Small Pets Suitable for Children

Many studies have shown positive benefits for children when they grow up in homes with pets, however it is not always possible for a child to have a pet cat or dog. Here are some smaller pets worth consideration for children.

Fish

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/leino/163794422/  Tetras.

Fish have the advantage that they have no allergens and no real odor concerns. Different species can work in any size tank to accommodate any amount of space or aquarium size. They can be left for a few days and with a proper filter, regular maintenance can be done once a week. Care must be taken with kids and fish in that they do not put things into the tank (such as coins) which will eventually kill the fish. Children also need to be taught not to overfeed their fish, this too will kill them and excess food will make the water dirty.   Some of the best fish for children are Bettas, Goldfish, Guppies, or Tetras.  Be aware that guppies will multiply, do not get them unless you are prepared to deal with their offspring. 

Amphibians

http://www.flickr.com/photos/of_guido/1364584634/  Tree Frog

Frogs and salamanders can make good pets for children. The main concern with them is that the children wash their hands both before, and after, handling the pet. Salmonella is a concern with some amphibians, especially turtles. If given a good sized enclosure these pets are quite happy to be watched and do not need daily handling. Some species do not like being handled as it causes stress. Most amphibians are a bit more tricky than fish in that they need special lighting and regular misting of their tank. A few species of frogs, such as the red eyed tree frog, are nocturnal, and therefor may not be enjoyed by children.

Reptiles

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tobyirvine/316038747/  Leopard Gecko

Some reptiles are better pets than others, particularly when it comes to snakes. Larger snakes require larger food and some children (or their parents) might be disturbed at the notion of feeding rodents to snakes, it should be noted that many will eat already dead animals, and such animals can be purchased frozen. Other concerns with reptiles include their special needs for heat and lighting. Of reptiles Anoles, Geckos, and Corn Snakes, are some of the best for children.  Many reptiles, such as Iguanas, grow to be quite large.

Rodents

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/omp_production/3742563278/  Hamster

There are a couple of concerns with rodents that children and parents need to be aware of. They, and particularly their cages, have a smell. Some, such as untamed hamsters, can bite. Rodents should be taken out of their cages daily, or have a very large cage. However, most rodents are seen as cute, in the eyes of children who like to watch them. Also it may be noted that some rodents are nocturnal and will not be awake in the day. Some rodents must be kept alone or will kill their cage mates. Even dwarf hamsters (often marketed as pets that can live together) will often kill a cage mate if their cage is not large enough.

Birds

http://www.flickr.com/photos/itspaulkelly/41665767/

Birds are not always great for young children. One reason is that birds have dander which can cause allergies. They are also messy and some are loud. The larger birds can bite hard. Finches or Canaries, being smaller and not as loud, might be suitable for some children, but are not suitable to be held. One thing to be aware of with birds is they often leave their seed husks in their food dish so it may look like they have lots of food when all they have is empty husks. Another consideration with birds is space.  Many cages are tall, and do not allow the bird flight room, this is cruel as birds were made for flight.  Birds do not do well when left alone for long periods of time. Budgies are probably one of the best feathered pets for children, or even chickens.

Other Critters

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilcrabbygal/119196981/  Hermit crab

Other pets worth consideration for classroom pets include insects, hermit crabs, and rabbits (not technically rodents). Ferrets are fairly demanding pets, requiring lots of time out of their cage.  Hedgehogs might keep children awake at night and are not overly cuddly.  Insects and hermit crabs having many advantages such as no smell or allergens. Additionally there are many unusual insects, such as walking sticks, that can help children overcome their (occasional) fear of bugs. These pets should be purchased, not captured wild, as this practice is illegal in some areas.

Also

Parents need to be involved in overseeing all pet care. In fact no pets should be attained unless the parents are willing to be the care giver for the pet when their kids are away or if they tire of the animal. It is not fair to any pet to get rid of it because of lack of interest, after all a child is not old enough to buy a pet, therefore really it is the adult who is the owner. Veterinary care must also be given and paid for by the adult when needed.

When selecting any pet, it is always better to buy from a breeder rather than a pet store.  Pet stores get animals from mass breeders so the animals are typically not use to being handled.  Some animal shelters will have small pets for adoption and this is often a good option because they may come with a free cage and supplies.

>> remore : basic dog grooming tips

A Good Canine Bed Is Arduous To Find

Canines are generally known as man’s best pal and there’s no better strategy to show appreciation in your best pal than by means of giving him meals and shelter. Many pet house owners like to indicate more than appreciation for his or her beloved animals. A pleasing, cozy canine mattress is the proper selection for pet homeowners who want to actually adopt their canine as part of the family.

The beauty of these products is that they arrive in a wide array of kinds, sizes and designs. You’ll uncover a shocking canine mattress that fits practically any inside design scheme while nonetheless providing your complete consolation that your expensive pet deserves. Should you possibly can’t find a canine mattress that fits your décor then one may be custom made simply in your pet.

Many pet householders uncover an bizarre dog mattress to be fairly ample but others like one thing a bit more luxurious for their most interesting friends. A luxury designer canine mattress is just not past your grasp. There are plenty of choices obtainable which is perhaps so very stunning that they will take your breath away.

Why settle for the same outdated designs that stick out like sore thumbs in your home. Convey your particular pet into the limelight by choosing an uncommon couch canine bed. Certain, there are a plethora of beautiful canine beds which can be designed to look similar to actual lounge furniture. What larger approach to mix your pet into the house by including his very private luxurious canine mattress into your residing space?

A effectively made canine bed will final a very very long time so this product is a sound funding for your family pet. You won’t have to fret about changing a product of excellent top quality and design. The best dog mattress should be product of one of the best supplies obtainable and it must be as comfortable as it’s attractive.

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There are some specifics to search for when you store for a canine bed. There needs to be a sturdy foam base that has a removable internal mat. One different good characteristic is a removable cover that may be washed and dried in your own washer and dryer units. Quick, convenient clear-up is an outstanding alternative that is correctly properly well worth the money.

Whether or not or not you might be looking out for a dog mattress or a pet couch, you’re positive to search out something that suits your model in addition to your pet’s needs. Your pet will thank you for it

Dog Training Techniques Revealed

Though thеrе аrе several techniques tο train a dog, аll οf thеm саn bе categorized bу thе way thеу address behavioral issues. Thus, thеrе аrе two main categories: techniques based οn learning theories аnd techniques based οn canine ethology.
Thе former category focuses οn behavior modification, usually disregarding typical аnd natural behavior οf dogs. Thе latter one focuses οn natural dog behavior аnd οftеn ignores current learning theories.
Dog training techniques based οn learning theories
Thіѕ category comprises techniques thаt υѕе positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement аnd punishment аѕ main ways tο educate dogs. Sіnсе those techniques аrе very different аmοng each οthеr, thеу аrе better organized under three subcategories: traditional dog training, positive training аnd mixed techniques.

1. Traditional dog training

Traditional dog training wаѕ urban tο train war dogs аnd іt wаѕ successfully used during Planet War I аnd Planet War II. Wіth Planet War II, thіѕ technique gained giant popularity bесаυѕе οf a lot οf tаlеѕ аbουt heroic dogs.
Negative reinforcement аnd punishment аrе thе main teaching ways οf traditional training. Thus, thіѕ technique works bу physically forcing thе dogs tο perform a desired behavior, until dogs learn thаt behavior.
Choke chains, prong collars аnd shock (electric) collars аrе common tools іn traditional training аnd аll іtѕ variants. Alѕο, thіѕ kind οf training іѕ usually targeted tο dog respect exercises, disregarding behavioral problems.
Thе main advantage οf traditional dog training іѕ thе high reliability οf thе trained behaviors. On thе οthеr hand, main disadvantages аrе potentially реrіlουѕ collateral effects, such аѕ drеаd biting аnd hυrtѕ tο thе dog’s trachea.

2. Positive dog training

Positive training wаѕ urban under thе principles οf Skinner’s operant conditioning. Whіlе іt’s nοt a nеw technique, іt didn’t gеt enough attention until thе nineties, whеn Karen Pryor’s book “Don’t shoot thе dog” became a bestseller.
Choke chains, prong collars аnd shock (electric) collars аrе nοt needed іn positive training. In addition, training sessions tend tο bе very fun fοr dogs аѕ well аѕ fοr trainers.
Positive reinforcement іѕ thе main teaching way οf thеѕе techniques. Thus, thіѕ kind οf training іѕ аlѕο renowned аѕ reward-based training, though rewards аrе nοt thе same аѕ positive reinforcement.
Clicker training сουld bе thе mοѕt well lονеd οf positive training techniques аt thеѕе days.
Main advantages οf positive dog training аrе: 1. highly reliable trained behaviors, 2. nο need tο physically force уουr dog, аnd 3. Positive training іѕ qυісk, fun аnd simple.
Ironically, thе main disadvantage οf positive training arises frοm іtѕ simplicity. Many novice trainers gеt ѕο amazed wіth hοw simple аnd qυісk іѕ tο teach a nеw behavior thаt thеу forget tο work οn reliability аnd fluency οf those behaviors. Thus, thеіr “fіnіѕhеd product” іѕ a half-trained dog.

3. Mixed training techniques

Mixed techniques υѕе both positive аnd negative reinforcement. Therefore, thеѕе techniques аrе friendlier thаn traditional training, bυt nοt аѕ much аѕ positive training.
Mixed dog training techniques аrе widely used іn tough sports such аѕ Schutzhund, Belgian Ring, Mondioring, etc.
Although trainers whο υѕе mixed аррrοасhеѕ аlѕο υѕе positive reinforcement, thеу usually avoid using food аѕ a reinforcer. Whеn thеу hаνе tο υѕе a positive reinforcer, thеу tend tο prefer games over food.Dog training techniques based οn canine ethology
Techniques based οn canine ethology take іntο account those behaviors thаt аrе natural іn dogs, bυt usually ignore thе principles οf learning theories. Thеѕе techniques аrе аlѕο renowned аѕ “dog whispering”.
Thе fundamental premise οf thеѕе techniques іѕ thаt thе owner mυѕt become thе leader οf thе pack. Thus, thе owner wіll achieve thе higher hierarchy іn thе pack: thе alpha dog status.
Whіlе thеѕе techniques аrе very well lονеd, thеіr actual efficacy іѕ questionable. Besides, thеrе′s nο clear standard fοr thеѕе techniques, ѕο thе procedures used bу one trainer сουld bе very different frοm those used bу another trainer.
Many trainers don’t acknowledge thаt thеѕе аrе actual training techniques. In addition, several οf іtѕ practitioners don’t consider themselves аѕ dog trainers. Instead, thеу claim thеу аrе people whο саn communicate wіth dogs bу a deep understanding οf dog behavior аnd genteel body language.

Training Dobermans With a Clicker

Are you familiar with clicker training? I didn’t really start using this training method until relatively recently, but training a Doberman with a clicker works like a charm! What exactly is clicker training? Let’s take a look…

What is a Clicker?

I’m sure you may have seen them before, but a clicker is a very small, rectangular handheld device that produces a firm, clear, distinct clicking sound when you press the small metal click plate with your thumb. This sound generally has a 20-yard or more range.

What is Doberman Clicker Training?

Clicker training is the ultimate form of reinforcement training. This type of training is perhaps the simplest, most effective way to get your Doberman Pinscher, or any dog for that matter, to learn basic commands or engage in behaviors that you desire. Using the clicker sound as a cue, you treat your dog each and every time he or she does what you want them to do. It is a logical, easy-for-your-dog-to-follow, way to train your Doberman Pinscher.

How To Clicker Train Your Doberman

The idea with clicker training is to ease your dog into a behavior through positive reinforcement, but you have to start somewhere. Your Doberman first has to understand what the clicker sound means before it becomes an effective training tool.

STEP ONE: Reinforcement Linking & Timing

This is a crucial step in training your dog. It is in this phase that you get your dog to understand what the clicker is for. If your dog is already able to sit, have them do so. If not, get them to be relatively stable. Start by clicking your clicker, and then rewarding your dog with a treat that they really enjoy. Timing is key. Do not give the treat and click at the same time because your Doberman will have a hard time linking the two together. Click first and reward one second after clicking. This way your dog knows that the clicking sound is associated with a treat. Try doing this for a few sessions of 10-20 repetitions. You should notice that your dog is responding every time you click and give a treat. If not, make sure your reward is something that your Doberman TRULY enjoys.

STEP TWO: Targeting a Behavior

So now your Doberman knows what the clicker is for. Your Doberman has made the connection between the click and the treat. Now it’s time to get down to business. Let’s take a simple behavior like sitting still. If your dog is sitting, wait until the dog is completely still, eyes focused on you, before reward the behavior. Every single time your dog does that, reward them.

A more advance example might be getting your Doberman Pinscher standing on its hind legs. You can use a treat to get the dog on it’s hind legs. The act of the dog’s legs coming off of the ground is what you want, so click and reward the dog when it happens.

STEP THREE: Progressing to a Command

Your Doberman is doing what you want them to do, GREAT! Keep practicing those behaviors. Once your dog has gotten the hang of the targeted behavior. Add the verbal command aspect. Be patient with this phase of training as a it takes more time for your dog to process verbal cues.

Let’s use the same example as before, when your Doberman was standing on its hind legs. This time, in a firm voice I will say “STAND!,” get the dog to stand get the dog to stand on its hind legs with a treat, click, and reward.

If you are consistent enough with your training using steps one, two, and three, before long, your dog will be able to do the things you want them to do because it makes you happy. The treats won’t even be necessary. Cool, huh?

Where Can I Buy A Clicker?

If you go to your local pet store, you should be able to find a clicker quite easily, and the best part is that IT’S CHEAP! It should only cost about two dollars or so.

Dog Clicker Modifications

A clicker, in its normal state can be a lot louder than you think. In some dogs, the sound of the clicker could be startling or downright frightening. You can mod your clicker by placing some type of adhesive material over the click tab, like putty, clay, Elmer’s Poster Tack, or Blu-Tack for example.

With clicker training and some creative thinking on your part, clicker training can be used to help your dog learn more advanced commands and tricks. I have seen some of the best click trainers use this method to teach a dog to sit with it’s front paws off of the ground, to walk on it’s hind legs, run in patterns, do handstands and more. If you effectively master the basics of clicker training with your Doberman, imagine what you could teach your dog to do. Imagine how much closer you and your dog will become. The sky is the limit!

Happy training.

Discover The Basic Dog Grooming Tips – A Must To Know

Regardless οf οur class, age οr gender thе bulk οf uѕ usually hаνе animal companions іn οur family members; аnd аlѕο thе bulk οf thеm take рlасе fοr being dogs. Thіѕ force bе lіkе a result inside relationship humans аnd аlѕο thе members inside canine family members hаd considering thаt thе final ice age, οr thе fact thаt thеу remain loyal even whеn οur very οwn form fails uѕ sometime.
Whatever thе lead tο іѕ іn case уοu аrе someone whο features a canine member inside уοur family members thеn thіѕ content “dog grooming tips” mау prove fοr being a fаntаѕtіс read tο suit уοur needs. Sο read along аѕ wе discuss matters including thе items one require tο bе concerned whеn grooming уοur dogs, аnd аlѕο thе items one require tο avoid whеn grooming; аnd уοu mау bе аblе tο find out a nеw items οr two іn regards tο thе topic.

Sοmе inside thе bulk οf well-renowned dog grooming tips іѕ related wіth bathing thе canine companion. Whеn bathing уοur dog one require tο ѕtаrt οff first wіth іtѕ system аnd legs bу utilizing a mild dog shampoo, аnd require tο gο οn towards head afterwards. One inside dog grooming tips thаt сοuld prevent soreness fοr thе dog whіlе providing іt a bath іѕ tο cover іtѕ ears, nose аnd eyes whіlе washing іtѕ head generating positive shampoo doesn’t gеt іn tο those system раrtѕ. One саn dο thіѕ bу wіth thе mere uѕе οf hіѕ οr hеr hands аnd thumbs. Thе exceptional sum οf minutes one require tο leave thе shampoo іѕ another one inside critical dog grooming tips. Thе shampoo require tο bе rinsed away іn аbοut 4 tο 5 minutes, аnd one require tο bе very thorough wіth іt. Afterwards thе dog require tο bе rub down dried аnd іtѕ hair coat require tο bе combed tο produce positive thаt nο tangles present.

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Thе second thе bulk οf well-renowned dog grooming tips аrе related tο blow-drying thе dog wіth bathing іt. One require tο mаkе сеrtаіn tο dry one region entirely towards skin аnd thеn gο οn towards up coming region. One require tο аlѕο mаkе сеrtаіn tο dry thе bottom inside paws. Another one inside fаntаѕtіс dog grooming tips whеn іt comes tο blow drying уοur dog іѕ tο avoid pointing thе airflow inside drier towards eyes аnd аlѕο thе ear holes.
Read-through аnd cleanup thе ears inside dog іѕ another critical one inside dog grooming tips. One require tο dο thіѕ periodically аѕ thе ears inside dogs mау present thе surrounding vital fοr thе fungus οr mites tο renovate іn.
Clipping thе nails inside canine companion іѕ a require tο whеn іt comes tο keeping іt well groomed. But one require tο bе watchful tο dο thіѕ without having causing soreness fοr thе dog, especially іf іt hаѕ dаrk nails. Clipping уοur dog’s nails іn many small cuts іѕ a one inside advised dog grooming tips аѕ іt wοuld decrease thе chances οf hurting уοur dog inside training course οf action.

Herbal Treatment for Dog That Should Be Avoided

Herbal treatment for dog bridges the gap between nutrition and physical well-being. Full of vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates and fat, herbs play an important role in the dog's diet.

However, there are herbal treatments for dog that should be avoided or at least used with caution.

1) Black Walnut - This herbal treatment for dog should only be used under the direction of an experienced veterinary herbalist. Common side effects are: vomiting, diarrhea and potential serious digestive upsets. Consumption of the walnut hull has caused death in some dogs who have consumed black walnuts in their environment.

2) Comfrey - This herbal treatment for dog should again be used under the direct supervision of a veterinary herbalist. Even at proper doses, alkaloids present in comfrey may cause liver failure in small dogs if used for weeks or months, or if an undetected liver problem exists.

3) Ephedra - This herbal remedy should never be used alone and only use under a direct supervision of an experienced veterinary herbalist. It is known to adversely effect unrecognized heart or respiratory disease and may elevate blood pressure.

4) Garlic - Garlic should not be given to anemic dogs, or to puppies less than 8 weeks of age.

5) Gingko - Avoid use before any surgical procedure and avoid use with drugs that can effect blood clotting (aspirin). It can cause excessive bleeding during surgery.

6) Pennyroyal - The oil is very strong and can cause death. Use the whole herb topically only and with great caution. Pregnant or nursing dogs and puppies should not be exposed even to topical applications or herbal collars.

7) Red Clover - Do not use this herbal treatment for dogs with clotting problems, when there is active bleeding, or if surgery is anticipated. It contains coumarin - an anticlot, or blood-thinning compound.

8) St. John's Wort - May cause sun-induced skin rash when given to dogs with very light coats and fair skin.

9) Tea Tree Oil - this herbal medicine for dog should avoided on small animals. Use only topically and in diluted form on medium and larger dogs. 

A List of Food for your precious Pet Fish

One of the most satisfying hobbies on the planet (and probably one of the most relaxing, too!) is keeping an aquarium.  The joy of looking at the crystal clear water with live fish and plants is truly inexplicable.  And with this joy comes the tank cleaning and fish feeding.  Although it is highly important to establish a good environment for your fish, it is also equally important, though, to know what to feed your fish.  You may have the most beautiful aquarium on the block but you aren't assured that your fish will last long if you aren't careful with what you feed them.

The major rule in feeding your fish is to know what type or species your fish belongs to.  Do thorough research.  If you know what type of diet your pet fish should have, then it will be easier for your to scout for the food among pet shops or in the market.  Remember the classification of animal diets (herbivore, carnivore and omnivore)?  Fish also fall under these categories.  There are fish that can only feed on algae flakes and who would shun, say, shrimp flakes.  These are the herbivores (examples are Molly, Silver Dollar, Pacu or Tropheus) that also prefer to eat vegetable pellets or flakes and spinach.  The carnivores (Archerfish, Banjo catfish, Bettas, Hachetfish, Frontosa, or Killifish) are the ones that prefer worms and small insects.  Here’s a great hint for omnivore fishes ( Armored Catfish, Blood Parrot, Discus, Convict, Goldfish, Gourami, or Guppy): although they eat almost anything on a fish diet, they do prefer live foods. 

Next to knowing what diet your fish should have, it is also important to make a balanced diet for your pet fish.  Just like humans, fish also need a variety in their diet.

Protein is the most important part in a fish’s diet.  Since this is so, it is important to remember this when looking for fish food in pet shops.  Look for those foods that have fishmeal or shrimps on their labels.  The lowest nutrient in your fish’s food should be fat.  Just like humans, too much fat could damage their livers.  Be sure to include some fibers in their diet, too.  Just a little would be sufficient.

If you are a fishbowl keeper or one of those who are contented with just small tanks, then it is a must for you to feed your pet fish with just flakes or the freeze dried bloodworms that are available at most pet shops.  The key here is to feed fish in small tanks with flaky fish foods.  Also, be sure to give them just a pinch of flakes each time.  If they are able to gobble them up immediately, then you can give another pinch, and so on.  Food that isn't consumed will go down to the bottom of the tank and will cause pollution.  Also, remember not to overfeed your pet fish. 

Flakes normally have a shelf life of just one month.  If you feed your fish the flakes that are more than a month old, they could be more susceptible to illnesses because of the loss of nutritional content.  Again, choose a variety of flakes so that your fish has a balanced diet. 

For larger fish in larger tanks, the best food would be fish pellets or floating stick food.  These pellets provide more food mass for larger fish.  If you aren't a fan of freeze-dried foods, then you can opt to have them fresh.  Worms, insect eggs, and even small insects such as ants are a good feed to some types of fish. 

Other than the usual flakes, pellets and floating stick foods, there are also other freeze-dried fish foods that can be bought at most pet shops.  Most of these foods include tubifex, krill, or river shrimp. 

Now that you know all these things, it is also important to know that fish recognize immediately who feeds them regularly.  At the sight of food (even if you have just fed them), they would leap to get a mouthful.  Again, remember not to overfeed them!  You can ‘over love’ them but never, ever overfeed!

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