Anyone who has ever had a cat has questions about their behavior. I have quite a few that has influenced my behavior around him.
Why do cats have more energy at night? Waking up my cat Spike, especially in the evening when he's been asleep in his box in the garage, is not a very wise thing to do if you're planning on going to bed yourself. After having slept most of the day, he's full of pep and wants to play. I just want to go to sleep!
Each night I tip-toe past the door leading into the garage so I won't disturb him. If he hears voices or footsteps he'll start meowing, wanting something to eat. After I give him a handful of Meow Mix, he eats a few bites and then tries to slip past me into the house. Because he's faster than me, most of the time he's successful. Immediately upon entering the foyer he'll start lying on his back and then rolling over, something I think is weird but it seems to make him happy.
Why do cats roll on their backs? My neighbor who has a lot of cats say that when one on his back he's being friendly. Friendly is good when it's much earlier in the evening, not when it's time for me to go to bed. I've learned not to pet him too much. If I do, he thinks I'm going to let him stay in the house. No way!
If I relent and let him go to his bed in the corner of my office, he'll sleep awhile and just when I'm about to doze off, he'll come to my bedroom and start meowing for me to let him back out. That's why I have to sneak past the garage door when it's my bed time!
Why do cats rub up against things? No matter how many times a day he's been allowed in the house, Spike has to rub himself against every door jamb and piece of furniture he passes. Cats supposedly do this to mark their territory so that other cats will know who rules their kingdom. I find it hard to believe that they have to mark the same place four or five times a day, especially if there are no other cats around. I think my cat does that just to annoy me!
Why do cats bring dead mice to the house? Spike, being and indoor/outdoor cat occasional brings us a gift of a dead mouse or bird. Cat experts say this is because he has this inherent urge to hunt his own food. Instinctively he is using the same stealth and patience they would use in the wild to hunt for food.
Why do cats dash to a spot as if they suddenly remember something? From time to time I've noticed Spike walking across our front yard at a leisurely pace, when all of a sudden he will jump and start running around the house like he's been stung by a bee. After that short burst of speed he stops and continues his unhurried stroll.
My thoughts have been that he was just batty and that there was very little I could do for him. Again, my cat loving neighbor has an explanation. Cats are simply pretending that they're in the jungle somewhere running down food, such as an antelope or a springbok. Seriously, some cat psychologist must have figured that one out. I still think Spike is nuts!
The most serious question of all is why do cats drink out of the toilet. After asking that question of several "experts", I have yet to get a definitive answer. It seems that everyone have a different view of cat behavior.
Some say that cats just want to be close to where we have been, thus making toilet drinking a thing of love. Others say that cats like cold water that's fresher and cleaner than what is in their water dish. This makes more sense to me than a cat having a romantic interlude with my toilet seat.
Let's face it! No one really knows why a cat does anything. Spike let's us believe that we're in charge of his life, but when I command that he rolls over or fetch a stick, he simply stares at me and then lies down on the floor and start grooming himself. I guess I had better think of new tricks for him!
2008年8月24日星期日
2008年8月19日星期二
Pet keeping 101
Sooner or later many parents have to face their child's wish for its own pet. Whether dog or cat, hamster or pony, the choice for the right pet has to be a conscious one. The contact with and proper keeping of animals in a flat requires knowledge of the diet and character of the animal. To keep a pet means to be ready to carry responsibility.
It is important to daily play with the animal, to feed it and to understand when it does not feel so well. Many children confuse the wish for a pet with the substitute for a toy and are then easily overwhelmed with the keeping of and care for the pet. This work then becomes the parent's task, which was not meant to be the purpose. Before parents agree to the wish, it is important to explain to the child what daily responsibility, necessary care and limited free time mean.
Only when the child is fully aware of what it really means to keep an own animal, one should give its OK. If you are not sure right from the start which breed to choose, it is always advisable to have a look into adequate literature on the topic. In addition you can receive good advise from qualified personnel in a pet shop or in an animal shelter. It is important that no hastily decisions are taken, but that it develops into a relaxed and joyful undertaking.
Working animal
We will probably never know for sure, what the very first coming together of pet and man was like. Pets originally derive from wild animals. Man's agenda with breeding animals was to easily gain sustainable access to products and raw materials for food development. Man easily understood the different possibilities in which animals could be of use and he utilized the draught power of many animals.
Horses for example were used as working animals in forest- or field works.
We know that dogs are the best snoopers and track seekers. The most important is their nose, because their scenting ability is a lot better than that of man. Dogs are not only used to track down drugs or explosives, but also to find people who have been buried by an avalanche and are lying meters in the snow.
In science animals are mainly used to have the tolerance of new medicines tested. Only since the last century they have been used for animal experiments for tests in medicine but also cosmetics.
Haustiere.be is not aiming at experts but is rather a source of information for the average animals friend. The site is meant to provide you with information on the variety of species that can be kept as pets. This portal is for the amateur but also for the passionate animal lover and contains many pictures, articles and portraits of the different breeds.
Hardly any other topic offers you this great possibility to share your experiences with other people and to support each other with tips and ideas.
It is important to daily play with the animal, to feed it and to understand when it does not feel so well. Many children confuse the wish for a pet with the substitute for a toy and are then easily overwhelmed with the keeping of and care for the pet. This work then becomes the parent's task, which was not meant to be the purpose. Before parents agree to the wish, it is important to explain to the child what daily responsibility, necessary care and limited free time mean.
Only when the child is fully aware of what it really means to keep an own animal, one should give its OK. If you are not sure right from the start which breed to choose, it is always advisable to have a look into adequate literature on the topic. In addition you can receive good advise from qualified personnel in a pet shop or in an animal shelter. It is important that no hastily decisions are taken, but that it develops into a relaxed and joyful undertaking.
Working animal
We will probably never know for sure, what the very first coming together of pet and man was like. Pets originally derive from wild animals. Man's agenda with breeding animals was to easily gain sustainable access to products and raw materials for food development. Man easily understood the different possibilities in which animals could be of use and he utilized the draught power of many animals.
Horses for example were used as working animals in forest- or field works.
We know that dogs are the best snoopers and track seekers. The most important is their nose, because their scenting ability is a lot better than that of man. Dogs are not only used to track down drugs or explosives, but also to find people who have been buried by an avalanche and are lying meters in the snow.
In science animals are mainly used to have the tolerance of new medicines tested. Only since the last century they have been used for animal experiments for tests in medicine but also cosmetics.
Haustiere.be is not aiming at experts but is rather a source of information for the average animals friend. The site is meant to provide you with information on the variety of species that can be kept as pets. This portal is for the amateur but also for the passionate animal lover and contains many pictures, articles and portraits of the different breeds.
Hardly any other topic offers you this great possibility to share your experiences with other people and to support each other with tips and ideas.
2008年8月12日星期二
Positive Dog Training Techniques
There are many different dog training techniques that are out there today. Many people often don't realize that dog training courses often utilize different dog training techniques.
Some of these dog training techniques work better than others.
Whether you are going to a dog training course or if you are doing the dog training yourself... wouldn't you rather know which dog training technique is the best?
If you answered yes to that question then you should know that positive dog training is the best technique to use.
Positive dog training is quickly becoming the preferred method of dog training. If you would like to learn more about positive dog training techniques, please read on.
Positive dog training techniques involve using only praise and positive reinforcement.
This means, positive dog training rewards your dog for good behavior or when it performs a command correctly.
The rewards used in this type of dog training can be treats, kind words, a pat on the head, etc. It has been found that dogs respond much better to positive dog training.
Positive dog training techniques never involve hitting, spanking, scolding, or punishing your dog in any manner. Dogs do not do well with any form of negative dog training.
Now we will go over some examples of positive dog training techniques. Let us say that you are beginning your dog training by teaching your dog to sit. When your dog sits, reward it with a treat and tell it what a good dog it is.
Another example of positive dog training is to use praise and treats when your dog goes to the bathroom when and where it is supposed to. Dogs will soon learn to relate to doing this when and where it should because it gets rewarded for it.
Thus your dog will be potty trained much faster. When using positive dog training, your voice should always be happy and pleasant. Dogs will want to do as you ask when they get rewarded by any positive means.
This is why positive dog training works much better than any other type of dog training.
Now that you understand what positive dog training is, you may wish to start some of these techniques yourself. You can find dog training courses that use positive techniques and you can also utilize these techniques on your own.
With positive reinforcement, praise, and rewards, your dog is sure to learn much faster and be happier doing so. You will then be happier as well and you will also find that the dog training will go much easier.
With that in mind, you can truly see how positive dog training techniques will give you positive results!
Some of these dog training techniques work better than others.
Whether you are going to a dog training course or if you are doing the dog training yourself... wouldn't you rather know which dog training technique is the best?
If you answered yes to that question then you should know that positive dog training is the best technique to use.
Positive dog training is quickly becoming the preferred method of dog training. If you would like to learn more about positive dog training techniques, please read on.
Positive dog training techniques involve using only praise and positive reinforcement.
This means, positive dog training rewards your dog for good behavior or when it performs a command correctly.
The rewards used in this type of dog training can be treats, kind words, a pat on the head, etc. It has been found that dogs respond much better to positive dog training.
Positive dog training techniques never involve hitting, spanking, scolding, or punishing your dog in any manner. Dogs do not do well with any form of negative dog training.
Now we will go over some examples of positive dog training techniques. Let us say that you are beginning your dog training by teaching your dog to sit. When your dog sits, reward it with a treat and tell it what a good dog it is.
Another example of positive dog training is to use praise and treats when your dog goes to the bathroom when and where it is supposed to. Dogs will soon learn to relate to doing this when and where it should because it gets rewarded for it.
Thus your dog will be potty trained much faster. When using positive dog training, your voice should always be happy and pleasant. Dogs will want to do as you ask when they get rewarded by any positive means.
This is why positive dog training works much better than any other type of dog training.
Now that you understand what positive dog training is, you may wish to start some of these techniques yourself. You can find dog training courses that use positive techniques and you can also utilize these techniques on your own.
With positive reinforcement, praise, and rewards, your dog is sure to learn much faster and be happier doing so. You will then be happier as well and you will also find that the dog training will go much easier.
With that in mind, you can truly see how positive dog training techniques will give you positive results!
2008年8月11日星期一
Food Allergies in Dogs
Allergies in dogs seem to have become more and more common over the years. Whether this is just because we are getting better at diagnosing them is debatable, but certainly the pet food manufacturers have had an important role to play in dealing with this phenomenon. Although a food allergy is thought to be non curable, the good news is that with proper diagnosis and management it can be well controlled in virtually 100% of cases.
What is a food allergy?
A more appropriate term for a food allergy is an adverse food reaction. It is where ingestion of a certain ingredient in the diet causes itchiness anywhere on the body and recurring skin or ear infections with Malassezia yeast and bacteria. Food allergies can also cause digestive tract signs too, such as fecal mucus, blood in the stools and increased frequency of defecation. They have also been associated with increased flatulence.
The root cause of these adverse food reactions is unknown, but research points towards an increase in permeability of the gut wall, or a failure of the gut associated immune system. Though it has never been proven that certain breeds are affected worse than others, some breeds do seem to be over represented. The age of onset can range from a few months to 12 years old.
What are the ingredients that dogs are most commonly allergic to?
There are 7 ingredients that are frequently responsible for adverse food reactions:
1. Beef
2. Milk
3. Eggs
4. Chicken
5. Soy
6. Wheat
7. Corn
Statistically, beef and soy are the biggest offenders. Many dogs will be allergic to more than one of these ingredients, and may also be allergic to things in their environment, such as pollen, certain grasses or fleas.
How can a food allergy be diagnosed?
If a dog has had general itchiness that does not lessen in the winter months, recurrent skin and ear infections or intermittent soft stools, it is worth investigating for a food allergy.
There are 3 recognised diagnostic methods:
1. A blood test to measure antibodies to various ingredients.
2. An intradermal skin test where allergens are injected at various points on the skin and the reaction is measured.
3. An elimination diet.
The intradermal skin test is thought to be very inaccurate, and the jury is still out on the blood test. The elimination diet is seen as the most reliable, and the cheapest of the three options. It does however require a motivated and disciplined owner in order to achieve meaningful results.
Elimination Diet
There are three basic elimination diet choices:
1. Home cooked food
This is not generally recommended as it is time consuming for the owner and can also provide an unnatural and nutritionally unbalanced diet. However, if the dog is incredibly fussy and the owner cannot bear to force it to eat a commercial diet, the best ingredients are one of either lamb, fish, duck or turkey, plus one of either rice or potatoes. The two ingredients selected (the former high in protein, the latter a carbohydrate source) should be ones that the dog has preferably never eaten before.
2. A commercial, limited antigen diet
If one of these diets is to be recommended, suitable ingredients would be venison, rabbit or oatmeal. Remember, we are looking for ingredients that your dog has never eaten before, so cannot possibly already be allergic to.
3. A commercial, hydrolysed protein hypoallergenic diet
These contain proteins that have been broken down to the extent that they are no longer capable of causing an allergic reaction. They are often referred to as prescription diets because they are usually purchased via a veterinarian, although they can be obtained over the counter without a prescription. They are significantly more expensive than limited antigen diets, so it is wiser to try a limited antigen diet first as if the elimination diet is successful, the dog will remain on that food for life.
The elimination diet must be given for a minimum of 6 weeks, and possibly up to 10, in order to observe the maximum response. Owners must not give their dog ANYTHING else during the trial period, meaning no titbits, treats or vitamin supplements. For example, many owners do not realize that rawhide chews are made from cow derivatives and that with beef being the most common culprit in allergies, these chews could be the root of the problem. During the trial period, nothing must enter the dogs mouth apart from the chosen diet and water.
If the symptoms in question are intense itchiness, many vets will prescribe antihistamines or steroids during the first few weeks of the trial in order to make the dog more comfortable. If the dog gets better as the trial goes on, and the initial drugs to provide temporary comfort have worn off, then it is suggestive of a food allergy. If this occurs, the dog is then challenged with its former diet to see if the symptoms return and therefore confirm the diagnosis. It usually takes between 3 and 7 days for the symptoms to return after initiating the challenge.
If there is a partial improvement in the dogs condition, it is likely that the dog indeed has a food allergy but also has other allergies at the same time. The dog will then be kept on the elimination diet while other potential allergies are investigated, such as flea bite sensitivity and atopy. These can be checked for via intradermal testing or blood tests.
If a food allergy is confirmed, the owner can either continue to feed the same food given during the elimination trial indefinitely, or can persevere with dietary trials by introducing the 7 most common allergic ingredients (see above) one by one until it is ascertained exactly what the dog is allergic to.
What is a food allergy?
A more appropriate term for a food allergy is an adverse food reaction. It is where ingestion of a certain ingredient in the diet causes itchiness anywhere on the body and recurring skin or ear infections with Malassezia yeast and bacteria. Food allergies can also cause digestive tract signs too, such as fecal mucus, blood in the stools and increased frequency of defecation. They have also been associated with increased flatulence.
The root cause of these adverse food reactions is unknown, but research points towards an increase in permeability of the gut wall, or a failure of the gut associated immune system. Though it has never been proven that certain breeds are affected worse than others, some breeds do seem to be over represented. The age of onset can range from a few months to 12 years old.
What are the ingredients that dogs are most commonly allergic to?
There are 7 ingredients that are frequently responsible for adverse food reactions:
1. Beef
2. Milk
3. Eggs
4. Chicken
5. Soy
6. Wheat
7. Corn
Statistically, beef and soy are the biggest offenders. Many dogs will be allergic to more than one of these ingredients, and may also be allergic to things in their environment, such as pollen, certain grasses or fleas.
How can a food allergy be diagnosed?
If a dog has had general itchiness that does not lessen in the winter months, recurrent skin and ear infections or intermittent soft stools, it is worth investigating for a food allergy.
There are 3 recognised diagnostic methods:
1. A blood test to measure antibodies to various ingredients.
2. An intradermal skin test where allergens are injected at various points on the skin and the reaction is measured.
3. An elimination diet.
The intradermal skin test is thought to be very inaccurate, and the jury is still out on the blood test. The elimination diet is seen as the most reliable, and the cheapest of the three options. It does however require a motivated and disciplined owner in order to achieve meaningful results.
Elimination Diet
There are three basic elimination diet choices:
1. Home cooked food
This is not generally recommended as it is time consuming for the owner and can also provide an unnatural and nutritionally unbalanced diet. However, if the dog is incredibly fussy and the owner cannot bear to force it to eat a commercial diet, the best ingredients are one of either lamb, fish, duck or turkey, plus one of either rice or potatoes. The two ingredients selected (the former high in protein, the latter a carbohydrate source) should be ones that the dog has preferably never eaten before.
2. A commercial, limited antigen diet
If one of these diets is to be recommended, suitable ingredients would be venison, rabbit or oatmeal. Remember, we are looking for ingredients that your dog has never eaten before, so cannot possibly already be allergic to.
3. A commercial, hydrolysed protein hypoallergenic diet
These contain proteins that have been broken down to the extent that they are no longer capable of causing an allergic reaction. They are often referred to as prescription diets because they are usually purchased via a veterinarian, although they can be obtained over the counter without a prescription. They are significantly more expensive than limited antigen diets, so it is wiser to try a limited antigen diet first as if the elimination diet is successful, the dog will remain on that food for life.
The elimination diet must be given for a minimum of 6 weeks, and possibly up to 10, in order to observe the maximum response. Owners must not give their dog ANYTHING else during the trial period, meaning no titbits, treats or vitamin supplements. For example, many owners do not realize that rawhide chews are made from cow derivatives and that with beef being the most common culprit in allergies, these chews could be the root of the problem. During the trial period, nothing must enter the dogs mouth apart from the chosen diet and water.
If the symptoms in question are intense itchiness, many vets will prescribe antihistamines or steroids during the first few weeks of the trial in order to make the dog more comfortable. If the dog gets better as the trial goes on, and the initial drugs to provide temporary comfort have worn off, then it is suggestive of a food allergy. If this occurs, the dog is then challenged with its former diet to see if the symptoms return and therefore confirm the diagnosis. It usually takes between 3 and 7 days for the symptoms to return after initiating the challenge.
If there is a partial improvement in the dogs condition, it is likely that the dog indeed has a food allergy but also has other allergies at the same time. The dog will then be kept on the elimination diet while other potential allergies are investigated, such as flea bite sensitivity and atopy. These can be checked for via intradermal testing or blood tests.
If a food allergy is confirmed, the owner can either continue to feed the same food given during the elimination trial indefinitely, or can persevere with dietary trials by introducing the 7 most common allergic ingredients (see above) one by one until it is ascertained exactly what the dog is allergic to.
Pitbulls Hatefull Aggression !
When it comes to dogs, aggression towards people is the most dangerous of all of the behavioral problems that a dog can have is. And considering the notorious reputation that they already have, this can be especially dangerous when it comes to Pit Bulls.
The possibility for endangering a human being will usually lead to the dogs demise. And although many dog owners are faithful to their dogs, they often have to let them go because they can no longer deal with the threat of safety to other people.
Dogs can either display aggression toward family members or toward strangers. Because of the seriousness of this problem, you need to consult your vet and ask for a recommendation of a certified companion animal behavioris if your dog displays any signs of aggression toward humans.
Under no circumstances should you take any chances in regards to this issue. You need to take immediate action if you think that your dog shows anger and aggression with people. Seek the help of a behaviorist, a vet experienced in behavior, or from an experienced dog trainer.
Although it is very important to establish dominance over your Pit Bull, bullying your way into training is never the right answer. The way to place yourself as the leader of the pack is by treating your dog gently, but at the same time letting him know that you are in charge. Besides, you control what goes on in your territory (your home) including his food and attention. Never let your dog think that he is leading the pack in your household.
For example, you should not pet him every time he asks for it, nor should you allow him to go first through doorways. Do not not feed him before eating your own meal. Refrain from letting him win at games. Never let him have his way every time he acts aggressively. And of course, you are never to let him think that you are scared of him.
The most common reason for dominant aggression occurs as a result of rivalry over a resource. Whenever you try to take away your dogs food or toy, intrude his sleeping area, or even try to step past him in a narrow hall, your Pit Bull may read your actions as being antagonistic. He will then more likely respond to you in the same manner. Sometimes, your dog may show more dominance and aggression towards you and your family than he would with strangers.
This may include standing over you, walking stiffly, staring, and ignoring your commands. These are definite signs that you need to work with a professional to re-established control over your Pit Bull.
The possibility for endangering a human being will usually lead to the dogs demise. And although many dog owners are faithful to their dogs, they often have to let them go because they can no longer deal with the threat of safety to other people.
Dogs can either display aggression toward family members or toward strangers. Because of the seriousness of this problem, you need to consult your vet and ask for a recommendation of a certified companion animal behavioris if your dog displays any signs of aggression toward humans.
Under no circumstances should you take any chances in regards to this issue. You need to take immediate action if you think that your dog shows anger and aggression with people. Seek the help of a behaviorist, a vet experienced in behavior, or from an experienced dog trainer.
Although it is very important to establish dominance over your Pit Bull, bullying your way into training is never the right answer. The way to place yourself as the leader of the pack is by treating your dog gently, but at the same time letting him know that you are in charge. Besides, you control what goes on in your territory (your home) including his food and attention. Never let your dog think that he is leading the pack in your household.
For example, you should not pet him every time he asks for it, nor should you allow him to go first through doorways. Do not not feed him before eating your own meal. Refrain from letting him win at games. Never let him have his way every time he acts aggressively. And of course, you are never to let him think that you are scared of him.
The most common reason for dominant aggression occurs as a result of rivalry over a resource. Whenever you try to take away your dogs food or toy, intrude his sleeping area, or even try to step past him in a narrow hall, your Pit Bull may read your actions as being antagonistic. He will then more likely respond to you in the same manner. Sometimes, your dog may show more dominance and aggression towards you and your family than he would with strangers.
This may include standing over you, walking stiffly, staring, and ignoring your commands. These are definite signs that you need to work with a professional to re-established control over your Pit Bull.
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