The attractiveness of training dogs should not be cliched at the very least. Dogs are born to be pets. When trained properly, dogs can render support and affection more than what they were born with. Hence, the old adage, “A dog is a man’s best friend,” is not a sheer cliché.

However, in spite of the innate qualities of dogs, it is still important to train them to develop the skills that they possess. By nature, dogs are obedient animals. However, because of their character, training is important.

For this reason, numerous obedient trainings and advanced schooling programs were created to develop the necessary skills in dogs. The basic obedience skills such as sit, walk, or lie down are usually taught.

To do this, the help of a professional dog trainer can be very helpful. However, if you do not have the budget for it, you may opt to train your dogs all by yourself. You just have to equip yourself with the right tools and equipments.

Among the various devices needed to train dogs, dog training collars are the most important. Dog training collars helps the owner control the behavior of the dog, thereby, creating an air of authoritativeness over the dogs. Hence, dogs can easily understand that they have a master to follow.

One of the most common types of collars used by non-professional trainers or simply dog owners themselves is the electronic dog training collars. Although quite controversial, electronic dog training collars are effective if used properly.

Electronic dog training collars had created such media hype when quite a number of dog owners have discreetly denounced their use. The issue is focused on the outright infliction of pain caused by electronic currents that run from the collar to the dog’s skin. These electric currents can create shock, which can be very harmful for the dog.

However, experts say that when used properly, electronic dog training collars can be effective in training dogs and in managing dog behavioral problems. In fact, an electronic dog training collar can be safe and effective if the trainer or user knows how to operate the device properly.

In essence, electronic dog training collars create electric shock that warns the dog how to respond appropriately. The main purpose of producing electric shock is to assist the dog trainer during training sessions and in controlling behavior of your dog.

Nevertheless, not all electronic dog training collars are created equal. Each has its own distinction depending on the make of the product and its feature benefits.

Here are some tips in buying electronic dog training collar.

1. Budget

Electronic dog training collars can be very expensive. If you do not have the budget for it, buying an electronic dog training collar can be a problem.

So before you decide on a particular type of electronic dog training collar, try to see first if your budget can afford it.

2. Function

Each type of electronic dog training collar has its own distinct function. Hence, it is best that you know what you want in an electronic dog training collar.

For example, if you want to control the route of your dog whenever he walks, you can use a training collar that will fit near your dog’s nose. The electronic shock will direct him which way to go. If you want to control your dog’s behavioral problem such as excessive barking, try to use an electronic dog training collar that has a transmitter device attached at the collar placed near the dog’s neck.

3. Breed

In buying an electronic dog training collar, you also have to consider the dog’s breed. For smaller breeds, it is best to buy collars that will fit on their little necks. Moreover, this type of dog training collar has additional training device that will facilitate the training process.

4. Kind of training

If you are trying to correct canine behavioral problems, it is best to use remote electronic dog training collar. The transmitter can send signals to the collar as far as 300 feet. Hence, you do not have to be in close proximity with your dog just to train him whenever he gets into annoying behaviors.

All of these things can help you choose the best electronic dog training collar. Coupled with good knowledge about the product, electronic dog training collar is, indeed, one of the most effective training tools available in the market today.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://dogcollars.topicgiant.com where you can learn more about all types of dog collars including the electronic dog training collar [http://dogcollars.topicgiant.com/Articles/Electronic_Dog_Training_Collar.php].

Author: Lee Dobbins
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger

Ever since I was a little girl, I hoped and prayed for a horse to call my own. It became a ritual every birthday and Christmas that I would first check the property for a horse tied up to the plum tree, or stabled in the garage with the family sedan. Of course, I was totally naïve as to the expense of owning a horse and so I was always disappointed. Somewhere in my teens I gave up on the dream. So it was at the more mature age of 31 that my dream was finally realised and I became the owner of a precious baby girl (well, 14-year-old ex-Pacer, Standardbred mare). But to me she was my new baby and she came with the most perfect name, Angel.

So here was my dream, in living colour, high spirits and dignified stubbornness. I … well I was an untrained and inexperienced, though willing, Mum of one huge equine. I had no gear and even less of an idea. So began my training to become a suitable mum for my beloved dream come true.

The first step was to read books; lots of them. However none of them can physically prepare for the task of caring for a horse. I learned a lot since obtaining Angel, because I just had to get out there and do it, or ask someone else how to do it. I have a lot more to learn yet and I find it a rewarding and exciting path. This article provides some basics for anyone considering getting a pony or horse or who has just landed that dream and does not know where to start, just as I began my journey.

It is important that you talk to experts such as your vet and local horse club for professional advice. Other helpful tips and suggestions can be obtained through talking to horse owners, phoning or visiting the local pony club, or joining a horse forum on the Internet. Horse people love to talk about horses.

There are numerous breeds of horses available. You will need to look for an animal that has the correct temperament, abilities and height. Breeds such as thoroughbreds are tall and can be too high-spirited for a beginner. A Standardbred, like Angel, has an unusual gait (movement) which is uncomfortable until you are used to it. Look at the history of the horse – is it flighty, can it handle traffic noise, how old is it, does it have scars or uneven hoof wear which could indicate lameness? There are numerous things to look at, so if you can,have a knowledgeable and experienced person available to help you choose, there is a much better chance of a happy horse- rider relationship.

Once you have the horse or pony, the first, and most obvious concern, is where to keep your new pet. Horses require a lot of grazing, fresh water and room for exercise. Alternatively you can stable a horse just like you would send a dog to a kennel for a holiday. It depends on where you live and what your budget is like as to which is the most suitable option. When I got Angel, I spent months trying to find grazing for her, all to no avail. The former owners kindly let me keep her on at their farm, but most people selling or giving away a horse will not want to do this. Prepare yourself for a lot of telephone time and legwork checking out any vacant paddocks around your area. Look for a paddock that is well fenced, has a working water trough or natural flowing water, and ideally some form of shelter from weather extremes. This could be as simple as a shelterbelt or hedge. Also take note of any poisonous plants such as hemlock, buttercup, oak or foxglove, and any debris like tin cans, broken glass or hidden branches. These can all harm your horse.

Now that your horse has a place to stay, you will be wondering what to feed him. A grazing horse has fewer needs than a stabled horse, but may still require extra feed such as hay and oats during winter, and a salt lick, especially during summer. What you feed your horse depends on how much work they are doing, what temperament they have, and their condition, therefore professional advice should be obtained. A stabled horse relies on what you feed it so it will need a larger supply of hay, grains and dry pellets. An apple or carrot is good for your horse too, whether stabled or grazing. When feeding a carrot make sure to cut it lengthwise as small circular pieces can choke them. Remember the water, fresh and plenty of it as a horse can drink up to 55 litres per day.

Now housed and fed the health of your horse is the next priority to ensure their happiness and your enjoyment. To this end your horse will need to be regularly groomed, wormed and be seen by a farrier.

Grooming:
A grazed horse requires less grooming than a stabled horse because the natural oils in the coat help protect them from the weather. The most basic grooming required is to pick out their hooves to remove stones, which can cause bruising or lameness, and to remove mud and manure; a brush down with a curry comb to remove mud; and combing the mane and tail to remove knots and foreign matter. To brush a horse, use very firm strokes that won’t tickle him. Horses have ticklish spots just like our feet. If the horse starts twitching or becomes restless as a particular area is groomed that might signal a ticklish spot, and could result in a ‘pay-back’ nip from the horse.

To pick out the hooves, stand beside your horse and run your hand down the back of their leg. Most horses will raise the leg for you. Hold the hoof firmly and pick it out from the heel to the toe, avoiding the soft frog area (triangular middle piece). There is much more to grooming, but starting with these basics will ensure a happy comfortable horse. It will also provide you confidence in working around your horse. As you gain assurance and knowledge you can move onto other areas.

Worming:
It is essential that this be done regularly, every six to eight weeks. Horses can ingest worms through the grass and hay they eat, so cleaning up manure in the paddock helps stop the spread of worm eggs and other parasites. Your vet should be consulted for the size of the dosage and the frequency as it will vary according to the gender, age and state (e.g. pregnancy) of the horse.

Farrier (Blacksmith):
Your horse will need to be seen by a farrier every six to eight weeks to have their hooves trimmed. If the horse is wearing shoes then it may need loose or worn shoes to be fixed or replaced. Lack of regular attention on the hooves can lead to lameness, potentially resulting in permanent injury. Their hooves are just like human fingernails -growing rapidly and prone to chip, break, crack or split. If the horse is ridden frequently and on hard surfaces, shoes are required so that the hooves do not wear down too quickly.

After all of the above, only the primary needs of your horse have been attended to. There is much more, but as with my experience, it can be learned as you go along. There is one aspect that I haven’t discussed and that is the exercising, or riding, of your horse.

Some horses may come with their own gear or a local horse-owner may have some spare gear you could borrow, lease, or buy. The very minimum you will need is a lead-rope and halter so that you can catch and tie up your horse. For riding, starter saddle kits are available at a very reasonable price but will invariably not last as long as a more expensive set. Talking to your local saddler will help you unravel the somewhat confusing needs of saddle size and style, girth size, leather type and care. An essential item that you will need to invest in is a good riding helmet. I advise to get brand new over second hand so that you can guarantee its safety has not been compromised. A lunge rope and whip for non-riding exercise is good for your horse too. I use a cheap towrope purchased from the local service station as a lunge rope, so do look for alternatives to the expensive custom-made items. A lunge whip is not terribly expensive at the saddlers.

Horse care is a satisfying aspect of owning a horse. I hope that you can share in the enjoyment of horse ownership and the creation of a bond between horse and rider that is formed as you care for your dream.

Belinda Osgood is a full-time writer working from her home in a small rural township in the South Island of New Zealand. Passions include her pets, craft and rock-hounding. This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pet Forums.

Author: Belinda Osgood
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Bumper guardian

Cats are simply adorable. They are cuddly and cute, and yes, they enjoy receiving so much attention. That is why sometimes, cats develop several annoying and destructive behavior and you should know how to deal with behavior problems of cats.

Cats are animals, and as such do not have enough reasoning to tell and distinguish right from wrong. But you, the cat owner, knows what is good and bad, and so it is your responsibility to help your cat act accordingly. You need to deal with the behavior problems of cats.

Behavior problems of cats are the usual problems cat owners encounter from their cats. Some owners really feel very annoyed by several of their cat’s behavioral problems, so they just hire cat trainers for long-term solutions. Attitude problems are very common in cats.

If you have a cat, it is not enough that you shower your pet with utmost attention and care. It is your responsibility to instill in the cat righteous attitudes especially when there are other people living in your house. Being adorable and cute are not enough for the cat to get away from every offense it makes.

Tips for dealing with behavior problems of cats

Here are some practical tips that would help you control the unwanted behavior problems of cats. Take note that cats also need to act nicely especially when there are other people in the house or if there are guests:

• Discipline your cat. This is one way to deal with the behavior problems of cats. You could teach the animal about right and wrong behavior. For example, if you see your cat do a nice thing, pat it gently on the head. Otherwise, push your palm on the cat’s face. This would give it the signal that what it just did is not acceptable.

• Do not surprise your cat. Cats hate surprises so to avoid behavior problems of cats avoid surprises. Do not disturb a sleeping cat or suddenly take away food from an eating cat. Doing so would provoke the cat and make it really angry to attack you or anyone.

• Do not ever hit a cat whenever it does nasty things. This is not a good way to deal with behavior problems of cats. Hitting, just like in kids, is not very effective in making cats realize what deed is wrong. Do not ever teach your cat to develop fear of you.

• Make specific cat misbehavior impossible to be accomplished. This is another good way to deal with the behavior problems of cats. For example, if the cat wants to steel food from containers, keep the containers tightly closed and sealed. Also make light objects and figurines in the house out of reach of cats, or place them in a glass cabinet.

• For littering and waste elimination behavior problems of cats, you could invest in cat litter boxes. Cat litter boxes are very ideal in training the cat to urinate or eliminate feces responsibly.

• Take your cat to the vet regularly. That way, you could immediately tell if there is a physiological problem in the cat. Behavior problems of cats may also due to pains. Usually, when cats fall ill, they also tend to misbehave.

• Cats are possessive. They want your sole attention. If there are other pets in the house, your cat might sense that you are not faithful. To remedy this situation, do not let the cat see you care for and nurture other pets.

• Use reward and punishment to deal with behavior problems of cats. To make the cat also behave properly, you could also make use of the reward system. For every good deed you see in the cat, reward it by giving its special cat snack. Whenever the cat does bad acts, punish it by not giving it any cat snack, though you must show the cat that there is cat snack that is supposed to be given to it.

If you have tried the above mentioned tips and found no success do not lose hope, you can still tame your cat and you can have a much more rewarding life with your cat if you only learn a few secrets on cat behavior.

Did you know that you can transform your cats behavior with proven techniques that will give you immediate results? Discover how to end the behavior problems of cats visit Solutions to Cat Behavior Problems at All About Pets

Gerry Restrivera writes informative articles on various subjects including How to Deal with the Behavior Problems of Cats. You are allowed to publish this article in its entirety provided that authors name, bio and website links must remain intact and included with every reproduction.

Author: Gerry Restrivera
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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