Training neglected dogs is about the hardest dog training you can ever do. These dogs have behaviors that develop without any guidance, and often the dog will have personality disorders (barking for no reason, whining, chewing, etc). Most neglected dogs do show an ability to be trained, and the only difference is they need to be truly loved and shown affection more than a dog that has experience normal social interaction. Neglected dogs should be trained with exactly like all dogs - with positive reinforcement by an owner who understands how to be a firm and loving leader. You will be able to use treats, play time, and petting to get a dog to do what you want (but no slaps on the top of head! Dogs hate it!) rather than correcting your dog for doing something wrong. Get in the habit of teaching your dog what you want, stop correcting what you DON'T want. If Rover is barking at the window, ask yourself: "What should be happening instead?" and go about teaching him how to do that.
It is important for every dog for you to use clear visual and acoustic signals in a quiet peaceful environment, and to gently ask your dog to respond to your signals during mounting levels of distraction. Use positive reinforcement each time the dog does it correctly, and be sure you have something your dog really wants at that exact moment in time. (Just like you, your dog may love to be petted or massaged, but not every moment of the day. Use toys or treats when your dog is excited and not in a cuddly mood.)
Positive reinforcement develops good behavior for any dog, but is especially important for dogs who have learned they could get hurt if they do something wrong. Be patient with neglected dogs, and maintain a quiet calm voice (yelling is a no-no) and let them know marvelous things happen if they acquire the "tricks" you teach them. Most rescued dogs will eventually learn to trust you, if you are consistently kind and gentle. Be kind, but do not try to make up years of abuse by spoiling a neglected dog, though. That can end up making the dog even more insecure, because what she wants is a benevolent leader, not someone she cannot trust.
To summarize: the keys to working with an neglected dog are patience, consistent clear signals, using positive reinforcement and not punishment. And finally, you should be comfortable as a loving leader.
2008年8月24日星期日
2008年8月19日星期二
Kitten-Proofing Your Home
Pick a place for the litter box away from the food bowls. Most people use the laundry room, basement, or bathroom for the litter box. Remember that cats are very particular about where they go to the bathroom, and they do not like to use a litter box that is near anything noisy or disruptive. So do not put it right next to the washer or dryer, for example, or by the furnace or beneath a frequently used staircase.
Select a quiet spot where your kitten can go in peace. Litter boxes come in several types: flat trays, deep dish, covered, and potty seats for the toilet. The best is the uncovered tray, at least two inches deep. Your kitten can easily hop into such a box, and he kicks minimal litter out on the floor. There are three basic types of litter on the market: some clay litter comes with deodorizers, while some does not; some clay litter brands are dust free. Clumping litters are so named because they clump with moisture so that you can scoop out the soiled litter but leave the rest.
Basically, all the litter has to do is able to absorb moisture from the urine and stool and give the kitten something to scratch in. Additional properties that litter can feature include deodorizers, fresh scents, dust free formulas, and environmentally friendly litter.
Do not use litters heavy in deodorants-some cats are allergic to them. The same goes for dusty litter you use. It makes many kittens sneeze.
Kittens are naturally curious and tend to seek high places. You might find your kitten on top of cabinets, refrigerators, wood piles, rafters, or curtain rods. Because is nearly impossible to keep them away from these spots, make sure your windows are screened or closed.It is common for cats and kittens to fall out of unscreened windows in urban apartments. In fact, the injuries that occur from such falls are called "High Rise Syndrome".
If you have more than one cat in your household, you might need two litter boxes. Some cats are so fastidious that they will not use a box if another cat(especially a new kitten) has soiled it. Many of my clients have told me, "Once I got the new kitten, my other cat would not use the box and is going on the floor next to it!".
Select a quiet spot where your kitten can go in peace. Litter boxes come in several types: flat trays, deep dish, covered, and potty seats for the toilet. The best is the uncovered tray, at least two inches deep. Your kitten can easily hop into such a box, and he kicks minimal litter out on the floor. There are three basic types of litter on the market: some clay litter comes with deodorizers, while some does not; some clay litter brands are dust free. Clumping litters are so named because they clump with moisture so that you can scoop out the soiled litter but leave the rest.
Basically, all the litter has to do is able to absorb moisture from the urine and stool and give the kitten something to scratch in. Additional properties that litter can feature include deodorizers, fresh scents, dust free formulas, and environmentally friendly litter.
Do not use litters heavy in deodorants-some cats are allergic to them. The same goes for dusty litter you use. It makes many kittens sneeze.
Kittens are naturally curious and tend to seek high places. You might find your kitten on top of cabinets, refrigerators, wood piles, rafters, or curtain rods. Because is nearly impossible to keep them away from these spots, make sure your windows are screened or closed.It is common for cats and kittens to fall out of unscreened windows in urban apartments. In fact, the injuries that occur from such falls are called "High Rise Syndrome".
If you have more than one cat in your household, you might need two litter boxes. Some cats are so fastidious that they will not use a box if another cat(especially a new kitten) has soiled it. Many of my clients have told me, "Once I got the new kitten, my other cat would not use the box and is going on the floor next to it!".
2008年8月12日星期二
Aquarium Plants And Lighting Mini-guide
Aquarium plants are as important to aquariums as water is to fish. Aquarium plants add more life to aquarium and make it to look beautiful while completing the aquarium community structure.
The most important thing to bear in mind with plants is to form an attractive background, leaving ample space so the fish can swim undisturbed and be seen. The tall, grassy type is best planted at intervals in rows, while the feathery ones look better when they are bunched into small clumps, which makes them to appear like branching bushes.
When planting rooted plants, hold the tips of the bunch of roots between the thumb and second finger and rest them on the sand. Now with the first finger push the upper part of the roots (where they join the stem) about 2cm into the sand. Without moving this finger scrape with the thumb and second finger some sand over any uncovered portion of the root.
When putting in rootless plants in bunches, the method explained above is repeated, but this time the lower ends of the stems are placed together and treated exactly as if they were roots.
It is important that the water surface should be right up to the lower edge of the top angle iron of the tank, so that looking from the front the water surface can not be seen and the viewer gets the impression that there is no water in the aquarium. If the level is allowed to fall below the top angle iron the tank looks like a container holding water.
Aquarium Lighting is also important for aquarium plants
This depends greatly on whether you intend to successfully grow plants or not. Lack of light causes colorful fish to fade and clanch-reds to pink, green to white. The two main methods of lighting aquarium are by the INCADESCENT and FLOURESCENT.
The total amount of light required is a matter of trial and error. Too much light will turn the water green; too little will stunt plant growth.
The lighting can be natural or artificial or a combination of both. The best position is near a north facing window. This should provide the ideal amount of indirect lights which an be supplemented by artificial light.
The lighting should be housed in wood constructed stylishly with the furniture and placed above the tank. if there is no natural day light, the lights should be left on for approximately eight hours per day.
If the water turns green, you cut down on the light.
The best light for showing off an aquarium comes from behind.
The most important thing to bear in mind with plants is to form an attractive background, leaving ample space so the fish can swim undisturbed and be seen. The tall, grassy type is best planted at intervals in rows, while the feathery ones look better when they are bunched into small clumps, which makes them to appear like branching bushes.
When planting rooted plants, hold the tips of the bunch of roots between the thumb and second finger and rest them on the sand. Now with the first finger push the upper part of the roots (where they join the stem) about 2cm into the sand. Without moving this finger scrape with the thumb and second finger some sand over any uncovered portion of the root.
When putting in rootless plants in bunches, the method explained above is repeated, but this time the lower ends of the stems are placed together and treated exactly as if they were roots.
It is important that the water surface should be right up to the lower edge of the top angle iron of the tank, so that looking from the front the water surface can not be seen and the viewer gets the impression that there is no water in the aquarium. If the level is allowed to fall below the top angle iron the tank looks like a container holding water.
Aquarium Lighting is also important for aquarium plants
This depends greatly on whether you intend to successfully grow plants or not. Lack of light causes colorful fish to fade and clanch-reds to pink, green to white. The two main methods of lighting aquarium are by the INCADESCENT and FLOURESCENT.
The total amount of light required is a matter of trial and error. Too much light will turn the water green; too little will stunt plant growth.
The lighting can be natural or artificial or a combination of both. The best position is near a north facing window. This should provide the ideal amount of indirect lights which an be supplemented by artificial light.
The lighting should be housed in wood constructed stylishly with the furniture and placed above the tank. if there is no natural day light, the lights should be left on for approximately eight hours per day.
If the water turns green, you cut down on the light.
The best light for showing off an aquarium comes from behind.
2008年8月11日星期一
3 Equine Vices
Horses may develop vices for a number of reasons, but many learn them out of boredom. An Equine vice is a bad habit a horse has developed. Some vices are serious and can affect the horse’s health while most are relatively harmless. Most vices can go ignored, you might not even notice them, while others should be treated and stopped. Depending on how severe the vice, there may be little that you can do other than try to make life more comfortable for the horse.
Here are the three common equine vices that you might encounter.
Weaving
This is where the horse moves from side to side on their front legs in a swaying motion. They may do this any time because they have nothing better to do or because they are required stand still. You most commonly see this weaving when the horse is standing in its stall or is tethered. Many experts believe that this action releases endorphins that cause a “high” of sorts.
The best way to prevent weaving is to keep the horse busy – either eating hay or out running around in the pasture. This keeps the horse occupied and stops it having to sway to keep itself busy.
Cribbing and Wind Sucking
In most stables you will find a cribber. These horses bite onto just about anything they can get their teeth around, such as stall door or fence post and then suck in and swallow air. This air can then enter the digestive system where it can create air pockets. Many of these horses will develop severe gas colic because the horse is unable to release the gas. The air can also interfere with correct digestion. It is thought that these horses do this action because they get an endorphin that brings pleasure. Most horses can be treated with the fitting of an external cribbing collar that prevents the sucking action. There is also surgery and special drugs available for extreme cases.
Door and Wall Kicking
This is a behavior that occurs most frequently at feeding time. Horses can become very jealous and will kick at the walls of their neighbor’s stall. They may also kick the walls from boredom or just for fun. Some horses may kick hard enough that they break the bones in their ankles. These horses are also at a high risk for lameness and unsoundness issues. Prevent boredom by giving them toys to play with or letting them out in the paddock for regular runs.
Happy Horsing
Jo Thompson
Here are the three common equine vices that you might encounter.
Weaving
This is where the horse moves from side to side on their front legs in a swaying motion. They may do this any time because they have nothing better to do or because they are required stand still. You most commonly see this weaving when the horse is standing in its stall or is tethered. Many experts believe that this action releases endorphins that cause a “high” of sorts.
The best way to prevent weaving is to keep the horse busy – either eating hay or out running around in the pasture. This keeps the horse occupied and stops it having to sway to keep itself busy.
Cribbing and Wind Sucking
In most stables you will find a cribber. These horses bite onto just about anything they can get their teeth around, such as stall door or fence post and then suck in and swallow air. This air can then enter the digestive system where it can create air pockets. Many of these horses will develop severe gas colic because the horse is unable to release the gas. The air can also interfere with correct digestion. It is thought that these horses do this action because they get an endorphin that brings pleasure. Most horses can be treated with the fitting of an external cribbing collar that prevents the sucking action. There is also surgery and special drugs available for extreme cases.
Door and Wall Kicking
This is a behavior that occurs most frequently at feeding time. Horses can become very jealous and will kick at the walls of their neighbor’s stall. They may also kick the walls from boredom or just for fun. Some horses may kick hard enough that they break the bones in their ankles. These horses are also at a high risk for lameness and unsoundness issues. Prevent boredom by giving them toys to play with or letting them out in the paddock for regular runs.
Happy Horsing
Jo Thompson
2008年8月7日星期四
Kerry Blue Terrier Puppy And Dog Information
The Kerry Blue Terrier is an affectionate, intelligent and protective family pet. She can live in an apartment, as long as she is afforded frequent long walks. She is a great watch dog and guard dog but she will not drive the neighbors crazy with her barking, as she is a quiet dog. She is good with older, considerate children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with any puppy or dog. She does not do well with other pets and other dogs. She generally will not back down in a fight as she is fearless.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Kerry Blue Terrier is 18 to 19 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 33 to 40 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Kerry Blue Terrier is no exception. Although considered to be a healthy, long lived breed, be on the look out for Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), cataracts, blood problems, hair follicle tumors and Entropion, (hereditary disorder where eyelid, usually lower one, rolls inward and irritates the cornea and can cause visual problems. Surgery can correct this condition but may disqualify the dog from shows). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming: The Kerry Blue Terrier has a soft, dense and wavy coat. She needs to be groomed weekly. Her beard can get dirty and will frequent cleaning. She should be professionally groomed, including her ears, on a regular basis.
Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
*Life Span. The Kerry Blue Terrier can live between 12 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Kerry Blue Terriers come from Ireland where they are thought to be a cross of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Irish Terrier. They were used as a farm dog, vermin dog, hunting and guard dog. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1922.
Some Registries:
*United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 4 to 8 Kerry Blue Terrier puppies
Category: Terrier
Terms To Describe: Guarding, fearless, fearless, style, character, playful, alert, intelligent, good memory, protective
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Makes a good watch dog.
Makes a good guard dog.
Little or no shedding.
Almost odorless when wet.
Not a barker.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Requires a firm hand.
May be difficult to train.
Not good with other pets.
She requires professional grooming.
Needs firm obedience training.
Can be stubborn.
*Other Names Known By: Irish Blue Terrier, Silver-haired Irish Terrier
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Kerry Blue Terrier is 18 to 19 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 33 to 40 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Kerry Blue Terrier is no exception. Although considered to be a healthy, long lived breed, be on the look out for Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), cataracts, blood problems, hair follicle tumors and Entropion, (hereditary disorder where eyelid, usually lower one, rolls inward and irritates the cornea and can cause visual problems. Surgery can correct this condition but may disqualify the dog from shows). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming: The Kerry Blue Terrier has a soft, dense and wavy coat. She needs to be groomed weekly. Her beard can get dirty and will frequent cleaning. She should be professionally groomed, including her ears, on a regular basis.
Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
*Life Span. The Kerry Blue Terrier can live between 12 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Kerry Blue Terriers come from Ireland where they are thought to be a cross of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Irish Terrier. They were used as a farm dog, vermin dog, hunting and guard dog. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1922.
Some Registries:
*United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 4 to 8 Kerry Blue Terrier puppies
Category: Terrier
Terms To Describe: Guarding, fearless, fearless, style, character, playful, alert, intelligent, good memory, protective
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Makes a good watch dog.
Makes a good guard dog.
Little or no shedding.
Almost odorless when wet.
Not a barker.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Requires a firm hand.
May be difficult to train.
Not good with other pets.
She requires professional grooming.
Needs firm obedience training.
Can be stubborn.
*Other Names Known By: Irish Blue Terrier, Silver-haired Irish Terrier
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
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