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Shocking Training Dog Collar Guide Posted By : Charlie Cory
Shocking Training Dog Collar Guide Posted By : Charlie Cory
Dog training collars can be very effective, or very cruel. Discover the different types of collars and how they should be used.
The Rabbit Treats And Toys Guide - Toys for Rabbits
Rabbits are fun-loving, sometimes even silly creatures, and they love to play. Moreover, exercise is essential to keeping your rabbit in good health.
Giving your rabbit the right toys can make all the difference. Here are some great options, many of which are free or very inexpensive, and all of which your rabbit will really enjoy!
* Cardboard tubes from toilet paper and paper towel rolls
* Paper bags (lunch bags or from a grocery store)
* Cardboard boxes (especially a closed box with two or three rabbit sized entrance holes cut in the sides)
* Concrete forms or large PVC pipes for tunnels (make sure bunny can not get stuck!)
* Untreated wicker baskets or other wicker items (wicker tunnels and other items are available from the online stores listed below in the Resources section of this report)
* Hard plastic cat balls with bells inside (just make sure your bunny isn t chewing up and swallowing the plastic)
* Hard plastic baby toys rings, links, keys, rattles, etc.
* Parrot toys and bells
* Kitty condos (the shorter ones), tunnels, and platforms
* Towels or blankets
* Small straw whisk broom
* Straw balls ( you can get the ones meant as hamster houses;for added enjoyment, fill them with timothy hay)
* A cardboard box full of shredded paper (preferably ink-free; you can sometimes get unprinted newsprint roll ends from the local newspaper printer)
* Fresh branches from apple trees
* Dried pinecones
* Large rubber ball
* Old books or phone books
* Plush bunny for your rabbit to groom
* A paper bag or box (e.g., a cereal box or any other type of small box) filled with hay
* Piece of wood for chewing
* A safe container (an empty plastic butter bowl, for example) with something inside to make it rattle
* Rolled up newspaper, crumpled up paper grocery bags
* Untreated grass mats
All of these options will give your bunny hours or healthy playtime and exercise. Best of all, most of them can be found or made from materials in your own home, right at this very moment. So go gather up a couple of toys and give your bunny a present he will love!
Some items mentioned above, such as wicker baskets, may be purchased from the following online pet stores:
* simplypets.com
*exoticpets.about.com
* http://www.bunnyrabbitcare.com
Sure you could just give your bunny another carrot or the same old toy he has had for weeks. But rabbits are no different from humans in that they enjoy a little variety now and again.
Of course, you do not want to make sudden changes to your rabbits main diet or shelter. But you will make your pet very happy if you surprise him with a delicious treat or a brand-new toy!
The recipes and ideas contained within this guide have brought hours and hours of joy to rabbits all over the world. Theres nothing better than observing your pet munching down a treat he loves or batting around a new toy. When your rabbit is happy, you, too, experience the contentedness of knowing that your pet is safe, healthy, and satisfied.
Thomas Cates is author of Bunny Rabbit Care, which shows Bunny Rabbit Lovers how to keep Bunny Rabbit healthy safely and holistically. Plz Visit: http://www.bunnyrabbitcare.com
Loving Your Pat
Taking care of a pet is a huge responsibility that people need to be aware of before bringing a pet home. People who have pets need to understand how to take care of them properly. Many things depending on the type of pet that one has. Dogs Need to get plenty of exercise. Cats need to live in a clean living environment. Caged Animals Need fresh water and lots of attention. When pets fail to receive enough care, their health will start to deteriorate. This can cause the pet to become sick or even die. As a pet ages, its health will begin to decline. There are signs that pet owners should watch out for if they think their pet is ill. Decrease in appetite and movement are two of the biggest signs that a pet is not well. If the pet sheds their fur more than usual or their eyes become discolored, then the pet should be taken to the vet for a check-up. If a pet becomes withdrawn or moody, this is another sign that the pet is not in good health. Many times if the pet is taken to the vet, they can receive medication or other treatments that will help restore its health. Healthy pets are playful, happy, and are in good physical condition. Taking care of a pet means monitoring their health and making sure that receive medical attantion if necessary. Pets should eat twice a day and should have plenty of water to drink. Pets that go outdoors should wear a frea collar and should be checked on throughout the day. Keeping a pet safe is just as important as making sure that they have enough food because a safe pet is a healthy pet. Pets can bring much joy to a person s home. http://www.pfreferedforms.com
Believing in good balanced diet, taking vitamins and minerals. Daily exercise, yoga, stretching, breathing exercises, drinking enough water, meditation, relaxation, positive thinking, and trying to be happy.
You Can Build Your Own Doghouse!
Anybody who owns a dog will know that they can be expensive. Vets bills and food supplies soon mount up and this is why so many dogs end up abandoned in rescue centers or put out on to the street. Responsible dog owners are aware of the costs which a pet incurs and so go into it with their eyes open. However, an unnecessary expense is that involved with the purchase of a doghouse.
Many dog owners allow their pets to sleep in the home with them, thus eradicating the need for an exterior doghouse. But others prefer to distance themselves somewhat from their pets, preferring them to sleep outside at night. For these owners, the need to buy a doghouse is essential. These can range from budget buys which are little more than a wooden shell, to hugely extravagant constructions complete with a porch and stairs to make their kennel into a luxury home. Obviously, the cost rises proportionately to the quality of the doghouse. However, there is an alternative option.
You could build your own doghouse. You would still be required to pay for the supplies and you would have to do the work yourself but it means that you can tailor the doghouse to your pet. A doghouse should be large enough for your pet to comfortably turn but no bigger than that in order for it to retain the dog?s body heat and so self-insulate to a degree. Most readily available dog houses that you can buy from pet stores or similar places are a fairly standard size. Given that your doghouse should be sized in relation to your specific dog, you may find that, if you have a particularly large or small dog, that the shop bought ones are not ideal. Therefore, building your own can solve this problem.
There are a few things to remember when buying the materials for your doghouse. The first is to ensure that the doghouse is raised from the floor slightly to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood. The second is to ensure that you purchase exterior grade plywood and not pressure treated plywood. Exterior grade is slightly harder to come by as the majority of hardware stores sell pressure treated. However, this is treated with chemicals which may be harmful to your dog if they chew it.
These are the main things you need to adhere to when building your own doghouse. As long as these three areas, the size, raised from the ground and use of correct wood, are correct you can pretty much do what you like in terms of design and build. Why not decorate the finished doghouse to suit your pet?s personality? That is what I call a designer home!
The author is a regular contributor to <a href="http://www.dhadvisor.com/">The Dog House Advisor</a> where more dog house resources, buying and building tips are freely available.
Do I Need A Designer Dog Bed Posted By : Joede De
A little lesson on designer dog beds and information for the educated dog supplies consumer.
Five Mistakes New Puppy Owners Make
You ve researched the different dog breeds to find the best one for you and your family, you ve taken the time to find out whether the breeder you chose is ethical, and now you re finally bringing that precious new bundle of joy home. The hard part is over, right? Actually, there are several mistakes that many new puppy owners make that can really turn this joyful time into a frustrating and worrying experience. Avoid these new dog owner mistakes to be sure you and your puppy are off to a great start:
1. Potty training your puppy indoors and then expecting him to automatically go outdoors when he is older. Those nifty potty training pads look an awful lot like nice, plushy rugs to your puppy and he may opt to use your rugs as a toilet spot after you do away with the pads.
2. Giving in to his sad whimpers and tucking him in your bed for the first few nights and then expecting him to sleep on his own in a few days without crying. He ll just cry louder and longer once he knows what he is missing.
3. Letting your guilty feelings overwhelm you so that you don t crate train him. Crate training helps keep your puppy safe, since he can t get into dangerous things when you aren t watching him if he s crated. Also, he actually feels more secure when he is crated while no one else is home.
4. Taking your puppy with you when you go out, especially if you are going to a park or pet store. Puppies should be finished with immunizations before they go on outings. Their immune systems are often not fully developed when they are young and they are more susceptible to some of the deadliest dog diseases.
5. Letting your puppy do things that are cute in puppies and not at all cute in full size dogs, such as jumping up on guests. It is easier to curb these behaviors right away than it is to break your adult dog of bad habits.
To get your new puppy off to a good start, why not take the free ABC s of New Puppy Care mini course? To chat about your canine friend with other dog lovers, don t forget to visit the Free Dog Tips forum.
To get your new puppy off to a good start, take the free <a href="http://www.puppycare.free-dog-tips.com">ABC s of New Puppy Care mini course</a>? To chat about your canine friend with other dog lovers, don t forget to visit the <a href="http://www.free-dog-tips.com/forum/">Free Dog Tips forum</a>.
Pet Care Partners - Boarding Kennels
Chances are, at one time or another you will need to turn to someone else to care for your dog. Perhaps you ve accepted a work assignment that will keep you out of town for a month. Maybe you re finally going on that long awaited cruise. Whatever the reason, you find yourself in need of someone dependable and trustworthy to care for Rover. Although some dogs do best at home with a pet sitter, other dogs do better in a boarding kennel. Consider your dog s personality and needs before making a decision.
Things to know up front: For kennels, pet boarding is a business. Their success depends on volume as much as quality care. Kennels care for many animals at the same time and your pet will probably be kept in a cage or run. Don t expect a kennel to give your pet the same kind of attention and affection that you do; it just won t happen. But good kennels employee people with a natural love of dogs that will be kind and gentle and care for your pet to the best of their ability.
Kennel choices: Most vet offices offer boarding services. While vet office care may be limited, with smaller cages and limited exercise opportunities, many people, especially those whose animals have medical needs, feel more secure leaving their pets with a trusted vet. Other owners turn to private boarding kennels that can range from bare-bones to luxurious. Sparse facilities do not differ much from vet offices. Cages are usually small and exercise is limited to two walks a day. More expensive facilities offer mixed playtime for dogs that are socialized, outdoor exercise areas, larger runs rather than cages, and grooming services (all of which may be at an extra charge). Upscale doggie hotels are all the rage in some areas. Your dog may receive a massage, bath and haircut, obedience training, soothing music and luxurious bedding while you re gone.
Where to start: Whatever level of care you decide on, there are some basic things to know and do before making a final decision on where to board your pet. Price, comfort, health and safety are all valid concerns. After all, you re entrusting someone else with one of the most emotionally valuable things in your life.
Ask friends, neighbors, family, and your vet or dog trainer for recommendations. Then do a little background investigation. If your state requires licensing and inspections, make sure the kennels you are considering are in good standing. Also ask whether the prospective kennel belongs to the American Boarding Kennels Association. This trade association promotes professional standards, requires members subscribe to a code of ethics, and offers accreditation for professionalism, safety and quality of care. If you re satisfied that a kennel meets basic requirements, schedule a visit.
What to look for: First impressions are important. Sniff the air as soon as you walk in. There should be no strong antiseptic smell or odor of urine or feces. Some antiseptic odor is understandable in concrete areas, but if odors assail your nose as you walk in the door, you may want to consider another kennel.
Look for a pleasant atmosphere. Do the current boarded dogs look happy? Do they come to the front of the kennel to greet you? Dogs that lie to the back and do not interact are a bad sign. Is the staff competent, confident, friendly and caring or do they seem harassed and irritable? Are there a sufficient number of workers or are they short-handed and overworked? Is the kennel owner ready and willing to show you where your dog will be housed and exercise areas? If not, cross this one off your list.
Make mental notes as you tour the facilities. Are dog beds clean? Look for clean food bowls and water bowls without scum or floating objects. Are the runs clean or is there feces lying around? It s impossible to keep all runs clean 100% of the time, but you ll be able to tell the difference between filth and recent deposits. Is the kennel yard full of debris? Is the building in need of serious repair? Is there good ventilation and a comfortable temperature? If possible, take a look at the kitchen. A clean kitchen is a good indicator of a clean pet area. Get a tour of outdoor exercise areas and runs. Are they protected from the elements? Is the noise level overwhelming? Although it is impossible to prevent dogs from barking, especially while someone is walking through the facility, the kennel should not be overcrowded to the point where dogs are constantly barking. Observe any activities offered. Note especially how aggressive dogs are handled.
Brass tacks: If your first impressions are favorable, then get down to details. You need to know if pets are required to be current on vaccinations. Some kennels now require that your dog be vaccinated against Bordetella, canine kennel cough. Many kennels will allow you to bring your dog s regular food. It not only cuts down on their costs, but helps your dog adjust to kennel life. If it is important that your pet stay on his regular diet, ask; don t just assume. What veterinary services are available? Does the kennel have a vet on call? You may prefer that the kennel call your vet if there is a need. Make this information readily available and let your vet know that your pet will be staying at a kennel while you are gone. Ask questions about feeding schedules. If your pet needs regular doses of medication, make sure this service is offered. Find out how much exercise your dog will be getting and how often they are allowed to potty. Can you bring your dog s bedding from home and his favorite toy? Is it important to you that a staff member be on the property around the clock? If so, make sure this is the case at your chosen facility. Be sure to get a breakdown of charges. Some services are included in basic daily rates, some are not. If price is an issue, get the details worked out up front so you won t be surprised when you get home. And last, but not least, trust your instincts. If you just don t feel good about a particular kennel, go somewhere else.
Prepare your pet: So, you ve taken all the preliminary measures and selected a kennel for your pet. Now you need to prepare Rover for his stay. If the facility offers doggy day care services in addition to longer term care, give your pet the chance to try it out. Take him once or twice for just the day. Take special note of his first impressions and reactions. Quiz the staff on his behavior and interaction with the other animals.
Be sure your pet knows basic commands. Make sure he is current on vaccinations and is flea-free (most kennels require it). If your pet is going to be at the kennel for an extended time, you may consider a trial run of a weekend excursion. This allows you to work out any kinks before the longer stay. If necessary, teach your dog to sit before being petted or fed and to walk quietly on a leash. Socialize him to strangers, especially if medication or grooming will be provided at the kennel. Make sure he is accustomed to a crate if he will be in one at the kennel. It will make the stay less stressful and fearful for your pet.
Prepare the kennel staff: No one likes surprises, not even kennel staff who are accustomed to working with all animal personalities. If your dog has any unusual fears, aggression triggers or other idiosyncrasies, be honest for the safety and well-being of all involved. Let them know if Rover is not reliably housetrained, hates men or eats things he s not supposed to.
On kennel day: Exercise Rover before you turn him over to the kennel staff. Leave the kids at home. Walk in the kennel door, give Rover a gentle pat, tell him you ll see him soon and let him go. Long goodbyes, hugs and tears will only stress out your pet (and you). He s not going to hate you for leaving. Go have fun.
Coming home: One last thing, don t be surprised or alarmed if your dog segregates himself and sleeps a lot upon coming home. He is not upset with you or had a miserable time. Dogs in kennels are awake from the crack of dawn until nighttime. They are excited by barking dogs, meal times and visitors walking past them. He may simply be exhausted.
Boarding kennels can be a good solution for those times when your pet has to be left behind. Do your homework and find the best facility for you and your pet. It is well worth the time. Your peace of mind and your pet s health are your reward.
Copyright 2007 Sherry Massey Sherry Massey is the owner of Barker and Friends Natural Pet Treats. Our mission is to provide healthy all natural treats and food to help your dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives. Please visit us at www.naturalbarker.com for a great selection of all natural treats we make from scratch, Flint River Ranch All Natural Pet Food, pet supplies and resources.
How To Stop Dogs From Digging Posted By : Chris Smith
It’s a fact of life that dogs love to dig. Find out how to stop your dog from digging with these proven training techniques.
Brindle Boxer Dog - The Most Popular Of Them All Posted By : Jason Rusch
Have you ever noticed the shade of a boxer dogs coat? Most boxer dogs have cost that have fawn and brindle tones. Fawn colors can have variety from yellow to a light tan. It also has colorations of reddish tan, mahogany, dark honey blond and even deer red. If you look at brindle boxers, there bottom coat outlined with black stripes. It is not hard to find a brindle boxer that is opposite of this coloration. These are called “reverse brindles”.
