Archive for the 'Pets And Animals' Category

The Use Of Kennels And Cages In Training Dogs

h1 Sunday, January 31st, 2010

When you are searching for a dog kennel for your pet, remember that there are certain ones that are made for different types of dogs, and not every cage will be correct for your particular situation. There are kennels which are designed and made strictly for the comfort of small animals which are being transported. There are also the kennels which are designed with security in mind, made especially for the larger pets.

Dog cages can be made in virtually any size imaginable (even large enough to house a room full of adult sized people), and have many styles that serve various purposes. Make sure to get one that suits your exact needs and specifications.

When looking for a traveling cage, you will find several styles to choose from: kennels made of metal grid with a solid floor, a plastic den with a metal door, or even a zipper-entranced, mesh-doored fabric “bag”. The many uses for this kind of kennel range from keeping your pet secure and under control for trips or vacations, to transporting it between training events. Also, these are ideal when you are not allowed to have your pet roaming free in a facility.

Most cages and kennels for training are designed to be used inside as a way of either housebreaking your animal, punishing him for bad behavior, or keeping him from running loose when nobody is around to keep an eye on him. If you can keep your dog in the cage at night when you are sleeping, they will learn to wait to use the bathroom until you are able to let them out, and this will help you with getting them on a schedule.

A training cage makes a good “time out” area when your pet makes a mistake and needs discipline. Your pet will quickly learn that if he doesn’t want to go sit in the cage he will stop doing whatever he did that got him there. While it’s not a substitute for your attention, sometimes a cage is a good way to keep your rambunctious pet under control during times when you’re not home.

You can also buy cages that are made for outdoor use, like kennels, wooden floor cages that are a part of a doghouse, that are great for having a nice place to sleep and move around outside, or dog runs, that are much like cages but have legs above the ground, and are stronger. Finally, walk-in cages are good for the temporary housing of several large dogs, and provide ease of access and cleaning.

Graham writes articles on the dog cage and about how to train your dog with large dog cages.

The Incredible Chicken Coop Plan

h1 Saturday, January 2nd, 2010

To avoid any problems after the chicken coop is finished and ready, it is imperative to start out right. Before you go ahead with the construction, contact your municipality or local council and learn about the regulations on keeping chicken in residential areas and ensure that you are not breaking any laws.

Next, do some research on plans for chicken coops and shortlist a few that you prefer. You can find a multitude of options online, at the local library as well as the local bookstore. After this, try to get the plans for the chicken coops you like. Choose one and you can use this as the base for your coop plan.

Now go out in your backyard and decide where you will place your coop. Keep in mind the dimensions of the plan and ensure that it will fit. Each chicken needs 4 square feet of space to itself, and if you don’t plan to add a run, then make that 10 square feet.

Also consider the following factors:

1. Is there enough natural sunlight available for the coop? 2. The ground should be well drained and must not be damp or wet. 3. Check for the nearest water outlet for cleaning. 4. Will the coop be exposed to any drafts? 5. Check if the boundary or fence will be strong enough to withstand predators. 6. Are hawks and owls a problem? You many need a net on the coop for security. 7. The ground should slope so that water doesn’t collect in puddles. 8. The coop must not be too close to the neighbor’s house. 9. The coop should not stick out like a sore thumb in the surrounding area.

The next step is to sketch out the coop to figure out the technicalities of the plan. This must include:

Windows for sunlight

1. Vents 2. Feeders 3. Perches 4. Lights 5. Flooring 6. Nesting boxes

The placement of these must avoid:

7. Dampness 8. Lack of light 9. Moisture 10. Smell caused by the buildup of carbon monoxide 11. Feeder height should be appropriate, and 12. Safety

Now that these have been sorted out, you can now start with the coop plan. You might want to work out an estimated cost of the materials and construction. Once everything is sorted out, it is most likely that you will not face any problems with your coop.

Enjoyed reading this article? For more great information on building a chicken coop, visit http://www.chickencoopadvice.com.

Pet Nutrition and Animal Chiropractic Care go Hand in Hand

h1 Sunday, November 8th, 2009

Let me tell you about my cat named Pumpkin They offer nutritional advice and products and they’re doing animal chiropractic for animal joint pain that will almost make you cry once you realize how much better your pets could and should be eating. He’s an awesome pet; a member of the family really.

Since I’ve always been an animal lover it bothered me enormously that he didn’t want anything to do with me much. He still ignored me even though I strive to make sure he lived his life free from pet pain. I decided to do some online research and I found a really great site for advice about pet care. They obviously cared deeply about all sorts of animals including cats. It really is amazing what they’re doing over at avafrick.com. She’s kind of like the pet whisperer or something like that.

Anyway, I sent them an email about my little cat problem and here’s what they told me to do. They were also very specific about the kind of nutrition my cat would require moving forward in the various stages of his life. This animal lover’s paradise website visit turned out to be a very rewarding experience. The person told me to approach Pumpkin, give him a little scratch on his back where he can’t reach on his own, stop and walk away. That’s all I was supposed to do.

I was told to do this twice a day; once in the morning and then in the evening. I was told that the cat should start coming to me for more attention. An can you guess what happened? He always wants to be around me. He always wants to come around for a scratch now. They also suggested some ways to feel for abnormalities on his body and determine whether he could use some pet chiropractic care.

A friend of mine once told me that dogs have masters and cats have staff. I’m sort of inclined to believe that. Pumpkin really does expect a lot from me. He knows that he can have his itchy back scratched by me and I’ve noticed that now that he knows that he simply has this expectation that I, his slave, will accommodate him. Personally I am thrilled that my investment of time and effort into Pumpkin is paying off finally with dividends and I owe it all to Ava Frick.

Ava Frick is renouned around the world for animal pain relief.Visit Ava right now and do you and your animal a huge favor.

Pet Jewelry Review

h1 Saturday, October 10th, 2009

There are many of fabulous websites available that provide gorgeous pet jewelery at affordable prices. Many believe that semi-precious stones and crystals possess the potential to heal. Some websites are also combining holistic healing stones with their pet jewelery, providing an alternative healing solution if your pet is ill.

The ancient Egyptians are a great example of a culture that believed in the power of crystals and precious stones. They believed that crystals and stones brought longevity to life, and strong health. Now pet jewelery is available that incorporates healing stones and crystals into bead work and lamp-work to create a cool pet necklace.

Different stones and crystals used to make pet jewelery possess different healing properties “you can match the stones and crystals to your pets illness, and get some bling for your pet. You must be wondering what types of stones are used to create the pet necklaces. See a list below of some of the healing stones available:

Jasper ” Believed to energize the body! Quartz ” A powerful general healer that eliminates toxins in the body, Quartz is a cleansing stone. Amethyst ” believed to help with sleep and relieve stress. It boosts the immune, respiratory, and digestive systems. Bloodstone ” Believed to help with detoxification, and help with melancholy. Flourite ” Said to decrease nerve related pain, and boost the immune system.

Although the above mentioned crystals and stones are believed to posses some healing properties, they can never replace a good veterinarian. You need to consult your vet if your pet is feeling ill, but if you are looking for an alternative or a substitute solution that will look great on your pet, then some pet jewelery made of healing stones could be an answer.

You can find the right bling for your pet by conducting some research, and taking a look at which crystals and stones are used to make the pet jewelery. Various websites are making some great pet jewelery.

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Guinea Pig Care

h1 Monday, July 20th, 2009

Small, easy to manage and relatively inexpensive are just some of the adjectives that come up when you think of guinea pigs as pets. And while these adjectives are mostly correct, it does not mean that guinea pigs do not require any care at all.

Guinea pigs are the house pet of choice for busy people as well as those looking for a pet that young ones can manage. They are the perfect size and they are not so expensive to maintain. However, this does not mean that you can just leave them in a cage to fend for themselves. Here are some tips buying and looking after your guinea pigs.

Getting Your Own Guinea Pig

Taking care of a guinea pig means being a responsible owner. Not only should you provide for his material needs, but for his health and comfort too.

You have to be able to share a lot of attention and affection for your guinea pig. You also have to know that guinea pigs absolutely hate being alone. And because you can not possibly play with your pig 24/7, it is wise to get your guinea pig a partner or partners.

Even if it means that you have to pay more for more guinea pigs, it is always better to have two or more as opposed to just one. Unlike dogs who can easily be in the company of humans because they are free to roam about, guinea pigs need to be with others in his cage. Having no interaction will make him sad and this can affect his health greatly.

Rearing Guinea Pigs

Although they are capable of being on their own after a month, infant pigs still need to be breastfed by their mothers. However, they do not have any special needs when they are newborn. They can even eat real food the day after they are born. It is safe to say that you can sell or give away your guinea pigs after at least thirty days.

Buying provisions for your pet will not make a serious dent in your budget. Just the requisite chew toys and a good cage are all he needs, apart from visits to the vet. Like humans, a diet of fresh and balanced food and an active lifestyle ensure optimum health.

Since your pet will spend ninety-eight percent of his time in his cage, you have to get him the right kind. Notwithstanding his tiny frame, he will want to be able to move around freely. And if your guinea pig has a partner or partners, an even bigger set-up is required.

Wire floorings are a big no-no–solid plastic with a slide-out mechanism is the best choice. A large door is also important. Remember that guinea pigs got their name because they are similar to real pigs who just eat all day! It is not uncommon for guinea pigs to grow really hefty over time. He will also need good bedding, made out of either wood shavings or Timothy hay.

A diet of fresh produce in bite size pieces, Timothy hay and lots of H2O will keep him very healthy. Regularity in serving his meals is very important because guinea pigs find security in that.

You will not have any problems with your guinea pig if you keep these tips in mind. But that shouldn’t stop you from learning all you can to make sure that your pig is healthy and happy.

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Dog Bedding For All Occasions

h1 Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

Helping your dog get a good nights rest is not as big of a challenge as you think. There are a variety of dog bedding styles both heated and non heated that will suit all occasions

Dog Bedding For Winter

For winter a heated dog bed may be the solution in helping your dog stay warm and comfy. Heated dog beds come in an assortment of styles. Some of those styles consist of orthopedic heated beds with thick orthopedic foam to help cushion the joints and decrease pressure points, pillow-style beds with a heater inside, igloo style half-rounded heated pads to fit in igloo dog houses, heated, oval beds for small and toy-breed dogs, and heated kennel mats for use outside.

1. Use the Weight of the Pet 2. When in doubt get the larger, not the smaller size In general we believe that measuring your pet lying down as he is normally accustomed to lying, is the best way. Measure from nose or front legs, to back legs or rump; add 9 to 12. Pick the size of the bed that will best fit those measurements, remembering that round bed measurements are in diameter (width across the circle).

Dual thermostats to ensure consistent temperature; 102 degrees is an optimal temperature for dogs. Look for a heated bed that provides a full-range, variable heat control. This allows you to adjust the heat from off to full temperature heat quickly and easily. Look for heated beds that maintain the surface temperature of the bed about 12 to 15 degrees above ambient air temperature. When your dog lies on the bed, the temperature warms to a cozy 102. Because the heater from the warmer insert only warms up when your dog is on the bed, it doesn’t waste a lot of energy. Depending on the size of the bed, most heated beds use 6-13 watts. A removable heater is also recommended so that you can wash the bed and use it year-round without the heat. Read the product information vigilantly. Some heated beds are suitable and used for indoor use only, while other beds, such as heated kennel mats, are suitable for outside use.

A heated dog bed is the choice for winter so that your dog stays warm and toasty. There is a large assortment of styles that you can choose from such as the orthopedic heated beds with thick orthopedic foam to help cushion the joints and decrease pressure points, pillow-style beds with a heater inside, igloo style half-rounded heated pads to fit in igloo dog houses, heated, oval beds for small and toy-breed dogs, and heated kennel mats for use outside.

Aluminum framed pet beds that are like a camping cot are a great idea for the summer months. The beds can be raised so that you have airflow under the cot to keep it cool and it also helps keeping your pet’s odor from becoming immersed into your carpets.

Dual thermostats to ensure consistent temperature; 102 degrees is an optimal temperature for dogs. Look for a heated bed that provides a full-range, variable heat control. This allows you to adjust the heat from off to full temperature heat quickly and easily. Look for heated beds that maintain the surface temperature of the bed about 12 to 15 degrees above ambient air temperature. When your dog lies on the bed, the temperature warms to a cozy 102. Because the heater from the warmer insert only warms up when your dog is on the bed, it doesn’t waste a lot of energy. Depending on the size of the bed, most heated beds use 6-13 watts. A removable heater is also recommended so that you can wash the bed and use it year-round without the heat. Read the product information vigilantly. Some heated beds are suitable and used for indoor use only, while other beds, such as heated kennel mats, are suitable for outside use.

Don’t forget to measure your dog up first so that you can purchase the correct size dog bedding for them. There are three general rules to remember.

Measure Your Pet Lying Down

Cool beds are another great option as they can be filled with water and the internal structure will cool the water down. The cooling nature has a therapeutic effect on a dog’s health. It slows, relaxes and helps treat pain and swelling. This allows the pet to be more agile, limber and playful so it is a great bed for the young and older dog.

By ensuring you have picked the right size bed and one that suits the season your dog will be comfortable and happy.

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The Talented Chinese Dwarf Hamster

h1 Friday, July 10th, 2009

Rarely do you find the Chinese Dwarf Hamster outside of its habitat of Northern China or Mongolia. Strict state regulations and difficulty of raising them outside of the wild make these hamsters more elusive.

Their name is actually as misnomer as they constitute the rat-like hamster specie. The Chinese Dwarf Hamster has mousey features. A lengthy tail and body that measures around ten centimeters and their characteristic gray overcoat with a single black stripe, and white bellies. They can also have spotted fur or can be completely white with just a black eye.

Contrary to the traditional role of Chinese women in the home, the female Chinese Dwarf Hamster wears the pants. Male Chinese Dwarf Hamsters often get killed by the females. The female Chinese Dwarf Hamster is a force to be reckoned with. So make sure you choose two females or two males instead.

The Chinese Dwarf Hamster is better off in solitude anyway. Otherwise, house them in a large, tightly sealed and enclosed cage. The large space will serve these domineering creatures well when they need a place to retreat to when things get too heated between them. Tightly sealed spaces eliminate the risk of them slithering through wire bars. Many a Chinese Dwarf Hamster has died trying to do so.

The Chinese Dwarf Hamster eats just like all other hamsters, who love to feast on fruits and veggies, as wells as seeds and breads. On special occasions, treat your Chinese Dwarf Hamster to crickets and mealworms. Don’t forget to give them a steady supply of fresh water in a bottle as well.

The Chinese Dwarf Hamsters, with their two to three year life spans, are extremely talented escape artists. The importance of having them in a sealed enclosure cannot be emphasized. They run very fast and can climb great heights. They are difficult to train as they are very aggressive. Having young children take care of them will only prove to be a futile exercise as they are much more suited to older pet owners.

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How To Break The Chewing Puppy Syndrome

h1 Saturday, May 30th, 2009

When you welcome home a new canine member, you are actually welcoming a bundle of warmth and love that has winsome eyes and covered with soft fur. However, this cute little puppy has one unavoidable drawback and that is the chewing puppy syndrome.

Well, one cannot blame the puppy as chewing is its inherent habit. When your kids present you with their favorite stuffed toy or a beloved pair of shoes torn to pieces, you realize that it is high time to put an end to your puppies chewing syndrome.

Before your home is in tatters, begin your anti-chewing puppy program. First, you need to understand the psychology of the chewing puppy. There are several reasons puppies chew on anything and everything. Puppies are teething and they chew on articles to relieve the pain. Sometimes they chew on things just because they have nothing better to do. Chewing is a highly esteemed activity with all puppies.

Often, they chew on something because they enjoy the scent of a family member which resides on the item ” very good sniffers, they are. They also may be trying to establish their spot as top dog in the household ” including you and everyone in the family! There’s no question that they need to chew, but a chewing puppy, unchecked, will not outgrow this tendency. Instead, once he’s out of the puppy stage, he’ll continue the practice to show his position of authority.

You first step to take care of this problem is to visit a local pet store and purchase some pet toys like hard rubber balls, fake bones, strong knotted sisal ropes and squeak toys. Once you have this loot in front of him, all you have to do is make him realize that this treasure trove is his and everything else in the house is yours.

Let him have a go at these toys and allow him to chew to his hearts content. But the minute you see him eyeing one of your shoes or other household items, round him up and admonish him with the phrase Bad Dog! or a firm No!. This phrase will register in his mind and you can use it later to train him for other behaviours.

The only punishment meted to your puppy should be the disapproval or censure in you tone. You can then quarantine him with his toys for a certain period of time. The restricted area can be a fancy dog crate or a simple cardboard box large enough to fit him. When you train your puppy with this simple technique, he will soon come to know what he can and cannot chew on!

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How To Keep Koi Fish In An Aquarium

h1 Monday, May 25th, 2009

Like goldfish, Koi belongs to the carp family; something readily apparent by the barbules around their mouths that are one of the describing features of the family. In fact, Koi fish is the Japanese word for fish. Koi are long lived fish, surviving for a very long time with appropriate care. They are favored for their colors, that are of wide-ranging design. If you’re looking to breed Koi, remind yourself that there is no assurance that the fry will come out as gorgeous as their parents. Black and white or gold and white are the most standard colors for the koi fish.

There are a lot of people who wanted to have Koi but are unsure if an aquarium could be a the correct surroundings for their koi fish. You can keep Koi in a fish tank, but there are some critical things to take into consideration if you want to do this. Koi fish can develop to be as large as three feet long; and if your Koi do not have enough room, it will die. Nonetheless, you could begin your Koi fish in an aquarium and and then to a pond when your fish develops.

For a foot long Koi, you’ll need to have an fish tank that can hold 10 gallons at the the least. You wouldalso require a good water filter for your koi tank – find an excellent filtration system from the very beginning therefore you would not need to upgrade your filter afterwards. You also require to be reminded that Koi are big eaters and as such will produce more waste. You’ll need better filtration like your fish grows to maintain the water clean and keep your Koi from infections. There is one certain to keeping a Koi indoors, even so and this is that they will be safe from the predatory animals which may threaten them if they are outside.

However, do not put other kind of fish in the same tanks as your koi fish, unless you intend for your Koi fish to eat them. You’ll likely have to be a regular at your local bait shop to get minnows to give your Koi Fish as treat. You can buy Koi food at the; but my Koi fish really seem to prefer dry dog food! You might want to check out the prices and nutritional value of Koi fish food versus a excelent quality dog food and try it for yourself. One great thing about feeding your Koi is that they are very intelligent fish which can learn to recognize you andwill come to you when they see you at feeding time.

Koi fish are native to the relatively cold waters of northeastern Asia, but they will not thrive in very cold water. You would do well to acquire a heating device to keep your fish protected from cold winter temperatures.

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