We have a long history with domesticated animals and even the nay Sayers cant deny their roll in society past and present.
There is evidence that as long as 10,000 years ago the Native Americans had domesticated dogs as depicted in early rock paintings. Apparently, the dogs in the painting look remarkably like the Carolina dogs of today.
It has been well documented that dogs and horses of past have been bred to assist us in various ways whether it be pack dog, work horse, hunter or herder. There is no doubt that they have value and have contributed to society in many ways.
The cat however is a very interesting animal indeed. I have yet to see a cat that can herd, or help with the hunt or carry supplies on their backs for us. The cat is strictly a companion to us, that is if they decide to allow you to be graced with their presence. Most cats still have that strong hunting urge as evidenced by your cats offering of that bird he just caught or mouse he brings to you. Most cats get attached to an area that they claim as their own. Some cats get very attached to the people who love them but as a general rule I think the cat feels he is the one who rules and he is allowing you to care for him. Still, we love them.
Horses are a special breed and have a tremendous ability to assist us in ways as only the horse can. Horses have been our mode of transportation much longer than our current ways of getting around. They are to me of such beauty, grace, and power and I always think of them in that way much more than an animal that works for us. They are spectacular.
Dogs however are by far the most domesticated of all animals. They not only help us but they are so genuinely attached to people and their antics are a constant source of pleasure to us. Just look at children or elderly people in an old folks home. If a child finds a stray dog they will surely beg you to allow them to keep the dog. If you take a dog into an old folks home you can see the dog respond happily around them and the smiles on peoples faces are a joy to see.
I had a Springer Spaniel when I was younger and he was the funniest, most easy- going dog around. He was unusual in that he had a very special relationship with our guinea pig. We had the best time watching these two at play. It was the same every day. The guinea pig would wait at the hallway entrance and would stay there until the dog noticed. Then the chase was on! The dog would bark and chase him all the way down the hall. The guinea pig at the last minute would veer to the left and run into the bedroom and go under the bed. The dog was big and somewhat clumsy and would never be able to slow down in time and hed crash into the wall, get up and then go put his nose under the bed and bark. They would do this four or five times in a row and then curl up together and sleep. Those two made us laugh. It was great!
As animal lovers, we also can adorn our walls with prints and motivational posters of them. They also make great gifts.
We love our animals, as it should be. Be kind and take well care of them.
Tags:
Antics,
Beauty,
Carolina Dogs,
Companion,
Dogs And Horses,
Dogs Cats,
Domesticated Animals,
Domesticated Dogs,
Hunting,
Love Special,
Mode Of Transportation,
No Doubt,
Old Folks Home,
Painting,
People,
Pleasure,
Presence,
Rock Paintings,
Sayers,
Work Horse
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Mar 06, 2010 | | Dogs
Do you ever wonder how much a dog can really taste? Does it really matter whether you get him the beef liver treats or the turkey liver treats? Isnt it all just the same in the end anyway? How much can the dog really tell the difference?
Anyone who has a dog knows they will eat just about everything, save the occasional vegetable. I am sure most of you either have or know at least one dog that sits at your feet when you eat. He/she either stares with that adorable slightly pathetic face, hoping you take pity on them and give them a bite, or the more tenacious ones whimper, yelp, and beg. It doesnt seem to matter what you are eating, the ferocious desire for some of the food is the same. Why should the dog training treats be any different?
I understand some dogs have allergies, some have certain diet requirements for their health, and in those cases it is important which treats you buy the dog, however in the mass number of cases I am sure it doesnt really matter in the end.
There are however, those people that will insist on only the best for their dog and spend tons of money on the best dog training treats money can buy, the whole time going on and on about how Foofoo doesnt like the turkey and how she only eats the veal treats-which are probably made out of actual veal. I dont know about you but this strikes me as being slightly ridiculous.
Treats come in very handing when training dogs and I am sure are a valuable resource, however I am convinced one treat probably works just as well as the next. And maybe Foofoo really does prefer the veal, but the question remains as to why Foofoo was even given the veal in the first place. Dogs may decide they like one treat better than the next but making that decision requires options. I am pretty sure that if simply presented with a treat most dogs would not decline.
Tags:
Allergies,
Beef Liver,
Desire,
Diet Requirements,
Dog Training,
Dog Treats,
Health,
Mass Number,
Options,
People,
Place Dogs,
Pooch,
Stares,
Tons Of Money,
Training Dogs,
Turkey,
Veal,
Whimper,
Whole Time,
Yelp
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Feb 27, 2010 | | Dogs
There are a lot of things people have to remember when they start dog training. There are a lot of different dog training techniques to try.
Some of these dog training techniques work, while other dog training techniques seem to work against you. With so many different aspects of dog training, it is hard to know what techniques work the best.
One of the biggest things that often confuse people with regards to dog training is when to reward your dog and when to reprimand your dog. If you have trouble deciding when to do which, please read on.
Most dog training course instructors will tell you that positive dog training is the best technique to utilize. Unfortunately, there are some instances when you do have to reprimand your dog.
Reprimanding your dog should not happen often, as dogs respond better to positive reinforcement used in dog training. Before you learn when to reprimand your dog, you should first learn when to reward your dog.
You should reward your dog any time your dog does something it is supposed to during dog training. This can be when it sits, stays, eliminates where it should, fetches, etc.
The reward you use during your dog training can be many things: praise, kind words, tummy rub, pat on the head, or a treat.
Dogs learn very quickly from positive dog training. Dogs tend to want to make you happy and this is why they do so well with this type of dog training. However, be sure you never reward bad behavior.
Reprimanding is a type of dog training that should not be done unless necessary. This can be when your dog jumps, eliminates in the wrong place, barks, growls, pulls on a leash, destroys something, etc.
You must only reprimand your dog if you catch it in the act of doing something wrong.
Otherwise, your dog will not realize what it did. The reprimand used for this dog training should be a quick, sharp “no” or “bad dog.”
Your tone should be angry, but remember to be short and quick. If you constantly do this, your words will end up being ignored by the dog. Never spank, hit, or constantly scold your dog. This will only lead to more problems in the future.
These are all of the important things you need to focus on when determining when to reprimand or reward your dog during dog training. Remember to be patient because your dog is learning and trying its best.
With some love and consideration, your dog should do quite well with its dog training.
Then it will be a rewarding experience for you both!
Tags:
Bad Behavior,
Bad Dog,
Course Instructors,
Dog Training,
Instances,
Lot,
Many Different Aspects,
Many Things,
People,
Positive Reinforcement,
Training Dog,
Training Dogs
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Feb 16, 2010 | | Dogs
When you decide to get a new Golden Retriever puppy, the first choice you will face is where to get your puppy from. No matter how hard you try, its nearly impossible to know whether or not the puppy you are buying will grow up to be healthy and strong. In order to even assume that your puppy will grow up to be healthy, youll need to trust the individual you get your Golden from.
There are three options available to you, in terms of breeders. You should carefully think about each one, as they all will vary. Below are the three options you have to choose from, and a little bit of information to help you make this very important decision.
Dealer or pet shop
A pet shop is simply the worst place that you can get your Golden Retriever puppy. The puppies they have for sale here are bred poorly, and raised in poor locations to say the least. At these types of places, the puppies are thought of as a profit and nothing more. There is little to no emphasis on quality here either – as pet shops prefer quantity over qualify.
Due to the way the puppies are bred and raised, pet shops make quite a bit of profit. With there being so little that goes into the breeding and care of the puppies, pet shops make a lot of money. They mainly rely on impulse buying, not giving you a lot of time to evaluate the puppies that they have for sale. If youre looking for an addition to your family, and a puppy that you know is healthy, youd be better off looking somewhere else for your puppy.
Backyard breeders
Backyard breeders are considered to be yet another poor choice for your puppy. Almost all backyard breeders are people who own a few Goldens and find it to be fun to breed their female for the fact of having puppies, or breed her once or twice before they decide to go ahead and get her spayed. Backyard breeders dont look for quality or go out of their way to care for their litters, as they are more or less breeding to make money – and nothing more.
Normally, backyard breeders know very little about the breed in general, and even less about how to properly care for their Golden Retrievers. Backyard breeders normally arent familiar with the problems associated with breeding, and most could care less. Their only goal here is to breed Golden Retriever puppies. Once the puppies have been bred, their remaining goal is to sell the puppies as fast as they can – for the highest possible price.
Hobby breeders
A hobby breeder is the ideal way to get your Golden puppy. Hobby breeders are loyal, committed, and think of their pups as more than just a hobby. Although they do make money breeding, they could honestly care less. Hobby breeders care more about the quality of their puppies than anything else, and they commit themselves to helping you get the best Golden Retriever pup possible.
Hobby breeders accept responsibility for each one of their puppies, and they stand behind each and every one of their pups. If you want the best pup you can get for your money, you need to visit a hobby breeder. They very rarely produce poor quality Golden Retriever puppies, as they care a lot about quality. If you get your Golden puppy from a hobby breeder, you can rest assured that you getting a healthy puppy from the start.
Tags:
Backyard Breeders,
First Choice,
Golden Retriever,
Golden Retriever Puppy,
Goldens,
Having Puppies,
Impulse,
Litters,
Little Bit,
Lot,
Money,
People,
Pet Shop,
Pet Shops,
Poor Choice,
Puppy Breeders,
Reputable Breeders
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Jan 19, 2010 | | Golden Retriever
There are a lot of experts out there who say that cats are strictly independent animals. These very same experts state that cats have chosen to associate with humans due to their strategy of survival. Although many argue with this statement, there are many who agree as well although those that agree are normally those in the percentile who dont agree with cats.
Anyone who has owned a cat will tell you that cats are great at bonding with people, although they are very particular. Normally, a cat will choose someone in the home that he bonds with. Youll know when a cat wants to bond with you, as he will hop on your lap seeking attention or snuggle up to you at night when you are sleeping. Purring is a strong sign of affections, especially with cats that are looking to bond.
Although many experts have tried to figure it out, no one really knows why cats choose a particular person whom they will bond with. It could be the individuals manners, voice, or simply how that person treats the cat. Perhaps it may be the individual is really gentle, or maybe a little more forceful bringing the best out in the cat.
There are a lot of ways that researchers have tried to take this subject, one of which being psychic. Some say that cats bond with someone due to a psychic aura that is compatible with both the person and the cat. If a cat feels that someone is giving them a bad vibe, they will simply ignore that person. Although this can be true to a sense for some, a majority of those who own cats will tell you that this couldnt be any further from the truth.
Even though there are a lot of theories and speculation out there, no one really knows why cats bond with humans. Theres little to no proof available as well, other than cats and their natural instinct for physical survival. Those who own cats know that cats crave attention, simply to make them feel needed. They love to be pampered by their owners, and will shower you with attention and affection if you just give them the chance.
Those who are new to owning cats may find bonding to be very different. Cats are different from other animals, including dogs, in the sense that they bond different. Different breeds of cats will bond different with their owners, although most prefer affection and attention. The more time you spend around your cat, the more he will bond with you. Over the years, youll find that the bond you create with your pet has grown very strong and simply cannot be broken.
Tags:
Affection,
Affections,
Bad Vibe,
Bonds,
Cats,
Independent Animals,
Manners,
Natural Instinct,
People,
Percentile,
Physical Survival,
Proof,
Purring,
Speculation,
Truth
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Jan 15, 2010 | | Cats
Crate Training Your American Pit Bull Terrier: Will It Help Your Dog?
Crate training is one of the most often misunderstood dog training techniques. Many questions often come up when discussing the topic of crate training such as: How can I use crate training to teach my dog to behave?, What are the pros and cons of crate training?, and Is crate training safe to use as part of my overall dog training program?
This article will definitely help you understand crate training and what it will do to you Pit Bull terrier. After youre done reading, Im confident that youll have a much better understanding of crate training.
I get many questions from new dog owners on the subject of crate training. Most people really have no idea what crate training is or what purpose it serves. Quite simply, a dog crate is an enclosed cage area that prevents your dog from getting into trouble.
You can crate train your Pit Bull both inside the house or outside. Youll want your dog to have plenty of room to stand up and lay down.
So what are the benefits of you crate training your Pit Bull? There are many few reasons why crate training your Pit is a good idea. One reason is that a crate will prevent your Pit from destroying the inside of your house when you are away. Eventually, youll be able to leave your dog loose when leaving the house and he wont be destructive while youre gone.
Another example of when crate training can be helpful is when youre traveling in your vehicle for a long period of time. Allowing your dog to rest in his crate during the trip will ease his fear if he has any issues with traveling.
Lastly, crate training is a vital component to properly house training a new puppy. Using a crate to assist in potty training is a very good idea and will help cut your pups learning curve down drastically.
Tags:
American Pit Bull,
American Pit Bull Terrier,
Bull Dog,
Bull Terrier,
Dog Crate Training,
Dog Owners,
Dog Training,
Fear,
Learning Curve,
New Puppy,
One Reason,
People,
Period Of Time,
Pit Bull Terrier,
Plenty Of Room,
Potty Training,
Pros And Cons,
Train,
Training Puppy,
Vital Component
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Jan 01, 2010 | | Dogs
Dogs seek out people and take obvious pleasure in their company. They often fulfill a childlike role and are dependent in their owners for most of their life. This dependency works both ways and your dog becomes part of your family. It makes sense to try to match your lifestyle and preferences to the temperament and needs of the dog.
You may be looking for a dog with behavioral characteristics such as the ability to guard, herd, retrieve, or just sit on your lap. Other questions youll need to ask yourself are what age? size? sex? pure breed or not. For most pet parents, the age is considered first.
What age of dog? Of course, a puppy is delightful, especially if youve got children in the house, but there may be reasons why an older dog is better. If youre looking for a good companion right from the start, a young adult dog may be best. A puppy requires someone around all day to properly house train and to develop a good relationship. If you choose an older dog, make sure it is house-trained, a dog that has been kenneled for a long time may not be.
Size is the next important consideration. Large breeds are both expensive to buy and to feed, they need a lot of space and a lot of exercise and arent well suited to city living in an apartment. Small and toy breeds need far less space and exercise, they eat less too! But you must take care with young children, as toy breeds bones are fine and fragile and children can accidentally hurt them seriously. Large breeds also age quicker than the smaller breeds and most dont live beyond 14 years, while the smaller breeds can live to be 20 years old.
Male or female is the next consideration, and most owners have their own preferences. Females are usually more demanding of attention, but they are easier to train and develop a more solid attachment to their owners. Male dogs are usually more consistent in their temperament, but are more difficult to train due to their independent nature. Males may become so aggressive or wander so much that neutering is called for. This isnt always successful and can change the dogs character.
Pedigree or not? Non pedigree dogs sometimes called mongrels, have a lot in their favor. While they arent as predictable in terms of looks and temperament, they are much less afflicted by inherited diseases than pedigree dogs and seem to avoid some of the more common ailments. Pedigree dogs can develop ailments that are common to their breed that gets passed to each new generation. You should look into the hereditary defects of any pedigree you are considering. Most of these ailments dont occur until the animal is old, but they will occur.
No matter what type, breed, age, size, color, or other choice of dog you make, just remember, they will all need part of your time and space. Owning a pet and becoming a good pet parent is a commitment, but it can be one of the best and happiest commitments you can make, for both of you.
Tags:
Apartment,
Behavioral Characteristics,
Bones,
Companion,
Exercise,
Family Dogs,
Females,
Good Relationship,
Herd,
Independent Nature,
Lifestyle,
Long Time,
Male Dogs,
People,
Pet Parents,
Pleasure,
Puppy,
Temperament,
Toy Breeds,
Young Adult
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Dec 23, 2009 | | Dogs
Remember when you first met your dog? He was fresh and new, and you were just getting to know each other. You went through training together, perhaps even ate together. With time, you and your dog became very close even closer than you are to a lot of people you know. Your dog is special to you. He might be your best friend, a rascally mischief-maker, or just an accessory to your lifestyle. He depends on you for feeding, play, and discipline. You depend on him for companionship, a connection with the animal world, or household security and protection. For these reasons and more, you should protect your dog from harm, and yourself from loss, by getting him a dog tag.
Dog tags hang on your dogs collar and provide all the necessary information for calling your dog, contacting you as the owner, and alerting people to your dogs dietary restrictions. Some dog tags also include vaccination information, such as when your dog last received shots, and some municipalities even require this.
Once youve settled on what information to put on your dogs tag, its time to pick out a tag that suits your style and needs. If youre just looking to tag your dog with basic information, a plain plastic tag will do. But if you want to add a personal touch, consider getting your dog a silver, jewel, gold, or diamond dog tag. Yes, they do exist. You can even have your dog tag customized and shaped exactly the way you want. Some dog tag manufacturers can even laser-etch a photograph onto the tag perhaps a picture of you and your beloved pet.
Dog tags can range in price from free or just a few dollars, to diamond dog tags in excess of $7,500. Whatever your taste, there is a dog tag for your furry friend.
Tags:
Animal World,
Best Friend,
Companionship,
Diamond Dog Tags,
Dietary Restrictions,
Discipline,
Dog Tag,
Dogs,
Furry Friend,
Household Security,
Laser Etch,
Lifestyle,
Mischief Maker,
Municipalities,
People,
Personal Touch,
Photograph,
Plastic Tag,
Silver Jewel,
Vaccination
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Dec 20, 2009 | | Dogs