bunch of blogs: Pets and Animals

Most people contend that dogs are created to obey their masters. That is why they are considered a man’s best friend. However, obedience is not an innate quality in dogs. That is why it is important to teach them how to obey commands in order for them to know in what manner they should behave.
In reality, obedience training is created to impose control over dogs. These canine friends should know who the master is and who the follower is.
However, the concept of training dogs how to obey may vary on styles, equipment being used, or on the principles being implemented. Nevertheless, all of these things are focused on making dogs obey their masters.
The question is: How do trainers or these concepts make the dogs obey their masters? What is the reason that lies beneath the idea considering the fact that dogs are not humans who can logically understand why they have to obey?
What people don’t know is that there are only two keys in order to make their dogs obey them: consistency and compassion.
Consistency is extremely important in every training program. This is because as mentioned earlier, dogs are not logical thinkers. This means that they don’t know and they don’t understand why they have to obey or what does their master want from them. That is why it is important to let them know the things they should do and the things they shouldn’t do.
In this way, people should be consistent on distinguishing the things that should be done and those that are not appreciated.
On the other hand, compassion is needed in teaching dogs to obey because they are not like humans who will immediately understand what is wrong or right. This means that people should be a little more patient when teaching dogs to obey in order for them to gain the dog’s trust.
There are instances wherein trainers get impatient after repeating one command several times. In the end, they tend to hurt the dog. In turn, the dog gets hurt and may no longer trust his trainer.
The bottom line is that, dogs are not humans and they don’t behave like humans. That is why training them to obey needs more time, more patience, and more understanding from people who know better.

Today, the pressures of school and life in general can cause even children to feel stressed. Teaching and sharing with your kids the pleasure of birdwatching will give them a soothing activity to fall back on when they feel they’re nearing their breaking point. You do, however, have to convince your kids first that birdwatching is a cool activity rather than an exclusive hobby for the so-called geeks and nerds.
MAKE IT INTO A PROJECT
You can introduce birdwatching to your kids by turning it into a project. You can tell them that you wish to beautify your yard by building birdhouses. Whoever builds the best-looking house wins a prize!
TELL THEM STORIES
While they’re busy building their respective birdhouses – insist on making it into a one-day affair so you’ll have plenty of time to engage their interest – casually share with them short stories and interesting facts about birds.
Arouse Their Pity – Let them know that one of the reasons you want birdhouses built is to provide food and shelter for maimed birds and orphaned chicks. While not going overboard on the gory details, make sure that they understand what harm could befall stranded birds that are out of their natural habitat.
Glammin’ Up the Birds – Another effective way of catching your kids’ interest is by using analogies with birds and famous figures. You can liken a rare type of eagle to sports legends by emphasizing their amazing agility, speed, or ferociousness. You can compare certain birds like nightingales and peacocks to Hollywood stars.
GIVING THEM THE BASIC TOOLS FOR BIRDWATCHING
Kids always like it when they’re given responsibilities they believe are intended for adults. Thus, you can make it seem that observing the birds frequenting their birdhouses is a task that’s usually performed by adults, but you’re letting them handle it anyway because you think they’re “mature” enough.
Give them a pair of binoculars, a camera, a bird book, and a journal as well. Don’t pressure them into completing the task.
ORGANIZE A FIELD TRIP
Ask them if they wish to accompany you on a short trip to the woods which would end with a scrumptious meal at their favorite fast food joint.
For your kids’ first outdoor birdwatching trip, it’s important that you choose a site where they’re sure to see amazing birds. Teach them the need for developing patience and how birdwatching can help them relax whenever they have problems in life.
Birdwatching may be an activity that will take time for kids to get used to and learn to like. With a little perseverance, however, birdwatching may soon become another bonding activity for your family to enjoy.

When bird watchers flock together, or go anywhere they’d like to indulge their hobby, certain guidelines have to be followed for the safety of the person, the other visitors, and of course, the birds.
Those who want to go bird watching also have to comply with some rules to ensure the person will be able to identify the type of bird found in the given area.
This begins by having an excellent pair of binoculars, a field guide that will help the individual identify the type of bird and a notebook to log any observations. Those devices will definitely augment your bird watching passion. Do your homework and read valid reviews about them before deciding to purchase just about anything that catches your eye.
There are more than 10 different families of birds in the world. Not all of these species will visit where the hobbyist resides. This depends on the weather since some migrate during the winter and come back when the weather is warmer and on the creature’s natural habitat.
Given these factors, here are some of the rules that the hobbyist should live by in the first few months of bird watching.
1. It is best to familiarize oneself with the species of birds found in the area. Having some theoretical info about them will make it easier for the person to identify the winged creature. If the individual has lived there for quite some time, the hobbyist will know that the bird is mostly a species commonly found in that area. The odds of seeing a strange exotic creature are rare and in most cases impossible given the surroundings.
2. Codes of ethics in bird watching do exist, too. These usually impose not taking any bird out of its habitat and not littering its surroundings, which is actually one of the universal code of ethics that anyone should follow ANYWHERE, right? And oh, don’t forget about not creating any noise pollution either as this is another of those considered birds’ worst enemies. The landowners’ rights, your parking space and other matters should not be overlooked either if you don’t want to run into trouble with your hobby.
The above-mentioned bits of advice are just that - bits of advice. However,common sense should tell you that they can very well take the form of strict rules to make this hobby of yours a rewarding one.

When riding horses, the rider usually uses an array of garments and accessories intended only for horse riding. Through the times, these clothes, foot wear and head wear have developed to suit the needs and styles of different people, practices and beliefs.
The horse rider’s apparel is composed normally of the coat, shirt, vest, pants or trousers, boots, hat or helmet and gloves. For dressage or horse training, the spur is a special wear. Accompanying the rider’s apparel is a whip.
To protect the head of the rider, a certain head gear or a hat is used. Falls during horse riding or even being kicked by a frightened horse do sometimes happen so to be able to protect the head and avoid death or head injuries, a helmet must be used. The classic riding helmet is made of black velvet with a brim. Even during trainings, the rider must wear the helmet. Since hats have become a mark in fashion, there are actually many styles to choose from.
Aside from the helmet, the horseman may also use as a headgear the cowboy hat which is highly rugged. This is commonly made of felt or straw with a large brim that is as wide as four inches or more. This is useful in protecting the eyes from the sun. Compared to the helmet, the cowboy hat is much more fashionable.
The coat used as an outer garment is used for warmth and fashion. Coats have long sleeves and are open in front but may be closed through buttons or fasteners or belt. The coat for the horseman usually is longer than the hip of the rider. The shirt is the inner garment under the coat.
The vest is part of the rider’s clothes worn as an outer garment that has been associated with working class men. This has been worn in other outdoor activities such as hunting or fishing and has outside pockets. The vest for the horseman must have useable shock absorbing and impact resistant pads or panels.
Each of the panels must have a grid of discrete pockets with shock absorbing elements. The grid lines are placed in an overlapping fashion making the vest very flexible and form fitting. This gives the horseman significant protection.
The horseman’s pair of pants is a garment worn on the lower part of the body covering the two legs separately. This is a tight fitting but flexible garment that clings to the legs. This is made often with cotton or lycra. The horseman’s pants is comparable to the leggings.
Boots are foot wear essential for riders. This is a type of shoe that covers the foot and the ankle and can extend up to the knee. Boots sometimes have a high heel. Other features of the boots includes reinforced insteps and toe caps with a slim-cut leg. It has also a removable foot bed for added cushioning and insulation.
Other boots can have what is called a kick-rim which allows riders to kick boots off without any damage. Others may have an Achilles protector made of rubber to protect the ankle from blows. There are also boots that have anti-shock heels and linings with moisture-control that offer comfort and good foot health.
A glove is the type of garment that covers the hand. Gloves have openings and sheaths for each of the fingers. Usual gloves used for horse riding are made of leather. This is important to protect the hands whenever it holds or grips the rope or reins of the horse. Without the gloves, the hand can obtain cuts and bruises made by the friction with the rope or rein.
The spur is an attachment to the rider’s boot used to back up the rider’s leg aids. This is useful in giving a sharp jab on horses that are reluctant to move forward. Spurs shouldn’t be used if they aren’t necessary. They must not be used to the point of wounding the horse.
The whip is a long flexible rod that has a lash at its end. This is used to back up the rider’s leg aids. This can also be used as a training tool to tap the horse to perform some movements.
If you plan to ride a horse, make sure you have prepared your riding gear. Horse riding gear shouldn’t only be fashionable, but also comfortable.

Birdwatching is most enjoyable when you have your binoculars with you. Although birds can be seen with the naked eye, it is still best to have a tool with you that will help you look closer and appreciate the variety of bird species out there.
If you are unsure as to what type of binoculars to buy, there are several binocular reviews online that can help you. You may also consult some experienced bird watchers and ask what they can recommend for you. Knowing what you want to gain out of the activity aside from mere enjoyment will also guide you in your choices.
There are some basic things that you need to remember when getting binoculars for bird watching. First, you have to take note of its magnification which has to do with the power of the binoculars. Remember that the lower the power, the wider you see and the brighter the image is. You have to use this type when you intend to bird watch at dawn or dusk when lighting is not very good. On the other hand, if you bird watch in open areas where there is enough light, the one with a higher power is best.
You also have to consider the aperture or objective lens which is the farthest lens from your eye: it brings in light to your binoculars from the surroundings. A large aperture complements well a higher magnification when it comes to lighting although such combination may be quite costly and heavy.
Also, if you are wearing glasses, never buy binoculars without testing them with your glasses on as they have an effect on the distance of your eye to the lens. Take note also of the focus and alignment and make sure they are well calibrated. Not only do problems with these cause you not to greatlyappreciate the birds, they also can be quite straining to the eyes.
Most binoculars have similar parts and functions. Your dilemma in choosing one will come from your intended activity as well as the location of your bird watching. Some people even buy two types to suit both low-light and high-light conditions.
Online binocular reviews will also help you get acquainted with the various terms and shortcuts that manufacturers often use to label the parts. These terms may differ from one type to another so it is best to resolve your confusion with them before purchasing. Bird watching binoculars will only work best if they were chosen well.

Cats are very lovable animals. They make excellent pets. In fact, three out of ten households in the United States are known to have at least one cat as a pet. And because they love their cats so much, it was reported that the owners are willing to spend $104 on the average just for some expenses incurred with the veterinarian.
The question is: Are cats worth the trouble?
Some non-cat lovers probe the extravagance that cat lovers spend for their pets. They believe that expenses are not worth it if cats cannot learn tricks.
Indeed, cats may seem to project that impression of independence and sophistication, apparently having a mind of their own. They think that unlike dogs, cats seem so conceited that it they may not take commands easily. These assumptions were even made worse by people who said that they had attempted to train cats and everything was just a mess.
What these people do not know is that cats can be trained just like dogs. The only problem is that people tend to execute the process the wrong way. In turn, cats get confused, having the tricks all mixed up.
The truth is, it whether or not people want to train a cat, a dog, or any kind of animal. What matters most is that people should know what they want their pets to learn so that their pets will not be baffled.
The Right Recipe
In order to train cats, it is extremely important to learn patience and to give more time to the process. This is because cats, like dogs, are not humans who have the full intellect to grasp things easily and comprehensively.
Many experts contend that cats can respond well with “positive reinforcements.” However, most pet trainers assert that cats will respond more if there are foods used as rewards. The key is to have the treats ready when the cat is able to perform the required command.
Also, it would be better if cat owners would let their cats learn the tricks one at a time. And just like any training method, it is important for the trainer to be constant with his training methods so that the cat will not be confused.
In addition, it is best to let the cats learn the tricks at their own pace. Trainers or cat owners should never be pushy and want results in an instant. Patience is the number one attribute of a good trainer.
So, when teaching tricks to your cat, it is best that you have these three important characteristics: patience, time, and treats! No more, no less.

Raising a horse is a huge responsibility. These creatures unlike dogs need more space to grow and the ideal horse training facility is the stable.
There are trainers that can work with the horse several days a week. But if the person is having a hard time transporting the animal, perhaps it would be a good idea to let it stay at the facility.
The ideal horse training facility should have indoor and outdoor venues. It must also have a large open area for the animal to roam about so it can interact with the other horses and rest after a day of work.
The place should have competent staff. This includes the trainer and a veterinarian who will do regular check ups on the horses. Sometimes, the owner may not have the time to give it the vaccination or de-worming shots so this specialist can take of that.
Most of these horse-training facilities are run by veterinarians or those who have competed in past racing events. This shows that those who run the place are experts in the field that can possibly help the horse win in future competitions.
Most of the horse training facilities can be found in the phone directory or online. The individual can call to schedule for an appointment to check the place out.
Those who like the atmosphere can sign a contract after so that the proper arrangements can be made. The person should realize that the rates are very competitive especially if there are other places nearby and the price differs in other states.
If the horse owner isn’t satisfied, the individual can always come back after checking other places.
Horse training facilities are also visited by people who want to learn how to ride a horse. The individual may also get lucky in buying one since these places also sell to prospective buyers.
There are also those who have horses at home and may want to bring the animal there to breed and even sell the young later on.
There are also some community colleges that also have adequate horse training facilities. This is because students who are pursing degrees in equine education need to put the lessons learned in the classroom into practice.
Horses need guidance so that there is a strong relationship between the person and the animal. This will take time but it can happen after the person has found an adequate horse training facility.

Any cat owner will tell you, cats are wonderful pets to have around. However, that same owner can also tell you that one of the downsides is needing to deal with their pet’s toilet business.
But that should not be a drawn out problem if you take the time and proper care in training your cat to use the litter box.
Before any training should commence, make sure you have the right litter box. Choose one that is made of durable plastic for easy washing. It should also be deep enough to contain just a little less than 2 inches of litter.
Do not think that by putting more litter in the box will mean fewer times you would have to change it. Your cat will very likely refuse a soiled box even if there’s a lot of litter in it.
Cat litter comes in different varieties of grades and scents. However, the benefits of scented litter only applies to the pet owners. In fact, cats dislike scented litter because it seems unnatural to them. They will very likely reject eliminating in the box and go somewhere else.
The kind of litter grade your pet will prefer varies with each one, but it is observed that cats are particularly fond of smaller grades. Perhaps this is because smaller grains make the litter softer.
Next, place litter boxes in areas where your cat usually soils. You are building on the cat’s association of places and activities. Eventually, you may move the litter box around when your pet has gotten used to eliminating in the box.
Now that you have a good litter box set up, it’s time to teach your pet to use it.
Cats usually do their business after a meal or a nap. So take note of these times. Before feeding take 10-15 minutes to play with your pet.
Allow about 15 minutes for the meal and clear up leftovers after that period. When the meal is finished, play with your cat for another 10-15 minutes, this time somewhere near the litter box.
Lead your cat to the box. Move the litter around with your hand to intrigue the cat with the texture of the litter, inviting it to step into it.
Encourage your pet once it steps inside, speaking to it in gentle tones. Make the cat feel that the box is a nice and comfortable place. Whether your cat soils in the box or not, be consistent with that tone. Eventually, your pet will like the litter box and do its business there.
Finally, be consistent and patient. Results may not come right away, but the training will pay off in time.

Fish are fun to look at regardless of shape or size. The thing that attracts people the most is the color regardless if it is in the wild, at the pet shop, someone’s home or on television.
This makes them realize that “if other people can raise fish, so can I.” One misconception for beginners is that a fish bowl is much easier to maintain than a 5 or 10 gallon aquarium. This isn’t true because the amount of water inside the tank and its size helps the fish grow, which doesn’t do very well, being confined in a much smaller space.
Some people are very excited putting fish into the tank once the aquarium has been filled up. Some time must be given because the water temperature in the plastic bag is different from the tank and introducing the fish to the new environment without proper care could kill them.
Beginners are told to clean the tank regularly. A good indicator is the presence of algae on the glass walls but you don’t have to wait that long to take action. Test kits are available to check on the level of bacteria and other chemicals in the water. Once it goes above or below normal, then it is time change the water.
Another misconception is the volume of water that has to be replaced. Beginners don’t have to change everything because replacing 20 to 25% with fresh water is more than enough to do the job.
Choosing fish from the pet store is easy since all you have to do is point and let the sales clerk put it in the bag. However, not all fish live well together. It is best to ask someone knowledgeable about fish concerning what species will coexist peacefully in the aquarium.
The aquarium for some is considered to be another decorative item that can be placed just about anywhere in the house. Although this is true, it should never be in contact with direct sunlight because studies have shown this causes an overgrowth of algae that can kill the fish.
After reading this, you will realize that it isn’t that easy after all to take care of fish. Some research has to be done by going online or asking the expert advice of those who have been doing this for quite some time.

Do you intend to go to an auction to buy an exotic pet? That could be a wise move, because for sure, you are going to see lots of wonderful species there. If you have gone to one before, the proceedings should be familiar to you.
But if it is going to be your first time, listed here are the things that you should know about an exotic animal or exotic bird auction.
1. Most auctions are a one-day event. Some could extend the event to two or three days. There is also a specified date as to when and where they are accepting consignments. Joining an auction isn’t limited to being a buyer of exotic animals. You can also join as a seller of such.
2. Some animals aren’t accepted in auctions. This includes state regulated animals such as deer and elks, as well as all other types of poisonous animals and certain skunks. So if you are a buyer looking for a rather venomous animal or an animal not allowed in your state, don’t go to an exotic animal auction anymore, because you are not going to find what you are looking for there.
3. Cameras and videos aren’t allowed in an auction place. For security purposes and other related reasons, the auction sponsor reserves the right not to allow any form of camera and other image-taking equipments. So when you attend an auction, leave these things at home, because you can’t use that inside anyway.
4. Auction sponsors get a sale for every item sold. If you intend to join the auction as a seller, you have to be informed that your sale is subject to commission of 5% to 20%, depending upon the price of the animal you are selling. So you can adjust your prices accordingly.
5. Auction sponsors could request for a registration fee for sellers. To ensure that the animal will arrive on the date of the auction, sponsors will ask for a registration fee, either refundable or non-refundable according to the agreement. Ask exactly how much they are going to charge per pet.
6. Admission fees can be collected from buyers. If you are coming as a buyer, a minimal amount could be asked of you as entrance fee. Usually for a 2-day event, the price is within the rage of $8 to $15. A single day event will usually be less than $10.
Is there an exotic pet auction coming up near you? If there is one, and you do want to get an exotic pet, join it. Your next best friend could be there!