Buying Your First Tropical Fish

Whenever you start a new hobby it is very tempting to try to get everything at once. It can be also be easy to buy whatever the store clerk tells you is the right thing, especially as you are probably keen to get started. But if you are setting up your first fish tank and buying your first fish, then it is a good idea to think what you really want and what may be suitable for you before you buy.


If you are not familiar with tropical fish, then the best thing you can do is to find someone who is. If you have a friend who knows about tropical fish then take them to the store with you. But if you don't, make sure that you do your research first. It might be tempting to go to the store and buy the fish that look best, but if you have no idea whether or how you can look after them, then it is not a very good idea.

There are some wonderful beginners books on how to keep tropical fish that will tell you exactly what the requirements of each fish are and how well they get on with other fish. If you do this research then you will be in a much better position to choose the right fish that you can look after well and your new hobby is much more likely to be successful.

One mistake that many people make is that they buy everything at once. There is no point in buying the tank and all of the accessories at the same time as you buy the fish. To set up the fish tank properly without using chemicals to clear the water, you need at least 24 hours to let the water and gravel settle and clear. You also need to make sure that your filter, aerator and heater are working properly and that your tank is set up properly and that everything works well. There is no reason, even if you did not have to let the water clear, to leave your new fish in a bag while you do all of this.

It is much better to wait until everything is set up and working well so that when you get your fish then you know that they will be ok. Tropical fish are a great hobby and choosing carefully and taking the time to set everything up well can make all the difference.

How Go Hire A Good Pet Sitter

Hiring a pet sitter is a great option for multiple reasons. First, it allows your dog to remain in her familiar environment when you're away. It also relieves family, friends, and neighbors of having to take care of your dog. And, the pet sitter will usually bring in mail and newspapers so that your home isn't a target for burglars. Interested? Here are some tips for finding a pet sitter.

Pet sitters have evolved. They're no longer the boy-next-door who just wants a bit of extra money. Sitters these days have commercial liability insurance and are often bonded. These combine to cover accidents and protect against theft. In addition, may pet sitters have completed some form of training and are associated with at least on vet. When interviewing potential sitters, make you ask if they're covered and what courses they've completed. In addition, ask the sitter if they have a backup.

What happens if they get sick or their car won't start? Does this mean your dog will be alone? In addition, ask for a written contract that covers any and all services and fees. The contract can also specify visitation times and duties. And, references are never a bad idea. Make a few phone calls to see if other clients were happy.

Once you've chosen a sitter, invite her over to meet your pet face to face. This will give your dog the opportunity to meet the person that will be taking care of her for a while. And, it will give you the opportunity to show the sitter where the dog eats, sleeps, her favorite toys, etc. Also, be sure to hold up your end of the bargain. Good communication is key.

For example, make reservations early, especially during busy holidays, and make sure you leave all the necessary information. Have specific instructions, vet numbers, food, supplies, and your pet's identification at the ready. It might also be a good idea to leave a key to your home with a neighbor in case something does come up and the sitter can't make it. If you have an alarm, let the sitter know the code. If you want her to pick up the mail, tell her.

The ideal pet sitter will make both you and your dog happy. Communication is key. Respect her schedule and always provide her with ample instructions. It's better to be overly communicative than leave some aspects to chance.

And, the pet sitter will usually bring in mail and newspapers so that your home isn't a target for burglars. Interested? Here are some tips for finding a pet sitter.

Pet sitters have evolved. They're no longer the boy-next-door who just wants a bit of extra money. Sitters these days have commercial liability insurance and are often bonded. These combine to cover accidents and protect against theft. In addition, may pet sitters have completed some form of training and are associated with at least on vet. When interviewing potential sitters, make you ask if they're covered and what courses they've completed. In addition, ask the sitter if they have a backup.

What happens if they get sick or their car won't start? Does this mean your dog will be alone? In addition, ask for a written contract that covers any and all services and fees. The contract can also specify visitation times and duties. And, references are never a bad idea. Make a few phone calls to see if other clients were happy.

Once you've chosen a sitter, invite her over to meet your pet face to face. This will give your dog the opportunity to meet the person that will be taking care of her for a while. And, it will give you the opportunity to show the sitter where the dog eats, sleeps, her favorite toys, etc. Also, be sure to hold up your end of the bargain. Good communication is key.

For example, make reservations early, especially during busy holidays, and make sure you leave all the necessary information. Have specific instructions, vet numbers, food, supplies, and your pet's identification at the ready. It might also be a good idea to leave a key to your home with a neighbor in case something does come up and the sitter can't make it. If you have an alarm, let the sitter know the code. If you want her to pick up the mail, tell her.


The ideal pet sitter will make both you and your dog happy. Communication is key. Respect her schedule and always provide her with ample instructions. It's better to be overly communicative than leave some aspects to chance.

About the Author:
To Find the best Dog Supplies for your dog takes time and effort. You can get your dog beautiful and elegant Dog Clothes to place a smile on their faces. Get your dog set to impress and keep them warm and comfortable in their new Dog Beds so they can feel safe and sleep well.

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How your pet will affect your Homeowners Insurance rates

Due to the high number of liability insurance claims being filed due to dog bites, many insurance companies now are charging higher premiums to the homeowners, the type of dog breed an homeowner has will determine if they will get home insurance with certain carriers, to know if your rates will increase or if you will be denied insurance coverage one needs to be informed of the possible dog breeds that are considered high risks.
Some of the types of breeds that cause personal injury due to dog bites are Rottweilers and Pit Bulls which account for 50 percent of the emergency dog bites reported.

Other breeds include Malamutes, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Huskies, Great Danes, and Saint Bernards. If you have one of these types of dogs some things you may want to consider before getting homeowners insurance is to find out which carriers ban certain types of dogs, some insurance carriers will consider each case individually depending on the history of the dogs behavior and if their is any record your liablity rates will rise because of dog bites reported in the past. Plus if your dog is trained to attack individuals even in self defense you may not be eligible for coverage.


Some carriers will require a waiver to be signed by the homeowner who has a high risk dog. In order to get the best rates, one will have to check around and see what type of coverage is available. Dog obedience training may be required in order for your pet to qualify for coverage. Also it may be necessary to purchase a seperate policy for your dog. Laws on dangerous dogs and homeowner insurance varies by each state. Check and see what your state says about this issue.

Quality Pet Meds to Keep Your Best Friend Healthy

In our daily lives we are surrounded by people who care about us, who think about our well-being and who worry when we are sick. These are the people we call friends, and every friend has this kind of behavior when it comes to people they care about.


Even though human interaction is very important for the social well-being, people aren’t the only ones we can call friends. There are also lots of animals that people prefer to spend a lot of their time with and these animals are often named best friends.


Pets are very important in anyone’s life, because they can sometimes offer the support a real person cannot. Maybe it is because of one’s ego, maybe it’s because of the lack of trust, but many people often turn to their pets to confide in, because they are the ones that will never reveal a secret, they are the ones that will always listen and they are also the ones that can get you in a better mood.

Keeping your closest friends in shape and healthy is, or should be a priority. When you pet comes down with something, you will need to provide pet meds in order to make them better, otherwise you might lose their company. They are not like people and they rely on their owner to provide the best conditions and the best health care in order to live their lives.

Pet meds are something you can find in lots of places. Veterinary pharmacies can be found quite often nowadays as opposed to the past, but these aren’t the only sources where you can purchase what you need. You need to find something that can provide lots of solutions with little trouble.

If you are in a situation when you cannot find what you are looking for, then this might be a good time to start thinking about turning to the internet as the provider of the pet meds you need. The internet is a very good source for everything you could possibly desire, because here you have access to a multitude of websites that are bound to solve your problems.

But enough about diseases and unhappy situations! What if your pet is feeling great, they play all day, bounce around feeling happy, making you wish they would keep this kind of behavior forever? Then you should consider helping them with some good pet supplies.

Pet supplies include lots of things, just about anything that relates to their overall good health and well-being. For example, if you leave for a few days, you wouldn’t want your pet to starve, would you? Then you should think about providing an electronic feeder.


Pets are like children, most of the time playful, but sometimes a little down. What is the best thing you can do to cheer them up? Another important part of the pet supplies is the toy department, where you can find all the things you need to keep your pet entertained and happy.

When you are searching for a website that can provide top of the line pet meds and highly entertaining and useful pet supplies, you may spend some time in front of your computer. Because of this you should look no further than epetdrugs.com.

How To Care For Your Turtle

You should be a responsible pet owner if you intend on having exotic pets. You should personally consider your lifestyle in finding the perfect exotic pet. You should be committed as a owner in providing the needs of your exotic pet in order to survive.

There are exotic pets that may need special treatment. You may find exotic pets that may be required to eat large amounts of meat and could be a threat to your kids when they are fully-grown. Large exotic pets can be really challenging to care for compared to a parrot or a turtle which are easier to grow and breed. If you consider owning a turtle, here are some tips on how you can properly take care of your turtle.

1. Turtles need the right temperature in order to live. You should maintain a 77 to 96 degrees F temperature on the aquarium. You may install an aquarium heater to provide the needed temperature for your turtle. Turtles tend to become sluggish and lose their appetite when the temperature is low.


2. You should keep your aquarium clean. Prevent the aquarium from becoming too soiled. In this way, you will keep your turtle away from health problems. You may use a filtration system to maintain clear and clean water.

3. Supply your turtle with sufficient food such as algae, crustaceans, mouse pups, and small fishes. You may also provide food sources like fruits and green vegetables that are best for terrapins.

4. You may feed turtles two to three times a week. You may use a small holding container that will separate the left over from the normal enclosure of the aquarium.


5. You should always clean the whole aquarium and its filtration system at least twice a month. Remove the dirt from the ponds where in most of the time serves as the resting place of your turtle.

6. Allot 75 percent of water in the aquarium for swimming and the remaining space for your turtle's basking. Basking is essential for turtles because it prevents shell dryness.

7. You may schedule a regular check up with your community veterinarian who specializes in turtles and other reptiles.

Being an exotic pet owner requires a lot of responsibility. You should always assess yourself if you can really provide care for an exotic pet. You should plan very well so that you can prepare properly once you have decided to own exotic.



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About the Author: Want to find out about pet lizards and basilisk lizard? Get tips from the Lizard Care website.

Ferret Care And The Best Way To Keep Them Healthy And Happy

Ferrets are available to purchase at your local pet store or breeder, also you may be able to find one at a animal shelter. Because they live a long life just like a cat or dog, it is important that you know how to care for them and keep them healthy, happy pets.


Ferrets are nocturnal animals that like to sleep during the day. When they wake up, it is best to let them out so they can play and exercise. When you do let your pet out, it is best to make sure all electrical cords are secure, any small item are put away and all small spaces are blocked so they can not squeeze in to them. Doing this will stop your ferret from getting lost or inuring themselves.

These mammals are carnivores and need a strict diet. What this means is they is they should only be fed meat or poultry products as they need a high protein diet to keep them healthy. There are many ferret food products available for you to purchase on the internet. But never make the mistake of feeding your pet cat food.

Besides from food, your ferret will obviously need water. It is advisable to put this in a water bottle, this will stop them spilling the contents.


Your ferret must never be left unattended while in your home. If you do have to pop out then use a cage, that is what they are there for. The ideal cage size is one that measures 18" x 18" x 30" or a little bigger. The main thing here is for you to make sure that it is big enough for them to move around in.

Ferrets are curious creatures and love toys, purchasing some is useful if you have to come home late from work so they will have something to do until you return. The toys you buy will have to be robust, as they will need to be able to withstand their sharp teeth. Again these are readily available to you on the internet.

You need to house train your pet, this way you will keep your home clean. A good way to do this is with a litter box, start by putting some of there waste inside the box and carrying them when you see that they are about to do it.

You should reward them with a light snack, if they do this correctly. Giving them a treat can also be done when you teach them how to do some neat tricks.

Some people will tell you its best to buy a ferret while it is still at a very young age, this is because they are easier to train while still young, than an older one. But despite the age, they still make a good pet and can still be trained at an older age, with a bit more effort.

Ferret care is not difficult, all it takes is a bit of common sense and you will be able to handle it ok. You are sure to enjoy the company of your furry friend for many years to come and might even decide to add another one so your pet has company.



This article was written by G D Williams, an up and coming expert on pets. Did you find this article on Ferrets As Pets useful? You can find out a lot more free information about Ferrets by visiting my site Ferret Help.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

PET SAFETY IN SUMMER

By Alana Cunningham

Hot weather can take its toll on your four-legged pals. Here are some simple precautions you can take to keep cats and dogs safe:

1. Keep pets hydrated and protect them from the sun.
High temperatures can cause your pets to suffer dehydration and heatstroke. Here are a few ways to keep them cool:

• Never leave your animals in the car — not even if you leave the windows rolled down. According to a Stanford University School of Medicine study the temperature inside of a parked car can soar by 40°F in just an hour, even on a mild day. Eighty per cent of that rise in temperature occurs within the first half hour. The best option is to leave your pet at home while you drive to do errands.

• Make sure animals have easy access to bowls of water and refill them throughout the day.

• Always have a few shaded areas in your backyard where pets can hide out from the sun’s scorching rays. Remember to keep them indoors during the sunniest hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• If your pet is suffering from heatstroke (see “10 Signs Your Pet Has Heatstroke”), take her into a shaded or air-conditioned area. Soak her with cool (not cold!) water, preferably from a hose. Or, apply ice packs and let her lick ice cubes if she’s able. Then take her to your vet immediately.

• Even though pets are protected by fur, they are still prone to sunburn. This is especially true for pets with lighter hair and skin, or thin or shaved coats. Using animal-specific sunscreen is a good idea, especially if your pet is likely to lick it. Nutri-Vet and Epi-Pet have pet sunscreen sprays. Apply sunscreen on the ears, paws, tip of the nose, lips, and the belly if your pet likes to lie on his back.


2. Practise water safety with your pet.
Not every cat or dog instinctively knows how to swim; some have to learn. Also, it may be difficult for your pets to stay afloat in the water if they have health conditions such as obesity or heart disease. So pay attention to them around water.

• Never leave your pet unattended around pools, lakes, rivers or streams.

• Spot your animal as she learns to swim in the pool or lake. (It’s a good idea to clip cats’ claws before introducing them to water so you don’t get a nasty scratch.)

• If you have a pool, consider placing a safety fence around it.

• Install an emergency dog ramp in your pool and boat so your dog can easily get out of the water.


3. Ward off West Nile virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in general, the risk of cats and dogs contracting West Nile Virus is very low. Also, these pets do not suffer severe illness when infected with the virus.

However, young, elderly, or immune-deficient cats and dogs are more at risk. Symptoms include low appetite, problems walking, circling, tremors, convulsions, depression and abnormal head posture. There is no West Nile virus vaccine for cats and dogs currently, so try a little prevention:

• Keep your pets inside during the early morning and evening hours to reduce exposure to mosquitoes and their pesky bites.

• Keep your animals away from dead birds and squirrels that may carry the virus.

• Remove all standing water from around your home to keep mosquitoes away.

• If you’re very concerned about your pet contracting the virus, you can buy animal-specific mosquito repellent.


10 Signs Your Pet Has Heatstroke
1. Heavy panting an excessive thirst
2. Restlessness
3. Fever
4. Dizziness and/or lack of coordination
5. Excessive salivation
6. Vomiting
7. Lethargy or excessive fatigue
8. A fast heartbeat
9. A purple or dark red tongue
10. Unconsciousness

Alana Cunningham has written articles on pet care, college student finance and budgeting. Find more articles like this one by her at http://www.corecontentmedia.com.

Camouflage Print Tank Tops

Camouflage Print Tank Top Shirts For Your Dog Dress your pet in style with these tank tops that have a camouflage print and humorous messages. Camouflage Print Tank Tops For Your Dog availble in sizes S (5-10 pounds), M (11-23 pounds), L (24-45 pounds).

Brain Tumors in Dogs and Cats

Though relatively uncommon, a brain tumor has always made a grim prognosis for any unfortunate animal that is diagnosed with one. Traditionally they were often assumed but seldom confirmed, but since MRI and CT scanning has become more mainstream they can be diagnosed correctly. Here we discuss the different types of brain tumor that affect dogs and cats, the clinical investigations that can be performed, the treatments available and the likely outcomes. Brain tumors seem to be more common in dogs than cats, and certain breeds are over represented such as Boxers, Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Scottish Terriers and Old English Sheepdogs.
Primary vs Secondary Brain tumors can be primary or secondary (metastasis from other sites). Primary brain tumors are usually solitary, the most common ones in the dog being gliomas and meningiomas. In cats, the most common type are meningiomas and these can occur at multiple locations. Secondary tumors in dogs include extension of a nasal tumor, metastases from breast, lung or prostate cancer, hemangiosarcoma or extension of a pituitary gland tumor.

Nerve sheath tumors and skull tumors have also been reported. Secondary tumors in cats include pituitary gland tumors, metastatic carcinomas, local extension of nasal tumors, skull tumors and middle ear cavity tumors. What causes a brain tumor? The cause of brain tumors is not known. Diet, environment, chemical, genetic, viral, immunologic and trauma have all been considered. In cats with meningiomas, because they often occur in very young animals, a genetic element is suspected.

Benign vs Malignant
The terms benign and malignant must be used with care when referring to brain tumors. Normally these terms apply to various characteristics on a cellular level, but on a biological level, even benign brain tumors can kill the animal due to the secondary effects like increased intracranial pressure or cerebral edema. In short, any brain tumor can kill. What are the symptoms? There can be huge variety here. Many animals will present with vague signs, such as one or several of the following:

1. Loss of trained habits

2. Decreased levels of activity

3. Decreased frequency of purring in cats

4. Disorientation

5. Confusion More specific symptoms are dependent upon where exactly the tumor is located within the brain, the size of the tumor and how quickly it is growing. As a tumor enlarges, symptoms tend to become more severe.

These can include:

6. Seizures (often indicate a tumor in the cerebral cortex)

7. Facial paralysis (may indicate a brainstem tumor)

8. Tremors (may indicate a tumor in the cerebellum)

9. Wobbliness (may indicate a tumor in the cerebellum)

10. Full or partial blindness (may indicate tumor in hypothalamus or optic nerve)

11. Loss of smell (may indicate tumor of olfactory system) The physical presence of the tumor can cause knock on effects due to inflammation and edema of the surrounding area. This can cause symptoms such as:

12. Changes in behaviour or temperament (irritability, lethargy)

13. Compulsive walking

14. Circling

15. Pressing head against a wall or hard surface Animals can sometimes carry brain tumors for several years before presenting to a veterinary clinic, if the tumor is slow growing. In these cases the symptoms develop gradually, and the owner tends to get used to them so that by the time the animal is examined, the tumor has reached a considerable size. How is a brain tumor diagnosed?

History and Clinical Examination
The first step for a veterinarian is to take a thorough history of all of the clinical signs, and when they developed. This is followed by a full general clinical examination and a full neurological examination. Bloods After that, blood should be taken for routine haematology and biochemistry profiles. This is to look for any disease outside the brain. Results will be normal for brain tumors, with the possible exception of some pituitary gland tumors.

Radiography
Plain skull radiographs (xrays) under general anesthetic have little value in detecting a brain tumor, but they can be useful if there is a tumor in the nasal cavities or the middle ear which could extend into the skull. On rare occasions, they can identify bony changes in the skull which can accompany a brain tumor, or mineralization within the tumor itself. Radiographs and ultrasound of the chest and abdomen are useful to look for a tumor elsewhere in the body, in cases where the brain tumor is a secondary metastasis.

MRI and CT Scans
Confirmation of a brain tumor can is usually only achieved using the advanced imaging techniques, CT scans or MRI. Both of these have pros and cons when compared to one another. CT is better for bony changes, while MRI is better for soft tissue definition, for the detection of many of the knock on effects of brain tumors such as edema, cysts and bleeding. MRI is the preferred option for diagnosing primary brain tumors.

Biopsy
This is the only way to definitively diagnose a brain tumor. The advanced imaging techniques above offer much information, but they can occasionally confuse a tumor with a non cancerous mass or a cyst, and they also do not tell us the exact type of tumor present, and therefore the appropriate treatment and prognosis. The best type of biopsy is the CT guided stereotactic brain biopsy system, which is rapid, accurate and quite safe. Since exploratory surgery is high risk, it is not usually attempted unless there is a reasonable chance of removing the whole tumor with minimal collateral damage.
Many brain tumors in cats and dogs are not categorized on a cellular level until post mortem.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis
CSF analysis is useful for ruling out inflammatory causes of the symptoms, but tumor cells are rarely identified here. Increased levels of white blood cells and increased protein levels may be present in the CSF with many brain tumors, though this is not diagnostic. This test can be high risk when intracranial pressure is increased, as brain herniation can occur.

Treatment
Treatment is aimed at being either curative or palliative. Curative treatment eradicates the tumor or reduces its size, whilst palliative therapy reduces the surrounding cerebral edema and slows down the growth of the tumor. Palliative therapy also involves administering antiepileptic drugs, if seizures are occurring as a result of the tumor.

Surgery
Whether this is an option depends on the general health of the animal, and the precise location, size, extent, invasiveness and nature of the tumor. Tumors such as meningiomas in cats can be removed successfully by surgery. However, surgery to remove tumors in certain locations such as the brainstem can be extremely dangerous, possibly resulting in death. Even partial removal can benefit the animal though, particularly if the tumor is slow growing.

Radiotherapy
This is probably the most widely used form of treatment for brain tumors. Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. It is also useful in the treatment of secondary brain tumors. The aim is to destroy the tumor without harming the normal tissue too much.

Chemotherapy
The main problem with chemotherapy for brain tumors is that many drugs do not cross the blood brain barrier. In addition, the tumor may only be sensitive to high doses, doses which are toxic to normal brain tissue and therefore unsuitable for use. However, several drugs have been used for this purpose that can cross the blood brain barrier with reported success, including cytosine arabinoside, lomustine and carmustine.

Probable Outcome
Studies of animals that receive palliative treatment (corticosteroids) for brain tumors show a survival range post diagnosis of 64 to 307 days. This demonstrates the inability to accurately predict life expectancy in these cases. What is certain is that the survival times significantly increase with surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy seems to offer the best results, alone or in combination with other treatments. Generally, the more severe the symptoms, the shorter the life expectancy.


About the Author
Dr Matthew Homfray is one of the veterinary pet experts at www.WhyDoesMyPet.com. Our dedicated community of caring pet experts are waiting to offer you advice, second opinions and support.

How to take care of turtles or terrapins?

You will be surprised to know that a turtle and a terrapin are both different things. There are a few species of this creature. Turtles live in fresh water and oceans. Terrapins are type of turtles that live in brackish water. So, if you are planning to own a pet turtle or terrapin for your family here are some great ideas so that you can know that how to take care of turtles.

Turtles are great creature as pets, in fact it’s a great fun watching them at your own home, one measure advantage of having turtles as pets is that they do not require any kind of training and they have along life expectancy. But as they have average life longer then other pets so it would be somewhat difficult to take care of turtles.

ou need to pay attention of a few things while taking care of turtles as pets

1. Make sure that you provide them both dry and wet habitat

2. Take care of the temperature around them for their well being and long life.

3. Turtle requires plenty of Fresh Food

4. They should be kept in Clean and Fresh water.

5. You should be able to recognize the difference between male and female turtles because they should be taken care in different ways

Generally turtles require more care than any other pets. You should keep a regular watch to check early signs of an illness; usually it can be detected from abnormalities in its shell.Finally if you do decide to keep a turtle or terrapin as your pet, be knowledgeable that you need to commit some time to take care of turtles, so that they can live a happy and healthy life and can be an ideal pet for you.

About the author:

If you want to know more about how to take care of Turtles, Turtle Care Guide ensures your turtle lives a long and happy life. Check out Turtle Care Guide Review. Article Source: http://www.free-articles-zone.com/author/23646

Twilight Turtle Constellation Night Light Transforms a child's room into a starry night sky with this plush, turtle-shaped nightlight that projects a complete star-filled sky onto walls and ceiling. Includes 3 soothing color options: blue, green and amber, to create a magical, tranquil environment ideal for helping ease children into a restful sleep. The accompanying illustrated guide will help children identify major constellations. Energy-saving Time-Out battery included. 13".

A Horse Training Secret From The 1800's To Teach A Horse

Horse owners who are history buffs may recognize the name Jesse Beery. Beery was an enormously famous horse trainer from the 1800's and early 1900's.He learned to train horses at a very young age. It was clear he had a gift for horse training and made it his life's work.

Among the almost countless things Beery could do with a horse, he taught them tricks. One of the most amazing tricks he taught was teaching a horse to drive without lines. (In layman's terms, you have no long reins (known as lines) connected to the horse. The only connection to the horse is the buggy hitched to the horse) This trick almost defies belief!Beery said this about driving a horse without lines: "While I do not advocate it as being a universally practical way of driving a horse, yet it is possible to so thoroughly train the horse to certain signals that he can be controlled more reliably under excitement and in case of danger than it would be possible to manage him with bridle and lines."Beery says there are a number of ways to teach this to a horse but suggests his method as the most reliable.

In a nutshell, Beery first turned his horse loose in an enclosure about twenty-five feet square. He would walk in with a whip and teach the horse to have confidence in him and not fear the whip. (The horse is never whipped).

Once the horse has learned to come to handler at the command of "Come Here" and shows no fear of the whip while it's gently waved over his head and body, and will follow the handler all about the ring, then you have laid a good foundation for further instruction.

Put the horse away until the next day where the horse learns signals of the whip. That process is as follows: Stand close the the horse's hip and take a short whip and tap lightly on the right shoulder until the horse, in anticipation of driving a fly off, will swing his head around to where the tapping is. Step forward quickly and hand him a few oats, or a small piece of apple, almost in the act of turning his head around. Step back and continue the tapping and rewarding. After a while, in his eagerness for the reward, he will take a step or two to the right when the tapping begins. Then caress him and treat him very kindly for that act. Soon, the idea will be conveyed that when tapped on the shoulder the horse will know to turn in that direction.

Remember to train both sides of the horse.Once both sides are trained now an open bridle can be put on. Use short lines that come back as far as his tail only - but they are used only if he becomes unruly or to convey your idea to him.

The handler's whip should not be over five feet long at this stage and the handler should stand directly behind the horse. (Beware of kickers) Let the whip extend to about the middle of his mane. The signal you wish for him to stop for is raising the whip and holding it in a perpendicular position. Associate the meaning of this movement, and position, just as the whip is raised so the horse can see it. Pull hard on the reins and say "Whoa" - all at the same time. After a few repetitions the horse will know what to do. (Assuming you have thoroughly educated your horse to whoa)
The first few times he stops without a pull of the reins step forward and reward him immediately. Much of the success of teaching this trick depends upon how you give the rewards. If the reward is given in a manner so that the horse can fully comprehend it was complying with the handler's wish, it will greatly enhance fixing this impression on the horse's brain.But if not given in the right manner, the reward will be worse than none at all. In the same manner, the horse is taught to turn left and right. This is done by giving the horse a pretty smart tap on the lower part of the shoulder and immediately place the point of the whip three or four feet in that direction. Should he attempt to jump and go ahead too much, you can hold him in check with the action and signal to stop him.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andy Curry is a nationally known horse trainer and author of several best selling horse training and horse care books. For information visit his website at www.horsetrainingandtips.com. He is also the leading expert on Jesse Beery's horse training methods which can be seen at www.horsetrainingandtips.com/Jesse_Beerya.

Horse Tapestry 3-Piece Rolling Luggage Set This 3-piece horse tapestry luggage set includes a large 18" x 28" x 11" suitcase, a medium 14" x 24" x 11" suitcase and a smaller 14" x 20" bag. Each piece has a zipper lock with keys, wheels and an adjustable handle to make toting your luggage a breeze! Each fits neatly inside the other for convenient storage. NO EXPRESS SHIPPING. Can only ship to the 48 contiguous states. Cannot ship to AK, HI, or PR.

14Kt Gold and Blue Topaz Horse Ring A running horse accented by a blue topaz tops this gold band that's the perfect accessory for any occasion. 14Kt Gold and Blue Topaz Horse Ring is available in whole sizes 6-10.

Yellow Lab monogram pillow

Yellow Lab Monogram Pillow Show your Yellow Lab how important they are with this monogrammed, petit-point pillow. Yellow Lab pillow is 100% wool exclusive of pom-pom trim and is 14" square. Yellow Lab pillow is available with or without monogram or personalization. Maximum 12 characters for personalization. NO EXPRESS/AIR SHIPPING. Allow 2 weeks for delivery. SHIPS TO THE CONTINENTAL US ONLY. Order by Dec 2 for christmas delivery.

Paws & Pesticides - a Deadly Combination

For the sake of your pets and family, please stop using chemical pesticides.

Toxic pesticides are considered an active poison. They are extremely dangerous to your health, your pets health and our environment.Every year, thousands of domestic pets and wild life lose their lives to the ravaging effects of pesticide poisoning. Most pet lovers also enjoy gardening and the great outdoors. Little do they know what caustic ingredients are in the pesticides that are being sprayed on lawns and green areas. We take for granted that most herbicides used by gardeners or sold in stores are safe. Many name brands such as "Weed n' Feed" and "Round Up" contain the same deadly cancer causing ingredients that were found in Agent Orange. Another synthetic poison found in these two well known garden products is 2,4-D. It is also the active ingredient found in "Killex." It can cause loss of reflex in humans along with comas, kidney and liver failure. In dogs it is the number one killer causing malignant lymphomas, a form of cancer.

Sadly, just five percent of pesticides reach their target weeds and garden pest. The rest are absorbed into our earth, targeting our water supplies through a process called run off or simply just dissipates into our air. Major health damage can occur when Toxic Pesticides are absorbed through our skin, swallowed or inhaled. When not applied correctly, pesticides can settle on ponds, pools, children's toys, pets left outdoors and even drift through open windows settling on our furniture, bedding and even our floors. This deadly poison is often tracked into our homes by our shoes and pets paws.We all face the continuing problem of toxic by-products through years of pesticide residue that is in our food supply and everyday environment. What we don't realize is how wide spread pesticide poisoning really is. These caustic chemicals are virtually used in all of our public buildings including our children's schools and play yards, restaurants, hospitals, hotels and private homes. Pesticide abuse is used in our agriculture and forest areas.

Why are Pets Vulnerable to Pesticide Poisoning?
* Pets spend most of their time close to the ground, this is where pesticide concentration is highest.
* Pets ingest most pesticides while grooming themselves. Any contact with chemicals connect with their fur and paws and is then ingested by the pet.
* Pets spend more time outside and play in heavily treated areas.
* Pets have higher absorption rates than human systems. Animals may be more sensitive and easily poisoned by conditions deemed safe to people.

Signs of Pesticide Poisoning In Pets
* Excessive drooling and foaming at the mouth.
* Loss of thirst and appetite.
* Vomiting or diarrhea.
* Immune function decline.
* Convulsions and disorientation.
* Birds and fish die due to toxic runoff in our water supply.
* Feline thyroid disease.
* Dogs contract cancer (malignant lymphoma)

What Can We Do To Stop Pesticide Poisoning?
* Adapt an alternative "green" solution for pest control.
* Enjoy your weeds and bugs. They are part of nature.
* Educate yourself about pesticides used by your HOA, Lawn Service and immediate neighbors.
* Do not allow your pets to drink from ponds or outside water sources - always keep fresh, clean water readily available.
* Leash your pets, allowing them to run free is not a good idea.
* Bathe and brush your pets often.
* Wash down your outdoor living area.
* Think eco-conscious when dealing with your environment.

Protect yourself and your pets from synthetic pesticides by being an educated consumer and willing activist in our eco-system.

Natural Canvas Tote Bag

"My Best Friend Is A Chocolate Lab" Natural Canvas Tote Bag This natural canvas tote bag tells the world that your Chocolate Lab is your best friend. 17 1/2" x 13 1/2" x 5".

Aromatherapy for Animals, Part 1

The trend toward natural health consciousness in humans is gaining popularity in the animal world too. Many veterinarians are beginning to introduce natural therapies in their practice, including osteopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture, flower essences and more recently aromatherapy. It's just been a few years since aromatherapists and vets have begun to recognize how animals can benefit from this wonderful natural therapy.
For humans and animals alike, essential oils are powerfully antiseptic, detoxifying and revitalizing, thus increasing resistance to disease while strengthening the immune system. Essential oils can also be used to control pet odors and to purify the air from dust, dander and allergens. For example, mix 50 drops of lemon essential oil in a 2-oz spray bottle filled with water. Shake very well several times and spray the room. You'll notice immediately that it refreshes and cleanses the air!
But aromatherapy offers more than just fragrance. Their remarkable actions upon animals -- most notably dogs, cats and horses -- are immediate, profound and long-lasting, positively affecting their overall health and emotional well-being.
Today we will focus on recipes and tips for Fido. As faithful friends, dogs bring affection, pure joy and loyalty into our lives. Most breeds thrive in the outdoors, running and playing in the freedom of nature. In fact, dogs will naturally purge their system in the wilderness, carefully choosing specific plants their systems need, such as blackberries, raw carrots, etc. Now a domestic animal, most dogs have lost this natural instinct, and are becoming less resistant to illness in general.
Dogs have a predictable set of physical ailments that may occur during their life span. Today I'll share aromatherapy blends that will soothe and heal skin problems, remove and prevent fleas and ticks, relieve the pain of rheumatism and arthritis, revive energy and control pet odor.

******** Blend to Relieve Skin Problems ********
Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with Calendula oil. Apply to afflicted area.
-5 drops Lavender -6 drops Geranium

******** Blend to Relieve Itching ********
Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with Calendula oil. Apply to afflicted area.
-4 drops Lavender -5 drops Geranium -3 drops Roman Chamomile

******** Blend to Combat Fleas ********
Fleas are nuisances for man and animal alike. This sinister pest hides within your pets' fur as well as in our carpets, parquet and window coverings.
Prepare the following blend by pouring the following ingredients into a 1-oz spray bottle:
-7.5 ml Mint essential oil -22.5 ml rubbing alcohol
Fleas absolutely dislike mint! Spray the affected areas of your home. Don't forget your dog's bed. Spray directly onto your dog, holding the bottle about 10 inches from him. Avoid spraying on the head and eyes.

******** Blend to Combat Ticks ********
Check your home and pet for ticks - look in his bed, window coverings, walls, etc. Burn the ones you find to prevent them from coming back.
Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.
-10 drops Tea Tree -10 drops Lavender
Apply 1 drop of Lavender and 1 drop of Tea Tree undiluted essential oils before extracting ticks from your pet. This will disinfect the inflamed area. It may sting a little bit (as alcohol would) but it works great!

******** Blend to Ease Rheumatism ********
Like humans, many dogs suffer from rheumatism as they age. Your veterinarian may treat him with specific medications or natural therapies. But locally, you can apply and massage the following blend in the morning and night to alleviate pain.
Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.
-8 drops Birch -8 drops Juniper -7 drops Rosemary

******** Blend to Ease Arthritis ********
As recommended by some veterinarians, soften your dog's bed to make it very cozy and warm. If your dog is an "outside" pet, allow him to sleep inside. A little moist heat, applied directly over painful joints, can be a great comfort to arthritic pets. Get him a warm sweater, or apply a moist heating pad. And massage the area twice a day with the following blend to soothe the pain away.
Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.
-12 drops Birch -8 drops Juniper -7 drops Rosemary

******** Blend to Boost His Energy ******** Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill. Massage the spine gently. Use in the mornings only.
-5 drops Rosemary -6 drops Lavender -2 drops Peppermint

******** Blend to Control Pet Odor ********
Try this natural and aromatic spray. Pour the essential oils into a 1-oz spray bottle filled with water. Shake very vigorously several times before each use. Spray directly onto your dog, holding the bottle about 10 inches from him. Avoid spraying on the head and eyes.
-10 drops Lavender -10 drops Geranium -6 drops Lemon

In Good Health, Francoise Rapp http://www.aromalchemy.com
(c) Francoise Rapp, 2002. Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist, Francoise Rapp, shares her expertise in using essential oils to heal and revitalize body and mind at http://www.aromalchemy.com. Highlights include in-depth aromatherapy classes designed for working adults, pure & organic essential oils, recipes and aromatic treatments for health and wellness, and a free weekly newsletter. Discover the power of aromatherapy today at http://www.aromalchemy.com!
About the author: Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist Fran�oise Rapp shares her expertise each week in her free ezine, the Arom'Alchemy Newsletter. To subscribe, visit www.aromalchemy.com/education.

Personalized Celtic Pet memorial stone

Personalized Celtic Pet Memorial Stone Personalized Celtic Pet Memorial Stone

White Poodle Dog Throw

White Poodle Dog Throw Decorate with a 100% cotton throw that has your favorite dog breed portrait. 47" x 60". Machine washable. Coloration and horizontal or vertical images vary by breed. Allow 3 weeks for delivery. Order by Nov 21st for Xmas delivery.

What to Consider when Purchasing a New Dog Bed

Buying a dog bed is one of the most important purchases you will make for your pet. It is an item that will be used on a daily basis to make your pet feel comfortable and secure. To make sure that you get the right bed for your dog, be prepared when you make your decision. Size isn’t the only important factor when considering what bed to purchase. There are many different shapes, sizes, colors and materials to consider, as well as orthopedic beds and even luxury beds to choose from. However, size should be the first of these factors to consider. Measure your dog by weight, length and width. Take into consideration any additional weight if your dog is still growing.

There’s no sense in buying a new bed every month as they grow. Secondly, you should observe your dog’s behavior when he or she is sleeping to find out what their preferred position is.

Whether you dog likes to curl up or stretch out will help determine what shape of bed to consider. If your dog curls up, a round or oblong bed with raised sides may be more comfortable for them. On the other hand, if your dog likes to stretch out while sleeping, a flat rectangular bed could be a better option. Look at all the options and try to picture which one would accommodate their sleeping behavior the best. Other factors to consider are the type of material used for the bed. Most dog beds today are made with non-toxic filling, but it’s always a good idea to check the material used for the entire to bed to make sure that if your dog does try to destroy the bed and ingests some material, it won’t be toxic to him or her. Also, your dog’s activity level and location of the dog bed will contribute to what type of bed you will need. If your dog is allowed to frolic in the backyard and come in muddy to his bed in the laundry room, you will most certainly want a washable, durable cover. Some detachable dog bed covers are even moisture and dirt resistant.

An indoor dog that sleeps on your bedroom floor will not need such a heavy duty bed.

After you determine the size, shape and material needs of your dog bed, you can consider what colors and patterns will go with your own home décor. You can be assured that if the dog’s bed is comfortable and appropriate for his or her size and shape, they won’t be picky about the color.

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Giving Your Cat the Safest Place to Come Back To

When one thinks about cats as pets, the image that comes to mind is of a big furry cat lying down in his cat bed with a big plate of milk by his side. Cats have been known to be lazy, aristocratic interior house pets but that is not necessarily a rule. Most cats are very active, natural born hunters, who like to wander freely. For those, you might want to consider acquiring outdoor cat houses.

Many owners, when they have the habitation facilities for it, choose to give their cats the liberty to live outside and enjoy the freedom of having somewhere safe and comfortable to come back to when they feel tired of wandering. A great way to keep your cat coming back after his adventures is by providing them with comfortable outdoor cat houses. If you own a big house with a spacious garden, outdoor cat houses might be the way to provide with cat with proper housing in a safe environment.

Outdoor cat houses should be very sturdy and safe; preferably made of durable non toxic materials. They should protect your cat from rain, cold, wind and snow if it comes to that.
On the other hand, they should not be excessively warm and they should be able to adapt to warmer weather. Remember that the cat should always feel conformable inside his own house, so he won’t need to wander outside in order to find a comfortable place to stay. Most outdoor cat houses are made of isolated wood, which should have received a specific treatment to make them water and wind proof. They usually contain vinyl doors, in order to make it easy for your cat to go in and out and still keep the outdoor cat house warm and protected. The floor should also be taken care of in a proper way, in order to isolate the complete house. If you really want to add a special treat to your cat, you will be amazed at the amount of outdoor cat house toys you can find, to put inside your new cat house and give your cat another good reason to keep coming back to his safe place.

Other popular outdoor cat houses include models made of synthetic materials that are specifically fabricated to withstand very cold or very warm weather. When buying synthetic outdoor cat houses make sure they are not made of toxic materials and that they are actually safe for your cat. There are several outdoor cat houses available in the market today, and by doing a market research you will see you can find the perfect one within your budget as they come in all sizes and types of finishing’s.

You can go for a more modest version or, if you have the financial means, there are several luxury outdoor cat house models available.

Cats are free and independent animals. They are feline hunters by nature and they were not made to be kept inside the house at all times. Keep your cat happy by providing him the opportunity to be free and safe at the same time. If he knows that by coming back he will find a perfect and safe place to be, he won’t need to go wondering for comfort. Outdoor cat houses are a great choice for the true cat lovers.

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Choosing Pet Clothes for Different Seasons and Occasions

After a hectic and busy day, you will feel good when your pets with pretty gestures welcome you. Pet lovers always consider their pets as one among their family members and take a lot of care for their needs. One product which all the pet lovers show interest is the Pet clothes. When you clothe them, you protect them from the changing weather conditions. Even though the pets have natural fur and hair for protection from cold, clothes adds more beauty and the pets also look very cute by wearing varieties of pet clothes.

The pet clothing for your pet depends on your living environment. If you are residing in a cold region your pet may be exposed to cold climate for a long duration and hence you have to choose thick clothes for your pet. When you are residing in a place with temperate weather condition, you have to unbutton your pet clothes and so you have to buy thin coats for your pets.

Though there are multiple reasons for dressing your pet, you don't have to be worried about your pet clothes if any of the following fits with your pet.

When the density of hair and fur is more on your pet, you don't have to additionally burden them with pet clothes. When you live in a hot climate your pet will not enjoy getting dressed. Lastly, if you’re pet refuses the pet clothes offered to it, don't force such clothes on it and don't ever try to make it wear pet clothes that it does not prefer. You can always beautify them by other means like hairstyles, jewelries etc.

Pet clothes are having increasing popularity as a lot of stores and suppliers now offer different ranges of pet clothes. Pet clothes are available in different varieties and styles for pet dogs when compared with other pets. This may be because the dogs show more of cooperation in getting dressed. Mostly sale of the pet clothes are focused towards pet owners who are fashion conscious and clothes are marketed with the multiple benefits your pet attains out of using them. Normally after winter walk, pets get tired and their body temperature undergoes sudden change and pet clothes can prevent them from catching cold. Another important benefit of providing clothing for your pet is to safeguard the pet's skin from scratching or aggravating any itching area. If your pet has undergone an invasive operation, then the pet clothes will protect the wound till it's healed. Some pet clothes are exclusively available for preventing family way in pets. Though it may look awkward but it prevents the number of pets in your home from increasing.

Most of the pet lovers choose sports style pet clothes like hooded tops, faux leather jackets, trendy vests, T-shirts and colorful knits as they add more of uniqueness in their appearance. Other fashionable clothes are pet's shoes and boots with matching pyjamas and there are also trouser suits that are waterproof available for your lovable pets. On special days if you don't want your pet to be left out, you can buy fancy costumes. The famous fancy pet clothes are bridesmaid outfit, wedding gowns, tuxedos, and seasonal costumes. When you love your pet and can afford more budgets you can buy fashionable pet clothes as a gift for your pet.
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Golden Retriever Christmas Ornament

Personalized Golden Retreiver Dog Breed Christmas Ornament Include a special ornament for an important member of the family on your holiday tree with this dog breed ornament. Approximately 4".