How To Choose The Proper Hay For Your Horse

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To have a strong and healthy horse it is important for you to feed them properly. Feeding them quality hay will give them the important nutrients and minerals they need. The amount of proteins needed by a horse are dependent on their metabolism, age, and rate of work. An adult horse will eat about 2% of its body weight every day, and experts recommend that half of the food eaten daily should be hay.

If your horse ways a thousand pounds, they should be eating at least ten pounds of hay each day. All hay is basically divided into two categories which are grass and legumes. Legume hay is much more nutritious than grass hay, and has more calcium and protein. While hay will not give horses all the vitamins and nutrients they need to stay healthy, it is essential for all horses whether they are used for competitions or not.

Once you have decided which type of hay is best for your horse it is important to study it. Find out if you like the smell or feel of the hay. Check inside the bales of hay to get a better look at it. Though some of the hay may be discolored, this is not a cause for concern. Choose hay which is green and soft. The stems on the hay should be fine. Don’t buy hay which smells moldy and looks fermented.

Purchase hay which has been harvested while the plants were still in bloom. Study it to determine how mature it is. Don’t purchase hay which has lots of dirt, weeds, or other materials which are not healthy for your horse. Make sure the hay doesn’t have diseases or insects which could harm your horse. Ask the the person who grows the hay about any problems they’ve had with harvest in their area. Avoid purchasing hay from bales which are heavy or seem like they are wet. These are likely to have mold in them.

Once you have purchased the hay you want to place it in a dry place which is not in the sun, rain, or snow. If this is not possible, cover it with something than can protect it from these weather conditions. You may also want to have the hay checked by a specialist to make sure it is rich in content. The health of your horse is important, and you want to make sure you buy the best food you can afford.

Michael Colucci is an experienced horse competitor and writes articles for horsegathering.com HorseGathering.com and horsepasture.net HorsePasture.net

Adopting A Dog - Looking After A Mistreated Dog

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It’s in people’s nature to try and help out by adopting a dog and giving dogs the love and affection they deserve. There can be many reasons why people adopt a dog as opposed to buying one and each way has it’s merits provided one takes the time to weigh up the pros and cons. Those folks at the dog rescue/shelter provide an outstanding service by giving mistreated, unwanted dogs another chance at life, but they need others to make their efforts worthwhile by adopting a dog and continuing the love and care in their own homes.

It’s much easier said than done, with a roller coaster of emotions and challenges, one can soon start thinking, maybe it’s not what they initially hoped. There’re those who jump blindly into adopting a dog with no clue of what’s in store. Dogs, like humans, don’t tend to make themselves at home right away in strange surroundings.

When adopting a dog, one should be prepared for almost anything. It’s very likely that your new rescued dog will have numerous behavioural problems, so be ready for a lot of chewing and possible destruction to your furniture. Carefully monitor your new dog’s reactions to different situations and gradually introduce other family members so the dog doesn’t become overwhelmed.

There is a whole host of reasons why one should visit a shelter prior to adoption, for one, you wouldn’t buy a suite of furniture for your house without visiting a showroom. Be prepared, it can be a very stressful experience visiting a shelter, but you’ll need to see the condition of the dog, how it behaves towards you and others. It’s also advisable to check out the shelter itself.

After the initial adjustment period, you could find that much of the tedious work of training and socializing a dog may have been done for you already. Unlike purchasing a new puppy, one gets to do their part by saving a dog from distress.

You’ll need to ask yourself are you prepared to work through any fears a mistreated dog may have. All dogs need our love and attention, but adopted dogs need that little bit extra.

Therefore, you can be confident of your choice of dog and your ability to care for it. Try to take things slow and easy at first, let your newly adopted dog find its own footing and gradually build up it’s confidence.

Do you want to learn more? I have just completed a brand new guide on adopting a dog, ‘Your Guide To Adopting A Dog’

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All About the Bedlington Terrier Dog Breed

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The Bedlington Terrier, also called the Rodbury, the Rothbury, and the Northumberland Fox Terrier, is a British breed that was originally developed to be a fox and weasel hunter. This breed descends from a crossing of the Rothbury dog and the Bedlington bitch. Some sources also mention the Otterhound and Dandie Dinmont Terrier as possible contributors to this breed. This breed is known for its speed, hunting skills, agility and intelligence.

Physical characteristics of the Bedlington Terrier

This is a standard sized dog that grows to be between 15 and 17 inches tall. Its weigh generally stays between about 17 and 23 pounds. Their fur coat is thick and linty. The colors that this breed comes in include liver, sandy, tan, and blue. It’s appearance resembles that of a sheep.

Temperament and behavior of the Bedlington Terrier

This is a very affectionate dog breed that loves to be around children. They also work well in multi-pet homes. Their terrier nature makes them a natural watch dog that will alert you when strangers approach your home.

Regular grooming and care of the Bedlington Terrier

This breed requires frequent grooming. They will need their hair trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain their lambish appearance. They don’t shed so you may have to pluck their coat periodically to remove dead hair and prevent matting. This is an active breed that needs a lot of exercise. However, their speed and curiosity makes it necessary for you to keep them on a leash or in a fenced in area.

Dog behavior, dogbehavioronline.com/dog_training.html” target=”_blank puppy training and puppy breeder information all in one place online. The ultimate resource for dog owners. Learn expert dog training tips, advice to help with dog behavior problems, a dog training forum as well as a directory of dog trainers and breeders all over the country to help you locate a professional near you. Learn about crate training, pet nutrition, dogbehavioronline.com/” target=”_blank pet obedience, dogbehavioronline.com/house_breaking.html” target=”_blank dog house breaking and more. Check out our dog behavior ebook for more tips to help you raise an obedient pet and companion.

Leash Training Your Puppy Can Be a Most Rewarding (and Challenging) Experience!

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The sooner you start leash training your puppy, the sooner he will be able to walk with you in a safe, happy environment. However, this isn’t always an easy task. Puppies are often afraid of collars and leashes; and as such, should be introduced to them in a loving and patient way.

Before you start leash training your puppy, you should buy him a collar with an id tag, a leash, and some of his favorite treats. You need a regular dog collar, choke collars are not recommended for leash training.

Start the training session by putting the collar comfortably, but securely around the puppy’s neck. He will probably paw at the collar and roll around at first. Don’t laugh at him or encourage this in any way, but don’t punish or scold him either. After a few minutes the puppy will forget it’s there.

Once the puppy accepts the collar, you should attach the leash. Don’t pull him; just let him walk around wearing it for a while. Do this indoors with supervision so the puppy can’t tangle the leash on something and become hurt. After a few minutes, take the leash off. Repeat this process several times while leash training your puppy. Attaching the leash to his collar at mealtimes will help him to associate the leash with something pleasant.

After he is comfortable wearing the leash, pick up the other end. Don’t walk him; instead let him lead you around if he wishes. Try not to put him in a position where he wants to pull or strain against the leash. Try luring him towards you. If he comes, give him lots of praise and possible a treat; if he doesn’t come don’t punish or scold him because that will only make him more afraid of the leash.

When he begins to walk praise him generously. Every part of leash training needs to be as pleasant for the puppy as possible. When the puppy is comfortable walking on the leash, practice in a familiar area without distractions. Gradually widen the walking area.

Once wearing the collar and walking on the leash are conquered, it’s time for you and your puppy to learn how to manipulate stairs. The same patience and encouragement required for leash training is necessary for training your puppy to climb stairs. You should find a wide, inviting staircase and sit at the base of the steps with your puppy.

Go up one step and encourage your puppy to follow with your voice and a treat. If he follows make a huge fuss telling him how wonderful he is and give him the treat. Repeat this until he is no longer intimidated by the stairs. While leash training your puppy, never punish him for not climbing the stairs or try to force him. Forcing him will only impede the training process and give him something else to be afraid of.

Although leash training your puppy can be challenging it is absolutely necessary for his safety. Remember, new puppies are a great responsibility and this is only one small part of the training the puppy will need for a smooth and happy transition from a puppy to a dog.

Mike Long runs a dog training website that focuses on educating people about the different ways of training your dog or puppy. If you would like to learn more, including additional articles, and training tips, tricks, and ideas, check out his site at dogtraininginfo.wordpress.com dogtraininginfo.wordpress.com.

Why Use Food - Secrets Of Dog Training Professionals

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Have you ever wondered how the professionals get dogs to do whatever they want seemingly effortlessly? How do they solve behavior problems such as excessive barking, chewing, messing in the house, and aggression? Trainers have the secrets; they know how to interact with their dogs, and have a deep understanding of how dogs learn. They have used behavioral methods from scientific theory and turned that into life skills that they use to train their dogs.

If you’re reading up on the subject of dog training or trying to find a top-notch trainer, you might be wonder what all the hype about using food is. Trainers use positive reinforcement, and food helps them do so. Positive reinforcement is basically giving something that the dog wants for something we want them to do. It’s the same as being employed. We do a job and get paid according to our work. There are lots of things that motivate dogs: contact, socialization, attention, play, and exercise. So why do a lot of trainers use food as a motivator if there’s so many other things that motivate?

Because it works! It works across a broad range of dogs. All dogs need to eat, most dogs love to eat (even beyond basic survival), it’s convenient for the trainer (widely available), it’s more efficient than using toys (faster results for the trainer), and there are some foods that dogs will do just about anything for. Think about food as being money for you; you always want more of it regardless of if you really need it or not. It’s a nice treat to find a 20 dollar bill on the sidewalk; your dog thinks it’s pretty nice to be given a tasty snack just because he sat down.

So why don’t some dogs respond well to food rewards? If your dog has access to their food around the clock, he probably isn’t hungry. You also may be feeding him too much. Your dog might prefer a different kind of treat; he may not like what you’re trying to give him. Try a wide variety of treats, and if he still doesn’t seem interested, switch to another motivator.

Special treats can be fatty or full of sugar, not very healthy in any regard. Use these in moderation and try to find a healthier alternative. The healthier the food you use the healthier your dog is going to be in the long run. Some trainers are lucky enough to have dogs that will work for apples or other fruit.

Ashley writes on how to train your dog better and more efficiently. You can learn more by visiting dog-training-easy.blogspot.com/ Dog Training.

Hidden Cameras For Pets

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You can find hidden cameras for all sorts of purposes now. They come in all sorts of things too. You can get teddy bears with a camera in the nose, to watch the babysitter. A pack of cigarettes that is actually a camera can record your conversations. However, there is one camera invention that I haven’t yet seen marketed: hidden pet cameras.

I imagine it has been done a number of times by those who play with - I mean work with - surveillance equipment. It seems a natural thing to look at the dog one day and say, “Hey, let’s put a camera on Fido.” Now we just need someone to make it into a workable product.

Hidden Cameras On Collars

Most likely, the cameras would have to be attached at the collar of either dogs and/or cats. The weight isn’t an issue now, since there are cameras that weigh an ounce out there. Hiding the camera might be the real challenge. Perhaps a flower or bow on the dogs collar might do the trick, with the lens in the center.

Of course, the camera would have to transmit the image to a remote monitor or recording device. The range on these types of cameras is enough now to get a clear image from around the neighborhood.

Why Hidden Cameras For Pets?

Novelty value is a start. Just strap the camera on Spot, and let him go wander the neighborhood while you watch the show. Just don’t tell the neighbors you saw what happened in their backyard. Naturally, all the surveillance enthusiasts out there would have to add this invention to their collections.

With a trained dog, you could use this system for more specific spying. It has probably been done before, whether or not such a camera has been marketed yet. The first such use might be for a reporter’s expose of the conditions in dog kennels.

Now the people at PETA might not like this next idea for these hidden cameras, but it is a natural. In a war zone, dogs could go into areas that are too dangerous for soldiers, and provide a view of what’s going on. There might be similar applications in criminal investigations too.

Finally, have you ever wondered where your cat goes all day? Or where the kids go when they have the dog along? You could easily find out with these hidden cameras.

Steve Gillman has been exploring new ideas for decades. Visit his site for invention ideas, business ideas, story ideas, political and economic theories, deep thoughts, and more. Get a free gift too:

Dog Training Methods

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There are as many ideas of dog training methods, as there are dogs to train. It is you who has to
decide which one will work best for your dog. For example the problem of socializing properly
is a big one, but there are methods that can make this as easy as 1, 2, 3. All this sort of training
involves getting your puppy use to all kinds of sights, sounds, people and other animals. When
you act as these situations you are taking him in are as normal as sitting at home then you don’t
create the fear of strange things upsetting him.

Socialization is tremendously important to dogs. Without it you can lead a miserably life and
your dog will too. The only method to get him socialized is to take him into different situations
on a daily basis. If this upsets him, be firm but persistent. It is something that he has to get
accustomed to and will make life a lot easier for you both. The ultimate goal is to be able to take
your dog anywhere without the fear of him reacting in a negative way.

If your dog is over excited, anxious or hyper, these are all negative behaviors that you want him
to lose and one sure way of doing this is to expose him to different situations until he becomes as
comfortable in other surroundings as he is at home. This can only be accomplished by daily
exposure.

The recommended first step towards socialization is, of course, training classes but if this is not
possible, then it is up to you to get him out there and introduce him to the world beyond his door.
Classes benefit dogs of any age praise and reward any good behavior and totally ignore any bad
behavior. He will soon get the message and you will see a difference in him. Take your dog with
you everywhere you go. This will be a tremendous help when it comes to socialization and will
improve his outlook on different situations. It is key to getting a dog that you can take anywhere
in any situation.

For lots of information on

Just the Basics - Dog Obedience Training Tutorial

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One of the most exciting aspects of getting a dog or puppy is training the pet do follow commands. Sometimes owners overwhelm their dogs by trying to teach too many different and complex commands to their dogs or puppies at the same time. Most breeds of dogs do better learning to master one or possibly two commands at a time, but never all the commands at the same time.

It is important to research how your breed learns best. Some dogs learn by lots or repetition and practice, whereas other breeds learn very quickly and then become bored and disobedient if they are required to constantly repeat already learned commands. Dogs that learn a command and then seem to stop following the command after two or three repetitions in a sort time fall into the later group. Each dog has its own personality so beyond the breed traits you also have to monitor and be aware of your puppy or dog’s personality.

Come

Probably the easiest command to teach most puppies and dogs is the simple “Come”. Dogs naturally love to have human attention and will actively seek out time with their owner and family. As you notice the puppy heading towards you simply say “Come Fido” or whatever the dog’s name is. Always attach the name to the command so the puppy quickly learns their name and will begin to listen for it. A treat or just some praise and attention for coming on command are all that is needed.

Sit

One the puppy will come on command; sit is usually the next step. Hold a small treat just above the puppies nose when they are standing. Slowly move the treat back through the air just above their head. The puppy’s nose will naturally follow and the head will tip back, causing the puppy to sit down. As you start to move your and back say “Sit Fido”. As soon as the puppy sits give the treat and lots of praise. Repeat this often, not just when the puppy comes but when they are standing beside you, before you put the leash on, or before you give them a toy. Soon the puppy will learn that sitting is a good thing and they will get positives from the action.

Down

Teaching down is usually easiest from the sitting position. Once the puppy is sitting on command, simply call the puppy and have them sit. Give them a treat and let them know you have another treat in your hand. Like with the start of sit, say “Down Fido” and move the treat down towards the floor and slightly out from the dog’s body. The puppy will naturally follow with its nose. Slowly move the treat forward until the puppy is prone. Immediately give praise and reward with a treat.

If you want to include hand signals with these commands simply start by giving the hand signal with the verbal command. Gradually say the verbal command in a softer voice while continuing with the hand signal. Be sure the signals are very clear and visible to the puppy or dog. If the puppy does not respond to the visual cue be sure that you have their attention. You may need to call the puppies name so they understand that you are about to give a command.

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Crate Training A Puppy- A Herculean Task?

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Most of us think that crate training a puppy is a difficult task but we do not know is that later on, even the dog will like it. Are you amazing? Do you know that crate is a valuable and useful training tool?

The crate will become a comfortable and safe place for your puppy where it can sleep and relax just like its kennel. The main objective of crate is to offer your pup with protection, safety and security for short-term confinement.

More over your puppy won’t stay in its crate through out the day, as it will make use of the crate either at night or sometimes if you’re left your puppy alone. Although your puppy dislikes the crate initially, time and patience gains you fruitful result.

Although crate seems to be a jail cell, it will act as your dog’s natural den- a personal space where it feels safety, security and protection- it is nothing but the CRATE. Before starting the crate training, the crate should be placed in a proper place such as where it can see the family members and environment, smell and hear your presence and voice- the kitchen might be the good selection.

Practice the crate training at least 10 minutes initially that is followed by 30 minutes and finally up to two hours. Your dog may bark, moan and kick up a fuss while in the crate. If you notice these things, don’t give any attention to your dog. Yes! Don’t turn your head even at his direction.

Dogs are really intelligent enough to find out that he’ll catch your attention when your dog kicks up a fuss. Simply pay no attention to him! You can let your dog out only after she/he stops barking or when it wants to relieve herself/himself.

You should prepare the crate by covering the bottom with newspapers or even use a blanket or basket in the opposite end. Now you can invite your puppy to its new home. You can either tune a radio, some music or the television set to make your puppy to hear some noise and voice in the background.

Last but not least, control your puppy’s water intake by removing its bowl after its dinner or approximately two hours before your bedtime. This will help to prevent it from soiling his crate. (potty training)

In nutshell, the prerequisite for crate training are-
The crate should be large enough that your pup or dog can stand up and turn around.
When beginning crate training, start in intervals of 10 minutes
Never punish your dog with the crate or it will dread going back.

Senthil kumar is a writer for dog care tips and advice. His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information for all of your Pet interests.For more articles, tips and resources, please visit his site at edogadvice.com/” target=”_blank Free Dog Info & e-Dog Advice

Marbled Headstander

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Family: Anostomidae

Species: Abramites hypselonotus

Size: 13cm (5 inch)

Diet: Herbivorous

Tank levels: Middle and lower

Habitat: Streams and rivers

Remarks: This species swims and rests head-down in the typical manner of the Anostomidae family. A diet with a high vegetable content is recommended; it will devour aquarium plants. It may also be slightly intolerant of its own kind.

Other Names: High-backed Headstander, Striped Headstander. formerly classed as Abramites microcephalus.

Comments: Several broad, wavy, dark brown bands run obliquely over the pale yellowish body of this fish. A dark horizontal line runs from the tip of the snout back through the eye. Dorsal, pelvic, and adipose fins carry brown markings, and the base of the caudal peduncle has a dark edge.

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This fish comes from the "Tropical Fish" family species of fish. I hope you enjoyed this fish profile that I put together to help people to choose the right fish for the right aquarium tank setup you may own, or be thinking of buying in the future. If you require more information about keeping fish in general and what are the right fish to choose for your tank setups, you can always visit my site called "GB Aquarium" and see what’s posted new there and also join in the discussion taking place.

garybolton.co.uk garybolton.co.uk