, the French bulldog breed was initially listed in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

French Bulldog Appearance

The French bulldogs are endowed with compact body muscles, snub nose, smooth and dense coat, and a sturdy bone structure. What sets their appearance to be unique are their bat-like ears which are round shaped on top and wide based. They have inherently short, screwed or straight tails.

French bulldogs are mainly stocky breeds and their weight play at approximately 28 pounds. Their eyes are bright and expressive. Their legs are stout and short. Their common colors include the blending of brown and black. Grooming them is not a regular requirement. As most dog raisers claim, the French bulldogs are maintenance-free.

French Bulldogs make Wonderful Pets

If you've got a small-spaced home, then French bulldogs would just be perfect. As long as they are allotted a space where they can play and run about and you don't necessarily require them to exercise, then you have no problem at all. This breed loves being cuddled and treated like one of the human members of the family. They love to stay indoors especially when it is very warm outside. They are not fit to be exposed to heat. Their average lifespan ranges from 12 to 14 years.

Also, they serve as effective watchdogs and companions. They are also friendly and intelligent. They easily make friends and often wag their tails at strangers.

The dogs' personality is much of the outgoing type, playful, affectionate, warm, and loving. French bulldogs love getting the attention of their masters. As pets, they find no hassles in adapting to any new surroundings.

French Bulldog Breeding

Breeding French bulldogs is quite a task and that explains why there are not much of them around. Only three puppies at the most could be borne by a mother. If caution is not taken with the size of the head, a Caesarean delivery may come about. The smaller breed of the French bulldogs must not likewise be overly done.

If you are then settled with getting a French bulldog for a pet, be sure of its breeding quality. There are too many unscrupulous breeders around who only care about the money leaving out the genial quality of the pet. Enjoy taking care of your pet and reap the rewards out of it as he showers you back with gratitude.

For more information please visit: http://www.petcyber.com/

Hammy sees the light

The Swedish Vallhund is a breed of dog. It is believed that the Swedish Vallhund distinguished itself during the age of Vikings, more than 1000 years ago. Known as the "Viking dog", the Vallhund were bred to herd cattle, catch vermin (such as rats), and guard the home. The Vallhund were also referred to as "the little cattle dog of the Vikings". History The Swedish Vallhund closely resembles the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, although it is not known whether the two breeds are related. It is possible that the ancestors of the Swedish Vallhund may have been transported by the Vikings, either to or from Britain. The Vallhund (meaning herding dog) is a canine of many talents, such as a cattle drover, watchdog, ratter and versatile farmhand. It is a more and more common sight at European exhibitions. [edit]Revival By 1942 the Vallhund was almost extinct, until Count Björn von Rosen and Mr. Karl-Gustaf Zettersten, both from Sweden, began looking for dogs to keep the breed alive. As a result of their work, the Swedish Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1948 and the Vallhund was given its name[clarification needed], which in Swedish means "herding dog". In terms of ownership, the breed remains quite rare. In 2008, the Vallhund,the Plott Hound, the Tibetan mastiff, and the Beauceron, competed for the first time, in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Other namesSwedish Cattle Dog Swedish Shepherd Vallhund Västgötaspets

Preparing Your Cocker Spaniel For Show - Eight Things Every Handler Should Know

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Showing your dog can be a very rewarding experience, for both you and your pet. But there are some things you need to know first, and knowing them before you just start throwing yourself out there can attribute greatly to your future success in the ring. Everything from equipment to training must be assessed, and you will need a show budget just for starters.

1. Make sure your dog has what it takes to go the distance, this doesn't mean a Westminster qualifier, but he should be a decent representation of a Cocker Spaniel, and cannot be neutered or spayed.


2. Your dog's coat should be in show coat condition. If you are not qualified to give this sort of clip to your Spaniel, find a good local groomer with prior show experience to do one for you. They may even help you learn to do it yourself.


3. Dogs in any sort of competition require high quality dog food to look and feel their best in the ring. Poor quality dog chow will result in a poor coat and body condition.


4. Parasites, none should ever exist in your home. There are no exceptions to this rule.


5. Find a local club or breeder of Spaniels to befriend, offer to be their helping hand and "go for" at some of the big shows, they will in most cases be happy to show you the ropes, give you the run down on whose who, and get you a start in the ring.


6. Brush your Cocker Spaniel daily, those beautiful feathers require a ton of upkeep to keep them in top shape, and remember to pick apart, not tear out, the tangles or your beautiful show coat will be pretty short.


7. Add a little Show Sheen (a product used on the manes and tails of horses) to the dog's coat. This will help keep it from tangling and collecting rubbish from around the house.


8. Keep the dog as indoors as possible, the more contact it has with the outside world, the more breakage that goes on with that hair.

Don't think you have to be a multi millionaire living a jet set lifestyle to be able to compete in this arena; you might be surprised at how little it takes to get you started. Follow these rules of thumb and you are sure to go far.

There is lots to learn about other spaniel breeds. You can also learn about other animals too at TheGenusGenius.

Sadie the Scottie Wins Westminster After Protest

A Scottish terrier is America's new top dog. Sadie the Scottie walked off with the title Tuesday night by winning best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club. (Feb. 16)

Copywriters and Article Marketing: What Should You Write?

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So you've decided to market your home-based copywriting business through article writing. Fantastic! Now comes the hard part: narrowing it down to a topic. What the heck are you going to say in your article?

A friend of mine recently suggested that I write more articles about copywriting. Not such a bad idea, being a copywriter and all. But here's a thought: if all you ever write about is writing, where is the proof that you can actually write? At some point, your prospects WILL ask for samples of work for their specific niches; that is, if you plan to serve clients, and I'm sure you do as that's what a "freelance copywriter" does for a living!

To the copywriter especially, article marketing is a beautiful thing. Why? It allows you to target any audience in any category that YOU choose.

Let's say someone out there in the great beyond is perusing a vegetable garden website... and this person also has some vague plans to create a gardening website of his own. YOU want to be a gardening writer. Now, if your gardening article is placed the aforementioned garden website, along with a bio that describes you as a gardening writer, guess what? Good old Broccoli Rob is probably checking out your work. If he likes what he sees, you've got yourself one paid garden writing project! Brilliant.

Another example. You're a pet person. You'd love to write web copy about dogs, cats, gerbils... any and all of God's creatures. But, uh-oh, you have no *official* experience! So what? Start writing, my friend. The assignment: one web article about How to Paper Train Your Puppy. In your bio, give a brief summary of your copywriting experience and throw in a line about how you're a pet writer. Pretty soon, what do you know... the Westminster Dog Show people are knocking on your door asking for an E-book about dogs. Way to go, pet writer!

Don't forget the context in which your web articles appear. YOU see the articles as they exist on a submission website. But the reader has an entirely different perspective! Imagine your article in all its shining glory on the delivery page. What's that bio say? Who are you and why would these people want to call you for a paid assignment? You must tell them in your article!

Still convinced you want to write about copywriting and copywriting alone? Okay, but keep this in mind: nine times out of ten, the folks who are interested in reading articles about copywriting are looking to become copywriters themselves.

You can offer them some free advice if you think it will help just to get your name out there. But, don't expect huge contracted jobs to come from "writing about writing." As the Copywriting Guru, you darn well better have some revenue-generating product to pitch on your own website. Think copywriting tips, templates and tools that would-be writers might want to purchase from YOU, the expert!

Article marketing is every writer's dream come true. It's the chance to mold yourself into something hugely successful on the web... and that something can be whatever you want. Just think of the hundreds of different markets out there waiting for you to bestow your expert copywriting talents upon them. Okay, now stop thinking... and start WRITING!

Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.

Liked this article? Have more of the same emailed to your inbox each month. Sign up for the Copywriting and Marketing Ezine from Dina at Wordfeeder.com and learn to write search engine friendly web copy and market your web based business for free.

Pet Show Party Ideas

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I thought of this idea when watching the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show with my daughter. All little girls love dress up. How about dressing up their pets! Since I don't have the room, nor did I want to manage dogs, cats, and other furry creatures in my home, I thought stuffed animals would be a good alternative.

Set up: The party would contain 4 different areas: a registration desk, a grooming area, a judging table and an agility competition.

Registration Desk: In the front of your home or entry way, set up a table where guests can register their pet. Give each child an armband and a collar with a tag. The simplest way would be to cut out tags with numbers and a rubber band for their stuffed animal, and another paper tag that would be pinned around their arm. Create a simple form where the child would write their name as handler and their pet's name. You could also have the parents write their email address if you want to send them pictures of the party. If the child is having a birthday party, at the registration desk, you can collect the presents from each child.

Grooming Area: After registration, direct the child to a special room to groom their animal.Set up a table with hair ties, stuffed animal clothes (doll clothes), and other accessories. To keep them busy while guests arrived, I also would set up a special area where the girls can make their own collars out of beads. You can find great inexpensive beads either at bead or craft stores. You can also find little charms to create "tags" or pre-make the tags for each girl. For instance, you could engrave "Lindsey's best friend" or "Katie's cutie". I would recommend another parent be in the room to assist the girls tie and string their creations.

The Judging Table: Once the girls have dressed their animal, the competition begins! Have a well dressed judge (willing parent) call a the corresponding number to each pet. Set up a clothed covered table where the handler (girl) places their stuffed animal in front of the judge. Just like at a real dog show, have the judge examine the stuffed animal and give them a clip board to write their results. After every animal is examined, have all of the girls march in a circle with their pets, displaying their perfectly groomed animal. Take a group picture of the girls to send to parents for thank you cards.

The agility competition: In your backyard, set up an obstacle course. You can use things as you would find in a regular agility competition. Time each girl as they go though the obstacle course, holding their pet. For instance make the girls crawl though a tunnel created by chairs and a sheet, a balance beam out of a 2×4 and bricks, a bar to jump over made out of chairs and a broom and have them use the hula hoop 3 times. Record the time of each pet/handler.

The award ceremony: After you collect all the results, it's time to hand out the awards! Purchase ribbons or certificates you can hand out to every contestant so no one feels left out. You can create categories such as most creative, most colorful, furriest, 1st-3rd in the agility competition and 1st -3rd in the showing competition. For best in show, you can purchase a larger rosette ribbon and award the best handler/pet for both competitions.

The food: I decorated the table with more stuffed animals of dogs and cats and served the food in dog bowls or cat snack jars I found at the dollar store. For easy serving, use dog food scoops.

• Puppy Chow Mix - melted peanut butter and chocolate chips drizzled on chex cereal then shaken with powdered sugar


• Cat Treats - goldfish crackers


• Just for the big dogs - coco puffs in a dog food bowl


• Dog snacks - combos


• Pet sandwiches - use cookie cutters of dogs and cats to cut out sandwiches


• Fish drink - use blue punch in a fish bowl and freeze candied fish in ice cube trays


• Bird Seed - mixed nuts, especially sunflower seads


• Hot dogs and buns


• Bone cake - combine a loaf cake with 2 cupcakes at either end. Frost to create a uniformed bone shaped cake.


• FISH AQUARIUMS - floating fish in blue jello.

The presents: An alternate idea instead of gifts is to ask your guests to bring donations for an animal shelter. It would not only help other animals but also reinforce kindness and giving to others. If your willing, you could always take the donted gifts to the shelter and let your child pick his/her own pet!

Party favors: You can stuff doggie bags filled with bone candy and any dog/cat favor you can find.

With a little bit of imagination, a pet show party can be a a fun way for little girls to share their special friends with one another.

Going Nuts is a family service owned and operated by Kimberly. She works to parter with like minded businesses offering support, tips and tricks, and innovative ideas for parents. For more information please visit [http://going-nuts.net]