Having an Australian Shepherd for a pet can be a source of pride and joy. This kind of breed is used to an active lifestyle and can be a very useful companion if you live an active lifestyle too. To maximize the breed's potential, it is important to know how to train the Australian Shepherds. Commonly called Aussies, they originated from the U.S. trained as herding dog in farms. A medium sized, stout, well-balanced country dog characterized by its triangular shaped ears set high on the side of the head and slightly rounded at the tip. These animals have a strong, deep chest and squarely stand on all fours. Its docked bobtail is one identifying character. Masculinity and femininity is evident in Australian Shepherds. Height: Dogs 20-23 inches (52-58cm.Female 18-21 inches. Weight: Male 50-65 lbs Female 40-55 lbs.) Personality Aussies are fun loving and easy going animals. They love to play around. They enjoy rough playing. They may be playful but they are also quiet and reserved around people. Dedicated, caring and always ready to please their masters. In fact, this animal is said to possess a sixth sense about what their master wants. They love doing tasks expected of them and they do it with so much enthusiasm. Kinds would love having this animal to play with but they display a guarded behavior around strangers. it is essential to get them exposed to people and other dogs at an early stage to hone their social skills and learn to discern between a friend and foe. Because herding is inherent with this breed, it is important for them to undergo obedience training to have control over their exuberance around children. Australian Shepherd dog training should involve plenty of brisk activities to enhance their well being. An obedience training school is highly recommended for them to learn how to properly channel and control their energy. Australian Shepherds energy should be channeled to productive activities and training to avoid destructive behavior they might display once their pent up energy is not released. They are happy when they are doing something rather than lazing around. Rough housing, playing around, jumping and running are characteristics of a normal Aussie. Life span of Australian Shepherds is 12 years and up. Active Aussie’s appetite is generally bigger than other dogs of the same size so ensure that you feed him plenty of high quality food. A lot of preparation and commitment is required when planning to own this kind of breed. Life with well-trained Australian Shepherd dogs can be both enjoyable and rewarding since they are loyal and hardworking.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
The Basics of Beagle Puppy Care: What You Need to Know
Beagles are a popular breed because of their cuteness and friendly disposition. It is important to learn more about beagle puppy care and puppy health care in general prior to taking your little bundle of joy home.Overall, beagles are a low-maintenance breed but they are pretty energetic and require a lot of attention. Make sure someone in your family is willing and able to spend 30 minutes to an hour per day playing with your beagle puppy or taking him out to exercise.
Feeding and Beagle Puppy Care
One of the most important points to remember in beagle puppy care is to feed your beagle puppy high quality dry food because it is best for his digestion and teeth. Avoid feeding your beagle table scraps and when you do give treats as rewards, break them up into small pieces. Beagles love to eat and you have to be careful about how much food you give them since they do tend to overeat. Overweight beagles can have many health problems like heart disease and arthritis.
Grooming and Beagle Puppy Care
Grooming in beagle puppy care is pretty simple. Just brush your beagle puppy’s coat a few times a week and use a hound glove to keep his coat shiny. Also use a fine tooth flea comb to remove dirt, fleas, and loose hairs. Beagles shed moderately.They do not require any special grooming and don’t need to be bathed frequently.
Training Your Beagle Puppy
Beagles are naturally chasers so it is important to keep them confined in a fenced yard so they don’t escape.Anytime you take your beagle puppy for a walk, make sure to keep him on a leash so he doesn’t run off.Beagles are very social and love to play with other dogs and people so an important aspect of beagle puppy care is frequently giving your beagle puppy love and attention.
House training your beagle puppy will be relatively easy. In beagle puppy care and training your best bet is to make your puppy sleep in a crate in order to develop bladder control. It is also important to train your puppy by rewarding him rather than punishing him.Many veterinarians and breeders recommend obedience classes in order to teach your new puppy to behave properly and obediently.
Beagle puppies are playful companions that are an incredibly cute addition to any household. Beagle puppy care is not high maintenance but you do have to do a little homework before taking your beagle puppy home. Make sure to find a good veterinarian to stay in touch with if any problems arise and above all, make sure to give your beagle all the love and attention he needs.
How To Choose A Pet From A Puppy Adoption Center
One of the best ways to get a puppy for free is to go to a puppy adoption center and adopt a puppy. Not only will you get a dog for free if you adopt a puppy from the puppy adoption center, you also help some poor little fellow find a home. Just think of how happy that little beagle will be if you take it out of the beagle puppy adoption center and bring it home.
Although adopting a puppy is a good idea, you should be extra careful when it comes to selecting puppies at the puppy adoption center. Bear in mind that most dogs that are rescued have gone through a lot of bad experiences in the past which made then wary about trusting people, especially strangers like you. Since most of these puppies have not really been treated well in the past, many of these are sick and may need a lot of medical attention. To make sure that you get the right puppy from the puppy adoption center, here are some things that you need to do before you decide to bring the puppy home.
Check The Puppy's Medical Record
Before you decide to adopt a puppy, ask for medical records of that puppy first. Most puppy adoption centers keep medical records of the puppies that they have rescued. Just ask the puppy adoption center records officer for the records of the puppy that you want to adopt so that you can study it thoroughly. You may also ask the veterinarian who examined the puppy about the condition of the puppy. Know everything there is to know about the medical condition of the puppy before you bring it home. You don't want to be caught off guard when it comes to your pet's health.
Test The Temperament Of The Puppy
Some puppies are grumpy and some are not. If you don't want to be stuck with a little dog with an attitude, you better give the little fellow a temperament test before you decide to bring it home. For instance, you can roll the puppy on its back and rub its tummy to determine if the puppy likes to be touched. Another way to test the temperament of the puppy is to play with the puppy's ears. Tug and squeeze the ears a little but do not hurt the puppy. If the puppy growls when you try to play with its ears, you would be better off if you just leave the little fellow at the puppy adoption center.
For more about puppies please visit www.puppycareblog.com
Cat Toilet Training in Two Quick Steps
Virtually everybody had an indoor cat knows what a mission it is, to frequently take care of a litter box. And so many owners of house cats also know what an even more unnerving task it is when the kitty doesn't take the litter box! For sure there are those among us always dreaming of more important things and do not want to improve litter box cleaning. For these kitty owners, there is good news now. Yes, believe it or not, your cat can be trained, to use an actual toilet. When you are toilet training your cat, you will teach it to move from using a litter box to using a toilet. If this sounds too good to be true, temper your imagination a bit with the recognition that you may still have to flush the toilet for your cat.
1. Changing the Place of Your Cat's Litter Box
If your cat's litter box is not already in the bathroom, you will need to move it there. The cat litter box should be near the toilet on the floor for several days. After a couple of days you will raise the litter box up several inches using something very stable to sit under it. In case you have no furniture fitting this description, you can use books if they are stacked in a stable fashion. Of course it is the goal, to reach the point where the rim of the cat litter box and the toilet bowl are even. Then you should put a sturdy aluminum pan over the toilet bowl in a way that will support your cat without wobbling as you start the toilet training. Limit the amount of kitty litter now to less than an inch across the surface of the pan.
2. How to make your Kitty feel Comfortable when using its new Toilet Seat
When you have taken away the litter box and have the kitty using only the pan, you are ready to begin the last part of toilet training of your cat. You will begin the training by making some holes in the bottom of one side of the pan. Of course, you will need to cut back on the cat litter so it doesn't leave through the toilet. In addition to that, you should consider using flushable kitty litter at this time. The holes will force your kitty to put its front paws on the toilet seat when it potties. After your cat has been doing this for several days, you should make holes on the opposite side of the pan and that the cat will be standing completely on the toilet seat. The not so easy step of the toilet training instructions is that after your cat has been doing this with success for a some time, you have to totally remove the pan. If you trained your cat with success, your kitty will now take the bathroom toilet!
One Final Word on Toilet Training your Cat
These 2 steps take maybe as long as two to three months with a narrow minded, older cat. So be patient with your canine. Try to remember that water isn't something felines are usually comfortable around. Don't give up if your cat doesn't use the toilet every time it has to go. Don't throw away your pan in case your feline friend is resistant or at some time down the road prefers to not using this toilet. Put the pan back on the toilet and the cat can be re-trained to use the toilet again pretty quickly. The advantages of toilet training your cat are plentiful.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Useful Pointers When Picking Feeders Bird Baths
The beauty of your yard or garden is enhanced when you have bird baths or bird feeders in them. The colorful birds and the decorative bird feeders, as well as bird baths, add life to your garden. For those who enjoy birding as a hobby, a decorative bird feeder can be a perfect gift. Apart from beauty and the looks, considerable thought must be given to the utility and functionality of the feeders bird baths. One cannot be compromised for the other.
The bird bath is an artificial puddle of water created for the birds to have bath and drink water. A shallow basin is put on a pedestal and a depth of two inches is sufficient for the wild birds, as they do not submerge their entire body in the water. They just dip their wings and splash water all over the body. You can heat up the water in bird bath with solar bird baths. The wild and migratory birds can get warm water to bathe in during the winter from your backyard. You can even add a suet bird feeder during the winter months.
The feeders bird baths should be cleaned regularly to maintain proper hygiene and to prevent the spread of any diseases. Different species of birds carry different harmful viruses and bacteria, which could affect the health of other birds. It is amazing how fast the feeders bird baths can get dirty. The bird bath can be scrubbed clean; however, a tablet containing naturally occurring bacteria and enzymes can be used to break down organic waste and keep the bird bath clean with less scrubbing, which will leave more time for bird watching.
The positioning of the feeders bird baths should be such that they provide shelter to the wild birds when there is a possibility of attack from birds of prey or other predators. Usually, a big tree or a big bush in your garden or yard can provide shelter. Bushes bearing berries can act both as shelter as well as a food source to the birds. When there is a sign of an attack, the birds can fly immediately and save themselves. With all the flying involved, migratory birds will love the warmth and safety of your feeders bird bath.
How To Attract Birds Of Different Species
Bird watching, or "birding," is actually a very fun and relaxing pastime that you can do while spending time with your family. With so many birds of varied types, you can easily get the attention of these feathered-creatures as long as you provide them with the right bird feeding environment, such as with bird feeders that are full of wild bird food. To choose the right type of feeder and seed, it is important that you understand and identify the types of birds you wish to attract.
The first thing to do is to learn more about the varied types of feeders. In general, the various species of birds can use any one of the four varieties of feeders, which are the hopper bird feeders, tube feeders, tray feeders, and the suet bird feeders. The most common of them are the hopper feeders and typically they look like a gazebo or a barn. On the other hand, a tube feeder is cylindrical in shape and is designed with a number of perches, with tiny holes in the tube for feeding. Tray feeders, also called platform feeders or ground feeders, can provide you with an unobstructed view of birds since you can place these feeders close to the ground. These types of feeders generally have an open design. Suet feeders are made from wires and hold suet cakes. Aside from these four common types, there is also the Hummingbird feeder, which will attract this incredibly unique bird for your viewing pleasure.
The next step is to decide which wild birds you wish to attract. Birds of various species call for different types of wild bird seed; however, hopper feeders are ideal for all types of birds and birdseed. If you wish to attract smaller birds, such as Nuthatches or Chickadees, then tube feeders are suitable. Larger species can easily use the platform or ground feeders. It also helps a lot to check and observe your backyard for predators and seed stealing animals; the biggest nuisances being the squirrels. It is practical, therefore, to go for squirrel-free bird feeders like the tube or suet feeders. These are good squirrel proof feeders, which the animals often have a hard time raiding.
Birds of different species, in general, will accept any bird seed. Also, your bird feeders should always be kept clean; otherwise, dirt, mold and bacteria might develop on the feeder and might be hazardous to the birds. There are some considerations you need to think about when it comes to caring for migratory birds. The most important of it all is to have the proper feeder and lots of food, especially through the long, cold winter months.
Mobile Pet Grooming Lightens Your Load
It's far from uncommon for pet owners to consider their pets as members of the family. These pet owners, of course, are well aware that they are the primary caretaker of their pet's wellbeing.So they should be ready to lavish the love, care and tending that is needed. Part of that is paying attention to your pet's grooming requirements.
A number of pet owners might be inclined to overlook the significance of their pet's grooming. This might be due to either money or time constraints. However, for those who just aren't able to spare the time, there's a marvelous alternative. The solution is as simple as a phone call to a nearby mobile pet grooming service. It's an ideal means of ensuring that your pet experiences the fuss and bother that will help him remain sleek and ensure his well being.
Time starved pet owners are fast discovering the benefits of mobile pet grooming services. That's due to the fact that the ease of calling up a mobile pet grooming service to pay a call to your home simply cannot be beat. You might be too busy with your job, maybe you travel a lot, or you're at home but have too many other responsibilities to give your pet the attention it needs. It's as easy as making an appointment with a mobile pet grooming company.
There's no doubt that this will be a convenient option for you. But there's nothing more critical than ensuring that all the grooming personnel that deal directly with your pet hold its health and safety as a priority. While checking out various mobile pet grooming services you need to ensure that you know some facts about them prior to entrusting your pet with them. Look into how long they've been in operation. So you'll gain some insight into how well they know their business. As well, make inquiries regarding the staff that they employ to ascertain their education and training.
Legitimate mobile pet grooming services will have no issues with helping you understand all the details you should be aware of. The majority of businesses out there have your pet's best interests at heart. So the staff will empathize with your worries. There should be no impatience or reluctance to answer your questions.
A session with a mobile pet groomer won't last that long. However, you need to make certain that it's a safe and pleasurable event. That way your pet will look forward to future visits.
Prepare Your Own Organic Dog Food
You know all the benefits of shifting to an organic diet for a sounder and healthier living. But are you aware that your pet can profit from feeding organic dog food, too? By shifting your dog to an organic pet food, you can help to secure that he or she experiences a richer, healthier lifetime; with fewer trips to the vet, more vigour, and improved universal health.
You might even be able to save lots of your money by producing your personal brand of organic dog food right in your own kitchen. Not merely does this present you the piece of mind of knowing that you’re giving your dog a chance for a more appreciable lifetime, but likewise the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ve saved a bunch of money in the operation.
A Success Formula
One of the first things that you need to have available when you go to fix your own organic dog food is an air-tight container to store the finished food in. Do-it-yourself dog food should only be stored for a few days, no more than four or five, so be sure not to prepare any more than your four-legged friend can finish in that time. Organic dog food should be fed in much the corresponding style as standard dog food; for instance, if your dog currently consumes a cup of dry food per day, then the like quantity of your homemade food should be comfortable.
The next highly important part of your organic dog food are the constituents you use. Choose solely the cleanest ground beef, turkey, or chicken that you would feed your family, and you will help to guarantee that your pet eats as healthy as you. Fix the meat you select thoroughly, and blend it into a nice ground in your blender or food processor.
Picking Out veggies for your organic dog food is also significant. Dogs demand beta carotene as much as humans do for good eyesight, so we commend grinding several carrots (three or four) through your blender into a pure pulp. Mix any meat and veggies together and add some cups of well prepared, brown rice to tie it all together. This should later be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator, and given to your dog on a frequent schedule.
As you can envision, cooking your personalised nourishing organic dog food is simple as pie, and it solely adds a few bucks to your grocery budget every week. If you have a breed of dogs that necessitates nutritional supplementations, you will discover that they can be easily blended with your organic and healthy dog food mixture, in order to take the hassle out of giving them to your dog.
Why Cats Make The Best Pets
Today's domesticated cat has become the pet of choice for millions of people worldwide. In the USA alone, over 30 million domestic pet cats now eclipse the dog population by several million, with the gap increasing each day. Why has the domestic feline become so popular? What is it about this puzzling animal that so many of us find appearling?
The answer to this certainly has to be the ambiguous nature of the cat. Highly intelligent, it possess a rare combination of characteristics not found in other domestic pets. Intriguing and quiet, poised and self-sufficient, athletic and fastidious, the domestic cat is seldom needy. It appreciates company but is also content to spend time alone for hours on end, making it an ideal pet for single people especially, let alone a family.
This independent trait, a result of felines in nature living a largely solitary life, gives the household cat a slightly cavalier attitude for life; for them, the sun does not rise and fall with humans, although they appreciate what we have to offer, thank you very much.
The capability cats have to survive, with or without humans could just be one of the main reasons why we like them so much. Emotionally needy pets (or people) tend to grate on the nerves after some time; cats are charming egocentric creatures. This, combined with their grace, dignity, beauty, and ease of care, make them always desirable.
Humans also love cats because they say, " we are your roommate, not your servant," and for their ability to recognize the value of a good nap. And who does not appreciate the cat's clean, fastidious nature and built-in toilet training? The best of luck to you in getting a Schnauzer puppy to use a litter box!
Cats enjoy all the attention we humans lavish upon them, though they will, given the chance, never confess it. They are content to remain with us because we love them and look after them, but if we vanished from the planet anytime soon, it#s more than likely that the cat would mourn a bit, meow some, and then continue with the business of finding a furry morsel to eat - all the while lampooning the millions of rudderless, sad pooches wandering around aimlessly, trying to gigure out what to do next.
In my experience, closer bonds have been developed with a cat when an owner doesn't smother the animal with unwanted affection at times when the cat just wants its own space. As my grandmother used to say: "You'll never own a cat but one may choose to live with you".
Monday, December 29, 2008
Training Your Dog - The "Lay Down" Command
Training your dog to obey commands is an important part of pet ownership. When your dog is properly trained, it is much easier for you to communicate with him and this enhances your relationship. In addition to making him mind you, it may even help save your pet from harm or danger.
Dogs want your praise, so using positive reinforcement when training your dog or puppy is the best approach. Hitting or yelling rarely works, and besides who wants to hit or yell at their dog anyway?
The “down” or “lie down” command is one of the basic commands and should be one of the first things you teach your dog once he learns to sit on command. It is not hard to train a dog to obey commands and once you have done one command, it gets even easier as the process is basically the same for each. Here’s some steps you can use to teach your dog to lie down on command:
1. Get the dog to sit (you should have already trained him in this command)
2. Firmly give the “down” command while gently forcing his legs out in front (this will cause him to lie down).
3. Give your dog praise. Show him you are really happy with your voice and body language.
4. At first the dog will get right back up, but as time goes on you can lengthen the time the dog stays in the down position by waiting to give him praise.
5. Repeat three to five times at each session. Repetition is important but you don’t want to do too much at one time. If you really want to drill it in, you can have several sessions spaced out throughout the day.
There’s more rewards than meets the eye with training your dog. For one the dog gets used to listening to his name. He also will get used to doing things on your command. All in all, training strengthens your positions – you as leader and helps the dog feel secure. Spend a couple of minutes each day training your dog. This will help cement your friendship.
Candy Breath Mints - A Temporary Fix
What is the first thing that you do whenever you discover that you have bad breath? For most of us, it is a matter of going out and getting some breath mints in order to cover up the odor. You might be surprised to learn that a breath mint, although effective at making our breath smell better is not really going to treat the problem that you are dealing with in many cases. As a matter of fact, it often only covers over a more serious problem that is manifesting itself through your breath. What are some of these problems?
The most common reason that we have bad breath is because of problems with our mouth. The human mouth is home to countless types of bacteria, many of which actually serve a useful purpose. Unfortunately, they can also emit an odor that causes our bad breath. Dump the breath mints and begin brushing and flossing regularly. Don't ignore the tongue as this is often the culprit when it comes to halitosis. If you haven't been to a dentist in a while, make an appointment. Tooth decay, gum disease and abscess may be at the root of your problem.
Some more serious problems that may be causing your bad breath are diabetes, liver and kidney problems and a lung infection. All of these problems typically cause bad breath because they are releasing toxins into the bloodstream. As the blood filters through the lungs, these toxins are released and passed through the mouth or nose on their way out. This can cause bad breath in many of us and covering it over with a breath mint might just allow the condition to continue unchecked.
One more problem that you might be dealing with is something that no amount of breath mints would cure. This is a problem with a sinus infection, and the odor that is causing the halitosis is actually coming out of your sinuses, not your mouth. The way that you can tell if this is the problem is by having someone check your breath when you are breathing through your nose. Although this isn't something that just anyone would do, it can help you to identify a problem that should be taken care of.
All of these problems should be addressed directly. Simply covering over the problem with the breath but is only going to allow the problem to continue and perhaps even get worse in the process.
Puppy Adoption: Three Things That You Need To Consider Before You Adopt A Puppy
Adopting a puppy is a noble thing to do. Note many people consider puppy rescue adoption for various reasons. What many people fail to understand is that giving a little puppy a home can be emotionally rewarding. Just think about how happy the little puppy would be if you bring it home and care for it. However, before you jump into the idea of puppy adoption, you need to understand the responsibility that goes with it. Remember that puppies are just like human beings, they need to be cared for and loved. To make sure that you do not end up regretting your decision of giving a little dog a home, here are some puppy adoption considerations that you need to ponder upon.
Consider Your Budget
Having a puppy can be quite expensive. Yes, most puppy adoption centers do not charge you for adopting a rescued puppy but once you bring the puppy home, you will have to pay for its food, grooming, medications and the likes. If you are on a tight budget and you cannot afford to pay for all these things, you might as well forget about puppy adoption. On the other hand, if you some extra money stashed away and you would like to use of you’re your money to give a little dog a home, then that is well and good. Just make sure that you set aside enough money every month for your puppy's needs.
Consider Your Time
Even if you have enough money to pay for all the needs of the puppy, this does not mean that you are qualified for puppy adoption. Remember that your puppy does not only need feeding, it also needs your time. If you are one of those people who are always on the go and are hardly ever home, you might as well forget about puppy adoption.There is no point of adopting a little puppy only to leave it all alone at home most of the time. If you are not around, who will feed and walk your dog?
Consider The Amount Of Space You Have At Home
Before you go to a puppy adoption center and offer to adopt a puppy, you need to make sure that you have enough space for the little one at home. Remember that puppies need spaces of their own. If you happen to live in a very small place and you do not have enough room for a dog, you might as well forgo the idea of adopting a puppy.
For more about puppies please visit www.puppycareblog.com
Build Custom Dog House – Use Wooden Or Plastic Materials?
It can sometimes be difficult to find the right dog house for your dog even though today there are plenty of choices available today. Most ready built doghouse are built mostly of the same design and model with standard sizes.
If you want something unique for your doghouse, something different from the other dog house in your neighbourhood, you can try building your own custom dog house.
There are several dog house plans online that you can follow and you can always alter it to your liking. It is also cheaper and the building materials are usually quite readily available.
If you do not have the skills or the time, then you can also get custom built dog houses. There are a few websites such as doghouseplans.com that offers custom built dog houses to your design and preferences.
It has become more popular in the past few years because people realized dogs are a part of the family and want them to live in specially designed doghouses that match their own house. There are now more specialized companies that can tailor and built exquisitely detailed doghouse for more affordable prices compared to just a few years ago.
Of course, a custom built doghouse is still more expensive compared to ready off the shelf doghouses. However, there are a few ways to save some money such as using cheaper wooden building materials as well as cheaper models of dog air conditioning and heating systems.
Regardless of your budget, you should construct a dog house that is warm, dry and comfortable for your dog. Most modern materials used to build dog houses are treated to prevent rot and rain from seeping into the wood and corroding them.
Alternatively, plastic doghouses are also becoming more and more popular these days. They are cheap and highly resistance to corrosion from the weather. They are also easier to clean compared to houses made of wood.
Discover where to buy cheap custom cedar dog houses at my wooden dog house site.
Three Things to Teach Your Mastiff Puppy
A very big part of any Mastiff puppy's early life is play. But were you aware that playtime can also be learning time as well? Play can be a valuable tool in training your Mastiff puppy everything from learning simple commands to teaching them the ins and outs of socializing and what it takes to be a well behaved dog.
There are three basic things that a Mastiff puppy - even one as young as six weeks old - needs to start learning. The first and most useful of those things is simply the word, "No." You will be using that command repeatedly during your relationship with your dog and so it is very important that he knows it from the start.
And it's easy. Dogs, even puppies, are adept at recognizing tone of voice. When they learn to associate a displeased, forceful tone of voice with the word no, you will not in the future have to be so forceful in your utterances. But first you do have to get his attention. When the Mastiff pup does something wrong, simply pick him up, gain eye contact and tell him very firmly, "No." It will get an immediate reaction. Depending on your pup's personality, he will drop his head and become sheepish, growl or attempt to talk you out of it by asking you to play. If either of the latter two happens, you will have to repeat the command to show that you are not kidding.
Then, simply let it go. Put the pup down and keep a watchful eye on his response. A rebellious pup may repeat the action as a way to test you, in which case you need to repeat the process. Be gentle, but be firm and consistent and your pup should get the message.
As for the other things that your baby needs to know, you will probably default to teaching him the proper way to go potty. This is actually easier than you might think, as pups are a lot smarter than they look. But timing iseverything. If you notice a puddle on the floor and your pup has since gone off to play with his ball, the only thing you can do is clean it up and watch him more closely. Don't rub his nose in it, or he will simply be hurt and confused. What you want to do is catch him in the act. Anytime you see him getting ready to tinkle, quickly pick him up and take him outside. But he will probably be so shocked that he will save some for the yard, where you can praise him when he goes.
The third thing that your Mastiff pup needs to know is that he should never put his teeth on a human being. This is a tough one, as it is so much fun to play "bite" with a youngster. But when they are older, you really don't want them to play so rough. So when you play with him, be sure to do so with toys that are okay for him to bite. If he bites when you are trying to pet him, tell him no and give him his toy or put his toy right in his mouth. If he persists, pick him up and tell him no. If you are consistent, you should get good results.
When your pup has accomplished learning her first command, or goes outside instead of on the floor and stops puppy-biting, she is well on her way to graduating from a Mastiff puppy to a well-mannered adult.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Dealing with the Amazing Strandardbred horses
Have you ever seen the fast horses galloping in the races? Well, these horses are called Standardbreds, and they are well known for their skill in harness racing, being the fastest trotting horse in the world. In continental Europe all harness racing are behaved between trotting horse. Standardbreds have shorter legs than the American pedigree racehorses and longest consistences. Often their hindquarters are several inches taller than their withers, which provides them with the power and thrust necesary to trot or pace at high speeds. Standardbreds are any color, usually chestnut .
Standardbreds are the horse of choice for the Amish, because they often find these inexpensive, sound horses at local auctions or right off the track. The horses handle the change from the busy racetrack environment to the farm roads of the country. Standardbreds can be found ridden for pleasure or show in many disciplines: jumping, dressage, equitation, trail, team penning, endurance, gymkhana events, saddleseat, and even sidesaddle. There are even growing associations for racing Standardbreds under saddle -- trotting or pacing just as they do in harness. Standardbreds race since either a pacesetter or a trotting horse. Trotters, as the name implies, race at the traditional trot.
Standardbreds are known for their skill in harness racing, being the fastest trotting horse in the world. Usually these horses require good food and good protection during the winter and rain, breeders recommend using Rambo horse blankets or Turnout horse Blankets to protect this unique animals. Standardbreds are any color, usually chestnut, black, or brown; they average 15 hands (60 in./160 cm) in height and weigh near 1,000 lb (450 kg). Standardbreds will trot in some raceways in which they involve to trot away identical quickly while conserving their born pace. If the horses break gait and do not return immediately, they are disqualified from the race.
Standardbreds have a wide range of height, from 14.1 to 17 hands (57"-66"), and most a great deal is coloured or the blacker fluctuation of bay called "brown," although other colors such chromatic and blackamoor are not rare. Gray and roan are also found. Standardbreds are a relatively new breed, dating back just over 200 years, but it is a true American breed. Standardbreds are bred for racing and command training earlier all-purpose horseback riding. If trained correctly and consistently, they will adapt well to other tasks after retiring from racing.
useful Tips When Seeking Western Saddles
Do not always rush for new Western saddles, as there could be a few alternatives that would be worth looking through. Very often, you will have a better selection and get better value for your money if you buy a used saddle rather than a new one. The advantages of purchasing a previously owned saddle are many, among which quality is one of the most important. Go to places where you there is a "horses for sale" market and you should be able to find saddles in excellent condition being sold for a pittance. Another advantage with the pre-owned saddle is that it has been broken in, and it will be comfortable both for you as well as the horse. As you will learn from horseback riding lessons, the comfort of the saddle is an important aspect of good riding.
When you are looking for proper pre-owned saddles, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind, such as the brand of the saddle, the model of the saddle, the fit to the horse and the present status of the saddle. The brand and the model of the saddle will tell you the actual quality of the saddle. Good brands saddles, no matter how old, are as good as gold. The fit and status of the saddle is important, as this will influence your ride; the horse will not listen to your body language if it does not accept the saddle. This is why it is very important that you find a saddle that not only matches perfectly with what you have in mind, but also is comfortable for your horse.
The internet is a great place to become educated about Western saddles and other things that are available in Western horse tack shops. However, this is definitely not the place where you could shop for saddles. If that is your plan, then perhaps you should re-think it. Never buy anything for the horse unless you have put your hand on it and checked if for genuine quality. Whatever accessory you have in mind, particularly a saddle, never buy until the gear is tried and tested on the horse.
You want value for your money when you buy Western saddles, so go for used or pre-owned ones. These saddles should only be bought after they have been inspected in person. If horsemanship is important to you, then you know that a lot depends upon how you ready the horse for the ride; therefore, the saddle is an extremely important factor, as it influences the way the horse reacts to the rider.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
How to Train an Australian Shepherd Dog
The Australian Shepherds can provide good companionship. You should lead an active lifestyle to appreciate this kind of breed. These animals are full of zest and very athletic and therefore can be a handful if one is not properly armed with a good dose of knowledge on how to train the Australian Shepherd. Read on to find out the basic information about this special breed.
Quick Facts
The Australian Shepherd or Aussie as it is commonly called from the US was used to herding in ranches. Robustly built medium sized country dog, has triangular shaped ears that is slightly rounded at the tip. {Typical Aussie has a natural or docked bobtail}. Aussie has deep robust chest and stands evenly on all fours. Masculinity or femininity is discernible in Australian Shepherds.
Height: Male 20-23 inches.) Bitches 18-21 inches (46-53cm)
Weight: Dogs 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg) Bitches 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg.)
Personality
Aussies are intelligent animals, hardworking and has an innate herding and guarding instincts. They are easily trained and perform tasks with enthusiasm. They do not like sitting around for a long time. Aussies can be a good guard dog since they are attentive and aggressive. Their animated quality makes them popular with children who love to play and run around. Though friendly and affectionate with their human family they are usually cautious around strangers. Typical Aussies would be happy with constant activities going on around them. Make sure to schedule plenty of walks, play and training to keep both their mind and body in tip top shape.
Training
The great qualities that make these animals so endearing can also be damaging if they are not properly trained since this could result to undesirable behavior like nipping, chewing and digging. Obedience training for Australian Shepherds is highly recommended since they are quick learners and this will make them realize what are expected of them early on. One way of developing their social skills is to expose them to a variety of people and other animals for them to learn how to discern between a friend and a foe. Since they are able to form a strong bond with their masters, they suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for a long period of time. Poorly socialized Aussied could become aggressive without proper training.
The life span of an Aussie is 12 years and up. Higly active Aussies results to big appetite so be sure to sypply a big amount of quality food to supplement their energy level. If you have the time and sense of commitment for this breed, you will not be disappointed as your well spent effort will be amply reciprocated. With proper care and training of Australian Shepherds, a life with them will be enjoyable and rewarding.
Dog Aggression Training
Aggression in a dog is something, which an owner should not tolerate and should be dealt with as soon as the problem arises. However, in order for an owner to find the right kind of dog aggression training they should be using to control this problem they need to understand the kinds of aggression that dogs suffer from.
In this article, we take a look at just what these are. It is important to remember that a dog may not only show just one type of aggression in fact they could show several.
1. Dominance – This is where the dog you own thinks that they are in fact the alpha member of the group and will assert themselves more, especially against those they consider to be predators. This type of aggression is often found in male dogs and certain breeds. In order for you as the owner to bring this particular problem under control you will need to quickly establish who is pack leader (you).
2. Fear – This is type of aggression occurs when a dog feels insecure or frightened. They will often react to a disturbance or when being approached by either barking, growling, they may bare their teeth, snap or bite. In some cases, if they feel cornered or threatened they may actually bite. It is important that you do not think that your dog will grow out of this problem, as they will not.
3. Territorial or Over Protective – This type of aggression in a dog could cause them to be a danger to anyone (not just strangers). They will not only feel territorial about the things in your home, but will also feel territorial when they are out walking with you.
4. Possessive – This can make a real Jekyll and Hyde out of your dog, one minute they can loving and playful the next they are baring their teeth or snapping at you. This will normally occur when you approach something that they consider to be theirs. In many cases, a major trigger for this type of aggression is when you approach them when they are eating. If you want to stop this problem, you need to react as soon as you notice it occurring.
5. Punishment – This type of aggression normally occurs in a dog where they have been incorrectly punished or their owner is trying to exert their dominance of the animal. Although they may not respond aggressively, in the beginning to such treatment over any period of time, things will change and sooner or later, they are going to turn and become aggressive.
Above we have looked at just a few of the types of aggression, which a dog may suffer from. Only once you are able to identify just what type of aggressive behaviour it is your dog suffers from, can you then find the right kind of dog aggression training for them. A quick search of the internet and you are going to be able to quite easily find the right kind of training for both you and your dog.
Friday, December 26, 2008
What Are Important Tack Supplies?
There are people who are very fascinated with horses and have no qualms about providing them with what they need. Horses can be high maintenance creatures, requiring many different types of tack supplies for their everyday care. But then, horsemanship is important to many people and they are willing to go out of their way to provide for their equines.
Horse clippers are primarily used for keeping different parts of a horse neatly trimmed or shaved, whether for vanity or showing purposes, or for health reasons. That is why it is important to think about the important aspects of choosing the right horse clippers before you finally decide to buy. There are hundreds of types and brands of these clippers available today; however, there are four things to take into consideration, which include the motor, the size, the power and the speed. Clippers with decibel ratings are also efficient since most horses are easily startled by loud and strange noises.
Tack trunks are also very important and useful tack supplies. Not only are they used to store your tacks but they are great for storing other accessories you use to care and groom your horse. Tack trunks normally come in different sizes and there are some that include grooming totes. These totes for your tack supply gear are perfect for you to take with you during your travels, either for a veterinarian visit or a show, because they are handy and convenient. Tack trunks have separate compartments suitable for storing grooming equipment, such as combs, brushes, hoof picks, sponges, sweat scrapers, and a lot more. Your horse's wardrobe, including the leg wraps can also be squeezed into your tack trunk. When purchasing, choose the one with wheels, which will allow for easy maneuverability.
When buying a tack supply trunk, be sure to check for a proper lid. During a horse show, the trunks with a treaded rubber lid are multi functional, as they are useful for standing on when grooming or braiding a horse's mane. When purchasing any tack supplies, keep in mind that a trunk with multi functional uses is always a better deal. Visit www horses com for additional equine info.
Keeping your pets healthy at Christmas
Its winter time which means that the cold snap is here, we all like to snuggle up warm and have a nice roaring fire on, but its not just us humans that get cold, our pets despite their lovely soft fur can also get cold. To many people leave their pets outside during these winter months which leaves pets cold and also miserable, this can also lead to criminal charges being brought for animal neglect and you could even go to prison.The best thing to do is when you take them outside is for you to also go out with them and them make sure that they are back inside before you go to bed. Also don't leave pets in cars during this cold weather, i have heard many reports from many Brighton vets in my area about animal owners leaving pets in cars whilst they go to the shops to come back and find that their pet is very ill because of the cold condensation in the car, also pets do like to play in the snow but try not to let them eat to much. If you do have any concerns regarding your pet in this winter period make sure you have the number for a 24 hour vets handy so you can contact them whatever the time, do the usual things like keep them well fed and make sure they have plenty to drink, also do not be tempted to give them to many treats over the Christmas period as this could also make them unwell. And if you are getting a new pet this Christmas make sure you do not leave your old pet out and give them time to get to know each other, be careful that they do not fight as some animals are very protective of their environment.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Native Welsh Cobs
As we stood looking at Carys standing beside her beautiful mother, Geler Rosann, we had absolutely no idea that the seeds of the Nantgwinau Stud were being planted. We had no thought of buying a filly at that time, nor of starting to breed cobs, but we did agree that she was definitely the sort that we would like to own. A year later Carys was for sale - we bought her with hardly any hesitation - and our lives were changed forever!
Always supremely self-confident and sure of her place in the great scheme of things, Carys accepted her "translation" from Llangwyryfon to North Bedfordshire with good grace, quickly becoming a very important family member. Her first 3 colts were born in England, but in 1990 we were able to realise our dream and move to Wales, ending up only 30 miles from her birthplace.
Carys produced 3 more colts after our arrival at Pantycelyn - all by Derwen Desert Express. But sadly, whilst carrying the last of these, the first symptoms of laminitis and arthritis appeared. These two afflictions caused bouts of severe pain over the next few years and we felt she was never fit enough to put in foal again. In September 99 the hardest decision was taken and Carys was laid to rest in the sunniest corner of a favourite field. We remember her as a tremendous personality and a true Welsh Cob mare who was a joy to know. Her sons are listed below.
1988 stillborn colt by Nebo Prince
1989 N Sioni Du by Nebo Prince - sold to Mrs Anderson, Wrestlingworth, Beds
* 90 N.Harri by Fronarth Flash Harry - now owned by V Spinks, Cheshire
1992 N Desert Spark by Derwen Desert Express - now owned by Kim and Craig Hunt, Cobblethrift Stud, Nr Ammanford
1993 N Flyer by D Desert Express - owned by G Waghorn, Swnynant Stud, Sennybridge
* 94 N Llwynog by D Desert Express - sold to D Steed Ebbw Vale
As many horses change hands several times in the lives, it's a fact that breeders often lose track of their stock, and have no way of knowing how they have developed. If anyone owns or knows of any Nantgwinau Cobs, or their offspring, we would very much appreciate news of them.
Important Tack Horse Equipment Tips
As an owner of a riding horse, you know there is much more to it than fun. There is a lot of responsibility involved in owning such an animal, such as buying and fitting your horse with the best quality tack horse equipment, which are the accessories that make riding on the horse and controlling it possible. Horse tack equipment items, such as the saddle, the bridle, the bit, and so on, each have a purpose and each one is indispensable. Among the two types of horse tack, the Western and the English, the former is preferred mainly because it is simpler to use and maintain.
Buying and owning a horse is a great investment and responsibility. The quality of the equipment you use will determine the quality of your rides and the comfort of the horse during your rides. Therefore, there should be no compromise whatsoever when you buy horse tack equipment for your animal. If you are low on finances, then you could always buy everything you need from the pre-owned market. In fact, a good number of people choose this market to get equipment at a fraction of the cost of new, and the bonus is that it does not need to be broken in.
The saddle and the bit are two of the most important accessories in tack horse equipment. If the comfort of the horse is compromised because of an improperly fitted saddle, then it might be inclined to throw you off. Similarly, the bit is important because it gives you control over the animal. Pay close attention to these two horse tack equipment pieces if you want a safe, enjoyable ride.
The tack horse equipment is what makes a ride perfect. You cannot afford to make any mistakes, nor neglect anything. You need to make sure that you understand how each piece of equipment is used and how it should fit. This will not only ensure your comfort but also your safety, as there could be some serious accidents, as a direct result of ill-fitting horse tack.
Horse Breeds: A Variety of Useful Horse Types Developed
The planned mating of horses that is directed by humans has given rise to a number of special breeds of horses. Breeders, the persons who help facilitate healthy horse breeding, seek to bring about an enhancement in the physical performance abilities of the offspring or foal even more than improving their appearance. This matching of ‘form to function’ is a successful means of development of different healthy and (functionally) superior breeds.
People from all over the world have owned horses for various reasons. This is just the reason why various breeds of horses had been developed over the years to provide improved efficiency at particular tasks. Horses can now be classified into three main categories- pony, light and heavy. There can, however, be created further subcategories like draft horses, gaited horses and warmbloods.
It is by learning about these various breeds that an idea can be formed on the kind of horse best suited for a situation and a particular type of work. Some horses are best suited for children to ride on them while some are right for the whole family’s riding purpose. Again, some other horses may be appropriate for racing- the race horses while some others may prove to be helpful on the ranch.
There are a number of popular breeds of ponies the smallest among which is the Shetland pony which is given to children as their first horse to ride on. For older children the Connemara pony is recommended. This being larger than the Shetland is suitable for older children. The Welsh pony little larger than the Connemara is a good breed of horse for young adults and young teens to ride on.
Among the light horse breeds are the Miniature Horses. Though this may seem like a pony but it is not actually one. It does not have the characteristics of the pony. This horse serves as a companion for children and also acts as a guide for the disabled. The adored Arabian horses also come into the category of light horses. These are attractive, loving, graceful and speedy horses. The Arabian horse is perceived to be a perfect breed. Not only does it possess the required speed and endurance for racing but it also has got a kind and noble disposition.
The popular light breed horse Thoroughbred is a descendant of the Arabian horse. This being a fast horse is well suited for racing purposes. For ranching a Quarter Horse, an American breed, is most appropriate. The Morgan Horse, a family friendly and hardworking horse is another smaller but useful horse.
Besides these there are also the heavy breeds or heavy horses which include the draft horses or the horses that were used in battle at a time. The Percheron is a small and powerful heavy horse which is easier to train while the attractive Clydesdale is the most famous of the draft horses which were bred to work on farms or pull carts and wagons.
Reviewing The Stable Supplies You Need For Your Horse
If ever there is a chance of you considering ownership of a horse, then you need to understand that this is not an easy responsibility. Besides providing food and shelter, a lot of equipment and materials are needed to keep them strong and healthy. Stable supplies are very important when it comes to taking care of horses.
With so many tack supply and equipment choices these days, you might get confused as to what to consider first. In any situation, saddle blankets are one of the most important. Aside from keeping the horses warm, they can also protect them from insects and flies, thus keeping your horse healthy and clean. Horse blankets greatly provide these animals with better blood circulation too.
When they are already in the stable, these blankets play a very important role. When choosing blankets, be sure to go for the ones that are durable, breathable, water proof, and made from the highest quality of materials. However, keep in mind that horses can withstand even the coldest of temperatures. It is ideal, therefore, to consider the weight of the blanket and the weather conditions in your area before you decide on which horse tack equipment item is suitable for your animal.
Horse fences are the second most important stable supplies or more correctly stable accessories. For ranchers and estate owners who want their stables to be secured and safe, proper fencing is very important. Keeping horses away from unwanted predators is crucial and the only solution is strong and reliable fencing construction. There are some factors that should be considered, such as the number of animals to be fenced, the nature of the field, and the budget. Additionally, the age of the horses in the pasture is just as important. Young, untrained, abusive, and highly spirited horses need special fencing. When it comes to horse fencing, there are basically three types of approaches, which include rail horse fencing, wire mesh horse fencing, and electric horse fencing. Whichever your preference is, it is still best to have a horse-care professional around to help you make the correct decision.
When visiting your local horse tack shop, consider purchasing tack trunks to store your stable supplies. You can easily organize your stable accessories in this way. This can help keep your horse tools from becoming lost. With so many things to consider about horsemanship, be sure you know how to properly care for the animals. For more information on horse care and supplies, visit www horses com.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Cat Anxiety and Clomicalm
Pet separation anxiety disorder turns out to be a awful and tough to deal with problem for dogs and their people, as can obsessive-compulsive grooming or spraying can be for cats who are under this stress and their subjects. What do the two disorders have in common, you ask? You’ll see very shortly just specifically what it is that relates together the mentioned disorders and what exactly they have in common as potential cures and methods to ease the situation. You shouldn’t want to let a continuous pattern of destructive actions to continue and lead to concerns both for your animal and you.
Animal Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety for canines can be quite a bothersome issue. Canines are rather socially centered animals and depend heavily on the comfort of a pack in all social relationships. As pet owners, people become the pre-eminent dogs in the pack and will thus be as the leader. Usually in today’s busy lives, those pack leaders go off and abandon the dogs at home by themselves for large portions of the day. Pet separation anxiety shows up by means of some quite obvious and increasingly problematic symptoms. Beginning with barking, salivating, and hyperventilation, they will quickly grow into further stages of inappropriate defecation with peeing, wrecking furnishings, and attempting to escape and locate the pack on their own. This will of course be unsuccessful and lead to significantly more stress for the poor dog.
Obsessive Compulsive Grooming Disorder
Issues of anxiety in cats are of a different nature. Felines are more independent of their owners, though social relationship issues can still happen. Cats are quite territorial or aggressive, so cats can have concerns both when moving out of a familiar home to a new, unfamiliar location, or anxiousness because of aggressive felines either in the area or the house. Cat anxiety will be seen in obsessive compulsive grooming behaviors, where the cat over cleans themselves and actually ends up to remove patches of their own coat!
Clomicalm
Clomicalm generic is a partial solution to exactly these kinds of concerns. The same way with people and their anxiety disorders, pets are now able to be treated with medicines for the same kinds of disorders. Basically, this is pet prozac. Medications such as Clomicalm work to help take the edge off of your animal’s stress, giving you time and breathing space to find a resolution for the real underlying concerns. Clomicalm side effects sometimes include drowsiness, vertigo, dehydration, weakness, constipation and loss of appetite, therefore you need to be sure your animal gets lots to drink and you observe them closely for a bit. They certainly can’t tell you in plain English if they’re not feeling well. Clomicalm cats are happy and healthy animals!
Reasons to Buy Labrador Puppy
It can certainly be difficult deciding on which breed of dog to buy, but there are many reasons why you should want to buy Labrador puppy. If you are not already aware of the specific reasons why you would want to buy Labrador puppy, you will want to read on to find out more about this.
What Makes the Labrador Such a Great Dog?
There are lots of different reasons as to why you would want to buy Labrador puppy. For one, they are just so darn cute. You will never get tired of looking at your adorable little Labrador puppy, and they are really just one of the cutest little dogs ever. They have such adorable features and if you have kids in the home, they are sure to love it.
Another reason that you would want to buy Labrador puppy is because these dogs are so easily trained. Of course after you buy Labrador puppy it will just be small, and will be very energetic and playful. However, once you start training the dog and teaching them to obey you, you will see how well they listen and respond, especially when compared to other breeds of dog.
The puppy care with a Labrador puppy is much easier than that with many other breeds of dog, so this will be a lot of added convenience for you because you will not have to worry about spending so much time just grooming them.
Once you have put thought into it, if it turns out that you are in fact interested in getting a Labrador puppy, now you will just need to know where to go to buy Labrador puppy. Fortunately, there are quite a few options that you have available to you. Really, the best idea, no matter what breed of dog you are interested in getting, is to check out the pounds and shelters in your area.
This way you can see whether they have any Labrador puppies that you would be interested in buying. This way you are not taking part in the overpopulation of dogs in the world, which is in large part due to breeders who just continue to breed dogs purely for profit – not all, but many. You are giving a home to a dog that has nowhere else to go, and so not only do you get a furry little friend, but you also get to feel good about it too which is nice.
For more about puppies please visit www.puppycareblog.com
Free Pug Puppies
Whether you are looking for a free pug puppy or a free dachshund puppy, you have to be prepared to do a lot of looking because big name full breed dogs do not come cheap usually, let a lone free. This is not to say that you will never be able to find yourself a free pug puppy, it is just that you are going to have to do a lot of looking. The free puppies are usually the ones that are mixed breeds or ones that have temperament issues and things like that. Of course, there are the ones that are full breed pups that someone just needs to quickly find a good home for.
When the people do not have the time to wait for a buyer because they are relocating and cannot take the puppies with them or something to that effect, the free pug puppy may be offered. This is a quick way for the owners to find the puppy a new home that can give it the love, attention, and space that it needs. Finding buyers does not always happen very quickly and this is why some people have no choice but to offer a free pug puppy up for grabs. While this is sad for the owners because they have to give up their puppy and they are missing out on some cash, this is a great thing for you because you can very well get a free pug puppy instead of shelling out a couple hundred dollars.
Where To Start The Search
When it comes to wanting to find the free pug puppy that you have always wanted, you want to first prepare yourself that it may take a little time. If you leave yourself thinking that you will be able to scan the classifieds one time and end up with the puppy of your dreams, then you are most likely setting yourself up for being disappointed. When it comes down to it, you are probably looking at weeks, if not months, of endless searching for a free pug puppy. You may even get to the point that you feel as though it is time to give up. Keep moving forward though and keep looking, as you will eventually find the free pug puppy that you have been searching for.
Start searching through all of the classified ads, which mean the local newspapers and all of the online ad sites that you can think of. Keep on eye out on the bulletin boards at the local library and the grocery store because you just never know where you will eventually come across that ad for the free pug puppy. Make sure to let your family and friends know that you are on the hunt for a free pug puppy so that they can let you know if they come across any. In the end, this may be a joint effort but it will be worth it when you are finally able to bring your new puppy home with you.
For more about puppies please visit www.puppycareblog.com
Common Cat Health Problems
There are many surprises to new cat owners, including that of the numerous health problems that are very common among most cats.
No matter what breed of cat you own, cat health is one of the major topics you will have to know about. Some problems can be expected in any breed. Even though some are easily prevented, others are hereditary. Worms are a very commomn and recurring problem no matter what breed of cat it may be.
Some of the most typical worms to infect cats are tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms. Cats who have problems gaining weight, problems with fleas, or if you find white specks in his stool, you should have your vet test him for worms. Although they can be treated with medicine, worms can prove to be fatal if they are left untreated.
Hairballs are the most common health problem for cats. Cats clean themselves every day, and they swallow the hair that they shed. Sometims the stray hair will become a large ball and get caught in the cat's digestive tract instead of passing through the stool. When your cat starts to cough and hack, he is normally coughing up a hairball - as a popular cat owner manual confirmed recently. Cats usually are able to expel hairballs without complication. Although rare, a hairball can occassionally become lodged in the cats intestines, this creates blockage.
Blockages are not to be ignored, since they can kill you if left untreated. If your cat becomes constipated, isnt eating properly, or has a very dull coat, he could have a blockage. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take him to the vet immediately.
By brushing your cat several times a week removes excess hair preventing hairballs and blockages. You can also feed him food that is designed to control hairballs as well. Urinary tract infection is also a common health problem with cats.
Female and male cats can suffer from urinary tract infections, however, this is more likely to occur in male cats that have not been neutered. This is the normal cause as to why a cat stops using the litter box. If a cat's urine smells unusually strong, the cat may have a urinary tract infection and should be taken to the vet. Your vet will supply you with the proper medicine, and give recommendations on how to avoid this issue in the future.
Feline leukemia was the biggest cause of death in cats in the past, however, these days, vaccines are available that can treat the disease. To treat the disease, your cat will need to be given the shot before he or she is exposed. Even though death doesnt happen immediately, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia normally don't have a long life span. If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you should never allow other cats around him, as the virus is highly contagious.
To protect your cat, you should always make sure that you take him to the vet for his regular check ups. If you keep him up to date on his vaccinations, he should lead a healthy and productive life. Although some health problems can't be avoided, most of them can. If you take cat care seriously, take him to the vet and keep him healthy he will be your companion for years to come.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Tips About Important Horse Tack Supplies
Before you decide to become a horse owner and take on the responsibility of the animal's care, there are a lot of things to consider. Aside from providing a horse with shelter and food, there are also horse tack supplies that play an integral part. With so many types and brands of horse supply products to choose from today, how do make sure you purchase for the right ones?
Bridles are one of the most essential horse tack items that you, as a rider, should have. These are used to communicate with your horse. Normally, the most common is the dressage bridle that can fit over the head of the horse and onto his mouth. The reins go back to the rider who uses them to command and control the horse. Horse bridles vary in quality and price, and by standard these bridles should be made of high-quality leather.
Avoid buying poor quality leather as they will crack easily and wear over time, which is not ideal, especially during harsh weather. Check the reins and the cheek-pieces and make sure they are reinforced. The buckles should also be made from stainless steel to avoid rusting. When buying horse bridles, the best advice is to visit a reputable manufacturer that will provide you with some sort of warranty on the product, so you can return them should they not function effectively.
It is generally accepted that horse tack supplies are quite expensive, and saddles are no exception. There are three types of saddles, namely the Western saddles, the English saddles and the side-saddles. When you are looking at these tack supplies, make sure to choose one that is made of pure leather, regardless of what type the saddle is. Suede and synthetic leather are also good options because they are very lightweight and easy to maintain. When you shop for a saddle, it may be best to have a professional horse-care expert with you to help you with your investment.
Horse boots are also important horse tack supplies. When you buy these boots, make sure you choose the ones that are sturdy, comfortable and well-constructed so that they will protect the legs of your horse for many years. There are really a lot of horse tack supply products that you will need for your equine. Make sure you provide them not only with their basic needs, but also with the essential equipment they need.
Going About Picking Your Horse Boots
Taking proper care of a horse takes a lot of patience and understanding. In fact, most people don't know how to care for horses. Not only do they need the basic, like food and shelter, they also need the proper horse tack supplies. Saddles, saddle blankets, horse blankets, horse boots/shoes, and other horse supply products are just some of the essential things that equines need.
Also known as horse shoes, they are generally designed to protect the feet of horses. This is a very simple notion but requires quite a serious approach. Generally, aluminum and steel are used in making these types of shoes. Most of them have an underneath grooves that also provide a better grip. The grooves also make the horse shoes lighter. But did you know that the front part of these shoes is circular in shape and the backs are diamond shaped?
Aside from being sturdy, another factor includes the trimming of the hooves for proper fitting of the shoes. As well, there are four important aspects in shoeing a horse. These are the balance, the support, the shape and the expansion. Such evaluations should be done at least a week or two after a shoeing job. Although it might sound difficult, you only have to have a pencil and a level ground where your horse can stand so that you can evaluate the said factors.
Understand that horse boots/shoes should not be worn all the time. In fact, during very cold winter seasons, it is ideal to remove those shoes from the horses. After all, you won't be riding horses in the middle of a snow anyway. However, winters vary from one place to another, so if your local climate is not that cold, even if its winter, then try adding pads under the boots. This can help with proper blood circulation of the horse, while improving his expansions and movements.
Before you buy horse boots/shoes, it might be a helpful idea to approach a professional farrier. These are the people who are masters in creating shoes for horses. They can teach you how to choose the most ideal boots/shoes for your horses, while keeping track of the health of the animals, alongside your veterinarian. There are indeed a lot of things to consider when taking care of a horse. Be sure you are aware of all aspects of horsemanship before you contemplate ownership.
Why Are Horse Blankets Important?
It is a common practice to have domestic pets around. However, there are some who prefer to have those gigantic animals, like horses. Horses can be quite hard to manage but once you get the hang of, it can be very fulfilling. Taking care of horses includes providing proper shelter, having the proper horse supply items and keeping them warm. That is why having good horse tack supply items, such as horse blankets, is always practical.
Saddle blankets are made to keep horses warm. These blankets are also ideal for protection from wind and other elements. These types of blankets vary in sizes. In fact, most of them are custom-made to perfectly fit around the body of the horse from his chest to rump. Blankets for horses have straps that cross underneath their belly.
Although the blanket are heavily secured and fastened, horses can still move about freely. The most common of these blankets normally have one or two straps that securely buckle in front. However, there are also some designs with closed front, thus requiring it to be slipped over the head of the horse. Also, there are those that have smaller straps lightly lopped around the hind legs of the horse that help to prevent the blanket form slipping sideways.
By standards, horse blankets are normally kept on the horse when it is traveling or when at pasture or in a stall. These blankets are manufactured for different conditions of weather and there are some that are water resistant underneath. Most blankets are manufactured using more modern materials, similar to the ones used in human outdoor wear. However, these blankets are not only to keep horses warm and secure. There are some blankets for horses that are used to keep the hair of the horse short. When worn during the start of autumn and if the horses are kept in a slightly-lit area for at least sixteen hours a day, they won't grow a winter coat, which is especially beneficial if the horses are being shown. However, if horses are given a partial trace clip or even a full body clip, then blankets are needed at all times if the weather is cool, since the horses no longer have the natural insulation of a longer coat of hair.
Coolers are another types of horse blankets. These are those square blankets that are tied and draped over the horse that has just had a bath or that has just completed an intense workout. These blankets are designed to help cool down a horse because it can provide a better air circulation. Always keep in mind the health of your animals. For horses, have the right blankets to keep them warm and safe.
Components Of The English Tack Items
When someone begins to ride a horse, certain things are needed to be successful. Different horse supply accessories go into the hobby of riding horses. There are two main styles of riding, the Western style and the English style, and most riding accessory supply shops offer equipment for both styles, both English tack and Western tack, but some carry more of one kind than the other.
There are several main components to the English tack that are different than Western horse tack. Of course, the basic elements are there; the saddle, bridles, stirrups, bits, and harnesses, but for English horses, many of these different items have their own unique twist. Horse riding has been a popular sport in Europe for many years, almost since horses became used for riding, so it is not surprising that they have their own styles of horse supply. The English horse equipment is used for most Olympic sports, and is also used for most other equestrian sports.
The English saddle is different from the western saddle because it is smaller and allows the horse a greatest range of motion. The English bridle has a Cavesson noseband, and is mostly used because it has the greatest functionality. Another English bridle, called the double bridle, has two bits for maximum control by the rider. English riders also use a breastplate to protect the horse in dangerous activities, such as jumping and fox hunting. There is also a difference not only in accessories between the English and Western styles of horse supply, but also in riding style. English riding focuses more on style and precision, while Western riding focuses more on abilities that the horse and rider can do together.
When looking for English tack supplies, there are many different places where you can find equipment for your horse. There are many tack supply shops that offer English and Western styles of equipment. If you are not able to purchase supplies full price, then consider looking into discount tack and stable accessories. Many shops offer used materials as well as new for the budget conscious rider. English horse tack is going to be a little harder to find in the United States, but it is by no means impossible. Even if you cannot find a shop near you that sells English horse tack, then there are many shops that sell these horse supply items online. However, for the larger items, the shipping could be rather expensive. If this is your first time experimenting with the English style of riding, then perhaps you should consider getting someone to help you find what you need and how to use it.
For the English style of riding, English tack supplies are necessary for professional quality and safety. Riders in the English style need all of the English horse supply accessories to be competitive in the field. Most riding supply shops sell this kind of tack, so finding the right equipment should be pretty easy. Just remember that if starting this style for the first time, then consulting with a professional will ensure that you get the right supplies.
Extra Large Dog House – What To Look Out For When Buying Large Doghouses
There are standard requirements for dog house no matter where you buy it from. Today, more and more dog owners are getting extra large dog houses for their pets even if their dog are small or medium sized.
Just like human loves big houses, so do dogs and it gives more space to play and lie in. You can even use the excess space to stock your dog stuff such as dog food and toys.
When shopping for extra large dog houses, make sure you have these basic features that all dog house should have.
If you are placing your dog house outdoors, it is important to have heating for your dog unless you want your dog to freeze in winter. Proper ventilation and air flow is also necessary and the newer dog house models will come with pre installed air conditioning and heater systems.
Your dog house should also be water proof to prevent rain and snow from seeping in. This is important as most dog houses are made from wood and water can damage the structure of your dog house much faster.
An alternative is to buy plastic dog houses that are already waterproof. Nowadays, some wooden dog houses are treated to prevent water from corroding the wood so you can buy these too if you want an authentic wooden dog house.
High winds are also detrimental to your dog´s health and it is important your dog house has special insulation to prevent winds from entering the dog house. Make sure it is sturdy and heavy enough to not get blown away in case of strong gust of wind.
Extra large dog house are especially suitable if you have more than one dog. You can house your dogs together. Dogs have a tendency to curl themselves together when they sleep so it´s a perfect choice.
Discover where to buy extra large dog houses online. Visit my wooden dog house site for more information.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
what tank will you choose for your saltwater aquarium
Saltwater Aquarium setup: Choosing the right tank
There are some factors involved when choosing the type of saltwater aquarium setup. Some major factors include what type of species do you want to stock, how much space do you have available, what is your spending power? First goal is to buy a saltwater aquarium setup you can afford and will fit into your lifestyle and environment.
Your saltwater fish and other creatures are your first priority for your aquarium. The invertebrates and fish which will be in your tank require room to swim and grow but also need an environment where there is plenty of oxygen in order to survive. This is determined from the size of your tank. So when you finally opt for the freshwater aquarium set up you want then remember this and give your fish a chance to grow.
One important aspect of your saltwater aquarium setup is oxygen. The surface area of your tank is the major contributing factor to the amount of oxygen it holds. This equates to the area of water exposed to the atmosphere at the top of the tank. As oxygen transfers to your saltwater aquarium from the surface of the tank the greater that area is means there is more chance of oxygen transferring from the air into the water.
As well as taking in oxygen a large surface area for your saltwater aquarium also allows toxic gases like carbon dioxide to escape. The aquarium will be much healthier the more this process is allowed to develop. Another factor which determines the amount of oxygen in the water is temperature. The cooler the water the higher the oxygen content will be in general.
With warmer water tropical fish with temperatures above 75 degrees less oxygen is available. This is why it is most important to have a larger surface area for your saltwater aquarium or else you may have to stock smaller or less marine animals. The bigger the tank you can acquire makes it much better for your marine life.
Determining your requirements needs thought as saltwater aquariums come in all shapes and sizes? It is not the size or volume of the tank which determines its surface area but the shape. Because of its shape a tank can have less surface area even though it holds a larger volume. For the gas cycle tall narrow aquariums do mot have the ideal area. The exchange of gas will be much better in a short wide tank.
With this in mind and your aquarium tank chosen, its time to move on to the inhabitants. The amount of marine inhabitants for your tank is directly determined from the size of tank you have purchased. One of the worst problems with a saltwater aquarium setup for beginners is overcrowding the tank. Too many inhabitants in your aquarium can overload and effect filtrating efficiency. Stressed fish living in cramped conditions is on of the major causes of fish death, diseases and illness.
You should start slowly when stocking up with fish. Introduce only a small amount at a time. First calculate how many gallons of water your aquarium holds. In the beginning and up to six months for every four gallon of water introduce one inch of fish. 15 fish would be the amount of fish in a sixty gallon saltwater aquarium. After the six months you can increase the amount of fish and have one inch of fish for every two gallons.
A 60 gallon tank example would be:-
Two 1-inch clownfish
One 1-inch Beau Gregory’s
Two 3-inch queen angel
Two 1- inch gobies
Two 1-inch blennies
One 2-inch Tang (surgeonfish)
Or any variables of these with your own favourite choices. After the six month period you can increase you fish to 30.
You may have to adjust the amount of fish you keep in you tank because when they grow they will require more space. Not only is the fish size an issue but also the shape. For heavier fish you should have a lower amount of fish in the aquarium.
Development of your saltwater aquarium takes time and is not an instant product. They do cost money and cutting corners is not the answer. It does not matter how much time and effort you put into your tank eventually you will have problems that need solving. Make sure you have the correct aquarium from the start because it can be a little disheartening if you choose wrongly and then have to buy another one. Think before you buy, a small tank at the beginning is probably not the best idea. Wait until you can afford at least a 30 gallon tank or bigger before investing in your saltwater aquarium.
You can choose from the vast array of saltwater aquariums in either acrylic or glass? Depending on choice it could be a reef tank already adapted for all your accessories? Choosing correctly is up to you so get advice. One good starting point is silicon sealed glass tanks. They come in all types of shape whether they are a standard rectangle, hexagonal or octagonal. Glass tanks are less prone to scratching than an acrylic tank although the acrylic aquarium is becoming more and more popular.
Acrylic tanks are much lighter than there glass equivalent. Large glass tanks are very heavy and hard to move. These tanks have quite thick glass. A good option is a glass tank with a plastic frame. Glass types are tempered which is stronger or shatter proof plated glass.
The popular option is an acrylic saltwater aquarium setup with moulded seems which are more transparent. One fault is that your view at the corners is distorted. The acrylic tanks on the market even outdo the glass variety in the amount of different shapes and sizes you can have. The downsides are they cost more and scratch easily. The things to watch for to avoid scratches is be careful with decorations and when removing algae. The good news is that scratches can be removed using special kits.
Whichever type of aquarium you purchase the priority is the health of your fish. You need time to look after it properly and also enough cash to keep it in good order and properly maintained. One up and running you will have hours of relaxation watching your new fishy pals cavorting in the water. You will obtain much pleasure and enjoyment out of your saltwater aquarium