2008年8月24日星期日

Clicker Dog Training Is Best For Your Dog

Clicker dog training works best for your dog. Give the command to your dog. He executes it perfectly. Clicker sound. Give him his reward. Give another command and your dog performs excellently. Click. Another reward for your dog.

It is amazing to see how dogs learn easily the tricks that are being taught them using proper obedience training without resorting to any form of violence or hurt. When your dog hears your voice, he would be willing to follow whatever you tell him to do. There is really no need to hurt your dog. The sound of a click is enough in training your dog.

Once upon a time, dog obedience training was not very peaceful. Trainers used collars, bits, and other things that brought harm to dogs just so they can impose their will on the dogs.

The dogs then had no choice but to obey. But their obedience was rooted in fear and without that fear, they barely obey their masters. Because of years of subservience, however, these dogs learned to accept their fate and simply let their human masters have their way.

Good thing though, there arose a new breed of trainers who did not use violence. They discovered the use of the plastic clicker. This way, clicker dog training became popular.

The new breed of trainers loved their dogs so much that they winced every time they see a dog in pain because of electric shock. This prevented them from using electric shock. Instead, they had to rely on the gadget called the clicking device to make the dog realize that they only want to have fun with them and enjoy what they are doing. The dogs were also elated because every time they execute a good trick, goodies are being given to them. Not a bad way of obedience training and spending their time.

This training using the plastic clicker is quite easy to follow. Clicker training helps trainers condition the minds of the animals that if they do something correctly, they will get a reward for it. As such, every time that the clicking device produces a sound, the dog will then know that something is up and that they will receive a reward soon after. With the help of a clicker, the dog can easily learn the tricks and maneuvers and he will not be harmed along the process.

So effective is clicker dog training that dogs are not the only animals being trained with this. In fact, dolphins can easily recognize the click and implement the tricks in different water parks. Pigeons are also being trained using the plastic clicker so that they can deliver messages. The bond between the trainer and the dog is so important that violence and harm should not come between them. With the use of a clicker, the obedience training certainly becomes more peaceful and more enjoyable for both the trainer and the dog.

If you are thinking of a training process for you dogs, why not research more about the clicker and try practicing with your dog. With clicker dog training, you can even become more attached together.

2008年8月19日星期二

Affenpinscher Dog Breed

The Affenpinscher dog is a relatively small dog weighing 7-9 pounds. They reach a height between 9 to 11.5 inches, with a shaggy gray, black, silver, or black and tan coat. While their hair is not the cuddliest, you will find they are a very active dog breed. This type of dog is low maintenance when it comes to grooming, as they don’t tend to shed their hair.

The Affenpinscher breed originated in Germany in the 16th century. They are considered one of the most amiable companions for humans. They tend to have a strong playful spirit, while being great at hunting rats and mice. You can consider their character to be balanced and sturdy. In other words they will have pretty much the same behavioral characteristics throughout their lives and be a pleasure. They are also very agile, inquisitive, and quick- witted.

You will find that this dog breed is great for a family. They tend to play well with younger children as well as be aware of the delicate nature of the child. They will want to play, amuse, and be affectionate with the entire family. This will lead us into the care of the Affenpinscher. While they require minimal grooming you will find they do need a lot of attention. They tend to have a lot of energy so taking the dog out for long walks, playing with them often, and not leaving them along too much is going to be the best care you can give them. When you are grooming your Affenpinscher you will need to pay close attention to the eyes. They tend to have little hairs that will grow near the eyes causing irritation or even infections if left for too long.

This dog breed is one of the hardest to house train despite the wonderful pet they do make. They are extremely active and therefore they don’t want to pay attention to training and lessons. When training the dog you need to use the crate method. In other words they need to understand what the crate means, and that until they are house trained to go outside or let the owner know when they need to go they will be in the crate while you are away. You need to be extremely authoritarian with the Affenpinscher with firmness and consistency. While they are quick to learn they often don’t like to sit still for the lessons as they become bored. If you are trying to train the dog to do tricks it must be something that stimulates them.

You will also find that this particular breed of dog is a fairly good watchdog. While they are certainly not the best they do tend to let you know when a person is arriving and will stand guard. With their heightened sense of play you will find that this dog also loves to climb and bark. You will need to train them when it is appropriate to bark and when it is not. You will also have to make sure your backyard is large enough and set up with a high fence to keep them contained.

When you are considering further dog care keep in mind that they are extremely active. They need to have a place they can run and expend energy. This means during the day while you are at work and your children are in school you probably need to leave the dog outside in the yard. Make sure that they will not be able to dig themselves out or climb over the fence. It is really best to have a dog runner set up so they are chained, but have the freedom to explore the yard and stay in the shade.

2008年8月12日星期二

Dealing With Problem Puppy Behaviors

Everyone who owns a puppy or dog will eventually have to deal with and correct less than desirable behaviors on the part of their companion animal. There are a number of behaviors that should be nipped in the bud, including:

Jumping up on people: This is one of those behaviors that many owners inadvertently encourage in their animals, since jumping up, wagging his tail and the like can be adorable in a young puppy. When that puppy is older, larger and heavier, however, this jumping up behavior ceases to be cute and begins to become annoying and even dangerous.

A large, heavy dog jumping up on people can be dangerous to young children and even to some adults, since a large, 100 pound plus dog can easily knock down a child or small adult. Since you as the owner are responsible for the behavior of your dog, it is important to nip this problem behavior in the bud.

The best time to do that, of course, is when the puppy is still small and easy to handle. When the puppy jumps up on you or someone else, gently place the puppy’s feet back on the floor. When the dog remains standing there, be sure to praise it extensively.

It is also important to give the puppy an alternative to jumping up. Puppies jump up on people to express their enthusiasm, so it is important to redirect this energy in a more socially acceptable direction. Try teaching the puppy to present his paw instead of jumping up.

When teaching the puppy to not jump up on people, it is important to be consistent. Consistency is important in any training program, and all members of the family must understand that the puppy is not permitted to jump on them.

Pulling, charging and tugging on the lead: One problem you definitely want to nip in the bud is this one. It is important that the puppy learn to respect the collar and leash now, when he is still small and light enough to handle. Teaching this lesson to a 10 pound puppy will be much easier than teaching the same lesson to a 150 pound dog.

Using a good strong body harness or head collar can be a big help when training a puppy not to pull, or to retrain a dog that has already learned to pull on the leash. When first fitting a harness, it is important to allow the puppy to walk around wearing it, so that he can get used to wearing it.

The first thing your puppy must learn, and the basis of all subsequent training, is teaching your dog to heel. Teaching your dog to walk quietly at your side on a loose lead is the basis of all dog training, and until your puppy has mastered this vital skill he will be unable to move onto more advanced training.

When walking with a puppy on a leash, it is important to always keep slack in the leash. If the puppy begins to pull on the leash, the handler should quickly change directions. The puppy will then find itself lagging behind instead of forging ahead. The least will be loose except for the split second it takes to change directions. It is important for the handler to use a quick tug of the leash, followed by an immediate loosening, when teaching this lesson.

When teaching the puppy to walk properly, it is important to never allow the puppy to pull you around, or to forge ahead on the leash. Allowing the puppy to pull you around will teach him exactly the wrong lesson.

2008年8月11日星期一

What You Can Catch From Your Pet: Skin Diseases

Dogs, cats and small mammals such as rabbits or guinea pigs are popular companions for many people, often sharing their home environment. Being in such close contact, it is perhaps inevitable that sometimes disease is transmitted from pets to their owners. Though the diseases discussed in this article can affect any person, immunocompromised people such as infants, the elderly or those who are HIV+ need to be extra careful. This article looks at skin diseases of dogs and cats that can present a risk to their owners.

Actually, considering the large number of people interacting closely with small animals on a daily basis, the overall risk of contracting disease from a pet with skin disease is remarkably low. In general, keeping pets clean, free from parasites and healthy, as well as good personal and household hygiene such as proper hand washing, will minimize the risk of catching a disease from your pet. However, people belonging to risk categories (the immunosuppressed) need more specific advice.

The increase in pet travel, and the occurrence of breeders sourcing stock from overseas, has made the risk of exposure to new diseases a little greater. The most common skin diseases transmissible to humans that occur in dogs and cats are sarcoptic mange (scabies), cheyletiellosis (mite infestation), fleas and dermatophytosis (ringworm). In general, young and newly acquired animals, especially those from animal shelters, are most likely to be affected by these diseases. Below we look at each of these diseases more closely.

Flea Infestation

Since the reservoir of fleas is predominantly in the environment, and jump onto the human from there, one might argue that this is not strictly transmitted from the animal. However, it is introduced into the household by the animal and therefore falls into this category.

The flea will readily feed on humans and can cause a marked hypersensitivity reaction in some individuals. In addition, fleas can transmit other diseases, such as cat scratch disease (Bartonella henselae), tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) and plague (Yersinia pestis). Regular flea control with veterinary recommended spot on treatments will keep the environmental population of fleas low, and minimize the risk of bites.

Sarcoptic Mange

This is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, and can affect a number of species. Different strains of the mite do tend to prefer different species, and the most common one which affects dogs and foxes only has an estimated 20 per cent chance of transmission to humans. Prolonged skin to skin contact is the main route of transmission, with the disease presenting as an itchy rash with small red spots. Usually, disease in the human will clear up of its own accord, once the dog has been treated appropriately with a medicated shampoo or spot on drug. Occasionally, humans may need their own treatment though. It is very important to treat all in contact dogs as well. Unlike fleas, these mites do not tend to survive for long in the environment so reinfection is rare once the dog has been treated.

Cheyletiellosis

This can be caught from dogs, cats and small mammals such as rabbits or guinea pigs. Mites can survive in the environment for several days. Humans are only transiently infected, and develop itchy spots. Appropriate treatment of the affected animal, and the in contact animals, resolves the problem.

Dermatophytosis (Ringworm)

This is actually a type of fungus, not a worm as the name suggests. The most common type in dogs and cats is Microsporum canis. Transmission is often by direct contact, but spores can remain infective in the environment for many months. Dogs and cats may be carriers of the disease without showing any signs of it themselves, while acting as a source of infection for their owners.

In dogs and cats, infections with ringworm usually resolve by themselves given time, unless the animal is immunocompromised (e.g. on steroids). However, treatment is recommended so that the risk of transmission to humans is lessened. Dogs and cats are usually treated with a topical solution of itraconazole, while affected humans are usually prescribed an anti fungal cream to apply to affected areas.

Otodectic Mange (Ear Mites)

These mites cause ear infections in dogs, cats and ferrets. They can, rarely, affect skin outside of the ear, and this has been reported sometimes in humans. It is however rare, and easily controlled by treating the affected animal with a certain acaricidal spot on drug (e.g. selamectin, moxidectin) or topical ear drops.

Malassezia Dermatitis

These are yeasts often found on normal skin in dogs, cats, humans and other species. Skin disease occurs as a reaction to the yeasts overgrowth and the hosts reaction to it. Transmission to humans has only ever been documented in immunocompromised people, and the risk of infection is low.

Staphylococcal Infections

Staphylococcal pyoderma (bacterial skin infection) is common in dogs, but not in cats. It often occurs secondary to another disease and usually involves the bacterium Staphylococcus intermedius. Contrast this to humans, where the main cause of bacterial skin infection is Staphylococcus aureus, and it is clear that the risk of transmission to humans is very low.

Mycobacterial Infections

Tuberculosis poses a risk to human health. The bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis can infect both cats and humans, and pass between them. The disease presents as nodules, draining tracts or non healing wounds, or as respiratory disease. Urgent medical and veterinary attention should be sought, though the incidence of pets passing it to their owners is very low.

Feline Poxvirus Infection

Cats get cowpox infections by being bitten by voles and wood mice. Hence it is only outdoor cats that are affected, namely those that hunt. Many affected cats do not show any signs of disease. Transmission to humans is rare, and can cause painful skin nodules.

What can immunocompromised people do to minimize the risk to them?

Firstly, a risk assessment should be carried out. Good communication is essential between the medical and veterinary professionals involved. The goal is to maintain disease free status in the pet, whilst practicing thorough hygiene measures by the person. Being immunocompromised does not mean you cannot have a pet, but the following points should be taken into consideration:

1. If acquiring a pet, make sure it is a healthy one, vet checked and not from a source rife with diseases.
2. Safe feeding practices
3. Avoid your pet coming into contact with contaminated material from other animals (e.g. feces)
4. Vaccination annually
5. Good worming control (every 3 months in adult dogs and cats)
6. Good flea prevention (usually monthly for spot ons)
7. Good dental care (brushing your pets teeth, dental chews to keep teeth clean)
8. Regular general health checks by your veterinarian

2008年8月7日星期四

Aquarium Supplies - Choosing the Best Filter

Watching the fish gliding inside an aquarium makes your mind relax. Much more if it is well designed, maybe something that looks like a real habitat underworld. Setting up one can be a great idea for your family.

An aquarium can be best fitted in any corner of your room, provided that it is unreachable by your kids unless with your supervision. It can add exquisiteness to your surroundings and a more soothing ambiance.

However, considering some important factors can be better while setting up an aquarium. You have to purchase an array of aquarium supplies in order to create a place for your fish to live in.

Here are some of the supplies that you have to take note:

1. Type of fish
This is a prior consideration because it will determine the kind of aquarium that you will put up whether it is freshwater, saltwater aquarium, or warm water aquarium. Tropical fish for instance necessitates warm water that will require you a heater. Each kind of aquarium set up has distinct needs and expenses that you will incur when purchasing the supplies.

2. Tank
If you are novice, you can begin with smaller size of aquarium and a ten-gallon tank will probably do. This is another determinant of the kind of fish that you will place in your aquarium. A variety of type can be chosen if you have larger tanks.

3. Heater
It is necessary for tropical fish because you have to maintain warm temperature of water. This is the kind of habitat where they can survive.

4. Filter
Since you cannot prevent some falling debris inside your aquarium, you have to make use of filters to keep it clean at all times. Cleanliness is crucial because this will make your fish stay healthy inside an aquarium.

5. Gravel and rocks
All of these components will add an underworld effect to your aquarium. Be sure to clean them properly before you place the said supplies to the water.

6. Pump
Pump is one of the basic requirements for your aquarium because the life of the fish inside it will depend on the pump. It s their aid for breathing

7. Water Testing kit
Utilizing one will help you to gauge the ph level inside your aquarium.

8. Lighting
In order to remove dullness inside the aquarium, you need to put some lighting. Too much lighting effects will not be good as well. After you make yourself ready with the aquarium supply, you might need all the equipment in order to keep the fish full alive. It's true that before getting a fish, there are lots of thing to do. In maintaining an aquarium, you can actually take care of it without much work at all. Before anything else, you should know how to keep the tank in good condition.

To get started, you should choose what size of tank will fit your style. If you're a beginner, it will be good if you start with a small aquarium first. This will take less expense plus the fact that it helps you
concentrate in taking care of your aquarium. If time comes when you are at ease in keeping a small aquarium, you can shift to a larger one.

One of the important equipment for you to have in your aquarium is the filter. Filter is a device that removes impurities from the water of your aquarium by way of fine physical obstacle or by chemical procedure. It is recommended that you use an undergravel filter since it's not expensive and it keeps the debris totally out.

But how you can choose the best filter for your aquarium? Furthermore, getting the right filter can save you lots of hours in maintenance.

The following tips can be helpful for you to find the best filter around.

1. You should know the three kinds of filtering systems that is needed in your tank: biological, mechanical, and chemical.

2. Think about the different types of filters and their functions. Wet-dry filters are compatible to saltwater tanks since they give biological, chemical, and mechanical filtration. Although they are quite expensive but entail less maintenance operation than other types.

3. Mechanical filters are designed to remove impurities by way of filter floss and filtering particles.

4. Chemical filtration process uses activated charcoal just to remove unwanted dissolved wastes in the water.

5. Set up first the biological filter before adding fish to the tank. Biological filters use bacteria to crack ammonia and nitrates. If you wish to add more fish too soon, the bacteria can't keep up then the level of ammonia will rise in the tank thus killing the fish.

6. In buying an aquarium kit, you will get an undergravel filter. This kind of biological filter pulls water that is rich in oxygen through the gravel.

7. You can opt to some sponge filters. Sponge filters are efficient and cheap.

With the above tips, finding the best filter for your fish will be easy for you.