7 Important Dog Training Tips For You

Dog training can overwhelm some people, but it really isn't that difficult once you have these important keys to guide you. Find out what works and what to do when it doesn't.

Dog training provides your dog with important lessons. They can save his life and they can protect you, your family, your neighbors and your household items.

Sadly, many dogs end up at the local pound because they never learned how to adapt to life within human society. This is often because owners don't know proper dog training metho
s. When their dogs seem unable to make the transition, owners feel their only alternative is to let the dog go.

This doesn't have to be the case for you. All it takes is knowing the right dog training techniques that work, how to apply them effectively and where to look for help.

One of the first lessons is for you.

Make dog training fun and enjoyable for you and your dog. That way, neither of you will become stressed or frustrated. Remember that dogs pick up on your emotions, the energy you emit. If you become tense, your dog becomes upset too. In this state, he is confused and unable to learn.

It takes time for a dog to learn and retain what he's learned. He might succeed admirably on your first training session, but the next day he's just as likely to have forgotten it. He might seem to have it down for an entire week or more and then fall back into his old habits.

He has a lot to learn in his youth. Because a dog's natural instincts are far stronger than any training you might apply, it's easy for him to slip back at this early stage.

This is a normal part of dog training, but it's not impossible to overcome. Simply reassert the training as a refresher course. Don't think that he just can't learn, because he can. He proved it by getting it right the first time.

Puppies love to play and interact with humans. While this is fun to observe and experience, it can present a problem during training. For an especially exuberant puppy, make extra effort to calm him whenever he loses focus.

You can do this by helping him expel some of that energy. Chase him around the yard, toss the ball, play tug-of-war, and anything else that will drain him. After about 15-20 minutes, or when you see he's slowing down, take a 5-minute rest and then begin the dog training.

Keep your training sessions short, especially at the beginning. He'll learn much better if you keep each lesson to under 10 minutes. Take a break, an hour or so, and start again.

Here are 7 basic dog training tips that will make training fun for you and your dog.

1. Seek out trained professionals. They can shorten the learning curve for you and your pet by using only the most effective dog training methods. No guesswork, just results. Refer to any of the great dog training books that are available for proper techniques.

2. Use positive reinforcement during the dog training sessions. Negative reinforcement, such as hitting your dog, can bring the opposite results to what you're trying to achieve. As well, negative punishment can make your dog fearful and even aggressive.

3. Make it fun! Dog training doesn't have to be a gruelling task. Dogs love to please their owners, so if the learning environment is relaxed and fun, your dog will learn much more easily.

4. Use small treat rewards to help make the training enjoyable. Choose a special treat to use only for the training process when your dog has completed a lesson correctly.

5. Choose appropriate training products. Speak to your dog trainer or pet store professionals for advice on the proper product for your specific needs. For basic training, you need the right collar and leash, which can be a clicker collar or one of the different types of harnesses.

6. Remember that it will take time for your dog to absorb and understand your dog training lessons. Allow him the time he needs but also remember to reinforce each lesson by using the same methods every time. This will help his retention.

7. Know when to change your teaching method. While you'll want to stick to one method, it must be one that actually works. Try different methods until you find one that gets the results you want, and then continue to use that method.

Once you see some results, you'll realize that dog training can be a rewarding experience.

You could consider it an art form or special talent reserved for people like you who have the envious ability to connect with their dogs on a unique level.

Done well, dog training is like poetry in motion.

About the Author Get more dog training tips!. Did you know: your dog's personality will determine the right to dog training method? Free book: Myths & Mysteries of Owning a Puppy

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Proper Turtle Care

Like most amphibians and reptiles, turtles are an exotically, fascinating species that many folks raise as pets owing to their 'novelty factor' and the fact that they need little "love" and attention. If you have large furry animals as pets, the pertaining to their care in terms of immunization, shots, operation and expensive accessories like dog houses, toys and grooming products is an inevitable expenditure and costly. By contrast, turtle care isn't as time consuming, expensive, and complicated provided they too are l
oked after with utmost care in regards to their diet, habitat arrangements and treatment to ensure a healthy and long life.

To keep your pet turtles safe, secure, and comfortable, you have to undertake a few measures like providing ample of room space to survive in, appropriate lighting, clean water and a basking lamp. If you want to keep your pet turtle free from any disease or infection, three rules of the thumb must be regularly administered: proper temperature in the aquarium, good water quality and regulated feeding habits. Your turtle's aquarium must be filled 2/3rd with water for swimming purposes and the remainder 1/3rd should be spared for basking reasons that is inculcated by bringing in a full spectrum ultra-violet light source. To ensure longevity and reduce the infections your turtle can get, it is very important to keep the water in the aquarium very clean and devoid of any contaminants with may be an aquarium filtration system. Algae can easy grow on a turtles shell. A strict regime must be followed when it comes to thoroughly cleaning the interiors as well as the exteriors of the aquarium. The very minimum is once a month but twice a month is much better.

When feeding your turtle, carry it out in another small holding tank, away from its normal enclosure as uneaten food and leftovers will invite disease causing microorganisms. If you are concerned about your turtles hygiene, rinse it's shell with slightly warm water after each feed. Make sure he is only feed proper turtle food.

Turtle care is a job for responsible adults. If not cleaned often and taken care of diligently, turtles emit a foul smell that can get unbearable. Avoid using tap water to fill your turtle's tank because tap water generally harbors chemicals like fluoride and chlorine which can cause the pH balance to go haywire. For swimming purposes, dechlorinated water must be utilized and filtered water for drinking.

Turtles are certainly interesting pets to raise, simply watch and interact with. They bring along a lot of selfless excitement and enjoyment for you and your family and in return expect a stable home and loads of love. However, it is important to care for them properly otherwise they will get sick and die. Without proper care, turtle shells will get bacterial infections. Be sure to take care of all the needs of your turtles.

Matt is the owner of many pet turtles and has been taking care of them for many years now. You can read more about turtle care and turtle tanks at his website on taking care of turtles

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How To Buy A Parrot Cage

Now that you've decided to create a beautiful home for your pet bird or Parrot you must now choose a birdcage to house your pet. Take into consideration some of the safety and health and growth concerns of your bird when checking out available options, choosing the right cage will be one of the most difficult decisions you can make for your bird. But if you follow our guide, you will have no problem in choosing the right cage for your Parrot.

One of your first concerns to consider is to purchase a relatively large cage for your bir
. Make sure that the bird cage has bars that are suitable for the size of bird. A couple things to consider are how widely spaced the bars are and how thick the bars are. If you have a large bird. Obviously, then bars will not work for your bird. Your bird will either bend the bars or break the bars over time. Also, make sure the bars are spaced so the bird's head doesn't get caught in between the bars. Either the bird cage bars need to be widely spaced so the bird's head doesn't get stock or are they need to be narrowly space of the bird can fit their head between the bars.

Choose a parrot cages that are made of stainless steel. Many cages have paint on the bars which can be chipped away by your parrot or large bird. The stainless steel cage is not only more durable but also doesn't have the paint that will get chipped away and digested by your parrot.

Another consideration before you buy a Parrot Cage is to make sure that the birdcage has pull out tray for easy cleaning. Without a pull out tray, you will have to take your bird out of the cage in order to clean the bottom of the cage. Also make sure that the door of the cage allows for easy removal of the water tray and seed tray.

Finally, one of the most important decisions is to make sure that your birdcage is tall enough and wide enough for the size of your bird. You want to be able to allow your bird to spread its wings and have some flying motion within the cage. So the larger the bird, the larger the cage he will need. Also make sure that the cage has a bird perch close to the foods so that the bird has something to stand on while eating.

If you follow these guidelines you will not be far from achieving the perfect birdcage for your Parrot or large bird. If you plan to put the cage in the corner of the house, make sure you purchase a corner cage that will be better suited for that area of your home. As stated above, the most important concerns are your bird's health, safety and growth. Choose a large enough cage and a cage. That doesn't have paint, and you will not be far from achieving the perfect cage for your parrot.

For more information on Parrot Cages try visiting http://ParrotCagesSale.com where you will find valuable information on Bird Cages, Bird Feeders and much more

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Chronic Ear Infections In Dogs Are Caused By Inhalant Allergies

Just as people suffer from hay fever in the spring and fall, pets can get inhalant allergies, called atopy. Atopy is a common disease, affecting 10% to 15% of dogs. The age of onset varies form 6 months to 12 years, with 70% of affected dogs showing clinical signs between 1 and 3 years. Atopy signs are usually seasonal in the beginning, but 80% of dogs eventually experience year-round symptoms. Atopy is associated with irritation in certain body parts of dogs, including the flank, feet, base of the tail, and facial areas
around the eyes, mouth, and ears. Female dogs are more likely to be affected than males.

Chronic ear infections are commonly caused by inhalant allergies. This is the most common cause of persistent ear infections in dogs. In certain breeds of dogs, the ears are covered by an ear flap which makes the inside of the ear canal moist and warm, somewhat like an incubator, which is the perfect environment for germs.

Dogs also have a lot of mast cells which can release histamine and other chemicals which are allergic. Thus, it is usual for dogs with allergies to have irritated and itchy ears. It is a long process where the ears are irritated by allergies and respond by producing more ear wax. Due to the inflamed ear canals and additional ear wax and the extra moistness and warmth of the ear canals of dogs, it is now obvious why dogs are so prone to ear infections.

It is important to control these ear infections early and consistently. If this is not done, the inflammation changes the structure of the ear canal and makes it harder to treat the infection. As a result, in many cases more difficult bacteria to kill eventually come to inhabit the ear. Take your dog to your veterinarian and find out if this is the problem and work with your veterinarian to develop a plan to control this problem consistently.

Atopy is sometimes controllable using a combination of essential fatty acid supplementation and an antihistamine like Atarax. This combination only works in about 10 to 15% of dogs but when it does work it is nice because there are far fewer side effects that with the use of corticosteroids.

About the Author I have studied the topic of dog allergies for about ten years. My goal is to help the dog owners to have better understanding of the treatment options in treating dog allergies. Find out more information about inhalant allergies in dogs at my site.


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Choosing An Wireless Dog Fence - Rf Vs Wifi

Until this year if you wanted an wireless dog fence, the only game in town was the PetSafe IF-300. Using traditional radio wave technology, the IF-300 creates a containment radius of up to 90 feet giving it a coverage of 0.5 acres. The IF-300 works well and gets good reviews from our customers, but the range limits its usefulness. After all the most common use for wireless systems, with their circular containment area is rural properties where a 90 foot range is simplify too small.

Perimeter Technologies is introducing in April 2009 a
iFi Fence, a wireless containment system based on the WiFi technology that is used in the wireless internet routers that are in most people's homes. This has two significant advantages, range and the ability for two way communication. It also has one significant disadvantage, power usage.

The WiFi dog fence claims a containment radius range of 200 feet giving it a containment area of over 2.5 acres, a major improvement over the IF-300. Although, we would love to see something even larger, using perhaps WiMax which has a reported range over a mile. WiFi still gives a large enough coverage area for your dogs to get some real space.

The WiFi fence also has two-way communication between the collar and the base station, telling the owner instantly how far the dog has wandered. I also gives you instant alerts if the dog challenges the boundary, if the battery is running low, or if the link between the collar and base station is lost. This alert is really useful and we hope it finds wider adoption, since particularly in the early days of the training you are constantly worrying about if the dog has escaped.

The downside is that WiFi is notoriously power hungry, so we are concerned that this will result in poor battery life. The collar for the WiFi dog fence is not rechargeable, and is likely proprietary so we hope that Perimeter has this problem solved because the feature set should make this the new leader in wireless dog containment.

DogFenceDIY.com is a resource written by professional dog fence installers that includes 100+ pages showing you system reviews, installation and training tips for an electric dog fence. The site features detailed DIY advice with videos, pictures and illustrations, system reviews and a dog training program to make your installation a success. Read more about the WiFi Dog Fence at http://www.dogfencediy.com/reviews/wifi-fence-dog-perimeter-technologies/

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How To Care For Turtles As Pets

Turtles can be great pets for children. They require very little attention and are usually very simple pets. In most cases turtles live for many years and require very little to stay healthy. If your child wants a pet but you are worried about who will take care of it or if it will die without proper care, a turtle could be the perfect choice. Most people agree it is very easy for children to care for these charming creatures with very little adult help.

Turtles do not require a large space to live in. You can use a terrarium or large
ish tank to create the perfect habitat. You will want to set up half of the space with water and half dry. Consider using a set up similar to a turtles natural habitat which would include rocks, plants, and tree branches. You will want to have a way to maintain the temperature when you care for turtles as well. Most species require a warm environment at 77-95 degrees.

When you choose to look after a turtle there are specific pieces of equipment that you will need to purchase. Turtles require a full spectrum UV light since the do not have the ability to store the D3 vitamin internally. You will also need a water filter for the water side of the tank. You can find these items at your local pet store or at online pet sites. Keeping the water clean is a major factor when you care for turtles. If the water gets dirty it can cause health problems.

When you are buying a new environment you will need to consider how easy it will be to clean. Most experts suggest that when you own a pet turtle you should clean the tank at least once a week to prevent fecal matter from piling up. You will need to clean your water filter at least once every month as well. If you don't it could become clogged and stop filtering. Make sure you get rid of any extras in the tank if they become wore out or can cause safety issues. Make sure anything you hang from the tank is secure after each cleaning. You do not want thing falling and harming your pet.

When you care for turtles you will need to choose a turtle food as well. You can find many types online or at your pet store. However, be aware not all food is made the same way with the same ingredients. You will want to make sure the food you purchase has all the proper vitamins and minerals that turtles need to stay healthy. Some turtles require a lot of protein as well. Each species has specific diet needs and In most cases buying one food and feeding it to all of your different pets is not the best option. As you can see it is pretty easy to care for turtles if you have the right tools and information. You can also purchase books that teach you all the basics of how to care for turtles.

For great turtle care advice, turtle food recommendation http://www.petturtlecare.net/how-to-care-for-turtles-as-pets.html or turtle health issues visit us at http://www.petturtlecare.net/

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Cat Spraying

Many people don't want to have a cat because they are afraid of cats marking their territory. You have to know that cats don't spray because they are malicious or wants to irritate you. It's their natural behavior. Spraying is territorial and can also be stress related. Neutering or spaying a kitten at an early age can prevent spraying problems in the future. Your vet will advise you on the best age to neuter your kitten.

Spraying is type of communication for cats, the mark some territory as their own. Sprayed cat urine con
ains pheromones which are like fingerprints, they are unique for every cat. Sometimes spraying is an invitation to love for other cats (they are easily attracted by the odor of urine). In many cases cats sprays also because of stress.

Although, for cats it's completely normal to mark their territory, the smell of urine is awful for people. The most effective method is to neuter or spay your cat. Most cats stop spraying immediately or after a short period of time. It's the best to do it as soon as possible but you should visit your vet because neuter or spaying time is individual for every cat.

What if you don't want to do it? You can use special pheromones in spray (ask your vet) or if your cat spray only in one specific place try to keep your cat away from that place and watch if he starts to spray somewhere else or not. If not, your problem is solved.

If you have some other pets try to separate them from your cat because it can be cause of the problem. Even if your neighbour has a pet and your cat can see it, try to block the view of it.

Maybe there is some other uncommon problem with your cat, if you are not sure visit the vet and ask him for advice.

Now, some useful tip, how to remove the odor. First wash the surface with some laundry detergent with enzymes, than mix half of white vinegar with half of water and spray the place to discourage cat from spraying the same place again.

In conclusion, spraying is normal for cats and it's their way of communication. If you want your cat to stop doing it you have to neuter or spay your cat. If you don't want do it you can buy some special drugs or pheromones.

If you want to know more, get some free stuff and improve your knowledge about cat spraying visit http://catobediencetraining.blogspot.com/ You will find there many articles and free stuff

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The Ojos Azules Cat

Ojos Azules is a domestic cat breed. It is made striking by its brilliant blue eyes.

One of the most recent feline breeds, Ojos Azules is a very pretty cat. Little is understood about the origin of this cat except for the fact that it was first reported in New Mexico in the mid nineteen eighties. The cat is known for its dazzling bright blue eyes. In fact the name Ojos Azules has been taken from Spanish words meaning 'blue eyes'. The unique eye color of Ojos Azules is a result of a genetic mutation. It is
a very rare and pretty cat and exists in hands of limited breeders worldwide. It is not widely recognized at the moment and is still looking for global acceptance as a distinguished breed.

Ojos Azules is a cat of medium build. Head is triangular in shape with big round eyes and angular muzzle. Coat is short, silky and occurs in a variety of colors and patterns. Prior to the appearance of Ojos Azules, blue eyes were seen only in white or Siamese cats. However, these pretty felids display blue eyes in all types of fur presentations. In fact the first Ojos Azules in record - the founding member of the breed - was a tortie.

The mutant gene responsible for the Opus Azules' eyes is dominant in character. If present in homozygous (paired) form, it leads to skull defects and mortality in newborns. Breeders therefore outcross these cats to other breeds, often domestic short and longhairs, in order to maintain healthy litters. The gene has proved to be harmless if existing in heterozygous formation.

Not much is known about the overall behavior and personality of Opus Azules owing to their rarity. Only a handful of the cats existed a decade or so ago. Furthermore their development was halted when it became clear that the 'blue eye gene' was potentially fatal. It took a period of dedicated genetic analysis to resume the breed's development. Therefore little conclusive data exists on the long term health, temperament and behavioral profile of these pretty cats.

About the Author The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Ojos Azules cat.


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My Cat Is Urinating Often - What Are The Causes?

A cat with frequent urination problems more than likely has a urinary tract infection (UTI). An infection in the urinary tract can spread to the kidneys making it a life threatening situation. Please be sure and follow up with your veterinarian.

When people ask me "Why is my cat urinating often?" I ask them;

How much urine does he produce?
Is he in pain?
Is there blood in his urine?
Does his urine smell terrible?
Is he licking his genitals repeatedly?
Has he lost his appetite?
Does he seem letha
gic?
Does he avoid the litter box?

If your cat frequent urination problem is not an infection it could be from bladder stones blocking the flow of urine. It could be from a disease; and the only way to find out is to make an appointment with the vet and have her checked out thoroughly. If no infection or disease is present she may just need and little assistance to boost her immunity.

People have had excellent results with homeopathic supplements that are safe with absolutely no side effects. If you cat is urinating often these supplements might be all your feline friend needs in answer to your question "Why is my cat is urinating often?

Find a supplement that is targeted just for urinary tract problems. These natural supplements will assist your feline friend's immune system giving her the ability to fight any bacteria that might enter the urinary tract. Even humans have had success with certain vitamins and homeopathic remedies that are targeted for specific purposes, such as urinary tract infections.

Rebecca Shelly has been studying alternative health conditions for pets for many years. She is a regular contributor to http://www.pet-natural-cures.com a site discussing some of the most promising natural treatments for pet health on the market today

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Buying A Horse - The Pre-purchase Exam

You've done the searching, you've combed the classifieds, you've test ridden several horses and you've settled on THE ONE. What do you need to do now? Write the seller a check, load up and head down the road? You can... but depending on what you want to do with the horse, your level of long term commitment to the horse and your goals for the horse, a pre-purchase exam might be money well spent.

What is a pre-purchase exam? A pre-purchase exam is a series of tests performed by an equine veterinarian that determines the h
rse's current soundness and health and can identify problems that might affect future soundness. There are few things more heartbreaking than having your perfect horse go lame or have some other problem that turns him from your best riding companion in to a lawn ornament. A pre-purchase exam is best performed on a potential purchase prior to falling completely in love with the horse and deciding that you can't live without him. The pre-purchase exam is requested by the buyer, the buyer contacts a veterinarian of their choosing and the buyer is responsible for all costs incurred from the exam. It is usually recommended that the buyer select a veterinarian that is not the seller's usual veterinarian, both to eliminate conflict of interest and to not put the veterinarian in an awkward position of potentially reporting negative results which might cause the sale to fall through for his client.

When your veterinarian shows up to perform the pre-purchase exam, the first thing he or she should ask is what your intended purpose is for this horse. What do you want to do with him? Are you looking for a trail horse that will go on leisurely rides 2 or 3 days a week? Or is your ultimate goal with this horse to be a high end competitor in your sport of choice? A good veterinarian will take this information in to account when evaluating a horse for you and this information will influence the final report made on this horse.

There are three main types of pre-purchase exams: a basic pre-purchase, a full pre-purchase and a breeding soundness exam A basic pre-purchase exam entails a complete physical exam and lameness exam. A full pre-purchase typically includes x-rays and often other diagnostic measures such as a routine blood panel. Breeding soundness exams are performed on animals intended to be used as breeding stock and are often performed in conjunction with a basic or full pre-purchase exam.

In a basic pre-purchase exam, the veterinarian will listen to the horse's heart, lungs and gut sounds. He'll examine the horse's eyes, dentition (both the condition that the horse's teeth are in and how well the horse's teeth align), legs, joints and overall conformation and condition. He'll likely ascertain the horse's health history, such as whether or not the horse has had problems with colic or lameness in the past and whether or not the horse is current on his vaccinations and deworming. The veterinarian will then ask to see the horse move, both at the walk (in hand) and at the trot (usually on a lunge line). He is looking to see how well the horse tracks and whether the horse wings, paddles or interferes when he is in motion (signs that can indicate a conformational issue and can lead to unsoundness). He'll also be looking for obvious or subtle signs of lameness. The next set of tests will involve using hoof testers on the horse's hooves to apply pressure to very specific parts of the hoof and internal structures. Hoof testers can find signs of laminitis, stone bruises, navicular disease and other problems that may lead to the need for a career chance for the horse.

Once the horse has passed these tests, the veterinarian will move on to flexion tests. In a flexion test, the veterinarian will hold the horse's leg in a flexed position, focusing on each individual joint or series of joints (hock and stifle for example) for about 60 seconds at a time. He'll then ask the handler to trot the horse off in a straight line. The veterinarian is looking for signs of lameness following the flexion that can indicate an issue that requires further diagnostics such as x-rays or nerve blocks. It is not uncommon for a veterinarian to advise the buyer not to proceed with a horse that cannot pass his flexion tests as it often can indicate the presence of bony changes or arthritis.

A full pre-purchase exam has the same elements as a basic pre-purchase but also includes diagnostic radiographs (x-rays) of at least the front and rear fetlocks, front feet and hocks. Depending on the intended use of the horse, some practitioners will recommend radiographs of the stifles and knees as well. These x-rays will allow the veterinarian to look for bony changes such as arthritis, bone chips, high and low ringbone, navicular syndrome and OCD lesions that can all affect the horse's performance and lead to future unsoundness. A full pre-purchase exam may also include bloodwork to rule out metabolic disease, thyroid problems or the use of masking drugs which may make the horse appear sound or sane at the time of the pre-purchase exam.

A breeding soundness exam is requested on a mare or stallion whose intended purpose is that of a breeding animal. For a mare, the veterinarian will perform a rectal palpation and ultrasound to make sure the uterus and ovaries are of normal size, consistency and free from any abnormalities. A vaginal exam will ensure that the mare has a normal cervical seal and is free from scarring or tears. The veterinarian will also look at the mare's perineal conformation (whether her vulva is tipped in relation to the anus) and check her udders. Stallions will have their semen collected and evaluated, testicles measured and palpated and behavior noted.

Many times when a buyer is having a pre-purchase exam done on a horse, the question they are dying to ask is, "Well, did he pass or fail?". In reality, the veterinarian is not there to "pass" or "fail" the horse and can only point out all abnormalities and potential causes for concern. Veterinarians don't have a crystal ball and they do not have the ability to predict a horse's future soundness; they can only report on what they see on that day. It is up to you, the buyer, to make the final decision on whether or not you can live with his findings.

Julia A. Patton, owner of Aviance Arabians in Loveland, Colorado (http://www.AvianceArabians.com), a successful breeding a sales barn, Julie has been breeding horses for over ten years. The long time breeding manager at a 350+ head Arabian horse farm, Julie brings current, hands on knowledge in the areas of breeding horses from stallion collection to foaling and foal handling. She also spent several years at Colorado State University as a project manager working on reproductive safety trials for pharmaceutical companies. From there, she went to Florida to set up an embryo transfer and frozen semen station for a veterinary practice in Ocala. Now the resident horse expert at http://www.horsesportscentral.com, Julie shares her passion for horses, horse sales and breeding in articles, blogs and posts

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Ten Tips for Cats Who Are Forced to Relocate With Their Owners

When you're on the move, the cats may have something to say about the process.

1. If you sense your owner plans to move, be on your best behavior. Revive those terminally cute poses you used to get yourself adopted. Let your owner sleep past 5 AM. Keep your paws out of your owner's hair. Use the litterbox religiously. If you must throw up, head for the bathroom and skip the windowsills. You do not want your owner to entertain thoughts like, "I don't want to ruin the beautiful floors in our new home,"
   or, "You know, it's really hard to rent an apartment when you have a cat."
2. Here's a great game. Jump into an empty box, stick your head out and hold the pose while your owner runs around looking for a camera. As soon as she appears, finger on snap button, turn around and point your tail at the camera. You'll learn some new cuss words, guaranteed.
3. The arrival of the moving van is your cue to hide. You can have lots of fun with this one. Your owner will run around frantically, cursing the movers: "You idiots! You left the door open! Now little Furball is gone forever!" After they've wasted an hour running around the neighborhood, appear out of nowhere and begin to wash. When they shriek, "Oh there she is!" and try to hug you, summon an aloof glare and wash your face again. Bonus tip: If you really want to freak them out, hide in your cat carrier.
4. As you begin your twelve-hour drive, remember that your owners would rather listen to your yowling than to the latest tapes or the local weather and news. Keep it up!
5. Demand a sandbox break as soon as your owner begins driving on a road where it is absolutely impossible to pull over. A narrow bridge with bumper-to-bumper traffic is a good choice.
6. Motel etiquette calls for you to sit in the window, looking absolutely adorable. Encourage passers-by to tap on the glass at all hours, especially if your owner has forgotten to draw the curtains. If you suspect your owners snuck you in past the desk clerk, begin yowling as soon as they try to move you to a more secluded spot.
7. When it's time to hit the road at 6 AM, you don't want to be found. If you can position yourself under the queensize bed, out of reach of your owner's arms, you can delay everyone's travel plans for a good half hour. The award for the most creative hiding place goes to the feline who wedged herself between mattress cover and springs. Caution: This only works if your owner really adores you. If you can't be found in twenty minutes, you might be looking for a new home.
8. Insist on being present when boxes are unpacked. Jump into each box to make sure the contents arrived safely. If your owners lock you into the bathroom "so kitty can't escape," use the opportunity to practice your singing. The movers need entertainment, too.
9. Demand to test each windowsill of the new home. If you still have claws, test the curtains to see if they'll hold your weight. Fifteen pounds? Should be no problem. Regardless, those miniblinds offer limitless opportunities for new versions of torture-the-owner. How many blinds can you bend? How about breaking off a little hole for your head to peek through? Cute.
10. Encourage your owner to get a dog. You may never have to move again. "Honey, we can't move. We could never afford another place where Spot could have a yard."

About the Author Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D. author, career consultant, speaker http://www.movinglady.com If you're a human embarking on a major move, defuse the emotional stress with Making the Big Move: How to transform relocation into a creative life transition. http://www.movinglady.com/bigmove.html

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Why "Doggie Breath" is nothing to joke about.

Your dogs health is important to you. You show him how important by keeping him well fed and groomed, making sure he gets plenty of exercise and providing a collection of fun, safe toys for his entertainment. You don't skimp on the quality of his food. And to reward good boys and girls, there are always lots of delicious treats in the cupboard.

But if he has bad breath, you could be overlooking a serious problem with your dogs health.

"Dog Breath" is such a common condition that we make jokes about it. Sometimes
e even tease our human "friends" using "dog breath" in play-ground style name-calling ( although hopefully this is limited to teenage boys.) And I know many pet owners who comment that they love their dog or cat like a child, but just can't stand the smell of the animal's breath! Well, guess what? "Dog Breath" isn't normal.
It's estimated that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats over the age of three suffer from the periodontal disease — a serious deterioration of the gums and supporting bones of the teeth. Yes, it's periodontal disease that's responsible for "dog breath". But the problem doesn't confine itself to your furry baby's mouth. It's an infection, and the tiny creatures responsible for it can break loose and enter the bloodstream. Once they do, they can infect vital organs such as the liver and kidneys, endangering your dogs health by causing a far more serious illness.The best way to insure your dogs health, especially where periodontal disease is concerned, is with prevention. It can make all the difference. 

Periodontal disease begins as gingivitis, which is virtually harmless and completely treatable. If allowed to move to the next stage--Periodontitis-- it can be stopped, but not cured. And the worse it gets, the faster it progresses. This applies to all animals, two legged and four legged alike. Think of a car parked at the top of a hill. The emergency break is released, and the car begins to roll downhill. Now, if you hit the breaks right away, no harm done. But the farther the car rolls the faster it goes, and the more momentum it builds. It gets harder and harder to stop it. By the time it's halfway down the hill, you could be headed for disaster!
You can maintain your dogs health nicely with proper home care. But, like the rolling car, if disease is already present, stopping and controlling it is a bigger job.

Prevention involves, above all, regular veterinary checkups and professional cleanings beginning early in your dog or cat's life. I'll show you how you can help maintain oral health at home, but it's impossible to do a thorough cleaning on an animal who's awake. Trust me on this. It's hard enough to do a thorough job with a cooperative human patient. When we're talking about animals who don't understand what we're doing or why, forget about it.

Most veterinarians recommend annual cleanings, but more frequent or involved treatment may be needed depending on your animal's condition. Please, no matter what you're doing at home, follow the vet's recommendations. As for your part, introduce your dog or cat to the idea of having his teeth brushed as early as possible. I know, it's not easy, and it takes time and daily conditioning to get your little guy or gal used to it. But your dogs health is worth it!

So how do you prevent the most common of threats to your dogs health? Brush her teeth, of course! Every day. Just like you would your own (twice a day for you, and floss too!!). This isn't easy, but it can become an expected part of your dog's routine if you do it right. Here are some suggestions:

Start when your dog is a puppy. The earlier the better.

At first, you just want her to get used to you handling her head and looking inside her mouth. Practice lifting up her lips and looking at her teeth and gums--front, back and both sides of her mouth.

Now begin gently touching the gum tissue with your finger and rub along her gums and teeth as if your finger were a toothbrush. Let her get used to the sensation. This is exactly the way you would introduce a human baby to brushing, beginning with just her gums. Even before there are teeth, there are harmful bacteria. So don't worry about a tiny puppy who doesn't have a full set of teeth yet--rub her gums, swab out her little mouth with your finger, and get her used the this kind of contact from her owner.

Your next step is to wrap gauze or a soft washcloth around your finger and rub the gums on both the outer and inner surfaces of the teeth.

Finally, introduce a tooth brush in one small area. As your dog gets used to the brush, you will be able to use it in place of the gauze or washcloth. Remember to brush the inside surfaces!

A little brushing a day, beginning with the first step and working your way up gradually, will eventually lead to a one to two minute session. Your dog will learn that it doesn't hurt and that she gets a couple of minutes of your undivided attention every day. It generally takes 8 to 16 weeks to get there, but in the end your dog will accept brushing as part of her daily routine.

If a little brushing is done every day at a set time, eventually your pet gets used to it, and some will even look forward to it. It will take most pet owners from 8-16 weeks until the pet accepts it readily. Now the pet realizes it doesn't hurt and that it will get 1-2 minutes of your undivided attention. Your pet enjoys your attention, and will eventually wait patiently for you to brush his teeth.
There's a toothbrush with three heads that will allow you to brush all three surface of the tooth at one time, which makes life a lot easier for both of you! It also has nice, soft bristles so you won't harm your pet's delicate gum tissue.

There are also products that can be rubbed on the gums and added to the drinking water to help reduce bacteria in an animal's mouth and promote the dogs health and healing. Bad breath is actually a by-product of the bacteria that populate the mouth. They break down proteins and carbohydrates from your dog or cat's diet, and produce something called "volatile sulfur compounds", or VSC's. It's the sulfur that make the breath smell extra special!

Certain dental products have an agent that neutralizes the VSC's. Many owners have commented that their cat or dog seems to like the drinking water better when these products are added--even though they have no flavor! And there's a gel available that, although formulated for the gums, can be very soothing for skin conditions, cuts, and surgical wounds thanks to the Aloe Vera it contains.

The best oral care products work without the use of fragrances and flavors, which entice human consumers, but don't benefit your cat or dogs health in any way! 

I was a practicing dentist for over 20 years, and I saw a lot of human patients who had terrible breath (and periodontal disease) and weren't even aware of it. People don't like to tell each other about bad breath. Even the dentist has to be delicate with this piece of bad news.

At least when dealing with a pet, you don't have to worry about social embarrassment in order to address your dogs health problem! Don't be shy, get in there and do something about it. Not only can your dog get rid of her breath odor, but she could even live 2 to 5 years longer as a result. And you'll be able to get close again, without holding your breath.
About the Author ฉ Copyright 2004 Carolyn Schweitzer DDS. Dr. Schweitzer was a family dentist for 20 years and is now owner and editor of several websites. You can learn more about specific dental care products by visiting her website at http://www.great-dog-gift.com/dogs_health.html#LocationOXY


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Providing Good Koi Care Can Ensure Your Fish Live For Many Years

The Koi fish has been on the planet for hundreds of years. A descendant of the Japanese magoi carp they are prized for their beautiful shapes and brilliant colors, especially with the right Koi care. There are several varieties including the fancy fantail Koi which has draping fins and tails. The beautiful fish can be a combination of black, red, yellow, white and orange and it has been known to grow to three feet long and weigh more than forty pounds with the right Koi care.

While the original magoi carp had the ability to endure para
ites and survive in poor conditions, the current species is not quite as hardy. The fish has been a victim of inbreeding to capture the shapes and colors that are so prized. Even so, the Koi still can live for decades and it seldom sickens or dies without an underlying reason. Some of the top reasons for Koi death include poor water quality, parasites, ulcer disease, predators, and lack of oxygen. Other reasons could include medication overdose, virus, tumor, toxic pesticides and jumping out of the water. As you can see, most of the problem could be avoided by simply being diligent in care.

Doing research on proper care can assist you in selecting a pond that is sized correctly to keep your Koi healthy and happy. Koi love the deep water and they exercise by diving to the bottom and then back up to the top. If you want to keep the Koi happy, choose a deep pond. You will also want to avoid your shallow end be too shallow. It is necessary that the Koi be kept safe from too much heat and easy access to predators. Providing good care will require being involved in every aspect of Koi life. Be careful that you do not end up with an overcrowded pool. Koi reproduce rapidly and grow just as quickly. Be mindful that you are utilizing the entire pool and ensuring good water circulation in all areas. Dead areas could mean dead fish.

When considering care, you will want to be mindful of the pond temperature. Koi will not be as active in cooler temperature; they will go to the bottom of the pond and stay. While the Koi is able to withstand the cold, you will need to insure that your pond does not completely freeze. Adding a pond heater can help you not only to maintain the proper temperature needed to keep you Koi happy, it can also help you to avoid disease and sores.

While Koi care specialists recommend that you hand feed your Koi watermelon and lettuce to develop a relationship with them, they also need a daily diet of nutrients provided in the form of pellets. On of the great things about the fish is that they learn to recognize their feeder and will gather to be fed. Feeding time is a wonderful time to get to know the fish as they have distinct personalities.

According to the Japanese, Koi are symbols of friendship and love and the Chinese believe they bring good luck. Regardless of whether they can change your fortune, they are beautiful, interesting fish and with the correct Koi care they can live in your garden and bring you decades of enjoyment. So make Koi care a priority.

About the author: Paul S. Lake is the founder of Koi Fish Center and can be considered an expert in koi care. Paul has been caring for Koi Fish for over 20 years. Get his koi keeping ebook at http://www.koifishcenter.com

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Cat Pregnancy - What You Should Really Know About This To Avoid Any Mistakes

Your pregnant queen's temperament may change for better or for worse. Hormonal changes may result in her not wanting other cats near her. She may even go so far as to attack one of her favorite companions.

This is natural behavior, so do not punish her. It may be best to confine her to a room or confine the other pets until this phase passes. As she progresses through her pregnancy, her temperament will probably change yet again and she may actually seek out other cats.

She will want to cuddle up to them and she will even all
w then to nurse on her. She is in full maternal bloom. Do not be surprised is she picks up a soft toy in her mouth and carries it about the house, mewing softly.

This is her make believe kitten and she is practicing being a mother. She will also be inclined to show you more affection, and may expect you to show her more attention too. As her tummy increases in girth, she may flop in her back to have you gently stroke her abdomen.

She will fall asleep purring while you stroke. Watch closely throughout your queen's pregnancy for signs of illness or listlessness. If you spot these signs, take her to the veterinarian as she could be suffering from a uterine infection or false pregnancy, or she could be having a miscarriage.

Make sure you record the exact date that she was bred as this is vital information for your veterinarian in determining the possible causes of her ailments. It is also important for you to know this in order to prepare for her birth and to be on hand when she delivers.

A cat will generally carry kittens for 63 days, although she cat have them as early as 58 or 59 days and as late as 67 or 68 days with no ill effects. Any period of time shorter or longer generally indicates trouble, and you should contact the veterinarian.

Want More Information And Discount On Cat Pregnancy? All You Have To Do Is Click http://www.CallPetMeds.com Now!

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5 More Puggle Training Tips

Know more training tips for easy and successful Puggle training...

Finally you are taking home with you your new Puggle dog. After battling with what breed of dog you are going to bring home, it is now time to, again think, this time of the right Puggle Training Techniques.

Training your Puggle is not as difficult as it seems to be. All you need is a little bit of your patience and some techniques on how you are going to do it. Below are some tips dog owners must be aware of in order to properly train their adorable
uggles.

1. It is important to consider the age of your puppy because his age will help determine his potty time. The amount of time between potty breaks should be equal to the puppy's age in months plus one hour. So a three month old puppy should be taken outside for his potty break approximately every four hours. Exception to this is when your three month old puppy is doing his thing every three hours; therefore he should be taken outside every three hours instead of every four hours.

2. Bear in mind these two essential facts. Your puppy has to urinate when he starts sniffing around the floor and has to have his bowel movement when he starts walking around in circles.  It is important that you will pay close attention to this behavior so that you will know the times when he will need to use the bathroom.

3. Establish where you want your puppy to eliminate. Take them to where you want them to do their thing and train them to use it consistently. If you want your puppy to eliminate outside, it helps if they are trained to follow the command "outside".

4. There are two useful methods used once you've established the perfect spot for your Puggle to do his thing. The first one is the paper method. Cover the area with newspaper and once he starts to sniff and walk in circles, it is your responsibility to ensure that he does his business on the paper.  The other one is the crate method. Remove him from his crate and take him to that perfect spot to do his thing. If nothing happens after like five minutes, bring him inside and give him food and water. Wait for about ten minutes and take him out again. Make sure to praise him as soon as he has done his thing. This will make him understand that you appreciate him thus he will gradually do what you want him to do, which is to eliminate at your specified spot.

5. Another important thing is to control your puppy's feeding. Remember that most puppies eliminate after a few minutes they have finished eating. Once your puppy has moved from its bowl, immediately take him outside. Do not forget to praise him quickly.

About the Author Richard Cussons trains about types of dogs. Learn about Puggle training and the Puggle dog breed in general here.

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The Reality Of Pet Rabbits

Rabbits can be playful, entertaining and lovable pets. As Easter nears, baby bunnies are a popular gift for children. Problem is, within a few months owners learn what a chore they are and how much care (and cost) they require. Too often, rabbits end up unwanted and abandoned. So before you purchase that adorable baby bunny, it's a good idea to know a few things first.

Rabbits require a lot of attention and affection. They require daily exercise and handling. You can't just put them in a cage and leave them alone for a while. W
th regard to cages, rabbits require a fairly large habitat, but they're also better as indoors pets where they can be near your family and safe from weather. Habitats require daily cleaning (picking out uneaten food, cleaning out water dishes and spot cleaning) and weekly thorough cleanings.

Rabbits are not great for young children. Although they're quiet animals, young children may not be capable of being careful enough not to hurt the pets. While rabbits crave attention and love being around people, they often don't like to be held.

These pets can also be expensive, requiring vaccinations and spaying or neutering (which will require a veterinarian with rabbit experience who can perform the surgery).

Rabbits can be trained, which is a good thing, particularly toilet training. Rabbit urine can have a very strong odor, so you'll have to change their litter box often.

For food, rabbits require a good quality hay and lots of fresh vegetables. You can feed them rabbit pellets, but their diet must be supplemented by vegetables and hay, too.

Another big consideration factor is lifespan. Rabbits can live up to fifteen years. Be sure you can keep up with its daily maintenance, feedings, exercise and attention. These are definitely not low maintenance pets!

So after learning all this, and being well-informed on the commitment required to own a pet rabbit, I strongly urge you to consider adopting a rabbit. There are many rabbits out there abandoned by their families. Spend some time with the rabbits, and you'll get an idea of its personality fairly quickly. If taken home, the new pet will bond with its new family just as well as a baby rabbit. Look for a healthy rabbit by checking its fur, eyes, nose, teeth, etc. Any abnormalities may indicate illness.

Before you purchase any pet for you and/or your family, it's wise to research and consider what is required of you for its care. Rabbits can be very rewarding pets, as they bond with their owners and are quite social. They do require a lot of care, though, so be sure you're up for it.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets

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Cats Impact Human Behavior

Are you a cat owner? Was there something about your cat when you picked her out that drew you to her? I own a cat named Pepper that I picked out of a litter when she wasn't quite 24 hours old. I know, what can you tell about a little kitten who doesn't even have her eyes open. I'm not really sure, but whatever it was that made me pick Pepper, it worked correctly.

There are several studies that have been done to test if there's a relationship between cats and their owners' interactions with other humans. Specifically
does owning a cat ellicit compassion towards animals and then translate into being more compassionate toward fellow humans. An Australian study conducted at Central Queensland University proved such a link does exist.

The University of Pennsylvania looked at another aspect of this - whether having a pet as a child would make one more compassionate towards both animals and humans as adults. The results showed that children who had strong relationships with their cats or dogs as children had more humane attitudes toward animals and humans as adults. It also showed children who had pets growing up and had strong relationships with them, developed stronger relationships with people in adulthood.

Why is it that cats, in particular, that brings out our compassion? I know as a cat owner, that I can tell what Pepper is saying by the tone of her voice, her facial expressions and her posture. It's like having an infant that can't speak, but as you get to know her, you start to understand her moods and needs. Developing this sense of your pet's needs and moods could very well allow you to better "read" others as adults.

There's something about cats and puppies that makes us want to nurture them. They're soft, small, cuddly and provide love. They bring forth compassion in us naturally. Studies have proven this is true more for women, maybe because of the innate maternal instinct inside. Although men who had strong relationships with their dogs or cats as children showed more compassion in future relationships than those who didn't have pets. Whatever it is, the compassion shown towards animals does translate into showing more compassion toward our fellow human beings, which is a positive thing.

Most of these research studies utilized cats and their owners since cats can still be picked up and loved even as adults. For those who have never considered cats to bring any value to us or society in general, you may want to reconsider. They may just be helping us to treat each other a little better.

An animal lover and advocate, Debbie Foster owns http://petbedsunlimited.com where you'll find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, cat beds, cat carriers, large dog beds, pet strollers and more

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Five Element Feeding - Five Flavors

Most people think of food from only its nutritional value which they consider the same for every horse but when viewed energetically foods have different effects on different horses depending on their Five Element type. In addition to looking at foods from a standpoint of different types we should also look at what we feed our horses in different seasons.

Each Element has a flavor associated with it and this flavor is often needed for that type when it becomes out of balance. The same horse may need a different flavor to help him balan
e for seasonal changes. For example, bitter is the flavor assigned to Fire because the Fire element has a tendency to overheating conditions. A Fire horse might benefit from some bitter foods in the diet on a regular basis but might need some sweet, warming foods in the heat of summer to help keep his energy moving outward to the periphery of the body to match the heat of the environment. Alfalfa is an example of a bitter food and grains such as oats are considered sweet according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. So an overall diet for a Fire horse could be include grass and alfalfa hay with minimal grain during the winter or cold weather and slightly less alfalfa and more grain during the summer. Alternately, you could leave the alfalfa the same and instead of grain give sweet vegetables such as carrots during the summer months.

Therapeutic use of the Five Flavors:
Bitter - Fire, heart and small intestine, yin, cooling, moves energy inward
Sweet - Earth, spleen/pancreas and stomach, yang, warming, moves energy outward
Pungent - Metal, lungs and large intestine, yang, warming, moves energy outward
Salty - Water, kidneys and bladder, yin, cooling, moves energy inward
Sour - Wood, liver and gallbladder, yin, cooling, moves energy inward
It is important to remember to balance first to the Five Element type of the horse and then if needed to the season. Never go to extreme with any flavor because too much can cause the opposite effect and weaken the organ you wanted to support.

Bitter
Properties: Horses that have excessive energy and impulsive behavior benefit from bitter foods because they have a centering effect of bringing the energy deeper into the body. Also good for slow moving, lethargic horses that have damp conditions such as stocking up or are just generally overfed and under exercised.

Uses: Very helpful in horses with inflammations, infections and damp skin conditions.
Organ functions: helps support the heart and blood vessels by removing deposits which lowers blood pressure. Celery is a vegetable which is perfect for this and could certainly be fed to horses. Bitter foods like celery can be given to help clear heat and inflammation out of the liver after overeating. Sounds like a perfect treat instead of the high sugar and starch store bought ones. I will have to try this out with my Fire horse, Cerise. Bitter foods help drain damp conditions such as yeast infections, parasites, moist skin eruptions, abscesses, tumors, cysts(including the aggravating ovarian types) and swellings. Bitter foods help with intestinal function by increasing motility. In addition to the liver and gallbladder, the lungs and kidneys also benefit from the bitter flavor. Any condition that shows thick, yellow discharges suggests dampness and heat and the bitter flavor is perfect to break this up and get it moving out of the body. Think about upper respiratory infections, uterine infections and hoof abscesses and just a few typical damp heat examples that benefit from the addition of bitter foods.

Season: Increase bitter foods throughout the fall and winter to pull energy in to protect the body from cold external temperatures or any season when heat symptoms appear.
Cautions: Horses that are weak, thin nervous, and dehydrated should be given bitter foods sparingly.

Examples: Bitter herbs include, dandelion leaf or root, burdock leaf or root, yarrow, chamomile, hops, valerian, chaparral, echinacea and pau d'arco. Alfalfa is a strictly bitter food, celery and papaya are bitter and sweet, citrus peel is bitter and pungent and vinegar is bitter and sour.
More on the other flavors later.

Madalyn Ward, DVM, is a recognized author and veterinarian in the field of holistic horsekeeping. For free tips on horse health, horse personality types, laminitis, and horse nutrition, plus one-stop shopping on holistic horse products, visit http://www.BuyHolisticHorse.com and her blog at http://blog.horseharmony.com

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De-clawed Cats At Risk

Many cat owners will take their cats in to get them de-clawed. Before you take your cat in to get them de-clawed you should look at the risks that are associated with de-clawing cats.

When you take your cat in to get de-clawed it is a surgical procedure that requires your cat to go under general anesthesia. Anytime you have a surgery with general anesthesia there is a risk of complications that are possible. Your cat may have a reaction to the anesthesia causing them to have permanent damage or even die. Your cat could stop breathing w
ile under anesthesia and die. Improper monitoring can put the life of your cat in danger.

There are also behavioral risks involved when you de-claw your cat. Some cats do have a change in personality once they have become de-clawed. Cats that were once friendly and lively animals become withdrawn or introverted. Many cats that have become de-clawed and have lost their primary form of defense may then become nervous or fearful where they never were before. Some cats will become more aggressive even to a loving owner because of their loss of claws, or de-clawing. Cats that become more and more fearful because of the de-clawing can become prone to disease. Fearful cats will begin to use their teeth more and have been known to bite their owners. De-clawed cats will stop using the litter box when they become too scared of their surrounding environment if they feel they have no protection.

Not only are there medical and behavioral risks associated with de-clawing your cat there are also safety risks that will affect your cat. Cats that are de-clawed should not be allowed to go outside at all. The cat has lost its ability to defend itself from predators or other attackers because the cat no longer has its claws. If your de-clawed cat goes outside and is attacked, the cat will find it hard to climb trees in order to find protection or to jump over fences to get away from the attacker.

Indoor and outdoor cats that are de-clawed will share in most of the same safety risks. Physical safety is one of the main risks that can befall a de-clawed cat. Because cats use their claws to aid them in stretching the neck and back muscles, a de-clawed cat doesn't get a good enough stretch. This lack of stretching can lead to the gradual weakening of a cat's muscles in their legs, shoulders and back.

Cats that are de-clawed are also seen as less graceful because they have lost their ability to grasp quickly to objects with the claws. De-clawed cats are not as surefooted as their clawed cat peers. Cats use their claws to gain traction on any surface whether they are jumping or running. A cat is not surefooted is actually putting themselves in danger for being injured in a fall.

De-clawed cats will also become more prone to stress. Cats use their claws for stretching and when cats stretch they are also relieving stress. Cats' claws help them to dig in a little to any surface for some traction while they are stretching and this gives them a really good stretch. While a cat is stretching they release the stress from their bodies. As previously stated your de-clawed cat may also become more stressed because they have no way to defend themselves now. Partner this new stress with no way to get rid of the stress and your cat could become a whole other, possibly unhappy, cat.

Visit http://www.litterboxroundup.com for more cat care tips, including all about cat breeds

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Handling Cat Emergencies

When you are at home and a cat emergency should arise there are thing to do, first and foremost you must try and keep a cool head, and in control as well, then you can take quick action, you will want to get your cat to your vet as soon as possible. You will want to call your Vet to let them know that you have an emergency, and what it is about. The vet will give you advice as to what the correct things to do for your cat; it just might save your cats life in the long run. Here are some are something's you will want to know about taking
are of injured cat.

Car injury: Vary carefully lift the cat, putting one hand behind the neck and chest and the other behind his hips. Very carefully place the cat into a carrier or a cardboard box large enough for the cat to lie as comfortable as possible on his side. You will want to pad the carrier with newspaper or even with a towel or maybe a blanket to keep him warm and fight off shock as well. Contact your Vet and explain what has happened, and carefully get your cat to the Vet as quickly as possible.

Cat Burns: with a burn locate the injury exactly then you will want to apply cold water or even an ice pack to the infected area, be very careful and try to avoid coming in contact with the burn. The area will be very sensitive to touch. Contact the Vet and let them know what has happened and you are on your way to the office with your cat.

Cuts and abrasions: You can use a clean wash cloth or a towel or maybe even a handkerchief to cover the wound and press lightly but firmly to help with the bleeding, contact your Vet for instructions for caring for the abrasion and transport your cat to Vet office quickly as possible.

Cat Choking: The cat could have already swallowed that which is making him chock. Open the cat's mouth by pressing on both sides of the jaw and see if the obstruction is still visible. NOTE: Be sure not to tilt the cats head back, because this will cause him to swallow and could be lost deeper in the cat throat .If you see the obstruction use a pair of needle nose pliers and remove the object, if you can. You may even try to hold the cat upside down and press on his chest firmly with both of your hands. Even if you not able to see the object, or remove the blockage check around the cat throat for damage. Again contact Vet let them know what happen and transport to clinic as soon as possible

We hope that these directions just might help you in a serious condition, but as always first control, and then contact your Vet for complete direction on care of the cat.

NOTE: This article is for information only. See your veterinarian for medical advice.

We plan to post articles that are informative and helpful to other cat lovers. Having been "owned" by cats for years, we know they can be demanding, but also be very entertaining and fun

Best House Cat Care

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy http://www.besthousecatcare.com

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Dog Pepper Spray

Dog is one of the first animals that comes into your mind if you are looking for an animal to keep as pet. Dogs are very friendly, faithful and can be wonderful as pets. Dogs are so lovable that you may even feel like pet stray dogs. For many people, nuisance is what they can think of when it comes to stray dogs. You can find stray dogs in every nook and corner of your residential area.

At night, you may find dogs barking loudly and disturbing your sleep. You may find them following you, when you are riding your cycle or walking down t
e lane. If bitten by these dogs, one may get infected by diseases like rabies. Hence, it is necessary to stay away from these dogs. There are thousands of people who are bitten by these dogs every year and most of them had to be given medical assistance. There are instances about a few people who have just because of dog bite.

If you know of a route where there are dogs, you must avoid it and take a different route. Many people especially small children do not know what to do when they are faced by ferociously barking dogs. Hence, an elder should be present with children while moving across such areas. However, there are times when even elders find it difficult to handle such situations.

As the idiom goes 'barking dogs seldom bite' can be true if you do not panic when faced by such howling dogs. The key is to remain calm and quiet. Do not do anything that will enrage even more. Do not throw things at them on the intention to hurt. Do not do eye to eye contact with them. Do not think of running away from the scene. Do not try to touch or pet the dog unless it has sniffed you to satisfaction.

If you are brave enough to allow barking dogs to come near you, allow it to sniff you. Sniffing will hardly take a minute, so you need to stay cool. Once it understands that there is no threat from you, it will soon become quiet and move away from you. You can now touch or pet it safely. However, sometimes it may not sound that easy to quiet a barking dog. In such case, you can make use of dog repellents.

Just like women make use of pepper spray as a defensive measure against perverts, same way you can make use of dog pepper spray when are faced by fiercely barking dogs. This spray is milder as compared to the ones used by women against perverts. You need to spray it on the face of the barking dog and within seconds you will find it moving away from you. The dog pepper spray is harmless and only causes momentary irritation in the nostrils and eyes making it difficult to breathe and see.

Thousands of people are now making use of dog pepper spray to get rid of barking dogs. So, If you are someone who encounter such irritating dogs, you must carry the dog pepper spray wherever you go.

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Iguana Care Tips - How To Identify An Iguana's Gender

There are several iguana facts unknown to many people. A few will be illustrated here. This reptile is commonly found in forests in tropical and subtropical regions, along seashores and even in deserts. Various kinds of iguanas are found in locations such as South America, Canada, the Galapagos Island, Madagascar, the Caribbean Islands, and Central America off the East African coast and Fiji.

An additional iguana fact is that iguanas constitute the largest section of the lizard family. It is by far the most common and popular reptile.
heir characteristics such as laying eggs are common to reptiles. Furthermore, their cold-blooded nature allows them to easily adapt to their environments.

The different types of iguana species vary greatly in characteristics. They differ in size, behavior and even color. However, they are an endangered species in the wild. The green iguana and red iguana are the more familiar of the iguanas and are also still present in very large numbers. However, the Brachylophus vitiensis and the Fiji Island iguana are becoming endangered species.

It is hard to discern different species of iguana as being from the same family due to large differences in physical appearance as well as behavior. Their colors vary from bright to muted shades. The different habitats in which iguanas can be found give each species a different adaptation.

Pet Iguanas

Americans believe the extinction of the iguana species can be prevented by keeping them as pets domestically. Furthermore, the correct handling and care of iguanas is fundamental knowledge. This includes knowledge of their eating habits, their habitat and other information relating to their upkeep.

Iguanas are herbivorous creatures and their diet constitutes fruits, flower buds and young leaves. The rare mealworm, crickets and the wax worm provide occasional treats for the iguana. Dark and leafy greens as well as various fruits are the iguana's staple food in some locations in America.

The growth of iguanas is relatively fast. An iguana can multiply its length by five from the time it hatches and grow up to one hundred times heavier, in a period of two years.

It is therefore fundamentally important that a pet iguana receives sufficient food and water as well as being housed in an appropriate enclosure that is well heated. Slow growth rates are often the result of improper diet and housing and inadequate exposure to sunlight. Furthermore, this results in weaker bones thereby exposing them to severe bone fractures and disease.

How to Determine the Iguana's Gender

A characteristic of male iguanas is the presence of huge pockets of fat present on the back of their heads. Their jaws are large and heavy and they possess larger femoral pores under their thighs. Additionally, the heads of females are smaller and less blocky than that of females. Furthermore, females lack the large pockets of fat and heavy jaws. Moreover, the femoral pores are tiny. These iguana facts can help distinguish the male from the females.

Courtship behaviors such as the erection of the spines present on its back as well as head bobbing are unique to the male. The male iguana is usually aggressive during courtship, a huge difference from their mild and shy nature during other times. They tend to flee when approached. This iguana fact should help a pet owner interact with them.

Many female iguanas tend to dig a hole in an area that receives plenty of sunlight and lays their eggs there. They then cover the eggs and leave them alone. The eggs incubate due to the warm temperatures. All eggs present in the nest hatch simultaneously. Conversely, some of the dangers iguanas undergo vary from loss of their habitat to captivity by man for consumption. The survival of the iguana can be aided by taking measures such as educating people who live in iguana habitats, imposing limitations on hunting and the breeding of iguanas in zoos. These are just some of the interesting and more common Iguana Facts.

Abhishek is passionate about Iguanas and he has got some great Iguana Care Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 100 Pages Ebook, "How To Take Great Care Of Your Pet Iguana!" from his website http://www.Wonderful-Pets.com/820/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available

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Ten Things You Should Know About Pet Lizards

If you are about to obtain your first pet lizard, congratulations. Lizards are, in my view, the most wonderful, fascinating and beautiful creatures on Earth. Part of their appeal is their incredible diversity; there are more species of lizards than all the mammals or amphibians, and they range from three-inch legless burrowers to the mighty 200-pound Komodo dragon. Some are coloured with somber tans and ochre, and others rival the most ostentatious of butterflies with gaudy green, red, and yellow markings. Some glide on fragile wings, some r
n across the water, and some can stick to ceilings. With my sincere apology to Samuel Johnson, it is my opinion that "when a man gets tired of lizards, he is tired of life"!

That said, here are ten valuable guidelines to help you and your lizard get off to a good start, and stay on a safe and happy course. I speak with a wee bit of experience, having kept lizards since 1961, and going on to spending over 30 years as a professional herpetologist. These tips are just a starting point, but they cover ten really important points!

1) Start by getting a lizard that is easy to care for! Many lizards are very demanding in captivity, and those should be left to experienced keepers. Among the best starter lizards are the Australian bearded dragon and blue-tongue skinks, which grow to a total length near 13-inches. They do not become stressed when properly handled, are generally tame, and eat a wide variety of foods, from fruits, vegetables and flowers to insects, moist dog food and small mice. Savanna monitors are also good for beginners, but get a young specimen and raise it to adult size; freshly imported adults may be aggressive, but captive bred/raised specimens are excellent animals for beginner keepers.

2) Avoid getting a species that people think of as "pets" but are really very challenging to keep properly. Among those species to avoid: iguanas, Nile monitors, chameleons, and small species that grow to only 3 - 8 inches in length.

3) Read up about your lizard, because there is no excuse for doing a poor job as its keeper. For books, you can consult Bibliomania! at www.herplit.com, one of the largest reptile book dealers in existence. Then subscribe to one of the magazines published for reptile keepers, which include REPTILES (www.reptilechannel.com/rmrc_portal.aspx), REPTILIA (www.reptilia.net/html_english/inter-print2.html), REPTILES AUSTRALIA (www.reptilesaustralia.com.au/), and Britain publishes REPTILE CARE (www.reptilecareuk.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10&Itemid=11).

4) Remember that lizards and snakes are very closely related groups of animals, but lizards need very different care. Unlike snakes that may need food only once a week or month, lizards usually need to eat every day, and sometimes more than once per day. But do not leave rotting or dirty food in the terrarium, because it could be contaminated with germs and cause your lizard to become sick.

5) Do not grab or hold a lizard by the tail. Even though the tail of a bearded dragon, blue-tongue skink, or savanna monitor will not break off, it is uncomfortable for the lizard. Get used to holding the lizard by putting your hand under its belly and supporting its weight from below.

6) Never use your lizard to frighten anyone! Strange as it may sound, some people are afraid of reptiles, and that kind of fear has led to many laws and regulations being passed that make owning reptiles in some places difficult. It is much better for the lizards - and the rest of us keepers - if you use your lizard to help teach other people how wonderful they really are!

7) Never release an unwanted pet reptile into the wild. Most pets are from other continents and will not live long where you live. It is also possible, especially in a place like Florida, that the released pet will do well and, if many such pets have been released, found a colony of foreign animals. This is not good for the local wildlife and really upsets conservationists and Fish and Wildlife officials.

8) All diurnal (active during the daytime) lizards need some ultraviolet light in their lives. But UV light does not penetrate glass, so it doesn't help to put a terrarium near a window. In addition to a heat light (all lizards need a temperature of at least 78 degrees F, many much more), you will need a good full-spectrum UV light. These are now produced to fit in either a screw-in socket or a standard fluorescent tube socket. For examples of excellent products check the Zoo Med website at www.zoomed.com.

9) Always be sure your lizard has access to fresh, clean water! Some lizards only drink dew drops from leaves, but these species are not among the beginner's species. Even desert lizards - and that includes all of the beginner species I've listed - can and will drink from a dish, and even enjoy soaking if the dish is large enough. Soaking also makes skin shedding easier for your lizards.

10) Do not crowd your lizard. If you are getting two lizards to start with, make them both the same species, preferably one of each sex, about the same size, and house them in a terrarium that is large enough. Overcrowded lizards become stressed and may refuse to eat. They are also more likely to catch an illness. If you cannot offer enough space, do not get the lizard. Period.

BONUS TIP 1) A fourth excellent starter lizard is the leopard gecko, a delicate and very popular nocturnal species that has been bred into many colour morphs (it's something like the lizard keeper's equivalent of the guppy!). Unlike the other starter species I mentioned, leopard geckos are smaller (to about 6 inches), have soft, delicate skin, and have tails that are easily broken. Yes, they grow back, but only as stiff rods that never look as good as the original. They also require more gentle handling than the larger starter species. They do not need UV light, but they still need a warm terrarium (70 - 78 degrees at night, 78 -95 degrees by day), sandy soil, and places they can hide. Feed them live insects, especially crickets, young roaches, and wax worms.

BONUS TIP 2) Do not use heat rocks to keep diurnal lizards warm! The lizards are, frankly, not "wired" to know that their bellies are actually cooking, and they may stay on the rock until badly injured or dead! Leopard geckos, however, will be fine with a heat rock or two.

Other things that you should know include washing your hands well after handling your lizards, do not tease or annoy the animals, and be sure to keep the terrarium clean.

The second edition of Dr Sprackland's classic book, "Giant Lizards," is scheduled to be released in October 2008. It not only covers the world's largest lizards, but includes chapters about lizard care and biology that are useful to all reptile keepers. Look for "Giant Lizards, 2nd Edition" published by TFH, Inc., at your favourite pet shop or book seller's

The author is a professional biologist who teaches human anatomy and physiology. His blogs present a view of human nature as might be observed by a visitor from another world..

The second edition of Dr Sprackland's classic book, "Giant Lizards," is scheduled to be released in October 2008. It not only covers the world's largest lizards, but includes chapters about lizard care and biology that are useful to all reptile keepers. Look for "Giant Lizards, 2nd Edition" published by TFH, Inc., at your favourite pet shop or book seller's

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Alpaca Farms

With strict regulations in place, countries such as Chile, Bolivia and Peru, don't allow significant exportation of their "national treasure" to foreign countries. However, alpacas continue to be growing business. Worldwide demand is high for alpaca fiber in the arenas of fashion and textile manufacturing.

Alpacas are slow to mature and their fiber is of the highest quality. The demand for alpaca products is greater than the alpaca farmers can supply. This means that prices for not only alpaca products, but the price of
alpacas themselves will continue to remain very high. Alpaca farms can be a great investment for anyone who loves animals and has some land where they can pasture these gentle creatures.

When you decide to invest your future in an alpaca farm, you will receive tax discounts available to individuals who breed alpacas. There are more than 25 ways in which you can enjoy tax advantages if you decide to invest in alpacas. You may be eligible for tax write offs regarding the value of your outbuildings that house the alpacas, any machinery or equipment that may be involved in alpaca farming, breeding alpaca stock and items whose useful life exceeds one year. You can also enjoy a full write off on quite a few of your operating expenses such as medical costs, feed and the electricity for buildings housing your alpacas.

You need to be aware of the deferral of capital gains through the use of the compounding plan that protects your profits until you actually sell the alpaca. For information regarding this, you will need to speak to a trained accountant. Before you begin any business venture, especially one as unique as alpaca farming, it's recommended to talk with a professional.

When you compare the cost of keeping other types of livestock, you will find that alpacas are fairly inexpensive to maintain. Your initial investment in the purchase of the alpacas can be devalued over a span of five years. These robust little animals coexist easily with nature. All you need to provide them is fresh water, some room to roam with their fellow alpacas, a bit of hay and grain, fencing to ensure their safety, shelter from the elements and all the love you have to spare.

Many publications are available for you to learn more about the fascinating world of alpaca farming. You can find alpaca clubs where other aficionados will be more than happy to share the joys of owning an alpaca farm. You can find flexible ownership plans and all the advice and strategies you need to start your own alpaca farm.

Though precise tax rules will vary according to the kind of plan you decide to follow, the return on your investment is fairly high. Many sites on the internet offer detailed information devoted to the care and husbandry of alpacas. When you invest in an alpaca farm, you will find that these sweet animals can give you more than you ever hoped to receive, not only financially, but personally as well.

To find out everything you need to know about Alpaca Farms, sign up for my free course on Alpaca Farms, a Business Course

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How To Train A Pitbull - 3 Keys To Training Pitbulls

Learning how to train a Pitbull is essential for any Pitbull owner who wants a dog who wants a sociable, well adjusted, companion. Pitbulls are, by nature, faithful and loving pets. However, because of their size, strength and reputation, certain steps must be taken in the training process to ensure success.

1) Start The Training Process As Early As Possible

We made the mistake of waiting until our Pitbull was almost an adult to begin learning how to train a Pitbull.

BAD mistake! At that point, "Rocco" was almost
0 lbs, and had developed many undesirable habits and behaviors. He was very difficult to control, strong willed, and nasty to other dogs. We soon discovered that the old adage, "you can't teach old dogs new tricks", was indeed the truth. We eventually did train "Rocco", but only after we received professional guidance from an expert. It is possible to begin training with one word commands as early as 9-10 weeks. More advanced training has to wait until 5-6 months. Before that time, the chances are that your Pitbull will not have an appropriate attention span.

2) Obtain Your Pitbull From A Reputable Breeder

To obtain a Pitbull from any source that cannot be researched can be a risky proposition. When we were learning how to train a Pitbull, we discovered that a Pitbull with the proper temperment makes the job MUCH easier. With a reputable breeder, it is often times possible to meet your puppy's litter mates and at least one of the parents. You can then observe the temperments of Pitbulls in your puppy's bloodline. While temperments do vary, it will at least give you an idea of what you may possibly expect from your puppy,

3. Begin Socialization At An Early Age

Introduce your Pitbull puppy to as many social situations as possible at an early age. Pitbulls are great with humans, not so friendly to other dogs. For this reason, taking your puppy to places where other dogs congregate can be helpful. Dog parks, for example, can be excellent places for your Pitbull puppy to get used to other dogs. Socialization is part of how to train a Pitbull.

My wife Laura and I had almost given up trying to train "Rocco". He was fast becoming very obnoxious and hard to live with. We tried ALL kinds of training techniques, followed other Pitbull owner's advice, NOTHING worked! Finally, when we were two steps from putting Rocco up for adoption, a "light bulb" went off and we learned How To Train A Pitbull

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Pet Parrots And You - 7 Answers To Questions About Parrots

Parrots are marvelously intelligent, and beautiful birds that run the gamut in terms of color, life span, size, and temperament. If you are considering a Parrot as a pet, you'll have no trouble finding exactly the right bird for you and your lifestyle. Here are 7 answers to frequently asked questions about Parrots that will help you make a good decision for you and your bird.
 
What is the typical life span? There is no typical life span, it simply depends on which one you choose. Macaws, African Greys, and Cockatoos can l
ve anywhere from 40 to 60 years, Quakers between 20 to 30 years,  Parrotlets between 15 and 20 years, and Budgerigars (commonly referred to as Budgies or Parakeets) from 7 to 10 years. Be sure you are aware of the average life span of the Parrot you are considering, and that you are prepared to make a commitment, in some cases, for a lifetime.
 
What colors are available? All the colors in the rainbow can be found among Parrots. Peach-face Love Birds, brilliant blues in the Hyacinth Macaw,  spectacular reds in the Scarlet Macaw, a myriad of flashy colors in the Amazon, snowy white of the Cockatoo, and the brilliant yellows, oranges, reds in the Sun Conure are just a few of the vivid choices they present. To say they are colorful doesn't come close to describing the amazing variety of colors available.
 
What do they eat? They need a well balanced diet of fresh, organic vegetables fruit, sprouted seeds, cuttlebone, and a high quality pellet diet as a base. In fact, having a bird has been known to help the owner eat healthier. Each species is slightly different in their needs and preferences. Your avian vet can be more specific in helping you determine what, and how much is best for your bird.
 
How much attention do they need? The bigger Parrots such as the Cockatoos, African Greys, and Macaws need a minimum of at least several hours of daily human interaction to stay physically and emotionally healthy. Lovebirds if purchased in pairs can provide attention for each other. Many of the smaller Parrots need less attention but still need the cage placed in an area that makes them feel a part of the household activities, regular time outside the cage, and human interaction.
 
Are they all able to talk? Some Parrots speak better than others, and some speak not at all. Buying one for their speaking ability is risky for you, unfair to the bird, and not recommend because each bird is an individual that may or may not conform to the norm. In general, the African Grey, Budgerigar, Amazon, Parakeet, and Quaker are all known for their ability to learn to talk. However, the only way to guarantee that your bird will talk is to get one that already does.
 
How are they with children and other pets? Great care should be taken when mixing Parrots with children and other pets, including other birds. These birds have hooked bills that are capable of crushing nuts, and can inflict horrible injury to children, other pets, and even their caregivers who may be inexperienced at handling them. Each parrot is different, and birds that are hand fed from an early age, and are given regular training and attention are more likely to remain tame, and coexist with all in the family. But again for the sake of all involved, take great care before adding children or other pets to the mix.
 
How much of a mess do they make? Some Parrots like African Greys, Cockatoos, and Macaws produce much more wing dust, and as a result are dustier than a lot of the other species. But they all need to have their cages cleaned daily, fresh water provided as often as needed, droppings remove daily or as frequent as necessary to prevent ingestion and dried particles of feces from becoming airborne and potentially spreading bacteria and viruses that create disease and infection.

An excellent HEPA air purifier to remove airborne pollutants from your air and your Parrot's air is offered by PurerAir.com-- the Bird Dander Purifier which can be seen at http://purerair.com/bird_dander_air_purifier.html

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Praise and Correct your Dog - The Cornerstone to all Proper Dog Behavior

You will need to build a trusting relationship with your dog for your training to be effective. Your dog craves your love and attention more than anything and this desire is very useful in training.

Below are some of the basic training principles you should follow as you begin to train your dog.

PRAISE AND CORRECTION

Your dog will not know whether he is doing something right or wrong unless you tell him. Teach him early that training is about praise and correction. You should always praise your dog when he
does something right and do it immediately. If you wait longer than three seconds to praise him, he will most likely forget what he is being rewarded for!

A reward is anything that your dog gets excited about, such as treats, petting, praising words, playtime, food, a walk, a car ride, etc. Positive behavior is praised and wrong behavior is corrected or ignored. Each time a behavior is rewarded, he will most likely repeat that same behavior.

DISCOURAGING NEGATIVE BEHAVIOR

Even if you practice hours upon hours of training with your dog, he will still behave inappropriately on occasion. Therefore, you need to make him aware when he is behaving badly.

Here are TWO OF THE FOUR BEST WAYS to discourage negative behavior:

This is when you stop a bad behavior and replace it with a correct behavior.

Let's say you are walking your dog on a leash and you approach another dog. Your dog tries to jump, so you correct him immediately by saying "no" while simultaneously tugging lightly on the leash. Then you say "heel."

After he heels, praise him. This exercise let's the dog know what he did wrong and what he should do instead. Verbal reprimand. Choose a word that you can say that will indicate to your dog that he should stop whatever it is he is doing. It could be "no," "hey", "eh-eh,""enough," etc.

When you use a verbal reprimand, don't yell it or say it in an angry tone. Instead, just say it in a short and sharp tone that will capture his attention. When you see your dog doing something he shouldn't such as chewing on a plant, say your verbal reprimand word and redirect his behavior to another activity.

Once your dog gets used to this command, he will automatically redirect himself to another activity. Teaching your dog new commands and activities can be an overwhelming experience at first, but your dog will learn soon enough what is right and wrong with certain aspects of his behavior. Always make sure you correct the wrong behavior with the right.

About the Author For more information on dog training behavior , health tips, and large dog breed profiles, visit us at http://largedogbreedz.com.

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