Category Archives: Pets

Pets

Charles L. Starr III Talks about Pet Safety around the Holidays

Leave a comment

As a veterinarian, Charles L. Starr III knows the kind of trouble that pets can get into around the holidays. Charles L. Starr III says that even well-meaning, loving pet owners can still make mistakes.

Q: I understand that Halloween can be a real problem for pets.

Charles L. Starr III: Yes, you probably should just leave your pets indoors around Halloween.

Q: And I’ve heard stories about black cats being mistreated.

Charles L. Starr III: Yes. Black cats, in particular, can be the target of abuse around Halloween.

Q: What do you think about Halloween costumes for pets?           

Charles L. Starr III: Well, a lot of pets just don’t like them, but even if your dog or cat does enjoy the fun and attention, make sure that he or she can see and hear properly, and that the costume doesn’t impede movement. Give it a little while to get used to the costume before Halloween!

Q: Christmas can be hazardous for pets. What tips do you have for the holiday season?

Charles L. Starr III: Be attentive and watch food around pets.

Q: How so?

Charles L. Starr III: Food that is meant for humans is really bad for pets! Don’t give them table scraps, and ask your guests to abide by that same rule.

Q: Some “people foods” are toxic, right?

Charles L. Starr III: Absolutely. Things like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions and xylitol are strictly off-limits for pets.

Q: Are Christmas decorations dangerous to my pets?

Charles L. Starr III: Well, cats love to eat tinsel. You might want to just leave tinsel off the tree altogether.

Q: On the subject of the tree, my cats love to climb the Christmas tree!

Charles L. Starr III: Yes, it’s hard to stop a cat from climbing, but you should have the tree secured so it can’t tip over!

Q: Aren’t certain plants toxic as well?

Charles L. Starr III: Yes, lilies, holly and mistletoe are all seasonal Christmas plants but are very toxic to cats and dogs.

Q: Sometimes, guests can get pretty careless as well…

Charles L. Starr III: Yes, always remember that the noise and commotion of Christmas guests can be stressful for some pets. Remind your guests to not give them table scraps. If your pet is excitable or prone to biting, you might just want to put him or her in a separate room with a pet bed, toys and treats.

Q: Thanks for taking some time with us today.

Charles L. Starr III: Absolutely. Nobody wants to see conscientious pet owners make avoidable mistakes around the holidays.

Charles L. Starr III is a practicing veterinarian in the Denver, Colorado area.

 

Pets

Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers | Ethical and Healthful Breeding

Leave a comment

Marian Harding of Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers believes that reputable breeders are the best source for healthy dogs. In that spirit, Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers presents the following summation of ethical breeding practices and how Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers applies them to produce puppies of the highest well being.

  • Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers breeds with the intent of improving the breed, not for the goal of making a profit.
  • Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers chooses breeding adults based on health, disposition, and confirmation guided by the breed standard. Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers matches them to make the next generation stronger.
  • Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers provides safe, sanitary, and appropriate facilities.
  • Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers provides individualized care to whelping mothers, monitoring them before, during, and after birth for abnormalities or complications.
  • Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers socializes puppies to loving touch and interaction at appropriate ages (Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers does not remove puppies from their mothers before 6 weeks, and does not adopt until 8 weeks.)
  • Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers keeps detailed records of medical care, pedigree, and registry information according to the registering association’s guidelines.
  • Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers places puppies and dogs in forever homes appropriate for them.
  • Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers is responsible for each puppy for its lifetime and is willing to keep any puppy that is unable to find a proper home.
  • Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers never sells to brokers, pet stores, or back yard breeders.
  • Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers educates buyers about the risks in buying from these sources, and educates the public about why back yard breeding is not appropriate.
  • Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers shows fairness, integrity, honesty, and respect in all aspects of personal and professional life. Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers knows that good communication is imperative for good customer service, veterinarian support & interaction, etc.

For more information about Marian Harding’s breeding services, please visit the Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers website at www.hardinhaus.com.

Pets

Marian Harding Discusses the History of Miniature Schnauzers

Leave a comment

According to Marian Harding, miniature schnauzers are a smart, loving and energetic breed that dates back to 16th century Germany and Bavaria. Schnauzers have a host of good traits, adds Marian Harding, making them very trainable, affectionate and obedient. Marian Harding reports that miniature schnauzers were supposedly developed from dogs that resembled Poodles and Wire-haired German Pinschers. Marian Harding explains the name itself, Schnauzer, was not applied to the breed until the early 17th century. Schnauzer means “snout” or “muzzle,” notes Marian Harding, and a single look at the breed indicates that the name is a perfect match.

Back when schnauzers first came on the scene, says Marian Harding, their heartiness and intelligence made them prized animals for use as watchdogs and vermin hunters. With their size, wits, loud bark, and tenacity, Marian Harding says schnauzers could easily keep trespassers and rats off of their owner’s property. In fact, schnauzers were so immediately popular in Germany, notes Marian Harding, that breeders developed three sizes of schnauzer.

The Giant Schnauzer is approximately 26-28 inches high, says Marian Harding, and was typically raised to drive cattle in Bavaria and stand as a guard dog. Marian Harding says that the middle size of the breed is referred to as the Standard Schnauzer. Standard Schnauzers average 18-20 inches in height, adds Marian Harding, and were originally used to herd sheep. But the Standards were so hearty, notes Marian Harding, that despite their size they were also used to pull carts and carriages! Marian Harding adds that Standard Schnauzers are where the Giant and Miniature forms of the breed originated. Marian Harding adds that Miniature Schnauzers are the most popular of the three schnauzer breeds in North America. Miniature Schnauzers stand 12-14 inches tall, reports Marian Harding, and were originally bred as watchdogs and rat catchers. Marian Harding says their powerful bark can act as an impressive alarm system when strangers approach the home.

In the 19th century, continues Marian Harding, the schnauzer breed was introduced to America. To this day the miniature schnauzer is the most popular of the breed, adds Marian Harding, bred as loving pets and winning show dogs for over 200 years.

For more information, contact Marian Harding at Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers:
4637 Blairwood Dr.
Knoxville, TN 37938
865-922-0522
865-207-6199
http://www.hardinhaus.com

Pets

Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers Once Again Focused

Leave a comment

Knoxville TN – October 3, 2009 — Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers once again focused. A local dog breeder’s influence is felt around the world. While Marian Harding of Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers does not directly show her prize miniature schnauzers, her breed is always of interest to dog owners around the world.

Marian Harding and Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers always follow the results of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show held in New York City each year. Beginning in 1877, “The World’s Greatest Dog Show” is now in its 133rd year. “The show is best known because of its worldwide telecast,” says Marian Harding. There is however one particular portion of the event that hits close to home for her. “They have, for many years promoted dog breeders such as Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers,” says Marian. At some point in every show they make a very special announcement. Viewers worldwide will always hear, “If you are planning to add a dog to your life and have come to look over the best of the best, please note, no dog you have seen here came from a pet shop, or was the ‘product’ of a puppy mill. If you want a dog, go to the people who care – the dedicated specialty breeders who have made dogs like those you see here a lifetime effort. Talk dogs with dog people who care and understand.” For Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers this type of support is greatly appreciated.

Miniature Schnauzers are a highly sought after breed. Demand has been so strong that there has been a specialized kennel club for more than seventy years. The American Miniature Schnauzer Club, a member club of the American Kennel Club, was founded in 1933. It has over 600 members residing in nearly all 50 states, and in Canada and other foreign countries. The AMSC is the parent organization for some 25 local Miniature Schnauzer Specialty Clubs in the United States. In addition to breeding, these dogs are fierce competitors in shows around the country, and the Westminster show is no exception. Competing in the Terrier breed class, audiences always enjoy watching these master show dogs strut their stuff.

Despite the breed’s popularity, many people are not familiar with where this breed originates from. The Miniature Schnauzer, cousin to the larger Standard Schnauzer, did not originate in England as many other terriers did, but in Germany, according to Marian Harding. They are small dogs but in no way are they delicate. They make an excellent companion because they are obedient, quick to learn, devoted to their owner, spunky and fearless. With the experiences gained since 1980 when Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers was established, Marian Harding is aware that this breed’s deepest need is to live as part of a family, going where they go and doing what they do. They don’t shed, but do need to be groomed every six weeks or so. They come in three colors: salt and pepper, black and silver, and solid black.

Every year you will see excellent representations of this breed in dog shows such as the Westminster Kennel Club show competing for the “Best Of Breed” category. Marian Harding is always focused and always interested. Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers always benefit from shows like this. Located in east Tennessee, as one of only a handful of breeders in this part of the country, makes the kennel a destination point for dog lovers.

Contact Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers :
Marian Harding
Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers
4637 Blairwood Dr.
Knoxville, TN 37938
Telephone: 865-922-0522 or 865-207-6199
Website: http://www.hardinhaus.com

Pets

Marian Harding | Summer & Schnauzers Great Combination | Marian Harding

Leave a comment

Summer and Schnauzers Can Make a Wonderful Combination – By Marian Harding

Summer is a time for both you and your dog to enjoy the great outdoors. Along with the sunshine and fun, “the season also creates the potential to endanger your pet,” says Marian Harding, owner of Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers. Pro-actively planning ahead, you will reduce the chance that an accident will happen. Marian Harding offers these tips.

Closed vehicles and animals don’t mix.

One of the great joys of summer is taking your dog with you; they enjoy it as much as you do say Marian Harding. This enjoyment can be cut short by a forgetful moment. During summer weather, the inside of your vehicle can reach 100+ degrees in a matter of minutes, even if you’re parked in the shade. This creates a crisis quickly for your four legged companion.

Dogs don’t perspire and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. According to Marian Harding Pets left in a hot vehicle, even briefly, can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and even die. Don’t think that just because you’ll be gone “just a minute” that your pet will be safe while you’re gone; even an air-conditioned car with the motor off isn’t healthy for your pet. “Treat your dog as you would a baby,” cautions Marian Harding. “You can never be too careful.”

To avoid any chance that your pet will succumb to the heat of a car this summer, you may decide to play it safe by leaving your dog cool and refreshed at home while you travel. While miniature schnauzers love to travel they are just as comfortable resting at home. Marian Harding advice if you do happen to see a dog in a vehicle alone during the hot summer months, notify the management of the store where the car is parked. If the owner does not return quickly, call local animal control or the police department immediately.

About Marian Harding

Marian Harding and Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers have provided breeding quality Schnauzers since 1980. Puppies come with health and temperament guarantee. Services offered include puppies, stud service and adult dogs. Marian Harding has been a Member of AMSC (American Miniature Schnauzer Club) since 1990.

Pets

Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers | Marian Harding |Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers

Leave a comment

Trucks Can’t Help Hot Dogs Says Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers – By Marian Harding

Every summer we see dogs at Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers that arrive in the back of pickup trucks. “While these aren’t world class prize-winning show dogs we are known for, it concerns us none the less,” says Marian Harding, owner of Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers.

It’s very dangerous, and in some states even illegal, to drive with a dog in the back of a pickup truck. People always seem to think that the dog will enjoy the ride and that it cools a hot dog off. That is simply not true and is especially dangerous for small dogs like miniature schnauzers.  Not only can flying debris cause serious injury, but a dog may be unintentionally thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly hits the brakes, swerves, or is hit by another car. According to Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers dogs should ride either in the cab or in a secured crate in the bed of the truck. Dogs and trucks make great companions as long as safety is the first consideration.

About Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers

Marian Harding and Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers have provided breeding quality Schnauzers since 1980. Puppies come with health and temperament guarantee. Services offered include puppies, stud service and adult dogs. Hardinhaus has been a Member of AMSC (American Miniature Schnauzer Club) since 1990.