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.