The Jeffrey And Tracey Info Emporium

Although many horsemen and trainers extol the virtues of the round pen, many horse owners still overlook just how powerful such a pen can be in developing or maintaining a relationship with a horse. This is a shame because it is truly what I call the Great Equalizer in a horse-human relationship. Perhaps that bears some clarification…

I’ve found many horse owners to be concerned about their physical strength as opposed to that of their horse. They fear they simply cannot firmly establish themselves as the alpha, or leader, of the relationship because the horse is so much stronger. Thus when their horse displays poor ground manners or commits an inappropriate action they are more prone to ignore it and hope it doesn’t develop into worse behaviors. After all, what choice do they have? The horse is just too strong.

The reality is that, except for the youngest of foals, a horse will always possess more raw strength than a human. Any attempts to overpower a horse with sheer strength are doomed to fail. Techniques such as raising your voice towards or slapping a misbehaving horse do not rely on strength – they are psychological. The horse does not want the conflict to escalate as it is uncertain exactly what your capabilities are, therefore it submits.

Of course there are exceptions, and truth be told such techniques are best used on already-trained horses or in situations where you cannot properly establish your authority due to lack of time or proper surroundings. The best way to instill respect and discipline into a naughty horse is by incorporating the Great Equalizer: the round pen.

Whereas many people view a round pen as a means for exercise (and it is true that it’s a great exercise tool), the true power behind the round pen is its ability to establish dominance in a completely non-forceful method. In the round pen, physical strength means very little. It is a quick and easy (as opposed to other methods) technique to make your alpha status known.

Allow me to share an example that will better illustrate why a round pen will serve you better than strength.

I once owned a willful young colt raised by a first-time mother, so unfortunately the mare wasn’t all that familiar with the need to discipline her colt. In fact although the colt was really quite a nice horse, he was unruly and tended to do whatever he wanted from day one. An experienced mare would not have permitted such antics, and had she “laid down the law” better from the first day the colt would likely have been a little less rambunctious.

Soon it came time to provide halter and lead training to this young upstart, and true to his form he made sure the task was trying. Although more than willing to walk with you, he felt there was little need to do so in an orderly fashion. If he “accidentally” bumped into you, or strayed so far from your side that you had to cling to the lead line with an iron grip, so be it. Snapping or jerking the lead line didn’t impress him much.

Even worse, as a colt develops into a mature stallion they often can become very “nippy.” This one was no different at first. Just as he did with his mother, he would sneak tiny bites and nips when you weren’t watching, and although there wasn’t mean intent behind them let’s face it – they hurt!

Anytime a horse strikes at you (and a nip should be considered a strike) it’s important that you retaliate with conviction so they think twice about doing so again. But when I would give this colt a fairly light slap he would almost smirk to himself and try to nip me again! Was he being mean-spirited? No! This colt grew up with no significant discipline from his mother and no fear of humans – we imprinted him from birth and thus he trusted us. Since he did not fear me, he thought I was engaging in some horseplay as any other colt would do.

A slap, as harsh as it sounds to us, is not always about force. It generally does not cause a horse much pain, but rather it is intended as a shock technique for a horse that already recognizes you as an alpha. Since this colt saw me as a playmate and equal, he possessed no fear of my slaps – my choice was to either escalate the physical force (which is generally not my first choice) or establish my dominance in a gentle way via the round pen.

Once I established that slaps or verbal growls would not have any effect on this colt, anytime he would nip at me or try my patience with his rebellious ways we would march straight to the round pen or enclosed paddock. While this colt found the notion amusing for the first five minutes or so, eventually the round pen will drain the “oats” from nearly any horse and he was no different.

With consistent round pen work, this colt soon learned that I wasn’t a simple playmate – I was his leader. Although we could still enjoy each other’s company, it had to be on terms that were agreeable to the both of us (no more black and blues!). Due to consistent round pen work, the leading, nipping and general disrespect issues became a thing of the past.

I hope my example of this young colt showed the folly of depending upon physical force to achieve your goals – “outgunning” a horse is not easy, practical or desirable. Never accept poor behavior and do not feel your authority is measured solely by your raw strength; both are mistakes that are all too commonly committed by horse owners. Instead consider the use of a round pen (or in a pinch you can use a longe line) and find out how easy training and discipline can be when using the Great Equalizer.

About the Author

Jeffrey Rolo, owner of AlphaHorse and an experienced horse trainer and breeder, is the author of the above article. You will find many other informational articles dealing with horse training and care as well as games and other horse fun on his website: http://www.alphahorse.com.

Copyright © 2005 AlphaHorse. All Rights Reserved.

Why is an All Natural and Holistic to Pet Food Gaining Importance?

There is a significant increase in the market share of Natural and Holistic Pet Food, and it is predicted to double over the next five years. But why the sudden increase in our pets health? It seems that as we become more concerned with our own family’s health and what we eat, it’s natural to also be more concerned about what our pets eat, as they have truly have become part of our families. Today, it is now easier to provide a complete healthy meal for our pets. In fact, our pets may be eating better than we are!

What to Expect from All Natural and Holistic Pet Food?

1. Switching to All Natural and Holistic Pet Food, produces substantial results over time. We all are accustomed to using synthetic drugs which can stop symptoms quickly. But, in many cases, the problem reoccurs because it was treating the symptons, not the problem. Holistic Pet Foods provide an environment that allows the body to health itself, not just treat the symptoms. This results in a more permanent cure and a healthier pet.

2. A good, high quality diet is the foundation of your pet’s health. What we find in the market today for our pets, often contain chemical additives that can be detrimental to their health. Many commercial premium foods contain chemicals known to be toxic, as well as low quality meat that is not fit for human consumption. Many of the ingredients are hard to digest, so the nutritional value is diminished becuase it doesn’t reach their bloodstream. An animal’s immune system is worn down over time because of poor diet and the lack of a complete balanced diet doesn’t foster a long life. There has been a significant increase in kidney and liver failures in young dogs and cats that has recently been linked to the amount of chemical preservatives. That’s why the FDA recently recommended the manufactururers of pet food cut the amount of certain chemical preservatives in half. Our pets eat the same food everyday, so the food they eat will have a heightened effect over time on their health, that’s why a good, high quality diet is best for your pet’s health.

Domestic pets are descendents of animals that have been existing in the wild. Many vets feel that pets should eat natural and less processed food. They recommend feeding pets fresh food with some supplements, or choose an all natural or holistic pet food. Your choice is to select the healthiest food for your companion pets.

What is All Natural and Holistic Pet Food?

Of course, we know that the proper mix of protein, vegetables, carbohydrates, and fats are needed for a healthy diet for our pets. Along with the 23 essential amino acids, pets also need vitamins and minerals. But the types of proteins, vegetables, carbohydrates, and fats is what holistic pet food is all about. Holism is the theory that animals should be viewed as interacting, complete entities, that are more than the sum of their elementary particles. Holistic food is naturally balanced, and provides the pet’s body with much more than just the sum of its ingredients. Each ingredient is chosen for not only it’s nutritional value, but also for it’s interaction with other ingredients. In selecting ingredients, manufacturer’s must know how an ingredient aids digestion, and select the ones that provide the most health benefits. Many ingredients are known to be good anti-oxidants, so why not choose an ingredient that has that added value. Then the combination of ingredients as a whole can be evaluated to understand the total value of a complete and balanced diet.

Holistic pet food manufacturers choose the most digestible meats, vegetables and carbohydrates so that the nutrients are almost 100% bio-available, meaning that it actually gets into their bloodstream. If it is a meat that can’t be easily digested, then it just passes through their digestive system, and less is really available. The sources of proteins, vegetables and carbohydrates are just as important as the amounts. We also know that certain meats, vegetables and carbohydrates are prone to produce food allergies, and therefore it makes sense to avoid using those ingredients which are known to have a high incidence of digestive problems or allergies.

Given that we can determine the proper mix of ingredients, it also makes sense that we should utilize the best available ingredients for your pet and avoid using questionable ingredients such as by-products or meat digest. The source of the ingredients should be held to the highest standard of human grade food, and as natural as it can be. That means meat that is free from contamination from animals that were not given steroids, antibiotics or hormones, and to avoid meat by-products or meat digest. Vegetables should be free from pesticides or herbicides. We should avoid known food allergenic ingredients (beef, wheat, or soy), and not use chemicals preservatives, dyes, or genetically modified organisms. Holistic pet foods come as close to organic in nature without any chemicals or drugs, or as we say, “The Very Best for Your Best Friend!”

About The Author

Fred Ege provides All Natural and Holistic Dog and Cat Food, the very best for your best friend. To learn more about our All Natural and Holistic Dog and Cat Food, go to: http://www.foxvalleypetfoods.com.

fred@foxvalleypetfoods.com

The greatest benefits of ownership is knowing that your property will be there when you need it, but ownership of a pet requires a different type of security measure. Because, pets are living creatures with minds of their own, they have a tendency to want to explore new things, and this often encompasses wandering off and not knowing how to return to where they started. This dilemma poses a unique problem for their owners inthat their pet is out there alone, and they are depending on the kindness of strangers to reunite them with their lost pet.

Now, every pet owner wants to have a sense of security that their pet will be returned if lost, and this is evidenced by the popularity of various identification techniques, such as pet tags, tattoos, and pet microchips. But, all of these means of pet identification have their limitations, and those limits are based on the fact that the owners’ information will not change, and that the finder knows how the pet is tagged. Although the most recognizable form of identifying a pet is the pet tag, this method is also subject to the limitations above, but a company called RecoveryPets.Com has rectified this problem.

The pet tag is not a new invention, nor is it high tech, but it is still the most recognize means of identifying a lost pet. Now the use of the pet tag has been revolutionize by combining the pet tag with a unique identification number and the internet, this company has effectively created a means to recover lost pets that will never become obsolete. And, by compiling a database of registered pet owners on the RecoveryPets.Com website with their contact information, the pet tag now provides a true sense of security for pet owners concerned about their pets wandering away.

RecoveryPets.Com provides their registered pet owners a location to place their contact information prior to a pet being lost, which will save them time in the recovery effort, plus it increases the chances of a quick return. So, a listing of the pets complete description, a full color photograph, along with up to ten methods to contact the owner is the base of the services provided by this company. Along with this service they provide the pet owner the ability to update their contact information free for the life of the pet.

Providing a sense of security that if a registered owners pet is lost they will have a better than average chance of being returned in the first six hours is the mission of all pet recovery services. But, a pet tag along with the services provided by companies like RecoveryPets.Com can make this low-tech device the new revolution in pet recovery. For more information about the services provided by pet recovery companies visit:
http://www.recoverypets.com

About the Author

Thaddeus Collins is the owner of RecoveryPets.Com a company that specializes in the global recovery of lost pets using a unique tracking number that is registered on the companies website, and can be searched if the pet becomes lost. For more information visit http://www.recoverypets.com

Let’s face it – Fido and Fluffy are an important part of your family. Do you want to have to assign a dollar value to them if they become sick or injured?

That may well be the case if you don’t have pet health insurance. Rising veterinary costs mean that pet owners can pay hundreds – and even thousands – of dollars for their pets’ health problems. As the bills stack up, uninsured pet owners must determine how much they are willing to spend on their animal friend. It can be a heartbreaking decision to make.

Much like insurance for health, cars and homes, pet insurance helps people put a little money away now to avoid a major payout later. Coverage and cost vary, so it’s important to thoroughly research the options if you decide to insure your pet.

Step one: Determine if Pet Insurance is Right for You

When people decide to get a pet, they often don’t consider how they will deal with the inevitable unexpected illnesses or accidents. Keeping a pet indoors by no means eliminates all the hazards. They can still swallow foreign objects, ingest a poison or injure themselves. As well, living indoors does not make a pet immune to disease and infection – particularly those that are common to their breed. Pets with access to the outdoors have even more opportunities to pick up a disease or get hurt.

Don’t have a dog or cat? Insurance companies are starting to offer plans that meet the needs of a variety of pet owners. Some now offer coverage for birds and exotic animals.

Not all owners are good candidates for pet insurance, however. Pet insurance is ideal for owners who deeply love their pets and are willing to spend a significant amount of money to keep them healthy and extend their life. They buy their cherished companions the best food and care they can afford, sometimes even putting their pets’ needs before their own. For this type of owner, pet insurance can be a smart investment that can prevent considerable costs and bring peace of mind.

Pet insurance is not a good investment for owners who don’t have a strong emotional tie to their pet. Owners who would rather have their pets euthanized than spend money on vet bills are not good candidates for pet insurance.

Step two: Decide What Type of Coverage You Want

Most pet owners will weigh two main considerations when shopping for pet insurance: budget and coverage. Peace of mind can also be an important factor, but far more difficult to quantify.

Pet health insurance is still relatively new in the United States and Canada, so the options available are fewer than for other forms of insurance. That said, North American pet owners can choose from a variety of coverage choices, ranging from injury/accident-only to all-inclusive.

As with all insurance products, the cost of pet insurance increases as the coverage improves. As a pet owner, you must decide what is the right balance between affordability and the care you want for your pet.

- Coverage
When choosing pet insurance coverage, first consider what kind of insurance customer you are. Do you prefer all-inclusive coverage that pays for everything from routine checkups and vaccinations to accidents and chronic illnesses, or are you comfortable with a lesser degree of coverage that just kicks in during emergencies? Perhaps you prefer a flexible plan that offers discounts on a wide range of services, from veterinary care to training. This decision will lay the groundwork for your final choice.

Some issues to consider:

* Make sure to check for coverage of pre-existing conditions as well as breed-specific genetic ailments, such as hip dysplasia for large dogs. Some plans refuse to cover these conditions.

* Some plans place limits on annual, per-incident, per-illness or lifetime costs.

* How old is your pet? Coverage usually starts at eight weeks, but some plans won’t cover pets over a certain age (usually between six and 10 years old, depending on the breed, type of animal and other factors).

- Cost
Payment options for pet insurance include flat fees or deductibles and/or co-payments. Not surprisingly, plans with lower monthly premiums come with higher deductibles and/or larger co-payments.

Some issues to consider:

* Insurance premiums are affected by the age, health and breed of your pet, as well as the type of animal.

* Some plans offers discounts for multiple pets.

* Plans generally require customers to pay the vet bill first and then submit receipts for reimbursement.

* Find out if the insurance premiums will increase as your pet ages.

* Depending on the plan you choose, the monthly premiums can range from less than $10 to about $40.

Step three: Choose an Insurer

You’ve determined what you can afford to spend and the amount of pet insurance coverage you want.

Before selecting an insurer, here are some final considerations:

* Make a list of your questions and priorities in advance. Make sure to answer or check off each item when reviewing plan options.

* Research the insurer thoroughly. Review its website and sales materials, read its testimonials, talk to other pet owners and look for on-line reviews. How long has the company been in business? Are its customers satisfied? Make sure you feel comfortable about everything you hear or read.

* Compare the plan’s benefit schedule with your vet’s fees to determine to what degree the plan will cover the actual treatment costs.

* Find out how quickly the insurance company reimburses customers’ claim payments and if it has claim deadlines.

* Read the fine print. Make sure you completely understand the plan’s benefits and, more importantly, the limitations. If something isn’t clear, ask – and get the answer in writing. Otherwise, you might find you don’t have the coverage you need if an accident occurs.

* Start a file for your pet. Use it for all receipts and insurance paperwork so you can keep on top of your claims and make sure you are maximizing your insurance investment.

Your responsibility as a pet owner doesn’t end with food, shelter and affection. Pet health insurance can give the smallest member of your family a longer and healthier life – and provide you with more time to enjoy the unconditional love it so willingly offers to you.

About the Author

Burke Jones is a frequent contributor to Pet Health Depot writing about Dog Insurance and Cat Medicine.

What a Dog REALLY Needs

Loyal, friendly, protective, affectionate, fun. Those qualities
have earned dogs a special place in the lives and hearts of
humans. Most dogs now are owned as pets mainly because they are
THE ideal pets. A dog will always try to keep you pleased and
smiling. It will never hold grudges against you, and will never
judge you for your looks or mistakes. It isn’t called man’s best
friend for nothing.

Dogs have a basic need for shelter, good nutrition, exercise and
companionship. A dog will rely on its owner for all of these
needs, in addition to training and protection. These are all
basic needs, but a dog also needs veterinary care.

If a person has a dog for a pet, it is a good idea to ensure
that it is seen by a vet regularly. Dogs are prone to a wide
array of illnesses and diseases and it is best that he gets
vaccinated against these diseases. Some of the most fatal
diseases that a dog can contract are listed below along with the
proper vaccination to prevent them:

1. Canine Adenovirus - or Infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH). ICH
is an extremely contagious disease that is only dogs transmitted
to other canine animals. This disease is transmitted in urine
and eye or nasal secretions of animals with this disease and
affects the liver, kidneys and lining of the blood vessels. Dogs
of all ages are prone to acquire this disease, although puppies
and younger dogs are at a higher risk.

2. Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) - It is transmitted through
contact with infected dogs and affects the gastrointestinal,
respiratory and central nervous systems. This disease is often
fatal to puppies and adult dogs.

3. Para Influenza - Also known as tracheobronchitis, it is a
contagious infection of dogs seriously affecting young puppies’
upper respiratory system. Its symptoms are gagging and coughing.
Dogs in stressful and crowded conditions are at the highest risk
for this disease.

4. Parvovirus - This is an extremely contagious viral disease
that affects white blood cells, the intestines, and heart. It is
characterized by vomiting, severe diarrhea and fever. It is
often fatal in puppies. At the highest risk for this disease are
dogs in crowded places such as dog shows and kennels.

5. Rabies - Rabies can affect all warm-blooded animals that are
unvaccinated against the disease, including humans. It affects
the brain and is always deadly. Pets get exposed to rabies from
the bites of wild animals which include bats, raccoons, foxes
and skunks.

The bottom line is to keep a dog disease-free. Have it
vaccinated. After all, what a dog really needs is. . .good
health!

Potty training also known as toilet or house training is the art of teaching your puppy where you want him to relieve himself. Sound simple! Not exactly, at least to me and many dog owners out there. Potty training my puppy gives me the most problems and headaches when I start to house train my first puppy years ago.

It seems that my puppy is always either in the wrong place at the right time, or the right place at the wrong time! Nevertheless, over the years, after much experiments and reading up, I’ve manage to come out with 6 simple tips to help potty train your dog.

1. Try to feed your puppy on a regular schedule and remove his water supply before bed time. His potty timing would be more predictable and consistent.

2. Puppy usually instinctively wants to relieve itself after feeding, sleeping, playing and confinement. Bring him to your designated area for his potty business after such activities.

3. Do not let your puppy wander off without supervision, potty training aside, it is dangerous for a young puppy to wander around by itself. Confined it in an area where you can see to prevent accidents and reward desired behaviors.

4. Be vigilance and always be on the look out. When you see your puppy sniffing and running around in circles, bring him to your designated spot immediately.

5. Give a command to help your dog associate the potty action with. For example, “Do it now” or “Go Potty”.

6. When he is doing his potty business, praise and reward. Praise and reward again after he’s finished.

Following these tips should help you considerably in potty training your puppy.

About the Author

Moses Chia is a dog lover and owner of http://DogsObedienceTraining.com – The dog training resource site for a happier and healthier dog. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

What if you want a Boxer, but cannot stomach the thought of housebreaking, chewed up shoes and boundless puppy energy? Have you ever heard of Boxer rescue? These organizations provide loving care (and sometimes rehabilitation) to Boxers who have been surrendered by their owners, found abandoned or rescued from harmful situations.

Too many people get a Boxer for the wrong reasons and thankfully there are rescue organizations to take these dogs into their homes and provide care until a forever family can be found.

Now, this is not to say that rescue dogs are perfect, just that with a little love and care these can be the best companion you may ever have. Many a rescue volunteer has been so touched by a Boxer moving through the rescue system that they are impacted forever.

To help you decide if a rescue Boxer is for you, read the list below. You may be surprised what a 2nd chance Boxer can do for you!

1. No housebreaking! In fact, most rescue volunteers do their best to ensure the dogs are housebroken and know some basic commands.

2. Rescue/Adult Boxers are usually past the chewing stage. Just be sure to provide plenty of appropriate chew toys.

3. Reduced veterinary expenses. Most of the time, your Rescue Boxer will be neutered or spayed already (almost always) and have its shots. There will be instances when you need to continue a medication, but the volunteers will give you plenty of information prior to adopting a Boxer.

4. Sweet Dreams. Rescue/Adult Boxers usually mean that you get a goodnight sleep since you don’t have to calm the fears of a puppy. Additionally, adult Boxers have bigger bladders which means you won’t have to make a wee-wee run at 2am!

5. Thumbelina or Gargantua? You know how big the Boxer will be when you get a Rescue/Adult Boxer. There will be no surprises such as; you think you are getting a big puppy because of the big paws only to wind up with MiniMe.

About the Author

Jody Mitchell, a stay at home mom and part time veterinarian assistant who has been saved by Boxer dog from car accident. Her amazing experience inspires her to write about Boxer: “The Boxer Chronicle - A Guide to All Things Boxer.” Visit her Website http://www.boxerdogguide.com

Did you ever think about having an emergency first aid kit on hand specifically for your rabbit health, just like you might have for yourself and your family?

Emergencies can happen any time, and, according to Murphy’s law at the most inopportune of times: a holiday or a weekend when your regular rabbit-savvy vet isn’t in. Even if your vet is in, you’ll find it’s important to have an emergency kit for bunny on hand.

You should include some, if not all, of the following items in your rabbit first aid kit:

* Baby food or canned pumpkin to mix: Use then when your bunny refuses to eat; it’s easy to get the baby food or canned pumpkin into a syringe.

* Critical Care by Oxbow: the same as baby food and canned pumpkin, you’ll use this when your bunny refuses to eat. However, Critical Care is only available through your vet’s office.

* Gas medication (Simethicone) in case of a gas emergency. Various brands are acceptable including Gas-X. For a detailed way to administer the medication as well as for proper dosages, look on www.bio.miami.edu for the article on bunny gastrointestinal problems.

* Basic Neosporin (the non-pain relief type.) You can use this if your bunny has a minor cut or wound.

* Flour: this is the trick if you trim your bunny’s nails a little too short, and they begin to bleed. Simply dip her paw into the flour.

* Gauze and cotton to care for wounds.

* Scissors (to carefully trim the fur surrounding a bunny wound.)

* Syringes of various sizes

* Saline (for washing out eyes in an emergency.)

* Eyedropper (to administer the saline.)

* Heating pad: you’ll use this if your bunny goes into hypothermia.

* Tweezers

When Bunny Get Fleas

Like other animals, rabbits are prone to fleas. Fleas can be treated with a trip to the vet. It is extremely important that your bunny see a bunny-savvy vet as certain flea dips can kill your pets! A bunny-savvy vet will know the proper type of flea medication to prescribe. You should knowand be sure to rememberFrontline should NEVER be used on rabbits. For excellent information on fleas and why not to use Frontline, join the Etherbun list and read through the archives. (This is probably a good idea anyway, as you’ll obtain a wealth of information and valuable advice from fellow bunny owners and experts.)

Rabbit Care Secrets You can get the book here: http://www.rabbitsecrets.com/R.htm is the book with literally hundreds of “word of mouth” tips and tricks - secrets which are next to impossible to find in books and pet stores. This is the gold which only comes from years and years of hands on experience… including all the hard to find Rabbit information people just can’t locate with internet searches or trips to the library!

My two therapy dogs, Nikki and Benny, bring joy to our friends. Here is short report of our visit.

First, let me tell you just a little bit about my two dogs, a short little Bio on each. There are pictures on my dog therapy page. www.mimfreedom.com/dogtherapy.htm

Benny, my black lab, is about 6 years old now. Benny is a wonderful dog (even though he likes to steal my pillows). He loves going to visit our friends in the home. His tail is like a rotator as soon as we come near our first “friend”. Clearly, this is where he loves to be. Actually, this is where he belongs. He is gentle, good natured and full of love and affection. And, he is always hungry….yup, a true lab, he is always hungry. Our friends at the home love him to death, so to speak. He truly makes their day brighter and better.

Then there is Nikki, my 1 ½ year golden puppy. Nikki is a typical 1 ½ year golden. She is full of life. She keeps me hopping. And, just like Benny, she brings pure gold to our friends.

Both my dogs love to go visiting. They know as soon as we get close to the home where we are going and why we are there. This is such a wonderful work.

I encourage anyone who has a dog that loves people, is well mannered to investigate the possibility of dog therapy visiting. The nice aspect about this is, the dogs do NOT have to be obedience trained, just obedient. Big difference!

A few weeks ago, when I brought my golden to the home, one of the directors noticed that one of the residents was watching the dog. The director said why don’t you go over and see what she will do. This lady we were going to see was in one of those high backed chairs that also serves as a bed. She was not able to sit, or move up. But, she was able to move her head sideways, drop her arm, and pet my dog. WOW! She was thrilled. She gently talked to Nikki, and when I asked her a few questions about dogs, she answered me. Now, the director came over to me, and told me this lady never speaks to anyone, except to tell them where to…., well you know what, right? This lady was unhappy, and other then telling everyone off, she never talked to anyone conversationally. The director was thrilled to see her react this way. These experiences make visiting worth while. And let me tell you, it IS worth while.

About the Author

My name is Ruth Bird, and I am the owner of 3 dogs, 2 are Registered Therapy Visiting Dogs, my third dog is blind. My passions are health for people and pets and promoting a happy, healthy lifestyle. Omega 3 has become one of my favorite topics. http://www.mimfreedom.com
http://www.mimfreedom.com/dogtherapy.htm

presented by David the Dogman

As an ardent reader of the Collins Dog Photoguide I came across this article, which I feel, might be of interest to readers.

Traffic Accidents

A traffic accident is probably the most common cause of serious injury to a cat or dog. Always approach the animal with caution, it may react aggressively because of the pain.

Move the dog as little as possible, but if you must move it, it is probably best to use a blanket, sliding it underneath the dog. Seek the assistance of another person and lift the dog gently to safety. Check for heartbeat and any haemorrhaging. Attempt to stem excessive bleeding by holding a clean pad or clean handkerchief over the wound, binding it tightly with a makeshift bandage. Call the nearest vet’s surgery to warn of your arrival.

Burns

The only recommended first aid is to clean off the offending substance and immerse the body part under cold running water for as long as possible. Seek professional advice immediately.

Heat Stroke

This occurs most commonly when a dog has been left alone on a hot day without ventilation. If your dog has not already collapsed it may be panting, vomiting or frothing at the mouth.

Remove froth and lower the dog’s temperature as soon as possible by placing or dousing the animal in cold water. Take the dog to the vet immediately where it will be treated with drugs and more cold water.

Poisoning

Signs of poisoning may include collapse, muscular twitching, vomiting, bleeding or convulsion. Do not hesitate to contact the vet. Take some of the noxious substance to the vet with you if you know what it is. If the dog has recently swallowed the poison, try to make it vomit. Salt and mustard in water will usually work quickly, or a small piece of washing soda (sodium carbonate0 pushed down the throat.

Drowning

It is a popular misconception that all dogs can swim, but this is not always the case. You must attempt to empty the dog’s lungs of water as soon as possible. You must attempt to empty the dog’s lungs of water as soon as possible. Place the dog’s head lower than its body, open its mouth and begin to pump the chest by pressing down on the ribs and releasing the pressure immediately. Repeat at five-second intervals.

Choking

Sometimes a piece of stick, bone or small rubber ball may get stuck in a dog’s throat. Your dog may be unable to breath as a result and swift action is necessary.

Open the dog’s mouth carefully and see if you can see the object. Pumping the chest, as in the case of drowning (see above) may dislodge the foreign body, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible where the object can be removed under anaesthetic.

Commitment, Firmness, but kindness.

Brought to you by: World Wide Information Outlet - http://certificate.net/wwio/, your source of FREEWare Content online.

Do you have any problems with your pet? Then why not send your problem to DAVID THE DOGMAN.

David is a Canine Behaviourist who works and lives in Marbella, Spain. Tel/Fax (00345) 2883388.
His web site is located at: http://www.thedogman.net.

David has his own radio and TV shows, and writes for many newspapers and magazines. David has been working with dogs for many years and started his career in Israel, working on the Border Police. He has been involved in all forms of training, including air sea rescue, air scent work, and has trained dogs for finding drugs. David has devoted the past 10 years to studying behaviour and the very passive approach. He does not use choke chains, check chains, or any form of aggression.

David The Dogman is available for private consultations in your home, for further details telephone; Tel; (95) 2883388