Sports Legendaries - Holland Soccer Stars Throughout time, the Holland national soccer team gave out some truly outstanding players, most of them surpassing the status of Holland soccer stars and becoming famous on an international level. Here is an overview of Holland's all-time soccer stars that includes players such as Dennis Bergkamp, Johan Cruyff, Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard or Marco Van Basten, players that have changed the way the game is played and marked their name in the international hall of fame. But enough blabber, let's get down to business:

Holland Soccer Stars Johan Cruyff

Cruyff is considered THE most important Dutch soccer player of all times and he gained legendary status wherever he played, be it for Ajax Amsterdam, FC Barcelona or even Feyenoord. Cruyff is also considered third in a list of the best all times soccer players, following Pele and Maradona closely (some even say he was over Maradona, as Maradona had feats of brilliance combined with poor games, whereas Cruyff kept a high standard for himself all throughout his career). He redefined modern soccer as we know it with his game style and vision on the pitch and many football specialists agree that Johan Cruyff was one of the smartest and most calculated players ever to feel the grass of a soccer stadium.

Holland Soccer Stars Ruud Gullit

Gullit was one of the most important Holland soccer stars during the 80s and 90s and he was amongst the first to define the "complete midfielder". That meant that he could play almost any position in midfield his coach would place him in, from a defensive role to a supporting playmaker or an attacking midfielder. Together with Marco Van Basten and Frank Rijkaard, he succeeded in bringing Holland their first international cup ever, winning the 1988 European Championship.

Holland Soccer Stars Frank Rijkaard

Together with Gullit and van Basten, Rijkaard formed an internationally renowned midfield triangle for both his club, AC Milan and his national side. Based on this triangle, AC Milan had a tremendously successful period, winning the European Cup (today's Champions League) twice and the Serie A championship on two editions. The same success soon came on at national level as well, as Holland won the 1988 European Championship with a team based on the three magnificent players. Although Frank Rijkaard didn't stand out as much as Ruud Gullit or van Basten, since he had a more defensive role in the squad, but playing alongside his two "side-kicks" he would form an unstoppable midfield for any team.

Holland Soccer Stars Marco Van Basten

Although no one can reach Johan Cruyff's throne as the most important Holland soccer star of all time, van Basten came close enough and definitely closer than anyone else could. His tremendous career at Ajax and AC Milan as well as his goals for the Holland national soccer team made a lot of people see Cruyff's successor in van Basten. Unfortunately, after several successful seasons with AC Milan and winning the European Championship with his home country in 1988, van Basten suffered a career-ending injury at one of his ankles, when he was just age 30.

Holland Soccer Stars Dennis Bergkamp

Dennis Bergkamp was part of a particular group of strikers: those guys that seem harmless 85 minutes of the match, only to blast the other team into oblivion for the remaining 5. Bergkamp will probably remain known in the history book of soccer by three things: his fear of flight that didn't allow him to join overseas matches, his incredible goals (fewer than many other strikers, but definitely more artful) and his loyalty for English side Arsenal London, for whom Bergkamp played for 11 seasons.

Niv Orlian is the author and the owner of http://www.soccer-fans-info.com a website that provides information on various topics related to soccer such as the history of soccer, rules, famous soccer players, real time news, statistics, and training guides.

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  Preparing Your Dog For It's First Competition Planning to enter your puppy or dog in a competition of any kind is a bit nerve wracking, especially if you have not competed before. A great idea is to plan to attend several events prior to your competition and talk to some of the handlers, trainers and owners that are at the event and are showing dogs in the same type of competition that you are entering. Most dog owners and lovers are very willing to help out and provide information on how to get started in the various competitions. Getting advice from people that are actively involved in showing dogs is a wonderful way to get your questions answered and to get some practical tips on preparing both yourself and the dog for the event.

Tips for Preparing Your Dog

Often dogs have trouble concentrating on the event or competition the first few times that they are in the ring. There are so many new and different activities going on that the dog may be distracted or even a bit frightened of all the people, noises and even the lights and design of the ring or event course. Taking your dog, as a spectator, to several competitions can help with normalizing them to the environment that they will be in during the competition. Some of the larger competitions do not allow dogs in that are not entered, but as the owner you can still attend, get an idea of what is happening within the venue and then create similar environments for your dog.

Some ideas for similar events for your dog to get used to crowds and noises is to take the dog to:

Parks

Beaches

Walking through downtown areas

Going to various community events

Walking the dog with other groups of dogs

Be sure to gradually introduce your dog to these events and make sure that they are confident in large crowds, with other dogs, and even with noises and bright lights. Be sure to check in all areas for any prohibited areas to take your dog before starting this desensitization process.

Consider hiring a professional trainer or handler to work with you and your dog for a few weeks prior to the show or event. The professional can help prepare you to work with your dog in the ring or during the event. If you are planning on using a handler rather than working with the dog yourself begin allowing the handler and dog to work together several weeks before the event so they are comfortable with each other.

Bathing and Grooming

The day of the event can be very hectic and chaotic, so bathing and grooming the dog as much as possible in advance can help prepare for the event. Consider bathing the dog the day before and just doing minor touch-ups the day of the competition. Shine products and any specialized grooming should be done immediately before the competition. Be sure to walk the dog and allow them to use the bathroom before the competition and avoid feeding them just prior to the event. Always allow plenty of fresh water but be careful to control the amount or water consumed within an hour of the event.

Always be as positive towards your dog as possible during the event. Most dogs quickly learn the fun of competing and soon are just as eager to go to events as the owners.

Kelly Marshall is a popular contributor at http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com - where you can find dog beds, dog steps, pet ramps, and more unique dog gear that you'll never find at your local pet store.

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  Shih Tzu The Hotly Contested Question Of Shih Tzu Size Part III There is a highly important article presented by a Norweigan Shih Tzu fancier of which the authors name is not given. It is thought to be almost certain, however, the article was written by Dr. Walter Young, author of Some Canine Breeds of Asia.

The article was published in Peiping shortly before the first Peking Kennel Club Show. The articles states: at least as common as good Pekingese in Peiping are the Tibetans, the shock-headed long-coated little dogs which came to China during the Manchu dynasty as gifts from the grand lamas at Lhasa. The writer continues to say: it is a novel little breed, and complained at that time, no effort is made to distinguish what is quite evidently two distinct types, one considerably larger and higher on the leg than the other.

These types of dogs described as being considerably larger and higher on the leg than the other were commonly bred by Chinese fanciers and sold in the dog markets on fair days. The writer placed these dogs as ones who must be in the non-sporting group, and admitted there was much confusion about the breed, and even in those days, was very inaccurate information being spread about the different sizes of the Shih Tzu. The article does confirm the theory regarding the existence of two types of Shih Tzu in Peking, at least as far as the 1930s were concerned: one of a very small variety, in size more or less similar to the Pekingese, the other larger and apparently closely resembling what we now call the Apso, although smaller, and with shorter legs. The writer was also aware of many cases of crossing of Shih Tzu and Pekingese.

When Princess Der Ling came to Peking and shared her knowledge with the Countess dAnjou, the full truth about the palace dogs of old began to emerge. Peking fanciers began to do their best to restore to the Shih Tzu something of the imperial grandeur which had been its birthright in happier days. The Japanese occupation of Peking in the summer of 1937 which was followed by the attack on Pearl Harbor 4 years later, brought an end to their hopes and dreams.

Some very valuable information regarding Shih Tzu size and weight is in the form of a personal letter, dated May, 1955, written by the Countess dAnjou to Mrs. L.G. Widdrington, leading English fancier and widely recognized authority on palace lion dog history. The letter in its entirety can be found in the American Shih Tzu News of March, 1967. The standard that was made out for France set weight limits for the Shih Tzu of 11-22 pounds. The whole standard is also said to have met with the complete approval of two other French fanciers from pre-Pearl Harbor Peking. It is highly unlikely either of them knew nearly as much about the breeds history as the Countess. The available evidence suggest their experience of Shih Tzu dates from the confused period before the Princess Der Ling arrived in Peking to bring to light the full truth about the Imperial Lion Dogs as she had known them in the palace.

The Countess went on in her letter to make it quite clear that she was far from happy about the weight limits permitted. She had accepted them against her better judgement. She did not regard such a weight range as historically correct or even as desirable. The Countesss letter to Mrs. Widdrington states: Yes, I did think the Shih Tzu too big in England. They really should be under 12 pounds. In fact, there were two classes in Peking, up to 12 pounds (which would include our little 6 pound teacups today) and over 12 pounds were judged separately. They never had the big ones in the Imperial Palace

Presently, the American Kennel Club standard for size does not regard the weight of under 9 pounds as being appropriate for the ideal Shih Tzu, and to be accepted by the American Kennel Club show ring competitions. This size is not allowed in the AKC show ring. All who love this size, must accept this fact as it is.

However, we must also face the facts that these smaller size Shih Tzu are the result of days gone-by breeding practices. It is not at all true that the smaller Shih Tzu are sickly or have greater health problems than the larger Shih Tzu. It is not at all true that breeders who produce the smaller size Shih Tzu are guilty of being irresponsible, in-breeding and line-breeding with close relatives to obtain the small size, and doing just about anything to get these small sizes for the sake of more money.

Shih Tzu puppies from the standard size Shih Tzu show ring requirements are priced at much higher prices and are capable of having just as many, if not more, health problems due to the fact that anytime animals are bred to meet a specific weight, look and requirement, a type has to be set in. Type is set in by in-breeding and line-breeding. Negative attributes, such as any health problems in the bloodlines are passed onto offspring just as the positive attributes of those that make a Shih Tzu beautiful for the Showring.

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

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  Adopting a Rescue Dog Adopting an unwanted dog from an animal shelter can be a good idea for many people who want a dog. Some prospective dog owners are put off the idea because they believe that these canines are difficult animals, that they were only abandoned because of behavioural difficulties. In most cases, this is very far from the truth. Most dogs end up in a dog shelter for various reasons other than their own behaviour or personality. Common reasons are things such as the owners no longer have time to look after a dog, they're moving from a house into an apartment, they owners are divorcing and neither of them can or want to take the dog, the owner dies or goes into a nursing home, the owner cannot afford the costs of owning a dog, or a new baby is expected and the dog doesn't fit in to the new lifestyle. These dogs are good, well-trained, well-behaved and loyal pets and they are seeking a new home through no fault of their own.

Rescue dogs can be a very good choice for many people who simply don't want the difficulties that training a young puppy can entail. It goes without saying that puppies need a lot of time and patience to house-train them, to socialize them, to teach them how to be a good dog in later life. In a rescue dog, you will find very often that this initial hard work has already been done, and you will be able to give a homeless dog a good home that he will truly appreciate.

It is of course necessary to bear in mind that some rescue dogs will have initial problems in adjusting to a new environment and a new lifestyle, they may need re-training or need to un-learn habits, but you will probably find that this is less work than the training a puppy needs in the first year of its life! An adult dog has the advantages of being calmer, and his looks, temperament and size will already be established and known.

If you are seriously considering adopting a homeless dog then the first thing to do is to find out as much as you can about the dog's history. If he is in a shelter, the staff there will be able to tell you everything they know. If the dog is still with his owners, then ask them as many questions as possible to get an idea of where the dog came from and what life he has led, what training he has received and any medical history that is available. Find out the age of the dog if possible, if he has been house-trained, if he is used to children and other animals, if he happy travelling in the car. Has the dog been neutered, wormed and inoculated? Are there any on-going behavioural problems that you should be aware of? Make a list of questions and write some notes to help you remember any important points. It is important to bear in mind that a dog's behaviour at a shelter may not be representative of his behaviour in your home. Try to see the dog at least a couple of times before deciding to adopt him, and take him for a walk on the lead if possible to see how he walks and how he responds to you on a one-to-one basis.

Once you have taken gone ahead and adopted your dog, begin straight away with consistent kind firmness. Establish the rules from the moment the dig enters your home so that he can learn what is expected of him. Remember he will be confused by his change of surroundings and may well miss his previous owners, the shelter staff or other dogs. If he has not been house-trained or is confused about what he should do in your home, start a firm but kind training schedule to teach him where he must toilet in the future. Positive reward-based training is the best course of action be firm, consistent and above all, patient!

Make an appointment with your vet to have the dog examined and establish an inoculation schedule. Some behavioural problems and house-training difficulties can stem from medical problems, especially in older dogs, so your vet may be able to advise you about these too.

If this is your first dog, then read lots of books and articles about caring for and training your new friend. Search for different games and ways of interacting together that also build obedience, confidence and a bond between the two of you. With patience and understanding, rescuing a homeless dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life for both you and your dog.

Justine Kay is an experienced dog owner and trainer. She is the webmistress at http://www.dogs-trainingtips.com where she writes dog training articles and discusses the intricacies of dog psychology.

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