Large Breed Dogs That Make Great Family Pets

There are many breeds of large loveable dogs that make wonderful family pets. They are not well suited for small homes, apartment or condominiums, as they require more space to roam and exercise. A large home with a big backyard or country living is ideal. Large dogs are often very social and great with older children. These loveable monsters can knock over smaller children accidentally. Make sure that whatever breed of large dog you might consider, always learn as much about the breed as possible. Anybody that chooses a large dog should be prepared to train it well, to prevent injury to others, teach them manners and socialize there pet. When a small dog jumps up to greet you, it is far different from a sixty-pound dog. Also, remember that dogs are social animals and want to live with the family, not outside by themselves. Your dog will need a lot of exercise so if you are a couch potato, you may find a toy breed of dog more suitable for your lifestyle. Bored dogs can develop some bad habits and destructive behavior so exercise, long walks and playing are a necessity.

Large dogs eat more so cost more to feed. You must supply your dog with a high quality food, balanced specifically for larger breed dogs and the same for large breed puppies. Large breed dogs are usually much rougher on their toys, so make sure any you purchase are durable, big and sturdy.

Some people have referred to Afghan Hounds temperament as cat like because they love to be petted and then go and lay down for a nap. Terrific with children of all ages, they love to clown around and show off. These loyal, gentle and kind dogs are extremely loyal to their human family. Afghan hounds have a wonderful, long, luxurious coat but do require frequent grooming. Approximately 27 inches high, their average lifespan is around thirteen years.

The intelligent German shepherds are great with older children when raised with them. Training and early socialization is necessary, along with a large fenced yard for exercise. Extremely intelligent, these large dogs are very loyal.

English setters make wonderful family pets that are great with children. They are very gentle but let you know when a stranger knocks on the door. Be prepared to spend time brushing them a few times a week and trimming every six or eight weeks. They require well-fenced, large yard.

Saint Bernard's are great big loveable family dogs. Although they have a deep bark, they are not good watchdogs. They require a large yard to exercise. There are two varieties, which are the shorthaired and longhaired. Both require weekly grooming to control their shedding. Because of their weight and large size, Saint Bernhard's are prone to hip dysplasia. Their life expectancy is around eight or nine years.

The Newfoundland is a great big cuddly bear of a dog, good with children and very protective. Because of their calm, tolerant nature, they made wonderful family pets. As with most of the large breed of dog, a secure fenced yard is necessary. Because they do shed, brush them a couple times a week.

Large breed dogs are harder to shop for. Since large breed products usually take up more space, retailers carry less of them. To find a great online selection of Large Breed dog beds, dog feeders, and more supplies for your big dog, check out Oh My Dog Supplies

Guinea Pigs: A Great First Pet

The sight of a guinea pig nosing around in a pile of fresh shavings is an image that brings a smile to both parents and children alike.

A large population of adults have fond memories of the guinea pig they raised as a child. It doesn't take a lot of encouragement before they are describing the way it looked and recounting the adventures they shared. Most parents who had these pets during their childhood are normally quick to make sure that their children have one of these animals to call their own.

Parents like the idea of guinea pigs as a child's first pet for a variety of reasons. Compared to cats and dogs, these friendly rodents are a cheap pet to maintain. Even rescuing a kitten from an animal shelter can cost more than fifty dollars. However, a young, well-cared for guinea pig can be purchased for around fifteen dollars. The average guinea pig doesn't need as much veterinary care as a dog or cat. These pets can be kept in the child's bedroom, lessening the impact on your furniture and shoes. In short, these cute creatures are a smart choice to teach a child about the responsibility needed to care for a pet.

One of the skills that children will develop when they are raising a rodent is pet grooming. Despite their diminutive size, these creatures, like dogs and cats, need to be groomed on a regular basis. Parents who are concerned that their child will be lax about grooming their pet should make sure that they purchase a short haired breed. The short hair will not tangle and mat like their long haired counterparts. Brushes that have soft bristles are the best for brushing guinea pigs, the soft bristles won't hurt his or her skin.

When your new pet comes home, teach your child how to examine its eyes, ears and nose, to make sure that they are clean and free of debris. Show them how to use a warm slightly wet washcloth to gently wipe any mucus that might be accumulating in the corners of their eyes.

Guinea pigs don't require a great deal of of brushing, and they shouldn't be bathed. They do need to have their nails clipped. This is an activity that the parent needs to supervise. Explain to your child that they are not supposed to remove the entire nail, that the only thing that is going to be removed with the nail clippers is the sharp tip of the nail. On a pet that has white nails you should be able to see the tiny blood vessels that run through the nails, explain to your child that the blood vessels represent a living part of the nail, that the goal is to trim the nail with hurting the tiny blood vessels. If your pet has dark nails, your probably won't be able to see the blood vessels. On dark nailed breeds, the rule of thumb is to trim approximately 1/4 of an inch of the nail.

The biggest problem with these rodent pals is that they can smell quite offensive if the cage environment is not cleaned regularly. The scent of an unclean guinea pig cage can quickly drive the entire family from the house. It is important to make sure that your child understands that it is extremely important to clean his or her pet's cage on a regular basis. Explain that the health of their pet as well as the family harmony depends on them keeping the cage clean and the bedding fresh.

Jonathan Hook own Bow Meow Pet Care Centre in North Bay, Ontario. Much more information about dog care and general pet care is available at www.BowMeowNorthBay.ca

Electronic Pets Are A Great Gift For Your Child

Have your kids been consistently begging and pleading for a pet? Do they want a puppy or a kitty or perhaps even something more exotic like lizards or snakes? Live pets are a really big responsibility. They must have food, water, shelter, exercise, and not to mention, love and nurturing.

Parents may be reluctant to buy young children pets since they may not be responsible enough to be caretakers. Parents often become the primary caretakers of the live pets once the newness has worn off. Additionally, some children may live in a building or home where pets are not allowed.

Allergies may even prevent some children from becoming pet owners. Moms and Dads everywhere in search of an alternative have never been in such a fortunate position. Advances in technology and ingenuity have led to major strides in the development of electronic pets.

While they are not the real thing, these toy pets could aid in filling a gap and serving a need for a child to provide loving care and bond with a special friend. Electronic pets provide kids with an opportunity to own dogs, cats, hamsters, and even more exotic animals like a chimpanzee or a lion.

Of all the toymakers out there that produce electronic pets, Habro has quite an extensive line. FurReal Friends by Hasbro not only has several different types of puppies and kittens, they also have a parrot, a panda, a raccoon, and a chipmunk.

Your child can even have her very own pony that moves and reacts to her. Several of these interactive electronic pets come mature or in the newborn variety. The newborn pets come with bottles and are perfect for your child to cuddle and really care for. Many of these pets look and sound incredibly realistic. Your child will cherish a ForReal pet to call her own.

Other very popular toy pets are the little electronic hamsters known as Zhu Zhu Pets. Live hamsters are not only be pretty messy and smelly, they can also be quite fragile. With the highly adaptable Zhu Zhu Pets, there is no risk of unintended harm to your pet. These furry friends come in such a wide selection of pets and accessories for boys and girls alike.

Electronic pets can be of great assistance in training your child how to be a caretaker for a live pet someday. Toy kittens and puppies can give parents opportunities to coach kids on how to properly interact with and tend to real pets.

From earlier toys like Furby to newer lines like Kung Zhu Pets, every child can have a pet he loves. Owning a live pet may not be viable for your family. However, with the widespread availability and the colorful variety of electronic pets on the market, every family is sure to find one that they will love.

These pets don't require food or special habitats and there is no risk of them making a mess all over your house. Kids will love them and parents will definitely approve of the electronic pets that you can buy today.

For more information on what is most popular and selling today you should visit our Electronic Pets store for the best choice. If you are looking for a Toy Pet for your kids our site is the one you should visit.

How Great Are Small Dogs For Pets?

It is important to acknowledge from the beginning that small dogs make wonderful pets. You are therefore not making a mistake by deciding to have them for pets. They are very loving and make excellent companions.

If you choose small dogs for pets, you are required to do some things if only to contribute towards making your dog happy. They are typically very playful. This means that you have to find some time to play with your pet. Apart from providing a bonding opportunity, it also helps make your dog very happy. In addition, you should provide toys for him to play with.

Small dogs for pets are always at hand to provide you with the kind of warmth you would expect to receive from any kinds of pet. Many of them will hug and kiss you every time that you get home. A large number of them will always be by your side while many others will enjoy curdling with you in your bed. This is the kind of warmth you would expect from any pet that you keep.

If you have small dogs for pets, always remember that most of them are great around children. Indeed, most of them enjoy being in the company of your children. However, you must train your children to treat your dogs with respect because if they tease them, your dog may hurt them in the process of defending themselves. Most importantly though, is the fact that you should not leave your children and your pets together unsupervised.

Finally, remember that small dogs for pets need a lot of caring and attention from you and your family. You cannot ignore them or leave them alone for long periods of time. There is no doubt that having small dogs for pets are wonderful. If you own one already, you have clearly made the right decision.

Lee is a small dog enthusiast. He owns and maintains Small Dog Center Answers [http://www.smalldogcenter.com]. To learn more about Small Dogs, how to look after them and how to be a great owner, check out this great website [http://www.smalldogcenter.com]

Chickens - Great Pets For Children and Productive Too

Chickens, like many other animals including man, are social animals, and like company.  They naturally like to roam free, too.  So keeping pet chickens in a confined space is far from ideal.  If you want chickens as pets, and to give them the opportunity to roam, a chicken ark can be a good solution as a hen house.

Chicken arks are designed to be moved around, so the hens have access to new grazing, where they can scratch grubs and bugs, eat grass and weeds.  This means they do have space, but your plot is protected from the chickens, and you can control the interaction of children and chickens.

Your children will quickly learn how to handle the hens, but their friends may need some introduction - and some may be wary or frightened at least at first. The chicken ark design will allow you to keep the chickens separate from children - but let the children observe the chickens at close quarters.

Children will learn to care for pet chickens as they develop an understanding of their day-to-day routine. They enjoy collecting the eggs from the nesting area of the chicken ark and can take on responsibilities such as feeding and helping with cleaning.

Most breeds of chickens can be handled safely if treated gently. The best plan if you start with laying chickens, is to let them out of the ark for a few hours a day and get used to children, and get the children used to them.

If you start with chicks, children can get familiar with them as they grow, and can handle them if they are well supervised, from a relatively early age.

Chicken arks are normally suitable for a few pet chickens and their relatively small size makes it a good design for children to deal with. They will soon develop a strong relationship with the chickens as they notice the differences in personality and habits, and will learn how to deal with each bird.

If you're planning to keep pet chickens, I'd recommend you visit the chicken ark for easy to build chicken ark plans to help get you started.

Great Dogs For Baby Boomers Who Want to Travel With Their Pet

The baby boomer generation has just started to retire. Born between 1946 and 1964, there are approximately 76 million baby boomers in the United States today-or about 28% of the US population. Baby boomers are healthier, wealthier, and better educated than their parents, and they can expect to live well into their 80s. They have raised their children and now they are "empty nesters" as the kids have moved on to lives of their own.

In order to fill the emptiness in the house when the children leave, many seniors get a pet or they inherit one from their children. As a matter of fact, baby boomers are more likely than other age groups to own pets. Yet, according to several recent surveys, baby boomers plan to travel extensively in their retirement, and many of them will face the dilemma of what to do with their dogs and cats when they travel.

Options include hiring pet sitters or leaving pets behind in kennels or pet hotels. Interestingly, however, a survey conducted by a pet product company found that more than half of all older seniors prefer to bring their pets along with them when they travel. Traveling with a pet makes for a more fulfilling vacation for many seniors.

So what is the best breed of dog for traveling baby boomers? It depends on the type of person and the type of travel. Physically fit adventure seekers who enjoy outdoor activities such as camping and hiking might consider choosing a dog from the Sporting Group, which includes Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, English Springer Spaniels, and Weimaraners. Although these dogs are usually good-natured, friendly dogs that thrive on outdoor family activities, someone considering this type of pet must be ready to devote time and energy to train and exercise their pet.

Traveling with a larger dog is also quite different than a smaller dog. The most comfortable way to travel with any dog over 15 pounds is by car or RV. This allows for frequent stops along the way to walk and hydrate the dog. Of course, the pet always needs to be restrained for safety.

For those people taking extended vacations that require air travel, there are many considerations when bringing a large pet along. Undoubtedly, your pet will have to travel in the cargo hold of the aircraft, and so needs to have an even temperament. An IATA compliant pet crate will be required, as will a health examination by your veterinarian just prior to flying.

For many seniors, and certainly for apartment dwellers and those with physical limitations, a smaller dog may be a better choice. Although they too need to be restrained while traveling in a car or RV, small pets make great traveling companions. Most small pets enjoy the change in scenery and are truly happy to be with you in a new environment. Remember, though, that no pet should ever be left in the car alone.

Additionally, many traveling pet owners also like the fact that their small dogs may be allowed to fly with them in the cabins of many commercial airliners instead of the cargo hold. Snub nosed breeds such as Pugs are not allowed in the cargo hold due to their breathing problems, so be sure and be careful when selecting this breed if you want to travel extensively.

There are other reasons smaller dogs may be a better choice for aging baby boomers. Larger dogs may be intimidating to strangers, and many pet friendly hotels have size restrictions on dogs. Older baby boomers may also have difficulty handling larger, more energetic, young dogs.

Smaller dogs that traveling baby boomers may want to consider are Miniature or Toy Poodles, Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, Pekinese, Maltese, Lhasa Apso, Pekinese, and Yorkshire Terrier. All of these breeds make great lap dogs and wonderful companions.

On a strict budget? Do not forget your local animal shelter!! They have wonderful pets for adoption and many of them have already been trained and are more mature. In many cases, these animals come from loving homes that, for many reasons, could no longer care for them. In most all cases, these animals are very grateful for a second chance and prove to be loving and loyal pets.

Whether a baby boomer favors travel by auto or air, there are few reasons why owning the proper size or breed of pet would hamper their vacation. Traveling with a pet can add dimension to a trip and make it more fun both for the pet and their owner.

For more information on these dog breeds, click here.

Susan Smith has been in the pet travel industry for over 10 years serving people who travel with their pet. Susan built PetTravel.com which is the oldest and most comprehensive website on the Internet for people looking for pet friendly hotels, immigration and airline information as well as information for traveling with their pet on trains, ferries, cruise ships and all sorts of public transportation worldwide. Be sure and visit http://www.PetTravel.com and discover pet friendly destinations, hotels, and services who welcome you and your pet. Traveling overseas? PetTravel.com has extensive information on import requirements. Best of all, check out the travel articles for lots of great tips on traveling with a pet.

Pet Birds For Children - 3 Birds That Make Great Pets For Children

Birds are fascinating creatures for adults to watch, but even more so for some children. Choosing a bird that will not only match your lifestyle but will match the level of care that your child is able to provide will allow your child to take an active and important part in the bird's care. A positive experience with a pet bird will increase your child's sense of responsibility and foster the importance of caring for other than self. The bird will benefit from being provided with all that it needs to live a long, happy and healthy life. Here are 3 birds that make great pets for children.

The 3 birds below are chosen because they are relatively inexpensive, do not need as much human interaction as some larger parrots, are readily available in a wide array of colors in most places, eat a pretty standard diet, and are relatively quiet making them great choices not only in free standing homes but for apartments, condos and townhouses as well. The birds below are by no means the only 3 that make good pets, but they are certainly a good place to start your search. And even though the bird may be billed as your child's pet, parents should take ultimate responsibility for the care of the bird, and gauge the care that your child provides based on their maturity and ability.

Finches come in an amazing variety of colors and sizes. They are active and cheerful little birds (usually 3- to 8 inches) that chirp quietly, and need a cage that allows them to fly from place to place. They will do best if paired with another finch that is compatible. Pairing them means they can interact with each other rather than depending on their humans. The cage needs to be at least 18 inches square and bigger if possible especially when housing 2 birds, and needs to contain perches at several levels. Depending on your child's age their responsibility could include providing daily water, food, and changing the paper on the bottom of the cage. A cage with a pull out tray at the bottom makes this an easy task that does not require handling the bird or risk the bird's possible escape from the cage. Note that Finches born in the United States are illegal to have as pets.

Parakeets or Budgies are relatively easy to care for, and having 2 will insure that they can provide the social interaction for each other that they need to stay physically, and emotionally healthy. Of the birds discussed here, they have the longest lifespan, living 10 to 15 years. Give careful thought before adopting this bird as it means a long term commitment that may continue even after your child moves away from home. Available in all colors and sizes, the hardest part will probably be in choosing from such a huge selection.

Canaries have been man's feathered friends through the ages and vary in size from about 5 to 8 inches. Many think of this bird as canary yellow, and while that continues to be a popular color, they are also available in varying shades of red and orange. Their wonderful songs provide many hours of pleasure with the male tending to sing better than the female. These birds are pretty hardy with females living 5 to 6 years and the male sometimes up to 10 years with good care. It is essential to have a large cage that will allow your bird to exercise his wings by being able to fly inside the cage-long being better than tall. Avoid placing the cage in a drafty area as this will kill your bird without warning. Be sure to keep room temperature between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. These birds, as all birds, have very sensitive respiratory systems, and at one time were taken into mines to detect poor air quality. When the Canary died it was an indication that the air was no longer safe. Remember to keep your bird away from the kitchen as many fumes produced there are deadly to your bird (smoke from a burning Teflon pan for one).

An excellent way to keep the air quality high in your home and keep your child's pet bird healthy is to remove airborne bird feathers, dust, and dander from the air with a high efficiency particle arresting (HEPA) air purifier-- the Bird Dander Purifier offered by PurerAir.com at http://purerair.com/bird_dander_air_purifier.html

Good Dog Breeds For Children - A Great Guide

Picking a dog in a family with children can be quite tough. For one, the image of dogs "attacking children" can be quite scary. This means that you have to go beyond what is superficial and choose a dog with a generally good temperament. You need a pet who can be patient enough to tolerate your children's horseplay and at the same time protect them when absolutely necessary. Apart from that, an ideal house pet should be obedient and easy to train.

To give you an idea here are a few good dog breeds for children.

Bull Mastiff

Their huge bodies and massive head can make them quite formidable. But these giants can be the gentlest pet that you and your children can ever encounter. They are preferred by most of the families because of their utmost loyalty and protectiveness. Mastiff owners should incorporate the puppy as early as possible. Letting them grow side by side with your children bonds them more and enforces strong relationship with your family.

Boxers

Boxers are known for their intelligence and love for company. They can be warm to their own "family" but they can be quite tough to strangers. Thus, they can be the perfect companion and guard dog to your children. However, it is extremely important to make sure that they are trained properly. Their instinct can easily take them over if they are given much independence.

Labrador Retrievers

Labs are fun loving and are relatively easy to train. Their patience and stamina make them great with children. They love attention, outdoor fun and keeping almost anyone company.

Pugs

These toy dogs are generally friendly and are extremely loyal. They do not mind mingling with other people and other dogs as well.

Golden Retrievers

Golden Rets aims to please their owners. They are happy whenever they see your kids having fun. They are perhaps the most obedient, caring and gentle breed one can ever encounter. And the downside? They would chew almost everything during their bored or hyperactive fits.

Beagle

Their temperament is what made them a famous household name. They can be friendly to everybody and is generally good natured. Their loud and long barks can make them ideal for a watch dog. At the same time, they are known to easily co - exist with other house pets as well.

Doberman Pinscher

A Dobe needs an owner who is both caring and disciplinarian. They love their family and they love anybody who loves their family as well. They are quite particular with their own hygiene and their short coat makes them ideal for staying at home.

Agentine Dogo

The Dogo is another gentle giant. Just like Dobes, they need discipline and rigid training. When taught properly, they can be quite considerate with their kids. They love their own pack but they can easily show aggression to the people that they do not know.

Those are some of the breeds that you may want to consider. Regardless of what you pick, you have to remember that dogs are still dogs, no matter what their temperament is, if they are mistreated, they are bound to react to their defense. So to make a dog more suitable for your family, make sure that you treat them as how you would treat your own children.

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Why Hamsters Make Great Pets For Kids

It is a proven fact that children have the ability to mature and grow if they have the responsibility of owning a pet. All children seem to want to do when they are younger is grow up and as we all know, the role is completely reversed when we are not children anymore. In order to give them a purpose and feel like they have responsibility giving them a pet that they can adore and care for (with a little help of course) is the perfect plan.

Hamsters are an excellent pet for children as not a lot of maintenance is needed to care for them in comparison to a dog or a cat. Despite this, it is also known that children enjoy the idea of having a pet but they are often disregarded when the novelty wears off so it is important that you are prepared to care for this animal too.

One reason why hamsters make good pets for children is the fact that they only have a short life-span. It is natural for many rodents to only live for a short amount of time, hamsters especially, and the loss of their animal could prepare them for obstacles later in life. Having a pet in the home is similar to having a family member and a great attachment is formed to this living being. The unfortunate passing of said pet is extremely sad for a child yet this helps them understand the aspect of death and almost prepare them for it.

Another reason is their small and fluffy appearance and playful nature. Almost every child loves anything small and fluffy and adores the idea of adopting an animal with these exact characteristics. Hours of fun can be spent playing with these hamsters and kids have the ability to provide them with toys and extra accessories giving them the ability to play together.

In addition, the responsibility that comes with caring for a hamster and making sure that they are supplied with fresh and clean water and food at all times could also help your child. You will need to research and help and monitor your kids when they are cleaning the cage and carrying out the correct care needs for their pets. Despite this, it can genuinely prepare them to look after themselves in the future and others.

Purchasing a pet for your child means you have to also put some responsibility into monitoring your hamster's health and making sure that cage maintenance is carried out correctly. Although this may be true, it is an extremely good way of subconsciously teaching your child some major life lessons.

Jade Jennison is an enthusiastic writer in the subject matter of pets and their well-being and aims to provide information to people who share the same interests as her own. The websites recommended by Jade have been thoroughly researched and come highly acclaimed from direct experience. Start your wonderful adventure with a new hamster and get your pet supplies from Snack and Tack today.

Great Exotic Pets For Your Children

Are you looking for a great pet for your kids? While the traditional cat or dog can both be great pets for kids, you may be looking for something a bit more exotic or unusual. In this case, you will be happy to know that there are many other types of pets that can be a great choice for households with children.

The Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs can be excellent pets for children, though it should be noted that they do need to be handled gently in order to prevent injury. Since they are easy to handle and are usually quite tame, gentle handling is generally not a problem. Guinea pigs have a tendency to be quite active throughout the day as well as during the nighttime, which means they can provide entertainment to your children throughout the day. They do need to have a large living space, however, and they require fresh vitamin C-rich foods each day in order to stay healthy. In addition, they should always be kept in pairs in order to prevent boredom and loneliness.

Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

Although most people don't think of cockroaches when they think of pets, Madagascar hissing cockroaches can make for a very unique and low-maintenance pet for a child. Of course, they are not cute, cuddly, furry little creatures, so you should make certain your kids are interested in this type of pet before you make a purchase. If so, you and your children will be happy to find that the cockroaches are docile creatures that can be easily handled. In addition, the hissing noise they make - which is not a sign of aggression - can be quite endearing.

Leopard Geckos

If your children are interested in having a pet lizard, the leopard gecko is a great choice. Not only are they easy to find when compared to other types of lizards, they are generally less expensive and far easier to care for. It is important to keep in mind, however, that leopard geckos do require a special tank set-up that can be a bit costly to get started. Once you have the tank set up properly, maintaining these creatures as pets is pretty simple and they are quite docile. Therefore, they can be easily handled by a child. After handling the pet, make certain your child washes his or her hands thoroughly with soap and water in order to avoid the possibility of becoming infected with salmonella.

Gerbil

If you are looking for a soft and fuzzy critter to buy for your children, you might want to consider a gerbil. Gerbils are smaller than guinea pigs, but they can also become quite tame if handled on a regular basis. It is important to note that they are very social creatures, so you should keep more than one at a time. In addition, they are quite active and can be a great deal of fun for your children to watch and to play with - just be sure to caution your children about grabbing the gerbil by its tail, as this can be quite painful for the pet.

CS Swarens is the CEO of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065

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Goldfish and Betta Fish Make Great First Pets For Children

Goldfish and Betta Fish are fish that can live in a fishbowl or an aquarium. They are a lot of fun without a lot of work.

Children can learn caring and compassion for others by having an animal to care for and develop an understanding of responsibility. Parents and adults are the ultimate caregivers though, and should not turn a child of any age loose with the full responsibility for any animal. Always supervise, setting and enforcing boundaries and rules. Fish should not be touched with a persons hands as their skin can be damaged very easily. Make it clear to your child that the fish is a living thing with needs both like and unlike his/her own.

The simplest way to keep a fish is to have one that requires only a bowl without the filter and pump setup of an aquarium. Not all fish can live in a bowl. There are two good candidates: Goldfish and Bettas. They can live in a bowl because they naturally gulp air at the surface. Most fish don't do this.

First thing, decide which kind of fish you want and how many. Then get supplies together to house your fish. Your local pet store is well equipped to help you do this and there is generally someone knowledgeable available to work with you. Ask questions. These people usually know a lot and are happy to help.

Goldfish are an excellent choice to start with. I believe they are the best of the two choices. There are many different types of goldfish. The basic goldfish, or Comet, is the least expensive. They may be available in gold or gold with some white markings. There are specialty goldfish with fan tails, calico coloring, bubble eyes, lions head, and others. All are beautiful, hardy, easy to care for and fun to watch. All can grow fairly large and live long lives. Make sure the bowl you choose is large enough that your fish has some room to swim around and room to grow. A gallon of water is O.K. for two small fish but, remember, they will grow! Take that into consideration.

Goldfish can learn to interact with you, coming to the surface for food, taking a bit of a treat from your fingers, nibbling your fingers, and other things. Goldfish food can be found in flake form in the pet store. Do not over feed your goldfish. Just a small pinch of food twice a day is plenty-as much as they can consume in about two minutes. Some goldfish will eat other things as well, but only for treats and only sometimes. It won't hurt them to have a couple of bread crumbs (no more!) from time to time, or a bit of lettuce.

Bettas, or Siamese Fighting Fish come in several colors with draping fins and tails. You have probably seen them in your local pet store alone in small bowls or even plastic cups. To house them long term they should really have more space than that. Usually these are male fish, but sometimes you will see females also.

Do not try to keep more than one Betta in a bowl, and never put them with other types of fish. They must be kept singly. They are called fighting fish because they are very aggressive and will kill one another. The females are less aggressive and probably won't try to kill other fish unless they are much smaller. A single Betta fish keeps very quiet and still most of the time. Pet stores often sell setups for Bettas, complete with bowl, decorations, food-everything you need to get started with a Betta fish. Betta food is in pellet form and will float on the surface of the water. Usually Bettas need just one or two pellets a day as they are not active fish.

Goldfish and Bettas need to have their bowl kept clean or they will get sick. Remember that they live, breathe and eat in the same environment in which they poop. Not a pleasant thought. You should clean your fishbowl about once a week.

To remove your fish from the bowl, use a net gently and carefully catch it and place it carefully into another bowl with some of its water. Cover the top so your fish won't jump out. Dump out the old water from the fishbowl. If you have gravel, plants or other decorations in the bowl, rinse them well with hot water. Rinse out the bowl with hot water and wipe out the inside with a paper towel or clean cloth. Algae can grow on the inside of the bowl and cause a green slime on the surface of the glass. Never use cleaners of any kind. They are poison to fish in any amount. Refill the bowl using bottled spring water. It is pure, contains beneficial minerals, and requires no chemicals to make it safe for your fish. Never, ever use distilled water or plain tap water. If you must use tap water then make sure you have a de-chlorinating additive to make it safe for your fish.

Goldfish and Betta Fish make great first pets for children. They require a little care and attention but are not an overwhelming responsibility. They are not terribly expensive to purchase or to maintain and are lots of fun to watch.

Goldfish and Betta Fish Make Great First Pets For Children

Goldfish and Betta Fish are fish that can live in a fishbowl or an aquarium. They are a lot of fun without a lot of work.

Children can learn caring and compassion for others by having an animal to care for and develop an understanding of responsibility. Parents and adults are the ultimate caregivers though, and should not turn a child of any age loose with the full responsibility for any animal. Always supervise, setting and enforcing boundaries and rules. Fish should not be touched with a persons hands as their skin can be damaged very easily. Make it clear to your child that the fish is a living thing with needs both like and unlike his/her own.

The simplest way to keep a fish is to have one that requires only a bowl without the filter and pump setup of an aquarium. Not all fish can live in a bowl. There are two good candidates: Goldfish and Bettas. They can live in a bowl because they naturally gulp air at the surface. Most fish don't do this.

First thing, decide which kind of fish you want and how many. Then get supplies together to house your fish. Your local pet store is well equipped to help you do this and there is generally someone knowledgeable available to work with you. Ask questions. These people usually know a lot and are happy to help.

Goldfish are an excellent choice to start with. I believe they are the best of the two choices. There are many different types of goldfish. The basic goldfish, or Comet, is the least expensive. They may be available in gold or gold with some white markings. There are specialty goldfish with fan tails, calico coloring, bubble eyes, lions head, and others. All are beautiful, hardy, easy to care for and fun to watch. All can grow fairly large and live long lives. Make sure the bowl you choose is large enough that your fish has some room to swim around and room to grow. A gallon of water is O.K. for two small fish but, remember, they will grow! Take that into consideration.

Goldfish can learn to interact with you, coming to the surface for food, taking a bit of a treat from your fingers, nibbling your fingers, and other things. Goldfish food can be found in flake form in the pet store. Do not over feed your goldfish. Just a small pinch of food twice a day is plenty-as much as they can consume in about two minutes. Some goldfish will eat other things as well, but only for treats and only sometimes. It won't hurt them to have a couple of bread crumbs (no more!) from time to time, or a bit of lettuce.

Bettas, or Siamese Fighting Fish come in several colors with draping fins and tails. You have probably seen them in your local pet store alone in small bowls or even plastic cups. To house them long term they should really have more space than that. Usually these are male fish, but sometimes you will see females also.

Do not try to keep more than one Betta in a bowl, and never put them with other types of fish. They must be kept singly. They are called fighting fish because they are very aggressive and will kill one another. The females are less aggressive and probably won't try to kill other fish unless they are much smaller. A single Betta fish keeps very quiet and still most of the time. Pet stores often sell setups for Bettas, complete with bowl, decorations, food-everything you need to get started with a Betta fish. Betta food is in pellet form and will float on the surface of the water. Usually Bettas need just one or two pellets a day as they are not active fish.

Goldfish and Bettas need to have their bowl kept clean or they will get sick. Remember that they live, breathe and eat in the same environment in which they poop. Not a pleasant thought. You should clean your fishbowl about once a week.

To remove your fish from the bowl, use a net gently and carefully catch it and place it carefully into another bowl with some of its water. Cover the top so your fish won't jump out. Dump out the old water from the fishbowl. If you have gravel, plants or other decorations in the bowl, rinse them well with hot water. Rinse out the bowl with hot water and wipe out the inside with a paper towel or clean cloth. Algae can grow on the inside of the bowl and cause a green slime on the surface of the glass. Never use cleaners of any kind. They are poison to fish in any amount. Refill the bowl using bottled spring water. It is pure, contains beneficial minerals, and requires no chemicals to make it safe for your fish. Never, ever use distilled water or plain tap water. If you must use tap water then make sure you have a de-chlorinating additive to make it safe for your fish.

Goldfish and Betta Fish make great first pets for children. They require a little care and attention but are not an overwhelming responsibility. They are not terribly expensive to purchase or to maintain and are lots of fun to watch.

Great Exotic Pets For Your Children

Are you looking for a great pet for your kids? While the traditional cat or dog can both be great pets for kids, you may be looking for something a bit more exotic or unusual. In this case, you will be happy to know that there are many other types of pets that can be a great choice for households with children.

The Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs can be excellent pets for children, though it should be noted that they do need to be handled gently in order to prevent injury. Since they are easy to handle and are usually quite tame, gentle handling is generally not a problem. Guinea pigs have a tendency to be quite active throughout the day as well as during the nighttime, which means they can provide entertainment to your children throughout the day. They do need to have a large living space, however, and they require fresh vitamin C-rich foods each day in order to stay healthy. In addition, they should always be kept in pairs in order to prevent boredom and loneliness.

Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

Although most people don't think of cockroaches when they think of pets, Madagascar hissing cockroaches can make for a very unique and low-maintenance pet for a child. Of course, they are not cute, cuddly, furry little creatures, so you should make certain your kids are interested in this type of pet before you make a purchase. If so, you and your children will be happy to find that the cockroaches are docile creatures that can be easily handled. In addition, the hissing noise they make - which is not a sign of aggression - can be quite endearing.

Leopard Geckos

If your children are interested in having a pet lizard, the leopard gecko is a great choice. Not only are they easy to find when compared to other types of lizards, they are generally less expensive and far easier to care for. It is important to keep in mind, however, that leopard geckos do require a special tank set-up that can be a bit costly to get started. Once you have the tank set up properly, maintaining these creatures as pets is pretty simple and they are quite docile. Therefore, they can be easily handled by a child. After handling the pet, make certain your child washes his or her hands thoroughly with soap and water in order to avoid the possibility of becoming infected with salmonella.

Gerbil

If you are looking for a soft and fuzzy critter to buy for your children, you might want to consider a gerbil. Gerbils are smaller than guinea pigs, but they can also become quite tame if handled on a regular basis. It is important to note that they are very social creatures, so you should keep more than one at a time. In addition, they are quite active and can be a great deal of fun for your children to watch and to play with - just be sure to caution your children about grabbing the gerbil by its tail, as this can be quite painful for the pet.

CS Swarens is the CEO of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065

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