Most dogs thrive on having a routine. They like knowing when to expect activities such as mealtimes, walks, playtime, and more. It can also be a great help to establish a routine when trying to train a dog. Most dogs feel more secure when they can predict what is going to happen each day. The following ideas will show you how establishing a routine can benefit your dog training program....
Most people know that dogs like to chew. Chewing is a natural behavior for all dogs. It allows them to explore the world around them, exercise their jaws, and even clean their teeth. Most of all, it engages them mentally and alleviates boredom. However, when dogs lack the proper items to chew, it can lead to destructive chewing and other behavior problems. Providing plenty of dog chew toys is one way to allow your dog to fulfill its natural desire to gnaw on things....
Training your dog to “stand” on command is very useful. This basic command is used to tell your dog to stand up on all four paws without moving. Learning how to teach a dog to stand comes in handy when you need your dog to stand up to be examined or groomed, whether it’s by you or someone else. It’s a good foundation for advanced obedience training as well. And, if you hope to show your dog, it is essential because many competitions require a dog to stand perfectly still despite distractions....
Have you ever given your dog a bone only to watch him head to the couch or outside in the garden to bury it? Many dogs like to hide things in safe places and often dogs are predisposed to bury items that belong to them, and sometimes items that do not. Discover four reasons why this behavior occurs, and how or if you should stop it. Instinct This behavior may have developed due to strong survival instincts inherited from the domesticated dogs’ wild ancestors, wild dogs and the gray wolf....
Dog strollers are great for taking small dogs, senior dogs, and dogs with mobility issues for a daily outing, but dogs of any age—and most sizes, too—can enjoy a wheel-powered excursion. We researched top performing dog strollers and hand-picked 20 strollers for testing in our New York Lab. Our testers scored each dog stroller in multiple categories, including ease of use, maneuverability, quality, and overall value. We set up an obstacle course, brought in real dogs, and used weighted props to put each stroller through its paces, simulating casual strolls, jogging over uneven terrain, and even rainy conditions....
Animals of all sorts eat hay. Timothy, sweet grass, alfalfa—you name it, and there’s an animal that eats it. But don’t confuse it with straw! Rabbits While they are young, rabbits need to consume alfalfa and other legume hay for the nutrients, calories, and other benefits it provides to their teeth and digestive tract. But as they get older (about six months of age) you’ll switch them over to a grass hay to make sure they get the continued nutrition they need....
Formalin is very effective at ridding fish of some common parasitic protozoan, such as Clownfish disease (Brooklynella), and Cryptocaryon (White Spot) marine ich infestations, as well as flukes, lice, and fungal diseases that both fresh and saltwater fishes can contract. Although formaldehyde is a toxic chemical that is hazardous in its pure form, formalin is a 37 percent solution of formaldehyde diluted with water, and is available commercially through pet stores to treat diseased fish....
If you’ve ever walked into your home to find your cat perched on top of the refrigerator, a bookshelf, or another high point in your home—and wondered what, exactly, she was doing—you’re not alone. We all know there are a lot of, ahem, odd feline behaviors that aren’t so easy to explain, but it turns out, perching from high points is a super common—and instinctual—behavior among domesticated cats. So, Why Do Cats Hang Out in High Spots?...
Dogs bark for many reasons: to express how they’re feeling, to communicate crucial information, and to draw attention to something they find concerning. In addition to facial expressions, body language, and other vocalizations, barking is a vital way for dogs to communicate. People often find a barking dog annoying, but it’s important to remember that from the dog’s perspective, they are trying to convey necessary information. Dogs should not be punished or yelled at for barking....
Hairless cats are truly a sight to behold. There are several recognized breeds, from sphynx to bambino, and each is special in its own way. Some hairless cats have very fine peach fuzz while others are truly smooth to the touch. Note though that since these cats are rarer than your average domestic housecats, they can tend to cost more. Breed Characteristics Hairless breeds are the result of genetic mutations that have done away with their protective fur....
No matter what climate you live in, the short days can put a cramp in your dog’s evening walk. From dark neighborhoods to icy streets, there’s a whole host of issues that can arise during the winter. As convenient as it might be, your dog can’t stay inside after the sun goes down. You both need to stay safe and warm while your dog does its business on those dark winter nights....
Angelfish members of the Pomacanthidae family are omnivores that feed on both marine plants and animals, but a large number of species lean towards being more herbivorous. These fish are constant nibblers and grazers. While many prefer to eat macro and filamentous algae, some others prefer microalgae or diatoms. Most feed on small crustacean marine life, but there are some species that are solely live sponge feeders. Those that live on sponges as their sole source of food may starve in captivity....
It never fails—your child sees a movie, cartoon, photo, or television special showing a gorgeous talking parrot, and all a sudden, it seems like the kid has gone “bird crazy.” You are showered with requests to get your little one a pet parrot of their very own, and understandably, you might be apprehensive about doing so. For years, parents have wondered whether or not parrots can make good pets for children, and many of those questions are due to scenarios just like this....
Enalapril (trade name Enacard or Vasotec) is used in dogs to treat some kinds of heart disease, and some forms of kidney disease. As with many drugs, it can have a few side effects. Mode of Action of Enalapril Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor. This means that it blocks the action of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE), which normally plays a role in blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels and affecting how much fluid, sodium and potassium is retained by the body....
Turning your horse is a basic skill that you will learn as you first start to ride. While some riders regularly use neck reining, direct (or plow) reining is a more basic way to turn. Direct reining means you hold one rein in each hand. Your left-hand cues for a left turn and your right hand uses the right rein to cue for a right turn. As you progress in your riding skills, you’ll learn how to use the reins with more finesse, and to guide your horse more precisely....
What Is Mange? Types Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Is It Contagious to Humans? Frequently Asked Questions Mange is a skin disease caused by parasitic mites, which are very tiny arachnids related to spiders and ticks. It is more common in dogs than cats, but there are several different types of mange that can affect felines. Some types of feline mange are also contagious to humans as well as dogs and many other mammals....
Advantages Disadvantages Closed Systems Recommendations Fish Choices The age-old goldfish bowl is getting replaced by safer tiny aquariums in a variety of interesting shapes and sizes. Even the smallest apartment or college dorm room can now be graced with live fish. But are mini aquariums a healthy habitat for the fish? If properly set up and well cared for, yes they can be. But if haphazardly put together and marginally cared for, the fish will be doomed to a very short and unpleasant life....
Sudden aggression in your dog can be scary and off-putting. If your adult dog has been with you for a while, you can usually predict its behavior in various types of situations—and you don’t expect them to become irritable. If your happy, loving dog suddenly exhibits aggressive behavior for no obvious reason, we’re here to help. The key to dealing with this behavioral change is to first try to determine the cause....
Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Appearance Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research The Siamese is a medium-sized, svelte, and refined-looking cat with long, tapering lines and strikingly blue eyes. Perhaps the most notable characteristic of the Siamese cat, though, is its “points,” which are darker color patterns on the ears, face (mask), tail, legs, and feet. Siamese cats, fondly known as “meezers,” are popular among people who want a sociable cat that loves to “talk....
If you suspect your pet has inhalant allergies, working with your veterinarian will be very important, as these can often be lifelong and even lead to serious infections and discomfort in dogs. Allergies cannot be cured, and avoiding the allergy source is the only way to control the symptoms. To complicate matters, multiple allergies make identification of the culprit(s) nearly impossible. Only a veterinarian can properly diagnose allergies in a pet....
