Archive for January, 2010

posted by Jim Witt on Jan 31

There always seems to be a question of which tool is best for walking, training, etc. As a dog owner, you may be wondering whether the dog collar or dog harness is best. They both have benefits, but which one is the superior of the two?

A dog harness and collar can be used in similar ways to compare the two. However, they are also very different so the best of the two really depends on the goal you are trying to achieve. There are several factors when deciding which of these is better, so it depends on what you are hoping to use the collar or harness for.

Dog collars are helpful for training commands. If you are trying to teach your dog the “come” command, the dog collar works best. They also are used to hang necessary identification tags.

While dog collars can be used successfully when teaching your dog to walk on a leash, a harness is the less of a risk. Dogs are often fitted with choke collars by owners, which are then often used incorrectly and cause a lot of damage to their throats. If you choose to use a dog collar be sure to use a sturdy nylon collar that is the right size.

Harnesses, on the other hand, allow your pull to be spread evenly across their torso without any fear of damaging your dog’s neck. If your dog is hyper-active or hard to control, place him or her in a no-pull harness. These harnesses are made of soft nylon with a ring in front of the dog’s chest, instead of the top of its back.

Some dog harnesses can be difficult to get your dog in to. Dog collars are easier to put on. If you are turned off by all the straps and clips of a dog harness, invest in a step-in dog harness so all your dog simply has to do is step in to it and you are ready to go.

Dog harnesses work well for doubling as a seat belt for your dog. They can be connected to your car’s seat belt during your drives. If you travel a lot, a harness can be a good investment to keep your dog from moving or jumping around in your car.

Both dog collars and dog harnesses can irritate your dog if he has sensitive skin. Find a soft dog harness or collar, and make sure they are the correct size. Both harnesses and collars have benefits when used with your dog, so decide what goal you are trying to achieve to make your best decision.

There seems to be some argument about which works best for training your dog. Is a dog harness or a dog collar better? Which dog training and walking tool works best? Jim Witt is an specialist in dog collars and suggests visiting Country Brook Design for a broad assortment of Dog Collars and Harnesses.

posted by Craig Shinney on Jan 31

Any bird watcher will be able to regale you with accounts of how important wild birds are in sustaining the balance of a certain ecosystem and maintaining the status quo in the food chain. They will dumbfound you with impressive sounding statistics about population sizes and how the devastating effect man is having on the habitat of these birds.

It is the beautiful song and amazingly varied plumage which attracts many a person to spark an interest in wild birds and consequently purchase a wild bird feeder in order to lure them into the viewing arena of their own back garden.

Different birds like different types of feeders. So no matter which bird you’re crazy about, you need the type of bird feeder that is particularly suited to your favourite bird.

If you like to watch birds, there is little doubt that you have a favourite, one bird that you would just love to spot more than any other, no matter what lengths you must go to in order to see it. But with a bit of research into the right type of wild bird feeder, you will be on your way in no time.

Of course, not everybody has the luxury of masses of outside space, especially those who choose to dwell in the city, but fear not; no matter the size of your space there is a wild bird feeder designed to fit it. And with a range of prices, from pauper to prince, you are sure to find one that meets your fancy!

There is such a wide variety of wild bird feeders available on today’s market that it is now possible to coordinate your feeder with your garden! Without paying for expensive gardeners, one can pop down to the garden centre and instantly add a little life to a previously dull garden by choosing one of the many styles.

It is also comforting to know that by supplying your favourite bird with a wild bird feeder, you are doing your little bit to offset the damage that we as a race are doing to delicate creatures such as these birds. So as well as enjoying them for yourself you can rest easy knowing you’re helping them to survive.

No matter what your time or money constraints, a wild bird feeder really is the ideal way for you to enjoy ornithology with a feeder to suit all budgets and tastes!

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posted by Brian Johnson on Jan 30

In the state of Alabama, quail hunting happens to be considered as a hobby for the good old country boy searching for a fantastic experience in an nature. Quail meat makes for a tasty meal and it is genuinely easy to find suitable bird numbers in Alabama. For this reason, it is incredibly popular and rightly so.

Quail hunting is generally done with a pair of dogs along with a pair of hunters. Most hunters have what folks call their bird dogs which often go out and run after the birds in the field. The bird dogs additionally run out to retrieve the quail soon after they fall to the ground. Not only that, the dogs make great hunting buddies.

When bird hunting, it is essential that every hunter knows where the other is at all times. Throughout my local area, Sand Mountain, typically folks always go to the open fields in late autumn to hunt quail. And once the outdoorsmen kill a lot of quail, they will often have a relatively colossal quail dinner or they freeze the quail for later on.

If you’ve possibly not been quail hunting much before, if you would like to get going, it will be useful to hunt for a time with an experienced outdoorsman in the area. They are able to show you the best ways of how can one can find the best spots as well as the tricks of killing loads of quail while not shooting too many.

Legally, it will be necessary for you to respect the rights of the property owners as well as get permission whereever you plan to hunt. However, you need to make sure you get an Alabama hunting permit and you need to know each of the Alabama state guidelines in respect to bird hunting. Nobody needs the local game warden writing them a ticket.

Nearly all hunters will agree that the state of Alabama is the top area in the country for hunting quail. Quail hunting offers loads of fun out in the heart of Dixie.

Make absolutely certain to keep safety first. Ponder the Dick Cheney shooting incident. While quail hunting, ex-U.S. Second in command Dick Cheney shot Harry Whittington, a 78-year-old Texas attorney. Mr. Cheney soon after admitted that he had a handful of beers prior to the incident that nearly killed his hunting companion. Hence be careful and please do not impair your judgment.

Overall, when you hunt in the state of Alabama, you ought to remember the Alabama state hunting laws and regulations & by using common sense in safety. Get out in those great outdoors, and have fun! The cooked birds make for good eating, and there is nothing like the Alabama outdoors to have a thrilling time hunting. By the way… Roll Tide!

Read more on Alabama Quail Hunting at Alabama Quail Hunting

posted by Ed Jamison on Jan 30

Puppies chew as a way to explore and relate to the world around them. The activity is instinctive to them. Unfortunately, if chewing behavior is focused in the wrong direction, it can result in damaged clothes, shoes, and furniture.

It’s important to realize that adult dogs also chew, but do so for a variety of reasons that extend further than mere exploration. For example, your pooch might feel separation anxiety if you leave him alone for long periods. Or, he might be bored. This happens often when canines lack an outlet through which to expend their pent-up energy. Your pooch may also chew on your belongings as a way to get your attention.

Whatever the reasons for the destructive behavior, you can control the problem. Below, we’ll provide a few tips for training your dog to avoid chewing on your possessions.

Use A Crate

Crating your puppy is an ideal strategy for confining him when you’re unable to watch him. Not only will he come to see his crate as his personal space, but you’ll prevent him from ruining your furniture and clothes when you’re not home. If you plan to keep him crated, be sure to give him a few toys with which he can entertain himself.

Provide Chew Toys

The goal is not to eliminate your pooch’s penchant for chewing; again, that’s his way of relating to the world around him. Instead, redirect the behavior toward objects that are acceptable for him to chew.

For example, all pet supply stores sell chew toys that can keep your canine occupied. Some are rubber; others are made from durable rope; still others are designed from strong leather and rawhide. Any of these toys will keep your dog’s attention while providing the stimulation he desires.

Keep Your Departures Understated

Owners often unwittingly worsen their dogs’ separation anxiety by overstating their departures. When they return home, they’re surprised to find their furniture partially destroyed. Downplay leaving your home. The bigger fuss you make, the more likely your dog will sense that your leaving is a major event. That raises the likelihood of his chewing.

Provide An Outlet For Exercise

When canines lack an outlet for physical activity, they become bored. Moreover, their energy level remains unspent and stifled. That’s a recipe for destructive chewing. Make sure your pooch receives at least an hour of exercise each day. He’s less likely to suffer boredom and he’ll have less pent-up energy to direct toward your couch.

Offer A Swap

Puppies find chewing new objects to be irresistible. If you see your pup gnawing on something he shouldn’t be, take the item away and replace it immediately with a chew toy. Avoid getting into a tug-of-war contest with him. Instead, have a toy on hand and swap it quickly.

Some dogs love to chew almost anything they can get into their mouths. Other canines are more selective, though they can cause just as much destruction. Learn to control the problem by redirecting your dog’s chewing behavior to objects you don’t mind being destroyed.

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posted by Brian Westfall on Jan 29

Canines are hardwired to protect their territory from intruders. In most cases, they communicate a warning to others by barking; it’s a form of intimidation. If a trespasser fails to heed the warning, your pooch’s barking might turn into pacing and growling as if he is preparing for a physical confrontation. If the trespasser still refuses to leave, the pacing and growling may evolve into an attack.

If your pooch shows signs of territorial aggression, it is important to begin discouraging the behavior as soon as possible. Otherwise, your visitors’ safety might be at risk. This article will provide several tips you can use to discourage your dog from behaving aggressively over his territory.

Before Training Begins

There are a few medical conditions that can influence your canine’s tendency to act aggressively toward others. For example, hypothyroidism causes a deficiency of thyroid hormones and can lead to his feeling overly-anxious. If he becomes agitated enough, his anxiety can potentially prompt an attack.

You should also take precautions to ensure that you and your dog will not be interrupted by strangers during your training sessions. Close and lock your gates, especially if you’re training him off-leash.

Action Steps To Curb Aggressive Behavior

First, make sure your canine receives at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. That will help prevent pent-up energy from contributing to his anxiety or aggression.

Second, devote time each day to training your dog to respond to your single-word commands. Many professional trainers recommend a program that includes two or three short sessions (5 minutes per session is sufficient) each day. Whenever your canine successfully responds to your commands, provide a food treat.

In addition to these training sessions, make your pooch work for everything he desires. For example, require him to sit before serving him meals or giving him attention. Over time, your canine will learn that if he wants something, he must follow your commands to acquire it.

One of the challenges owners have with canines that are territorially aggressive is that their dogs often try to usurp the role of leader. This can be due to several factors, including a laxity toward actively curbing the aggressive behavior. To that end, it may be necessary to place a head halter on your pooch in situations that might provoke his aggression.

For example, if you’re expecting visitors with whom your dog is unfamiliar, a head halter will gently encourage him to submit to your authority. That gives your pooch an opportunity to meet new people, and be rewarded (with treats) for staying calm when others trespass on “his” territory.

The suggestions above are effective for canines whose territorial aggression is based on dominance. If the aggressive behavior is triggered by a fear-based mechanism, a modified approach including desensitization and counter conditioning is necessary. Training in such cases is focused on reducing a dog’s level of fear and changing the manner in which he perceives a potential threat. We’ll address those training issues in an upcoming article.

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posted by Byron Joseph on Jan 28

Things To Know About Baby Red Eared Sliders

Baby red eared sliders have been equipped for survival through millions of years of evolution, yet most of them still perish in the wild when they are very young. As such, it is important that you provide the proper environment to help your turtle be as healthy and happy as he can be.

Baby Red Eared Sliders – What to Feed Them

What to feed baby red eared sliders is something you’ll need to know. Your turtle will eat small insects or dried krill along with vegetation such as leafy greens and aquatic plants. The older they get, the more herbivorous they will become. Keeping your turtle’s diet varied is the best way to keep it healthy and make sure it gets all of the vitamins and nutrients that it needs.

Baby Red Eared Sliders – How to House Them

Housing baby red eared sliders can be expensive. An aquarium or tank is the first thing you will need. As a general rule, you should have ten gallons of water for every inch of your turtle. For example, a seven inch turtle would require a seventy gallon tank. Remember that your turtle can grow to 12 to 14 inches when fully mature. As such, you should start with a minimum twenty gallon tank. But realize that your turtle will quickly outgrow that and you’ll need to adjust.

You will also need materials for “land” in your tank. Although red eared sliders are aquatic turtles, they cannot breathe under water and you will need to have a “land” area for them to rest and bask. You will also need heat lamps and a way to clean and filter the water in the tank. If you do not have these, your turtle may become unhealthy or may not live as long a life as it could.

Byron Joseph is a accepted authority in the area of owning baby red eared sliders, and he has owned turtles for over thirty years. Are you looking for the complete, comprehensive information that covers every aspect of owning your turtle? If so, see the information available at www.turtlecaresite.com. You’ll find it is the most complete resource available.

posted by Jack Oldman on Jan 27

If you have just gotten a new puppy or dog and are wondering what the best dog collar to purchase is, then many times your veterinarian or dog trainer can recommend the right one for your canine. However, if you want to avoid the hassle of contacting your vet or trainer and waiting for them to return your call, then read on. We will discuss the three most popular styles of pet collars for pooches and go over a few other options as well.

Buckle collar. This seems to be the favorite style of collar. It features a ring on a belt to which you can attach dog identification tags. You can also use it to attach a copy of your dog’s license or inoculation verification. If you don’t want to use the standard metal tags, then a leather tag pouch is also available for these types of collars.

Muzzle collar. These sizable dog collars are a cup-like contraption or mesh cover that fits over your dog’s nose and mouth and is fastened to its head by straps that go behind the ears.

Head collar. The head collar is not unlike the muzzle collar, but has some noteworthy differences. It keeps your dog’s head fixed and does not permit the animal to pull against the force you exert on the neck.

Of course there is a wide range of other types of collars as well. Besides dog training collars, the best dog collar can serve as a useful handling tool for your pet around the house, if your dog is very large. It’s true that keeping a collar on your pet will soon develop into a normal habit, and they will get used to wearing it in no time. Particularly useful when your dog decides not to follow a command or jumps up on guests, a collar can be used to train your pet to behave appropriately.

The style of the dog collar you choose is first based on utility. After that, the sky is the limit on design and color. Do keep in mind that a frilly ribbon and bow is not the best dog collar for large breeds, just as chokers are inappropriate small dog collars. Dignity and safety are not to be forgotten when making your purchase.

There are many different types of dog collars for you to select from. You can go with something that is purely ornamental or something that actually serves a purpose. Some collars are considered more humane than others, but in the wrong hands any collar can do damage to a dog’s health and behavior. Click here to get the facts on the best dog collar for your needs.

posted by Dale Smith on Jan 27

Birds are beautiful creatures that have fascinated mankind for thousands of years. If you have an avid interest in birds and bird watching, you likely understand the curiosity and temptation to want to see a bird up close. However, this is not always a possibility to do so without invading their habitat or possibly scaring them away. A good pair of bird watching binoculars can help you view these birds at a much closer range, properly.

Depending on the features of the binoculars you choose, they can range in prices from $50 up to hundreds of dollars instead. There are many features available in these binoculars and you need to examine them carefully in order to pick the best ones for your bird watch. You may even have to try multiple types.

What type of magnification do you need when you are out watching your birds? Be aware that the higher magnification you have, the lower your field of view will be. The reverse also applies; the lower your magnification is, the more field of view you will receive. Experiment with various types of binocular magnification to discover which type might work best for you and your viewings.

It’s important to use a pair of binoculars that can focus easily. You should be able to adjust the focus quickly and still receive a quality image when you are viewing your birds. Usually, the higher quality of binoculars you use, the better the focusing mechanisms will perform. This is something to remember when you are considering prices.

You should also consider the size of the lens. Having the biggest lens is not going to mean you have the best sight of the birds you will be watching. The general recommendation for your lenses is around 35 or 45mm. Many people make the mistake of paying too much money for binoculars with a huge lens, only to find that they are dissatisfied with the quality of the image they receive.

You should pay particular interest to the eye cups on the binoculars if you wear eye glasses. You need binoculars with soft rubber eye cups, as these will allow your glasses get as close as possible to the lens and improve your viewing quality. There are also binoculars with adjustable eye cups, though they can sometimes be more pricey.

You may find that you have to try out several pairs of binoculars before you find the bird watching binoculars that work the best for you. What works well for another person may not work perfectly for your own viewing. If you have friends that love to bird watch, ask to borrow some of their binoculars so you can get an idea of what works best for you.

Using the correct pair of bird watching binoculars on your next bird watch can greatly improve your experience. It is a way for you to enjoy and view birds in a way you previously may not have before. A good pair of bird watching binoculars should be considered a necessity for anyone who is looking for a clear view of nature’s beauty.

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posted by Wayland Royce on Jan 26

Psychologists have been promoting positive reinforcement as a way to change undesirable behavior to acceptable behavior in humans for some time. The method can be described simply as rewarding behavior that is considered acceptable and ignoring behavior that isn’t acceptable. Animal trainers have learned lately that this same method works with non-humans.

Watching a Killer Whale doing a routine directed by two young women, I realized that they had trained the large animal to perform in that manner using positive reinforcement tactics. The same method will enable you to train your new puppy. Positive reinforcement is the choice method for most of the experts in the dog training field today. No other training method is considered as humane or effective.

Some of the popular dog training techniques of the past are completely opposite from today’s preferred method. Some of these outdated methods are now considered abusive and are avoided by all who wish to treat their dogs in a humane manner. Using the more humane positive reinforcement method you can have a puppy that is a well-trained and a loved member of the family.

Puppies are easily confused when given commands. The thing you have in your favor as you train your puppy is that there is a strong desire on her part to please you. Just be sure that she knows each time what you want her to do. To accomplish this you must use the same words each time for the same command. If you want her to sit don’t say “sit here” one time and “sit down” another. Always use the same word or phrase. Your puppy will soon know exactly what is expected and behave accordingly.

Dogs respond well to meaningful rewards during training. Patting on the head is not such a reward for most dogs. They like to have their backs and chests rubbed and some like their ears played with. Play with your puppy in a very gentle manner to determine if she gives a positive response to physical affection

Puppies respond to food treats and physical affection, so be generous with these during your training sessions. Use treats she is already familiar with and likes. In giving physical attention be gentle and let her know how proud you are of her behavior.

Timing is very important in training. Be sure you know what behavior you are going to reward so that when your puppy obeys a command and gets a reward she knows exactly what she did that made her receive the reward.

You can also use your voice to mark desired behavior: just saying “Yes!” in a happy, excited tone of voice will work perfectly. Make sure that you give her the treat after the marker – and remember to use the marker consistently. If you only say “Yes!” sometimes, it won’t have any significance to your dog when you do it; she needs the opportunity to learn what that marker means (i.e., that she’s done something right whenever she hears the marker, and a treat will be forthcoming very shortly). Here again, consistency is important.

A very important ingredient in successfully training your puppy is that you both enjoy it. Find a time when you both are refreshed and an incentive program that works for your puppy.

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