Since most Americans are more concerned about our health than we?ve ever been, we should have equal concern for our pets ? especially regarding the ingredients in their food. In theory, we would want the ingredients in our pets? food to be acceptable for human consumption. If byproducts are no longer tolerated in our food, why should they be tolerated in our pets? food? We?re also starting to realize that our pets need daily supplements just like we do, in order to take care ...

I seem to have one, solitary, lone robin. He never did move into any of the birdhouses. Poor thing, I keep expecting him to bring his wife round for a visit but I haven?t seen one yet. When he arrived in April he came alone and I expected his wife to come in a week or two. We had a horrible snowstorm the week he arrived and I have a picture of him fluffed up and grumpy on one of the garden birdbath fountains. But for some reason he seems to be all alone still. He doesn?t soci...

I love my summer visitors to all the decorative birdhouses I have in the yard. The winter and year round residents don?t seem to nest in the bird houses too much but rather in the trees. They do however, come down to the wooden bird feeders and garden birdbath fountain I keep ready for them. I find every one has their own personality with some being braver than others. The chickadees seem to be the first line of defense, they have a very specific warning call. If I am in the ...

I now have a full flock of ring necked doves visiting regularly. This started several years ago when 3 doves began feeding in the yard under the decorative birdfeeders. Doves eat off the ground and won?t eat at any of the bird feeders, but everyone else is so messy there is plenty for them to pick up. They don?t seem to use the garden bird bath either, but they do love the pond. Now after 4 years the flock seems to be up to 10-12 or so. I must admit I don?t pay as much attent...

This is the fourth summer that the same flock of grosbeaks has visited my yard. They don?t move into the decorative bird houses because they live 200ft up in the pine trees and I don?t have a ladder that tall. They do however, come several times daily (read constantly) to feed at the wooden birdfeeders and to drink and swim in the garden birdbath fountain. This little flock was about 22 strong when they came back this spring, I am guessing we have more than 40 now. There abou...

Clicker training with dogs is fairly well known, but all animals can be trained with the ?Clicker? method, cats, birds, horses and most others. Dogs soon learn that when they perform a particular action it gets them a reward immediately after hearing the click, this is a very positive way of training, which dogs react well to. They soon start performing the action in the hope of getting another treat. The training sessions are totally pleasurable for the dog so they learn ...

Pet owners are at serious risk of underestimating the time and expense that having a sick or injured pet can have on their lives as fees for vets are expected to continue to rise by 20 per cent over the next three years. It has been estimated that 40 per cent of the cost of owning a dog goes towards unexpected vet's visits and that only 12 per cent of the UK's 13 million dog owners insure their pets. According to financial research company Defaqto, pet insurance can be ...

Dogs love to dig, let's face it, it is a very natural and instinctual part of their makeup, and "it is a very enjoyable behavior for them" says Deborah L. Forthman, Ph.D. digging is something that dogs have been doing from the beginning, but there are ways to reduce the amount your dog digs. Here are 7 different methods to help train your dog not to dig. 1.Before you begin with your dog obedience training on how to stop him from digging, try to figure out exactly what i...

Canines have the ability to consume large quantities of food at one time and can rest between meals. In the wild, this is known as "gorging," which is beneficial in hunting large game. Canines, like carnivores, can devour large meals after a hunt, and, thanks to the digestive function, can then leisurely wait until the next meal opportunity arises. To keep your canine's gastrointestinal system functioning at its finest, a healthy, well-balanced diet is of the essence. The ...

There are many types of cat-training aids on the market. Some of the most helpful training tools are leashes, a scat mat, catnip, toys, and food treats. Having a simply and lightweight cat leash lets you train your cat to go for a walk or ride in the car. Cats require exercise, and using a leash while taking a walk with your cat outside will provide protection and keep the cat from running off. You want the cat to walk with you, not ahead of you, so train the cat to expect...