The Quiet Revolution That is Sweeping the Horse World

Over the past couple decades, thanks to the efforts of a list of well known trainers and authors too long to mention, the majority of horse trainers and owners have turned to “natural horsemanship”. Millions of Americans have read the book or seen the movie, “The Horse Whisperer,” and were amazed at the connection between trainer and horse. This movie presented a fine example of Natural Horsemanship. If you are not familiar with this type of horse-rearing, it is based on understanding and applying the natural herd hierarchy or pecking order: how horses use body language to communicate and the understanding of horses’ ‘explosive flight’ instincts that have helped protect them from natural predators.

At a very grassroots level, the kindler gentler more basic concepts of natural horsemanship have ignited new ideas that are taking that movement to a higher level. A new culture is emerging whose mantra is “Bitless, Treeless and Barefoot”. They are avid natural horsemen or horsewomen who use bitless bridles, ride in treeless saddles, and use a barefoot natural trim on their horses’ feet. They believe these things eliminate the discomfort, pain and injury that can be caused by bits, traditional treed saddles and horseshoes. Eliminating pain brings them closer to their horses so they can enjoy the magical relationship that so many horse lovers dream of. While they and their horses are enjoying the time they spend together more, they also claim that bitless bridles, treeless saddles, and barefoot trims help the pair perform better together.

Perhaps the most dramatic change of this new subculture is that, from backyard hacks to endurance to competitive games to high level dressage, people are claiming that they perform better when they use a bitless bridle. Although bitless bridles have existed in many forms throughout the centuries, the use of bits is an important and established part of equestrian teaching and tradition. Equestrian competitions usually require that participants use bits in their horses, even if the horse and rider can complete the task bitless.

Zoe Brooks, a quality management consultant, horse farm owner and designer of the latest model of bitless bridle, says: “Attila the Hun succeeded by teaching his army to control their horses with metal bits. While today’s bits aren’t as primitive, the fact is that much of our modern equestrian practice evolved from military training. I think it’s time we looked for some new role models!”

Zoe admits her first foray into owning a horse didn’t start with the mutual caring relationship of her dreams. Instead, her horse pushed her around, stepped on her, shoved her down and threw her off. It wasn’t until Zoe ‘took a step backwards’ to learn the basics of natural horsemanship that a whole new world opened up. Then she could train her new big opinionated mare ‘Hazel’ and was thrilled to have the big horse follow her around like a puppy and even go on trail rides in a rope halter. As soon as Zoe tried riding her with a bit and bridle Hazel’s personality changed and she became combative. That’s what led Zoe to design the Nurtural No-Bit Bridle.

“Training and riding bitless took us to whole new level! It removed the fight and the mutual worry of impending pain form the bit. We worked better together and learned to trust.”

In fall of 2006, Zoe and her husband Gerry used their own methods of natural horsemanship to train 4 young horses in only 2 days. Using their bitless bridle, after only one hour of ‘nurtural training’ three people were able to ride a 2 year old stallion who had never seen a saddle before that day. The 3 year old gelding accepted his first rider in under an hour and hit the open fields on Day 2. The two young fillies had their first rides in their second lesson. Brooks believes: “With a little nurturing, you don’t need to spend a lifetime or a fortune to train a horse.”

Bitless bridles are gaining credibility among all sectors of the horse set; from the casual pleasure rider to the precision of Grand Prix Dressage riders, horse owners are discovering the difference ‘going Nurtural’ can make. They feel like their horses are calmer and happier to be with them.

While many horse lovers see the value in the Natural Horsemanship movement, they may balk at bitless bridles, believing they all look like a standard hackamore. The often bulky or rudimentary appearance of hackamores doesn’t seem to mesh too well with the grace and poise required when showing. But bitless bridles have become so refined and elegant in appearance, that at first glance, many riders don’t even realize a horse isn’t using a standard bitted bridle.

“Once they see the responsiveness and control that a bitless bridle can offer, and the smile it puts on their horse, most riders become convinced,” says Brooks. “After all, what horse owner wouldn’t want to find a more nurturing and gentle way to work with the horse they love?”

Visit www.nurturalhorse.com for more information about Zoe Brooks & the Nurtural No-Bit BridleTM .

Care of Tropical Fish for Beginners

If you are a beginner, a tropical freshwater tank is usually ideal. It is very eay to set up. it is relatively cheap the first a somewhat hardy. For the most part, saltwater fish are fairly expensive and the maintenance requires more knowledge. You, first, want to wash the gravel thoroughly. Place it under running water and keep stirring the gravel until the water is clean after it flows through the gravel. Also wash any decorations that will be going in the tank. Next, clean the tank and check for leaks. Always empty after the cleaning before refilling. Before you fill the tank check to see that everything is right such as the light, heater, filter and thermostat. Information is also essential before getting started.

I recommend looking around and perhaps studying some material that discusses the care of tropical fish before getting started. After you are ready to start, gravel obviously will be the first to be added to the tank. If you use an underground filter, be sure to place it far enough under the gravel - about one and one half to two inched in front and three to four inched in the back. When adding the water, you only want to fill the tank half way to begin as this will allow you to finish adding the plants and decorations that you desire to please your pet fish. Make sure that the plants have enough gravel for the roots. When you are installing the filter, attach it so no plants or rocks are in the way. Attach heater and thermostat firmly also. If you use large rocks, make sure that they are firmly bedded in and can never topple other. This is very important.

Next, condition the water. This needs to be done before adding the fish. Get rid of all of the chlorine in the water. That can harm the fish. There are lot of water conditioners on the market and they must be used. Before adding any fish, let the filter run for 5-7 days, so any last chlorine will be able to escape. Its not a bad idea to add a couple of flakes of food without the fish to start off the nitrogen cycle before your fish arrive. You can also take some water from an aquarium that is already in use and pour it in. Make sure that the temperature is correct, at about 24 degrees Celsius. Add only a couple of fish to start off with. You will need to "equalize" the waters by floating the fish using their bag. Leave them there for 15 - 20 minutes. Then release them.

The absolute balance of an aquarium world is not usually possible to start with. Usually the fish give off more waste matter than the plants will absorb.And plants almost never provide sufficient food for fish life in an aquarium tank. You will need to work to start the "ecobalance" in the tank and then maintain the environment afterward.

Tips for Handling Your Dog Better

There are a number of different ways people believe are best for training your dog. What everyone agrees on is dog training and dog obedience are not easy. They take a lot of patience and dedication to get it right. In addition to those traits, you also must have some skill, and some ability to read your dog and know what he's going to do, as well as taking note of your body language and the things you are putting out to your dog.

Here are a few tips for any dog owner who is undertaking training:

First, you should only use one arm and hand to give your dog signals. While at the beginning of training, you may be a little over exaggerating in those movements to get your dog's attention you must work towards only giving flowing and smooth signals to your dog, that are consistent and not confusing to him. This is true for dogs of all sizes. Whether small or big, your dog will be able to see your signals, if he is paying attention.

Some people say this is not the case, but that is generally because they don't know how to make a dog pay attention. Part of the problem could be you. If you are giving your dog unintentional body language signals, you could be confusing your messages. Often many beginning trainers nod their head or lean into a command, not even realizing it. But the dog will realize it and may confuse the lesson you are trying to get across. If you are not sure if you do this, you can have someone watch you as you train to see.

Secondly, consistency is the key. You must give clear messages to your dog. That means you cannot scold him one time for doing something that later you think is ok. There must be set rules, and you always have to stick to them. Otherwise you are just confusing your dog, and distracting from your training. The way a dog learns is through repeating actions. Therefore you should make sure your training is constant and that you are training the same commands and lessons without changing the meanings. Things you teach a puppy now will be things that will follow them through their life.

Third, get to know your dog. The better you know your pet, the better you will know what things he responds well and even be able to predict how he will act when put into a new situation. You should also treat a dog according to his personality. If you have a calm and sweet dog, you shouldn't try to be rough with him. You will see better results training him in a calm manner. Some dogs that are more aggressive may, however, need a more tough training style.

Benefits of Having a Dog in the Home

If you don't already own a dog, you should. For those that already have a pet you are already aware of the benefits of having a dog in the home. For those of you that don't have a dog read on to find out why you should.

There's nothing quite as exciting as bringing your new family member home. Whether you have adopted a stray or you have purchased a puppy it does not matter, both will provide you with unconditional love whether you are 1 or 100. Besides unconditional love there are plenty of other benefits of having a dog in the home.

Health is probably the topic that's most talked about these days. That's because studies have shown some remarkable data on pets and health such as a reduced risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. 28% percent of people that are hospitalized for heart disease are still alive one year later, while only 6% of those that did not have a dog survived a full year.

A dog will also help reduce stress in your life and overcome feelings of isolation if you live on your own. You've had a horrible day, you're ready to scream, and you walk in the door greeted by Fido with wagging tail. What happens to your stress? Why it just seems to melt away.

Studies have also shown a lower level of triglycerides and cholesterol in those that have a dog. There also seems to be a reduction in blood pressure. This means if you already have a dog you are less likely to suffer from heart disease. It also means if you already have heart disease maybe the best medicine for you is a new puppy. At least it's a great excuse to get a new friend.

Dogs also make wonderful companions. The first step is to decide which breed matches your personality. Remember your new friend is going to be part of the family for as many as 16 years bringing you love, friendship, and companionship. Do your research before you buy. This is a life long commitment. Your dog is a living creature that requires your care. The two of you will build a lasting friendship that will be hard to explain to anyone that doesn't have a dog of their own.

When choosing your long term companion choose the puppy that connects with you. We've all experienced it at some point in our life when one of the puppies seems to pick you and there's an instant bond. That's the puppy you want.

Your dog will also be a protector to you. Don't make the mistake of thinking that you need a big dog for it to be a protector. Sure a big dog is much more intimidating to a stranger, however a small dog can make noise and warn you of a potential problem. Besides small dogs are more likely to nip at strangers than a big dog is. So don't let size be your total guide to choosing a dog as a protector. Of course if you need true protection from physical threats then you should be looking at German Shepherds, Dobermans, and Rottweiler's to name just a few breeds known for their protective nature.

The benefits of having a dog in the home are obvious. Now the only question left is what dog will you choose?

For The Love of Dogs

Dogs and humans have been together for centuries. Why are we such pals? Dogs dig, bark, lick, steal burgers from the grill, get fleas, worms, ticks. Dogs have to be trained to do their business outside and then it has to be cleaned up. They have to be fed, bathed, brushed, walked, played with and watered. Dogs need attention, a veterinarian and must be cared for when you go on vacation or away for the night or a weekend.

Through all this, the human/dog bond is stronger than ever. Its estimated people are spending over $2 billion a year on their family pets and this number increases yearly. Some say within the next 5 years people will spend in excess of $8 billion a year on their furry family members without blinking an eye. Those that pamper their pets are an example to all of how to say "thank you" to man's best friend.

A well cared for dog will do anything to protect their human pack. Recently, a Chihuahua took on a rattlesnake to protect one of its family members and nearly lost its little canine life. Dogs are among the heroes after a disaster such as the twin towers or an avalanche. Dogs find the dead for a proper burial and the living who are covered with so much rubble or snow that no human could ever find them without the super sniffer of the dog. The stories about canine heroes are in the thousands and occur every day. How many people would not be alive today without the wonderful dog? Our lives are richer, happier, and so much better with our pal the dog.

Dogs have been guiding the blind and deaf for decades. These canine kings and queens create a quality of life and a safety net not found with any other animal. Dogs help people with Cerebral palsy and severe anxiety. Dogs calm children and adults with autism, bi-polar disorders and other challenges. It's stated that by simply petting a dog, a human becomes more relaxed and blood pressure drops. Dogs warn us when someone is at the door or when an intruder has entered the house. Dogs sniff out bombs and drugs. Dogs seem to know when someone has ill intent. Dogs are looking out for us at all times. Always on alert. Dogs are the ultimate protectors. Dog is indeed man's best friend and brings out the best in people. The love for a dog brings tears to the eyes of the most jaded & hardened people. This love can also drive a hard-core military man to break every rule in the book to protect a stray dog who has become a family member and part of the unit. Dogs are exceptional.

Dogs are more a family member than ever before instead of the old way of the pet who lives outside. People sleep with their dogs, cuddle with their dogs and take them on vacation. People pamper their dogs, dress their dogs and buy them only the best dog food available or make it at home. We thank our dogs every day for their love, companionship and individual personality. We have safety belts for our dogs and dog hammocks for the car. We adore our dogs and they in turn adore us.

This exchange of pure love is why we humans spend billions of dollars on dog supplies, food, and all around spoiling. Our canine family member will die for us, warn us of danger and lead us home if we're lost. It's a fair trade to clean up the dog poop, deflea, deworm, detick, walk, water, play, brush, train and fill up the holes they dig.

Using Rewards and Punishments in Puppy Training

Puppies and dogs learn new things or change their behavior only if the undesirable behavior is punished or the desirable behavior rewarded. We can reward a dog for performing certain tasks on command, such as sitting, lying down, or coming, with simple petting, affection, and praise. You can also use rewards for coming when called, for sitting when strangers arrive at the door rather than jumping up on them, or for going to rest on his bed when people are visiting.

For rewards you can use reinforcement such as petting or verbal reassurance like saying "good dog." Another reward is food treats, if given judiciously, especially foods the puppy really enjoys such as a piece of meat. It is not our position that using food treats to train puppies "spoils" them, because the treat may simply be phased out by giving it less and less frequently, while retaining the praise and affection.

Most puppies learn rapidly and quite willingly if there are rewards, and in most cases punishment is not necessary. Praise and affection, along with food treats, can be used to house-train puppies, especially when they are taken outdoors and can eliminate in a desirable area.

Punishment can be thought of as being either interactive or remote. In interactive punishment, the owner hits an animal with his hand or with a rolled-up newspaper, shouts at it, or in other ways makes it obvious that an aversive stimulus is coming from the person. The animal clearly associates the unpleasant stimulus with the person giving it.

Unfortunately, dog owners are frequently misguided about how to use interactive punishment.
Interactive punishment is indicated when owners must assert their dominance over dogs to maintain an acceptable dominant-subordinate relationship, especially when threatened. A dog's growling or snapping at you when it is not a reflection of fear is best met with force. Dogs are social animals that respond naturally to factors in a dominance hierarchy, and their growling or snapping at you is an indication that they have not completely accepted your dominant position. In fact, insufficient dominance, one of the most common behavioral problems of a dog-owner relationship, often stems from a lack of assertiveness on the owner's part.

Breeds differ in the degree to which they display a tendency to be dominant over their owners. The tendency to be dominant also varies with whether we are dealing with male or female dogs. A breed such as a Shetland Sheepdog, which is very low on tendency to be dominant, may never need to be confronted with interactive punishment, whereas a Doberman Pinscher or Akita may need periodic reinforcement of the dominance position with a sharp voice.

Choosing a Fish Tank Filter

A filter, along with a heater, is probably the most important part of any fish tank set up. Without it the water in your fish tank will become much like a stagnant pond and little will be able to live in it except for a nice film of green algae scum.

There are two main types of fish tank filters; external and internal. Both of these types of filters can be used in either fresh water or salt water aquariums.

When it comes to internal filters there are two basic types. The first is the under gravel filter seen primarily in fresh water tanks. This consists of a raised plastic grate that sits on the bottom of the tank. The gravel or base material is placed over the top and clear vertical tubes attach to holes in the filter. These tubes have either a power head sitting on top or a bubbler inserted into them. The water is forced to flow through the gravel and back up the tube into the tank. The gravel itself is the filter, collecting the extra food and fish waste that is pulled down into it.

The second internal type filter is more along the lines of a sump tank just below the main tank and is used mainly for salt water tanks. There is an internal tube that that allows water to flow down into the sump where it is pumped through a series of filters that catch all the waste and bad bacteria. The filtered water is then pumped back to the top of the main tank keeping a continuous flow going. This is a good filter choice but it is on the pricey side and does create quite a bit of background noise.

An external filter is the best choice for any fish tank, if you can afford to use it. All the filtering is done outside the tank, keeping the filtered water separate from the unfiltered water until it is returned to the tank. A couple of long hoses connect the filter to the tank, one that supplies the filter and the other that returns the filtered water to the tank. This type of filter is the most effective but also the most expensive.

You can purchase any of these types of filters at your local fish shop, but may have a harder time finding the more expensive external type at a general pet store. The sump type filter will require a tank that is either altered or custom made. If you are going to spend the extra money on this type of set up it makes better sense to spend the money on a good quality external filter instead. An external fish tank filter will cost more up front but in the long run you will save on maintenance costs and fish costs because you will be providing the best habitat they need to live long and healthy lives.

How To Select Your Aquarium

Far too many people start off on the wrong foot by acquiring an aquarium first and deciding what to do with it afterwards. Sometimes this turns out well enough, but it is equally likely to cause a good deal of difficulty and expense.

In selecting your aquarium there are three things you must consider. Where you are going to locate it; what size will be right; and what style you should choose. As there are certain conditions that must be observed in order to have a successful aquarium, we will discuss location, size and style separately.

Location

Naturally you want to look at your fish, so choose a spot that will allow you to view them while you are seated comfortably. You will be watching them for hours.

Keep in mind that the beautiful colors of the fish are due to reflected light from their scales, so place your aquarium in a corner or along an inside wall where you have top or front light exclusively.

Although most tropical fish will withstand moderate variations of temperature it is best to avoid sudden or extreme changes. Remember that air circulation is a principal reason for varying temperature. This means that your aquarium should be located in a quiet place away from heaters or draughts or open windows.

Excessive light should be avoided also. Placing an aquarium in front of a window, or having a bright light shining in your aquarium, will cause the growth of disagreeable algae. Many kinds may form - some adhere to the glass, others form in filaments or strings throughout the aquarium, still others float and color the water green. You will then have the trouble of cleaning out your aquarium.

Size

There will be a natural inclination to begin by buying a small tank to see how it goes, with the possibility of getting a bigger one later if successful. This may appear wise on the face of it, but experience has shown that the smaller sizes of aquaria are much more liable to have things go wrong than the larger ones, and the chances of the initial cost- being wasted or additional cost being continually incurred are greater with small tanks.

So we strongly advise you to get the largest tank you can accommodate or afford. This is simply because a large body of water is not so liable to sudden changes of temperature, and is less likely to be affected by small amounts of harmful matter that may get into the tank; while the added space gives the fish better exercise and a chance to get away from the occasional bully among them.

Style

Today you can purchase an aquarium and style it to fit any decor - from traditional to modern, from handsome hardwood to wrought-iron, from knotty pine to polished chrome or plastic. You will find tanks finished so nicely that no other decoration is necessary - rectangular tanks with smooth or stippled stainless steel frames, modernistic flared styles where the top is wider than the bottom and is supported from the top of the tank, even large glass balls some two feet in diameter. Make your choice. Your own taste will dictate the tank you want to fit your location and size.

Keeping goldfish in small glass bowls is a form of cruelty which should be beneath the dignity of all people who call themselves civilized. Goldfish can be kept very successfully indoors in a properly filtered aquarium. They are ideal pets, being among the most colorful and easily cared-for fish, and do not require special heating. They must not be crowded, however.

Once you have considered the location, size and style of your aquarium, you are ready to buy one, and begin the wonderful hobby of fish-keeping.

Showing Your Own Dog

Who are the people who show dogs? Are they lunatics or fanatics? The dog people have a favorite joke about themselves. They say you don't have to be crazy to enjoy shows, but it certainly helps! This is because they actually go through many hardships and disappointments but still enjoy it and call it fun.

It is one of the fascinating peculiarities of the dog game that the people who are thrown together in the pursuit of this sport are from so many different walks of life: dentists, carpenters, teachers, bankers, housewives, farmers, musicians, engineers, artists, industrialists, young and old, rich and poor. All have the same desire - to take home a blue ribbon.

If you have thought that you might like to get into dogs, but have not yet purchased your first one, let me give you a word of advice. There are so many wonderful breeds, each with its own particular charm, that I'm sure you can find just the right breed for you.

However, decide on one whose size and temperament fit into your life. Don't get a Great Dane if you live in a tiny apartment, and don't get a tiny dog if a high-pitched bark grates on your nerves. Once you have decided which breed you want, please do some studying about what is right and what is wrong for a dog of that particular breed.

When you are ready to buy, go to a reliable breeder and tell him that you intend to show. A sincere breeder would not sell you an inferior animal if he knew he was to be shown. Many people when they are buying a dog ask for "just a pet," thinking they will get the animal cheaper.

A good breeder wants his stock shown and does not want to be embarrassed by having a dog of his breeding with a serious fault show up at a show, and by the same token he does not want to sell a top dog to someone who will never show him as for all practical purposes he would be lost to the show and breeding world.

He would rather sell you a good dog for less money if you promised he would be shown. If he is a big breeder, he cannot possibly get all the dogs he raises to the shows under his own name, and he is always looking for someone to come along who is interested in showing. He will not give the dog away, because experience has taught him that the dog receives better care if he has been purchased and he has a much better chance of actually getting into the show ring when the new owner has paid something for the dog.

It would be hard for me to tell you exactly what you ought to pay for a dog good enough to show and have some fun with. In addition to the fact that prices vary a great deal in the various breeds, and not taking into consideration the actual worth of a dog because of his good or bad points, there are many other things that enter into the price you must pay for a good dog. Here are a few:

How many other good dogs has the seller in his kennel? By selling you the only good one, he may be left without any thing to show himself, and if he wants to show, the price may go up.

How crowded are the seller's facilities? If he is over crowded, he may be willing to sell at a lower price than usual.

Can the owner afford to show? If not, he may sell for less in order to give the dog the opportunity to be shown more frequently.

How many other persons are interested? Naturally, if several persons express the desire to buy the same dog, the price of that dog will go up.

These are some of the first things you need to ask yourself before considering embarking on showing dogs. It is certainly a fascinating hobby!

Taming Your Parrot

Parrots, and other Psittacine Birds, have been kept as pets for centuries; since the days of ancient Rome, Greece and other civilizations before them. The African Grey Parrot was the best known in Europe during those times, and was brought in by the merchant galleys. In India and China, which had older civilizations, the Alexandrine and other Asiatic Parrakeets were kept by the natives. Back in South America, the Incas and other Indian nations kept Macaws and the various species of Amazon Parrots.

The most recent and most beautifully colored Psittacine Birds known to man are the Parrakeets and Cockatoos of the Australian Continent, of which 59 species are known to science. Australian Birds were introduced in Europe only about 200 years ago. Some of these Parrakeets are now rare and in danger of extinction due to the encroachment of civilization.

The best method of preventing the extinction of birds would be to encourage aviculturists to breed and sell them. In their native habitat government protection should be given, with a specified number permitted to be trapped and sold to bird breeders and fanciers each year. Between this natural and artificial breeding, a species' continued existence would be assured. Another aid would be artificial insemination of birds, which has been practiced with success by scientists on small birds like the Canary and the Pigeon, as well as on Finches.

Before training a bird to talk, it is first necessary to tame it by winning its confidence, and getting your presence and that of others acceptable to the bird. The larger Psittacine Birds, Hill Mynahs, and the Crow Family, become very tame and attached to their owners, especially when obtained at a young age, 2 to 6 months.

Offering a tidbit from the hand (not candy or cake), or scratching their head for them gently, are winning suggestions. Various nuts, grated hard-boiled egg yolk, celery stalk, a small piece of fresh corn on cob, etc., make tempting offerings for the large Psittacines.

Treats with very strong appeal to Hill Mynahs, Magpies, Crows and English Starlings, which they will take from your fingers, are red colored fruits such as cherries, a piece of tomato, various berries, and they love a drink of milk from the bottle cap. Grapes are irresistible and some go for mealworms. Fruit cake is the only kind that should be offered, dipped in milk for an occasional treat.

Hunger, one of the strongest instincts, should not be overlooked as a good method to use in taming any animal.

Another way of taming a wild bird, is to place the cage right beside you while reading, writing or sewing. A nervous bird will eventually take your presence for granted. Birds kept alone, tame more readily than when in company of other birds. Some of the larger birds enjoy a little roughing up from their owner as they like attention. This doesn't mean teasing, which would make a bird vicious. They do enjoy having their head scratched and back stroked.

With the larger Psittacines, a towel or glove should be used at first in handling them till they get used to their master. They will eventually expect this attention from persons they know who are near them.

With a bit of time and perseverance, you will be able to tame your parrot and then to enjoy his company. Good luck!

Vitamins for Pets: Pets need Vitamins Just as Much as You

Whether or not pets need vitamins just as much as you do, and whether or not vitamins for pets are as important to them as they are to you, depends very much on the type of pet to which are referring. Obviously, a stick insect has different needs to a snake, which has different needs to a pet monkey. A pet rock, popular in the 1980s, has few needs.

Let’s assume we are discussing mammals, and specifically cats and dogs. What are their dietary and vitamin needs? They need vitamins as we do, and also carbohydrates, protein and fats (animal or vegetable) as the basic chemicals for their development. If they have a deficiency in any of these, particularly of vitamins, then they will need a supplement in the same way that we would were we deficient in any vitamin nutrient essential to normal life.

That could be the end of this article, but there is more to it than just that. How do pets get these essential nutrients, and how do you assess what supplements are essential for your particular animal? Consider the variety of breeds for example. Were dogs human the difference in weight between the adult weights of a St. Bernard and a Chihuahua of 80 lb and 4 lb would relate to human weights of between, say, 8 stones and 160 stones. That is about 50 Kg and 1000 Kg.

How can you possibly discuss these in the same way with respect to dietary requirements? Cats are much closer in size and weight, but these too have different dietary needs than dogs. The term ‘pets’, then, is meaningless in relation to diet. What is meaningful is the diet required by mammals of different species and different sizes. So what is that diet and how do you know when a vitamin supplement is needed.

Good quality food should be sufficient to provide the average animal with a good balanced diet. Commercial pet foods can sometime do this, but not always, in the same way that canned foods cannot always meet all human nutritional needs. Modern pet food producers are getting closer to providing what is needed by different animals at various stages in their life, but unless purchased from specialist outlets, not for specific breeds. One would assume that a bulldog and a small Mexican hairless would have different needs.

Many owners feed their pets what they eat themselves, or purchase fresh food specifically for them rather than use proprietary pet foods. When doing this they should be sure that the foods they give are suitable for their pets. For example, cats and dogs need meat, particularly cats that can become seriously ill if fed only a vegetarian diet. Another little known fact is that not all mammals can eat onions, and if cats or dogs are fed onions or onion extract in their meals it could kill them. Never feed cats or dogs onions: it can be fatal.

Your pet’s diet is part of a general loving care regime, and you should try to find what your cat or dog needs for a happy and healthy life. Included in that is lots of love and attention and proper grooming. Animals like grooming rituals, as is evident when you watch their habits in the wild. If you make the effort to provide the attention to your pets at home that they get from other animals in nature, then they will be much happier and healthy animals.

Regular veterinary care is part of that, as is proper preparation for travel; travel that is unnatural to them. Supplements are available from your vet to prepare them for long journeys in a car or boat. Vitamin supplements are also available to make up for any dietary deficiencies. A working dog, a dog recovering from illness or surgery, and a pregnant cat or new mother, all have different nutritional requirements, and a good owner with an interest in their animal will find out what these are.

The important supplements for pets are the water soluble vitamins that have to be replaced every day since they can be washed away in urine. What is true for humans is also true of animals in this respect. These vitamins are vitamin C and the B complex vitamins. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat soluble, and are stored in the body fats until needed. These vitamins can also be stored in the liver, and need less supplementation than the C and B vitamins.

Pets require a good supply of minerals, as do humans. These should be taken as a balanced supplement since an imbalance can cause problems in pets. Zinc, for example, can deplete the body of copper if taken in excess. Many pet owners believe zinc to be essential to the reproductive system, as it is in humans, and overdose their pets if they are intended to breed. However, excess zinc depletes the copper content of the pet’s body and copper is essential for the proper function of the immune system and for the proper formation and maintenance of bones, blood vessels and the development of the nervous system.

Multivitamin and mineral supplements are available in forms and flavors that suit both dogs and cats, and are balanced for the particular needs of the animal involved and its current state of health. Your vet is the best person to advise on what is needed, and the worst thing you could do for your pet, even if done with the best of intentions, is to give them human vitamin and mineral supplements in their food. No matter how much you would like them to be, pets are not human and have different needs.

Would you eat mice by choice? If a moth fluttered into your home would you stuff it into your mouth? Of course not. Would you eat unmentionable things off a walkway as your dog does? Of course not. Do not, therefore, apply your dietary requirements to your cat or dog. They are similar to a certain extent, in that most mammals’ bodies share a similar chemistry, but your digestive systems are different.

Give your pets vitamins for pets, not vitamins for humans. If you care for your pets lovingly, prepare them for stressful times such as travel they are not familiar with, keep them warm and safe at home and provide them with the nutritional supplements that your vet deems right for them, then you will be doing your best to give them a happy life and will be caring for them as you should. Pets need vitamins just as you do.

The importance of shih tzu dog training

Many people believe that any sort of training will interfere with the wonderful relationship they share with their Shih Tzu. Even though he/she barks annoyingly when they go on walks, and they do have to crate him whenever they have guests because he snarls and growls at their friends four year old, but that’s all ok, because that’s what Shih Tzus do right?

Ummm….no, not really. Sorry to burst your bubble but just because they're not human dogs should still be expected to behave. Sure his antics may seem adorable. They might think it’s cute when he jumps up on neighbors and scratches up doors, but their Shih Tzu’s victims wouldn’t agree.

Maybe they think they don't want to impose their will on their Shih Tzu to make him behave, and that it's all right. But, being the owner of a Shih Tzu means you have a responsibility to your dog and to the people around you.

Now, this doesn’t mean you need to be a tyrant whipping your Shih Tzu into compliance.

Where many Shih Tzu owners go wrong is in their understanding of Shih Tzu training. They need to realize that training their Shih Tzu is not about beating him into submission. It is, in fact, is a way of creating a bond and improving the relationship they share with their pet; and of course a means of making it more sociable.

Why is that important?. Well, here is the thing. Most dog owners spend the larger part of our waking hours away from home; at work, running errands, and taking care of business. The little time we get to spend with our family and pets we try to make as pleasant and positive as possible. We go for a walk in the evening after work, or to visit with family and friends. If our Shih Tzus are not properly socialized then we have to leave them home alone, and your precious pet is not a part of your life at all.

Now, Shih Tzus are just like human beings. They get lonely too; lonely depressed and terribly sad. All alone in a dark house with no one to pat his tired little head, or give him a belly-rub

So, ultimately, thanks to their aversion towards training these people deny their Shih Tzu the attention and activities he needs and enjoys.

Obedience training is a means of teaching your Shih Tzu to cope better with it’s immediate environment. Proper training and socialization allows Shih Tzu an easier more enjoyable life and makes them a pleasure to have around. Training your Shih Tzu will give you the opportunity to spend more time with your beloved pet, no matter where you go, what you do or who you are with.

So give your Shih Tzu a nice pat and take him out for training. Teaching your Shih Tzu a few simple words like ‘heel’, ‘down’, ‘stay’, ‘come’ and ‘sit’, will enhance your relationship with your favorite companion forever.

Good luck and good training.

Are You Unknowingly Harming Your Horse?

Owning your first horse can be a dream come true. Yet many new horse owners may find their new-found dream less-than-perfect as they struggle with issues of behavior, manners, training and respect. Perhaps they are inadvertently harming the very creature they’ve fallen in love with. Even though they’re large, majestic animals, horses require a lot of gentle TLC. Unfortunately, many of the long-standing practices in traditional horsemanship may be harmful. Growing numbers of horse owners are seeking more humane ways to train, ride and care for their horses.

That’s why Natural Horsemanship has become so popular. It’s based on understanding the natural herd hierarchy or pecking order, how horses use body language to communicate and how the practiced application of ‘pressure and release’ can cause the horse to willing work with you – respecting and obeying you as the lead horse. It also promotes a deeper bond between horse and rider, based on the creation of a trusting relationship. Building trust isn’t always easy— that’s why it’s crucial for first time horse owners to make sure they’re not unknowingly hurting their horse.

Here are five key things new horse owners must know:

1) A horse’s mouth is sensitive. Many first-time horse owners assume they must use a bitted bridle to control their horse. But a metal bit can quickly become an instrument of torture in a horse’s tender mouth. Consider trying a bitless bridle instead. They cradle the horse’s head to let you apply gentle consistent pressure and release signals to ‘tell’ the horse where to go and provide exceptional control with less pain for the horse. Do your research – the effectiveness of bitless bridles vary with the design of each model!

2) Heavy hands hurt! New horse owners think they have to tug strongly on the reins to control the horse. This can cause pain and lead to health problems for the horse. Many ‘behavior’ problems actually stem from heavy-handed riders. Talk to a qualified trainer about the best way to hold the reins to avoid confusing and/or hurting your horse. Riding in a bitless bridle can also help you develop softer hands and improve your use of other aids like your seat and legs.

3) Saddles are NOT one size fits all. You shouldn’t just walk into a tack store and buy the first saddle you see, or pick up bargain. A saddle should be fitted to your horse’s size and shape. Call the tack store ahead of time and get instructions to correctly measure your horse. Ask about treeless saddles; they’re softer, more flexible and more comfortable for the horse and rider.

4) Not all horses need shoes. Depending on where and how you ride and your horse’s living conditions, your horse may not need shoes. Hooves help pump the horse’s blood and some experts believe this function is enhanced when a horse is ‘barefoot.’ But it’s best to talk with your vet and farrier about what’s right for your horse’s specific needs.

5) Reward your horse. Don’t confuse intimidation with respect. Teaching your horse to obey because it’s frightened of you does not lead to a good relationship. Spend time bonding with your horse. Hang out in the round pen and consider riding freestyle. Simply petting your horse is a good way to reward good behavior.

Zoe Brooks, a quality management consultant and horse farm owner, admits her first foray into owning a horse didn’t start with the mutual caring relationship she expected. Instead, her horse Hazel pushed her around. That’s when Zoe did some research and began using Natural Horsemanship methods and a whole new world opened up. Hazel was content to take trail rides outfitted in a rope halter with no bit. But as soon as Zoe tried riding her with a bit and bridle Hazel’s personality changed and she became combative. That’s what led Zoe to design the Nurtural No-Bit Bridle.

“When you think about the mechanics of shoving a harsh hunk of steel into a horse’s mouth, it sounds rather barbaric,” says Brooks, co-founder of Nurtural Horse. “The idea behind the bitless bridle is that if you remove the distraction and pain of a bit, the horse and owner are happier. Because bitless bridles are so much gentler yet still offer control, we’ve discovered they’re especially useful in training young horses and new riders.”

For more information visit www.nurturalhorse.com.

Dog Bite Safety

Keeping a dog as a pet has been shown to benefit physical and mental health in both adults and children. They can be wonderful companions and the interactions experienced by growing up with a dog can offer many positives to child development.

Along with these positive aspects, however, is a negative side. Each year, about one million people report having been bitten by a dog. It is estimated that another million people experience a bite, but fail to report it. It has also been shown that about 60% of the dog bite victims are children, boys between the ages of 6 and 9. Most of these bites on children occur on the face, and the dog bite injuries can cost insurance companies hundreds of millions of dollars. In 1996, for example, $250 million was spent, and because of this, many companies do not offer coverage to dog owners whose dog has severely bitten someone. In order to prevent a costly setback because of a dog bite, it is a good idea to learn how a dog’s behavior is influenced, how to prevent aggressive behavior, and what to do if you find yourself around an aggressive dog.

There are a variety of things that influence a dog’s behavior, including inherited traits, the type of situations and stress the mother sees during pregnancy, and the type of socialization/training the puppy gets once it is born. The only one of these influences that humans are easily able to control is the puppy stage. The critical age for young dogs to learn socialization skills is between three and fourteen weeks. The opportunity for positive interactions with children and others can influence the dog’s future greatly during this time. Some other basic guidelines for raising a puppy to be non-aggressive are as follows.

1. Expose the puppy to children of all ages while it is young. No two children act or sound the same, and the more exposure they receive the better. Continue this until the puppy is at least one year old. This is probably the best way to create a dog that interacts well with most people.

2. Wait to have a family first, and then obtain a dog. It is better for a dog to be introduced to a new family than have a child be introduced to a dog who has been living with the parents for a while.

3. Involve children in any obedience training, feeding, grooming, and walking. Both the child and dog can benefit from this. Dogs learn appropriate behavior and to respect these children. The children learn to use rewards to encourage behavior instead of punishment, which can help them in areas not only restricted to dogs.

4. Teach others to recognize the signs of aggression in dogs. A fearful dog will have its ears back and its tail low. Aggression will show through growling, bared teeth, and a stiff body. In contrast, a relaxed dog will have ears forward or sideways.

5. Encourage friendly retrieval games such as fetch, or hide-and-seek with a toy rather than aggressive games like tug-of-war.

6. Always supervise when a dog is interacting with young children.

If an encounter with an unknown or aggressive dog does occur, some basic tips for both children and adults include the following.

1. Never approach an unknown dog, whether it is roaming on a street, fenced in a yard, or injured.

2. Always ask an owner for permission before petting a dog.

3. If an aggressive dog approaches, stand still and do not make eye contact. Running or making loud noises may only aggravate or excite the dog even more, resulting in a bite.

4. Look around for the owner of a wandering dog, and wait until the owner can restrain the dog before continuing on.

5. Never pet a dog that is busy or unaware of your presence, such as one eating, chewing on a toy, or sleeping.

6. Most importantly, stay calm and don’t panic. If a bite does occur, seek medical attention and try to find out if the dog has had a recent rabies vaccination. Report the event to animal control.

When choosing and raising a dog, the following points are important to consider as well.

1. Obtain your dog from a reliable source. Research breeds and characteristics so you can choose a dog that fits your needs and lifestyle.

2. Dog training classes that teach normal behavior, training, and how to prevent future problems are extremely beneficial for a puppy. Start these when the dog is young, and training through the dog’s life will be much easier.

3. Spaying or neutering a dog can decrease aggressive behavior greatly. It reduces aggression in males, and saves females from many medical issues.

4. Make sure all your dog’s vaccinations are up to date.

5. License your dog and follow the leash laws that are in place in your area.

6. Dogs are living things, and are therefore affected by things such as isolation, tiredness, hunger and thirst. Providing for these things can affect aggression levels.

7. Never leave a dog unattended with a child, or in an unfamiliar situation. If a dog is fearful, biting may occur.

8. Start young with obedience. Use the attitude of prevention for aggression, rather than waiting for it to happen and then trying to fix it.

Aggression is not a cause for bad behavior in dogs; rather it is often times a symptom of other problems. Only after assessing the cause of biting behavior, the risks, and the likely hood to bite again, can a dog be treated. Behavior evaluations are available from most veterinarians, and if not, he/she can refer you to one that is able to offer such a service. And although it is ideal to start young when trying to avoid aggression, older dogs can learn new tricks as well.

Basic Horse Care

Horses are amazingly beautiful and sensitive creatures. Horses require not only understanding and patience to have a horse as a pet, it also requires a whole lot of care.

Herd Mentality:
Observe horses in the herd system, each horse's welfare in the wild depends upon an instinctive submission to the discipline of the herd. The instinct is for immediate action. To the horse, action is survival. When horses live in an herd environment, they often take turns sleeping and standing guard for any predators. When the leader of the herd signals danger they take flight.

Learning respect and ascending to authority starts on the first day of life for the foals, there is a distinct pecking order in herds of horses.

It is important to keep a quiet profile around horses. Horses naturally do not like unnecessary noise because in the wild their survival depends on detection of predators with their hearing. Extraneous noise interferes with this predator detection. This predator detection is tightly coupled with a horse's flight reflex. Due to these survival genetics, horses have a physiological wiring in their brains that predisposes them to prefer quietness and to become bothered by unnecessary noise. Many horses can get startled easily from abrupt noises and this could result in injury to the horse, the rider, or people around the horse. Talk to your horse in a quiet, reassuring voice.


Relationship With Horses:
A horse will love you if, first and foremost, you treat it fairly, and secondly, if you allow yourself to develop a relationship with it in the same way you would a human partner. There are too many who will look after the horse's material needs but put nothing back into the partnership itself. The horse born in captivity will identify with an alternative provider and companion, resulting in a healthy relationship from the beginning. A healthy relationship with your horse requires: trust, coupled with respect, fondness with compliance, and a desire to please.

Check Your Horse:
Examine your horse every day and especially prior to riding the horse. Carefully examine the horse's legs and back for any unusual heat or lumps. Make sure that the horse's eyes are alert and not glazy. Listen for any excessive noise or gurgling sounds coming from your horse's stomach. Catching problems before they become serious is critical to keeping a show horse sound and alive.

Exercise caution and discretion when around stallions and mares when they are in heat. They are dealing with hormones on an order of magnitude that you probably can not comprehend. Stallions typically bite and some may be easily triggered into violent behavior.

Grooming Horses:
Keep your horse clean. Keep your horse's entire coat free from dirt, mud, sand, and sweat. Brush your horse every day. Pick out your horse's feet every day. Wash out any sweat residue from the saddle pad or girth every day. Wash out any dirt or sand residue, as from the riding arena, on your horses legs every day. A number of different problems can result if a horse's coat is not kept clean.

Barn Care:
Keep your horse's stall clean. Make sure that your horse's stall is cleaned every day. Be sure that any wetness is removed with the manure. Replace the removed bedding with fresh, clean, dry bedding. Water should be dumped from buckets every day without exception. Unhealthy dirt and bacteria can build up in a bucket if it is not cleaned on a daily basis. Clean water is essential to maintaining a healthy horse. Make sure your horse always has clean, fresh water available.

Training A Horse:
The intelligence of the horse increases rapidly with education. An intelligent trainer can make an intelligent horse. A kind but firm trainer will result in a disciplined but pleasing horse.

Horse Feed:
Feed your horse(s) at the same times every day. A horse may get upset and colic or injure themselves by kicking the stall or pawing, if not fed when feeding is expected. You should not make radical changes in a horse's feed program. If you must make a change in the feed program, make the change gradually. Drastic changes in a horse's feed program can cause the horse to colic and in some cases, may die. Your horse's stomach is a highly sensitive bio-reactor that maintains a delicate balance of the organisms that digest food in your horse's digestive track.

Visitors should not feed a horse that you do not own without the owner's permission; no carrots, no apples, no treats, nothing. The horse could potentially, get sick if they have an allergy or sickness.

Pay attention to everything that goes into your horse; that means all feed, all hay, all water, all treats, all supplements, all pills, and all shots. This knowledge could save your horse's life in an emergency situation. Post this information on your horse's stall door so that it is available to a vet if you are not around in an emergency. Make sure that your horse gets high-quality feed and hay. Your horse's health and soundness depends on the nutrition that you provide for them. Take good care of your horse. A rider without a horse is no rider at all.

Vet Care:
Make sure that you have a good equine veterinarian. A good vet will save you money in the long run and may save your horse's life some day. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Make sure your horse has all the vaccinations that are normal for your geographical location. All horses should be on a good worming program to control intestinal parasites. A horse should be wormed by a vet at least twice a year.

Horse Flies:
In the summer spray your horse trailer down with fly spray about 10 minutes before you load the horses. The flies should leave, and your horses will be without those pesky flies!

Cooling Horses:
Never spray a hot, sweaty horse with cold water immediately after working the horse. This can cause muscle spasms and binding, or shock that can lead to death. Wait until the horse is breathing regularly, and use warm water if it is available. If a horse has heat shock, consult your vet and the vet may instruct you to cold hose the horse, even if still hot and sweaty. Never put a horse in a stall or confined area while sweaty or while they are still breathing heavily. This can result in shock and/or colic that can lead to death. Walk the horse until the horse is cooled out and the breathing is normal.

Shoeing:
Horses' hooves generally grow approximately 1 cm in a month, and take nearly a year to grow from the coronet band to the ground. Horse's hooves need to be trimmed regularly (about every 6-8 weeks). Shoeing a horse does not hurt them. If you were to grow out your finger nail, you could put an earring/pin through it without causing discomfort; however, if you pushed the pin through the part of your nail that is attached to the soft tissue of your finger, it would hurt. When horse shoes are nailed in, they are nailed at an angle so which the horse doesn't feel it.

Make sure that you have a good farrier, especially if you show your horse over jumps. The concussion from landing from jumps amplifies any problems in a horse's shoeing. If a horse gets sore feet or legs from bad angles or bad shoeing, the horse can not just take his shoes off, sit back on a couch, and rub their feet, or find another pair of shoes like you can. Bad shoeing can result in your horse becoming lame due to a number of problems including: bowed tendons, popped splints, or shoulder/back soreness or spasms. Bad shoeing can ruin a good horse, so don't be penny-wise and pound-foolish where shoeing is concerned. A laid-up horse is far more expensive to maintain than a good farrier. And remember not all horses need to have shoes, only if they are competing, walking on hard/rocky surfaces, or have hoof problems.

Sleeping:
Horses do lay down to sleep, but only if they feel completely comfortable in their environment. It is not enough to provide a dry stable, food and water. Horses will often sleep standing up by locking their knees. Horses are one of the few animals that can put one half of their body asleep while the other half is wide awake. Emotionally and mentally, all horses need to feel they have and be comfortable in their own space!

To fully enjoy a horse's finer qualities you must treat them with both kindness and quality care. In the end, a happy horse will mean a nicer ride and a happier rider.