When you have such a curious and fun-loving creature sharing your life with you, like you have with the sugar glider, there are things you have to be aware of that could cause your little pocket pet great harm. Things that would not normally bother most pets because they are so much larger, or because they do not mess with them, can be deadly to your sugar glider.

One of these types of things is caustic chemicals that you normally use to clean your home. These items are normally quite safe and we use them all the time. It’s hard to get in the frame of mind that these are not good to use when you have a sugar glider in the house. Such items are things like: bleach, and disinfectant sprays like Lysol are very bad for use in any area where your sugar glider may come in contact with. These have a curious smell to your sugar glider and they will not be able to resist a lick or two. Now of course for the average sized animal that is not going to cause any harm, but for your glider that weighs less than a pound, even a lick or two can be deadly.

For much the same reasons things like scented candles and incense are potentially hazardous. Your little darling will be drawn to them by their delicious smell and won’t be able to resist taking a swipe with their tongues. Keeping all of these types of things out of reach is nearly impossible since there are very few places your sugar glider will not be able to climb to, or jump upon. The best method of prevention is to not have them around at all.
With a little care your home can be as safe as possible for your pocket pet and you will have years of happy enjoyment with your buddy.

Key Facts:

Size: Medium
Height: 43 - 48 cm (17 - 19 inches)
Weight: 18 - 23 kg (40 - 50 lb)
Life Span: 12 years
Grooming: Easy
Exercise: Medium
Feeding: Medium
Temperament: Fearless & dependable
Country of Origin: United States
AKC Group: Terrier

Temperament:
The American Staffordshire Terrier is bold, fearless, outgoing, confident, loyal and intelligent. The American Staffordshire Terrier loves to please its owner and thrives on praise from its family. They get along well with people of all ages, especially with children. American Staffordshire Terriers make good guard dogs and have tremendous courage. However, due to this trait some people have trained them as fight dogs, but American Staffordshire Terriers can make docile pets when properly trained.

Grooming:
American Staffordshire Terriers need minimal grooming with their short coats. A quick brush is sufficient to keep the skin and coat healthy.

Exercise:
Regular exercise is necessary on a daily basis. American Staffordshire Terriers enjoy running alongside a cycle and playing ball games.

History:
The origins are similar to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier - blendings of the Bulldog, Black and Tan Terrier and an old white English Terrier. In 1870, they came to America and quickly became invaluable to families as guard dogs. Because the breeders preferred a slightly larger specimen than the early English Staffordshire Terriers, in 1972 the American Kennel Club permitted the word American to be added to their title to differentiate them from the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Broad-chested, muscular and agile.
Colour: Whole colour, parti-coloured or patched. White not to cover more than 80% of the body.
Coat: Smooth, short, dense and glossy
Tail: Moderately short and low set.
Ears: Rose-shaped and semi-erect.
Body: The heavy neck runs to a fairly short, slightly sloping back. The chest is broad and deep.

Additional Comments:

American Staffordshire Terriers are a very devoted and protective breed that can be great family pets, so long as the correct training is provided at an early age. Otherwise they can become overly boisterous as well as aggressive towards other dogs.

About the Author

This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/american_staffordshire_terrier/

Owning a dog or puppy gives pleasure to millions of people, however the choice of which breed of dog to purchase deserves more thought that it typically receives.

Owning a dog or puppy is a big responsibility, yet someone who has little time to exercise their pet or is away from home for long periods of time often buys a breed which is very demanding, leading to a poor relationship between them and their dog.

There are numerous breeds of dog in the world so the choice of which breed to purchase can be extremely daunting. One of the best methods of seeing which breeds of dog are available is to visit a large dog show, where you can see the dogs up close and ask questions to existing owners.

Find out as much as you can about the breed of dog you are interested in; Can you afford to feed the dog or puppy? Can you provide the right type of housing or living environment? Will you be able to provide the correct level of exercise for the dog and at the right times?

Remember a puppy may well grow into a much larger dog and therefore need more food, larger living space and a great deal more exercise. It is a sad fact but many dogs are abandoned because they have grown too large for their owners to cope with their demands.

Think about the practical aspects of owning a particular breed of dog. If it is a long haired breed then you’ll need more time to groom its coat. If you buy a female dog then they will come into season twice a year and have to be kept away from male dogs to avoid mating.

Many people start by buying a puppy but there are lots of adult dogs available who are looking for a good home and are often well trained and ready to fit into a loving family or home environment.

Think about the financial aspect of owning a dog or puppy; Can you afford veterinary bills and certificates? Will you need health and insurance cover? Does the dog have specific nutritional requirements or food costs?

Taking the time to think about these important questions *before* buying a dog or puppy will make sure you get the animal that is right for you and more importantly make sure you are right for your dog or puppy!

For further advice on getting a dog or puppy, visit Buying a Dog or Puppy

For full details on dog training, care, health and diet, visit Dog and Puppy Training, Care, Health and Diet

5 Tips For Feeding A Happy, Healthy Dog
by Mark Eckenrode

Do you really know all there is to know about your canine companion’s nutritional needs? Many pet owners think they’re doing what’s best for their dogs when it comes to food, but in reality they rely on pure instinct more than science. Nutrition isn’t a guessing game, even when it comes to your pooch. Think about it - if you were left to feed yourself based only on what you craved and had no knowledge of what your body needs to function, would you be eating 5 servings of fruit and veggies or would you head straight for the Ding Dong case at the market?

1. Cover all of the bases.

A dog’s diet can be as complex as any human’s (including yours!), and it’s absolutely essential that you, as an owner, hit all of the vital nutritional bases. A deficiency of certain vitamins and nutrients can lead to upset tummies, overly dry or oily skin, brittle bones, weight issues, and, in some of the worst cases, death. A balanced and proper diet is the building block of your dog’s overall health - if he doesn’t get the right blend of nutrients, the most impeccable care otherwise won’t mean a thing. But with the right diet, his defenses against disease and disorders are infinitely stronger than a dog whose owner hasn’t put much thought into an eating plan.

2. Mix it up!

For the most part, pre-packaged food will help you cover all of the major nutritional requirements a healthy, fairly young dog has. This where many owners trip up simply because of the ease of the decision. Most think that the major choice is between dry and moist food, when in reality the best diet you can provide your dog is one varied in ingredients, textures, and nutritional value. Dogs, of course, are carnivores, and that instinct remains in their blood to this day. They continue to hunt prey (poor Kitty), love sausage-flavored treats, and adore the great crunch they get when chowing down on a bone. Those varied elements should give you a little bit of insight into how diverse your dog’s diet can be.

3. Move beyond meat.

Building some portion of his diet from meat gives you many of the crucial nutrients he needs for energy and growth, but he also needs fiber and carbohydrates to aid in digestion and stability. You could throw down a bowl of dry food every day and maybe give him a “treat” of moist food once a month, but how would you like it if the tables were turned and he insisted on feeding you pancakes every day for the rest of your life? Not such a sunny outlook, is it?

4. Make it a real meal.

Listen, nobody ever said you had to rely on a bag or can of food to feed your dog. You cook for your family all the time. Doesn’t your dog deserve similar treatment? Most owners say they’d love to cook for their pups but just don’t know where to start, and that’s where I come in. Now you can help fulfill all of your dog’s nutritional needs as well as his taste desires with just one quick flip through my new book, 180 Delicious Gourmet Dog Recipes. I know, I know, you’re busy, and there’s barely time to cook your family a proper meal. That’s why you’ll love this book - in addition to covering all of the usual recipes like traditional dog chow and cookies, I’ve created several that are healthy and delicious enough for you, your dog, and your family. Being skeptical is natural; after all, I never dreamed I’d come up with recipes I could easily share with my dogs! But how can you pass up recipes like biscotti, muffins, omelettes, dinner mints, and even sushi?

5. Give him some green.

Your dog needs a well-balanced diet, and the best way to accomplish that is through a wide variety of ingredients. Did you know that many dogs love veggies? In fact, if your dog likes to nibble on grass, he may appreciate some of the veggie-oriented recipes in the cookbook. Give it a shot and see what you - and your dog - think. After all, the worst that could happen is an improvement in your pooch’s health!

The only set rule in feeding your pup is to make sure his meals satisfy the unique nutritional requirements any dog has. You don’t have to stick to the bag or the can, and you don’t have to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. Making dishes for your dog can be a family event, and nothing expresses gratitude better than a big, sloppy, wet kiss. “180 Delicious Gourmet Dog Food Recipes” features a huge array of delectable treats made to please any pup… but you’ll be amazed at how many you can eat, too! It’s a great starting point for any well-rounded nutritional plan for your dog. You’ll both be happy you made the investment!

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Mark Eckenrode is a lover of dogs, his own is named Ryker. Mark is also the creator of an amazing website that offers free step-by-step tips on how to spoil your dog, cook up delicious dog recipes, insights into health, and communicating with your dog…
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“Finally! A Quick and Easy Way For YOU to Learn Exactly What Your Dog is Looking For… Without Being a Vet, Visiting an Animal Shrink, or Paying Outrageous Prices for Dog Toys!”

Click Here => http://www.DogMatters.com
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About the Author

Mark Eckenrode is a lover of dogs, his own is named Ryker. Mark is also the creator of an amazing website that offers free step-by-step tips on how to spoil your dog, cook up delicious dog recipes, insights into health, and communicating with your dog…
http://www.DogMatters.com