Archive for the ‘Pets’ Category
Murphy’s Law for Horses
We all like to brag about our horses and how well behaved they are. We talk about how well they are to ride and how good they are at our chosen discipline for them. If you’re new to horses it won’t take you long to figure out how Murphy’s Law for Horses takes the fun out of our bragging rights.
The look on a horse owner’s face when they realize they’ve been hit by Murphy is one of the funniest horse gifts around. This Law isn’t something you can measure, there is no scientific explanation or formula for it, it’s just a law of horse ownership that we all fall victim to at one point or another. The look is priceless, and so are the stories experienced horse owners can tell the newby about Murphy’s Law for Horses.
You all know what I’m talking about here, Murphy’s Law for Horses is when the horse acts exactly opposite of what the owner brags it will. For instance, the horse advertised as a non-chewer is eating the wood sign saying cheap freisian horses for sale when the excited potential new owner shows up. Or when you tell the new trainer that your horse has never bucked and then watch it act like a rodeo bucking horse when the trainer goes to ride it for the first time.
Murphy’s Law for Horses insists that the easy to catch horse will make you chase it for hours when all your friends are there for the promised trail ride. One of my favorites is when someone brags about how easy their horse loads into the trailer without a fuss, but when it comes time to head out to that all important show the horse acts like the trailer is a horse eating monster and refuses to load, at all. If you say a horse has never bit a person before, the first thing it will do is bite someone. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been around horses, sooner or later your luck will run out and Murphy’s Law for Horses will get you.
Buying the best Cage for a Rabbit
Anyone who has ever had a pet rabbit will know that you cannot keep them in their cage all the time. Rabbits are curious creatures who love the freedom to explore their environment. Whether it be the outdoors or inside a house, rabbits appreciate the opportunity for exercise and exploration. Remember to take steps to rabbit-proof your house so that you do not get surprised by a rabbit with active teeth. And although your rabbit will not be spending all of its time inside a cage, it is still important to invest in a good one. There are many types of cages on the market and each has their own advantages. But in general, the main features you will be looking for are size, durability, and the layout of the doors.
If you want to have full control over when your rabbit leaves its cage, then invest in a product with a top opening door. Otherwise, you can get a cage with a side door which allows your rabbit free and easy access to come and go as it pleases. Try your best to stick with a schedule when it comes to cleaning the rabbit cage. It is all too easy to put the task off and tell yourself that you will do it later. But when later comes you are sure to find a big mess and a nasty over. Make sure to clear all the contents of a cage before you wipe it down with hot water and soap. You can even use a touch of vinegar that will act as a disinfectant.
If you are new to rabbit care, then you don’t have to worry about getting a fancy multi-levelled rabbit cage. Leave these types of rabbit cages to the experts who are able to handle a more complicated living environment for their pet. Stick with the basic cage that is big enough to contain all of the supplies that you need. Remember that cleaning is going to become a part of your regular routine, so you don’t want to make things more complicated for yourself. If your child is going to be helping with the cleaning, it will help to keep them on track by making it easier for them as well. Also remember that a rabbit cage can help you in the task of litter training your rabbit. This will go a long way towards preserving your sanity since you only have to worry about mess in one area.
Why buy a Dog Jacket?
Though dogs evolved in the wild to survive in all sorts of extreme weather conditions the fact is that many of them have been so over bred that they could no longer survive outside on their own. Some dogs have their coats clipped while others have very short fur which simply doesn’t give adequate protection against cold winter temperatures.
If your dog shivers whenever you go outside or even tries to refuse to out for a walk then it might be that the cold weather is making him miserable. Elderly dogs and young puppies’ bodies also often struggle to cope in lower temperatures. A padded or fleece dog jacket will keep in that vital body warmth while allowing the skin to breath and so preventing excessive sweating.
If it’s not so much the cold that is a problem but the rain then a waterproof dog coat will be a lifesaver. Many animals will simply refuse to come out of their dog kennels in heavy rain even though they are in desperate need of some exercise and fresh air. Rainproof jackets can be made from rubber or plastic, but the higher quality breathable jackets are recommended as they keep your dog at a much more comfortable temperature.
Some dog jackets aren’t made specifically with the weather in mind. Walking after dark can be dangerous if you live somewhere with not much street lighting but plenty of cars. By putting a reflective jacket on your dog you ensure both his and your own safety as cars coming towards you will see their headlights reflected in the jacket.
The final variety is a dog life jacket made for use if you take your dog on board a boat with you. Though dogs can swim well, any extended length of time in water will exhaust him. These jackets will keep him afloat until he can be scooped out of the water.
Using a Dog Harness
Everyone knows of the importance of keeping dogs safe and in control while out on a walk and, traditionally, this has been done with the use of a collar and lead. However, for some groups of dogs this is not the best choice. A very large dog will be able to simply drag their owner along should they decide to run or go in a different direction while small dogs can start to suffer with neck and back problems if their owner has to pull on the lead to try and control them. Rather than just leave the dog at home in its dog kennel you will need to come up with a different option.
For most people the solution to their problem is to use a dog harness. These harnesses are generally made from the same material as traditional collars but have two hoops. One goes around the dogs neck and the other around its chest. The hoops are joined together by two more bars of fabric. Then there is a normal fixing that you would use for a lead. By using a small dog harness for little dogs you are spreading the pressure when you pull on the lead and so won’t be able to inadvertently cause your dog back or neck ache. You can even buy a dog harness vest which will also help to keep your dog warm in colder weather.
Harnesses for larger dogs tend to also have a breast plate and to be combined with a short lead. This will give you maximum control for even the strongest dog and will allow you to go out for a walk without worrying about him charging off after a cat or another dog taking you with him.
So, whatever your reason for not wanting to use a collar and lead, you will be able to find a harness to suit your dog.
Using a Dog Harness
Everyone knows of the importance of keeping dogs safe and in control while out on a walk and, traditionally, this has been done with the use of a collar and lead. However, for some groups of dogs this is not the best choice. A very large dog will be able to simply drag their owner along should they decide to run or go in a different direction while small dogs can start to suffer with neck and back problems if their owner has to pull on the lead to try and control them. Rather than just leave the dog at home in its dog kennel you will need to come up with a different option.
For most people the solution to their problem is to use a dog harness. These harnesses are generally made from the same material as traditional collars but have two hoops. One goes around the dogs neck and the other around its chest. The hoops are joined together by two more bars of fabric. Then there is a normal fixing that you would use for a lead. By using a small dog harness for little dogs you are spreading the pressure when you pull on the lead and so won’t be able to inadvertently cause your dog back or neck ache. You can even buy a dog harness vest which will also help to keep your dog warm in colder weather.
Harnesses for larger dogs tend to also have a breast plate and to be combined with a short lead. This will give you maximum control for even the strongest dog and will allow you to go out for a walk without worrying about him charging off after a cat or another dog taking you with him.
So, whatever your reason for not wanting to use a collar and lead, you will be able to find a harness to suit your dog.
A Stainless Steel Pet Fountain Is The Healthiest Choice
When you are trying to keep your family healthy, it is vital that everyone stays hydrated. Owners of dogs and cats frequently think of their pets as part of the family, and as such it makes sense that we need to get our pets sufficiently hydrated. Our pets walk around dressed in a fur coat their entire lives, and the majority of of them just get a dish of water placed on the floor and replenished daily, if they are lucky. Pets are not of a mind to take in more than the minimum amount from a standing bowl, even when they actually need to.
Our dogs and cats are bored much of the time due to our demanding schedule, and they end up sleeping away considerable parts of the day. It is not accurate to assume this substantial amount of time spent snoozing is simply because the pet requires this much sleep. In most cases it is just boredom. So the question is, how can you get your dog or cat hydrated while providing them something fun to do? The addition of a fountain is a way to accomplish both of those things.
If you are thinking of purchasing a pet water fountain, right now is a great time to do that. Only a couple of years ago these fountains were thought of as more of a novelty than anything else. The choice of pet water fountains for sale has experienced massive growth with both the styles as well as the sizes for sale. Those increases are completely related to the larger appeal in these pet water fountains in recent years.
The very first fountains were actually nothing more than a plastic bowl that had some kind of pump that could recirculate the water. Companies are now creating extremely efficient and attractive pet fountains that accomplish the job of being a stimulating water source for your animals while they also fit in just fine with your home’s decor.
The majority of the dog and cat fountain manufacturing business is made up of just a few companies. The most recognizable brand might be Drinkwell, plus they also offer the largest line of pet accessories. Drinkwell makes everything from small quite simple pet water fountains to pet fountains designed specifically for large dogs and cats or those families that have multiple pets. For the most classy pet accessories available, look at the collection from Pioneer Pets. A ceramic and stainless steel pet fountain is among the most trendy on the market, and these are recommended when you are looking for a cat water fountain.
No matter which brand of pet fountain you purchase, you don’t need to worry about being able to obtain new filters or cleaning kits because every one of the companies that sell these pet accessories sell these accessories, together with things like reservoirs with larger capacities. The large reservoirs are good when it comes to people who own very big pets, or else are using their fountain for multiple pets.
As you look for the fountain, all the information you need is right here online. Getting your pet their very own pet fountain might be a great technique to get them hydrated as well as in good health!
Some Really Weird Animals
The animal kingdom has a fair share of beautiful, frightening, ugly and plain weird animals. When we think of an animal, we usually picture four legs, a tail a head and maybe a snout or a trunk. We usually imagine them to be well balanced and proportioned. Hyenas do not exactly fit our description of handsome animals due to their disproportionate bodies, but they are still far from being termed weird. Mostly, the rare animals are seen as weird because we are not accustomed to seeing them. No matter how many times we see some animals though they will remain weird.
Cantor’s giant soft shell turtle is one such animal that looks very strange. As opposed to hard and round shell of most turtles, the shell of this turtle is soft and flat like a pancake. What makes it stranger still is that it grows to a size of six feet in length and weighs over a 100 pounds. The star nose mole also qualifies as an absolutely weird looking animal. It has nasal tentacles with over a hundred minute touch receptors. It lives in wetlands and forages at bottom of streams and ponds making it difficult to be found.
Elephant shrew is a weird animal that is not all that rare. In fact they are widely distributed in the Southern Africa. It is small in size with legs that seem to thin to support its well rounded body. Its snout resembles a bird’s beak. Long-eared Jerboa is another rodent that looks really strange but somewhat adorable. It looks quite like a mouse with long tail long hind legs but has exceptionally large ears, giving it the name of Mickey Mouse of the desert. It is a very rare animal and is also an endangered species like many of other rare and weird animals.
Be Consistent in Your Dog Training
I have had many dogs in my life and it never ceases to amaze me how many people think that there is a magic formula involved in getting a dog trained. There is a lot that goes into guiding and training a dog properly, but my own feeling is that it is extremely important to take advantage of the dogs natural instincts and to provide consistent and fair instruction once the puppy is old enough to take instruction.
You must come to terms with the fact that it will take you a bit of time and patience to get your dog behaving the way you want it to behave. After that, it is a matter of know how to read the messages your dog is sending and then giving it messages of your own that it can understand. There are some dogs that seem to be particularly resistant to learning new things. Or, it might be more correct to say that they have strong wills of their own that they prefer to follow. One important thing to remember when you are training your new puppy is that you must be consistent in your expectations and in giving rewards or corrections. I myself have found that things work out better when I assume control of the dog training, but that is not always possible in every situation. This is not to be a control freak, but to avoid other people in my own household from giving the dog mixed messages which only seem to confuse the dog and the entire situation. This can be an uncomfortable situation if things are not agreed to from the beginning by all people living in the house. If more than one person will be dealing with the puppy, they must all be on the same page regarding how the puppy will be trained.
Whether you are trying to crate train your dog or just get a new puppy to stop biting, you must decide how you are going to go about it. It only takes one person rewarding the puppy for being cute when it misbehaves to make the whole process of training take a lot longer. Before you teach your new dog the rules, make sure that everyone in your home does too.
Raising a Pitbull Terrier
They’re tough, they’re brave and they’re mighty powerful.
Pitbull Terrier puppies are also very endearing. Cuddling up to their mother and siblings in the spot where they were recently born, they are as delightful as any other little cuties.
But beware… the pit bull puppy is not for everyone. This little dog, above all others, needs very firm control in the hands of a highly experienced owner.
Think long and hard before buying a puppy that will grow up to be a dog with real problems if not handled properly.
Pit bulls need lots of attention. They are lively and bursting with energy. Ideally their owner should also be active and energetic. He should be prepared to walk this dog for miles every day.
Owners who don’t have much time to exercise their dog should consider investing in a different breed. Or maybe choose a cat instead.
Giving the task of daily dog-walking to the children is definitely not advisable. Big, powerful dogs – even in puppy hood – need much more control than that provided by children or even by teenagers. It cannot be stressed often enough that pit bulls need the sort of handling only an experienced owner can provide.
Bullying and shouting simply don’t work. The type of owner who tries to impose his will in a negative sort of way by yelling at this dog or pulling him around will get nowhere. It will simply get the dog’s back up, with the inevitable result.
Pit bull terriers love company and they love attention. They are very similar to English Bull Terriers in this regard.
Don’t go for a Pitbull if you’re not prepared to keep him as part of the family and intend leaving him at home every time the family go on outings.
But then, he’s not the sort of dog who’ll greet everyone who comes to the door with a friendly lick and a tail wag.
Big macho dogs like this need to know who’s boss. They need strong obedience training and when dog and owner bond it is a lifelong and beautiful phenomenon.
How to Clean Your Dog bed
If you are in the market for a nice padded area for your dog, you will find a variety of Washable dog beds available today. Most of the dog beds come with a piece of molded foam inside of them. The beds have an easy to use zipper closure that allows you to remove the piece of foam from the inside of the fabric. The dog beds generally come with their own washing instructions, but if you purchase one that does not it’s best to wash the foam filling by hand.
You can usually wash the fabric material in any washing machine. Just make sure to use the appropriate settings to avoid shrinkage. If the fabric cover shrinks, you will not be able to get the foam padding back inside. You can clean the foam padding by using a large tub filled with soapy water. To make sure the entire piece of foam gets cleansed you should maneuver it back and forth in your hands with a scrunching motion. If you want to rid the foam of odors or stains, you can scrub the specific area with a soft cloth or scrubbing wand. You want to take care not to rip the foam padding.
You can rinse the foam insides of Washable dog beds in lukewarm tap water. Make sure you get all the soap rinsed out of the foam, as it could be an irritant to your dog. You can then dry the padding in a dryer on a low setting. If the setting is too hot, it can create burn marks on the foam. Once the fabric and foam are dry, you simply reinsert the foam and zip up the cover. For in between cleanings you can brush the bed to pick up hair and spray with room deodorizer to help eliminate smells.


