Bird House--the Right One for Your Birds

Providing and inviting bird house has its rewards. The songs and antics of birds can be very entertaining and rewarding. Having birds as welcomed visitors, also, helps keep the pest population down. This can be very rewarding for the avid gardener. Below, are some tips for finding a bird house suitable to feathered visitors?

GENERAL TIPS:

* Generally speaking, bird houses should be made from wood. The best metal for bird houses is aluminum. But, if a bird house is constructed from metal, it should be hung in a shady place since metal absorbs sunlight, making the inhabitance too hot for birds.
* Bird houses with perches at the entrance should be avoided. Perches attract predators such as larger birds, cats and squirrels.
* The practical bird house should have holes for drainage in the bottom to keep rainwater from collecting. The top of the bird house should, also, have some small holes to aid in ventilation. An overhang over the entrance will help keep the entrance cool and inviting.
* A bird house should be, also, practical in the sense of cleanliness. Bird houses with roofs or fronts that flip down or can be removed give the cleaning crew easy access for cleaning the insides of the bird house. The bird house should be cleaned, thoroughly, on an annual basis to remove old nesting materials in preparation for inhabitants for the following year.
* Bird entrances should be near the top of the house and proportionate to the size of the species which is to inhabit it.
* Subdued colors are best for the bird house except for those placed in direct light. Those that are in direct light should be white in color.

The Basics You Need To Keep Tropical Fish By Taylor Jones

So you’ve decided to keep tropical fish! Welcome to this unique and fascinating hobby. But before we get ahead of ourselves, we need to realize that aquariums can be a lot of work. You have to keep the water in your aquarium clean and aerated, the fish have to have enough food, if you use live plants they will need light and nutrients, and you have to keep the algae under control.

It may take a lot of work sometimes, but this hobby is very rewarding as you’ll soon see.

Okay...enough talk, let’s get to the point:
If you’re just starting out, you need to know what you need to buy to get started. Here’s a list of the essentials that you need, no matter if you keep saltwater or freshwater fish:

An aquarium – To keep you fish in.

An aquarium stand – To support your new aquarium.

Filtration equipment – Filters can be chemical, mechanical and biological.

Lights – To help live plants grow, and to enhance the colors of your fish.

A tank hood – To reduce evaporation, and stop anything (such as a cat’s paw) from getting in.

Decorations – These can be anything you decide. There are a wide range of decorations available nowadays, so you can decorate your tank however you like. You’ll also want a background to hide the wires.

Substrate – This is basically the sand or gravel you use for the bottom of your aquarium.

Plants – There’s a wide range of plants you can choose for your aquarium nowadays, including live and plastic plants.

Heater – Tropical fish require a water temperature that is slightly higher than most people’s room temperature.

Chemicals – By chemicals, I mean chemical filtration, which gets rid of harmful gases that the water picks up as it passes through a carbon filter. It’s not always needed, but it is very easy to use and it’s better for your fish.

Thermometer – the plastic strip one with liquid crystals are best.

A net – For scooping things out of your aquarium.

Cleaning supplies (such as a scrubby on a stick, a small round brush
and a bucket reserved solely for aquarium use)

Fish food – to feed your fish, obviously.

And last, but not least… you’ll need the fish!

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=59080&ca=Pets

Dealing With Grief Over A Departed Pet By Anthony Galindez

The loss of a beloved pet can be as devastating as losing a family member. Afterall, pets can be more lovingly unconditional than people. If only the amount of love showered on our pets can be equal to the amount of years added to its life, our pets would live as long as we want them too. But as everything else that has a beginning, so too, do they have an ending. Indeed the paradox of loss is at constant play with life: we are certain that everything ends but we are uncertain when it ends; we are certain how it will make us feel, but uncertain at how to deal with what we may feel.

So how does a man say good-bye to a beloved pet, companion and best friend who has given him its full attention, unconditional love and loyalty and even aid in daily living (i.e. blind people with their guide dogs and policemen with their canine friends, among others)? And once good-byes have been said, how does man cope with the grief and loss after?

Needless to say, conditioning of the human mind even before a bond has been created between man and beast is essential and must be established. Man, the rational one in the friendship, and usually the bereaved survivor of the two friends, must keep in mind always that nothing survives forever, not even the ideal friendship of a man and an animal. Once the proper conditioning of the mind has been set, it is easier for man to face the reality of a future separation with his beloved pet.

However, mental conditioning can only do so much when no emotional bonds have been created yet: once man begins to establish an emotional bond with his pet, no amount of conditioning can ever fully guarantee an easy way in dealing with a possible separation or loss.

Man deals with loss in his own unique way. There is no definite formula for dealing with the grief over the loss of a pet. Otherwise, if there is, indeed, a formula, it would come out something as absurd as asking a doctor to compose a music for his dead pet, or asking a painter to write a book dedicated to his pet. In a word, what works for some may not necessarily work for others. What is constant with any variable, however, is the importance of facing the pain. Running away from the reality and pain of loss never helps. Though running away may momentarily desensitize the first few pangs of pain, the next few ones that will eventually turn up at times when it is least expected will only become twice or thrice as painful than the first. Acknowledging the pain, however, helps develop an eventual acceptance over the loss of your pet, and in the long run, even peace knowing that your beloved pet may be in a place far happier than the one you can ever offer it. By acknowledging your pain, you are allowing yourself to grieve over lost times with your pet. In grieving there is remembrance. What better way to give tribute to your beloved pet and what better way to keep your pet alive in your heart forever than remembering all the times spent together? Eventually, you will find that healthy remembrance and acceptance of the pain is not only therapeutic but offers a way that will lead you to acceptance over the loss itself as well.

The next step of dealing with grief over the loss of a pet is through creative expression. A healthy way of dealing with the death of a pet, or any other loss for that matter, is to discover your own potential for self-release and catharsis. Try to experiment, through hobbies, sports and interest, on activities that will keep your mind focused on being productive and creative. In all activities, always be conscious that you are channeling your grief and loss positively through the activities you are engaged in. Eventually, you will only realize that your pain has lessened and diminished.

The perils of not consciously keeping to mind the motivation for the activity (which is the pain of loss) may only be equivalent to not accepting and acknowledging your pain and once you find yourself unguardedly remembering your dead friend, your pet, the pain may only become twice as hurtful.

However, if you keep in mind the purpose for your constructive activity, you are actually, creatively and productively living with your pain and loss. For artists, it would even help you include, as your creations’ theme, your departed pet. Talk about your pet. Share photos of your pet. Remember your pet. Walk to where you often have your walks. The possibilities of calling to mind the joy that your pet has given you is endless.

Indeed, there is no easy way to forgetting the pain of losing a beloved pet. But perhaps, the paradox there is not to forget the pain, but instead, to live with the pain. Once this pain is channeled creatively and productively, you will find out that your beloved and precious pet has done more for you than you ever thought of in its life and even in its death.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=56515&ca=Pets

How To Care For Your Saltwater Aquarium By Sam Weston

Saltwater Aquarium Care – How to Maintain the Health of Your Saltwater Aquarium Plants

Good saltwater aquarium care means taking care of the fish and water quality in your tank but it also means taking care of your aquarium plants. Not only do your aquarium plants create an interesting home and shelter for your fish, they are also essential for the health of your fish, water quality and the tank as a whole. Proper, saltwater aquarium care, therefore, must always take into account the health of your marine plants.

Some marine plants are hardy and easy to care for while others need quite a bit of practice and experience. If you are a novice aquarist it is a good idea to start with hardy plants, as these are easier to care for. Once you have a bit more practice in correct saltwater aquarium care you can move on to fussier varieties.

The first thing to do is to decide what you want to achieve with your marine plants. You should do this even before you buy your tank. If you want big, healthy plants make sure you know what equipment you need, what sort of saltwater aquarium care is required and how much time it will take you to achieve these results.

If you are more concerned with the fish in your tank than plant life then it might be a good idea to invest in one or two plastic plants instead. Responsible saltwater aquarium care means knowing what you want and getting the balance right.

While most marine plants do grow into lush, healthy plants they all need good lighting. This is so that they have enough energy for making their own food by means of photosynthesis. Without sufficient light for photosynthetic activity your plants will remain stunted or die. So part of correct saltwater aquarium care involves making sure that your aquarium provides sufficient lighting for plant growth.

To make sure that your plants are getting enough light keep the following rule of thumb in mind: For each gallon of water in a tank you will require 3 to 5 watts of light. Most aquarium lighting systems are below that level, however so you may need to shop around to find adequate lighting to make sure you are providing the proper saltwater aquarium care for your plants.

In the natural aquarium the fish and plant populations are perfectly balanced and compliment each other. Marine plants create shelter, shade, and even food for your fish! Plants that are well lit will give off oxygen and this creates a good environment for your fish. So proper saltwater aquarium care makes your tank healthy and provides optimum conditions for plants and fish alike.

The fish will, in turn, feed off the carbon dioxide released by the fish. Plants also feed off the waste that fish produce. This helps to absorb some of the waste that might become toxic to your fish. So as you can see proper saltwater aquarium care means maintaining a healthy balance for all the life in your tank.

To provide proper saltwater aquarium care for your plants and fish you need to make sure that conditions in your tank are optimal. Plant growth needs water which is at the correct ph levels. It also needs the water to be at the correct temperature for growth and survival.

Unfortunately this might not fit in with the temperature requirements of the fish species you want to keep. So you might have to decide between plants and fish in some cases. Again, good saltwater aquarium care is always about finding the happy medium.

Fish also eat or tear away sections of plants and this might actually ruin the aesthetic appeal of your tank. Plants may be uprooted by the foraging activity of your fish. So plant care can be a bit tricky and does require some patience. One of the most frustrating aspects of saltwater aquarium care is the occurrence of marine algae.

Algae can really be a problem for the marine aquarist. Sometimes despite the best saltwater aquarium care – lights, substrate additives, fertilizers and CO2 systems – instead of lush plant growth you are confronted with algal growth. Algae can be very difficult to get rid of once it has taken root and it can really limit the growth of other plants.

Usually the aquarist employs various methods of saltwater aquarium care for combating this scourge. These might include using algicides, bleach dips, antibiotics (for cyanobacteria), manual removal or fish or invertebrates that feed on algae.

During an algal attack the amount of food and light is decreased and different amounts of fertilizer are tried – sometimes with success. Correct saltwater aquarium care results in some sort of balance being reached.

The best form of saltwater aquarium care and algae treatment is to provide the tank with a water change. In fact if you could change the tank water daily it would be ideal but this is obviously not very practical. You should change 25% of the water at least twice weekly, however. If you can stick to this schedule the amount of algae in the tank will be reduced and your fish and plants will be healthier. A water change should form a part of routine saltwater aquarium care whether you have an algal problem or not.

So what kinds of plants can you grow in a saltwater aquarium? A variety of plants are suitable for a saltwater aquarium. Choose from grape algae (Caulerpa racemosa), Halimeda Halimeda sp, shaving brush algae (Penicillus capitus), fan algae (Udotea flabellum), corralline bush algae (Galaxaura sp.), sea grass, red gracilaria (which your fish can eat) and many others. Proper saltwater aquarium care means making sure that your plants and fish co-exist in perfect harmony.

Proper saltwater aquarium care means really getting to know your marine tank. Do as much research as possible to ensure that your marine plants and fish have everything they need to grow, stay healthy and be happy. If you get it right, your aquarium will provide you with many hours of entertainment, fun and pleasure. Good luck and enjoy your aquarium!

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=59473&ca=Pets

Dog Kennel By Dennis Frank

Selecting the right dog kennel can be difficult, especially if it’s something you’ve never purchased before. But once you have a better understanding of the reasons why purchasing a dog kennel makes sense, it’ll be easier to know which type is right for your dog.

First of all, unlike what some people believe, putting a dog inside a dog kennel is not inhumane. The enclosed environment actually offers many dogs a sense of comfort, especially if a kennel is used from a young age. Think of it as the dog’s home, the place where it can go to relax and unwind. Better yet, think of today’s kennel as a modern remake of the traditional doghouse, updated for the 21st century.

Second, a dog kennel is an invaluable training tool. When a dog is locked inside, it learns to control its bowel movements. How? Dogs by nature don’t like to relieve themselves in the same place where they sleep. Learning to “hold it” until it’s allowed out of the kennel is one of the most effective, and humane, methods of house training any dog.

Third, a dog kennel gives a dog owner a sense of relief knowing that while gone, the bored dog won’t fill its time destroying the rest of the house or the yard. In addition, if you plan to travel with your pet companion, a kennel is an absolute necessity.

The last real consideration is whether you want a kennel designed for outdoors or indoors. Both types are readily available. Inside kennels are fairly basic. They’re rectangular in shape and usually made with wire or plastic and they’ll have a secure locking mechanism.

Outdoor models range from basic to luxurious, literally, and you’ll find wide a range in price. Like anything, the more features the dog kennel has, the more it will cost. If you plan on keeping dogs for years to come, you’re better off spending a bit more on a well-constructed dog kennel that will last long and that will accommodate your dog’s changing needs.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=58120&ca=Pets

Dog Behavior Training To Housebreak Your Puppy By Jack Black

Are you ready to find the puppy housebreaking solutions you have been searching for? I'm glad you found my article. Sit back and relax and I believe you will learn a thing or two.

Housebreaking is the most indispensable thing your puppy needs to learn. Ordinary sound judgment ought to reveal to you why. Do you hope for your home to stay spic and span' Take care of your puppy's housebreaking thoroughly. Besides the preservation of your general domestic hygiene, trained dogs are contented dogs. As creatures of habit, it's in their make-up to maintain schedules as pack animals. Here is how you ought to housebreak your puppy:

Best Housebreaking Age

At the time your puppy attains the age of 8 to 12 weeks old, it's highly appropriate to start housebreaking. Bear in mind that slogan that old dogs can't learn new tricks' It is accurate so why take a chance?

Using a Crate Helps

Dog trainers recommend using a crate in housebreaking your puppy. A crate is similar to a cage, having you can see through bars and a locking door that locks. Its area ought to fit sufficiently the dogs dimensions for it to move about in. It ought to be utilized similar to a dog's bedroom. It is advised to not confine your puppy in his crate for longer than two hours at a time.

The thinking supporting using a crate in housebreaking your puppy is that dogs would not foul their areas where they sleep areas. Nevertheless, he may do so if you confine him in somewhere for longer than he can keep it in. At no time use a crate to penalize your dog, it would boomerang. Usually, pups that are three-months old have to deal with nature's needs every 3 hours, so you ought to lead him to a special out of doors comfort location more frequently.

Teach Your Puppy To Learn Routines

An additional tip is to exit the residence through one way out exclusively. This way out ought to be the one that you desire your dog to scratch to advise you concerning his being called by nature.

Taking your pup out at approximately the identical times every day would be extremely useful for the both of you. This would assist in establishing a habit, and would force him learn to keep it in waiting for you to become ready to accompany him out.

Watch For Clues

If your un-housebroken dog is used to roaming unrestricted about the home, look for signs that indicate to you he needs to do it. Be absolutely watchful enough of his behavior, i.e., a lot of sniffing, circling an room, staring at the door with a strong expression on his face, etc. If you discover him as he is relieving himself, halt him using a rapid snatch of his collar and draw it up at the same time asserting 'No' using your bass, strict tone (don't forget to use a deep, surly speech as you state stating commands). Subsequently, accompany him into the outdoors and let him conclude what he had started. Afterwards, pat him on his head while stating 'Good (his name)!' It is a must to have your dog get accustomed to getting praised whenever he does anything that makes you pleased. Offering him treats as a bonus whenever he does his business in the appropriate place can be very useful, too.

Being Patient is a Big Asset

Similar to any disciplinary endeavor, housebreaking requires a lot of tolerance. If you absolutely hate washing your dog's leavings off your Persian carpets on an hourly basis and having your entire residence smell similar to a community rest room, you want the housebreaking to be a success in a wink of an eye, if not sooner.

Common Sense Makes a Lot of Sense And Is the Way To Go

The use of common sense will aid you big a lot in handling your puppy's housebreaking. Thinking logically ought to let you know you to not give your dog water previous to bedtime if his inclination is to pee frequently at during the night time. Following his timetable as top priority should turn out to be extremely useful in having it slowly switch into yours.

Besides tolerance and common sense, regularity is likewise one of the significant factors of this dog disciplining exercise. If you suddenly draw a blank concerning the routines yourself, don't criticize if your dog if he starts committing accidents more frequently. Bear in mind that the stakes are significant (dirty and foul-smelling house). If you would prefer to succeed in this housebreaking achievement or nearly about in any additional disciplinary drills, don't handle it as a an amusement. Allocate sufficient time and dedication on your side.

Good luck!

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=53004&ca=Pets

5 Minute Guide To Choosing A Pet ID Tag By D. Marie Ratliff

Buying a Pet ID tag is like buying insurance – you do so with the devout wish that you’re never going to need it. The “possible cost” of not having a pet ID tag is more expensive than the “actual cost” of buying the pet tag itself.

The type of pet identification tag that you buy is important, so take 5 minutes or so to think it through. Impulsively choosing a collar tag because it’s cheap or cute often proves to be unwise, long-term.

Consider the following before purchasing any pet id tag:
1.What is the level of risk to your pet?
Lost pets are certainly common – we’ve all seen “Lost Dog!” signs tacked around town, or dead pets lying by the side of the road. If your pet is a master at escaping the fence, or a breed of dog that cannot resist following a scent, or a young pet that’s full of energy, or a new pet that isn’t properly trained, the risk of a lost pet is high.

But losing your pet isn’t the only risk.

Some pets are stolen. A pet thief may snatch Fifi or Fido in hopes of getting a reward for its return, or to use in dog fights (even small or gentle dogs are susceptible – they can be used as “bait”), or for use in cult rituals.

And what is the risk to your pet if something happens to you, its owner?

If you’re a senior adult with a pet, particularly if you live alone or are in ill health, there’s a good chance that at some point someone else will need to care for your furry friend, perhaps with little notice. And anyone can be struck by tragedy or disaster which leaves you unable to care for your companion.

In this instance, will your pet’s new or temporary caregiver know that Rover hates cats, or that Fluffy needs medication, or even whether or not Max is housetrained? A pet ID tag that contains more than your name and phone number would be extremely helpful.

2.What level of risk are you comfortable with?
Some pets are simply more important to their owners, and the risk of losing that particular animal warrants a specific, more expensive type of pet ID tag. Risk is proportionate to value.

Note that there is more than one way to assess the value of your pet. It may be monetary (a rare purebred dog) or functional (a guide dog or herding dog).

But for most pet owners, the emotional attachment they have to a particular pet determines its value. For many people, cats or dogs are family members, dearly loved and impossible to replace.

3.Based on your answers to the two previous questions, what do you need in a pet ID tag?
Pet ID tags come in varying shapes, sizes and materials and hold varying amounts of information. Some contain logos or artwork, too. Most pet ID tags are designed to be hung from a collar.

At a bare minimum, a pet ID tag should contain the name, address and phone number of the pet owner in a durable, legible format. Plastic tags are lightweight but easily chewed. Stainless steel tags are durable and don’t rust or fade. These traditional types of tags can purchased from any veterinarian or pet store. They’re inexpensive but the amount of information they hold is limited to the size of the tag.

Fortunately, you have many more options in pet tags these days, such as microchipping, tattooing, digital display tags, pet registry web sites and voice recorded pet id tags.

One of the newest entries in the pet identification market is the high-tech USB drive that hangs from your pet’s collar (or is attached to their cage) and which holds 64MB of data (including complete medical and diet information). The tiny USB drive is encased in a sturdy plastic case and can be plugged into any computer, where it is easily updated and easy to print sections for sharing with your vet or pet sitter.

No matter what pet ID tag you choose, making sure your pet wears some type of pet identification tag brings peace of mind that far outweighs its costs.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=58668&ca=Pets

Horse First Aid Pack By Jason Atilia

Horse supplies run the gamut from grooming products to nutritional supplements. But there is an essential horse supply that you shouldn't leave your barn, or your saddlebag without. Horse first aid pack might be just the thing that could save your horse's life. Hollywood had often dramatized the situation wherein the rider shoots his horse because it is injured. Probably, he doesn't have his first aid pack with him. No good comes from killing a horse over a minor injury if you could put it out of its agony without pulling the trigger. Plus, you know from experience that no matter how thought out or planned an outing might be, there are just some things that go awry. It's not being paranoid, it is being prepared. Your preparation might help prevent your ride from turning into a Hollywood drama.

The kit must be stored in a container or bag that can keep moisture and dirt out because these encourage the growth of bacteria. You would just aggravate your horse's infection if you used contaminated bandages. Stores that sell horse supplies carry items such as a plastic zipper bag. Aside from keeping tools, or grooming equipment, these are also good for storing first aid items. Groceries sell plastic food containers in varying sizes. Aside from keeping possible contaminants out, you could also choose one that could fit in your saddlebag. Among the things that you should include in your kit, a disinfectant probably is the most handy in most injuries. From minor scrapes and abrasions to wounds, disinfectants are essential cleansers. Just follow the manufacturers' instructions especially when using industrial grades as excessive use could dry your horse's skin. Antiseptic scrubs and swabs become useful for disinfecting wounds in the absence of water. These are excellent substitutes for disinfectants because they clean wounds with the same efficiency, but without the need for water. Ointments or wound powders are also worthy additions to your kit. They can prevent entrance of new bacteria inside the wound and speed up the healing process. However, be sure to use ointments, powders, and creams that have been approved by your vet. A fly repellent applied or sprayed on the wound lowers further infection or contamination risks considerably. Wound dressings come in sterile individual packs and they are good for covering wounds and promoting healing. There should be a supply of bandages in your kit, or at least two with a wide breadth. They are good for stabilizing fractures, splints, and securing pads over bleedings. Speaking of bleedings, cotton wool and gauze are essential for preventing excess bleeding. Salts are good for soaking diseased hooves and feet.

Aside from these medications, there are some supplies which you can buy from equine stores and regular drug stores. Petroleum jellies are good for chafing, minor burns, and skin sores. Thermometer is an investment to add to your horse supplies. Expert riders advise to keep your thermometers clipped to the tail of your horse to avoid loss. Scissors, tweezers, and forceps are tools you shouldn't forget adding to your first aid pack. Aside from cutting bandages, they are also perfect for removing splinters and stones stuck in horses' hooves. Lastly, these first aid pack is just for providing your horse help in emergencies before the vet arrives. These are just for preventive measures, meaning they can't cure your horse. It is still important to call a vet after applying first aid.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=58428&ca=Pets

Tips For Solving Dog Behavior Problems: Ditch The Tantrums By Tim Lee

Dogs can sometimes be very unfriendly with the other dogs. They snap in the air, growl and bark a lot. These may sometimes indicate normal acts of defense to protect their owners and territory. Hence, one can surmise that they do not mean any harm.

However, there are times when such behavior becomes excessive and uncontrollable. At this point, your dogs can be very unruly and may even do more harm than good. What was once a pet may become a growling monster if not examined for any behavioural problems immediately.

Here is a list of some tips for solving your dog's behavior problems and make them live a normal, happy life.

1) Following the leader

Show the dog that you are the leader. Try not to confuse your dog. Teach him that you are the master and he has to obey.

When dog behavior problems take place, the dog becomes the master instead. The dog tends to project itself as the main boss of its environment. This has to stop, and your dog should know where he stands.

2) Go out and socialize

Expose your dogs and let them mingle with other dogs and people as this help them get rid of their insecurities, nervousness and make them learn how to socialize.

Like in humans, dog behavior problems indicate some psychological problems. There are some instances that dogs are just bored that is why they are behaving that way.

3) Too many puppy problems

As much as possible raise not more than 3 puppies at a time. They can be jealous. Imagine having a couple of siblings of same age, fighting over the same toy and getting the mother dog's and the owner's attention.

4) Abundant food equals healthy mind and body

This is common with stray dogs. Not having ample water, food and even sex in their environment affect their brains and way of thinking. They might also be eating dirty food and develop rabies. It is best to stay away from street dogs or better report it to the dog pound.

5) Training school

If your dogs are really stubborn and uncontrollable or you just want them professionally trained, you could enroll your dog in training schools.

6) Play and prepare

They should learn to play such as to run, jump, wrestle, chase, nip, be brave, use their mouth, and paw. A canine should learn all these because those are part of their normal behavior and in order to get them ready for the real world battle and hunting if ever they need to. Playing should also be done in moderation because too much of it could also add in the progress of aggression.

7) Fear me not

Dog's life experiences such as being attacked as a puppy or if they have seen two dogs fight also affects their behavior because dogs may develop anger, fear, and even imbalances in their hormones.

Their nerves could also be weak. A program called 'slow desensitisation' or systematic reduction of their sensitivity is best performed with these dogs.

Since with this type of behavior the dog is not violent, it would help if they will be given reward and disregard the bad manners instead.

Dogs are always known as man best friend but sometimes, their behavior changes and become violent. In some ways, they are like humans too. They need love and care. Such bad behavior only becomes serious when they reach the age of more than 1 year up to 3 years. Therefore, before it starts to become serious, help them now

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=53780&ca=Pets

Abyssinian Cats - Active, Intelligent And Beautiful By Luka Enzo

There are many conflicts about where the Abyssinian originated from and what it is crossed with. The Abyssinian is believed to possibly have come from Ethiopia back in the 1800’s, but others believe it came from the coast of the Indian Ocean/ South East Asia. The British believe the Abyssinian originated from crossing a British “Bunny” ticked cat and various silver and brown tabbies.

Abyssinians are said to be a good cat to have around children. They love to play so the more your child plays with them the happier they will be. They do well with other household pets, and will play fairly well with them.

You will want to brush your Abyssinian weekly. If you start brushing your cat while they are young, they will learn to like it quickly. You should bathe your Abyssinian cat at least once a year, again if you start this when they are at a young age they will learn to tolerate a bath. You should clip their claws every few months or when you notice they become too long.

Abyssinian cats are usually pretty healthy cats. It is important to take your cat to the vet every year and have its annual vaccinations. They are prone to gingivitis, renal amyloidosis (a common, genetically inherited disorder) and sometimes P K Deficiency (an inherited disease due to recessive gene mutation). They do require a lot of exercise because they are highly active cats, and they love to play with cat toys.

Abyssinian Cats are ideal for an apartment, because they do not require a huge area to run and play in. They should be kept as strictly indoor cats. They are medium in size and weigh about 8 to 10 pounds. They usually live between 12 to 15 years. Their colors are usually warm glowing red ticked with brown, blue ticked with slate blue, fawn ticked with a coca brown, or ruby brown (ticked with black or brown).

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=54871&ca=Pets

Things To Know About A German Shepherd Dog By Armen Ghazarians

A sound temperament is a must in a German Shepherd Dog (GSD). By sound, I mean a disposition where one minute you can let a protection trained GSD play alone with your 5-year old child, pull on its ears, pet its head, tug on its tail and NEVER-EVER be in harms way; while the next minute, it should turn into the 'terminator' and crush its enemies as soon as it senses an intruder.

There are three conventional methods of dog training that you can choose from in order to train you German Shepherd Dog (GSD). They are training with treats, training with treats and clickers, and training with praise. All three methods of training will work; however, there is one that stands out from the rest. That is, oral praise. Why? Because you want your dog to listen to your commands even when you don't have any toys, clickers, and/or food. Imagine you dog wanting to jump at your every command simply because it wants your praise and love and not because you are going to bribe it with treats. Once your dog gets used to getting treats for performance, it will cease to perform when you don't have any more treats left. So, treat your GSD with kindness, and train it with praise!

Training a GSD which has not been genetically selected for working ability is that much more difficult than one that has already been selected for that trait. In my opinion, the age-old debate about beauty vs. functionality of the pure-bread GSD dog was settled by the founder of the German Shepherd Dog breed, Captain Max Von Stephanitz, when he said in his book,'...Utility is the true criterion of beauty...' (The German Shepherd Dog in Word and Picture, pg. 163). Many American GSDs today have been selected for beauty rather than functionality in order to win dog shows. In many of these dog shows, obedience and showmanship are separate events and a dogs' working ability is never considered in events where the dogs are required to meet breed standards. Hence, you have the decline of the traits for which the breeds were originated for in the first place. So when you set out to buy your dream GSD, look for temperament, health, and working ability first, and beauty last.

The importance of beauty, however, should not be ignored when it comes to posing your dog for a memorable photograph. Unlike other breeds, GSD's are shown differently in the breed ring. The proper method for posing your GSD for the breed judges is called a 'stack'. 'Stacking' is the method whereby one allows the forequarters of a dog to be shown parallel to one another when looking through the viewfinder of a camera and when one allows the hindquarters of the GSD to be arranged so that the limb facing the camera is placed backward while the limb facing away from the camera is placed forward. Most professional handlers who pose their GSD's for photographers walk them into a 'stack' instead of artificially manipulating them into it. If you plan to stack your GSD for a professional snapshot, remember to compose the image in such a way as to depict it from the tip of its nose to the tip of its hindquarters; NO MORE, NO LESS (please visit my web site to view photographs of how a GSD is stacked for the camera).

These topics cover just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to knowing the German Shepherd Dog breed. You can learn more about the GSD by visiting my web site or by getting involved in breed organizations like the German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA). With a little more reading, you can become familiar with this wonderful breed and all that it has to offer. And then perhaps you can decide whether this is the right breed for you or not.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=52964&ca=Pets