Volume Five, Number 106, June 6, 2006
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
We have 20 new requests today. Please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.
Here are the results to yesterday's poll:
How often do you go to the dentist?
More than once a year (87) 49%
Yearly (18) 10%
Only when I have to (55) 31%
Rarely (17) 10%
Here's the new poll:
How much is Regular gas in your area?
Post your answer:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42613213.tip.html
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Tip Contest!
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Photo Contest!
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Frugal solutions to everyday problems: Submit a request...
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photos:
Today's Tips:
New Requests:
More Reading:
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Today's Photos
| Skippy (Jack Russell Terrier)
Skippy is 1 1/2 years old and is a Jack Russell Terrier. Last October after losing our original Jack Russell to old age, we acquired two more. This is the one that loves to pose.
She loves to run in the field with her sister. She also loves to jump in the wading pool and turn round and round.
She loves to hang out with her cat sisters, she is happy just to spend time in their company. Skippy loves everything and everybody.
By Leni from West Virginia
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| Toilet Paper Tubes for Electrical Cords
I take empty toilet paper rolls and cover them with wall paper samples to make "covers" for the cords on our small appliances. If you go to the wall paper stores and ask if they have outdated wall paper sample books, they most likely will give you a few, for free.
By Great Granny Vi from Moorpark,CA
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| Tyson (African Grey Parrot)
Tyson is a 10 month old African Grey Parrot. He was a birthday present from my daughter.
He likes to imitate all kinds of noises: doorbell, telephone, and monkey sounds. He also loves to swing by a toy in his cage.
Tyson is such a character. If he wants attention and can't find me, he will walk around the house looking for me. He has a very child like personality.
By Barbara from Jacksonville, Florida
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| What a tough day!
Madison just got home from preschool. It was all she could do to sit in a chair before she zonked out!
By Kayray Riggs from Indianapolis
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Today's Tips
| My Frugal Life - Outsmart The Prices
 I am a 54 year old married lady who has chosen to be as frugal as I possibly can be. My dear hubby has retired in the last month, so this is even more important to me than ever, as money will be limited from here on in. I cook almost everything from scratch, which I love doing. I use all the "great" sites that are listed online. I am also trying to become a lot more involved in recycling. I have learned to buy in bulk, and to split things up at home and rebag things for the freezer. I throw almost nothing away and I take the time to always fine the best buys possible as in bulk is not always a savings. One has to become a "master" of the craft! Life is so fulfilling in knowing that one can outsmart the prices that people too busy are paying regularly. Watch and become aware. Best of luck to all...
Debbie from Crawfordsville, Indiana
Do you have a frugal story to share with the ThriftyFun community? Submit your essay here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_myfrugallife.ldml
djcats@sbcglobal.net
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| Making a Lacy Pattern on a Cake
To make a lacy pattern out of icing sugar for the top of a cake simply take a doily, place it over the top of the uniced cake and sprinkle the icing sugar over it. Lift the doily gently and you have an elegantly decorated cake.
Tip By Hope Mason
http://www.lulu.com/spiritbooks
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| Baby Fashion Contest (Baby Shower Game)
Ask each guest to bring an outfit for dressing up a baby doll. Each guess in turn dresses the doll. Whoever's outfit the mom to be likes best wins a prize!
Tip by Hope Mason, author of How To Throw A Baby Shower
(http://www.lulu.com/spiritbooks)
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| Heart Surprise (Baby Shower Game)
Bake a heart shaped silver locket inside a cake. Whichever guest receives the piece of cake with the locket inside it gets to keep it.
Tip by Hope Mason, author of How To Throw A Baby Shower
(http://www.lulu.com/spiritbooks)
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| Enthusiasm Quote
There is a quote I once heard (Don't know who said it) and I saved it for years. I found it to be very helpful and inspiring:
"If you can give your son or daughter only one gift, let it be enthusiasm!"
By Kay from Tamarac, FL
Editor's Note: Great quote! That one is by Bruce Barton who also said:
"Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior to circumstance."
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| Removing Weeds from Crowded Beds
Here's a tip to remove stray weeds, invasive vines or stalks of crabgrass from crowded beds or shrubs, such as junipers, where it's not feasible to spray. Put on rubber or latex gloves, slip cotton gardening gloves over the rubber or latex gloves. Put the herbicide (like round-up) on the cotton gloves and stroke the offending plant. The rubber or latex gloves protect your hands from the weed killer and the cotton applies it directly to your invasive plant. Works excellent for weedy vines.
By Charbie from St. Johns. MI
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Scented Glycerine Soaps
By Patti McKennaMelt the following ingredients together in a saucepan over low heat.
Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp. liquid glycerine
- 5 oz. unscented glycerine soap
- 4 tsp. liquid soap
Directions:
Remove from heat. Add 1 tsp. your choice fragrant oil (i.e. hydrangea, rose, apple, pear, etc.). Pour into molds until set.
For a unique scent, mix and match the oils to create your own fragrance. Optional, 2-4 drops of food coloring.
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| Easy Cake Decorator
For an easy way to decorate a cake is get cake icing and a plastic bag (zip lock or sandwich bag). Cut a small hole in the tip of the bag and pour the icing in the bag and push the icing down to the tip of the bag where the hole is. Swirl and decorate.
By Rachel from San Antonio, TX
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| Reducing Clutter Questions and Answers
Cleaning closets and clutter have been the largest project taken on this past week-end. I've renewed my determination to ask myself these questions before I bring anything of significance into this house:
Can I afford it?
Do I really need it?
Do I need it now?
Do I have something like it already?
Can I find a cheaper substitute?
Is this the best deal?
Then I'm going to go home and sleep on it for 24 hours. If I decide to go back and buy it in the morning, I'll know without a doubt that, whatever it is, it can come into this house. I never want to spend another precious weekend the way I spent this one.
By the way, I will take a deduction for the fair-market value of the items I donated to charity as allowed by the IRS. I use the valuation system, It's Deductible (Intuit) because the values for more than 850 specific household and clothing items comply with IRS guidelines. Go to http://www.itsdeductible.com/. Or you can check the Salvation Army's Valuation Guide for a simplified list at http://www.satruck.com/ValueGuide.asp.
By Bobbie G from Rockwall
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| Cleaning Oil From Your Driveway
Here's a method for cleaning unsightly oil stains from your driveway. Start by soaking the oil stain with mineral spirits. Mineral spirits can be found in the paint section of your hardware sore. Let it sit for 3 minutes and then scrub it with a stiff bristled brush. After scrubbing, lay some newspaper on top of the stain and let it dry. Then finish by washing the stain with the following solution: 1 cup laundry detergent, 1 cup bleach, and 1 gallon water.
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| What to Do With Finished Jigsaw Puzzles
My girls love to do jigsaw puzzles and hate to break them apart after doing them. What to do with all those puzzles? I decided to cover the puzzle with clear contact paper. I can then use it as a beautiful placemat, furniture protector under plants, dog dishes mat, and I'm sure there are other uses I will find later! Very simple to do. After completing puzzle, simply measure the contact paper, adding 1 inch on all sides. Take off paper backing and cover finished puzzle. Carefully bend the 1 inch excess to the back of the puzzle. Then turn the puzzle over, cut a piece to fit and attach contact paper. Washable and beautiful. Hint: I found out with my dog mat that I needed to put an extra 2 inch strip around the edges to provide a better seal for waterproofing!
By Cynthia Reichrath from Ava, IL
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New Requests
| Removing Starch from Doilies
I'm looking for a way to remove starch from a doily. This is a crocheted doily that was heavily starched. I would like it to be pliable again. I've soaked it in hot water, have laundered it several times. Nothing has worked so far. Any suggestions?
Barbara from Phoenix, AZ
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| Training German Shepherd Puppies
I have two mixed german shepherd husky mixed puppies. I need help in training. Any suggestions on how to train them?
Bryan
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| Swimming in a Pool Turned My Hair Green
Does anyone have a home recipe to remove the "green" tint out of hair as a result of swimming?
lizkemp from festus, MO
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| Removing Residue on Furniture from a Flea Fogger
I used a flea fogger next to my varnished dinning room table. I had place mats on the table. You can see where they were because of the fall out of the flea fogger. How can I remove this residue from the fogger? I have tried murphy's wipes with no luck. I have tried rubbing the daylights out of it. Is the finished damaged or can I get this clean again?
Jake from Bourbonnias, IL
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| Plastic Zipper Won't Work
I left a jacket soaking for too long and now the zipper won't work. The zipper goes up and down smoothly, but the teeth don't lock together at all. Does anyone know what causes this and how I can fix it? The zipper is not metal, it's plastic.
miz_macoo from Albany, Western Australia
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| Water Damage on Wood Furniture
I noticed that the towel I keep under my humidifier on my night stand was damp. Apparently, there's a slow leak and the wood has lost its shine and is cracked. It's a fairly new piece of furniture. How can I restore it?
Eileen Celeste from Newport, RI
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| Coconut Oil Stain on Clothing
Does anyone know how to get buttery coconut oil out of clothing?
LorieB from Madison, WI
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| Strawberry Stains on White Carpet
I need serious help. I have a white carpet and I caught my grandkids eating strawberries on it! Unfortunately, it wasn't until AFTER they got some on my carpet. I tried to clean it with the new Orange cleaner that has come out, now I have strawberries with the orange color in my carpet. Please someone help me to get it out. I'd be forever grateful.
Beverly from Havana, AR
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| Buying Vitamins Through the Mail
I am thinking of purchasing our vitamins by mail order. Have any of you done this, and and are you pleased with the service, quality? Who do you use? Thanks in advance.
Jean in ga from GA
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| Bad Smell Coming From Pipes
I have a REALLY bad smell coming from all of the pipes in our house. It is worst in the kitchen but the bathrooms smell too. It is so bad I am embarrassed to invite people over to our house.
Does anyone know why this is happening and what can be done about it? Please help us make our house not smell.
Thanks!
Dhr1s
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| Making Orchid Leis
Today I saw orchid leis for $19.99 at our grocery store. I very tempted to get one, but does anyone know how to make them? I kind some ideas are using a needle with a strong thread like quilting thread (maybe dental floss) and run the needle through the middle of the orchid, and continue going till enough to make a long necklace size (maybe 20 inches).
My Mom is 93, she is having blood transfusions almost everyday, but may decide to come home for a bit and I would love to make one for her. I am not sure where I would find that many orchids, so maybe I should buy it already made. Any ideas?
My Mom also loves the fragrance of a flower called daphne Odora? Does anyone know of a perfume that smells like that? Avon's hand cream in the turquoise tube smells like it. Thanks, for any ideas, and your prayers will be appreciated as well.
Kersti from Bellevue
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| Removing Concrete
Not so long ago I moved houses but my garden is all concrete! This is very peculiar but I am assuming the people who lived here before must of put it down. I do not like it like this and wish to put grass down. Can anyone tell me how to get rid of the concrete as I am stuck?
Thanks,
Joe
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| A Plastic Bag Stained My Wood Table
I had a bread bag on my table (wood) and the plastic marked the table, do you have any clue of how I can remove it?
mint2b1 from Halifax
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| Acne Face Wash Advice
What is the best acne face wash? I don't want to buy anything to expensive, but I want something that works. I have oily skin but my skin can also become very dry at times. I need something that can deep clean my pores and prevent break outs.
Shell from Canada
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| Excited Dog Peeing in the House
My 13 week old puppy pees a lot when she gets excited, mostly when you just get home or just let her out of her kennel. I don't know how to get her to stop. Any suggestions?
Shannon from New York
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| Deer Resistant Plants
I need some hints for colorful deer resistant plants for shade (perennial preferred). We have deer in our city neighborhood that love to sample every shade loving plant I've tried. At this point, I'll take anything!
Hardiness Zone: 9a
Charlene S. from San Antonio TX
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| Grease on My Dog
I have a white poodle mix dog that got into some tractor grease. Any ideas on what to bathe her in to remove the grease and won't be toxic to her?
Kerri from Alpine, CA
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| Dog With Separation Anxiety Problems
My family just adopted a 10 month old pit/boxer mix. We've had her here for the first night (last night) and we adore her very much. The only problem is her comfort spot is on the bed or couch, she seems to have separation anxieties, and peed on the floor 4 times and pooped once in the night. She is afraid of going on walks, she seems insecure with leaving. She acts like she thinks were going to take her and leave her. What can I do to fix the housebreaking and anxieties so my boyfriend doesn't make us get rid of her again?
Tiffany from Covington, WA
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| Cleaning Dog Beds - My Dog Beds Smell Bad
I have 2 large dog beds that smell badly. Any ideas on ways to clean them? I have sprayed Odor Ban and other pet products that destroy odor however they need a good hard cleaning but are too large to fit into a washing machine.
CRHarris84 from TN
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| Color Bleed on My Bathing Suit
My brand new bathing suit is light pink and black. After swimming, I took off the suit and placed it in a towel for aprox 15 minutes until I got home. When hanging it up to dry, I discovered that the black got ALL OVER the pink! Rit, I think has a color fade removal, but I've been told you cant use it on bathing suit material.
kvb from Texas
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More Reading
| Travel Tips for Mini-Cassia, Idaho - Frugal Travel Guide
Travel Destination: Mini-Cassia, Idaho
Country: United States
Free Things to Do:
We love our hometown, and I think you will, too. Right now, the cherry and apple trees are in bloom. When the petals drift slowly down in the warm air, it feels as if we are at a wedding. Most people think Idaho is backward, but I want to tell you otherwise. We are not overrun with tourists, but we could be in years to come. Mini-Cassia is actually two counties with a common Chamber of Commerce. Within 20 miles in any direction you will find water skiing, mountain climbing and hiking, rock climbing, skiing in season, fishing, hunting in season, and dozens of peaceful green spots to picnic.
At the Minidoka Dam, we have seen antelope, deer, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, mink, weasels, and a number of birds including hawks, great horned owls and eagles. You can't pet them. They are wild. The dam is home to hundreds of pelicans and seagulls, and the rapids are so beautiful! Wild roses bloom, wild currants by the trillions are free for the picking (freeze them and take them home to make jelly). You can take free tours of the inside of the dam where the power is generated. It is 100 years old now, and there is talk of replacing it, but it is in wonderful shape.
Depending on when you come, there are many free events, including two county fairs, the Skandi Dag Festival (see the real live trolls and try authentic Skandinavian foods), Rupert's incredible July 4th parade, rodeo, and celebration, other rodeos, truck and tractor pulls (a small admission fee), 4-H horseback competitions and professional reined horse and show horse competitions, chariot racing, a nationwide famous speedboat race competition, natural hot springs to soak in, wild asparagus picking, etc.
During potato harvest, you can glean a field with the owner's permission and take home a couple hundred pounds of free spuds! The desert area just out of town has caves, amazing lava flows from ancient times, and plenty of artifacts to find. We have known people to find old glass, arrowheads, tobacco tins, etc. If you go a little further, you will see the Craters of the Moon National Park, with every different kind of lava flow there is. The basalt-column lined Snake River Canyon takes your breath away, and there is a sanctioned bridge for BASE jumping in Twin Falls. Evel Knievel tried it on a motorcycle with rockets, but he didn't succeed, and almost broke every bone in his body.
There is free entertainment almost every weekend someplace in the area. Local talent and even professional talent if you don't mind buying a drink or a sandwich at a pub. There is a concert series during the winter for a very modest fee. Oakley has a tiny, hundred-year-old theatre and they present five shows a year or more, plus special events. They do a great job, and the atmosphere alone is worth the trip! While you're in Oakley, you should drive around the small town and see Victorian mansions in a remarkable state of preservation. Then drive out to their reservoir and take your fishing gear. There are all sorts of fish, re-stocked every year by the Fish and Game Department.
In Rupert, there is a quilting supply store called The Gathering Place on the town square. It is listed in some quilting tour guides. There are also Mexican restaurants and a bakery, American food, etc. The Square is also the site of incredible Christmas lighting displays. If you are into quilting, there's a show every October as well as during the county fairs. You could also snack on Idaho scones with honey butter and the Minidoka County Fair (Rupert) has Indian Tacos for about $4. The fairs have many free events, including the rodeo queen and grandma queen contests.They are a meal! Am I proud of my home town? You bet! Please come and see us. It's cheap, it's terrific, and it's off the beaten track.
Low Cost Things to Do:
Eat on the Square during July 4th celebration, then enjoy the street dance, fireworks, continuous free entertainment, a parade, and a carnival. The Speedboat competition is the same week. Recommend adults only on that one because they sell beer and some folks get a little carried away. Hike, picnic, swim, sightsee, and check with the Chamber of Commerce for what's going on.
Expensive But Worth It:
Skiiers will spend about $30 per person at Pomerelle Resort per day. The slopes are well manicured; there are instructors available. If you're a real pro, drive up to Hailey or Sun Valley and ski on Baldy. You might be skiing with a resident celebrity like a Schwarzenegger, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis, Carole King, Mariel Hemingway or others. Out of state residents pay a hefty fee for hunting and fishing licenses. If you are in to horse racing, we have parimutual racing the first weekend in July. Trainers from all over the west bring their horses to see who can whip butt.
Nightlife:
Rodeos, pubs with professional entertainment including top notch jazz, Celtic style, and rock.
Just for Kids:
The Skandi Dag, the first weekend in June in Burley, has a terrific Troll Tromp for $8 that includes games, a tee shirt, and a Troll cone (an authentic vaffel is from a Danish recipe.)
Seasonal Information:
Chains required in the mountains from October through April, depending on snowfall.
Inexpensive Lodging:
Best in Burley. There is a Best Western and several smaller motels, and rooms start at about $40 a night.
Interesting Facts or History:
Minidoka County has the largest gravity fed irrigation system in the United States. It was built in 1905 and 1906 with men and horses, and is still in excellent shape today. It is the lifeblood of our grain, hay, sugarbeet and other crops. The area was settled by mainly Ukrainians, Italians, and Germans who took advantage of free land draws in the early part of the century.. The area was active with volcanoes until relatively recent times.
Chamber of Commerce Contact Information:
1177 7th Street, Heyburn (right on the river). Call for brochures at 208-679-4793,
Additional Comments:
Churches include Catholic, Baptist, Assembly of God, nondenominational, Church of Christ, First Christian, Calvary Chapel and more.
Photos:
This weekend is our Scandinavian festival. Friday there will be a parade with trolls, folk dancers, musicians, etc. On Saturday there will be authentic food, activities, games, skill demonstrations like spinning and weaving, a half marathon and a 3 mile walk/run. Viking feast is supposed to be heavenly -- I'm looking forward to that! Here Jan Ganoe is fixing a vaffel is or waffle cone for Ada. They are wearing folk costumes sewn by Joleen Anderson of Burley, who made about 100 of them last year.
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Cowboy music and standup comedy are popular here. These two; Cowboy Rudy Gonzales and Barb Wire Ben Aitken, came from Boise for Rupert's Centennial Celebration in April.
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Winter in Mini-Cassia, ID
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By Coreen from Rupert, ID
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Read More: Click Here | Dog Body Language
By Catherine FormanEven though he can't talk, your dog can be very expressive! If you're not sure what a particular stance means, this may help.
Confident Body Language
A confident dog will stand tall with his tail up. He may wag his tail slowly. His ears will be up and alert or relaxed, and he will look at you directly.
Fearful Body Language
A fearful dog will hunch lower to the ground with his tail down or tucked under. He may not look directly at you, and the whites of his eyes may show. He may bark, to try to keep whatever he is afraid of away.
Playful Body Language
Your dog may signal that he wants to play by pawing at the air or giving a play bow. Barking can be a part of play -- you may find that your playful dog's bark is higher pitched than his usual bark. Even if your dog is playing very roughly with another dog, you can rest assured that it is only play if his lips are relaxed (not drawn back in a snarl) and his tail is wagging.
Aggressive Body Language
An aggressive dog will stare directly at you. His ears will be close to the head, either pointing forwards or backwards, and his teeth will be bared. His body will be tense, and you may see the hackles on his back raised. His tail may stick straight out, like an exclamation point!
Curious/Eager/Excited Body Language
An interested dog will have perked up ears and wide eyes. He may pant lightly, or have his mouth open in a smile. Your excited dog may wiggle or dance a bit, waiting to see what happens next. His tail will be up, and possibly wagging.
Dominant Body Language
A dominant dog will stand over another dog, sometimes hooking his chin over the submissive dog's shoulders. He will seem confident and alert, but calm. Humping another dog can be a sign of dominance, or a sign of play.
Submissive Body Language
A submissive dog will accept another dog's display of dominance. He may squat and piddle, or roll on his back to show submissiveness. A submissive dog may lick a dominant dog's mouth and face.
Read More: Click Here | Breed Information: Anatolian Shepherd Dog
By Ellen BrownBreed Description: The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a large, rugged and powerful dog that is unrivaled in his ability as a working guard dog. This breed is impressive in size and strength, alert and intelligent and has a calm, yet bold and highly territorial nature.
Group: Working Group
Purpose of Breed: Shepherd's guardian and herding livestock
Country of Origin: Turkey and Asian Minor over 6000 years ago.
Average Size: Bitches mature to 80-100 lbs. and 27 inches tall (at shoulder); dogs mature to 110-150 lbs. and 29 inches tall (at shoulder)
Color(s): Classic coloring is fawn with a black mask. Other colors include pinto, white or brindle.
Coat Type: Coats can be both short and rough within the same litter.
Grooming: The Anatolian Shepherd requires little brushing, except bi-annually when it sheds heavily. This breed requires standard care for coat, eyes, ears, pads and nails and tends to have a bit of a "doggy" odor.
Exercise Needs: This breed should be kept in a fenced area for its own protection and so it does not become a liability. A large yard with a 5 or 6 foot fence and a locked gate is ideal. Although the breed can endure extremes of temperature and terrain, a shelter from inclement weather and a shady area when it is warm should be provided.
Temperament: The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a fiercely loyal guard dog that demonstrates a possessive attitude towards family, property and livestock. He is suspicious of strangers, reserved when in public and may expect a "formal introduction" before accepting strangers. This dog requires an owner who is capable of being a strong, positive leader and consistently requires him to demonstrate civilized behavior. Early socialization and obedience training is essential, however Schutzhund training is not recommended for this breed. This dog is affectionate towards family, but should be supervised around children due to his size and temperament.
Trivia: The Anatolian Shepherd Dog was originally developed to endure the shepherd's nomadic lifestyle and stand up to the harsh climate and rugged terrain of Turkey. Not a "glamour" breed or a suitable breed for beginners, these dogs still possesses the loyal, independent nature, agility and hardiness that they were originally bred for.
More Information: The Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America, Inc. www.asdca.org
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