A Guide to Successful Obedience Training
December 31, 2007
Showing off your dog in front of friends and family is something that I personally love to do. Having an obedient, happy slab of lab is like having an obedient happy child. Have you ever been in a supermarket only to come across a screaming baby and a blushing parent? I know I have, and my first reaction is to get as far away from the disturbing scene as possible. I have also been in the undesirable situation of being in public with an unobedient dog and I can say, I feel the pain of the frantic parent!
The term, “A happy dog is an obedient dog” is one that I really believe holds a lot of merit due to its simplicity. If you have a relatively well behaved dog, that interacts well with the family, it is fair to say that rarely will you or anyone else in that family be angry or even worse abusive towards your pet. On the other hand if your dog is not obedient to a satisfactory level, and does not interact well with the family, one can say that members of that family will have a hard time coping with the pet and this trend can only escalate only leading to the eventual departure of the pet from the family.
Animal Ethics
December 31, 2007
Introduction
A long time ago, before evolution turned the primate into the businessman carrying a brief case, the topic of ethical considerations concerning animals was as talked about as an episode of Barney at a dog trainer’s convention. Why is this? I believe that this is because nobody bothered to decide to give the issue any thought. And how could they? Back in the day of the cave man, people spent their days’ hunting, and looking after family. Whatever animals they owned were used for hunting purposes, or food. Today we as society still use animals for hunting and food purposes, however I am sure that we have a more animalistic view now than the cave man did back years ago.
Over the years, as we have evolved into what we are today, ethical and principle considerations have evolved right along with us. What I can not understand, is why it took so long for people to start considering the feelings of animals!
How To Toilet Train Your Cat
December 30, 2007
Tired of cleaning the cat box? Here are some tips on how to train your cat to use the toilet.
So, you’re sick and tired of scooping poo from your cat’s litter box, emptying the residual mess, and gagging from the whole process. Cat’s can be trained to use a toilet. It is safe, clean, and effective. Some cats learn in a couple of weeks, while others will take up to six weeks to get the message.
But several things must be considered first.
What kind of cat person are you?
If you are indifferent to your cat, and consider it as a grudging necessity it is doubtful you have the patience and enough love to go through the rigorous toilet training process. However, if you perceive your cat to be an extended member of the family, a crucial part of your happiness, you have what it takes.
There are many types of cats. Is your cat a strictly outdoor feline? Is she a farm-cat, your husband’s or wife’s cat, your kids’ cat? If so, then there is little point in toilet training it. She prefers doing her business in your flower garden, on the neighbor’s lawn, or in the dirt. Cats are heavily into their preferences being the independent creatures they are.
Online: The Fastest, Cheapest, Easiest Way to Buy and Sell a Horse
December 29, 2007
Selling a Horse
The best new tool for people selling horses is the Internet. You can describe your horse in detail and publish pictures, list a pedigree, show record and accomplishments ? all for a very reasonable price. Your ad is posted immediately and your exposure to potential buyers is much greater than newspapers, flyers and word of mouth.
Online listings are the fastest growing and most efficient way to match sellers and buyers of horses. Your prospective buyers are "pre-qualified" because your horse matches the characteristics they listed in their search.
Buying a Horse
The fastest growing, least expensive and most efficient way to match sellers and buyers of horses is the Internet. Sellers have found that they get more exposure for their horses, the cost is very reasonable and listing a horse is fast and easy. This means that the easiest and most efficient way to locate horses for buyers is also online.
The benefits of online shopping for potential horse buyers include searches as general or as specific as you wish, pictures and details about each horse and MANY MORE HORSES to CHOOSE FROM!
Choosing A Rottweiler Puppy? What You Need To Know
December 28, 2007
So you’re getting a Rottweiler puppy? Here are some general tips to help you choose a healthy, happy Rottweiler puppy.
Note: These are only general tips to help you choose - especially for first-time owners. (There are always exceptions to the rule and I believe every Rottweiler should be given a chance to show that he/she can be a well-adjusted, happy dog.)
#1) Choose one that approaches you or doesn’t shy away when you approach.
Don’t choose one that seems overly fearful or aggressive. Don’t choose one that shrinks back when you come near it or nips your hand. Choose one that seems friendly, lets you hold him/her and handle him/her.
When we went to choose our first Rottweiler puppy, I was convinced that I wanted a female Rotti. When we got to the breeder’s home there were 3 females and 1 male puppy available.
All of the females however, shrank back when I put my hand near them. The male puppy walked right up to my hand and began to happily chew on my diamond engagement ring. I fell in love on the spot and have never since regretted choosing my male Rotti.
Reincarnating Pets
December 27, 2007
It is always sad when a beloved animal family member leaves their body and goes into spirit. We call this death, but truly, no one dies. The physical body drops away as the spirit separates from it and goes into another dimension. The spirit is the being that we truly love, although we may be attached to the physical aspect that we associated with that being. Since we are still in physical, we often miss the sight, touch and smell of our friend and we grieve this loss, which is appropriate.
As an Animal Communicator, I frequently speak with clients and their animals who have passed into spirit. When the animal tells me they want to return it leads to discussions about what form they plan to take and when they might come. Sometimes animals tell me that they “try out” different forms while still in spirit. At other times, they already have decided or know exactly what form they want, down to sex , size and color of the body.
Humans always want to know how they will recognize their beloved friend upon their return and how they will be able to find them. The replies are fairly consistent. “You will recognize my energy.” “Look into my eyes and you will know me.” “This is a time for you to learn to trust your intuition.”
Boxers Make Great Family Dogs
December 26, 2007
A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented and they always love to be around people. Treat them as family members. Never underestimate their need for human companionship, which is the most notable trait of this breed.
The Boxer is happiest when it is with people. Its whole pelvis moves when a Boxer wags its tail in delight and exhilaration. It can adapt to any environment as long as it is with people.
They love being with their “families” and don’t like to be alone. Include them in your gatherings when company is around.
They love to be your shadow. Boxers are intelligent and are quite capable of participating in many family adventures.
Boxer dogs are like humans and they need lots of love to feel like a part of the family.
Accept them for what they are and give them time to show how loyal they can be. They are very sensitive animals too so never hit them.
Boxers Work Well With Kids
Boxers are gentle with children. Boxers love to play and are always ready for a romp or game, “…so make sure you have kids,” said one owner.
Training Your Dog
December 26, 2007
Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at times, but it’s well worth it. Here are several tips that should help things go much smoother and faster… plus reduce the frustration both you and your dog feel!
Conduct “play training” where by the training tasks are made into fun games and your dog’s play drive is used as motivation. There are a lot of really good books available on this type of training.
Intelligent dogs can also be stubborn, so you may have to outwit them! While training your dog, you have to make him want to do what you want him to. You can’t make him do stuff unless it is fun. Otherwise you are wasting both your time and his. Try to make your dog’s training so fun that it becomes his or her favorite activity. This will make learning much easier and more enjoyable.
Most dogs love to play! You can make your dog the happiest just by spending some time with them, giving your undivided attention each day. Without this, your dog will feel ignored, bored, or think they’re in trouble. When this happens they’re more likely to chew, tear things up, and not listen to you. Here are some tried and true tactics you can use to make your dogs listen to you more:
Are You Really Ready For a Boxer Dog?
December 25, 2007
The answer is “no” if you are the type who mostly leave your dog on a chain. Boxers require much of your love, attention and companionship although they are easy to take care of. One Boxer-lover even said to never get one as pet if you work full time!
Another point to consider is that the costs for food, training, grooming, medical care, toys and other supplies do add up. Still, for many years now, the Boxer has ranked in the top 10 of favorite purebreds by the American Kennel Club, numbering about 35,000 Boxers registered in 2003.
Boxers Crave Attention Boxers need constant attention and love to be babied. Treat your Boxer as your best friend and play, play, play with him. One three-month old Boxer loves her bath more when the owner sings to her. Be it playing, talking or singing to them or taking them for a walk, Boxers simply love the attention. Shower them with love, affection and attention as well as some treats.
These keep Boxers happy. Left to their own devices, Boxers can become very destructive when lonely, bored and ignored. One is known to jump over 6-footer fences if the owner is gone for too long.
Is A Boxer Dog The Right Pet For You?
December 24, 2007
Having a boxer dog as a pet, although low-maintenance, require your consistent attention, exercise, human interaction, consistent obedience training and lots of love. You cannot leave them to their own design for too long or they will get lonely, bored and into trouble.
Being a big and strong dog as well as a highly intelligent one, Boxers need both physical and mental stimulations to keep them even-tempered and dignified while still keeping their impish spirit and fearless courage in tact.
Their high prey drive (some owners called it play drive) needs proper outlets or they could get destructive as house pets, and tend to fight among themselves especially if the other family Boxers are of the same sex. The female, it seems, is often more aggressive than the male.
Keeping Boxers busy is the best way to keep them out of trouble! Tire them out with long walks, 3 times a day. Give them plenty of exercise, play with them, especially the inquisitive puppies or they would tear up your home out of boredom, pent up energy and frustration. For all your love and caring, be prepared for wet slobbery drool and kisses and love in return.
