tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39466100010380982902024-02-11T18:44:56.550-05:00The Pet ParadeValuable tips and techniques for all pet owners. One stop to pet care and dog training. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-84678839791582950972018-10-28T09:06:00.000-04:002018-10-22T10:14:36.310-04:00Ready to Try Dancing with Dogs<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What Is Canine
Freestyle?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Canine freestyle or dancing with dogs is a terrific way to
develop a strong, loving relationship with your dog.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You can design personalized dance routines to
your favorite music, and take to the dance floor with your dog.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlL6Okpf4qBoNhBHC5gC14uAi9hSk7igziBYY8DW_pdr2TzmZkv6-D1MOvP6PLxRm6S1FxkFpRP8vasbF_9A4LW_iMQ6LsKUufJ9mDSB_qrFztbiYejF6shhETVMiS48lDKPRlGqKJ-XJ/s1600/ac+freestyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlL6Okpf4qBoNhBHC5gC14uAi9hSk7igziBYY8DW_pdr2TzmZkv6-D1MOvP6PLxRm6S1FxkFpRP8vasbF_9A4LW_iMQ6LsKUufJ9mDSB_qrFztbiYejF6shhETVMiS48lDKPRlGqKJ-XJ/s320/ac+freestyle.jpg" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlL6Okpf4qBoNhBHC5gC14uAi9hSk7igziBYY8DW_pdr2TzmZkv6-D1MOvP6PLxRm6S1FxkFpRP8vasbF_9A4LW_iMQ6LsKUufJ9mDSB_qrFztbiYejF6shhETVMiS48lDKPRlGqKJ-XJ/s1600/ac+freestyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">K9 freestyle is a dog sport for pet owners who love their
dogs and want to spend time forming a bonding relationship with them, while
having fun at the same time.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="margin: 0px;">K9 </span>Freestyle
is a personally designed routine that combines dancing with your dog, using
tricks and obedience training set to music.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>As your progress through your dance routine, you’ll form a bond between
you and your dog, becoming an inseparable team.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The trick training and synchronized dance routine physically and
mentally stimulates your dog, which is great for his cognitive function.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Is K9 Freestyle
Physically Demanding?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You create dance routines to suit your physical abilities,
so you can make it simple or demanding.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Anyone can participate in dog dancing.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Men, women, young, and old enjoy this dog sport.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The dance routine is set to whatever music you
enjoy.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It can be soft, slow, loud, boogie-woogie, or rap.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You decide what music is
best suited for your dance team.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Is Dance Experience Required?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No dance experience is required to have fun <a href="https://amzn.to/2PLVd40">dancing with your dog</a>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It’s up to you to decide the
dance steps and tricks your team performs.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>The dance moves can be as basic or advanced as you want.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Even basic tricks make wonderful freestyle
routines.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What Should Your Dog
Know before Beginning K9 Freestyle?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The only thing your dog should know before starting canine dancing is basic obedience commands.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>It’s always a good idea to attend a basic obedience class before
starting any other dog sport, whether it is rally, performance obedience,
agility, or freestyle.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Your dog should
know basic commands, such as sit, down, come, stay. He should also be friendly
around people, and other dogs because freestyle is performed off leash.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlL6Okpf4qBoNhBHC5gC14uAi9hSk7igziBYY8DW_pdr2TzmZkv6-D1MOvP6PLxRm6S1FxkFpRP8vasbF_9A4LW_iMQ6LsKUufJ9mDSB_qrFztbiYejF6shhETVMiS48lDKPRlGqKJ-XJ/s1600/ac+freestyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How Much Time Should You
Spend Training for K9 Freestyle?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s up to you <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>how
much time you spend <a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2018/09/clicker-train-your-dog-and-youll-both.html">training tricks </a>for canine dancing.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Most dogs learn quickly with just five
minutes of training, a few times a day rather than long training sessions.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You teach freestyle using positive
reinforcement, not punishment.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This makes
the training fun for both of you, making progress easier.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do K9 Freestyle
Competitions Require only Purebred Dogs?</span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>What is great
about canine freestyle is that all dogs can participate.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Mixed breeds, purebreds, young, and old dogs
have fun competing in freestyle.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>National freestyle organizations present titles to all dogs who present
winning dance routines. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Canine Freestyle is an enjoyable dog sport for people and
dogs of all ages.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Put on your dancing
shoes and start dancing with your dog.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>You’ll be surprised at the bond you form with your dog and the fun the
two of you will have together.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HqbVbPvlDoM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HqbVbPvlDoM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">See an amazing example of this incredible dog dancing
routine with </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Carolyn Scott
and Rookie.</u></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Resources:</span></b></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://www.worldcaninefreestyle.org/"><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">World Canine
Freestyle Organization</span></a></div>
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</a>Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-47173451667408795182018-09-19T13:54:00.000-04:002018-09-19T13:54:03.746-04:00Clicker Train Your Dog and You'll both be Happy<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWU_NZPomdDlY7-e21iL5sDhOcNEWZhNWqnNFyhlkQMSQTrN8bTTbSV3FhYlyY6_-RITeJAK172AAL4v7trRZPgdzNgNKdEChBNnyCdrfywlwJf5-9mbDIj8Opak-9aipui04JYZsIG6sd/s1600/Dog_clicker_training.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="131" data-original-width="128" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWU_NZPomdDlY7-e21iL5sDhOcNEWZhNWqnNFyhlkQMSQTrN8bTTbSV3FhYlyY6_-RITeJAK172AAL4v7trRZPgdzNgNKdEChBNnyCdrfywlwJf5-9mbDIj8Opak-9aipui04JYZsIG6sd/s200/Dog_clicker_training.jpg" width="195" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Getting Ready for Clicker Training</div>
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clicker training is an effective, positive method of
teaching your dog basic obedience, advanced obedience, and competition
behaviors.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The clicker method uses the
theory of operant conditioning, which involves positive reinforcement when your
dog performs a desired behavior.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You use
the <a href="https://amzn.to/2QDdr8J">clicker</a> to mark the correct behavior, so your dog knows what’s
expected.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Once you mark the behavior with
the clicker, you give your dog a treat right away.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You use progressive steps to train your dog
using the clicker method of training.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your Dog Offers the Desired
Behavior on His Own</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The crucial element of clicker training your dog is to get
the desired behavior without physically pulling, pushing, or dragging the
dog.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Your dog should offer the behavior
on his own, learning what the desired behavior involves.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Physically forcing him to perform a behavior
is a negative approach to dog training.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An example of rewarding a desired behavior is attempting to
teach, “Sit”.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When your dog sits, click
and treat.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It doesn’t matter when he
sits or where he sits, just click and treat whenever he sits on his own.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don’t give a cue for “Sit” yet but continue clicking and
treating whenever he sits.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Soon, your
dog will be sitting just to get the treat.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>When he’s comfortable with sitting and understands why he’s getting a
reward, you can add the cue, “Sit”.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It
doesn’t take long for your dog to understand the cue and begin responding to
the word, “Sit”.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Click to Mark the
Desired Behavior</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The key to clicker training is to click at the right
time.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Clicking too soon or too late only
confuses your dog.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The instant your dog
gives the desired behavior, click and treat.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>If you give your dog a treat, even a few seconds after the behavior, it
won’t be effective.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Your dog won’t
associate the correct behavior with the click if the treat is too late.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It’s better not to give the treat at all if you
can’t deliver it to your dog immediately.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reinforce Your Dog’s Behavior
with High-Level Treats</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All dogs are different and have different likes and
dislikes.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>To reinforce clicker training,
choose <a href="https://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2010/02/homemade-dehydrated-dog-treats.html">treats that your dog loves</a>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Most
dogs will not work just for praise or a pat on the head.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Treats are considered the primary reinforcement
because almost all dogs will work for food.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span></span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once your dog performs the correct behavior for eighty percent
of the time, you can gradually fade out the treats.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If your dog has a setback or becomes
distracted by something else, add the treats back to the training.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/yvw2bcGcoDk/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yvw2bcGcoDk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Advancing Beyond
Basic Clicker Training for Distance and Duration</span></b></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make the desired behavior harder for your dog once he knows
the cue.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Extend the time he has to sit
by a few seconds, gradually adding more time.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When teaching the command, “Stay”, for instance, stand next
to your dog while asking him to stay, and click for staying while you stand
next to him.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Next, take a step away then
come back to your dog, and click and treat him.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eventually, your dog will stay no matter how far away you get.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You can apply this method for any of the
behaviors you want your dog to learn. It’s great for distance work, <a href="https://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2018/07/teach-your-dog-to-target-for-easier.html">targeting</a>,
and <a href="https://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2018/07/what-your-puppy-should-know-during.html">basic commands</a> like sit, stay and down.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add Distractions and
Continue Clicker Training</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once your dog responds to the cues and the clicker, add
distractions.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Distractions are the most
difficult obstacle your dog has to overcome.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Begin clicker training with distractions outside in the yard before
bringing him to a busier spot.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When your dog gives the desired behavior when a neighbor is
in the yard or a child rides past on a bicycle, then it’s time to move on to
harder distractions.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Bring your dog to
the park or a public event.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When he
gives the correct behavior, click and treat in the same way as when there were
no distractions.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You should add distractions gradually, especially with
reactive dogs.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If your pup has
difficulty with the distractions, go back inside and continue clicker training
the basics until he’s more comfortable.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, Fade the
Clicker</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The final step in clicker training your dog is to fade the
clicker.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Begin slowly, using praise as
the treat after clicking.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Return to
using the clicker whenever you want to teach a new behavior.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You can use clicker training to train your
dog for agility, obedience competitions, therapy dogs, or service dogs.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good luck with your clicker training! </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>References:</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<a href="http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/index.htm#basic"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Clicker
Solutions: “Basic Clicker Training</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">”</span></span></span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<a href="http://www.clickerlessons.com/whatis.htm"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #660000; font-family: Calibri;">Clicker
Lessons: “What Is Clicker Training?”</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Image: </b>Elf at the English language Wikipedia [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-62200305926625018282018-09-18T10:49:00.000-04:002018-09-18T13:04:01.419-04:007 Easy Steps to Setting Up a Fresh Water Aquarium<span style="font-family: "arial";">Setting up a freshwater aquarium is fairly simple, but does require following a few steps to get the tropical aquarium environment safe for fish. Don't rush the process, or you could run into a lot of problems with the new fish you buy.<br />
<br />
Be patient, making sure the water is the correct temperature, PH, and that healthy bacteria are living in the aquarium tank before adding fish. If any of these things are not done correctly, your new fish won't last very long.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOImfuqG9JnxGyGfqfX6Nay5-T49c0vjwrfLKx6Ih1B_ICtLWvGnCc2ssvO8lAQ-mbm4wf56JgLRmWiLEXtkeWQTgJBnjqmKQ1OyGmH9mvlywTRCVh2WSbgdYgwaFa7sSXjJzc5xxOVxL/s1600/293411151_72401dbea5_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOImfuqG9JnxGyGfqfX6Nay5-T49c0vjwrfLKx6Ih1B_ICtLWvGnCc2ssvO8lAQ-mbm4wf56JgLRmWiLEXtkeWQTgJBnjqmKQ1OyGmH9mvlywTRCVh2WSbgdYgwaFa7sSXjJzc5xxOVxL/s320/293411151_72401dbea5_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flickr <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/genista/293411151/in/photolist-rVNUX-MXzYK-ZG2Nb1-spGAz-a2gEHE-DBDmU3-9UCix-8KSfms-ca5Vg-ca5F4-8SVbDM-ca4tZ-ca6tn-8KSeYC-6J2M9o-UG8EE8-dH4Ra-adFQkD-MXvNK-ca4B8-MXiCf-SqamMo-29J5tN9-8SYg6j-6QRbpS-MXneb-dH5eb-6Gg4z6-MXxTH-nzm5jN-a2gEUb-dH2gL-8SV6cT-78PETj-MXpcy-MXiUq-ca5Nh-dH5yb-7hsnU3-ca6ks-b9cv4R-7fF7Ny-MXtL8-MXBmF-c1sxy-7siLPm-tUUk1j-MXwGB-JjrPdE-9Sa6Ka">Kai Schreber</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br />
<br />
To get started on an aquarium that you and your family can enjoy for years to come, follow these few simple tips:<br />
<br />
<strong>Supplies You Will Need before Setting Up the Tank Environment:</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";">30 -55 gallon aquarium – don't go any smaller than this. If you are going through all the work of developing an aquarium, you want it big enough to add the fish you would like.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: "arial";">
<li>Aquarium Stand - Be sure to purchase a stand sturdy enough to hold the tank filled with water. Most people are surprised at the weight of a tank, once filled.</li>
<li>Aquarium Tank Canopy – Fish are very active and can jump right out of the tank if it is not covered.</li>
<li>Aquarium Light – The lights are available in different tones. Some look like sunlight, cool light, or spot lighting for emphasis on plants or ornaments.</li>
<li>Aquarium Water Heater – Tropical fish require a warm environment.</li>
<li>Thermometer – These are available as floating thermometers, inside suction thermometers, or outside the tank(stick on- my favorite)</li>
<li>Filter – The water must be filtered to remove food debris and keep the water clean. There are a wide variety of filters: under gravel filters, inside the tank filters, or filters that hang on the outside. Check your pet supply store and choose the filter you feel would be the best for you.</li>
<li>Pump – You will need this if you are using air bubble wands.</li>
<li>Gravel – Choose whatever type of gravel you like. The gravel is important because it actually houses the good bacteria your tank will need to stay healthy.</li>
<li>Test Kit - This is a must when first setting up your tank. After the aquarium is established, you won't really need to test it. The test checks the levels of PH, Nitrite, Nitrate, Ammonia, and CO2. Once these levels check in the safe zone, it is time to add fish.</li>
<li>Stress Coat – This is added to the water. It helps protect the fish when adding them to a new environment.</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Those are all the necessities needed for starting a fresh water aquarium. Now comes the fun part. Choose the decorations you would like for your tank. Once again, pet supply stores carry all types of theme decorations. You can get driftwood, colored gravel, plants, moss, bubble wands, back drops, and various stones.<br />
<br />
<strong>Time to Set Up the Tank:</strong><br />
<br />
1. Place the fish tank stand out far enough away from the wall to allow the filter to hang over. Also, it is best to situate the tank where it will not be in the direct sunlight. This could cause an algae problem.<br />
<br />
2. Rinse the gravel to remove any dust particles and place in the bottom of the tank. Slowly add about 2" of water to the tank. Bottled water will not need to be treated, but if you use tap water, use a chlorine remover.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br />
3. Set up the equipment: heater, filter, thermometer, pump if needed.<br />
<br />
4. Decorate with ornaments. Spread them out so the fish have enough room to swim around. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br />
5. Fill the tank with water. Turn on the filter, heater, and pump. Let it run for 24 hours and test the water. Make sure all levels are correct before adding fish. Sometimes, it can take up to a week for good bacteria to grow. If you visit a pet store, ask if you can take a little water from one of their established aquariums. This can help the bacteria grow quicker in your tank.<br /><br />
6. Time to add the fish – Start with only a few hardy fish to be sure your tank is safe. Once you have the fish for a few weeks, add a few more. The typical recommendation is one fish per gallon, so the size of your aquarium will determine how many fish you can have. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br />
7. It is best to have at least two bottom feeders to help keep your tank clean: cat fish are great for this. You will also want at least one algae eater to keep the algae under control. Choose some peaceful community fish like: neons, barbs, tetras, <a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2013/06/gouramis-are-fun-additions-to-your.html">gouramis</a> and danios. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Many fish will nip at each other, so be sure to check if the fish you are buying are community, semi-aggressive, or aggressive. You really can't mix these types of fish.<br />
<br />
Hope this guide helped you set up the perfect fish tank for you. Now that all the work is done, you shouldn't have to do anything but change about one quarter of the water every couple of weeks. You can also use a siphon vacuum to clean the bottom of the tank of you think it needs it. Enjoy your <a href="https://amzn.to/2xjIxdA">new tropical aquarium</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</span><br />
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<br /></div>
Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-23306781537008461582018-09-15T17:41:00.000-04:002018-09-16T14:30:53.517-04:00 Gouramis Are Fun Additions to Your Aquarium<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the fish world had comedians, Gouramis would be superstars. They have so many funny, incredible behaviors that they can put on quite a show in your fish tank. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4KbA9ZVyeZTtOkZvX0SOJ202YrPd-wGTB3S4nZfGHehLZzhoIBDQ7mCsioN4fyS01V-R8oGpWcRoRHiQnExocz7AbgEqu3uTM6sqPnpHkCQu8c2E8evmvziVtm7ARfuDAhB2X5N1LU4y/s1600/KSSEND~1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4KbA9ZVyeZTtOkZvX0SOJ202YrPd-wGTB3S4nZfGHehLZzhoIBDQ7mCsioN4fyS01V-R8oGpWcRoRHiQnExocz7AbgEqu3uTM6sqPnpHkCQu8c2E8evmvziVtm7ARfuDAhB2X5N1LU4y/s1600/KSSEND~1.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can mix and match different types of gouramis too because they are a docile, friendly fish most of the time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">T</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he gourami (Trichogaster), also known as a labyrinth is one
of the most colorful ornamental fish, and its distinctive behavioral habits
make this a favorite fish for aquarists, according to Aquarium USA. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Different species of gouramis like the dwarf
gourami, croaking gourami, chocolate gourami, blue gourami, pearl gourami and
kissing gourami can live in the same tank, so you can enjoy all the gourami’s unusual
habits.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gouramis Touch
Everything </span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gouramis touch everything in the aquarium, using their long,
thin, sensitive pelvic fins as feelers to find food, potential mates and maneuver
their way through cloudy, muddy water. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although your fish tank has clean
water, gouramis continue this interesting habit, even touching all the other
fish in the tank. If you have gourami in your aquarium, avoid adding fish that
nip at long, threadlike fins. All species of gourami touch things,
especially the dwarf gourami.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gulping Gouramis</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may notice that all gouramis reach out of the water for
gulps of air, as if breathing.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>All types
of gouramis gulp the air at the water’s surface, which passes through the mouth
into an extra respiratory organ that carries oxygen through a labyrinth into
the gourami’s bloodstream. This labyrinth system supplements their gills, allowing
gouramis to live in <a href="https://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2012/03/do-i-need-aquarium-bubbler-and-air-pump.html">low-oxygen or polluted water</a>. Gulping air is most
noticeable in snakeskin gouramis and kissing gouramis.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gouramis Chirp and
Croak</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kissing gouramis make sounds during social interaction by
grinding their teeth together. The male croaking gourami chirps and croaks when
putting on a show for females. Two males also make the croaking sounds when
aggressively facing each other.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kissing Gouramis Could
be Fighting <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZRVR-w9vmaMpVeDN559iGI5oUZLR7d9enqaVXoW8Xk3hsyk7tufHNKeEVjhRwof1WqwNryQjQsxlLBIbBTxDgkb7Xrh9TiZVNKt0Eocizx_zL4vfOvRkBk6-gnAs45OxOaVYe_78qfeh/s1600/512px-Helostoma_temminckii_in_aquarium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="512" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZRVR-w9vmaMpVeDN559iGI5oUZLR7d9enqaVXoW8Xk3hsyk7tufHNKeEVjhRwof1WqwNryQjQsxlLBIbBTxDgkb7Xrh9TiZVNKt0Eocizx_zL4vfOvRkBk6-gnAs45OxOaVYe_78qfeh/s320/512px-Helostoma_temminckii_in_aquarium.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Kissing Gourami</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although gouramis touch their mouths together in what looks
like a kiss, they are actually displaying aggressive behavior, sometimes known
as mouth fighting. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Kissing can also occur
during mating or in aggressive situations but gouramis are usually friendly, passive
fish. This behavior is most noticeable in kissing gouramis because of their
large, protruding lips but all gouramis use their mouths for “kissing” rocks,
plants and gravel while searching for food.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watch out for Spitting
Gouramis</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many new <a href="https://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2007/11/simple-steps-to-starting-fresh-water.html">fish hobbyists</a> are surprised when they walk up to
their aquarium and their gourami spits a jet of water in the air. Because of
the gourami’s ability to gulp air, they can take in water and blow it out above
the water line. Gouramis often spit water to knock insects out of the air,
snatching them up for food. All gouramis can also jump above the water to grab
insects.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you decide to give gouramis a try, read up on what you'll need for <a href="https://amzn.to/2pcGe7D">supplies</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/2xvEjij">food</a>. Hope you have a great time watching your silly gouramis.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Image Credits:
</b></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By Jörn (Flickr: küssender Gourami II) [CC-BY-SA-2.0
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By Green Yoshi [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Resources:</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2012 Annual Aquarium USA: A Great Group of Gouramis: Jeffrey
Howe</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<a href="http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Helostoma_temminkii/#behavior"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">University of Michigan: Animal Diversity Web: Helostoma Temminkii,
Green Kisser</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: #000120;"></span>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<a href="http://digital.library.okstate.edu/oas/oas_pdf/v52/p27_33.pdf"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oklahoma State University: Diel Activity Patterns of the
Male Snakeskin Gourami, Trichogaster Pectoralis</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-35341131057663186312018-09-14T09:40:00.000-04:002018-09-14T09:40:51.138-04:00Learn about the Fun, New Dog Game: Treiball<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to the North American Treibball Association,
Treibball, also known as Driving Ball or Herding Ball, is a new, German dog
sport that’s becoming popular around the world.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>In Treibball your dog has to herd eight large balls into a soccer net,
in 15 minutes.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This dog sport is great
exercise for all dogs, large and small, and develops your dog’s concentration
and self-reliant thinking.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Treibball is
the perfect sport for herding and sporting dogs. </span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmR00-j5_OmcCpFNloufRjI0YUDcwTQkZQKKjg0bxMD6v8aWIoSdCtNPc7qXtnCNLkEO3rAYzBciJlwXmnykpCC7SMmik3wcFCQrsy94PerlBZjCPzp-FQ-6fjjNRlmZntFP0HIcnKHFs/s1600/treiball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="640" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmR00-j5_OmcCpFNloufRjI0YUDcwTQkZQKKjg0bxMD6v8aWIoSdCtNPc7qXtnCNLkEO3rAYzBciJlwXmnykpCC7SMmik3wcFCQrsy94PerlBZjCPzp-FQ-6fjjNRlmZntFP0HIcnKHFs/s320/treiball.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Getting ready for a game of Treiball</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About Treibball</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Treibball, developed in Germany by Jan Nijboer in 2003,
became a competitive sport in Europe in 2007.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Many dog training schools in the United States are adding Treibball to
their course offerings, especially in the Midwest and California. In Treibball
classes, dogs learn to move large, 22 inch to 34 inch, air filled balls into a
net or a pen, and the dog handlers learn how to incorporate distance work to
direct the dog.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The handler signals the dog, guiding him to go out to the
balls and wait for the herding command.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>The dog handler directs the dog to go right or left to begin herding the
balls into the net using a series of hand signals, whistles, or verbal commands.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Treibball is very similar to herding a flock
of sheep and is ideal for dogs that want to work.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Treibball Rules</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The eight different colored Treibball fitness balls are
arranged in a triangle similar to a game of pool, 15 feet away from the goal
net.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The dog handler stands to the right
of the net or pen and cannot enter the herding area that is the length of half
a soccer field.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When the start whistle
blows, the dog has 15 minutes to herd the balls into the net.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The dog has to push the balls into the net in
a certain color order and the handler directs the dog with distance commands to
the correct ball.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yelling or pressuring the dog in any way results in a time
penalty.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>More advanced Treibball
competitors push the balls through narrow passages and water obstacles.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Beginner handlers and dogs just need to get
the colored balls into the pen.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QBJ9DVp9dyM/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QBJ9DVp9dyM?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Treibball is not as easy as it sounds and before beginning
Treibball training, your dog should know the <a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2018/07/what-your-puppy-should-know-during.html">basic obedience behaviors</a> sit,
stay, down, heel and come.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Treibball
requires your dog to work off-leash, so a reliable recall is necessary.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This sample video clip shows a dog owner and
her dog in <span style="color: black;">Treibbal
training</span>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The video gives an idea of
what is involved in training your dog for Treibball and shows how much fun it
is.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sources that explain more about Treiball:</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<a href="https://www.americantreibballassociation.org/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">American Treiball Association</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://www.germanshepherdhome.net/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/43495/Treibball_ball_herding_rules_a.html"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">German
Shepherd Home: Treibball/ball Herding Rules and Training</span></a></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2D8cLWj">Treiball Training and Supplies</a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-41376756884403299522018-09-12T12:02:00.000-04:002018-09-14T08:56:20.892-04:00Do Miniature Goats Make Good Pets?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4ufqdZ_mNaw3RLft8QXNZ_LHQX-nTFN9ALmhLbOEouAb7DilUfzW3qMw_HH8hj8GVMr11L_HwgnRoEW_PEWx22euYei6KZC9cQ-ZBDdI7S2LyhAeZH7VpB02tan5CXpA7nsVMEAgqNzh/s1600/AC+pygmy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4ufqdZ_mNaw3RLft8QXNZ_LHQX-nTFN9ALmhLbOEouAb7DilUfzW3qMw_HH8hj8GVMr11L_HwgnRoEW_PEWx22euYei6KZC9cQ-ZBDdI7S2LyhAeZH7VpB02tan5CXpA7nsVMEAgqNzh/s320/AC+pygmy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Miniature goats make wonderful pets.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>They enjoy grooming and attention in the same
way as a dog or cat does.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Miniature
goats are sensitive and affectionate, thriving with the family’s care and
company.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The African Pygmy Goat is the best goat breed to keep as a
pet, weighing about thirty-five pounds as an adult and standing about two feet
tall. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>These small goats are intelligent
and easily trained.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy miniature goat owners follow a few essentials of <a href="https://amzn.to/2NEzCww">petgoat care</a> for a happy, healthy, well adjusted goat.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Male or Female Goats</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All miniature goats are bright, alert, and friendly.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Depending on what you’re looking for in a
goat will help you decide whether to get a boy or a girl goat.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Female pygmy goats produce up to two quarts of delicious
milk every day.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>They’re also odor free
and friendly.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Male pygmy goats carry a distinct odor, but you can have
them de-scented by a veterinarian.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Male
goats should also be neutered because as adults, they do become aggressive and
territorial much like a dog.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Once
neutered, male miniature goats are very family oriented and gentle.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All miniature goats should have their horns removed, known
as debudding, to prevent injury to children and themselves.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>They often get their horns stuck into small
spaces, causing injuries.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Training a Goat</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can <a href="https://amzn.to/2NEzCww">train miniature goats</a> to walk on a leash using the
clicker training method. Clickers are very effective training tools, often used
for training dogs, dolphins and whales.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The African Pygmy Goat catches on quickly, learning the
behaviors you want.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Goats want to please
you because of their sensitive nature. This makes training much easier. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can also teach your miniature goat the same type of
tricks that dog’s learn.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Taking the time
to train a miniature goat builds a trusting relationship between owner and pet.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Miniature goats make ideal pets, and they also trim your
lawn and eat weeds.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Housing for Goats</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Miniature goats don’t need much in the way of housing.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>All they require is a small shelter from the
rain and wind, and a small area for grazing.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>You can even let your goat <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>live
in the house with the family. If you’re wondering; Yes, <a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2008/01/strategies-for-housebreaking-your-puppy.html#comment-form">you can housebreak yourgoat</a>. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feeding Your Goat</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Miniature goats are inexpensive to feed, which is a plus for
pet owners.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Pygmy goats graze outside,
and you can feed them hay whenever they want.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the winter, feed your goat grain if he can’t go
outside or grass isn’t available.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When
feeding grain, only give small amounts depending on how much your goat weighs.
Miniature goats can get sick from too much grain, so it’s best to ask your
veterinarian or miniature goat breeder for the correct amount of grain to
feed.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Also, only feed your goat grain that’s
<a href="https://amzn.to/2NEzCww">formulated for goats</a>, such as,<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>goat
chow, goat grain, or goat ration.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can also give your goat dietary supplements. Baking soda
helps reduce the acidity of the rumen, which is the first of four chambers in
the goat’s stomach.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You can give Selenium
to help build antioxidants but only in areas where Selenium is low in the soil.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vaccinate Your Goat</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like all pets, your miniature goat needs vaccinations to
remain healthy.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>A tetanus toxoid shot is
a yearly shot given to pet goats, and baby goats need a series of three
vaccinations for Clostridium perfringens bacteria.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Consult your veterinarian for information on
all vaccinations for common goat diseases.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Resources:</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<a href="http://www.ndga.org/"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nigerian Dwarf Goat Association</span></a></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="color: blue;"></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span>Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-41775135025187613772018-09-11T07:38:00.000-04:002018-09-11T14:44:56.282-04:00Little Lion Dog: Facts about the Lowchen Dog Breed<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqpEmCKRt4QqVzxDLgMObtcxoKbUbsIvYUv_vYh-yWpWwvFOB2OkdDv3iZUXsXN-pKqtysJdBPVSoA7HH9l97Q9mgzVjtCejIeOMMKEhzSkduvWAJlJg3drgSqkp6_61ZFMtuPZrJMQTT/s1600/AC+Lowchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqpEmCKRt4QqVzxDLgMObtcxoKbUbsIvYUv_vYh-yWpWwvFOB2OkdDv3iZUXsXN-pKqtysJdBPVSoA7HH9l97Q9mgzVjtCejIeOMMKEhzSkduvWAJlJg3drgSqkp6_61ZFMtuPZrJMQTT/s320/AC+Lowchen.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lowchen: Little Lion D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ver heard of the Lowchen dog breed? The </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the 1960’s, the Guinness World Book of Records named
the Lowchen as the rarest dog breed.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Since that time, Lowchens have increased in numbers, but only a couple of hundred if them are registered by the American Kennel Club.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2NxRV6x">Lowchens</a> look like little lions and are often called Little Lion Dogs.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to the American Kennel Club, the Lowchen has been
around for 400 years and was a companion dog during the Pre-Renaissance.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The dogs would warm the feet of ladies
of the court.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Lowchen's coat was
trimmed to look like a lion with short fur on the hindquarters<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>and a mane around the neck.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It is unknown exactly where Lowchen dogs
originated, but it is believed they came from Germany and the Mediterranean.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Similar to a bichon, Lowchens weigh anywhere from
nine to 18 pounds and stand 12 to 14 inches tall.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The dog’s body is compact and balanced with a
short snout and a broad skull.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His expression is alert and intelligent.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Lowchens haves dark brown eyes, pendant ears, and well-spaced teeth. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These dogs walk with a spritely gait that emphasizes their long manes.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>They carry their tail curved over the
back.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The hindquarters are strong and
muscular.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The dog’s wavy, long coat
comes in black, lemon, white, or a mixture of all the colors.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Lowchens Have an Outgoing, Positive Nature</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lowchen dogs are outgoing and good with children.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Their positive attitudes make them ideal as a
family pet.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>They are affectionate and
are content to stay around the family. They also get along with other
dogs.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>They are smart dogs and easy to train.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Traditional <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Lion Clip</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Lowchen’s coat needs <a href="https://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/search?q=taking+care+of+new+puppy">regular grooming</a> <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>and most owners give the Lowchen a traditional
Lion Clip. The Lion Clip is achieved by cutting the fur to 1/8 inch from the
last rib and continuing across the hindquarters to the joint in the rear
legs.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fur on the front legs is also
cut 1/8 inch in length down to the elbows.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Tufts of fur are left on the bottom of the four legs but the feet are
clipped.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The dog’s tail fur is clipped
1/8 inch in length but a puff of fur is left on the bottom of the tail. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">If you like the look of lions, a <a href="https://amzn.to/2NxRV6x">Lowchen</a> could be the dog breed for you.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.akc.org/breeds/lowchen/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">American Kennel
Club: Lowchen</span></a></div>
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<br />Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-82689299130921413652018-09-05T09:12:00.000-04:002018-09-06T11:13:40.244-04:004 Non-Shedding Dogs Perfect for Allergy Sufferers<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCfTbYCaLvXeu_l9B8ykRDUvcbWuMuqrcKNPIBL-xXbWZOJA6NubukJ0rsB4Ri_gO7lnXAEQBgEUQopsmOGS_z2zMYegvQxlePjk75RQg6JP7o3ndTpXxXCeIMUMMMGitxnV4QQWSZQq0/s1600-h/AC+Oli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCfTbYCaLvXeu_l9B8ykRDUvcbWuMuqrcKNPIBL-xXbWZOJA6NubukJ0rsB4Ri_gO7lnXAEQBgEUQopsmOGS_z2zMYegvQxlePjk75RQg6JP7o3ndTpXxXCeIMUMMMGitxnV4QQWSZQq0/s320/AC+Oli.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Non-shedding Shorkie</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you're a dog lover,but you can't have a dog because of allergies, then a non-shedding dog could bring you the joy of having a loving pet again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some dogs are bred to have non-allergenic fur. These <a href="https://amzn.to/2M4AO7t">non-shedding dogs </a>are friendly, family oriented, and low maintenance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you're looking for a Fido friend that doesn't shed, one of these four dog breeds could be for you.</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4 of the Most Popular
Non-Shedding Dogs</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you’re allergic to dog fur, but you love dogs, then
consider adding a non-shedding dog to your family. The following dogs are the
most popular of all the low shedding dogs for pet owners.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>All of these breeds are friendly, low
maintenance, and intelligent dogs that make perfect family pets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Shih-Tzu</b> – the
Shih-Tzu sports a long, elegant, double coat that sheds very little.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>According to the American Kennel Club, the
Shih-Tzu is “one of the most popular breeds in the United States.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The name Shih-Tzu translates, “lion” but this
little dog is far from vicious.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He’s a
friendly, family oriented dog whose only goal in life is to be a trusted
companion.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Although the Shih-Tzu sheds
very little, he does need <a href="https://amzn.to/2oIRkRg">daily brushing</a> of his luxurious coat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An adult Shih-Tzu weighs from nine to 16 pounds and adult
height is nine to 10 inches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Yorkshire Terrier – </b>This
little dog is most commonly known as a Yorkie.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>The Yorkie belongs to the toy group of dogs and is very friendly, brave,
and affectionate.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The Yorkie’s coat is
usually tan and blue with a silky, soft texture.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This breed sheds little to none, which makes her
a perfect dog for people who have allergies. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The long coat of the Yorkie requires regular brushing, but
many Yorkie owners give the dog a puppy cut, which eliminates daily <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3946610001038098290#editor/target=post;postID=1578613419434534939;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=0;src=postname">grooming</a>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Most Yorkshire Terriers do not weight any
more than seven pounds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Shorkie</b> – this
small mixed breed is a cross between the Shih-Tzu and the Yorkshire
Terrier.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The father is always a Shih-Tzu
and the mother, a Yorkie.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The Shorkie is
a small, non shedding dog that loves to be at home with the family.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If any family members suffer from allergies,
the Shorkie is the ideal dog.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>his fur is
non-allergenic and requires grooming only once a month.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Shorkies are very outgoing and get along well
with children and other dogs.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Their adult
weight is between four to 12 pounds and they stand five to nine inches tall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Labradoodle – </b>The
Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador retriever and a Standard or Miniature
Poodle.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This breed is fairly new,
originating in Australia in 1989.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Wally
Conron was the first to breed the Labradoodle, hoping to produce a coat that
had little shedding like the Poodle and the friendly nature of the
Labrador.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It’s difficult to give a
standard appearance for Labradoodles because the breed is so new but the coat
usually has the wooly texture of a sheep.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Labradoodles are very smart dogs and quick learners with
training.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Their size depends upon whether
they were bred with a Standard Poodle or Miniature Poodle.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This is actually a good option for pet owners
who want a medium-sized dog or a large dog.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Hope this help some allergy sufferers out there! </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">If you have experience with any non-shedding, allergenic dogs, please leave a comment about your dog. It could help people with pet allergies to find a loving companion.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Resource: </b><a href="http://www.akc.org/breeds/shih_tzu/index.cfm"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">American Kennel Club</span></b></a></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></div>
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.Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-15786134194345349392018-08-30T11:22:00.000-04:002018-08-30T16:22:23.497-04:00How Often Should I Give My Dog a Bath?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6o3EumN7fQXoZqYg4tpiQnKevbmfaHcYOyxkwT3hEKEXS5gEDmOED5Dqpk9zuD25x-_St18jaAu7NhhyimkYcCipBMcEY1bEyQqLza2Ew83x3WFdwf-puYWeKmkR0U3JZSUX2ToWchAK_/s1600/dog+bath2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6o3EumN7fQXoZqYg4tpiQnKevbmfaHcYOyxkwT3hEKEXS5gEDmOED5Dqpk9zuD25x-_St18jaAu7NhhyimkYcCipBMcEY1bEyQqLza2Ew83x3WFdwf-puYWeKmkR0U3JZSUX2ToWchAK_/s320/dog+bath2.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=3565">Mikumistock</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dog shampoo used to be harsh, and many vets recommended only bathing your dog once per year because the shampoo used to strip the dog's coat of essential oils and dried out the skin.<br />
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Today's dog grooming products are much milder and actually enhance your dog's skin and coat. Using a gentle dog wash allows you to bathe your dog more often, even once every week and it's actually beneficial to your dog's health.<br />
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Following a few simple dog bathing steps will keep your dog clean and well groomed, putting a spring in his step and a smile on his face.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Brush out Your Dog’s
Fur before a Bath</span></b><b><br /></b></div>
Always brush your dog before applying water or dog shampoo to prevent tangles and mats in the dog's fur. Thorough brushing also removes dead fur, flaking skin, and any sticks, leaves, or burrs that your dog might have picked up outside. If necessary, cut out any mats, especially under the dog's belly and behind the ears.<br />
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Apply vegetable oil or mineral oil to any sap, paint, gum, or other sticky substances that are stuck in the dog's fur 24 hours before bathing your dog. This will help wash it off more readily.<br />
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Since you're already preparing your dog for a bath, this would be a good time to <a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2010/02/cat-and-dog-dental-health.html">brush his teeth</a>, as well. He'll have nice fresh breath to go along with his clean coat.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Shampoo with Gentle
Shampoo and Conditioner</span></b></div>
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Choose a <a href="https://amzn.to/2BYAV4E">gentle dog shampoo</a> with added skin conditioners and detanglers. Today's pet shampoos actually heal skin allergies, eliminate germs and bacteria, and repel fleas, ticks and biting insects. Tear free dog wash is also available at pet stores and makes your dog bath more enjoyable for both of you. If the dog likes the bath, she won't be afraid to get into the tub on the next bath day.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Gather Your Dog
Bathing Supplies</span></b></div>
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Gather up all the dog bathing supplies before putting your dog into the tub. Have towels, cotton balls, shampoo, a brush if you're using one, and a cup for rinsing, then you’re all set to go.<br />
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Fill the tub with warm water and put cotton balls into the dog's ears to prevent water from running into his ear canal. Now it's time to put your dog into the tub. Gently lift him into the tub if he won't jump in on his own. Talk in soothing tones to keep him calm and wet his coat thoroughly with warm water. Make sure the water reaches all the way to the skin for a complete washing.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Lather up and Start
from the Back of Your Dog</span></b></div>
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Apply dog soap to the fur and scrub until a lather forms. Wash your dog starting from the back to the front to prevent him from shaking too much, saving you from getting a shower, as well. A dog usually only shakes when her head and ears get wet.<br />
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After shampooing your dog’s whole body, rinse the coat with clean water. Be sure to rinse all the way to the dog's skin, removing all traces of <a href="https://amzn.to/2BYAV4E">dog shampoo</a>. Any soap left in the coat dries and causes itchy, flaking skin.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Dry Your Dog with a
Towel or Low-Heat Hairdryer</span></b></div>
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Squeeze out any excess water by running your hand firmly along your dog's body. Cover him with a towel and gently pat dry. Avoid rubbing the dog's fur too much or mats and tangles will form.<br />
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Use a hair dryer on low heat to completely dry your dog, if she isn't afraid of it. It is fine to let the dog's fur air dry. Take her for a walk if it's warm outside to help the fur dry quicker.<br />
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Source: American Kennel Club, New Puppy Handbook, 2009.<br />
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Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-65583776788306303182018-08-28T14:04:00.002-04:002018-08-28T14:04:35.497-04:004 Easy Steps to Teach Your Dog to Fetch
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">Hunting dogs like golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers and
setters love playing fetch, but not all dogs take to this game naturally. </span><span style="font-family: calibri;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">The good thing is that your dog doesn’t have to be a hunting
dog to learn how to fetch.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Teaching your
dog to fetch is fun and useful.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You can
use fetching in many other dog activities too, such as obedience, water rescue,
service dog training, fly ball and agility.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Following a few basic strategies to teach a dog to fetch will get even
the most reluctant dog to learn reliable retrieving.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Rk11-K-PumNUWnDWGLQ5_b_wVgJ6suwA4iO15kS_8gLo3u6tGI_bGprNfGDWNk79Lc8DzopwxzzoYXkDUuDVsFUTqeyYm4OQw-ORa6r2VVcj4DYsto6pBVO6NX3F04MKKpaEPCE2Hpej/s1600/Spot_Fetcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="514" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Rk11-K-PumNUWnDWGLQ5_b_wVgJ6suwA4iO15kS_8gLo3u6tGI_bGprNfGDWNk79Lc8DzopwxzzoYXkDUuDVsFUTqeyYm4OQw-ORa6r2VVcj4DYsto6pBVO6NX3F04MKKpaEPCE2Hpej/s320/Spot_Fetcher.jpg" width="286" /></a></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">What You Need to
Teach Your Dog to Fetch</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">You don’t need many supplies to teach your dog to
fetch.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Small, <a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2010/02/homemade-dehydrated-dog-treats.html">tasty treats</a> that your dog really likes are the most effective training aids.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Your dog will work much better for yummy
treats, rather than for dry biscuits or kibble.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>The better the reward, the more progress your dog will make. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">Another helpful tool is a <a href="https://amzn.to/2PHUYaF">training clicker</a>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Clickers are sold at pet stores or dog
training facilities for only a dollar or two.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>They last a lifetime and are indispensable when it comes to training your
dog.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Your dog learns faster and
remembers more when using the ‘click and treat’ method of dog training.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Choose a fetch toy like a ball,
Frisbee, pull toy, or rubber dumbbell.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Anything he can pick up easily works well as a fetch toy.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Step One </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">Fetching an object involves training your dog to go after
the object, pick it up, bring it back to you and put it in your hand.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The main goal of teaching fetch is not for your dog to
chase after the object, but to put it in your hand.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>So, the first thing to train your dog is to
give an object to you.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">The first step is to take the<a href="https://amzn.to/2wsIB9l"> fetch toy</a> and put it into your
dog’s mouth.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Don’t tell your dog to take
it but quietly place it in his mouth.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Most likely, he won’t want to take the object and will spit it out.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When he spits out the object, click and treat
him.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Keep repeating this behavior over
and over until your dog spits out the object into your hand every time.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Add a cue when your dog is reliable with this behavior.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It can be, “give”, “thank-you” or any other
word you want to use.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Practice the
behavior, using the cue for a while and then begin rewarding your dog only when
he puts the object in your hand when you use the cue.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Don’t reward him if he spits out the object
without you asking for it.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Step Two </span></b></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">The next step in training fetch to your dog is to teach her
to hold onto the object for an extended amount of time.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If your dog is reliable at giving you the
object with the cue word, then she already knows how to hold the object.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Another method to teach the dog to hold the object is to
gently place it in the dog’s mouth and hold his mouth closed for a second.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Say your cue word, click and treat, then let
go of his mouth.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Have your dog hold the
object a few seconds longer each time until he is reliable with holding the
object.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Eventually, add the cue,
“hold”.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Keep repeating the hold behavior
until your dog holds the object until you tell him to give it to you.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Step Three </span></b></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Now that your dog knows how to give and how to hold, it’s
time to teach him how to take.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Hold the
object a few inches in front of your dog.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>When he makes a move toward the object, click and treat him.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Practice this behavior repeatedly, treating
your dog for touching it, or putting his head near it, touching it with his
mouth and finally grabbing it.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You want
your dog to reliably reach out and grab the object.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Move further away with the object and when
your dog grabs it every time, add the words, “get it” or whatever other cue you
prefer.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Putting It all
Together</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">Now, it’s time to put all three behaviors together, and stop
rewarding each behavior.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The only
behavior that you’ll reward now is “give”.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Begin by holding out the object and say the “get it” command.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When your dog takes it, don’t treat him.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You can give verbal praise but no treats.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">The next step is to toss the toy a few inches away from you
and say, “Get it,” or whatever your cue is. When your dog brings it to you,
say, “Give”, then click, and treat immediately when he drops it in your
hand.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Don’t make him hold it in the
beginning.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You can add longer holds when
your dog knows the behavior better.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Gradually begin putting the object further away from
you.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Continue with clicking and treating
when your dog gets the object and places it in your hand.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Within a few weeks, your dog will be running
to fetch the object and racing back to give it to you.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><span style="margin: 0px;">If you have any other tips for teaching a dog to play fetch, please add them in the comments. Anyone teaching fetch will appreciate it.</span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: calibri;"></span>Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-70480205805119568932018-08-24T10:05:00.000-04:002018-08-24T10:28:45.726-04:00Canine Good Citizen Award Requirements<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyn2_KcN98CZKYC8-16uAdPg4AP8W7GsAK4F_CS0OkMrJVTcjZ_o41UfYXDNWr7GhpNZLIz-2ki_MOT83lRfAOBckC8LzV2d76jtxXuY_8bS7yrfWfztSXWSxJYFz06s9w2ZM26BWTdR9F/s1600/blog+good+citizen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyn2_KcN98CZKYC8-16uAdPg4AP8W7GsAK4F_CS0OkMrJVTcjZ_o41UfYXDNWr7GhpNZLIz-2ki_MOT83lRfAOBckC8LzV2d76jtxXuY_8bS7yrfWfztSXWSxJYFz06s9w2ZM26BWTdR9F/s200/blog+good+citizen.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="125" /></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption">Courtesy of Jon Hurd/Laertes: Flick<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>What Are the 10 Tests to Earn the AKC Good Citizen Certificate</b><br />
<b><br /></b>Can your dog pass the 10 tests to earn the AKC Canine Good Citizen Certificate? </div>
<br />
If not, you can teach your dog how to be an AKC Good Citizen in only five minutes a day.<br />
<br />
Start working on each test with your dog for five minutes, two or three times per day and he should pass without a problem. Good luck!<br />
<br />
<b><i>About the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program</i></b>
<br />
<br />
The American Kennel Club offers a Canine Good Citizen test that certifies all dogs as reliable and friendly pets and respected community members. Dogs must pass 10 tests to be awarded the Canine Good Citizen certificate.<br />
<br />
According to the AKC, once dogs pass the ten Canine Good Citizen tests, they are certified as "reliable family members, as well as community members in good standing." The reasoning behind the Canine Good Citizen Test is to train dogs that are welcomed in the community, in homes, in public places, and are friendly with other dogs. Purebreds and mixed breed dogs are eligible to receive The Canine Good Citizen Award.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2018/07/what-your-puppy-should-know-during.html">Training your dog</a> for the Canine Good Citizen test helps you work with your canine buddy, bonding and having fun at the same time. Your dog can benefit from learning the 10 tests for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Award, becoming loving and friendly member of your family.<br />
<br />
<b>10 Canine Good Citizen Tests</b><br />
<br />
<b>1 </b><b><i>Accept a Friendly Stranger</i></b><br />
<br />
This test requires your dog to let a stranger come near and speak to you in a friendly way. A friendly stranger should be able to speak to the you while your dog remains calm at your side.
<br />
<br />
<b>2 <i>Sit Politely While Being Petted</i></b><br />
<br />
This test requires your dog to let a friendly stranger approach and pet him while he's with you. Your dog should remain calm, without jumping or nipping at the friendly stranger.
<br />
<br />
<b>3 <i>Handling and Grooming</i></b><br />
<br />
This test requires your dog to stay calm while being groomed or handled by a veterinarian, groomer, or friends. This practical test also shows that you're a responsible dog owner, and you're aware that your dog should behave at the groomer's and vet's office.
<br />
<br />
<b>4 <i>Loose Leash Walking</i></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2018/07/teach-your-dog-to-target-for-easier.html">Loose leash walking</a> tests your control over your pet. You can walk your dog on either the left or the right side. While walking, your dog must keep the leash loose without tugging or pulling you, even with distractions.
<br />
<br />
<b>5 <i>Calmly Walking Through a Crowd</i></b><br />
<br />
This test requires your dog to walk calmly through a crowd of people. Many dogs find crowds intimidating and distracting and often react either aggressively or overly excited. If your dog can walk calmly through a crowd, then he shows that he is well trained and welcomed in public places.
<br />
<br />
<b>6 <i>Sit and Stay</i></b><br />
<br />
The Sit and Stay test requires your dog to sit in an area that you tell him, and stay there until you return and take him out of the stay. Your dog can either sit or lay down for this test.
<br />
<br />
<b>7 <i>Reliable Recall</i></b><br />
<br />
Your dog must show that he will reliably <a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2008/04/how-to-teach-your-dog-to-come-when.html">come when you call</a> him.
<br />
<br />
<b>8 <i>Calm Reaction to Other Dogs</i></b><br />
<br />
For this test, you have to walk your dog close to other dogs and they need to act politely with each other. Your dog also has to stay by your side. No sniffing, lunging, barking or other reactive behavior is allowed.
<br />
<br />
<b>9 <i>Distractions</i></b><br />
<br />
This test presents distracting situations to your dog, for instance a person in a wheelchair rides past, someone on crutches walks by or a vacuum runs near your dog. Your dog must exhibit confidence and <a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2012/01/does-your-dog-bark-at-everyone-who.html">calm behavior</a> in all distracting situations, showing no fear, excitement, or aggression.<br />
<br />
<b>10 <i>Separation from Owner</i></b><br />
<br />
Your dog must demonstrate that he can be left with a trusted person while you're out of sight. Usually, you give your dog to someone else and then leave the room. Your needs to stay with the other person and demonstrate good manners until your come back.<br />
<br />
<b>American Kennel Club
<br />
Canine Good Citizen Dept.
<br />
P.O. Box 37914
<br />
Raleigh, NC 27627-7914
<br />
(919) 816-3532
<br />
email: cgc@akc.org</b>
Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-60269192124863004462018-08-10T12:01:00.001-04:002018-08-10T12:01:33.167-04:00Pet Sugar Gliders: What to Do When You Bring Them Home
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Rocky, my first Sugar Glider entered my life two years ago
as a gift from my son.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>My inexperience
with Sugar Gliders became apparent as soon as I tried to pick up the little
creature.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He stood on his hind legs and
batted at me with his paws, making scary chattering noises.<span style="margin: 0px;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiproXmQ8tv3GYWVn9vT0pV9lngBgqHtFVDx_tbOvv77vv4k1C5ox1LZPSdbrfMcAIdEmq439b3E01YdNIRnOLszKLBvtaQM-QC9cOTPOPoTwu1eE-aMFpW8yZbhABrbo8hA-NxTGACQ2p-/s1600/sugar+glider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiproXmQ8tv3GYWVn9vT0pV9lngBgqHtFVDx_tbOvv77vv4k1C5ox1LZPSdbrfMcAIdEmq439b3E01YdNIRnOLszKLBvtaQM-QC9cOTPOPoTwu1eE-aMFpW8yZbhABrbo8hA-NxTGACQ2p-/s320/sugar+glider.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Sugar Glider</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">As I looked at this tough little guy, I knew the name,
Rocky, fit him to a tee.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I immediately
went online and read all the information I could find about socializing <a href="https://amzn.to/2KHECLo">Sugar Gliders</a> and found out that the worst thing I could have done was try to pick
him up as soon as the baby sugar glider arrived.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">I found that forming a bond with my sugar glider depended on
how much time I spent with him during his first few weeks at home. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Sugar Glider Bonding
Techniques</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">I began the relationship with my baby Sugar Glider by
leaving him alone for two days.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The
solitude gave him time to become acclimated to his new home.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The <a href="https://amzn.to/2P0CD8r">Sugar Glider cage</a> that I chose for him
had both vertical and horizontal bars so that Rocky could grab the sides
without sliding down the bars.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">In the wild, Sugar Gliders can glide up to 15 feet, so they
jump around in the cage quite a bit.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I
used pine shavings for the floor of the cage but newspaper can be used
also.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>My Sugar Glider was all set to
spend his two days of peace and quiet once I added the glider food and a water
bottle.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">A Sugar Glider eventually recognizes the smell and voices of
the people it lives with, so I found an old t-shirt and wore it for a few
hours.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Then I cut a small piece from the
shirt and placed it in the cage.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This
helped Rocky to become familiar with my scent, strengthening his trust in me.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I also used a <a href="https://amzn.to/2ntK8rM">bonding pouch</a> that I hung
around my neck.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Rocky stayed in the pouch while I went about my daily
routine around the house.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I made it a
point to rub the pouch every few minutes so the Sugar Glider would get used to
my touch.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Carrying him in the pouch
familiarized him with my scent and the feel of my body.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Once I felt that he knew my scent, it was time to hold him
in my hands.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Everything I read about
handling Sugar Gliders emphasized not to be afraid because my fear would
transfer to the Sugar Glider and make him afraid, as well.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Sugar Gliders are marsupials, so as babies they are used to
living upside down in their mother’s pouch.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>They feel safe in tight, enclosed spaces.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When first handling my Sugar Glider, I used a
firm touch, squeezing him in my hand and petting him firmly.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I noticed that a firm touch also calmed him
down when he became excited.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">When I first held Rocky, he was frightened but I soon
discovered that the tighter I held him, the calmer he became.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The more I rubbed his body, the more he trusted
me.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I had to keep reminding myself that
my Sugar Glider wanted to feel my hand tighten around him rather than hold him
loosely.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He needed that tight secure
feeling.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">I took Rocky out of his cage every day, holding and
squeezing him for as long as could.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>After a few weeks, my Sugar Glider felt secure and confident.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He trusted me completely and now he never
leaves me when he is out of his cage. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;"> </span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">The extra time spent with my baby Sugar Glider in those
first few days of his arrival was the key to the rewarding experience I have
had with Rocky.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We both enjoy the times
he sits in my pocket or on my shoulder and his trust in me grows stronger every
day. If you're thinking of getting a Sugar Glider as a pet, take time bonding and he'll be a funny, loving <a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/search/label/small%20pets">small pet</a>.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">References:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<a href="http://www.exoticnutrition.com/bowiyosugl.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: calibri;">Exotic
Nutrition: Bonding with Your Sugar Glider</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image: <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/merfam/2818108386"><span style="color: blue;">“Peanut”</span></a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/merfam/"><span style="color: blue;">Jason Meredith</span></a> is licensed
under <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/"><span style="color: blue;">CC by 2.0</span></a></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="color: blue;"></span><span style="font-family: calibri;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: calibri;"></span>Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-63265711738815624822018-08-09T15:30:00.000-04:002018-08-09T15:14:47.447-04:003 Steps for Emergency CPR on Dogs and Cats
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Knowing CPR Could
Save Your Dog’s Life <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-IBcdEb96QzClr9x42vYKTl0VrAlBTz5N0OgR2Rk2kc_p9M6jwRV97eMiGemmoNjCHwfjy1djAdt2VGAugKqVFW4ApqYkJU9287heruzBMUqDgI5oskGjaJB6-8xxR-ZuK6tZdLtRkU6/s1600/AC+dog+cpr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-IBcdEb96QzClr9x42vYKTl0VrAlBTz5N0OgR2Rk2kc_p9M6jwRV97eMiGemmoNjCHwfjy1djAdt2VGAugKqVFW4ApqYkJU9287heruzBMUqDgI5oskGjaJB6-8xxR-ZuK6tZdLtRkU6/s320/AC+dog+cpr.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Locate the heart to start CPR on a dog</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: calibri;"></span>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Learning CPR for dogs and cats is very similar to the
techniques used on people.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Every second
counts when you find your pet unconscious and without a heartbeat.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Brain damage and death takes only a few
minutes.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Giving your dog or cat rescue breaths and chest compressions
keeps the blood circulating and oxygen reaching the brain.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">It’s very important to continue CPR on dogs
and cats for as long as possible, until the animal begins breathing on his own
or until help arrives to relieve you.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Unfortunately, ambulances and EMT’s do not rush to the assistance of
pets, so try to call someone for help and continue CPR while driving to the
animal hospital. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Laying a dog or a cat in a van or truck with a flat bed
works best for effective CPR but the back seat of a car will do if nothing else
is available.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">First Step of Pet CPR</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">The first thing to do if you find your dog or cat unresponsive
is to make sure it’s safe for you to approach the dog.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Look around for any other animals or hazards that
could harm you.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If the area is safe, go to
your dog or cat and check to see if he’s breathing.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Look, listen, and feel around the animal’s mouth for
breath.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If there is no breathing, check the
airway of the animal.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Open your pet’s
mouth, and see if there is anything lodged in his throat.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Pull her tongue out to get a better view and
use your finger to dislodge the object and remove it from the airway.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Second Step of Pet
CPR</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Lay your pet on his right side.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If you have a large dog, extend and straighten
the dog’s head to open the airway and tightly hold her jaw closed.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Give two rescue breaths into the dog’s nose,
watching to see if the chest rises.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">For cats and small dogs, extend the head and give two rescue
breaths through the mouth and nose.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Make
sure the animal’s chest rises.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">If you don’t see your pet’s chest rise, repeat the procedure
for checking the airway.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Hold the dog or
cat with her back against your body and give a quick, sharp squeeze to the
animal’s abdomen to try and get the object out.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Repeat five times if necessary, and then check the airway again.</span><span style="font-family: calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Begin rescue breaths again.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Third Step of Pet CPR</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Make sure your dog or cat is on his right side because the
heart is located on the left side of the chest.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Another method is to lay the animal on her back and give compressions
the same way as for humans, but it’s hard to keep an animal in this position. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Check for a pulse by using two fingers under the leg beside
the chest, under the hind leg, or on the paws.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>View this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AFrUiRIeVo"><span style="color: blue;">demonstration
of finding a dog’s or cat’s pulse</span></a>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: calibri;">Give large dogs over 60 pounds, sixty
compressions every minute</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: calibri;">Dogs or cats that weight 11 to 59 pounds should
receive 80 to 100 compressions every minute</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px 48px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: calibri;">Pets that weigh less than 10 pounds should
receive 120 compressions every minute.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Squeeze the lower abdomen of your pet after giving the chest
compressions to help circulate the blood.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-family: calibri; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: white;">Also, check for injuries and apply <a href="http://also,%20check%20for%20injuries%20and%20apply%20first%20aid,%20if%20necessary%20after%20giving%20the%20first%20rescue%20breaths./">first aid</a>, if necessary after giving the first rescue breaths. </span></span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-family: calibri; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></b><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-family: calibri; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></i><u style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-family: calibri; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></u><sub style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-family: calibri; font-size: 11.06px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></sub><sup style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-family: calibri; font-size: 11.06px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></sup><strike style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-family: calibri; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: line-through; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">The older CPR skills required 1 breath to 15 compressions
but the rates are now 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths until your dog or
cat begins breathing on her own.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Just
remember that either way of performing CPR on dogs and cats is better than not
doing anything when trying to save your pet’s life. Hopefully, you’ll never
have to do CPR on your dog or cat.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Please comment, if you have any other tips to give about CPR or<a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/search/label/pet%20first%20aid"> first aid</a> for pets. Thanks for reading.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<a href="http://depts.washington.edu/learncpr/cat_dog.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: calibri;">University
of Washington School of Medicine:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>“Learn
CPR, You Can Do It”</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<a href="http://www.cprdude.com/cpr-pet.shtml"><span style="color: blue; font-family: calibri;">CPR Dude:
“CPR, Learn a Skill…Save a Life”</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AFrUiRIeVo"><span style="color: blue; font-family: calibri;">Pets
America, “Proper Technique for Performing CPR on a Dog”</span></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;"></span><span style="font-family: calibri;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sx0bz6mJU2RbIh-C_4T_Jndroq2gyNoQde2vLAEJY2Vlh813zUZtRkPtgAkqpgwXsRAntH3ruKB3MG6RKnWNNF8YBdFN3q4SlgKRR1EfWQTFuEnaQAaBmjLy5fnA2-96AIXeQUbYsxoJ/s1600/AC+dog+cpr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sx0bz6mJU2RbIh-C_4T_Jndroq2gyNoQde2vLAEJY2Vlh813zUZtRkPtgAkqpgwXsRAntH3ruKB3MG6RKnWNNF8YBdFN3q4SlgKRR1EfWQTFuEnaQAaBmjLy5fnA2-96AIXeQUbYsxoJ/s1600/AC+dog+cpr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-14574210042770373602018-08-09T13:37:00.000-04:002018-08-09T14:38:17.499-04:00Ever Thought about Getting Pet Alpacas for Fun and Profit?
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><b>Alpacas Are Fun and Useful Pets</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Alpacas look like miniature camels. These camelids are
native to South America but are growing in popularity in the United States and
Canada. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTi28Xy3zJfPPNcvmgCD-6bs-5UL2FQGW-tuboz6Krj7038i0qb3bnyN_qihyphenhyphen0l3V1VeodIcytoquST9KyPcz_qJIN8qg4rjUFcR47Fklsbr9CZzuzd_hg9QuIp40Ro9WdyhAx9-hoh87/s1600/Alpaca_headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTi28Xy3zJfPPNcvmgCD-6bs-5UL2FQGW-tuboz6Krj7038i0qb3bnyN_qihyphenhyphen0l3V1VeodIcytoquST9KyPcz_qJIN8qg4rjUFcR47Fklsbr9CZzuzd_hg9QuIp40Ro9WdyhAx9-hoh87/s320/Alpaca_headshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Where Did Alpacas Come From?</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Three million years ago, members of the camel family
(camelids) were native to central North America.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>During the Ice Age, the camelids migrated
south and never returned to North America.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>As the centuries passed, the original camelid became the vicuna and
guanaco, roaming wild in Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Inhabitants in these areas domesticated the
vicuna and bred them for their soft, thick coats.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The vicuna developed into the alpacas of
today.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Alpacas Are Gentle
and Easy Going</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Alpacas make wonderful pets because of their gentle and easygoing
nature.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>They’re very cooperative and
submissive, making them ideal as a family pet.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Alpacas love to be around the family members and become attached to
them.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>They never spit at people unless
they’re teased, but they will spit at other alpacas.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">They communicate by moving their ears and tails into
different positions.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Alpaca owners soon
learn what the different positions mean.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Alpacas also hum and make a shrill scream if they’re frightened.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Adult alpacas are usually three feet tall to the shoulder or
four and a half feet to the top of the head.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>They weigh about 16 pounds when they’re born, and they can grow to 150
to 175 pounds as adults.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">You Can Train Alpacas</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Alpacas are smart animals, making them easy to train.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Repeating a behavior four of five times is
all the alpaca needs to learn the desired skill.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Training an alpaca is very similar to
training a dog.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>They learn how to walk
with a <a href="https://amzn.to/2Myl2ms">lead and halter</a> and how to get into a vehicle.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You can bring your alpaca in a station wagon,
SUV or a minivan.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Alpacas Don’t Cost
Much to Feed</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Feeding alpacas is much cheaper than feeding most pets.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>They have three stomach compartments, just
like sheep and cattle, chewing their cud.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Alpacas require only two or three bales of hay every month.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>A veterinarian may recommend vitamin and
mineral supplements for pet alpacas.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Best Weather for
Alpacas</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Pet alpacas thrive in almost any climate.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When the weather is very hot, alpacas should
be sheared and placed in a shady area with water sprinklers.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Alpacas also do very well in cold weather, but
you have to keep them in an enclosed barn, so the alpacas aren’t out in the
<a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2008/11/how-to-protect-your-pet-during-winter.html">wintry conditions</a>. For all other weather conditions, pet alpacas only need a
three-sided shelter.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Raising Alpacas Is a
Good Side Hustle</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Pet alpacas are not only fun but are profitable, as
well.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It’s soft, dense fleece is used
for making yarn, fabric, and even stuffed animals.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Raising alpacas for fleece or breeding is an
expensive venture but can be profitable over time.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If you’re raising alpacas for profit, you’ll
need a small herd for both breeding and <a href="https://amzn.to/2Myl2ms">shearing</a>. Most people have one or two
alpacas, if they’re only raising them as pets.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">How Much Does an
Alpaca Cost?</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">The cost of alpacas depends upon their qualities, and if you’re
raising them for fleece, breeding, or stud.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>A gelded alpaca male can cost as little as $500.00, while a female used
for breeding can cost as much as $20,000. Pet alpacas usually range from $500 to
$1500.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Take a look at several alpaca
farms before purchasing your pet. That way, you’ll find just the right alpaca
for your family.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">If anyone has any tips on buying or raising alpacas, please
leave any comments that could help someone starting out with alpacas. Thanks.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Resources:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<a href="http://netvet.wustl.edu/species/exotic/alpaca.txt"><span style="color: blue; font-family: calibri;">Phil
Switzer, Switzer Land Farm, “Alpacas: Just the Facts”</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<a href="http://www.rockridgealpacas.com/about.htm"><span style="color: blue; font-family: calibri;">Rock
Ridge Alpacas</span></a></div>
<b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;">Photo Credit: By Kyle Flood from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (Alpaca) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</b>Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-66337914546018276862018-08-06T14:00:00.000-04:002018-08-06T14:48:14.798-04:00What Are the Symptoms of Dental Disease in Dogs<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oEwBgGNMXucx4mExzWGRPi_1WTU_wb4aee8FYA2Kfn7rRkpp-Hi1-QTBZ9Sr4IlLZ5wmEz_a9Wrgc7ZCen-P6QqK0xmUU3gT10nAH_BlZ1iUNWb7n8KZX7zi-2dKND34injiaVyhfdK6/s1600-h/ac+dog+gum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oEwBgGNMXucx4mExzWGRPi_1WTU_wb4aee8FYA2Kfn7rRkpp-Hi1-QTBZ9Sr4IlLZ5wmEz_a9Wrgc7ZCen-P6QqK0xmUU3gT10nAH_BlZ1iUNWb7n8KZX7zi-2dKND34injiaVyhfdK6/s320/ac+dog+gum.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of irritated gums</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">According to
the American Veterinary Dental Society, “more than 80 percent of dogs and 70
percent of cats develop gum disease by the age of three years.” Gum disease,
broken teeth, crooked teeth and tumors are all painful dental problems for
dogs.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">These dental
conditions cause dogs to struggle eating solid foods because of irritated gums
and toothaches. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">If your dog drops his food while trying to eat, he might have
one of the following dental problems. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">It’s important
for your dogs and cats to have dental exams at the vet because dental diseases can
also cause organ damage due to gum infections that spread to your pet’s
bloodstream. Also, try to <a href="https://amzn.to/2LVipim">brush your dog's teeth </a>every day.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">Periodontal Disease in Pets</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">A periodontal
disease, known as gingivitis causes inflammation of your dog’s gums and is the
most common mouth problem found in dogs. A bacterium builds up in your dog’s
mouth, attacking the gum tissue. The bacterium causes plaque to form on the
teeth and below the gums.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydUO1KkxcSHdBeyfQPTTc2yowvA-IiGuRJBknY3sCY0d01SXGzI3MltCWE649c62a8fCUVLnkLx4pmefVzTNwnupbzEQd-raOcCv3XjDZnRiriP-lz-fiv6AsdKIuFdFv7YpUDeHBxMd1/s1600/Parodontitis_Hund.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="600" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydUO1KkxcSHdBeyfQPTTc2yowvA-IiGuRJBknY3sCY0d01SXGzI3MltCWE649c62a8fCUVLnkLx4pmefVzTNwnupbzEQd-raOcCv3XjDZnRiriP-lz-fiv6AsdKIuFdFv7YpUDeHBxMd1/s320/Parodontitis_Hund.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Hardened plaque on 2-year-old bull terrier</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">The plaque
turns into hard tartar, causing your dog’s gums to recede and exposes the
nerves.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Chewing becomes very painful
once your dog’s gums recede.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You can
tell if your dog has periodontal disease if he has the following symptoms:</span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">Fishy smelling breath</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">Weight loss</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">Loose teeth</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">Swollen gums</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">Bleeding gums</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">Tooth loss</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">Does Your Dog Have Broken Teeth?</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">Another common
cause of pain as your dog eats is broken teeth. Dogs break teeth from gnawing
on bones, especially weight bearing bones like beef marrowbones. They can also
break teeth from chewing cow hooves, plastic bones and large rawhide bones.
Sometimes, it’s hard to see if your dog has any fractured teeth, so pull his
gums back and look all the way to the back teeth.</span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDeOE-KakiNRQD3nZqYm1Zhppf91HTSEDbMJl7wmKkLOgJ9yyExYzzScakKNoK8omm24QOekaMZQGytyTS5CfycRdyuHoalRT4DOTt6iGnxUafVQ2QKYjYbEGVtNGHm17sr4GPLsbLApP/s1600/broken+tooth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDeOE-KakiNRQD3nZqYm1Zhppf91HTSEDbMJl7wmKkLOgJ9yyExYzzScakKNoK8omm24QOekaMZQGytyTS5CfycRdyuHoalRT4DOTt6iGnxUafVQ2QKYjYbEGVtNGHm17sr4GPLsbLApP/s1600/broken+tooth.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Broken tooth from chewing hard bones</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">A broken tooth
exposes the pulp of your dog’s tooth, which includes the nerve endings. A
fractured tooth causes extreme pain to your dog, which prevents him from being
able to eat. Veterinarians repair fractured teeth by crowning the tooth or
extracting the tooth and replacing it with a bridge.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">Tumors in Your Pet’s Mouth</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">Dogs and cats often
develop tumors in their throats and mouths. Malignant tumors form ulcerated
growths, sores, and swollen gums that inhibit your dog’s ability to chew and
swallow.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Many times the tumors are
located both in the gums and the throat. Your dog would need oral surgery if
your veterinarian finds tumor in his mouth. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Abnormal Bite Can
Cause Tooth Pain in Dogs</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Crooked teeth make it difficult for your dog to eat because
the teeth do not line up properly.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>While
chewing, an abnormal bite causes the top and bottom teeth to bump against each
other causing pain.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It makes eating very
difficult and sometimes impossible for your dog, especially when chewing dry
dog foods.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">If you suspect your dog has any of these dental problems,
bring him to your vet for an oral exam. Maybe all he needs is a cleaning to get
him back on the right track to oral health. Even if he needs some teeth
extracted because of periodontal disease, at least his pain will be gone.</span><span style="font-family: calibri;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2LVipim">Brush your pet's teeth</a> today!</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Reference</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<a href="http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vsr/dentistry/dentalcare.htm"><span style="color: blue; font-family: calibri;">University of
California: “Veterinary Dentistry: Dental Care for Pets”</span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<a href="http://uwveterinarycare.wisc.edu/sa_services/surg/dentistry/default.htm"><span style="color: blue; font-family: calibri;">Veterinary
Medical Teaching Hospital: “Dentistry and Oral Surgery Service”</span></a><span style="font-family: calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Resource</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<a href="http://www.vohc.org/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: calibri;">Veterinary Oral Health
Council: “Helping to Control the Most Common Disease in Dogs and Cats”</span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<a href="http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/digestion/pregastric/dogpage.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: calibri;">Colorado
State University: “Dental Anatomy of Dogs”</span></a></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="color: blue;"></span><span style="font-family: calibri;"></span><br />
<br />Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-74977669414598689782018-08-05T12:00:00.000-04:002018-08-05T11:45:47.013-04:00Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LpWvajCqR1LiuNQpytWEc3vasmUc0EQT5FlJDGveRdhSlG-C9FS-jXqnKUDw-Cu1Q_UUYDau-6bSRaKOlKitDxnL0ubyfEvAZJpo22ZZzQjAosGK97qFQB32hSRCwYdh_LlVKf9nNZ-i/s1600/blog+dog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LpWvajCqR1LiuNQpytWEc3vasmUc0EQT5FlJDGveRdhSlG-C9FS-jXqnKUDw-Cu1Q_UUYDau-6bSRaKOlKitDxnL0ubyfEvAZJpo22ZZzQjAosGK97qFQB32hSRCwYdh_LlVKf9nNZ-i/s320/blog+dog2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe your dog is looking for attention.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><b>Reasons Why Some Dogs Eat Poop</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">If you’re totally disgusted when you see your dog eating
poop, then read more about why it happens.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Find out the most common reasons why your dog eats poop.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">The medical term for eating feces is Coprophagia.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There are many reasons why your dog eats
poop.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Some of the reasons are physical
and some could be psychological.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Once
you know the probable causes of Coprophagia, you can help your dog <a href="https://amzn.to/2Ks10by">stop eatinghis poop.</a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Medical causes for
eating feces</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Some medical problems can cause your dog to eat poop.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The Douglas Island Veterinary Service says
that the following health problems can cause dogs to eat poop:</span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Pancreatitis</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Infections in your dog’s intestine</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Inability to absorb nutrients</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Feeding your dog a high fat diet </span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Coprophagia is not the only symptom of these diseases.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If your dog isn’t showing any other health
related symptoms, especially diarrhea, then eating feces is probably a
behavioral issue.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Behavioral reasons
why your dog eats poop</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Seeking Attention</i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> – </b>Usually, when your dog eats poo, you
reprimand him.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You either pull your dog
away from the feces or actually lecture him how disgusting it is to eat
poop.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It’s probably the most effective
way for your dog to get your attention.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Your
lecture has the opposite effect than you intended.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Your dog eats more poop to get more attention
from you.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Imitating </i>– Dogs
are intelligent animals and want to please their owners.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When your dog sees you picking up poop in a
doggie bag, she learns to do the same thing by eating it.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Learned </i>– Your dog
could learn coprophagia from other dogs.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Maybe your dog saw the neighbor’s dog or another dog at a dog park
eating feces and copied the behavior.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Maternal </i>– When a
mother dog delivers puppies, it’s perfectly normal for her to eat the feces of
her puppies.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>She’s keeping her puppies
and the whelping box clean.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Another
reason mother dogs eat feces is to prevent predators from smelling the puppies.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dominance</i> – Many
times, a submissive dog will eat the poop of dominant dogs, especially when
they are living in the same house.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hunger </i>– Many dogs
only eat once per day. If you feed your dog once per day, you could try
switching to a few small meals throughout the day. Maybe your dog is hungry and
eats poop to supplement his diet.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">How to Get Your Dog
to Stop Eating Poop</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">There are no fail-safe treatments for <a href="https://amzn.to/2Ks10by">dogs eating poop</a>, but the
following methods can help:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Treat the Food</i> - Adding enzymes to your dog’s diet helps break down
nutrients so he gets more nutrition, not needing to supplement with feces.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Meat tenderizer is a common ingredient that
can provide <a href="https://amzn.to/2Ks10by">enzymes to your dog’s diet</a>.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Treat the Feces</i> -
After your dog has a bowel movement, don’t pick it up right away.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Pour hot sauce or other bad tasting,
non-toxic product on the poop.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When your
dog eats the feces, he’ll soon learn that it’s not a tasty treat. This might stop
the behavior.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiycJwo2s9TLG2ChWZyTUqYY-3GT34LKMWbaJp954XG7IgN28CWrBMXilbEO5zNhR0pFEpz509_hbI_NbBi1EXggW6rPaZFWQy4b9edJTRSZoizFi9xX5y7icK0Vmpbe6yfbQLpRLIO6zk/s1600/Smiling_dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1600" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiycJwo2s9TLG2ChWZyTUqYY-3GT34LKMWbaJp954XG7IgN28CWrBMXilbEO5zNhR0pFEpz509_hbI_NbBi1EXggW6rPaZFWQy4b9edJTRSZoizFi9xX5y7icK0Vmpbe6yfbQLpRLIO6zk/s200/Smiling_dog.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pick up the Feces</i>
– Picking up the poop right after your dog eliminates helps break the habit of
eating feces.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This is the most effective
method found by dog owners.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If you’re unable
to go outside with your dog and pick up the poop right away, put a muzzle on
him so he can’t eat it.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Go outside as
soon as you can, pick up the dog’s poop, and then remove the muzzle.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This will also break the cycle.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Avoid Punishment</i> –
Punishment never works to prevent coprophagia.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>The dog only knows that he is getting attention and doesn’t associate
the scolding with the poop eating.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It’s
a waste of time and energy to try to stop the behavior with punishment, plus
you risk breaking the trusting bond you have with your dog.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Positive Reinforcement</i>
– When you notice your dog start to eat feces, tell him to ‘leave it’ , ‘come’,
or ‘sit’, whichever command he’s most familiar with.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If your dog responds to the command, give him
a <a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2010/02/homemade-dehydrated-dog-treats.html">treat</a> and praise.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Quickly, pick up the
poop and distract the dog with some other activity.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Resource: <a href="http://home.gci.net/~divs/behavior/coprophagia.html"><span style="color: blue;">Douglas Island
Veterinary Service:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Coprophagia in the
Canine</span></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: calibri;"></span>Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-79905647024169682762018-08-03T16:00:00.000-04:002018-08-03T16:20:21.480-04:00Teach Your Dog to Use a Treadmill: Step-by-Step Guide<span id="goog_1267120453785"></span><span id="goog_1267120453786"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I know my Collie never runs out of energy, even when he gets the zoomies outside. When I bought a treadmill, I decided to teach him how to use it. He loves every minute he's on the treadmill now, and it gives him all the exercise that I wasn't able to give him. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvKhLczGlF4d-PtySmUVRaRYR4MquHaZUScAZLZKFoNe7zt3PMKDXb3bRvKqfyAJYO78TiKvR_q2xXugWvu8vgzZypaIKuKdOJ2E_1OTnSUR5o1Rh6IUZaTQQIaU58QRGBZpEwtAgeqV7/s1600/brodie+tread.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvKhLczGlF4d-PtySmUVRaRYR4MquHaZUScAZLZKFoNe7zt3PMKDXb3bRvKqfyAJYO78TiKvR_q2xXugWvu8vgzZypaIKuKdOJ2E_1OTnSUR5o1Rh6IUZaTQQIaU58QRGBZpEwtAgeqV7/s320/brodie+tread.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dog exercising on the treadmill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">According to the National Academy of Sciences, one quarter of
pet dogs are obese.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If your dog is overweight,
he can develop many health related problems just like people do.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/search/label/raw%20meat%20diet">Diet</a> and exercise keeps your dog at a healthy
weight, preventing complications, such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood
pressure, and heart disease.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Things You Can Do
with Your Dog for Exercise</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It’s hard to give a dog all the exercise he needs,
especially if you own a highly energetic dog. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Taking your dog for a twenty minute walk is
not enough to keep him fit.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There are
many ways to exercise your dog other than just a daily walk.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you have a fenced in area or trust your dog to stay with
you in the yard, playing ball or fetch is a great way to get your dog running,
which develops both his muscles and heart.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Another idea is to set up agility equipment in the yard or
take a class where your dog can exercise both his brain and his muscles.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Making five or six jumps in the yard and
teaching your dog to run the course is an excellent source of exercise.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">When you don’t have the time or the space to do these
activities with your dog, a treadmill is the ideal solution.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It offers your dog all the exercise
he needs, no matter if you have a small or large dog.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Teaching your dog to use the treadmill takes
patience but once your dog is comfortable on it, he will love it.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Pet supply stores do sell <a href="https://amzn.to/2KobRmR">treadmills made for dogs</a>, which
have guardrails for safety, but don’t’ feel that you don’t have to buy a
special treadmill for your dog to use. He can learn on yours. It works just as
well for your dog.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">8 Steps to Teach Your
Dog to Use the Treadmill</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Remember that your dog will not be able to do all these
steps in one day. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It can take up to two
weeks to follow these steps completely and have your dog really enjoy climbing
onto the treadmill.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Be patient and your
dog will run enthusiastically onto the treadmill in no time.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>1. </b>Have a handful of your dog’s favorite treats ready.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Your dog doesn’t need an entire dog biscuit
for a treat.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>A small kibble size treat
is fine. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Train the first five steps with
the treadmill OFF.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Don’t turn on the
treadmill until your dog is comfortable and shows no hesitation when getting on.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>2.</b> If you use a clicker to train your dog, it can be used for
the treadmill, as well.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If not, that’s
okay.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Just use the word, “Yes”, when
your dog does the correct command.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Be
patient and enthusiastic when training your dog to use the treadmill.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>3.</b> Introduce your dog to the treadmill by letting him sniff
it and walk around it.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Place a treat on
the treadmill and allow your dog to take the treat.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When he takes the treat, either click or say,
“Yes” enthusiastically.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Only do this for
a few minutes and end the training session for the day. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>4.</b> Next day, begin the same way, allowing your dog to sniff
and walk around the treadmill.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Most
likely, your dog will already associate the treadmill with receiving
treats.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This time, climb on the
treadmill yourself and call your dog to you.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>If he puts even one paw on the treadmill, click and treat or say, “Yes”
and treat.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The objective is to alleviate
any fear your dog may have with standing on the treadmill.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Continue this exercise until your dog gets on
the treadmill with you without hesitation.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Some dogs will do this right away; others will take a few days to become
comfortable on the treadmill.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>5.</b> Once your dog gets on the treadmill with you, begin
training him to climb on the treadmill alone.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Just let him stand or sit on it for a few minutes, then treat him and
call him off.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Repeat this for a few
minutes and end your training session.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>6.</b> Once your dog enjoys climbing on the treadmill and staying
on it until called off, it’s time to turn it on.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The first few times, just have your dog stand
on the treadmill as usual and treat him.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Then turn on the treadmill to its slowest speed while your dog is
standing on it.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The dog will automatically
begin walking.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Treat him while he walks
on the treadmill.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Only do this for a
minute or two and end the session.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>7.</b> The next day, repeat the procedure and start the treadmill
slowly.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If your dog seems comfortable
walking at the lowest speed, you can increase it to the next number.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Remember that your dog is not accustomed to
walking on a treadmill so you should start out slowly.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>8.</b> Now, it’s time to develop your dog’s endurance on the
treadmill.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Just like people, your dog
needs to build up his stamina.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Start the
dog’s treadmill training with only five minutes and gradually increase his time
daily.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Eventually, your dog will be able
to do a steady trot on the treadmill for twenty or thirty minutes, maybe
more.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Make sure to decrease the speed of
the treadmill, letting your dog cool down before he gets off.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Treat him when he finishes his workout.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Remember to make the <a href="https://amzn.to/2KobRmR">treadmill fun for your dog</a> and never
leave him alone for even a minute.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Stay
with him the entire time he’s exercising, encouraging him and watching for
fatigue.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Don’t let your dog get to the
point where he is lagging and struggling to keep up with the treadmill.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Keep your dog healthy and prevent all the problems
associated with pet obesity with regular exercise and a healthy diet.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<br />Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-73201989623893576512018-08-03T08:10:00.000-04:002018-09-06T11:09:01.398-04:00Your Dog Can Catch Kennel Cough at the Dog Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOwNP612F-sAjhuTODFKXNRSCLJZXkPy4C0ReEwYhOgV9N3PrfaFox4XbWTig9dtCVUzrT9RLrBoXwHd0prTiNEuiNewF8qzOvjHrH8ZS03eLY_da9YW4nRkeXVuykHNzppuyAJ3KS2fa/s1600/AC+dogpark2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOwNP612F-sAjhuTODFKXNRSCLJZXkPy4C0ReEwYhOgV9N3PrfaFox4XbWTig9dtCVUzrT9RLrBoXwHd0prTiNEuiNewF8qzOvjHrH8ZS03eLY_da9YW4nRkeXVuykHNzppuyAJ3KS2fa/s320/AC+dogpark2.jpg" /></a></div>
Recently, a rash of kennel cough infections have spread to many dogs in my local dog park. Take care when bringing your dog to the dog park and keep your eyes open for any dogs with a hacking cough.<br />
<br />
Also, bring your own water for your dog. Try not to let your pet drink from the water bowls spread throughout the park. When dogs drink from the water bowls in the dog park, they can contract kennel cough from other infected dogs.<br />
<br />
Read more about <a href="http://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/kennel-cough-in-dogs">kennel cough symptoms</a>, what to look for, and how kennel cough is treated.Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-21696479576857560952018-07-17T14:28:00.000-04:002018-07-17T14:32:24.379-04:00Teach Your Dog to Target for Easier Loose-Leash Walking<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Targeting is one of the easiest behaviors to teach your dog,
and it’s adaptable to training many different dog behaviors.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Learning to train your dog <span style="color: black;"><a href="https://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/search?q=loose+leash">loose-leash walking</a></span> with a target keeps him by your side when walking through crowded
areas, in a competition arena and around other dogs. The target stick gives your
dog an object to focus on and ignore distractions. This helps him stay calm and
relieves any excitement or stress caused by distractions.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Teaching Your Dog
Targeting</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Your dog needs to learn exactly what targeting is, and how
to focus on an object before learning how to heel with a target stick. The
easiest way to teach targeting is using your hand. Begin training by holding
your hand in front of your dog and wait until he touches or sniffs it. As soon
as your dog touches your hand, click and treat him from your other hand. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSaglzSPY1c8NMqDgvUx-vvKu1HZq0XMGQwzK0YghiZcQaEfkyfGJNgJxf6ZuFagzOZoGyJ3LY_fxHGABBYQ2JkhWJRmlT0j1krnoKHTGPwEEMikuhilvi1msX_QI_dUG2-ehFj-dc8o3/s1600/hand+target.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1290" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSaglzSPY1c8NMqDgvUx-vvKu1HZq0XMGQwzK0YghiZcQaEfkyfGJNgJxf6ZuFagzOZoGyJ3LY_fxHGABBYQ2JkhWJRmlT0j1krnoKHTGPwEEMikuhilvi1msX_QI_dUG2-ehFj-dc8o3/s320/hand+target.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Targeting Hand</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you’re not using a clicker, you can use the word, “Yes”
and then treat your dog. Make sure you don’t give him a treat from the targeted
hand but always from the other hand. This is because he might touch your hand
just because he knows it’s holding the treat. You want him to target the hand,
not sniff the treat.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Keep holding your hand in front of your dog, and giving a
click and treat whenever he touches your hand.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>When he’s touching your hand reliably every time, start moving your hand
into different places above his head, to the sides and below his face. When he’s
confident touching one hand, switch to the other hand and continue with the
same training. Once your dog excels at touching your hand in any position, add
the cue, “Touch”.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Training Loose-Leash
Walking with Targeting</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Take a step away from your dog, holding your hand by your
side and say, “Touch.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Your dog will
automatically step toward your hand and touch it. Click and treat your dog when
he does this. Gradually add more steps until your dog targets your hand as you
walk along. Use the cue “Touch” every few steps to keep him by your side.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>Teaching Your Dog To Use a Target Stick</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">When he’s reliable <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2011/11/train-your-dog-to-stop-pulling.html">walking by your side</a> </span>and targeting your hand, it’s time to start training him to
touch a <a href="https://amzn.to/2LjrhNq">target stick</a>. You can use anything as a target stick:</span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Pointer</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Pen or pencil</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Finger </span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ruler</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Target sticks designed specifically for targeting are
available at pet stores and some models fold up for easy carrying. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWjBniPzLTX-Bpy38FGTA3PDbec-o2SdJOLancrBYihOSdgrGmAVbUqS6Veig0xX3mmNO2COctsLGg3jAC4nM_cVJ2qs0BfXnPQwcKI3T0HobnuuE4SLLUdcS6LyRT0Kjf1sEYF7aH2sk/s1600/target+stick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="1600" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWjBniPzLTX-Bpy38FGTA3PDbec-o2SdJOLancrBYihOSdgrGmAVbUqS6Veig0xX3mmNO2COctsLGg3jAC4nM_cVJ2qs0BfXnPQwcKI3T0HobnuuE4SLLUdcS6LyRT0Kjf1sEYF7aH2sk/s320/target+stick.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Targeting Stick</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Once you have your <a href="https://amzn.to/2LjrhNq">target stick</a>, start teaching your dog to
touch the end of the stick with his nose. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Putting a small Styrofoam ball onto
the end of the stick helps your dog focus on the tip of the stick. Remove the
ball after he learns to touch the tip of the stick confidently. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Begin training him in the same way as you taught him to
touch your hand. Click when he looks at the target stick, sniffs the stick and
touches the target stick. Keep the stick only a few inches away from him at the
start. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">When he learns to touch the tip of the stick, start moving
it around in the same way as you did your hand. Keep the training session to
only four or five minutes, several times a day.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The final step to train your dog to heel with a target stick
is to get him walking beside you while following the stick. Take a step with
the target stick at your side and tell your dog to touch the stick. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Click and treat when he goes to the stick. Continue adding
steps and telling your dog to touch. Eventually, your dog will heel in whatever
position you choose, whether on the right or the left.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Once he knows how to target the stick, you
can train him in any obedience position<span style="color: black;">,<a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2014/08/your-first-dog-agility-trial-what-to.html">agility</a></span>, freestyle handling and Canine Good Citizen training.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="color: blue;"></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span>Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-59528950156243361732018-07-17T10:25:00.000-04:002018-07-17T10:25:15.689-04:00What Your Puppy Should Know During the First YearYou've just brought your new<a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2012/02/taking-care-of-new-puppy.html"> puppy</a>
home, holding him in your arms as he licks your face with puppy
kisses. The last thing on your mind at that moment is training.
That's okay but as soon as your first greeting together is over, the
training starts. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqjqLWjaysl3OoBQGcxftLFlr0WjEk1dXAOA3lnnKDp5dOuiSWjbRd2PWVFtlQFUbD_bFGUuGBlLES9XO2Ci9M_TQnJsDV9-BdtCbl0_Ma3ubbPUDVA_Ge6xVYvhOk8VT4sI95iyYfkaT/s1600/Brodie+Puppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqjqLWjaysl3OoBQGcxftLFlr0WjEk1dXAOA3lnnKDp5dOuiSWjbRd2PWVFtlQFUbD_bFGUuGBlLES9XO2Ci9M_TQnJsDV9-BdtCbl0_Ma3ubbPUDVA_Ge6xVYvhOk8VT4sI95iyYfkaT/s320/Brodie+Puppy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Does this seem too soon?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
No way. You should start on the basics
of positive-reinforcement training right away, if your want to give
your pup a safe, positive, loving home. Always have <a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2010/02/homemade-dehydrated-dog-treats.html">dog treats</a> on hand for rewarding good behavior. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Here's a little chart
outlining what your puppy should learn during his first year. This is
not written in stone. Remember that all dogs learn at their own
pace, so use this as just a guideline.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The golden rule of training your puppy
is that patience is the key. If you get frustrated at any time, stop
the training session. It's better to end on a happy note, so your
puppy looks forward to his next lesson.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>What Your Puppy Should
Learn during the First Year</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">These
guidelines are broken down by the age of your puppy. Don't get
stressed if your puppy's training milestones are different from this
outline. He'll progress in his own time because all he want to do is
please you. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i>Two to Four Months Old</i></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i></i><br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is a time for
introductions and behavior in your home. These are the social graces
that your puppy needs to learn. If he master these basics, you'll
have a relaxed and happy puppy wherever you go.</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Meet and
greet people without jumping</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Introduce
your puppy to the veterinarian and groomer</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Begin
socializing him with other dogs</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Positive
<a href="https://amzn.to/2NU8S8J">crate training</a></div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Answer to his
name
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2008/01/strategies-for-housebreaking-your-puppy.html">Housebreaking</a></div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Learn to <a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2011/11/train-your-dog-to-stop-pulling.html">walk without tugging</a>. A <a href="https://amzn.to/2NnOFH8">harness or head halter</a> helps a lot with tugging
issues.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i>Five to Seven Months Old</i></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i></i><br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is the time
to get into basic obedience training. Clicker training can help a lot
with positive training and marking your puppy's success.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you put if off
training for too long, your puppy will develop bad habits that are
hard to break. Your puppy is never too young to learn.</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Come when
called from 10 to 15 feet away.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sit
</div>
</li>
<li><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqf_32mAp-UhJn5JgbSlXwiViTYzEA6v9QM9c-wrT_VUPiDGskiTFh0ccQdObqsTKdzCsSszMFJiDrXZrQWufgqI6aFoZerN68sDTe5JbdEp4qNdsHPb8STX6dO111_L_gHUzzjmj7Z8q/s1600/Brodie+6+mos+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqf_32mAp-UhJn5JgbSlXwiViTYzEA6v9QM9c-wrT_VUPiDGskiTFh0ccQdObqsTKdzCsSszMFJiDrXZrQWufgqI6aFoZerN68sDTe5JbdEp4qNdsHPb8STX6dO111_L_gHUzzjmj7Z8q/s200/Brodie+6+mos+004.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four months old learning 'sit'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Zen – this
is learning not to grab food out of anyone's hand or not taking it
until you say it's okay. It's basically learning self-control, which
continues as your puppy grows.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Stay (working
up from a few seconds to a few minutes)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Down</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Continue with
<a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2010/01/teaching-dog-loose-leash-walking.html">loose-leash walking </a></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i>Eight to 11 months</i></b></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now that your
puppy knows the basic commands, just continue reinforcing them. You
can add extra distance and time to what he already knows.</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Come –
gradually work up to a distance of 40 feet for the recall</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sit, Down and
Stay – combine all of these commands, adding extra time for all of
them. You can tell your puppy to sit and stay, or down and stay.
Walk a short distance away to start, then come right back. Work on
this daily until your puppy will stay until you tell him to get up.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Zen –
continue working on your pup's self-control. You'll be glad you did
as he gets older.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLX8Tu3oyxsu5Vn3rw55NST3is30kTEz2UJVK76ZI4AK7ackWp0J_Pt4pO8uTKYC603CxFl3iwRjkpPr8pk4-N_IvaoSnVwqFCQmF2PuI2y1YdH7v0T67kcgAADNwNhEXwLzYFrFztJkf/s1600/Brodie+6+mos+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLX8Tu3oyxsu5Vn3rw55NST3is30kTEz2UJVK76ZI4AK7ackWp0J_Pt4pO8uTKYC603CxFl3iwRjkpPr8pk4-N_IvaoSnVwqFCQmF2PuI2y1YdH7v0T67kcgAADNwNhEXwLzYFrFztJkf/s320/Brodie+6+mos+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eight months practicing 'down and stay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i>Twelve Months Old and Beyond</i></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you've been
consistent with your puppy's training, he should get a gold star at
this point. He should know all the basic commands down pat.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You can also teach
your puppy some tricks along the way. Many tricks are based on
obedience commands. Take a look at YouTube for some trick ideas. It's
full of well-renowned trainers that can help you teach your puppy
some tricks.</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyQMBvomL1hou26tJZVa00gEn2xi84susDsOaJfm6Ozps9_zX0iLaiXF6aGTYsqyt-SF3_8Pabmiv0BbIW9Tg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Training is a
lifetime commitment, but it's worth the effort. You and your puppy
will have fun, frustration, triumphs and form a loving bond that
never ends. Just when you think your dog knows everything you've
worked on, he might regress. Just remember, your puppy isn't perfect
and just like you, he can have a bad day. Use baby steps when
training your puppy and enjoy those moments of success when they
happen. Just make sure your puppy training is positive and fun.</div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-69244133625499069552018-07-12T17:00:00.000-04:002018-07-17T13:23:31.359-04:00How to Train a Dog to Walk up a Ramp into a Vehicle<div class="MsoNormal">
If your senior dog has trouble jumping into the back of your SUV or truck, then a <a href="https://amzn.to/2zMmgst">dog ramp</a> might help. My 10-year-old collie started refusing to jump into the back of my SUV about one year ago. I had to lift his front paws up into the back of the car and then pick up his back end under his belly.</div>
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I’ve done that for about one year, but he’s 80 pounds and it’s getting harder for me to lift him. Plus, he doesn’t like it. Another problem is that when he jumps out of my car, his front leg always comes up lame. I think it’s too much pressure on his paws and knees when he jumps. Afterward, he limps for about two days before his leg feels better again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally, I decided to buy a ramp for the car. I checked them out, read the reviews and figured it was worth a try. There are also extra-wide and <a href="https://amzn.to/2zMmgst">extra-long ramps</a> for larger dogs available. I actually got lucky when my daughter found a ramp for free listed in the area Facebook page.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, I brought the ramp home and started training my dog to walk on it. You can’t expect your dog to just start walking up and down the ramp as soon as you get it. I’d say it takes about two weeks to get a dog used to the ramp. If you decide to try it, be patient, giving your dog plenty of time to get used to the incline. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If he has a bad experience going up the ramp, you may never be able to get him to use it again. Here are a few tips on training your dog to use a ramp.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning how to use a dog ramp</td></tr>
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<b>Training Your Dog to Walk Up and Down a Ramp <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Here are the steps to train your dog how to use a ramp for getting in and out of the car: (If you trained your dog to target objects, that could help train this also.)</div>
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<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Have some of your dog’s favorite <a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2010/02/homemade-dehydrated-dog-treats.html">treats</a> on hand.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Put the ramp opened flat on the ground.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Bring your dog up to the ramp, letting him sniff it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">If he touches the ramp in any way, give him a treat.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">When he’s comfortable touching the ramp, put a treat on the ramp, so he can reach over and get it.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Gradually, move the treats further along the ramp, so he has to step on it.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Do this until he’s comfortable with his paws on the ramp.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Keep luring him with treats until he walks onto the ramp.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">At this point, you should be able to lure him across the ramp.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">When he’s walking across the ramp successfully, you can add a verbal cue that he doesn’t know yet.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The next step is to add elevation very slowly.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Put a brick or piece of wood under one end, so the ramp is elevated slightly.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Use the same method to get your dog to walk across the ramp.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Slowly increase the incline of the ramp until it’s the height of your car, SUV or truck. Just make sure there’s a surface for your dog to step onto when he reaches the top, such as a deck or platform.</span></li>
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Your dog might still get nervous when it comes time to try to use the <a href="https://amzn.to/2zMmgst">dog ramp</a> to get into your SUV. Just be patient and continue using the treats. If he seems scared or nervous, don’t force him. Go back and keep practicing from the point when he was comfortable.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Eventually, he will get it and you won’t have to worry about lifting your dog or having him hurt himself jumping out of the vehicle. I hope this helps you get your dog used to using a ramp. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-63000785239304168252016-01-08T08:42:00.001-05:002018-09-11T14:17:19.904-04:005 Quirky Cat Behaviors<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ3AqiyO4mZLjvmvt7d9LlBM0R6ZMkBJqZZgR1nPJ6VZTwZ3FPnbOyO17azc77HNMUNukkGbq6tBm5SuCkfhjboFAzjW67IPtbZPCyos8Ts38Bh9U8fuxwV_phDzoGZZkdj5Edz1_zGDP/s1600/jojo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ3AqiyO4mZLjvmvt7d9LlBM0R6ZMkBJqZZgR1nPJ6VZTwZ3FPnbOyO17azc77HNMUNukkGbq6tBm5SuCkfhjboFAzjW67IPtbZPCyos8Ts38Bh9U8fuxwV_phDzoGZZkdj5Edz1_zGDP/s320/jojo1.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
When you know why your cat behaves in certain ways, it helps you form a closer bond with your cat.<br />
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<b>Why Does My Cat Rub against My Legs?</b><br />
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Cats love to rub their faces against corners, cabinet doors, and your legs. They rub against things because they're leaving their scent on their surroundings. Cats recognize each other through their scent. Rubbing is also a special greeting from your cat.
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<b>What Does It Mean When Cats Purr?</b><br />
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Purring is the soothing way mother cats talk to their kittens. Cats continue purring as they grow into adulthood as a sign of contentment. When your cat purrs, it means he's happy.
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<b>Why Does My Cat Knead My Lap?</b><br />
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Sometimes your cat will begin kneading your lap when she is sitting on you. The cat spreads her paws which pushes out the claws and digs them into your lap, one paw after the other. Your cat is not trying to hurt you; rather it is a behavior from when she was a kitten. Kittens knead their paws when they are nursing. When the cat is an adult, kneading means she feels safe and warm in your lap just like when she was nursing from her mother.
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<b>What Can I Do about My Cat Spitting up Hairballs?</b><br />
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As your cat washes himself, his rough tongue pulls dead fur out of his coat and he swallows some. Most of the hair passes through the stomach as the cat digests but some of it forms a ball in the cat's stomach. When your <a href="https://amzn.to/2Bilog2">cat throws up the hairball,</a> it is a good thing but when the hairball passes into the cat's intestines it causes problems. Cats sometimes eat grass which helps them digest the hairball. Often, a hairball blocking the cat's intestine has to be removed with surgery. Brushing your cat every day helps stop hairballs from forming. You can also feed<a href="https://amzn.to/2Bilog2"> cat food made to prevent hairballs.</a><br />
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<b>Why Does My Cat Flatten His Ears?</b><br />
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When your cat holds her ears flattened to her head and her eye pupils are opened wide, it means she is afraid. Crouching down and fast breathing are also signs of fear. When your cat is afraid, she will try to reach high ground, like the top of a refrigerator on top of a closet shelf.<br />
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If you want to know other ways your cat tries to tell you something, <a href="http://prizedpetsparade.blogspot.com/2013/11/what-is-my-cat-trying-to-tell-me.html">read more here</a>.<br />
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<b>Source:</b>
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<a href="http://vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/petcols_article_page.php?PETCOLID=140&URL=0">University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine: "Why Does My Cat Do That?"</a>
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Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-13316640267637943102016-01-06T08:54:00.001-05:002016-01-06T08:54:54.182-05:00White House Pets - Traditional and Unusual Presidents' Pets<i>Presidents aren't the only ones to live at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Hundreds of pets have also <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Tvs6be4Ahl_ubeNG4WxPs6ep-obB5yt5zsQ3MgZJE8rZDVpB8YubPvFrd0DBmG48RFTUfkLI7OfACQGcYW5Sll8-LiyfYNtqXG1_SPahUHRCmxGenNAxjPOEwdAm8qNaS0L8ocB6X0V2/s1600/the-coolidges-on-vacation-in-upstate-new-york-with-rob-roy-and-prudence-prim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Tvs6be4Ahl_ubeNG4WxPs6ep-obB5yt5zsQ3MgZJE8rZDVpB8YubPvFrd0DBmG48RFTUfkLI7OfACQGcYW5Sll8-LiyfYNtqXG1_SPahUHRCmxGenNAxjPOEwdAm8qNaS0L8ocB6X0V2/s200/the-coolidges-on-vacation-in-upstate-new-york-with-rob-roy-and-prudence-prim.jpg" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coolidges with their two collies.</td></tr>
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made the White House their home.</i><br />
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The White House pets have listened in on the nation's secrets, negotiations and the presidents' family matters. The following lists a few of these lucky Presidents' pets.</div>
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<b>George Washington</b></div>
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(1789-1797) President Washington owned over thirty dogs. Most of these dogs were used for hunting but he did have his favorites. One of Washington's Staghounds, Vulcan, was allowed in the dining room and grabbed a ham off the dinner table. His other two Staghounds were named Sweet Lips, and Scentwell. Washington's other hounds were named Drunkard, Tipler, Tipsy, and Taster. Blueskin and Nelson were President Washington horses.</div>
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<b>Thomas Jefferson</b></div>
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(1801-1809) President Jefferson owned more pets than any other president, thirty-six in all. Some of his most unusual pets included two pet grizzly bear cubs given to him by Zebulon Pike, mockingbirds, lizards, rabbits, a pony, and a badger.</div>
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<b>John Quincy Adams</b></div>
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(1825-1829) President John Adams kept a pet alligator in the East Room of the White House. He received the pet alligator from Marquis de Lafayette as a gift.</div>
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<b>Andrew Jackson</b></div>
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(1829-1837) President Jackson owned a cursing parrot named Poll. The parrot caused some gaiety at the funeral of Andrew Jackson as it cursed the entire time. It's probably as Andrew Jackson would have wanted it.</div>
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<b>Martin Van Buren</b></div>
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<b>(</b>1837-1841) President Van Buren was the proud pet owner of two tiger cubs. The cubs were a gift from the Sultan of Oman, Kabul al-Sayeed.</div>
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<b>Franklin Pierce</b></div>
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(1853-1857) Commodore Perry brought two tiny dogs back from his voyage to Japan and presented them as gifts to President Pierce. Pierce kept one of the 'sleeve dogs', as they were known, and offered the other toy dog to his friend, Jefferson Davis. President Pierce carried the tiny dog in his coat pocket.</div>
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<b>James Buchanan</b></div>
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(1857-1861) President Buchanan owned a very large Newfoundland. It is told that Lara, the Newfoundland, slept with one eye open to protect the White House. James Buchanan also had an elephant and an eagle.</div>
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<b>Abraham Lincoln</b></div>
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(1861-1865) The Lincoln home was always filled with pets. President Lincoln was very fond of cats. He allowed one of his favorite pet cats to sit in a chair next to him during a formal dinner, feeding the cat a gold fork.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></div>
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William Seward, the Secretary of State gave Lincoln two kittens as gifts. President Lincoln would speak to the kittens for up to an hour. The kittens gave him great comfort in trying times.</div>
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The Lincoln's family dog, Jip, often sat on the president's lap during meals and was allowed to eat from the president's plate.</div>
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Tad and Willie, President Lincoln's two sons had two pet goats named Nanny and Nanko. The boys would hitch the goats to kitchen chairs or wheeled carts and have a ride through the White House as the goats pulled them along.</div>
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<b>Teddy Roosevelt</b></div>
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(1901-1909) President Roosevelt's pony, Algonquin, was allowed to roam around the White House. The pet pony even rode in the White House elevators.</div>
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Other famous pets of Teddy Roosevelt were Eli Yale, the macaw parrot and a bear named, Jonathan Edwards. President Roosevelt had many other pets as well, including: a Bull Terrier, Rat Terrier, Manchester terrier, Saint Bernard, Pekinese, and Chesapeake Bay retriever. There were also cats snakes, guinea pigs, a rat, and a pig named Maude.</div>
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<b>Woodrow Wilson</b></div>
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(1912-1921) President Wilson owned an unusual pet. The pet was Old Ike the ram who enjoyed chewing tobacco. He also kept a flock of sheep on the White House lawn to keep the grass trimmed.</div>
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President Wilson's more traditional pets were Puffins, the cat, Mountain Boy the Bull Terrier, and Bruce the Greyhound.</div>
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<b>Warren Harding</b></div>
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(1921-1923) Laddie Boy, an Airedale terrier was President Harding's dog. The dog had his own special chair to sit in on presidential meetings.</div>
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Laddie Boy was more popular in the public eye than the president himself. In fact, the country's newspaper boys raised enough pennies to erect a copper statue of Laddie Boy. The fund raiser was organized by Louis Newman, a member of the Newboys Association. The pennies were melted and sculpted by Bashka Paeff. Laddie Boy's statue can still be seen today in the Smithsonian Institute.</div>
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<b>Calvin Coolidge</b></div>
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(1923-1929) Calvin Coolidge once said, "Any man who does not like dogs and want them about, does not deserve to be in the White House." President Coolidge and his wife, Grace, loved animals and kept a large assortment of pets in the White House. The Coolidge's owned a pet raccoon named Rebecca, two kittens named Tige and Blacky. The two cats had custom made collars with the engraved words, <i>The White House</i>, imprinted on them.</div>
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Peter Pan was the president's first wired-haired Fox Terrier but the pup did not adjust well to life at the White House. He was replaced by Paul Pry, an Aeirdale, related to President Harding's, Laddie Boy. Many other dogs lived with the Coolidges. One of the dogs, a Chow, was named Tiny Tim but dubbed Terrible Tim because of his bad behavior.</div>
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The two most well known of President Coolidge's dogs were the Collies, Prudence Prim and Rob Roy. Rob Roy was Calvin Coolidge's favorite dog and he wrote of the dog in his biography, <i>"He was a stately companion of great courage and fidelity."</i></div>
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President Coolidge also owned a raccoon named Rebecca that he walked on a leash and Billy, the pygmy hippo.</div>
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<b>Franklin Roosevelt</b></div>
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(1933-1945) President Roosevelt owned a Scottish Terrier named "Murray the Outlaw of Falahill". The little terrier was most commonly known as, Fala. The dog accompanied Roosevelt wherever he went, including his meeting with Winston Churchill to sign the Atlantic Charter. This historic event took place on the USS Augusta in 1941.</div>
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<b>John Kennedy</b></div>
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(1961-1963) President Kennedy owned an unusual pet white rabbit named Zsa Zsa who enjoyed playing a toy trumpet. The Kennedy family also owned a pony named Macaroni. Little Caroline Kennedy was often seen riding Macaroni on the White House grounds.</div>
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Nikita Chrushchev, the Soviet Leader, gave President Kennedy a white Husky. The Husky's name was Pushinka and it accidentally mated with Kennedy's Welsh Terrier, Charlie. President Kennedy called the puppies, 'Pupniks'</div>
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<b>Lyndon Johnson</b></div>
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(1963-1969) Loki, was the little, three-legged dog of President Johnson. His daughter, Lucy, found the little white dog at a gas station, abandoned and scared. She brought him home to the White House. She later said that Loki brought her father loyalty and love.</div>
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<b>Gerald Ford</b></div>
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(1974-1977) President Ford was very close to his Golden Retriever, Liberty. So close, in fact, that when the dog was locked outside one night, President Ford went outside to look for him. He locked himself out of the White House too and had to bang on a window to be let back in.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Ronald Reagan</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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(1981-1989) President Reagan owned a Bouvier des Flandres named Lucky. This breed is similar to an English Sheepdog. The president had a luxurious dog house built for the dog by Theo Hayes. She was married to the great grandson of Rutherford Hayes.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<b>George H. W. Bush</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div>
(1981-1989) President Bush and his wife, First Lady Barbara owned a Springer Spaniel named Millie. Millie was loved by Americans and given the name of "First Pet". The pet Springer Spaniel made the front page of the nation's newspapers when she gave birth to a litter of pups while living in the White House.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<b>William Clinton</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
(1993-2001) President Clinton was the proud owner of Socks, the cat and a Chocolate Lab named Buddy. Buddy died in 2002. Socks the cat actually belonged to Chelsea, the President's daughter. Both Bill Clinton and Hillary were allergic to Socks.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<b>George W. Bush</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
(2001-1009) President Bush and Mrs. Bush owned two dogs. Both were Scottish Terriers, one named Barney, and the other, Miss Beazley. They also owned a Springer Spaniel named Spotty who died at fifteen years old in 2004. The president's dogs were often seen in photographs with him as he went about his presidential duties.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Barack Obama</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
(2009-present) President Obama and his family got a Portuguese Water Dog named Bo, shortly after moving to the White House. People across the nation speculated at what type of dog the Obama family would choose. Bo was a gift from the late, Senator Edward Kennedy who owned three <i>porties </i>of his own.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i>Resources:</i></b></div>
</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<div>
Annabel Wildrick,<b> </b><i>Do presidents need pets?, </i>Appleseeds<b>, </b>Sept 2008 v11 i1 p22</div>
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</div>
<div>
Mo Rocca, <i>All The President's Pets</i>.</div>
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</div>
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<i>Abraham Lincoln Loved Animals</i>, Appleseeds, Jan 2009</div>
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</div>
<div>
Alice Furlaud, <i>Presidential Pets Past</i>, Weekend Edition Saturday, Dec 6, 2008</div>
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Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-27768655925061774152014-08-02T09:08:00.000-04:002014-08-02T09:08:03.129-04:00Your First Dog Agility Trial: What to Expect<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4ieAEBwhJ9QOELurDdLVb56pSGU1IpEkn7VjGX1js-usDPVugKeoWqE5wCxXDD5xoqSoxFkdp3UyUz6HpseqJ0UMA98J3X8NXwoS1Nc4QuHl0lzE-hA8BCZmN6bDnvMwlFC1JsfswshO/s1600/800px-Rough_Collie_tricolour_agility.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4ieAEBwhJ9QOELurDdLVb56pSGU1IpEkn7VjGX1js-usDPVugKeoWqE5wCxXDD5xoqSoxFkdp3UyUz6HpseqJ0UMA98J3X8NXwoS1Nc4QuHl0lzE-hA8BCZmN6bDnvMwlFC1JsfswshO/s1600/800px-Rough_Collie_tricolour_agility.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a>So, you and your dog have been training for months or even years for your first agility trial. You feel you are ready
for the competition ring and just thinking about it gives you butterflies in your stomach. Your first agility <br />
trial can be
nerve-wracking but understanding what happens at the trial helps alleviate some of your fears. Try not to be concerned with
earning Q's your first time out and stay lighthearted to prevent your dog from getting anxious.
<br />
<br />
<b>Waiting
Area</b>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
Waiting between agility events is harder than competing because you and your dog have time to stress over
the situation. Having a comfortable waiting area will keep your dog comfortable and help you remain calm. Bring a crate for
your dog to rest in between events and a chair for you. A crate cover works wonders if your dog becomes nervous from all
the sights and sounds of other dogs and cheering crowds. The cover gives your dog his own safe area, making him feel
grounded and secure. Your dog can stay in the crate while you observe other competitors or volunteer to help with the
events.
<br />
<br />
<b>Judge's Explanation</b>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
Before you begin your first agility event, all the competitors gather at
the ring to hear the judge's explanation of the rules about scoring, handler behavior and dog behavior. You can ask any
questions you might have about the run at this time.
<br />
<br />
<b>Walk the Course</b>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
Take advantage of the time
allotted for walking the course. The more familiar you are with the course layout, the less anxious you will be during your
run. As you walk the course, figure out which obstacles require a front-cross or a rear-cross, so you do not
find yourself on the wrong side of your dog during the run. Look for patterns in the course layout to help your remember
the order of the run. Although the agility obstacles are numbered, it is difficult to watch for the numbers and watch your
dog at the same time, so following patterns can help.
<br />
<br />
<b>Agility Run</b>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
Agility rules require your
dog to run the course without a collar or a leash. A leash runner takes your dog's leash and collar at the start line and
hands it back to you when as you cross the finish line.
<br />
The event timer begins as soon as your dog crosses the first
obstacle, so take your time settling your dog before starting the run. Once your dog crosses the first obstacle, there is
no turning back and restarting.
<br />
Stay positive during your run, smile at your dog and use an upbeat voice. Keep your
dog happy, no matter if he knocks off a jump bar or misses an obstacle. The main thing is to keep your dog's first agility
trial fun. A dog that has a negative experience the first time around is less likely to perform any better the next time.
<br />
<br />
<b>Finish Line</b>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
Once you cross the finish line, put your dog's collar and leash back on. Immediately go
to your dog's treats and give him a jackpot. Agility trials strengthen the bond between you and your dog. It doesn't matter
if your dog qualified, as long as you worked as a team and had fun.
<br />
<br />
References:
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nadac.com/rules.htm">North American Dog Agility Council</a>
<br />
Steve Schwarz, "Learning Front
Cross," Agility Nerd
<br /><br />
<br />
Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946610001038098290.post-42183774957283000752014-06-20T08:21:00.002-04:002014-06-20T08:21:46.342-04:00Top 5 Pet Pinterest Boards to Follow<div class="MsoPlainText">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVe-1cMPG6vWI505O0BJ3vWReHJsXppzBHVCcGBtRCrRSk3UVtAd9aMA74V9-5f9keCdYTtPJRgmdVUa0c4dUkbRocNy6UZiWJ5Xwip4DoRHE2PSNlqyPAPEskcMcDC5U6HiAPepa1vB_1/s1600/Oli3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVe-1cMPG6vWI505O0BJ3vWReHJsXppzBHVCcGBtRCrRSk3UVtAd9aMA74V9-5f9keCdYTtPJRgmdVUa0c4dUkbRocNy6UZiWJ5Xwip4DoRHE2PSNlqyPAPEskcMcDC5U6HiAPepa1vB_1/s1600/Oli3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are five of the top pet Pinterest boards to follow for animal lovers. Four of them involve how to take care of your pets and the fifth one has some great photos of kittens and cats. Check them out for some great information on pet adoption, care and health tips. </span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/catmorales/pet-adopt-and-rescue/">Pet Adopt and Rescue </a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This pet adoption
board will pull at your heart strings, that’s for sure. When I check this
board, I want to adopt all of the animals but, alas, I can’t do that. If you’re
thinking about adopting a cat or a dog, check out the Pet Adopt and Rescue
board on Pinterest and you could save an animal’s life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Also, if you’re trying
to find a home for a pet you can’t keep, you can post a photo and information
about him on this board and maybe a kind-hearted soul will adopt him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ASPCA/pet-care-tips/">Pet CareTips</a></b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a pet
care Pinterest board sponsored by the ASPCA. It is loaded with pet care tips to
help keep your pet safe, healthy and happy. You can find homemade dog treat
recipes, healthcare information, how pets communicate and so much more. Check
out the ASPCA Pet Care Tips board and find out everything you need to know
about owning a pet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/petplan/pet-health-tips/">Pet Health Tips </a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This pet Pinterest
board is sponsored by Petplan Pet Insurance and features some great information
about pet health and care. An example of the pins on Pet Health Tips include games
you can play with your dog, common puppy illnesses, soothing stressed dogs and
traveling with pets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/petmd/">Pet MD</a></b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">PetMD, an expert
resource for the health and care of pets, sponsors this Pinterest pet care
board. You can find information on adopting pets, behavior and training,
veterinarian advice, pictures of cute animals and so much more. The PetMD pins
include advice on fish care, cats, dogs, horses, turtles and exotic pets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/a58/~puuurfect-cats~/">PuuurfectCats </a> </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This cat
Pinterest board is strictly for high-quality photos of all types of domestic
cats. So, if you just want to browse through some funny and adorable cat images, check out the pins at Puuurfect Cats. The board only accepts friendly comments and has some of the best cat
photos for all you cat lovers out there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Karen Curleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390756085495564024noreply@blogger.com0