Posts Tagged ‘Pets’
How Best to Train Your Dog to Come
A dog is not naturally stubborn, but he definitely does not understand what he needs to do. That is the reason why it is necessary for the owner to establish that he is the alpha in the house. This enforcement of proper behavior can be done by being firm and patient. And that can be seen when trying to enforce the command of ‘come’.
A dog is going to explore his environment by sniffing, digging, moving things and taking things away from one place to another. That is why one has to make sure that he does not get distracted with other objects during a training session. Other people and voices are also going to distract him so you need to do your training session in a quiet and clear backyard.
The moment the dog comes spontaneously towards you, act quickly, and reinforce the command with a hand gesture. If he moves towards you, spontaneously, reinforce “Come” with the hand movement. Make sure that the gesture and/or the word is unique and not one which is used during regular training sessions.
Put the dog in a sitting position facing you. Reinforce the command of ’stay’ as you move away. Use hand gestures and voice commands. Praise the dog if the behavior is correct. Do not reward the dog for an incorrect or partial response.
Keep repeating this, as you move back. If your dog comes towards you too quickly, use ’sit/stay’ commands again. If the dog does not move try coaxing with treats or toys.
Some dogs may be reluctant or slow to learn. This is where you might need to do some leash training. The dog should be put in the sit position with the reinforcement of the ’stay’ command. Start backing up, while letting the leash go loose and slack. A firm tug is needed upon the leash along with the appropriate voice and hand gestures, if the dog does not move.
For a dog that comes too early, use a long rope or leash and wrap it around a post or a tree. If the dog tries to respond too early pull the cord as you give the “stay” command. If there are no trees around, use a friend to help with the session. The detrimental part about using another person during the session is the dog can become puzzled about who they should listen to. It’s usually best if they just focus on one teacher.
During teaching, steadfastness and calmness is important. Dogs don’t as a matter of course understand the usefulness of ‘come’ or any other human-induced behavior. Yelling when the dog commits errors or is a little reluctant is normally detrimental. Put in place your leader status with tone of voice, body language and inclination to wait for the dog to comply. Physical discipline or leading is a less helpful technique.
Dogs respond extremely quickly to praise when they execute proper behavior. You need to be resolute and make sure that they come when you order them to.
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Tags: dog bedding, dog beds, dog trainers, dog training, dogs, family, Home, pet beds, pet supplies, Pets, puppy potty training
How Do You Teach Your Dog Not to Chew?
The jaw muscles of a dog are some of the strongest muscles in the animal kingdom. The Golden retriever, which is just average sized can strip and tear apart a thick Rawhide bone in just a couple of minutes. And that is why it is a pity that they can treat furniture the same way.
The chewing tendency of a dog is going to depend upon his breed and that is why a knowledgeable owner needs to know about the behavior patterns of his dog. However, chewing every object which is present in the house is a normal tendency in every existing dog breed. That is the reason why one has to focus the dog’s attention on some other object upon which they can chew. But that is quite a difficult thing to do with some dogs.
Puppies and younger dogs definitely do not discriminate between whatever they chew. However, owners can train dogs in such a manner that they do not chew on objects which Owners want them to keep away from.
Foremost, it is important to point out that a little prevention can help avoid a number of problems. That is why it is wise to keep shoes, laundry and other items where dogs will be unable to gain access to them. Keeping children’s toys separated from the dog’s toys so mix ups do not occur is a good idea.
It is important to maintain an attractive variety of toys available and keep them indoors or outdoors so the dog may chew on them. Rawhide bones are very attractive to a number of dogs while other breeds will prefer hard rubber or unique plastic dental bones. With rare exception, giving the dog a real bone is often not a good idea. Oversized beef bones are usually safe, but chicken and pork bones are known to easily splinter which can lead to injury.
Nevertheless, there are plenty of toys made especially for dogs and some of them have treats in hollow interiors. A dog needs to work really hard to get to the treat and not only is it going to have a good physical and mental workout, but it is going to get a treat reward at the end of the activity.
One can also admonished the dog firmly especially when it decides to chew upon unsuitable objects. However, yelling or sharp physical punishment is not desirable. So instead of yelling at one’s dog, one needs to vent that anger and frustration somewhere else. That is not easily done, but has to be followed, for a harmonious relationship between the pet and the master.
One way to help develop specific habits is to take a little time (on a daily basis if needed) to put the dog on a leash and present an inappropriate object in front of it. If the dog moves towards the object, jerk the leash sideways firmly and enforce it with a sharp NO!
Remember that the leash always has to be jerked sideways, instead of the neck being yanked back. The muscles of the neck are strong, but the throat can be bruised easily. The jerking movement is not a punishment, but reinforcement.
A dog may have the tendency of chewing objects found outside like fences, chairs, plants and other items. Such behavior can be contained by coating homemade mixtures like cayenne pepper, upon the surfaces which the dog likes to chew. Some commercial products also have bitter apple, which discourages the dog from chewing any surface.
Successful dog training can only be done with consistency, patience and a lot of persistence. The idea behind stopping chewing is not to start a new behavior pattern, but to “suppress” a natural behavior pattern.
Directing the dog’s attention to another acceptable object is also another good way to keep your dog occupied. Vigilance is necessary, and remember, keep calm even if your dog decides to chew your new carpet. It can be removed or replaced, but you cannot replace your relationship with your pet, once lost.
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Tags: dog bedding, dog beds, dog training, family, Home, pet beds, pet supplies, Pets, puppy potty training
Herbs For Your Pet’s Health
In today’s day of natural medicines and herbs to cure human ailments, why not try them for dogs. Growing your own herbs at home allows you some options to treat certain issues for your dog. Save money and help your pet, enough said.
Aloe Vera has been used for treating burns, scrapes and cuts for years. We are now able to pass those cures onto our pets for the same injuries. Now this ancient old remedy can be used by our pets.
Gas or constipation can also be cured by this amazing plant. For internal issues, this aloe Vera can be ingested by your dog by mixing it into the dog’s food. External issues are cured by rubbing a little Aloe Vera on the affected area. Topically or ingested, Aloe Vera is a plus for dogs.
As an anti-inflammatory or antifungal medicine, the calendula herb’s uses continue to be discovered. It’s also used as a dressing for any wound or cut. Grow your own remedies for your and your pet, right in your own back yard.
The calendula herb’s flower petals can be applied as a dressing for a wound. Additionally they can be made into a tea that will act as an antiseptic and for the prevention of bacteria. So many uses from one herb are truly a gift for both us and our pets.
Ginger has long been the remedy we all hear about with a cup of hot tea for a cold. The ginger root can be the cure for your pets upset stomach by making it into tincture or tea. The centuries old delicious cure for common colds is becoming common for your dogs too.
Goldensel is a powerful herb that helps prevent bacteria from attaching to the walls of your cells. For those dogs with the nasty weeping eye syndrome; give them relief by using the goldensel as a tincture or tea and wash their eyes. No more weepy eyes after use of this amazing cure.
Chamomile, California poppy and valerian are used as a cocktail to calm a hyper dog. Not only are they a calming agent for your dog, they can also lower his blood pressure or control asthma. Control those parasites and keep the blood pressure under control with a few drops of valerian along with tinctures, teas and extracts.
As with any illness, we do suggest that you consult your local veterinarian before using the above mentioned remedies. Herbs have been curing our aliments for centuries so it’s only natural that we explore options for our pets. Happy and healthy dogs deserve it.
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Tags: alternative medicine, animals, dogs, dogs and cats, mammals, medicine, Pets, recreation
How To Keep Koi Fish In An Aquarium
Similar to goldfish, Koi are members of the carp family; something readily apparent by the barbules around their mouths that are one of the describing characteristics of the family. As A Matter Of Fact, Koi is the Japanese word for fish. Koi are long lived fish, surviving for a very long time with correct care. They are known for their colors, which are of varied design. If you want to breed Koi, keep in mind that there is no assurance that the koi fry will come out as enjoyable like their parents. Gold and white or black and white are the most common colors for the koi fish.
There are some people who wanted to keep Koi but are not yet really sure if an aquarium would be a the correct environment for their koi fish. You can keep Koi in a fish tank, but there are many important things to see if you’re trying to do this. Koi can grow to be as huge as three feet long; and if your Koi do not have adequate room, it will die. However, you may be able to start your Koi in an aquarium and and then to a pond when your koi fish grows.
For a foot long Koi, you’ll need to have an fish tank that can hold 10 gallons at the the least. You wouldalso require a good water filter for your koi tank – find an excellent filtration system from the very beginning therefore you would not need to upgrade your filter afterwards. You also require to be reminded that Koi are big eaters and as such will produce more waste. You’ll need better filtration like your fish grows to maintain the water clean and keep your Koi from infections. There is one certain to keeping a Koi indoors, even so and this is that they will be safe from the predatory animals which may threaten them if they are outside.
Don’t keep other types of fish in the same tanks as your Koi, unless you would want Koi fish to eat them. You’ll likely need to become a regular at your local bait shop to get minnows as treats for your Koi. You can purchase Koi food in per shops; but my Koi in reality appear to favor dry dog food! You would also require to compare the costs and nutrition contentof Koi food versus a excelent quality dog food and give it a try yourself. Another wonderful thing about feeding your Koi fish is that these are very intelligent fish that will learn to recognize you and will gather round when they see you at feeding time.
Koi fish are native to the relatively cold waters of northeastern Asia, but they will not thrive in very cold water. You would do well to acquire a heating device to keep your fish protected from cold winter temperatures.
Tags: Hobbies, koi fish aquarium, koi fish tank, Pets, tank for koi fish
The Adorable and Quirky Hybrid Cockapoo
The minute you see the very active and hairy Cockapoo, you can’t help but be mesmerized by it. Its hairy and flappy ears, and dense and shiny coat are just some of the few things you will like about it. Through the ever-adorable Poodle and Cocker Spaniel, the Cockapoo is of existence today.
The Cockapoo is not a standard breed or a purebred but instead is a first degree hybrid. This means that the Cockapoo is the direct result of breeding the Poodle with the Cocker Spaniel. Aussies call this breed Spoodles while the Swiss call it Cockerpoo.
Unlike most new hybrids, the Cockapoo was actually first developed in the United Stated in 1950. After which, its popularity grew all throughout the country and other parts of the world. There are several existing clubs for this breed today and there are 3 active ones in the US.
To have a Cockapoo, crossbreeding should be done between a Poodle and Cocker Spaniel or between a Cockapoo and another Cockapoo. Breeders around the world today are so keen in making this breed stable that experiments in Cockapoo breeding are ongoing down to its next generation offspring. Cockapoo clubs wants every Cockapoo breeders to list down all the information and details of their experiments so that they may have a basis in creating the breed standard in the future.
As an unstable breed, it is but natural for the Cockapoo to have varied appearance and temperament. Some Cockapoos may resemble a spaniel and some may resemble a Poodle. There is no standard height or weight for the Cockapoo since breeders may also use different types of Poodles such as Miniature Poodles or Toy Poodles.
The colors of this breed may come out in different shades of tan, beige, red or brown. Some may also appear in solid colors such as black, white, cream, silver or red. Most Cockapoos come out with a mixture of more than one color with complex markings of a different color on its body such as spots or patches on the muzzle, eyes and legs.
Not all Cockapoos have the same coat types because this will depend on its inherited attributes from the parent breeds. There are dogs that appear to have sleek hair like the spaniel and there those that appear to have curly and coarse hair like the Poodle. Most Cockapoos inherit the Poodle’s low-dander and low-shedding characteristics, making them hypoallergenic dogs.
Despite being adorable and small, the Cockapoos are famous for their agility and tireless energy. They are smart, cheerful and affectionate and they got this from the Cocker Spaniel’s side. This breed is also very friendly and their playfulness is perfect for little children.
Tags: animals, cockapoo, Cockapoo breeders, cockapoo for sale, Cockapoo puppies, cockapoo puppies for sale, Cockapoo training, dogs, family, Home, hybrid, lifestyle, Pets
How To Prevent Sand Fleas From Biting You And Your Pets
Sand fleas are a menace that you should take seriously. The sand flea is a parasite that feeds on animals and humans, with only about a millimeter in size before attaching to a host. While many sand flea bites are merely inconveniences, they can become serious problems.
A little red spot where the flea has bitten you is the initial sign of a sand flea bite. The sand flea bites’ reaction seems like that of a normal mosquito. They can carry diseases just like mosquitoes and you may like to see a physician if you get a sand flea bite, specially if symptoms of hives, swelling, fever and welts continue for over a week. This may be a sign of a more serious problem.
There are some situations where a sand flea may go parasitic. This happens when they dig into the deeper layers of the skin through their attachment to a host and feeding on blood. The male and female sand fleas feed on blood, however the female is the worst threat. Females don’t die immediately after mating and nest in the skin of its host which is unlike males. While they only start at one millimeter in size, sand fleas can develop up to one centimeter. This leads to the formation of a lump under the skin, and it’s commonly when people notice that there is a problem.
Unlike other types of fleas, sand fleas cannot be removed without the help of a physician. trying to dig out a sand flea can cause serious infection. If you have developed a lump under your skin, you should see your physician immediately, as sand fleas will continue to grow and feed until you run danger of blood clots where you have been bitten. This kind of infection also increases the chance that you will have a disease transmitted to you from the sand fleas.
There are several ways that you can prevent sand fleas from biting you. First, wear socks and shoes when you to go the beach, as well as long pants. The fleas can not bite you if they can’t get through your clothing. There are many insect repellents that will target sand fleas as well. You run a lesser risk of exposure if you visit the beach during the day.
Assisting to keep your pet from suffering from sand flea bites can be accomplished with many flea medications.
Tags: children, family, Fleas, fleas bite, kids, mom and dad, Pets, protection from fleas, sand fleas
KHV- Koi Herpes Virus
KHV or Koi Herpes Virus is a potentially deadly virus which has recently shown up in the Koi industry. As with the majority of Herpes type viruses in the world, Koi Herpes Virus is believed to remain with infected fish for their full lifespan. Even Koi that was exposed to the virus at one point or another are considered carriers, even if they did not show signs of the virus. The mortality rate for fish exposed to the virus ranges from 60 to 80 percent.
Considering that all Koi can become infected with KHV, ensuring your fish are never exposed to the virus is your best line of defense. Likewise, being knowledgeable and having an understanding with regards to KHV will also help to minimize the possibility of an outbreak.
Koi Herpes Virus Facts
Fortunately, since the arrival of Koi Herpes Virus in 1998 we\’ve had the opportunity to learn a great deal about it. Of course it goes without saying, knowing and understanding these facts could very well prove to be the deciding factor between prevention and infection.
Even with treatment, once a fish is exposed to the Koi Herpes Virus, it remains a carrier for the rest of its life and as a result, it can never be moved to a new pond with other healthy fish. If it is introduced into a pond with healthy fish, the virus can spread rapidly, thereby infecting all the other fish in the pond. Likewise, healthy fish put into the same pond as an infected fish are equally at risk of becoming infected. To date, there is no known cure for KHV.
Contrary to what some may believe, the disease is not caused through stress although it is believed that undue stress can result in a higher mortality rate. Interestingly enough, the disease is only activated at a temperature of 74 degrees Fahrenheit. Being aware of this is extremely beneficial as it makes testing for the virus possible by means of quarantining. Primarily, the virus spreads via contact between an infected fish and a healthy fish, although it can also spread when healthy fish are placed in water that has had an infected fish swimming in it.
Preventing the Spread of KHV
Unfortunately, once KHV has been detected in your fish, the only way for you to ensure the virus can\’t be spread, is through culling. In fact, all your fish have will have to be destroyed. Yes, this an extreme measure by all accounts, but then again, it\’s the only way possible if you\’re to prevent the spread of the virus.
Essentially, each and every new Koi you buy should be placed on it\’s own in quarantine, for a period of not less than fifteen days. For the duration of the quarantine period the water temperature should be kept a 74 degrees Fahrenheit. In the event that a fish is indeed a carrier, these conditions will cause the virus to show itself. However, if no symptoms become apparent during this time, then it\’s safe to assume your Koi is free of the virus.
It\’s absolutely fundamental that quarantined fish be kept in total isolation, without any exceptions. In other words, it should not be allowed to come into contact with any other fish for the duration of the quarantine period. Likewise, it should not come into contact with any tools or equipment which you use with your regular population. You need to have a separate batch of tools and equipment for dealing with fish while in quarantine and they should be kept well away from the others. Of course if you have to actually hand the fish during this time, it\’s essential that you pay particular attention to washing your hands immediately once you\’ve finished.
Tags: Hobbies, koi disease, Koi fish, koi fish keeping, koi herpes virus, Pets
Home is With My Dog
In my position as the Health Science lecturer in a college in N.Ireland I lecture in Human Health and Animal Health. The Human Health Diploma course is vocational and entails the students working in Residential homes throughout the year. The Animal Health focuses on the health of animals and also their behavior.
When I visit the students it is usually to asses how they are settling into the home and interacting with the clients. Some weeks ago I happened to visit a home in a residential suburb of middle class Belfast.This home was a new one on my list and one that I had not visited before. It was a very attractive old redbrick Georgian house hidden down a side street off a busy road.
Each home has its own atmosphere and as I entered this one it immediately felt different. I really could not put my finger on the reason why until I knocked on the Managers door and entered her office. There on the carpet in front of me was a 6 inch high arching back hissing feline monster puffed up to three times its size and rather humorous in its display!
” Oh never mind Molly” says the manager, “she is one of our residents new kittens and a bit wild!” At that moment Molly took off across the floor,jumped onto the seat,from the seat to the table and behind the curtains. Wonderful I thought a residential home that has a pet!
Not one pet it seems, as I observed several pairs of eyes fixed on me from different corners of the room. Cages were on the floor against the wall and each cage had its own little blanket and water bowl. I could not believe my luck at coming across this home and this amazing lady who could see the benefits of pet ownership for her residents. A lady who also went against the grain.
Given that around 140,000 people a year in the UK are forced to give up their pets with 40,000 pets a year being put to sleep because their owners are going into care homes,having pets in a care home is something that rarely happens. It is actually a fact that I am totally appalled at.
For many older people a dog or a cat is what makes their home. Their pet is more than just a pet, he or she is their friend,a member of the family and a companion that is always there. Their pet is often a reason to get up in the morning and for many it can become their whole life.The Health benefits of owning a dog are known and for older people it is especially true. As well as lowering blood pressure and promoting exercise they also promote a feeling of well being that comes from loving and being loved in return. Dogs help people by listening to them by giving affection and by being a distraction.
It is therefore heartbreaking to know that in the UK most older people who enter homes not only have to give up their homes and their freedom but they have to give up their pets as well. So why if the Health benefits of owning pets is known do old age homes not allow the pets?
It boils down to concerns over disease and litigation if injury or illness occurred as a result of having animal contact. On researching this issue in my position in the college I have found this to be unfounded and in fact in the small percent of homes that allow dogs there have been few if any problems. In fact by allowing pets in the home huge benefits are passed to the residents creating a positive atmosphere in the home and greater social interaction between the staff and the residents. Growing older should focus on what a person can still do and not on what they cannot do. It should focus on what an older person can retain and for many of them it is their pet.
Here in the UK we are known as an animal loving nation,we care and spent a lot of money on our pets, Isn’t it now time we start to demand that we keep them?
Look to other countries and you will find many that allow pets into homes. Countries such as France, Spain, Greece and USA have recognized the benefits of pet ownership and have enacted legislation demonstrating the rights of older people to keep their pets in sheltered or public housing.They have recognized that it becomes crucial for older people to retain as much normality and stability as possible.Their pet is their family and surely given the benefits of this relationship we could manage to facilitate and support these relationships?
Take one manager of a sheltered housing complex in Arizona, he went so far as to actively encourage the residents to adopt pets.He even drove them to the nearest animal shelter himself. A win win situation for the shelter and the home residents and maybe a possible outlet for all those abandoned animals that are looking for a home?
Tags: cemetery which allows people to be buried with their pets, conditioning dogs to assist people, people and pets, Pets, pets and people, pets for people, pets helping blind people, pets helping people, pets make people happier, pets uplifting people in tampa
Get Off My Lawn: Keeping Deer From Your Yard
Protecting your garden from unwanted snackers is a full-time job. Animals are quiet and can strike at any time. Deer look innocent, but they can wreck havoc on a garden in minutes. So how do you keep them away without doing anything to harm them? How do you find a a way that to keep the deer away? It is not easy. They can jump fences at very tall heights and can be fearless when they are very hungry. You must therefore play their own instincts against them and learn what things they have an natural aversion to.
The deer’s sense of smell is the best place to start. They have keep olfactory senses which they use to detect predators. They do not stand a chance against more aggressive animals and are therefore more apt to run away rather than take a chance. Urine marking a predator’s territory is a clear sign for deer to stay away if they value their lives. You can use this, too.
However, if you don’t happen to have any wolf urine readily available, you can find a realistic imitation. Many gardening companies make chemical sprays designed to keep away certain animals by smelling like the urine of their most dangerous predators.
Deer, much like dogs, can hear sounds much higher than a human would be able to hear. While dogs express their displeasure at these noises by barking, deer will simply go away. Whistles can be bought which you can blow if you see the animal stalking your garden, but one cannot be expected to be on watch at all hours of the day and night. There are automatic whistles which can play when something in your yard triggers its motion detectors. You can go about your own life with no inconvenience whatsoever, but deer will flee from your area.
For more inexpensive, household items, use anything with a sharp scent. Chopped garlic has been said to work, along with chopped hot peppers. Dove soap, which smells so good to us, is enough to make a deer retch. Moth balls and ammonia (understandably) keep animals at bay.
One other way to go is to plant plants that deer find distasteful; if you surround your valuable plants with these, the deer may not even get close enough to your garden to find the palatable plants. This technique is called ‘deeroscaping, ‘ meaning your yard has been fashioned to deter deer by the usage of plants. These plants include any ornamental grasses, sage, verbena, spearmint, or mums. There are plenty more.
These are all good steps for summer months when other food is readily available; deer won’t bother with your heinous yard when there are plenty of other peaceful, nice-smelling places to eat. In the winter, though, deer do not have the luxury of being picky. They can and will eat anything they can find. You may have to use ALL of these steps in the winter.
Are you having problems with deer? Then deer repellent is the best way to go. On the Internet, you can find a large variety deer repellent recipes that will help get rid of those critters.
Tags: animal pesticide, animal repellent, animals, deer repellent, Gardening, home and garden, landscaping, Pets, repellent
