Woofin' Around

on the World Wide Web

by Laura Emery, Field Editor

Every dog owner knows those eyes � the look your dog gives you when it wants something.

It�s those large, innocent, pleading eyes that tug on your heartstrings, and make it hard to be firm with your precious pooch. These moments are the ones that endear pet owners to their dogs.

As with children, being a pet owner � whether it�s a dog or a cat � has its ups and downs. And so it�s good to know that the World Wide Web contains a wealth of information to help you along the way � from kitten or puppy to full-grown pampered pet. Advice, tips, and tricks are available with the click of a mouse.

www.vetinfo.com/dbehave.html

This Web site is in a question-and-answer format, where pet owners write in their concerns and then pet experts post replies. There are interesting questions on such topics as a Great Dane�s excessive television-watching habits, the habit of eating rocks, aversion to walking on slick surfaces, canine car sickness, and dirt-eating and shadow-chasing tendencies. It may take a little time to scroll through the pages, but finding the answer to your dog�s not-so-common problem makes the extra effort worthwhile.

www.perfectpaws.com

PerfectPaws.com contains a load of tips and tricks on puppy training techniques, dog behavioral problems, training problems, and kitten and cat training.

www.catchannel.com

This is a comprehensive resource for information on kittens and cats, including sections devoted to cat care, kitten adoption, cat rescue, and cat breed information.

www.discountpetdrugs.com

This Web site offers some of the lowest discount prices on pet drug products available. All products are USDA- or FDA-approved, and are the same medications you buy from a veterinarian�s office.

http://dogs.about.com/od/trainingandbehaviour

About.com is a huge resource for information on everything from dating to dogs. In the Web site�s dog section, there is information on basic training � everything the new owner needs to get started with common commands and training exercises and moving on to deal with frustrating behavior issues.

With interesting articles titled �Help! My dog bit someone!� and �Rolling in Smelly Dead Things,� pet owners are sure to find the answers to all their questions.

www.thepetfund.com/default.htm

This Web site is run by a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that tries to provide financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need veterinary care.

www.thepetcenter.com

The site contains veterinary health topics about dogs and cats, such as spaying and neutering, bone surgery, and advice about euthanasia. There is also an online tour of a cyber-animal hospital.

www.healingtouchforanimals.com  

Healing Touch for Animals is a great Web site that talks about holistic medicine for pets (natural healing) and where to find classes to be trained.

www.uwsp.edu/psych/dog/library.htm

This Web site is a prize find, mainly because it contains a huge amount of educational articles on a wide range of topics � including how to read your dog�s non-verbal signals, understanding canine rivalry, recognizing changes in behavior associated with aging dogs, learning about canine social hierarchies, and dealing with behavior problems in dogs.

www.petfinder.com 

This is a great place to find your perfect pet. Just type in the kind of pet you want (dog, cat, bird, pig, reptile, etc.), breed, age, gender, and the area you�d like to search in. The Web site also has informative articles on pet care, pet health, and pet training.

www.petswelcome.com

From a cozy inn on the coast to a ritzy resort, this Web site exists to help pet owners find the perfect pet-friendly place to stay. The site contains over 25,000 listings for hotels, B&Bs, ski resorts, campgrounds, and beaches that are pet-friendly. Also, check out the Travel Tips section to learn how to take your pet anywhere.

www.petbehaviorproblems.com

The name of the Web site says it all. PetBehaviorProblems.com is designed by veterinarians to help dogs, cats or birds with a variety of behavior problems for a fee (currently $120 for a dog consultation). While the expert�s information comes at a cost, this Web site can be quite handy for those pet owners who do not have access to animal behavioral therapists.

www.dogplay.com/index.html

According to this Web site, people who play with their dog � stay with their dog. Here, you will find advice on how to train and entertain house dogs. The Web site also includes articles with information on behavior, breeding, and buying � along with personal dog stories.