One of the most confusing and anxiety-ridden areas of dog training is house training. Yet, it is one of the most important, especially for the humans involved.
The best way to understand and find success with house training is to use the dogs own nature to help you.
Dogs are, by instinct, very clean animals. They would rather not soil any areas where they normally sleep or eat. Dogs are also creatures of habit — they like to know where theyre supposed to go urinate and defecate. If the dog is taught to eliminate on gravel or concrete, they will tend to look for either of those surfaces to do so. If theyre taught to eliminate on grass or dirt, thats where they will choose. Use these habits to your advantage.
Setting up the training area
This is the first step. Make sure the area you choose is small and confined. A bathroom works for this, or a place in a kitchen or garage also work well. Remember that crate training works well for puppies or small dogs, but for the larger animals, the crate is too confining.
You need to spend some time with this aspect of the training. You need to play with your dog in this area, and this is also where the dog will be taught to sleep and eat. Put together a special bed. This can be something you make up with items around the house, or you can go to the store and purchase a bed. Dont worry of your dog eliminates in this area at first. Once they figure out that this is where the sleep and eat, theyll stop eliminating there.
Once your dog realizes that the bed is for sleeping, you can begin to move it around the house. But, only when youre there. When youre not, put the bed back in the training area.
Setting up the toilet area
Now you need to determine where the toilet area is going to be located. Presumably, this will be outside the house. Wherever it is, it has to a place that the dog can go to whenever it needs to go. You need to go there with your dog so you can give the appropriate rewards for good behavior.
Establish a set feeding schedule for your dog. If the dog is in the habit of being fed at certain times, the natural process of elimination will also begin to occur at certain times. Once you learn when those times relate to the eating times, it will become much easier for you to guide the dog to the established toilet area.
Dont forget to make sure your dog has ready access to the toilet area. That way mistakes arent as likely to occur.
Continuing the house training process
Once your dog is in the habit of eliminating in the toilet area and not in the sleeping/eating area, you can begin to extend the training area to the rest of the house. Do this slowly. Start by expanding to one additional room, and then gradually expand into other areas. Dont expand into new areas until youre sure your dog has control of its bladder and bowels. At first, do this only when youre around. If youre away, then put your dog back in the original training area.
Speeding up the process
If you have to move this process along more quickly, you can do so. Remember to proceed with caution, though. Its better to go slowly than to have to try to retrain a dog later. If youre going to try to speed things up, you will have to be there in order to reward your dog for successful eliminations. It is also important not to punish for mistakes. That will only confuse the dog and slow the process even further.
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Feb 09, 2010 | | Dogs
Separation anxiety, also known in the dog training world as owner absent misbehavior, is one of the most frequently encountered problems in the world of dog training. Separation anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways, including chewing, destroying the owners property, excessive barking, self destructive behavior and inappropriate urination and defecation.
Dogs suffering from separation anxiety often whine, bark, cry, howl, dig, chew and scratch at the door the entire time their family members are away. Well meaning owners often unwittingly encourage this misbehavior by rushing home to reassure the dog, but it is important for the well being of both dog and owner that the dog learn to deal with extended periods of separation.
How the owner leaves the house can often contribute to separation anxiety issues. A long and drawn out period of farewell can make matters worse by making the dog feel even more isolated when the owner finally leaves. These long types of farewells can get the dog excited, and then leave him with lots of excess energy and no way to work it off. These excited, isolated dogs often work off their excess energy in the most destructive of ways, such as chewing up a favorite rug or piece of furniture.
Excess energy is often mistaken for separation anxiety, since results are often the same. If you think that excess amounts of energy may be the problem, try giving your dog more exercise to see if that eliminates the problem.
If separation anxiety is truly the problem, it is important to address the root causes of that anxiety. In order to prevent separation anxiety from occurring, it is important for the dog to feel happy, safe, secure and comfortable while the owner is away for the day. It is important, for instance, to give the dog plenty of things to keep it busy while you are away. This means providing it with lots of toys, such as balls or chew toys. A pet companion is often effective at relieving separation anxiety as well. Giving the dog a playmate, such as another dog or a cat, is a great way for busy pet parents and pets alike to cope with the stress of being left alone.
Setting aside scheduled play times, during which the pet is given your undivided attention, is another great way to alleviate boredom and separation anxiety. Playing with the dog, and providing it with sufficient attention and exercise, is a proven way to avoid a stressed and anxious dog. A happy dog that has been well exercised and well conditioned will generally sleep the day away happily and patiently wait for the return of its owner.
It is important to schedule one of these daily play sessions before you leave the house each day. It is important to give the dog a few minutes to settle down after playtime before you leave.
For dogs that are already experiencing separation anxiety and associated misbehaviors, it is important to get him accustomed to your leaving gradually. Be sure to practice leaving and returning at irregular intervals, several times during the day. Doing so will get your dog accustomed to your deparartures and help him realize that you are not leaving him forever. Dogs that have been previously lost, or those that have been surrendered to shelters and readopted, often have the worst problems with separation anxiety. Part of treating this problem is teaching the dog that your leaving is not permanent.
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Feb 08, 2010 | | Dogs
One of the few things that dog owners or prospective dog owners think about is whether or not they will need to train their dog. Although training a dog is not absolutely essential unless your dog has a particular problem, a small amount of training to remove bad habits and set boundaries for your dog should be considered. In addition to this, a well trained dog will feel much more secure in your home when it knows its boundaries. Even in the wild, a dog will have some sort of enforced boundaries of behavior by the pack structure and hierarchy that exists. At the end of the day, your dog is part of your ‘pack’.
A very important point to note about dog training is that any form of training should be approached from the perspective of ‘positive reinforcement’. This simply means that you should reward your dog with praise, a treat or even better, both for any positive behavior that she exhibits. Success will come quickly to anybody who praises a dog for good behavior. The same cannot be said for somebody who punishes a dog for NOT exhibiting good behavior.
For example – If you ask your dog to sit and she does, you give her a treat. In the dogs mind sitting when told equals treat. Simple.
Now what if you tell the dog to sit and she doesn’t, and then you punish her? In the dogs mind you have just dished out a random punishment for nothing. This will only serve to confuse your dog and lead her to mistrust you.
Positive reinforcement is the key.
One of the most common mistakes that dog owners make is to inadvertently train their dog……. into bad habits. Typical examples include barking, face licking, jumping up. Let’s look at each of these.
Barking – Most dogs bark, that’s a fact. It’s WHEN a dog barks that determines whether it’s normal behavior or a bad habit. If your dog only barks when somebody comes to the door – fine. This is normal territorial behavior. Your dog is warning you – as a member of its pack – that there’s potential danger at the door.
If your dog spends the best part of its waking life barking at just about anything including you, then it’s formed into a bad habit – but one that is easy to cure.
The first mistake that people make is to shout “Quiet” or “Shut up” at their barking dog. The main reason why this will not work is simple. Your dog barks, then you ‘bark’. From your perspective you are shouting at your dog to shut up. From your dogs perspective, you are barking along and enjoying the noise.
A more effective method is to wait for a pause in your dogs barking then heap lots of praise and a treat upon your dog. As soon as the barking starts again, ignore your dog, walk off – anything but DO NOT pay your dog any attention. Then, when the barking stops its treat time again. It won’t be long before your dog puts two and two together.
Face Licking – Face licking is an overthrow from your dogs puppy days. Face licking is a way for a puppy to get its mother to regurgitate food for them. You will often see this in the wild. Also wild dogs will lick the face of a higher member of the pack to express and accept their submissive status in the pack. Unfortunately, because you and your family members are higher in the pack, you get the licks!
At first sight face licking is not a problem but should still be avoided due to health concerns. Never let a dog lick a baby or toddlers face. This is likely to expose the infant to germs that its immune system may not be able to handle. Similarly if your dog has worms or has been investigating other dogs faeces or even grooming itself, the last thing you want is for your dog to come and lick your face. Try and discourage this behavior using positive reinforcement.
When your dog approaches your face firmly – but not shouting – say No! If the dog doesn’t back off push her away from your face. When the dog first responds to the “No” phrase, it’s time for a treat. Keep this up consistently, and the dog will realize face licking is unacceptable.
Jumping Up – Jumping up may not seem such a bad habit, but if there are young children about it can be quite dangerous. Your dog will not know that jumping on you is o.k. but jumping on the children isn’t. This will just confuse the dog. Try to discourage this behavior by telling the dog “Down!” every time she jumps up. Give her a treat when she first responds and every time after until you just need to use the words.
There are lots of simple ways that you can train your dog. These are just a few. There’s no need to tolerate bad habits in your dog as they can be so easily remedied. Oh, and never pay heed to the phrase “You can’t teach on old dog new tricks”, you can – it’s never too late.
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Feb 07, 2010 | | Dogs
Dog Tips: Learn How To Read Your Pit Bull Terrier
Dog training is an art and there are right ways to go about it, as well as wrong ways. An often overlooked aspect of dog training is how your dog communicates back to you. If you want to successfully train your American Pit Bull Terrier, youll have to work hard on understanding how he communicates with you.
Youll only be able to form a close bond where you understand your Pit and he understands you, when you can read his non-verbal body language. An excellent way to begin learning about your Pit Bulls body language is to watch his interaction with other dogs. This is just another benefit that youll get from a properly socialized dog.
So what things should you look for specifically? Watch how your dog responds to the movements of other dogs. How does he greet dogs he knows? Dogs he doesnt recognize?
Ask yourself these questions when you are learning about your dogs communication language and actions. Reading books about wolf behavior is another thing that you can do to greatly improve your understanding of dog communication.
Why study wolf behavior? you ask? Wolf behavior and dog behavior are closely related. Since they are both so similar, the interactions of wild wolves gives us a chance to monitor their communication habits without any human interference.
Most dogs, if not all of them, have a habit of licking people’s faces and mouths. You many not understand why dogs do this, but close observation of wolves has shown that wolf puppies are fed by the older wolves in the pack through regurgitation. Mouth and face licking persists as they get older as a way of greeting another animals.
Spend some time trying to understand your dog and closely watching his communication habits. Before long, youll understand him better and the bond you share will be even stronger!
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Feb 07, 2010 | | Dogs
Just like a baby who needs utmost attention and care, the acquisition of the best supplies for your dog needs some major consideration, too. Here’s how you can ensure that your beloved pet gets the best toys, food, and other necessities.
Dog Food and Treats
Your dog’s needs should be the emphasis when considering what food or treat to buy him. The proper balance of vitamins and minerals should be given, particularly to growing puppies. Sporting and working dog breeds need to eat something that will sustain their hyperactive lifestyle. Dogs that aren’t getting any younger need low-calorie food to avoid weight gain. Dont scrimp on the budget here no matter how compelling it might be. A healthy dog is reflected by the food he eats.
Dog Leashes and Collars
The size and weight of the dog should be taken into account in choosing the right dog collar. The collar’s material needs attention too. Nylon is good for water-loving dogs since it is more durable and light. For a tougher look, leather collars are a lot better since they are more durable and can even be accessorized with spikes.
Dog leashes come in cloth, nylon, retractable, and leather styles.
Dog Toys
The safety of your dog should be the top priority in looking for a dog toy. What fun could be derived from a toy if it will endanger your pet’s life, right? A dog toy should be large enough so that it can’t be swallowed by your pet. However, it should be small enough for your dog to be able to grip it well.
The durability of the toys will need major consideration too, especially for dogs that are serious chewers. Light chewers can settle for vinyl and latex dog toys.
Training Guides for Your Dog
Dog whistles, dog harnesses and bitter-tasting sprays compose the wide array of dog-training guides that will keep a dog from chewing. If the chewing problem is a lot more serious, one may use a dog bark collar or an electric fence. It is advised that one stays consistent and humane in training his or her dog. Dog training books may also be availed for this endeavor.
Dog Health Items
Tick and flea infestation control medications are available to ensure that your dog’s health is secured against these pests. Brands like Advantix, Advantage and Frontline are some of the popular flea and tick drugs in the market.
Your dog’s dental health should never be taken for granted either. Dog toothbrushes and toothpastes, and even dog toys are now made available to support the dental health of your pet.
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Feb 06, 2010 | | Dogs
What to Look For In a Dog Supplement
The market is exploding with products claiming to improve the health and wellness of individuals using vitamins and nutritional supplements. People are now seeking the same products to complement the health of their pets. The benefits of appropriate nutritional supplements are overwhelming and can add several healthy years to your life, as well as your dogs.
Dogs Age Faster Than People
Longevity is attributed 30 percent to genetics and 70 percent to lifestyle. Up to 90 percent of diseases in dogs are due to the degenerative processes associated with aging.
Does Your Dog Act His Age?
Because dogs age seven times faster than people, major health changes occur in a short amount of time. Dogs are considered puppies for about one year, adults from age two to six, and seniors at age seven. Giant breeds, like Great Danes, age even more quickly and are considered seniors at age five. Signs of aging in dogs occur slowly, but generally begin at maturity, somewhere between age one and two.
Dr. Denham Harmans Free Radical Theory of Aging, applies to people and pets, including dogs. This universally accepted theory states that aging is a process in which the bodys systems deteriorate faster than the body can repair them.
The changes occur due to oxidative damage caused by harmful compounds called free radicals. Free radicals are toxic, electrically unstable molecules. As we age, they are produced more quickly.
Free radicals damage your dogs body similar to the way oxygen causes iron to rust. They are detrimental to your dogs genetic material, his DNA and RNA, his cell membranes and enzyme systems.
Free radicals are formed each time we take a breath. Exposure to the suns ultraviolet rays, as well as to environmental toxins, pollution, heavy metals and stress contribute to free radical formation. Your dogs diet and drugs, such as antibiotics, are also factors.
Free radicals weaken your dogs natural defenses and have been associated with the development of up to 90 percent of the age-related degenerative conditions we associate with aging:
Cancer
Heart disease
Arthritis
Diabetes
Cataracts
Premature aging
Our life span, as well as the length of your dogs life, is ultimately determined by how quickly free radicals cause harmful oxidative changes to occur. Therefore what you feed your dog, as well as the supplements you choose for your dog are both very important.
Help Your Dog Enjoy a Longer, Healthier Life
Your Dogs Diet
You are what you eat, and thats just as important for people as it is for dogs. What you feed your dog directly affects his health and wellness. The longer and more consistently you give your dog an optimally balanced diet, the greater his chances are of living a longer, healthier life.
Dogs, like people are omnivores and can naturally exist on a diet of meat, fruit and vegetables. Consult with your vet to determine the best diet for your dog. Commercial varieties worth looking into include organic, natural diets such as Prairie made by Natures Variety.
Homemade, natural diets take more time and effort but in many cases are well worth the extra effort. Vegetarian and raw food diets are another option that, with careful supervision, may provide complete and balanced nutrition for your dog.
According to the Guinness Book of Records, a Border Collie in England named Taffy, lived to the spry age of 27 eating an all-natural, organic diet.
Healthy Dog Snacks
Fruits and vegetables are healthy, low calorie snacks many pets enjoy. Those rich in antioxidants are especially beneficial for your dog:
Oranges
Tomatoes
Sweet Potatoes
Carrots
Cantaloupe
Asparagus Tips
Oranges are rich in Vitamin C, tomatoes are filled with Lycopenes and sweet potatoes are a source of Vitamin E and Beta Carotene. Carrots and cantaloupes also provide Beta Carotene for your dog.
Antioxidant Supplements for Your Dog: Sooner Not Later
Recent research documents that antioxidants provide very bright prospects for increasing the quality and length of your dogs life. In addition, scientists have found that sooner is better than later as far as your dogs potential health benefits. Antioxidant supplementation started as a puppy, before free radical damage has occurred, can increase the healthy lifespan of your dog by up to 20 percent.
Antioxidant supplements, including Vitamins A, C, and E, the minerals Selenium and Zinc, and the nutrients Alpha Lipoic Acid and Coenzyme Q10, are the bodys natural defense against free radical damage. They can help to protect your dog by neutralizing free radicals and decreasing the resultant levels of oxidative damage.
Other noteworthy antioxidant supplements for your dog include:
Bioflavinoids, which help to decrease allergic reactions, asthmatic attacks and have anti-cancer benefits for your dog.
Green Tea, whose antioxidants may decrease the risk of heart disease and cancer and help protect the blood vessels nourishing your dogs heart and brain.
Lutein, a plant pigment from marigolds, helps to protect your dogs eyes and may reduce the risk of cataracts.
Melatonin, a potent antioxidant that acts to normalize sleep patterns. It also protects your dogs brain and has been used successfully with cancer therapy.
The effects of antioxidants are beneficial and act synergistically for people and dogs undergoing cancer therapy. In well controlled studies, people and pets treated with antioxidants (with or without chemotherapy and radiation) have tolerated treatments better and experienced less weight loss. More importantly, they enjoyed a better overall quality of life and lived longer than individuals receiving no supplements.
Nutritional Supplements for Your Dogs Bones, Joints & Cartilage
Glucosamine is an amino sugar naturally produced in your dogs body from glucose, which is your dogs blood sugar, and the Amino Acid, Glutamine. It helps the cartilage between the joints retain water so the cartilage can act like a cushion to absorb shock and withstand compression. Glucosamine is vital to protecting the health and integrity of your dogs bones, joints and cartilage. It helps to:
Decrease joint inflammation and pain
Promote cartilage repair
Aid healing of damaged joints
Increase mobility in dogs with arthritis and hip dysplasia
Glucosamine is also a normal component of the urinary bladder in dogs and cats and may help to relieve urinary disorders.
MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) is a natural source of sulfur that works along with Glucosamine to help protect the health and integrity of your dogs bones, joints and cartilage.
Essential Fatty Acid Supplements for Your Dog
Essential Fatty Acids are vital to life and support all bodily functions in your dog. They help to keep cell membranes soft and pliable, so your pets cells can absorb dietary nutrients. They enhance your dogs skin and hair coat and are needed for the normal development of the nervous system and brain.
Fatty Acids are vital to brain health and help to preserve mental clarity. They decrease the risk of Alzheimers disease and dementia in dogs, cats and people. Fatty Acids may reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure, as well as provide therapeutic effects in your dog for:
Arthritis
Lupus
Inflammatory bowel disease
Cancer therapy
Kidney disorders
Flea allergies, food intolerances and bacterial skin infections can often be relieved by providing your dog with fatty acid supplements.
The proper balance of Fatty Acids helps to reduce wear and tear on your dogs body by decreasing stress triggered increases in cholesterol and the stress hormone Cortisol. Research indicates that the ratio of 5:1 of Omega 6 to Omega 3 Fatty Acids seems to provide the greatest clinical benefits, surpassing that of any individual Fatty Acid alone.
Amino Acid Supplements for Your Dog
Glutamine is the most abundant Amino Acid in the body. It is the major energy source for the cells that line the digestive system and strengthens your dogs natural defense system known as the immune system.
Glutamine promotes healing of the digestive system thereby reducing bowel disorders. It spares protein and reduces muscle loss during periods of injury, stress and high endurance activities. Therefore it is especially beneficial for pets recovering from trauma and for working and show dogs.
Glutamine also has many anti-aging effects. It helps to preserve memory and to prevent the harmful effects of Cortisol, the hormone that is responsible for accelerating the aging process in people and in your dog.
Digestive Enzyme Supplements for Your Dog
Digestive Enzymes are produced by the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas and liver and are released into the digestive tract. Enzymes help your dogs body to breakdown proteins, fats and carbohydrates in his food so they can be absorbed and utilized.
Your dogs production of enzymes naturally decreases with increasing age. Illnesses, stress, food intolerances, allergies and drugs like antibiotics also have a negative affect on enzyme production and function. This can result in a variety of digestive disturbances ranging from flatulence and gas to diarrhea, life threatening dehydration and malnutrition.
Digestive Enzymes are vital to maintain your dogs overall health. They improve the efficiency of digestion so your pets body can utilize the nutrients essential for energy production and ultimately for life itself.
They help the body to recover from disease and promote restoration of good health in your dog. Enzymes are useful to reduce pain and swelling after exercise or trauma and help speed up recovery rates. Enzymes support your dogs immune system thereby enhancing his ability to ward off disease and infection. They have been also been used effectively in cancer therapy for people and pets.
Papain is an enzyme that has aspirin-like effects to decrease swollen, painful inflamed tissues in your dog. Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple stems that inhibits the spread of lung cancer in mice.
Digestive Enzyme supplements may be beneficial in dogs with digestive problems, immune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis, cancer and a variety of bowel disorders. They are especially useful in older dogs with reduced digestive ability.
The Anti-Aging A Supplement List For Your Dog:
Vitamin A/Beta Carotene: Antioxidant enhances immunity, essential for your dog to utilize protein in his diet
Vitamin C: Antioxidant, needed for tissue growth and repair, enhances immunity, needed for your dogs body to utilize Vitamin E.
Vitamin E: Antioxidant, prevents heart disease, promotes wound healing, needed for your dogs body to utilize Vitamin C.
B-Complex Vitamins: As a group, B vitamins help your dog to maintain healthy nerves, skin and muscle.
Coenzyme Q-10: A powerful, newly discovered antioxidant. Essential for immune function, beneficial in heart disease and gum/dental disease for your dog.
Alpha Lipoic Acid: Antioxidant. Helps your dog to restore energy metabolism.
Selenium: Antioxidant. Works with Vitamin E to help your dog fight infection. Beneficial to dogs skin and hair coats. Deficiencies linked to cancer and heart disease.
Zinc: Essential mineral your dog needs for protein synthesis, promotes healthy immune system, aids wound healing. Critical for hundreds of biological processes in the body.
Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids: Essential component of cell membranes in your dog and is needed for healthy heart, brain function and skin and hair coats.
Bioflavinoids: Enhances absorption of Vitamin C, has antioxidant effects and promotes normal blood circulation for your dog.
Glucosamine and MSM: Promotes normal healthy bones, joints and cartilage for your dog.
Digestive Enzymes: Essential for your dog to utilize and absorb nutrients from his/her diet.
Melatonin: Immune modulator, antioxidant, triggers restful sleep for your dog.
Ginseng: A metabolic tonic to promote brain health and overall wellness for your dog.
L-Glutamine: Amino acid needed for your dog to energize the cells of his digestive system so dietary nutrients can be properly absorbed and utilized.
Colostrum: The first milk your puppy receives from his mother. Provides your dog with antibodies to protect him against disease and aid immune function.
Exercise: 20 minutes twice a day minimum for your dog.
Balanced, natural diet: Feed your dog at least two meals daily. Fresh organic and natural sources are best.
Relaxation: Stress and anxiety affect pets and people adversely. Set aside an hour a day to relax and enjoy your dog. Consider massage, yoga and music.
Positive mental attitude: The mind-body connection is a potent promoter of well-being for you and your dog.
Pure water: Fresh, non-chlorinated water is essential for people and for your dog.
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Feb 06, 2010 | | Dogs
Just as the name implies, a bird feeder is a device that is placed outdoors for the purpose of dispensing food to birds. The ultimate success of a bird feeder is determined by its placement, the types of seeds provided and the design of the feeder itself.
To begin with, a bird feeder must be large enough to accommodate the nearby species. Birds need to be able to get to the seeds easily if they are to continue to use the bird feeder. In addition, the feeder should be placed somewhere convenient and easily accessible. Most bird feeders are located in a tree that birds are known to frequent.
The type of bird that you wish to attract will ultimately determine the type of food that you supply in the bird feeder. For example, while most food is made in the form of seeds, hummingbirds prefer liquid nourishment. This is a very important distinction as bird feeders are created for birdwatching and, without the proper food, there may not be any birds to watch.
Many people around the world enjoy birdwatching and some even record their experiences on video. Some individuals use webcams, while others use a regular camcorder to capture their birds on film. Dont be surprised, however, if you happen to capture a squirrel on video. These little creatures are famous for helping themselves to the contents of a bird feeder and not even so much to eat the food, but rather to carry it away and store it elsewhere. There are, however, a number of bird feeder manufacturers that create their products with the hope of deterring squirrels from swiping all of the seeds. This may include a collapsible bird feeder if anything heavier than a bird should begin to feed or one that provides a slight shock or spins to throw the squirrel a short distance away.
A bird feeder is easy to find at any retail or online store, but the many choices available may make the decision a difficult one. Ultimately, the size of the feeder and its design will be the most important consideration.
Often, the most effective way of keeping a squirrel away from a bird feeder is to set out a squirrel feeder. Corn and berries are among the foods that may interest a squirrel and may keep him/her occupied so as to not disturb the bird feeder. These creatures, themselves, can add quite a lot of amusement and birds may find themselves sharing the spotlight as many birdwatchers turn toward watching squirrels, as well.
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Feb 06, 2010 | | Birds
Engaging in sports is not only for humans. It is also well-loved by our best friend, the dog. Dog sports do not only make a dog’s life fun, but healthy, as well. Here is a list of dog sports that you may want your dog to get involved into depending on his breed, of course.
Agility
This is when a dog moves through an obstacle course, i.e., contact obstacles, tunnels, jump, etc., as guided by his or her handler. What controls the dog is only its handler’s voice and body language. Without a leash, obedience training is the major requirement for a dog to enjoy this sport. Speed and accuracy are the names of this game.
Carting
Large breeds usually participate in this dog sport. It mainly involves the dog pulling a cart filled with supplies like firewood or other farm goods, sometimes even pulling people. It is also known as dry land mushing and sulky driving and is well-known and practiced all over the world.
Frisbee Dog
Commonly known as disc dog, frisbee dog competition is about a dog and a human disc thrower competing in events such as a choreographed freestyle catching and distance catching. The division of events on this kind of dog sport depends on the handler’s skill and experience. What makes this one of the most popular dog sports is that any kind of dog can participate.
Flyball
This dog sport is a relay wherein teams of dogs race against each other leaving their handlers. These teams need to surmount four hurdles that are placed 3 meters apart from each other. Then, they have to reach a box that will release a tennis ball that needs to be caught when the dog presses the pad which is spring-loaded. Then, they have to go back to their respective handlers while carrying the ball.
Scootering
It is a sport where one or more dogs pull an unmotorized scooter in which a human is riding. It is similar to another dog sport done in the winter known as mushing, only dog scooter involves fewer dogs and instead of a dogsled used in mushing, a scooter is used. Like sled dogs, dogs that are doing scootering wear harnesses and are hooked to the scooter using a gangline.
Sheepdog Trial
Also known as “dog trial”, this is one of the competitive dog sports in which breeds that are into herding move sheep around a field, gates, fences or enclosures as directed by their handlers. Think of “babe” the movie about a pig. This is more popular in UK, Canada, Ireland, the USA, New Zealand, Australia and other farming nations.
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Feb 06, 2010 | | Dogs
The downside of dog ownership is that communication can sometimes be a guessing game. This is particularly true when your dog is not feeling well.Sometimes your dog may just be off not as energetic or acting odd. This may be nothing but it could be a sign of a serious health issue. Educating yourself in the signs that indicate all is not right with your dog can mean the difference between life and death.
Bloat:
If your dogs belly starts to swell for no apparent reason, this could be an indication that she is suffering from Bloat a condition in which the abdomen fills with gas to the point that it will become tight enough to play like a drum. This is a very serious condition as it can decrease her circulation and must be treated by a vet immediately.
Fainting:
Often related to heart disease, fainting can occur when your dog gets excited and his heart has failed to pump enough blood to his brain. Fainting can also be caused by low glucose levels in the blood which is often a result of strenuous exercise. Either way, if your dog faints, take him to the vet ASAP.
Falling:
When a dog falls over for no apparent reason, it can be an indication that she has an inner ear infection. This is very treatable and can be cured with a trip to the vet and a course of antibiotics.
Heat Stroke:
One of the most common summer ailments dog suffer from is heat stroke. This can come on very rapidly even if your dog has not been outside in the heat for a prolonged period of time. If your dog shows any of the following signs, move him to a shady spot and pour cool water all over his body and then take him to the vet immediately:
* Heavy panting
* Glazed eyes
* Rapid pulse
* Bright red gums
* Unsteadiness
* Vomiting
Shock:
A dog can suffer from four different types of shock: hypovolemic, cardiac, neurogenic or septic. All four exhibit similar symptoms including:
* Pale mucous membranes (inside of the mouth, gums, eyes, etc.)
* Weakness
* Rapid pulse
* Tangible loss of heat to the extremities, particularly the ears.
The most common type of shock is hypovolemic, occurring when there is not enough blood circulating throughout the body. The cause can include internal or external bleeding or poor circulation. Cardiac shock occurs when the heart cannot pump blood fast enough. Neurogenic shock, although rare, can occur when the dog suffers a massive brain or spinal cord injury. Septic shock occurs when an infection has reached the blood stream.
If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms or experiences any type of injury that can cause shock, take him to the vet immediately.
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Feb 05, 2010 | | Dogs
Breeding dogs is an exciting experience. From the time a proper mate is found to the point that the puppies are born, it is crucial to take careful steps to make this successful.
Professional dog breeders do not breed frequently and will only do so when a pair is found to be healthy that will ensure the birth of healthy offspring.
The ideal breeder should have the pair of dogs tested for every possible disease as well as have all the information regarding the pairs ancestors and health records on file. Should a breeder find no problem in the history of the pair, then the process can begin.
Dogs normally come into heat twice a year which is every six months. Larger dogs can come into heat every eight or ten months which usually lasts about three weeks. Vaginal bleeding is a sure sign that the dog is in heat as well as swelling in the vulva.
A dog’s pregnancy or gestation period lasts between 60 to 67 days. Most dogs give birth after 63 days.
The only way to determine the stage of the dogs pregnancy is by keeping the track of time from the day of the breeding. Keeping a record of this on file is advisable for reference purposes.
Exactly three weeks after breeding, the mother must be examined to confirm the pregnancy.
The dog must be given a formulated and premium brand of dog food for the duration of the pregnancy and throughout the nursing period preferably with strong nutritional foundation.
During pregnancy, the mother’s food consumption will almost double compared to the pre-pregnancy level so increased feeding must be given to ensure that there is enough for both the dog and the puppies.
Behavioral changes are to be expected during this time. The dog will demand for more affection or may experience a few days of vomiting.
Later on, the expectant mother will search for a secure place to deliver the puppies. So, one must ensure that a proper place is ready when the time comes. An ideal place for an expecting mother is a box. Depending on the size of the dog, it must be spacious enough for the dog to move around and must have layers of newspaper inside it that will absorb birthing fluids. This should also have low sides for the mother to look outside and for the breeder to easily check if assistance is needed to make it easy to remove soiled papers without interrupting the mother and the newborn puppies.
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Feb 05, 2010 | | Dogs