If you will not be hiring a professional Shih Tzu handler for the show ring, there are a few things you should know about how to protect yourself and your Shih Tzu so that neither of you are too discouraged right at the start.

Try to remember a judge’s first and lasting impression of your Shih Tzu’s temperament will be made the moment it walks into the ring. Do not carry your Shih Tzu into the ring to avoid getting its hair messed up. Let the judge see the Shih Tzu’s gait as it walks into the ring. Do not drag the Shih Tzu behind you. It invariably will be a stressful 48 hour period for your Shih Tzu before the show. This time period will either be too hot, too cold or too rainy. A few hours before the show will involve your Shih Tzu having to stand rigidly on a crate, having its face and body sprayed with grooming substance that does not smell or taste very good. Your Shih Tzu may have to endure a session of sneezing while you brush their hair out to perfection. Then remember all the hours your Shih Tzu was in the bathtub and the grooming session the day before the show. What about the ride to the show? Was it over bumpy, uncomfortable roads? The 48 hours just before the show can be a drooling, torturous time for your precious Shih Tzu, soon to become a Show Dog Shih Tzu. Experienced judges know just what a Shih Tzu has to endure the 48 hours before showtime. If your Shih Tzu can still strut into the ring after all this, the judge will have to know your Shih Tzu has an excellent disposition. This will be the judge’s first impression. It will also be a very lasting impression.

Do not try to be first to enter the ring if you are a novice. It will be much more educational for you to get behind a more experienced exhibitor or professional handler where you can observe and learn ring behavior and procedures. When you do enter the ring with your Shih Tzu, do so quickly and calmly. Have your Shih Tzu on a loose lead. Watch for the first opportunity to show your arm band to the judge for check in purposes. Then get in the line-up already forming in the ring. This is usually at the opposite side of the judge’s table. This move will give the judge a good opportunity to the second look at your Shih Tzu. Now, set your Shih Tzu up in a show pose.

As the judge goes up and down the line of Shih Tzu, maintain your Shih Tzu in a show stance. Do not brush the Shih Tzu’s hair at this time. Do not be adjusting the Shih Tzu’s feet, or tilting the head, or positioning the Shih Tzu’s tail. By the time the judge reaches your Shih Tzu, the Shih Tzu should be standing as still as a statue with your hands off of it. If you show a lot of fussing over the Shih Tzu at this time it only calls attention to the fact that you are probably an amateur at this and you will be seen as nervously mishandling the Shih Tzu. A free, natural stance will be more appealing to the judge.

People play games in anything that is competitive to try and discourage a newcomer especially if the newcomer really has a good dog. This poses a threat to others who are competing with you and people do play games to try and make you or your Shih Tzu look bad.

These same kind of games are played in other arenas of the purebred dog sport such as what we have today on the internet with so many Shih Tzu dog websites springing up. People get jealous and feel threatened by what they see their competitors doing that may take away “something” from them. So they try and set up little games to make their competitors look bad or seem unworthy in the hopes that “the consumer” will pass up their competitors when it comes time to purchase Shih Tzu puppies.

I suppose if it works in the world of politics to bad-mouth your competitor and opponents, it should work in all other situations is the thinking of individuals who stoop to this type of a tactic. And you definitely will meet up with this type in the show ring as well.

Simply label these behaviors for what they truly are, which is “unprofessional.” Don’t be “unprofessional.” Hold your head up high and always work as a true professional in anything you attempt to do in life. Do not join in with any kind of childish game playing. How you play your game is what will be remembered most.

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What sets the Shih Tzu apart from other breeds? The Shih Tzu is mysterious and charismatic. Its charm, self confidence and alert countenance is certainly very alluring. The Shih Tzu is highly intelligent. The Shih Tzu’s outgoing personality, big eyes with that warm and trusting expression is so hard to resist. Is a Shih Tzu going to be the right dog for you?

First of all, the Shih Tzu want to be with their people more than anything else in their lives. They do not do well in lonely kennels or when left alone for long periods of time. They have been bred for centuries to be a quintessential companion, always at your side, always in your presence craving love and attention. If you sit down, your Shih Tzu will want to immediately sit with you or an even better spot in the Shih Tzu’s mind, would be to jump into your lap and lavish you with kisses. Your Shih Tzu will want you to pet and snuggle him. If you are eating, your Shih Tzu will either beg you for a bite or sit waiting patiently until you give him a bite. In essence, if you want a constant loving companion by your side at all times, the Shih Tzu is probably right for you. If you have lots of time to stay home or are able to take your Shih Tzu along wherever you go, the Shih Tzu is probably right for you. By lots of time, I mean especially enough time to groom, socialize and exercise your Shih Tzu. The lifespan of a Shih Tzu is typically 11 to 15 years.

Shih Tzu are usually active, busy, curious and creative. You will need a variety of toys to help keep the Shih Tzu’s mind occupied. You will need a fenced-in yard or an area where you are able to walk your Shih Tzu for exercise. Shih Tzu are very good natured, but also very vivacious. Shih Tzu have a good sense of humor and would rather clown around than to be serious. Always keep in mind that Shih Tzu were bred to be ornamental or decorative pieces to have around, not for any particular work purpose. A Shih Tzu thinks just their presence is enough and anyone should be pleased to just be in their presence. They are proud and arrogant with a slight stubborn streak. A Shih Tzu has a mind of its own.

The Shih Tzu is a palace-dweller. For thousands of years the Shih Tzu had addresses in such places as imperial palaces, chez Dalai Lama, and with top political figures and dignitaries homes. It was a status symbol of wealth and dignity to own a Shih Tzu. To your small Shih Tzu companion, your safe and cozy home is its palace. Give your Shih Tzu a comfortable place to sleep (and I might add, the Shih Tzu discovers quite quickly that “your pillow” is the most comfortable spot to sleep), excellent care, high quality food and a loving family. Your Shih Tzu could not be happier. Although their stubborn streak may appear from time to time, the Shih Tzu can be trained quite successfully. Just use consistency and patience with your training lessons.

The Shih Tzu is strictly a house pet. Shih Tzu cannot tolerate harsh weather, either too cold or too hot, especially the heat. Shih Tzu need good ventilation, fresh air and a cool, protected area in warmer climates.

Shih Tzu require careful daily grooming. Most of the hair that is shed from a Shih Tzu’s coat will end up in the brush if you brush daily. They do very little shedding elsewhere. Shih Tzu are also less allergenic than most other breeds, which makes the Shih Tzu an ideal companion for adults or children who suffer from allergies and cannot house other types of pets.

Technorati Tags: Companion, Constant, Loving, Shih

Male laser hair removal treatments have been one of the fast-becoming hygienic techniques that the men of today consider. Although this type of beauty treatment has been originally popularized by women, the need to become fuzz-free already became an integral part of men’s routines.

In general concepts, this type of removal specifically for men works the same as that of for women. One of the most notable differences that it provides is the areas by which the treatment is done. Most men seeking male laser removal treatments have problematic and unwanted growth issues in their chest, back, legs and sometimes even on the face.

Removal of hair on males has not instantly been popular among men. The many inconveniences of traditional beauty removal remedies became the main reason why a lot of men nowadays opt for such new treatment.

Shaving body hair alone can provide a lot of inconveniences. For one, it grows back after only a couple of days. For people who are always on the go, this can become a very daunting morning task. The use depilatory creams and ointments also provide downsides. These products may contain substances that could cause certain allergic reactions to some individuals. Meanwhile, other think that using these “girlish” products make them feel unmanly. Top it over the fact that depilatory products cannot provide permanent relief even to those who are willing to sacrifice.

Male laser hair removal is conducted in spas and other similar medical environments. Only a licensed practitioner is capable of offering this kind of service. As its name implies, this type of treatment use heat to get rid of hair follicles. The practitioner uses a diode that emits this heat needed to uproot hair follicles. There might also be need to apply certain creams before and after the treatment.

The effect and number of sessions needed for removal of unwanted hair for men actually depend on the condition of the individual. There are those who enjoy one time session because the hair in the problematic area is thin. Others who have thicker hair growth need to come back for a few sessions.

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Elegant wedding favors are going to give you a chance to show your guests just how much you really appreciate them. There are many different styles and types of wedding favors to choose from including high class gifts and items that can be customized and changed to fit the theme of your big day. While there are so many important things to cross off of your wedding to-do list, favors might be the least of your worries. However, it is important for you to acknowledge your guests and show them your appreciation for coming to your reception and wedding.

Often, when you are planning your wedding you need to organize things based on how much importance they have. Therefore, the dress, wedding ceremony, tuxedo rentals, and other elements will likely come first. While that might make it seem like you don’t have a lot of room for your wedding favors at the end, you can still find some great items even when your budget is limited and you need high-end favors to impress your guests. There is no limit to what you can find as long as you are willing to look to see what is out there.

Elegant wedding favors can come in all styles and shapes. You can choose from stylish customized champagne glasses, high-end gifts like towel favors, and other wedding favors that you might not think of when you first think of favors for guests at your wedding. You want to make sure that your guests know that they are appreciated, which is why it is critical that you take the time to find the perfect favors, no matter how much or how little you have to spend. Wedding favors don’t have to be expensive to be elegant, because you can actually get a lot of class for very little cash.

Personalized wedding favors and high end designs are usually very cost-effective if you order them from the right places. Take the time to check out what you have to choose from, and figure out what message you want to send. If you have a certain theme or specific style to your wedding, you should consider that as well. All in all, as long as you take the time to find what you like, you will do just fine. Elegant wedding favors, no matter what they might be, are the perfect choice to show your appreciation for guests at any wedding celebration.

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When it comes to wedding traditions, the Chinese wedding culture is known for its colorful practices as well as sophisticated rituals. Chinese traditional marriage rituals became a custom between 402-221 B.C. Despite China’s long history and many different geographical areas, there are basically six rituals, generally known as the three letters and six etiquette. The Traditional Three Letters Unlike the western tradition in which the man and woman would usually go on courtship, engagement, then the wedding, Chinese tradition of marriage is commonly influenced by the parents or elders in which is usually initiated by a series of three letters.

The request letter is sent from the groom’s family to the bride’s family, and formally requests a marriage. The gift letter accompanies the gifts of the groom’s family to the bride’s family shortly before the wedding. The wedding letter is given on the day of the wedding, officially accepting the bride into the groom’s family. The Six Etiquette After the traditional letters have been successfully accomplished, the traditional six etiquette is then to follow. These etiquettes include: Proposal: When an unmarried boy’s parents find a potential daughter-in-law. They then located a matchmaker whose job was to assuage the conflict of interests and general embarrassments on the part of two families largely unknown to each other when discussing the possibility of marriage. Birthdates: If the potential daughter-in-law’s family did not object to the proposal, the matchmaker would then compare the couples’ birthdates. If according to Chinese astrology the couple is compatible they would then proceed to the next step. Bride price (Betrothal gifts): At this point the bridegroom’s family arranges for the matchmaker to present bride price (betrothal gifts), including the betrothal letter, to the bride’s family. Wedding gifts: The groom’s family will then send an elaborate array of food, cakes, and religious items to the bride’s family. Arranging the wedding: The two families will arrange a wedding day which will bring the most luck to the couple, again based on the Chinese calendar mythology. Wedding Ceremony: The final ritual is the actual wedding ceremony where bride and groom become a married couple, which consists of many elaborate parts including the wedding procession (wedding procession from bride’s home would march to the groom’s home), welcoming the bride (wedding procession of the bride’s family stops at the door of the groom’s home), actual wedding ceremonies (equivalent to exchanging vows in the west), and the wedding banquet (equivalent to wedding reception). For more information visit to our site at http://philippineweddingplanner.com

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If you are planning a bridal shower, you want everything to be perfect. From the theme, to the decorations, to the food, and to the games everything must be just right. With that in mind, special attention needs to also be placed on where your bridal shower will be located. The location of your bridal shower can have a huge impact on how your bridal shower theme turns out. It can also lend itself naturally to some wonderful activities that will be memorable for all that attend.

A Private Home or Apartment

When choosing to have the shower at a private home, the options really are wide open. If you are a traditionalist, then the bridal shower should be held at the maid of honor’s home. It is, however, perfectly fine to have the bridal shower at the home of the bride or at the bride or groom’s parent’s house, or at anybody else’s home you desire. There really are no restrictions as to whose house you can have the bridal shower at. Just be sure to choose a home that is spacious enough to accommodate all of your guests. Don’t forget that the presents will take up space, too! And, somehow, they seem to take up even more space after they are open, so be sure there is plenty of room for the gifts both before and after they are opened. You don’t want to be crowded or cramped in any way.

If you or someone you know lives in an apartment complex, you might also want to look into having the bridal shower on the roof of the apartment. This area is quite spacious and can be a great deal of fun. Empty lofts are another option of living space turned to bridal shower location.

You also need to be sure the home is located somewhere the bride and all of her guests can easily locate and get to. Your home may seem “perfect” in every way, but it won’t matter if no one can find it or if it is so far out of the way that it becomes a hassle.

A Park

A park can offer a pleasant outdoor atmosphere to be enjoyed by all guests. Often, parks have picnic areas that you can use to barbeque some enjoyable treats for guests. A park also lends itself naturally to fun outdoor activities for a “sports” or “outdoors” bridal shower theme.

A Bowling Alley

Many women are choosing to just go out for a night of bowling and pizza for their bridal shower. Typically, this would be a smaller group of women, such as just the bridal party. A bowling alley bridal shower does, however, lend itself well to a co-ed bridal shower because the atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable for the men, as well.

A Room in the Community Center or a Hall

A room in community center or a rented hall can be great for a bridal shower. Typically, these spaces were designed with special activities such as bridal showers in mind. Therefore, there should be plenty of space available for the

A Bar or Club

Sometimes, there is just nothing better than just going to a bar or club, particularly if those invited to your bridal shower enjoy dancing and having a “girls night out.” Just be sure to only invite those you know would be comfortable in this type of environment. A bar or club is also a good place to have a coed bridal shower.

A Room at Country Club or the Spa

Spending a day at the spa has become an increasingly popular bridal shower trend. This is generally a smaller party, as going to the spa can become quite costly. Often, just the women who are members of the bridal party enjoy this bridal shower. To spend a day at the spa, everyone usually signs up for two or three spa services. The job of the hostess is to ensure the space is available at the spa and to reserve a spot for lunch. At this time, gifts can be exchanged. Or, the guests might combine their money to pay for the spa treatment for the bride-to-be.

A Boat or Yacht

Renting a boat or Yacht for the day can be a great place for a bridal shower. You and your guests can enjoy the scenery and have a great time sailing away. A boat or a yacht can be perfect for a themed bridal shower, particularly if the bride-to-be enjoys sailing or likes gifts with a nautical theme, such as dolphins.

A Restaurant

Restaurant showers are gaining in popularity. This is largely because there is no clean up required afterward and it requires very little preparation. It is customary to pay for the food for guests invited to a bridal shower. You can, however, expect the guests to pay for their own meals and drinks while you provide dessert or a cake. Or, you can put a cap on the spending or only pay for pre-selected foods and drinks. If you won’t be paying for all of the food and drinks, be sure your guests are well aware ahead of time. In fact, this information should be included on the invitation.

Technorati Tags: Bridal, Event, Perfect, places, Shower

Ladies, if you want to make you wedding night extra special, remember to wear your bridal lingerie.

That special night will be even more special if you’re wearing something special to go along with it. The most beautiful night of your life should be even more exciting when you wear risqué lingerie. After the wedding and the honeymoon, your marriage will come down to earth as you deal with the realities of making a home and a life together. So make your wedding night extra memorable for both your groom and yourself by wearing bridal lingerie.

Although you can wear almost any kind of risqué lingerie on your wedding night, traditional bridal lingerie is usually white to symbolize purity. It is often (but not always) made of satin and/or lace and adorned with pearls or light-colored sequins- similar to your wedding dress.

Some brides wear there bridal lingerie underneath their wedding dress and some don’t. If your special wedding night lingerie matches your wedding dress nicely and is comfortable, it might be nice to wear it underneath. One disadvantage of doing so, however, is that wedding dresses are made to be beautiful, not comfortable, and the dress alone might make you very hot underneath. Having more satin on underneath will only make you hotter. Cotton might be a better choice- it’s cooler, and it’ll absorb some of the sweat. Plus, you don’t want to get your fantasy lingerie all sweaty- you won’t have time to wash it before you need to wear it that night. So you’ll probably want to save it for your wedding night festivities, or at least get two outfits- one for under your wedding dress, and one for in your wedding bed.

When you choose your bridal lingerie, you’ll have many choices. The most popular wedding night fantasy lingerie is a white lingerie corset with matching panties and white stockings. That might not be your style, so any white revealing lingerie would be acceptable. For example you could wear baby doll lingerie with crotchless lingerie panties; a flirty lingerie bra with satin lingerie panties; or even a sheer lingerie lace gown with no panties. And remember that full figure lingerie is available for brides, too.

When you are planning your wedding keep in mind that your wedding night is a one time event. So don’t be afraid to make it as exciting and romantic as you want it to be. The lingerie you choose will have a major impact in how exciting your wedding night turns out to be. No matter what you wear, your groom will surely be very excited.

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Just because you live in a small home or apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog. There are many small and toy breeds that make excellent pets for small homes. But even small dogs like variety and exercise, so it is important that you are prepared to spend time with your dog, take her for walks and ensure that she gets the best care. Once you have made that commitment to yourself, you can choose which breed of dog is most suitable to you and your lifestyle.

Small dog breeds make the cutest puppies, and one of the cutest small dog puppies around is the Maltese. This popular small dog breed generally grows to no more than six or seven pounds in weight, and has a beautiful white coat. The Maltese is a very ancient dog breed and has a strong constitution, though it should not be kept in very hot areas, due to the thick coat. The Maltese enjoys walks and is very playful. A great companion if you want a lively little pet and will enjoy the grooming chores.

Another delightful long haired small dog breed is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This lovely small dog is as courtly as its name and weighs about twice as much as a Maltese. The King Charles is a friendly and sociable small dog, well known for giving a lifetime of loyal attachment. This is the ideal dog if you prefer to lead a quiet life.

Top of the line in long haired small dog breeds is the Lowchen, as long as you enjoy spending long hours brushing, and don’t mind the hefty price tag. The beautiful Little Lion’ dog can cost around $1000. A true indoors dog, the Lowchen is no exercise fanatic but owners have reportedseparation anxiety’ to be a problem, so don’t get this dog breed if you are away for long hours every day.

If you want a pet with a shorter coat, try the Miniature Fox Terrier. This lively little dog will need lots of exercise, and appreciates having a collection of toys. Fox terriers can be yappy, so your pet may need to go to obedience school if she annoys the neighbors. This is a healthy and low maintenance dog breed, suitable for the owner who just wants to enjoy having a pet without all the grooming fuss.

A more sleek and elegant short haired pet is the Italian greyhound, and if you want a pet that enjoys exercise, this is the dog breed for you. Owners report that the Italian greyhound is a very well behaved dog, but prone to stress, so it is not a suitable pet where there are small children. This dog breed grows to a height of about 15 inches but is very lightweight – around 5 pounds.

The Welsh corgi is one of the classic small dog breeds, and very popular with Queen Elizabeth II of England. They will be popular with you, too, if you want a playful, affectionate pet. The Welsh corgi comes in two breeds, the Cardigan and the Pembrokeshire. The Pembrokeshire is smaller and more popular than the Cardigan, but both make faithful pets for small homes.

Finally, there is the ultimate small dog breed for apartment living – the toy poodle. Naturally popular in Europe, the toy poodle is somewhat high maintenance regarding its fluffy coat, but a surprisingly undemanding pet. Toy poodles love to play and appreciate having their own toys, but they are easy to train and adapt to their owners. Like most pets, the toy poodle prefers company to being left alone, but if you spend a lot of time away from home, perhaps you should think twice about getting a pet anyway!

Copyright © 2006, Ian White

Technorati Tags: Breeds, Homes, Small

Having owned a particular breed of dog in the past is a definite advantage, when it comes to picking a new puppy. Experience may either work for or against the breed of dog you owned before. But, what happens if you’ve never own a dog before, and your not sure what to look for. Here’s a short but helpful list to get you started. I’m sure you’ll be able to build on it once you’ve given it some thought.

It’s A Matter Of Breeding

The size of the dog is probably the first most visible and obvious characteristic. If you live in a tiny studio apartment, a greyhound would probably not be an ideal choice.

Your primary reason for wanting a dog. There are plenty of reasons people have for wanting a dog. Such as: breeding, obedience training, a watchdog, a show dog, or simply for companionship.

The strength and size of a breed you may have in mind. I suspect your eight year old son or daughter may have a difficult taking the Great Dane around the block for a walk.

If your dog is a runner, or one who likes to cuddle in your lap is something to consider. Living in a house with plenty of acreage is great for dogs that need a lot of exercise.

Not all dogs are well suited to a family with children, and some dogs will simply be too energetic and rambunctious for older or less mobile owners.

Some dogs require more companionship then others. If your going to be out of the house eight hours a day for seven days a week, then maybe a less demanding dog would be appropriate for you. Or maybe one of those aloof cats, who could care less is the answer.

Dogs with very long hair will require more time and care from you when it comes to grooming. Or perhaps, more frequent trips and a larger budget for the dog grooming shop are the answer.

If your lead a very active lifestyle, perhaps with plenty of walking, hiking, running, then make sure you look at a breed that is appropriate for this level of activity. Not all dogs want or require a lot of exercise.

The climate of your geographical location is also important when choosing a breed. Some dogs such as the Bulldog, will suffer through breathing problems in a very hot climate. Long coated dogs will find the change of seasons to encourage coat shedding. Maybe not great for the person picking up the hair, but good for the dog.

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Tuxedo accessories such as different colored vests, ties and cummerbunds are a great way to match a woman’s outfit or dress. Learn more about tuxedo accessories with tips from tuxedo tailor in this free video on formal wear. Expert: Grace Sippel Bio: Grace Sippel owns Cottonwood Bridal Boutique in Cottonwood Az. Filmmaker: Chuck Tyler

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