Most dogs enjoy listening and are proud of the knowledge and skills they acquire. Untrained dogs are seldom as happy as trained ones, and lead much less interesting lives. Many dogs also get a sense of security from obedience and discipline, especially the more intelligent ones.
Every observant dog owner can see for himself that his dog gets greater satisfaction from the praise rewarding a well- executed command or good behavior than he does from the momentary excitement of disobeying, which is usually followed by the evident guilt feelings, (ears back and avoiding eye contact), even when he has not been punished.
Owners vary in their training talents just as dogs vary in their train ability. Some people are born animal trainers and accomplish remarkable results with little effort. But even the best trainers are seldom equally successful with every breed of dog. The training procedures that are highly successful with one type of dog may be totally ineffective with another.
A basic mental affinity, even a certain type of personality seems to be necessary when training a dog. All good trainers possess authority, patience, and self-control. Brilliant ones possess an additional indefinable "x" quality that is probably a combination of love and respect.
Dog training techniques have been so well systematized in recent years that the least gifted owner can achieve reasonable good results with effort, persistence, patience, and understanding. Dogs have a much higher understanding intelligence than most people give them credit for. They can and do learn, but we have to give them our time and patience.
All pet dogs should be given basic obedience training as a matter of course, and not only when they develop bad behavior. Today s dogs live in a much faster paced world, just as we do. Even though we may be with them when they are out in public, they can still "stray" or disobey. While training cannot completely compensate for poor breeding, a bad environment, or poor upbringing, it can surely help. They world will teach them how to misbehave, but it's up to us as pet parents to teach them how to behave.
Specialized training isn't necessary unless the dog is to perform or be seen, such as the purebred show dogs. This level of training and behavior requires much more time and labor and usually requires a higher aptitude on the part of the dog, and much more skill and patience on the part of the trainer. Training of so called "champion" show dogs usually begins when they are puppies and continues through most of their lives.
Training your dog is the basics of behavior and communication with you can be very rewarding. What you may lack in experience, equipment, facilities, etc. is usually compensated for by your dogs desire to please the person he loves and lives with, which is his strongest motivation.
2008年8月22日星期五
Fish Parasites - Does Your Fish Have One?
Aquarists generally treat new fish at two different times. The first time, before the new family member is introduced into the aquarium, and the second time is when a possible parasite infection is suspected. Preventative treatment, normally takes place in a separate quarantine aquarium in order to avoid treating healthy fish. Before starting the treatment, always ask yourself is this is something that is really necessary or if simply keeping the new fish in quarantine and looking out for any symptoms would be enough to cure the issues up.
Ectoparasites are the types of fish parasites are found on the fish's skin. These are the most clearly visible and diagnosable and if you have noticed any strange new marks on your fish lately then perhaps you need to check for these.
You can diagnose your fish for external parasites by yourself. Most ectoparasites are visible with the naked eye and are easy for anyone, even you, to treat with just a simple over the counter fish medicine that I will recommend later.
However, in order to diagnose a parasite, you need to know what the symptoms for the most common ones are and how to observe your fish so that you are able to safeguard its health.
If your fish has learned the habit of rubbing against things frequently then this is a sign of skin aggravation or irritation and needs to investigated further, one of the most common forms of parasites is "ick" which is visible as small white dots. It is not serious unless it gets out of control or unless soon followed by other symptoms of parasites.
Spots of redness or inflammation on the body are a very clear sign. These are often found at the bottom of the dorsal fin, which is the one along the back of the fish.
Other signs are if the fish's operculum (the flap that covers the gills that marks the end of the head and the beginning of the body) is open or flared. This is suppose to open and close as the fish breathes and if it is not then there is a problem.
If your fish seems to be having difficulty breathing (respiratory problems) or appears to be, overly lethargic this may also be a symptom of a parasite. However, this is just as easily a symptom of mineral deficiency, lack of oxygen from clean and filtered water or lack of food.
If you see any of these symptoms then first try doing a water change and ensure that, it is pure, filtered and clean. If the symptoms persist then you are likely to be dealing with a parasite.
However, the vast majority of parasites can be treated with a general fish parasite treatment. You can purchase these at any decent fish supply store online or offline.
Ectoparasites are the types of fish parasites are found on the fish's skin. These are the most clearly visible and diagnosable and if you have noticed any strange new marks on your fish lately then perhaps you need to check for these.
You can diagnose your fish for external parasites by yourself. Most ectoparasites are visible with the naked eye and are easy for anyone, even you, to treat with just a simple over the counter fish medicine that I will recommend later.
However, in order to diagnose a parasite, you need to know what the symptoms for the most common ones are and how to observe your fish so that you are able to safeguard its health.
If your fish has learned the habit of rubbing against things frequently then this is a sign of skin aggravation or irritation and needs to investigated further, one of the most common forms of parasites is "ick" which is visible as small white dots. It is not serious unless it gets out of control or unless soon followed by other symptoms of parasites.
Spots of redness or inflammation on the body are a very clear sign. These are often found at the bottom of the dorsal fin, which is the one along the back of the fish.
Other signs are if the fish's operculum (the flap that covers the gills that marks the end of the head and the beginning of the body) is open or flared. This is suppose to open and close as the fish breathes and if it is not then there is a problem.
If your fish seems to be having difficulty breathing (respiratory problems) or appears to be, overly lethargic this may also be a symptom of a parasite. However, this is just as easily a symptom of mineral deficiency, lack of oxygen from clean and filtered water or lack of food.
If you see any of these symptoms then first try doing a water change and ensure that, it is pure, filtered and clean. If the symptoms persist then you are likely to be dealing with a parasite.
However, the vast majority of parasites can be treated with a general fish parasite treatment. You can purchase these at any decent fish supply store online or offline.
2008年8月14日星期四
Lizards are a very cool pet
Lizards are indeed an uncommon pet to see, though they are interesting to watch and most are easy to tame. Although many people see lizards as mean or scary the truth is that about 50%-70% of lizards can be tamed quite easily. Lizards do however require special care and each has its own individual specifications, which include diets, lighting, enclosures and the proper needs are met, depending on the type of lizard. It is quite easy to care for most lizards as long as you do the research and are prepared to dedicate the time needed to ensure that your lizard reaches its full potential.
Lizards have a particular diet, depending on the nature and type of lizard. Depending on the type, your lizard will eat insects, vegetables, leafy greens, and sometimes fruit. To some people watching the insects get eating is the best part, the beauty of this is that you can buy fully carnivorous lizards such as, the agama or chameleon. For those of you who hate insects and don’t want to deal with them maybe a herbivore (plant eater) such as the green iguana is the best choice for you. You may also choose an omnivorous (eats both plants and insects) such as the much loved bearded dragon. The most preferred insects that lizards enjoy are wax worms, meal worms, crickets, roaches, super worms and grasshoppers. Most lizards will enjoy such greens as turnip greens, collard greens, endives, escarole, squash, carrot greens, and kale. Altogether lizards are not hard to feed as long as you get the specific diet for each lizard through research but, you must provide appropriate heat in order for the lizard to digest the food properly.
Heating for your lizard can be done in two different ways, the first and most common way to heat your lizard is to use a heat light as a basking spot. This is required by most lizards that are active during the daytime. The second way is for nocturnal lizards who will need a set temperature during the day and during the night, but, will not need a basking spot. In order to keep a proper day / night cycle with these lizards you may keep proper temperatures with red or blue bulbs (colors lizards do not see), a ceramic heater bulb (only produce heat) or a heat mat (under tank heater). Always remember that all lizards will require specific heating and lighting, so, make sure to do the research on the lighting for your enclosure.
Setting up your lizard’s enclosure can be the most interesting part about owning a lizard. They all need specific enclosures that range from being like a desert oasis to a tropical forest and many other styles of wild life depending upon your lizard. Some lizards will require water dishes and some will only need their cage misted weekly to acquire the proper water. There are so many things to remember when caging a lizard, such as the proper substrate, humidity levels, if your lizard will enjoy climbing or not and if they need a spot to hide in. This is all a part of discovering your lizard and as you read care sheets and books about your lizard you will learn a lot about it and it can all be a great learning experience.
Altogether owning a lizard can be much more interesting than owning a dog and you can learn a lot from it. However each lizard does require its own care and can be very susceptible to a poor environment so always do the research, you can get information for free off websites such as http://www.lizardcaresheets.com which will provide a free care sheet for every lizard out there. Lizards are extremely fun to own as long as you do the research and are willing to dedicate the time needed.
Lizards have a particular diet, depending on the nature and type of lizard. Depending on the type, your lizard will eat insects, vegetables, leafy greens, and sometimes fruit. To some people watching the insects get eating is the best part, the beauty of this is that you can buy fully carnivorous lizards such as, the agama or chameleon. For those of you who hate insects and don’t want to deal with them maybe a herbivore (plant eater) such as the green iguana is the best choice for you. You may also choose an omnivorous (eats both plants and insects) such as the much loved bearded dragon. The most preferred insects that lizards enjoy are wax worms, meal worms, crickets, roaches, super worms and grasshoppers. Most lizards will enjoy such greens as turnip greens, collard greens, endives, escarole, squash, carrot greens, and kale. Altogether lizards are not hard to feed as long as you get the specific diet for each lizard through research but, you must provide appropriate heat in order for the lizard to digest the food properly.
Heating for your lizard can be done in two different ways, the first and most common way to heat your lizard is to use a heat light as a basking spot. This is required by most lizards that are active during the daytime. The second way is for nocturnal lizards who will need a set temperature during the day and during the night, but, will not need a basking spot. In order to keep a proper day / night cycle with these lizards you may keep proper temperatures with red or blue bulbs (colors lizards do not see), a ceramic heater bulb (only produce heat) or a heat mat (under tank heater). Always remember that all lizards will require specific heating and lighting, so, make sure to do the research on the lighting for your enclosure.
Setting up your lizard’s enclosure can be the most interesting part about owning a lizard. They all need specific enclosures that range from being like a desert oasis to a tropical forest and many other styles of wild life depending upon your lizard. Some lizards will require water dishes and some will only need their cage misted weekly to acquire the proper water. There are so many things to remember when caging a lizard, such as the proper substrate, humidity levels, if your lizard will enjoy climbing or not and if they need a spot to hide in. This is all a part of discovering your lizard and as you read care sheets and books about your lizard you will learn a lot about it and it can all be a great learning experience.
Altogether owning a lizard can be much more interesting than owning a dog and you can learn a lot from it. However each lizard does require its own care and can be very susceptible to a poor environment so always do the research, you can get information for free off websites such as http://www.lizardcaresheets.com which will provide a free care sheet for every lizard out there. Lizards are extremely fun to own as long as you do the research and are willing to dedicate the time needed.
2008年8月9日星期六
Vizsla Puppy And Dog Information
This dog comes from Hungary where the word Vizsla actually means alert. This dog is known to be responsive and gentle. They do need a lot of exercise so a properly fenced in year, making note that they can jump high, would be ideal. They are generally good with other pets, dogs and well behaved children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Vizsla is 22.5 to 25 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 48.5 to 66 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Vizsla is no exception. Be on the look out for skin problems, epilepsy (common in dogs) and Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness). 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 Vizsla has a short, dense, and smooth easy to care for coat. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
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 nails 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.
*Life Span. The Vizsla can live between 11 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Vizsla come from Hungary where they were used to hunt game birds. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1960.
Some Registries:
* Vizsla Club of America
*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: 6 to 8 Vizsla puppies
Category:: Sporting, Gundog
Terms To Describe: Distinguished, robust, drive, power, affectionate, companion, gentle, lively, sensitive, fearless.
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
They make a good watch dog.
Highly intelligent.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
They make a poor guard dog.
May need an experienced owner.
Can be difficult to housebreak.
Excellent jumpers so watch that fence.
*Other Names Known By: Hungarian Vizsla, Hungarian Pointer, Magyar Vizsla
*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 Vizsla is 22.5 to 25 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 48.5 to 66 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Vizsla is no exception. Be on the look out for skin problems, epilepsy (common in dogs) and Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness). 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 Vizsla has a short, dense, and smooth easy to care for coat. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
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 nails 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.
*Life Span. The Vizsla can live between 11 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Vizsla come from Hungary where they were used to hunt game birds. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1960.
Some Registries:
* Vizsla Club of America
*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: 6 to 8 Vizsla puppies
Category:: Sporting, Gundog
Terms To Describe: Distinguished, robust, drive, power, affectionate, companion, gentle, lively, sensitive, fearless.
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
They make a good watch dog.
Highly intelligent.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
They make a poor guard dog.
May need an experienced owner.
Can be difficult to housebreak.
Excellent jumpers so watch that fence.
*Other Names Known By: Hungarian Vizsla, Hungarian Pointer, Magyar Vizsla
*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.
2008年8月3日星期日
Dog Breeder - Best Of Breed
A good breeder does much more than just put mom and dad puppy in a room, lower the lights, light the candles, pour the puppy catnip, and play a little Johnny Mathis music. That's only the beginning. They do their best to ensure the best of breed for their hopefully strong and healthy dogs. There are characteristics within every breed standard that has been agreed upon. Good breeders will also do their best to pick out good owners, that to the best of their ability will love and care for their puppies. And to that end they try to educate owners with helpful information about the breed of dog they are buying. Not an inclusive list, but things like diet, health issues, and immunizations are things that any good breeder should beknowledgeable of and willing to share.Best In Show, Or Barely Making The GradeYour national kennel association or club will be able to provide you with a list of names of breeders in good standing within their organization. If your breed is apopular one, and there are dog clubs in your area, there will be plenty of people with advice on good and bad breeders in your area. Talk to friends, family, orcolleagues that have the breed of dog you're looking at. If they had problems, or a great experience, they would be able to tell you where they got their dog. Veterinarians usually have a pretty good idea of who the less than great breeders in an area are. When dog breeders have problems with their dogs, either physically or emotionally, they will eventually end up turning to a breeder. The not so great dog breeders, will show up at the vets a lot.Narrowing The ListNot all breeders breed dogs for the same reasons. Find out why breeders breed their dogs. Some may be breeding their dogs for show. Dogs with characteristics good for showing do notnecessarily make good family pets. As well, some breeders with showing in mind, may want to keep the pick of the litters for themselves. This of course narrows down the choice of puppies available for you. Some show breeders do allow their pups to be sold on a 'pet only' basis. It may be a little cheaper, but if all you wanted was a family pet, then this may be ideal for you.If your still having doubts, let your instincts guide you. If the puppies seem well cared for, healthy and happy, then all is probably well. Try and see both parents as well. At least the mother. If they also look happy and healthy, then that's another good sign. Remember, the breeder only cares for the puppies during a very short time in their life. It's you and how you care for your newpuppy, that really make the difference in the long run.
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