Raising Puppies: Be Positive

Bringing home the puppy home is one of the most enjoyable things that you can enjoy with the young puppy. After that, you are now thrusts into the role of a mother hen or an alpha male type of owner to raise the dog properly.

You would have to be very patient when raising a puppy. This will take a very long time and will sometimes be depressing. It will be depressing when you keep repeating things to the point that your dog does not seem to be responding. You would then be left wondering if this dog is deaf or is purposely doing this to piss me off.

Despite of all the challenges of training a puppy, you should always remember that in the end it will be for both your benefit. If you leave your puppy untrained, it will think that it’s the alpha male in your household and may make you do things you purposely hate.

Just think about the situation when it is the dog that’s becoming the boss. The dog will be pulling you out of the house just to walk the dog. Or the dog can bother you just to cook it a great home cooked dog food. Isn’t that worth thinking about? It will be much more depressing when that happens because you’ll be the laughing stock of people or even dogs.

Just like in anything else in life keeping a positive point of view helps. Even in training your puppy. When your puppy keeps on destroying stuff, humping guests or even mess up the garbage, scolding it in a negative matter won’t help. When you keep saying “No” to your puppy, the puppy will become confused. The puppy will not know what exactly it did wrong.

Instead the puppy should be trained in a positive manner. Make her do what you would want to do. When the puppy is nearing its call of nature, immediately bring the dog outside. After which bring the dog to your pesky neighbor’s lawn and tell the dog that it’s ok to crap there. Then give the dog a treat. This will make the dog learn that crapping outside is the good thing.

The main point is that when you see your pet doing well or would want them to do good bribe them with something good. I.e. when the dog is chewing its own chewing toy, you should reward it. When it is barking away at a pesky and irritating person, you should reward it too.

Remember keeping a positive attitude when training dogs counts. It is better to keep a positive attitude while training the dog earlier than having a negative attitude fro life because the dog has become your owner.

About The Author
Michael Colucci is a technical writer for http://www.free-dog-training.org and http://www.edogstoday.com.
admin@free-dog-training.org

Proper Housing Arrangements for Red-Footed Tortoises

The Red-Footed Tortoise is not a large turtle. It is not small either, being in the middle of the size range for turtles. This said, the Red-Footed Tortoise needs a very large area to live in a healthy manner. A minimum size for a habitat for these creatures should be roughly 2.5 metres by 2.5 metres. The best place to house these turtles is outside. There are several things that need attention though. The humidity should always be between 60% and 85%, and the temperature should never be below 50 degrees F. If any or all of these conditions can not be met, you must house them inside, and simulate the conditions.

When keeping them outdoors, make sure you offer them plenty of protection from the sun. They will also want plenty of tall grass, plant life and a shallow but heavy dish of water. Red-Footed Tortoises are land based turtles, and do not need deep water.

When keeping the tortoises indoors, there is a set of guidelines you must follow. You can use whatever material you see fit, but wood is the most common. Make sure the floor of the enclosure is waterproof, in case any water is knocked over. A wooden floor may cause problems, as the water will seep into the wood, and over time could cause mould problems. If on concrete, never leave the floor bare. This has been noted as a cause of health problems in turtles, the most common being penis prolapse. This said, the bottom, whatever material it is, needs to be covered with a more natural substrate. Mulch type substrate works well. Peat moss, sphagnum moss and play sand are recommended. A mixture of peat moss and sand is the best substrate. Make sure the sides of the enclosure are tall enough to prevent the turtles from getting out. Like most reptiles, Red-Footed Tortoises require hiding places. They will also need an area that has increased humidity. A large container, on its side, with dampened substrate works well. When needed, the tortoise will crawl inside to get to the humid area.

You must also provide your tortoises with a heat gradient. This can be achieved by placing a basking lamp on one end of the enclosure. The cool side should be kept around 73 degrees F, and the hot end should be kept around 87 degrees F. If you have multiple tortoises you will need to provide multiple basking spots. Drop the temperature at night to be 57 degrees F to 60 degrees F, and like outdoors, never let this temperature drop to or below 50 degrees F.

Aside from the heating lights, full-spectrum fluorescent lighting is necessary for proper synthesis of vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is needed to properly use calcium in the tortoise’s body. You should always bring your turtles outside on warm days, as the natural sunlight provides the best vitamins you can get from light.

About The Author
Turtles Zone
For turtle care information, head on over to the Turtle Zone. We provide information on caring for turtles in captivity.
info@turtles-zone.com

Cat Diseases : Watch For Early Warnings

Watch your cat and disease signs that may indicate a variety of health problems. Being alert to these indicators can help treat your cat quickly and efficiently.

Bad breath

Don't panic if your cat has a bad breath. Check first if he had fish or other food with strong odours. If not, consult your veterinary as bad breath may the the sign of a tooth decay, urinary problems or the presence of round worms.
Abundant saliva

This sign of cat disease may be the cause of poisoning or viral infection such as pneumonia. However it may simply be due to a foreign object lodged in the cat's mouth. In that case take the object out before the cat swallows it.

Decolorated gums

This might indicate aneamia, the presence of parisites or other affection. If this symptom follows an accident it may be due to internal bleeding.

Running nose

This sign of cat disease is, most of the time, caused by pneumonia.

Sneezing

Your cat caught a cold or something is stuck in his nose !!

Red and burning eyes

Sometimes, this sign of cat disease indicates respiratory problems. It can also be caused by dust.

Running eyes

This is always due to a cold.

Eyes turning opaque

This sign of cat disease indicates a major ocular problem. Consult your veterinary immediately .

Your cat is constantly scratching his ears

Parasites may be present. If the ear contains brownish and smelling crusts there might be an ulceration. If the ear is warm and aching this is probably due to an hematom that will require minor surgery.

Frequent coughing

This sign of cat disease is the result of a pneumonia.

Quick and heavy respiration

This is the symptom of pneumonia or heart problems.

Your cat does not eat anymore

This is a classic cat disease symptom resulting from a variety of health problems. However, bear in mind that a cat in healthy condition can skip 2 to 3 meals. Be concerned only if he skips more.

Your cat is losing weight quickly

This is a sign of probable aneamia or viral infection.

Your cat is weak and apathetic

Again this may be due to aneamia or the presence of parasites. This sign of cat disease may also result from heart problems.

Your cat does not drink water anymore

If your cat peaks over the water bowl but does'nt drink anything he may have typhus or a kidney infection.

He drinks too much !

You would not suspect this is a sign of cat disease. Unfortunately, this may the symptom of a variety of sicknesses : diabetes, liver problem, or uterus infection.

Vomitting

If your cat vomits frequently it may not mean he is sick. But if he vomits a yellow liquid, often times the typhus is the culprit. You also have to watch intoxications and kidney or liver infections. In any event, consult your veterinary immediately.

Urinary difficulties

This may be a serious cat disease symptom. The presence of blood in the urine, particularly with the male cat, requires a quick action you should rush to the veterinary.

Constipation

Here we have several possibilities but it is likely that your cat is not physically active and that his nutrition is not well balanced. Cut on the dehydrated food for a while. You may also use a light laxative. If this is not working, constipation may be caused by tiny hair balls .... or a tumour.

Diarrhea

A real diarrhoea is totally liquid. Your cat may have been excited or his nutrition is unbalanced. Add rice or pasta to his meals for a day or two. If you find traces of blood in the diarrhoea, this sign of cat disease may result from a tumour or it may indicate the presence of parasites.

High fever

A body temperature exceeding 38.8 celsius is a sign that something is working wrong. Don't guess, check with your veterinary.

Drastic change in behavior

This is a sign of cat disease that is difficult to gauge. If your animal becomes aggressive he may have contracted the rage. You may also detect this problem if his mewing is low and rough.

Copyright 2006 Marc Deschamps

About The Author
Marc Deschamps is the editor of Kitten Cat Magazine, a free online publication, where people can share their passion for cats and learn more about this extraordinary animal. Other articles on cat diseases can be found at http://www.kitten-cat-magazine.com/cat-and-disease.html

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Doves

I now have a full flock of ring necked doves visiting regularly. This started several years ago when 3 doves began feeding in the yard under the decorative birdfeeders. Doves eat off the ground and won’t eat at any of the bird feeders, but everyone else is so messy there is plenty for them to pick up. They don’t seem to use the garden bird bath either, but they do love the pond. Now after 4 years the flock seems to be up to 10-12 or so. I must admit I don’t pay as much attention to them as I do to the smaller birds and I am not sure why, possibly because they don’t eat at the unique bird feeders, but they are just as interesting as the others. What I do notice most about them is that their wings squeak when they fly. Well, if it isn’t their wings it sure sounds like it. Pay attention the next time you see some.

I also get Oregon Junkos and dark eyed Junkos. They ignore the fancy birdfeeders too, preferring the seed left on the ground. They don’t seem to sing instead they have a rather distinctive click. The Junkos will use the garden birdbath fountains I wonder a bit about the nuthatches and creeper and some of the other insect eaters that visit my habitat. They seem to be attracted to the seed mix I give the other birds in the wooden birdfeeders and in the decorative birdfeeders as well. But their normal diet is insects, what is with that? I figure that anyone who wants to come to the decorative birdfeeders is a welcome addition to the family.

Other migratory birds that come regularly to the fancy bird feeders are members of the finch family. In the spring they prefer the wooden birdfeeders to be filled with thistle seed and can go through pounds of it without really trying. This time of year however, they seem to enjoy the same seed mix that the others want in their bird feeders. This may be because there is plenty of thistle seed available naturally. Make sure to keep the birdfeeders and birdbaths clean and full this time of year as everyone is getting ready for the long flight to winter quarters.

About The Author
Jean Woods
After working for over 20 years in an office, I decided to work at home and sell something I really like. To me there is nothing like the sound of birds chirping in the morning. So after lots of pondering I chose to help them out and provide them with their own home at http://www.birdbathplus.com/

Dog Behavior Training

Dog behavior training is a very important key to a happy, healthy, pet. Dog behavior training can help your dog stop excessive barking, biting, and whining. Dog behavior training can fix almost any behavior problem that your pet may be experiencing. If you want to put an end to the problems and stress that your dog is creating, you need to consider dog behavior training. Dog behavior training will help build a positive relationship between you and your dog.

When done properly, dog behavior training, will help your dog to behave in any type of situation. Consider what the key problems are when assessing your pet. Do you want your dog to sit when people come over? How about excessive barking and whining problems, are they getting annoying? All of these problems you can overcome with your dog and the proper dog behavior training techniques.

When your dog is having behavior problems and acting out, they are just begging for dog behavior training. Dogs are very smart animals and they need and thrive from the stimulation they get from the interaction with you. Do you need and want a better relationship with your dog? Dog behavior training will help get you off on the right start with your dog.

It's never to late to start dog behavior training your companion. Even if your dog is older and set in their ways, they will love the stimulation they get from a dog behavior training course. You don't even need to take your dog to some expensive, high priced, dog behavior training class. You can train your dog on your own from the comfort of your own home.

Your companionship between you and your dog can be wonderful but at the same time challenging without proper dog behavior training techniques. Check out the book now to get on your way to a healthier, happier pet. You might even find that your relationship with your pet will bring you to a whole new level.

About The Author
L.D. Mairet has a passionate interest in dogs. She has 2 Black Labs and enjoys spending time with them. You can read more articles by her at http://dog-food.blogspot.com Dog Food, http://premium-dog-food.blogspot.com Premiom Dog Food, http://dog--trainer.blogspot.com Dog Trainer, http://dog-behavior--training.blogspot.com Dog Behavior Training, and http://dog-training-basics.blogspot.com Dog Training Basics.

The Temperament Of Cats

Perhaps you imagined yourself as a sleek young woman like Selena Kyle. But is a cat the right pet for you? To decide, you must have an idea what to expect from a cat. You must be familiar about the temperament of cats.

First of all, a domestic cat is a highly intelligent and fiercely independent creature. It can never be placed on a leash the way dogs are. Cats do things they want to do and when they want to do it. They will demand the things they want, such as food and play. And they will also make it clear when they want to be left alone. Thus, the owner of a cat cannot expect his pet to do “work” for him.

Different breeds of cats have different personalities. Some cats are quiet while others like to meow all the time. Can you tolerate a cat who meows almost every hour? Some cats are fussy and choosy about the food you give them while others will eat just about anything. Can you afford the kind of food that your cat prefers? Some cats don’t mind being surrounded and petted by strange people while others will wield their claws if they face a person they haven’t met before. Does your house accept many strangers or are you alone most of the time? And some cats love to climb and curl on the lap of their masters. But others prefer to be left alone, watching TV or listening to the radio. Are you a cat owner who likes to cuddle all the time?

You will know when your cat is trying to get your attention. It will endlessly meow at you or it will follow you around or it will rub its body against your leg. You will also know if your cat is comfortable or scared by lifting up your cat. If the body is loose, then your cat is relaxed. If the body is tight, then something is scaring the daylights out of it.

Cats like to sleep. And the specific personality and breed of the cat will determine where the cat chooses to sleep. Some like to be in secluded places where no one can disturb them. They like to lie in high cupboards and similar places. Other breeds of cats like to sleep in places where everyone is converging. These cats like to be noticed. So they sleep at the center of the foyer, in the middle of the stairs and even on the couch, especially when there are guests.

Cats like to sharpen their claws. It is their nature, similar to wild cats such as lions, tigers, panthers, and cheetahs. This may irritate the owner, especially if the cat chooses to sharpen its claws on the couch. The owner may consider giving the cat a scratching post. The cat can be taught to scratch its claws on this post.

About The Author
Grace Palce's pet meds http://www.pet-meds-101.com/ site concentrates on cat medicine and welfare http://www.pet-meds-101.com/your-cat.php.

Buying a Dog Collar

A dog is certainly man’s best friend. This is why you need to take extra care while choosing a dog collar. Today, the market is filled with various varieties of collars for different dogs. It is no longer regarded as a ‘just a strap around the neck’ but an accessory that gives a dog a personality. As a fashion statement dog collars are gaining popularity because owners like their dogs to look as fashionable as they are. Before you go ahead and buy a collar for your dog, spend a little time to find out all you can about the product. This way you can make an intelligent choice, which not only suits your pocket but one, which will be comfortable to your dog.

The most important factor in buying a dog collar is your dog. The kind of collar you buy largely depends on the breed of dog and its quality and color of its fur. Ideally you would want a collar that makes your dog look good. For smaller breeds you have the option of using brighter colors like pink or purple. For large and fiercer dogs, these colors would not compliment the dog’s nature. Therefore, blacks, browns and reds are more popular for larger breeds.

The next important factor to keep in mind is your dog’s temperament. Some dogs are more docile than others. Thus they do not require a high intensity collar. However, dogs in training would probably need pinch or choke collars. You need to be very careful about selecting these collars because extensive pressure can harm the overall health of the dog. The safest dog collars are the ones with buckles and those with a quick release mechanism. They do not cause your dog any discomfort. Owners with more obedient and trained dogs can afford to use these collars.

If you are a beach lover or if you have a pool at home then it is wise to get a nylon collar. It is best suited for dogs that are around water a lot. The most important factor to remember is how well the collar fits on your dog. Ensure that it is not too tight to choke or discomfort the dog. Experts say that there should be atleast two-finger space between the collar and the neck. If the collar is too loose the dog might be able to get it over its head in no time. This defeats the purpose of a dog collar. Today there is a wide choice of products to choose from. Electronic dog collars range from $130 and $1300. You can get a collar and leash set which match in color.

About The Author
David Ward is an author who writes articles on many topics. For further information on dog training visit: http://www.mycaninepal.com/ace.pl/veterinary-tips-cleveland.html

Keep Your Dog Safe And Happy With A Dog Fence

Every dog needs exercised to be healthy. A dog chained in the backyard will not grow into the happy pet that you want. For this reason, it is important to use a dog fence to provide a secure space where your dog can run and play, safe from traffic and pedestrians.

When deciding what type of dog fence to use to keep your dog on your property, you have two main types to choose between: visible dog fences and hidden dog fences.

VISIBLE DOG FENCES

Erecting a visible, or traditional dog fence is the most straightforward way for you to contain your dog.

The cheapest and quickest way to make a dog fence is to use a snow fence. The holes on a snow fence will be small enough to prevent smaller dogs from escaping. If you live in a colder climate, however, you will know that snow fencing is unattractive. In addition, it can be easily bent out of shape, so it will require periodic maintenance. Nonetheless, if you are not troubled by the aesthetics, it will give you an effective fence in a pinch.

Moving up aesthetically from snow fences are chain link or picket fences. These more permanent fences can effectively act as dog fences. Given their more solid construction, they will also last longer than cheaper alternatives. If you plan to use a picket fence, however, it is important to consider the size of your dog in relation to the spaces between the pickets in your dog fence. Not surprisingly, as these fences are more attractive and permanent than snow fences, using them as a dog fence could cost considerably more.

A common problem with all the visible dog fences listed above is that even if they can keep your dog on your property, they may not prevent pedestrians from harassing your dog from the other side of the fence. While your dog will likely be unable to fit its head through a chain link, a child could put his or hand through the fence. The only sure fire way to prevent this from happening is to build a brick wall. Of course, this is by far the most expensive option.

Another importance consideration when erecting a visible dog fence is the types of fences allowed in your community by local zoning regulations.

HIDDEN DOG FENCES

If you do not want to erect a visible fence, either because of cost or aesthetics, you may consider using a hidden dog fence. There are two main types of hidden dog fences: wireless and underground.

In wireless dog fences, a transmitter is placed in the middle of the area where you would like to contain your dog. The transmitter sends a signal to the surrounding area that sets out the perimeter of your property. Your dog wears a receiver collar that beeps when your dog is reaching the edge of your property. If the dog continues to move towards the perimeter, the collar will give your dog a mild shock. An underground dog fence is similar to a wireless dog fence, except that the perimeter is defined by laying underground cables that trigger your dog’s receiver collar.

The main advantage of hidden dog fences is that, quite simply, you don’t have to put the time and money into building a fence. This also means you don’t have to be concerned with meeting any zoning regulations. The disadvantage of hidden dog fences is significant, however: if your dog ignores the shock, there is nothing stopping it from leaving your property. Indeed, hidden dog fences will not work with dogs that are hard to train since getting to dog to stay within the perimeter is essentially a training process. And even the most perfectly trained dog might have enough reason one day to ignore the shock and run after something.

About The Author
David Amos is a dog lover and long time dog owner. For more information about dog fences click http://onlinedogcare.com/dogfences and for more about dog care and keeping your dog happy and healthy click http://www.onlinedogcare.com.