Use Pedi Paws Clippers On A Dog

Use Pedi Paws Clippers On A Dog

Sending your dog to a groomer can be expensive, but doing it your self can be daunting. I hated trimming my dogs nails because I was afraid I was going to hurt him. After hearing all the hype about Pedi Paws clippers I finally gave it a try. It took me a couple of times to get the hang of it but I am fully comfortable trimming my dogs nails though. Along the way I have learned a few tips that I wish I new before I started to use the Pedi Paw.

Instructions

1. Show the Pedi Paw to your pet. Let them see it and be comfortable with it. Some even suggest to ask like your trimming the nails without actually having the batteries on. Talk to you pet in a calm voice while you do this. If you give treats for behavior go ahead and give them treats at this time. Repeat this as needed.

2. Get your dog in the position that he is most comfortable in. Many perfer to have the dog sit in their lap but this rarely works with a big dog. My dog was very squirmy so it worked best for another member of the family to sit with the dog and hold on to them. Make sure to take signals from your dog and not rush into it.

3. Make sure the orange protective cap is on before placing the claw in the opening of the Pedi Paw.

4. Position the claw for trimming by holding the paw up and not down. This will decrease time it takes to clip nails. Also take care to support the nail being trimmed with your other hand.

5. Go ahead and start with a one claw, if your pet is still having problems go back to step one. Take your time, but do not give up. It takes a little time to get use to.

6. The Pedi Paw is build to prevent you from hurting your dog by cutting to far, but you still must be careful. Check the nail every couple of seconds to insure you are getting to close to the pink area underneath the nail. As the dog and you gets use to the procedure filing nails should only take a few seconds a piece, so be patient and the pace will pick up after the first few times.

7. Give you dog a treat and lot of praise after your done. Until they get use to it you may want to do the front and back paws at separate times.

Tags: Pedi Paws, dogs nails, Make sure, trimming dogs, trimming dogs nails

Care For Your New Teacup Pig

Teacup piglets require a lot of care.

Typically, teacup piglets are weaned at 5 weeks old and available for adoption at 6 weeks old. Teacup potbellied pigs reach their full adult size at 2 to 3 years of age and typically weigh 40 to 65 pounds. These pigs are generally easy to maintain and can live for up to 20 years.

Instructions

1. Establish a space in your home for your piglet. Before you bring your piglet home, choose a small room or nook in your home for your piglet's bed and belongings. Place the piglet's bed along with its food and water dishes in this space. Then, fill the litter box with pine chips or shredded newspaper and add that to the space.

2. Bond with your piglet. Once you bring your piglet home, you must make it feel at home. Your piglet is a baby animal and needs to feel safe and secure. Give it time to adjust to you and your family. Use treats to lure your piglet close to you and allow it to smell you and touch her. Do not pressure your piglet to be near you. Building trust and affection takes time.

3. Take your piglet to the veterinarian. Find a veterinarian that is able to care for exotic pets such as teacup piglets. Get all necessary shots for your pet. In addition, it is recommended that you have your piglet spayed between the ages of 6 weeks and 3 months.

4. Feed your teacup piglet appropriately. Like many other domesticated animals, teacup pigs can gain weight easily. To prevent excessive weight gain, purchase foods specially designed for small piglets. Such food can be purchased at pet food stores and livestock feed stores. If you cannot find appropriate piglet feed in your area, you can order feed from online suppliers.

Tags: your piglet, bring your, bring your piglet, home your piglet, piglet home

Rescue Hero Games For Kids

Rescue Heroes is a cast of characters created by Fisher-Price as a line of toys. The characters have branched out into TV and movies, and they have starred in several kid-friendly video games for Macintosh and the PC.

Rescue Heroes: Hurricane Havoc

Rescue Heroes: Hurricane Havoc was released in June 2001. The game features a design center where the player can create his own Rescue Heroes gear.

Rescue Heroes: Meteor Madness

Rescue Heroes: Meteor Madness was released in October 2001. In this game, the player helps save the world from meteorites.

Rescue Heroes: Tremor Trouble

Rescue Heroes: Tremor Trouble was released in August 2002. The game introduced three Rescue Heroes--Ben Choppin, Jack Hammer and Seymore Wild.

Rescue Heroes: Lava Landslide

Rescue Heroes: Lava Landslide was released in October 2002. It featured four new characters--Rock Miner, Sandy Beach, Roger House and Radar the Rescue Bat.

Rescue Heroes: Mission Select

Rescue Heroes: Mission Select was released in June 2003. The player goes on sea, air and land rescue missions.

Tags: Rescue Heroes, Heroes Hurricane, Heroes Hurricane Havoc, Heroes Lava, Heroes Lava Landslide

Instructions For Filing A Legal Document

Instructions for Filing a Legal Document

Legal documents can range from do-it-yourself divorce documents to a small claims form filed against an individual or business that owes you money. The array of legal documents that you can file is varied and how you file greatly depends on the type of legal document that you want to file.

Filing Your Legal Document

When filing a legal document, completely and correctly fill out your document. Such websites as Legalzoom.com are worth their weight when filing out legal documents. You can go to the website and pick from thousands of legal documents.

Provide the information and an expert attorney looks over the document for accuracy. The service is relatively inexpensive ($299 for a standard divorce as of early 2010) and you can download the document once it is completed.

If you choose, you can completely fill out your own legal document and have it notarized at a bank or county court house.

Take your completed legal document to your local county courthouse or county clerk's office and have it formally filed. This entails having the legal document time stamped and signed by an authority that represents the courts. Most county clerk's offices and courts are very helpful when you file legal documents.

They cannot advise you legally; however they can tell you if something is filled out correctly.

Receive a receipt for the type of document filed; it needs to be time-stamped and have the representing individual's signature and title.

Tags: legal documents, county clerk, fill your, Instructions Filing, Instructions Filing Legal, legal document

Training A German Shepherd Puppy

German shepherd puppies are highly intelligent and can learn to obey basic commands at a very young age.

German shepherds are an active breed that require a good deal of exercise. Socializing this breed as a puppy with other dogs and children is highly recommended to prevent aggressive tendencies from developing. Training German shepherd puppies can begin as soon as you bring him home, usually around 8 weeks, but it is never too late to start, even if you are adopting an older dog.

Instructions

Basic Obedience: Sit

1. Put the training collar on your puppy's neck, and make sure it's sized right by following directions on the package. Attach the leash to the collar. This will prevent your puppy from being distracted and wandering away during a training session.

2. Place your puppy directly in front of you facing you. Hold a treat in your hand directly in front of your puppy's nose so it can smell the treat.

3. Begin to move the treat slowly over the puppy's head and back toward its tail. You should be drawing a straight line from its nose to its tail with the treat. Your puppy should follow the treat with its nose. When its head goes up, its bottom will naturally be drawn downward toward the floor causing your puppy to sit.

4. Praise your dog energetically by saying, "Good sit! Good boy!" as soon as the puppy's bottom touches the floor. Give it the treat.

5. Repeat treat luring process and insert the command "sit" as the puppy begins to motion to sit. Repeat the "sit" command and continue in 10-minute training sessions three times a day.

Tags: your puppy, directly front, German shepherd puppies, shepherd puppies, Training German

How Much Does It Cost To Run A Pet Store

The cost of keeping a pet store open hinges on various factors.

The cost of operating a pet store differs from running any other kind of retail store. In many cases, there are living creatures within the store, and taking care of them requires more effort and expertise than simply stocking shelves with canned goods. There is no one figure that can accommodate answering the question of how much it costs to operate a pet store, since there are so many variables.

Monthly rent

The costs of running a pet store depend on the location of the store and the type of pet store that it is. If the pet store is on rented property, the store owner must pay monthly rent. In some cases, the landlord will take care of the utilities (electricity and water) but the store owner is usually responsible for telephone service. This is true of all stores but when it comes to pet stores that sell live animals, there might also be a requirement to pay a security deposit on the property. For example, if a pet store sells live fish, there is the chance that a tank can break, thereby causing water damage to the property. In addition, some landlords might require the pet store owner to pay a higher rent because the insurance requirements with animals usually raise the premiums.

Supplies

Supplies have to be a consideration. The monthly cost of supplies depends on the sort of supplies that are being sold and how often they need to be restocked. Some pet stores sell live animals for feeding purposes (mice and rats for snakes and feeder goldfish for larger fish, for example) and these usually have to be restocked every week or two. In addition, the monthly cost of providing dog and cat food has to be factored into the business budget.

Animals

If the pet store has live animals, this is another consideration that has to be factored into the cost of operating the business. Unlike a normal retail store which can purchase an item (a book, for example) and put it on the shelf without any additional expense, pet stores have a wider range of costs that need to be factored in. A pet store might get a puppy in for sale but unlike the book (which is just placed on the shelf), the puppy has food and water requirements, as well as housing needs. So, not only does the puppy have to be added into the budget, but the additional care it requires needs to be addressed. Failure to maintain healthy animals can result in fines and even imprisonment.

Employees

Pet stores tend to need employees. While it is possible for one person to operate a pet store, more often than not, there should be multiple employees working in the store at any given time. That way, one person can operate the checkout area, while another can answer questions about pets and products that the store opens. Employees are also needed for the days when the store is closed but when it's necessary to take care of the animals.

Medical

Pet stores that have animals also run the risk of having animals get sick. When that happens, the animals will have to have veterinary care, which is yet another expense that needs to be considered.

Tags: live animals, store owner, cost operating, factored into, monthly cost, operate store

Care For A Rottweiler

Rottweilers are intelligent, loyal dogs that are very attached to their owners. Although this breed is known to be powerful and may seem intimidating, rottweilers are not necessarily aggressive if properly trained. It is important to socialize your rottweiler puppy with children, other animals and people. Expect to train your dog for a solid year if you want her to be well-behaved.

Instructions

1. Vaccinate your rottweiler and follow up with yearly booster vaccinations to maintain the dog's immunity to diseases. Worm your adult dog every three months and consult your veterinarian about de-fleaing products.

2. Feed your rottweiler high-grade dog food. The first ingredient should be meat if you want a quality product. Crude protein should be no less than 30 percent, and crude fat no less than 20 percent. Also, the fiber content needs to be 4 percent or less.

3. Brush your rottweiler's topcoat and undercoat only when necessary. The same goes for bathing. They are average shedders and lose their topcoat and undercoat twice a year.

4. Trim nails every two to three weeks.

5. Remember that a rottweiler has a strong instinct to protect her home and family. Avoid leaving her alone with unfamiliar people in your home; if the dog perceives an unfamiliar visitor as an intruder, she may become aggressive. Allow your rottweiler to slowly become familiar with visitors.

6. Walk or run your rottweiler at least twice a day, for 20 minutes or more each time. This breed is very active and will also need a large backyard to romp around in. If a rottweiler becomes bored or doesn't have enough activity, she may become destructive.

7. Keep your rottweiler on a leash when away from your home. This breed can be aggressive with unfamiliar dogs, although early training and socialization may curb this tendency.

8. Play with your rottweiler often. They love to run, swim and play catch. You can't overexercise this breed.

9. Understand that a rottweiler is prone to certain health problems, such as hip and elbow dysplasia (a malformation of the joints), osteochondrosis dissecans (a bone disease that causes lameness and arthritis), paneosteitis (a rotating lameness), Von Willebrand's Disease (a bleeding disorder), bloat, heart disease and allergies.

10. Expect an adult male rottweiler to grow to between 24 and 27 inches in height and weigh between 95 and 130 pounds. Females will grow to between 22 and 25 inches and will weigh between 85 and 115 pounds.

11. Be prepared to enjoy a full 10 to 12 years with your rottweiler - this is the rottweiler's average life expectancy.

Tags: your rottweiler, between inches, between pounds, every three, grow between, grow between inches

Become A Dog Trainer In New Jersey

Dog trainers need hands-on experience.

The requirements for becoming a dog trainer in New Jersey are the same as in other states. Training is required, although there are no requirements for a specific curriculum. Hands-on experience with dogs and education gained through books, magazines or other sources are also needed. You may need years of experience to maximize your skills, but the rewards of helping pet owners can be priceless. A dog trainer's income varies according to skill.

Instructions

1. Learn about dog behavior and breeds. New Jersey offers many schools and private trainers to help you learn the skills. Visit the referenced American Dog Trainers Network website for a list of New Jersey dog trainers and for career tips. Formal education is not required to be a dog trainer; however, clients expect dog trainers to be knowledgeable and experienced.

2. Decide how you will acquire the required skills. Training online, in a traditional classroom or with a mentor are three options. Tuition is usually required for curriculum-based programs, and an internship is added for hands-on experience. You may try to educate yourself through seminars and workshops.

3. Search through a newspaper events section for training opportunities, or consult a veterinarian. To find local classes that combine face-to-face instruction and online classes, contact the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI). Some companies, such as Highland Canine Training, offer online classes; theirs and other programs are listed on the American Dog Trainers Network website. Training under a mentor is another option, and social networking websites, such as LinkedIn, may help you find a mentor.

4. Complete hands-on training at a shelter or a veterinary office. Generally you will need three to five years of study as well as experience in a variety of situations to become a competent dog trainer. Master trainers have decades of experience. To learn more, refer to American Dog Trainers Network website.

5. Obtain certification to strengthen your credentials. Community colleges sometimes offer obedience classes, and participants may earn certification after passing an exam. Certification may improve your chances for employment. Take advantage of the State of New Jersey's flexibility for dog trainers and do self-preparation to save money. The Resource section provides links where you'll find prices, including the cost of curriculum-based instruction.

Tags: American Trainers, American Trainers Network, Network website, Trainers Network, Trainers Network website, online classes

Characteristics Of A Maltipoo

Maltipoo dog

A Maltipoo is a cross between a Maltese and a toy poodle. Also called a moodle, Malta-poo, Maltese-poo and other names, the small canines are lap dogs. Types include the teacup Maltipoo, tiny toy Maltipoo and toy Maltipoo, which is the most common. Their popularity is attributed to their reputation as easy-to-train, highly intelligent and good-natured dogs.

Physical Characteristics

Woman with maltipoo dog

Maltipoos are small, usually weighing 6 to 9 lbs. when full-grown. They can weigh as little as 2 lbs. or as many as 12, depending on the type of Maltipoo, according to the website designermixes.org. They grow to be 10 to 14 inches tall. They exist in various colors -- including apricot and brown -- but most often are shades of white. A Maltipoo's coat grows long and silky, and it is soft, fluffy and wavy. The dogs hardly shed at all, but they need to be groomed regularly to avoid matting.

Temperament

Maltese dog on woman's shoulder

Maltipoos generally behave in a friendly manner toward other dogs and people, including children. Described as "spunky, playful and energetic" by designermixes.org, they have a reputation for being mischievous when left alone. They also are known to be stubborn but loyal, and they love to sit on their owners' laps. They tend to be ready for exercise when the opportunity arises, but they stay pretty relaxed most of the time.

Health

Maltese dog at vet office

Maltipoos live 12 to 15 years. Because mixed breeds inherit characteristics from each of its parents, it is important to be aware of common health issues in Maltese dogs and poodles. The Maltese sometimes have retinal atrophy and respiratory problems, and they are notorious for having bad teeth. Poodles are prone to hip dysplasia, bloating and eye problems. The website The Daily Puppy reports that Maltipoos can be prone to knee, leg, spine and heart problems and says that annual veterinarian checkups are a must.

Considerations

The website designermixes.org notes that the most accurate way to determine characteristics of a mixed breed is to research the animal's parents. Because a Maltipoo can be territorial and protective, The Daily Puppy recommends taking the dog to dog parks and other social settings to help it accept strangers and new environments.

Tags: Daily Puppy, Maltipoo Maltipoo, website designermixes

Apply For A Grant For Animal Welfare

An animal welfare grant can help you bring comfort to even more animals.

Working in animal welfare is almost always a labor of love. With low financial rewards and long hours, it has to be. But one way to make your work in animal welfare a little less financially taxing is to obtain a grant for your organization. Once you have a project in mind, applying for an animal welfare grant takes some research, good writing skills and an eye for detail.

Instructions

1. Form an animal welfare group before you begin seeking out grants, or work for an animal shelter, animal control department, veterinary office or other animal welfare-oriented organization. Animal welfare grants are rarely, if ever, given to individuals. Some grants require that the recipient be a 501(c)3 organization, though others just require that the organization use the grant for animal welfare purposes.

2. Brainstorm a list of purposes you could use the grant for. Most grants are project-specific or theme-specific. For example, a grant from Maddie's Fund can only be used on projects that help reduce shelter populations by increasing adoptions and spay/neuter rates, and lowering the death rates of cats and dogs. The more closely you link your project to your organization's mission, the more likely you are to get funding.

3. Seek out organizations that give grants once you have ideas for its use in mind. A number of animal welfare groups post lists of funders, as do universities. Collect information for every grant that may possibly apply to your organization.

4. Visit the website of each organization offering a grant to find out more about that organization's mission, making sure that it aligns with your own and also making sure that your type of organization is one that the funder is likely to support.

5. Write your grant proposal, tailoring it to both the funder and the specific grant offered. A typical grant requires a summary in which you introduce your organization and your project, and request a specific amount of money. The bulk of the rest of the proposal is usually a detailed description of how you will use the grant. As you write, focus on those elements of your organization that will be most appealing to the funder.

6. Create a realistic and precise budget for your project, if you're applying for a project-specific grant. In your budget, show how you'll use dollars of the grant amount you're seeking. You're more likely to receive a grant if you request only the money you need for your project, so it can be a better choice to ask for less than the full grant amount.

7. Compile any additional supporting documents required by the grant. Additional documents, such as newspaper clippings that demonstrate the support for your organization in the community, may increase your chances of receiving a grant.

8. Proofread your grant proposal carefully and make sure you've included all required material before you submit it.

Tags: your organization, animal welfare, your project, animal welfare, animal welfare grant, grant amount

Vaccination Schedules For Dogs

Vaccination Schedules for Dogs

While most adult dogs require yearly vaccinations, puppies require vaccination booster sets three to four weeks apart starting at six to eight weeks old until about 16 to 20 weeks old. Once puppies grow into adult dogs, they can be immunized during their yearly physical exam.

Distemper

The distemper vaccine protects against the distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvo virus and corona. In adult dogs, it is given yearly. In puppies, the first group is given at six to eight weeks with no lepto, the second group is given at nine to 11 weeks with no lepto, the third group is given at 12 to 16 weeks with lepto, and the fourth group is given at 16 to 20 weeks with lepto.

Bordetella

The bordetella vaccine protects against kennel cough and is given every six months or once a year to adult dogs. In puppies it is generally given intranasally at six to eight weeks old or by inoculation at six to eight weeks and then again at nine to 11 weeks.

Lyme

In adult dogs, the Lyme vaccine is given yearly. In puppies, the first series is given at 12 to 16 weeks and the second series is given at 16 to 20 weeks

Rabies

Depending on each State's regulations, in adult dogs the rabies vaccine is given either yearly or every three years. In puppies it is generally given only once the puppy is 12 weeks old or older.

Warning

There have been reports about the danger of over-vaccinating pets (see Resources). It is best to consult with a veterinarian in order to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of vaccinating dogs on a yearly basis.

Considerations

Each veterinary clinic may follow different vaccination schedules, so the vaccine schedule above is for general information only. Consult with a veterinarian if your dog has special health issues.

Tags: adult dogs, eight weeks, given weeks, group given, weeks with, weeks with lepto

What Happens When A Dog Bites Someone

Take immediate action if you are bitten by a dog.

If a dog bites you, take immediate action to identify the dog that caused harm. If the dog is a stray, you might need to undergo treatment for rabies. However, if you know the dog's owner, notify him at once to contain the dog to prevent it from injuring others. Dog bite victims are entitled to compensation from the animal's owner, but just how much varies by state.

Seek Medical Care

Even if your injuries seem minor seek medical attention. If the dog broke the skin, antibiotic treatment to prevent infection is recommended. If your injuries are too serious for you to locate the dog's owner immediately following the attack, get treatment first. You can always return to the accident scene later and visit nearby homes and businesses, looking for witnesses.

Document the Dog Bite

Victims should take photographs of the injuries on the day the bite took place. Documents can later be used in court should you decide to bring a claim against the dog's owner.

Filing a Claim

If injuries are minor, meaning that you did not need stitches or suturing, you can file your own small claims court action without the assistance of an attorney. However, if stitching, surgery or corrective plastic surgery is needed, enlist the help of an attorney who has tried dog bite cases in the state where the accident occurred.

Insurance Claims

If you've hired an attorney to try your case, allow her to speak to the dog owner's insurance company on your behalf. If, however, you are on your own, find out the name of the insurance company, its contact information, the case claim number and how much money is available to cover your medical expenses.

Dog Owner Responsibilities

If your dog has bitten someone and broken skin, the attending physician is obligated to report the dog bite to the local animal control agency in most municipalities. If this is the first time the dog has bitten, take it to your veterinarian for an examination to rule out any pathological reasons for the aggression. Thyroid disease, for example, can cause aggression in previously friendly dogs. If it's thyroid disease, medication can control the disease, including aggressive behaviors that may result.

Temperament Evaluation

Many factors can cause a dog to bite. Dog owners should find out as much information about the incident from the victim and witnesses if they were not present when the accident occurred. Take notes so you can relate accurate information to a professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist at the temperament test, a standardized test that measures a dog's reaction to certain stimuli and challenges.

Since the physician and medical staff who attended to the victim must report the dog bite, dog owners should be prepared to receive a call from animal control. Some municipalities mandate a 10-day quarantine at the shelter or "house arrest" at the dog's home.

Prevention/Solution

Should the dog have a history of biting people, perhaps additional behavior modification with a training professional and vigilant supervision will thwart future bites. If this is a dog's first bite, enroll him in an obedience class to safeguard against future incidents, and to learn the signs that trouble might be brewing and take preventative action.

Tags: accident occurred, animal control, bite owners, bite owners should, from animal, immediate action

Make A Sock Animals Website

Build a website to share your love for sock animals

Making and playing with sock animals can be a fun hobby for children and adults alike. With just a sock a couple of buttons and some glue, you can make your very own sock animal puppet. As the popularity of sock animal puppets continues to grow, you might be wondering how you can show your love of these creative toys. One option to consider is to build a website dedicated to sock animals. On this type of website, you can share your love of sock animals and connect with other sock animal lovers.

Instructions

Make a Sock Animals Website

1. Figure out what type of web design software you would like to use for your website. WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) web editors are the simplest type of web design program and are often used by beginning web designers. Some of the most popular WYSIWYG editors include Apple iWeb and Adobe Dreamweaver. If you already have some web design skills, you can use a more advanced web design application such as AceHTML or UltraEdit.

2. Turn on your computer and open the web design application of your choice. Start a new website by navigating to the "File" menu and clicking "New." Start by designing the layout of your home page. Decide on the placement of the header, body, navigation bar, banners, and other content. Keep in mind that your website will probably be visited by children, so make the layout as intuitive as possible.

3. Style your homepage. Choose background and text colors and a font that will compliment your sock animals. The style of the homepage is typically mirrored in the style of the other supporting pages of the website, so keep this in mind as you will be using similar styles on multiple pages. You can use graphic design applications such as Aviary or Adobe Photoshop to create enhanced visuals and images to spice up your sock animal website. You can look at other sock animal websites to help you get an idea of style your own sock animal website.

4. Determine what pages, besides the homepage, you would like to include on your sock animal website. A "gallery" page would allow you to share pictures of your sock animals, while a forum page would let other sock animal enthusiasts share their sock animal stories and designs. Make sure to add navigation links on each page so that the user can easily go back and forth between the different sections of your website.

5. Add any special effects to your website such as roll-over states, animations, and music players. Consult the manual of the specific web design software you are using to determine exactly accomplish this. Special effects can compliment your sock animal web design and make the content more exciting.

6. Save your web design and export it as an HTML file. Once your website is in HTML format, you can use an FTP program such as CyberDuck or Transmit to upload your website to the server that will be hosting your website.

Tags: sock animal, your website, your sock, your sock animal, animal website, other sock, other sock animal

Fun Volunteer Ideas

Animal shelters are always in need of volunteers.

Devoting time to volunteer work can help someone in need and make you feel good about yourself. There are many places at which you can volunteer, such as an animal shelter or an elementary school. Volunteering at a place that suits your interests and abilities can make the experience fun.

Animal Shelter

If you are an animal lover, helping out at an animal shelter is a great way to devote your time. Whether you bathe animals or clean cages, animal shelters are always in need of caring individuals who want to help. Employees will appreciate someone making their jobs a little less stressful. Volunteering at an animal shelter can also be fun because you will enjoy playing with many of the animals.

Elementary School

Read to children at an elementary school. Gather a couple of friends, arrange a day with the school principal and read to one of the classes. When children see you reading with enthusiasm, they will realize that reading can be fun. Ask the children questions about the book you read to test their reading comprehension.

Nursing Home

Contact the director of a nursing home to arrange a time for you and a few friends to visit with the residents. Read a book, play board games or simply talk to them. If the residents are more active, conduct an aerobics or dance class for them as a way for them to have fun.

Habitat For Humanity

Habitat For Humanity is a non-proft organization that builds homes for needy families. Contact your local Habitat For Humanity office and find out if there are any houses being built in your area. If not, decide if you are willing to drive to the nearest location. If you are not afraid of a little work, building houses to help struggling families may be your calling.

Tags: animal shelter, Habitat Humanity, always need, elementary school, shelters always, shelters always need

Combine Sounds To Repel Dogs

Dogs have sensitive ears and are therefore sensitive to sounds.

Dogs live in a world of association -- they can learn to modify their behaviors when they are paired with something good or bad. Positive and negative reinforcements are indeed very powerful and effective tools when it comes to training dogs. Based on this principle, dogs can be repelled by combining an unpleasant sound with being around certain areas. Unpleasant sounds work by startling the dog and causing it to associate the noise with being around the area. If repeated enough times, the dog will soon learn to avoid those specific areas and head the other way.

Instructions

1. Fill up a can with coins to make a home-made dog deterrent.

Remove the lid from the can and fill it up with coins. Put the lid back. Wait for the unwanted dog to approach the area. The moment the dog approaches the no-trespassing area, shake the can of coins to startle the dog away.

2. Loud noises will startle most dogs.

Repeat shaking the can of coins as necessary. It may take a while for the dog to start associating the sound with the specific area. Once or twice will generally not suffice because the dog will have not yet understood that being in the area is what brings the noise.

3. Be consistent or the dog will be back soon!

Supervise the area you do not want the dog to visit carefully. It may take only one attempt to enter the area with no consequence for the dog to unlearn the noise association. You must be consistent enough to make it clear to the dog that trespassing the area will alway bring noise.

4. Some ultrasonic dog deterrents work as far as 20 feet.

Invest in an ultrasonic dog deterrent. This is a small device that repels dogs by delivering a high-frequency sound that is not audible to humans. Some ultrasonic dog deterrents can repel a dog's approach from as far away as 20 feet. The sound produced is uncomfortable, but not harmful to the dog in any way.

5. The sudden water movement and noise will startle most dogs.

Try a Scare Crow Sprinkler if you do not feel like constantly supervising the areas you do not want dogs around. These sprinklers are highly effective because other than using sound, they also deliver a startling burst of water. The best part is that they detect the presence of dogs and take care of the problem on their own.

Tags: being around, most dogs, Some ultrasonic, Some ultrasonic deterrents, sound with, startle most

Careers In Adoption Agencies

Working for an adoption agency can be extremely rewarding.

For many people, the idea of working at an adoption agency sounds both exciting and rewarding. Adoption agencies are responsible for placing thousands of individuals each year with loving families, and play a crucial role in giving these people a second chance. Fortunately, there are plenty of different career options that can land you a job at an adoption agency.

Administrative Staff

One of the most common positions in adoption agencies is administrative staff. These people oversee the daily workings of the office, with responsibilities that can include scheduling, managing documentation and answering phone calls among other tasks. Administrative positions (especially those in a lower paying level) are usually not very difficult to obtain and often require no more than an associates degree. Higher level positions, such as Executive Director, require years of experience, as well as an advanced degree.

Counseling Staff

Most adoption agencies have counselors on staff. Counselors at adoption agencies are responsible for a number of tasks, most of which revolve around supporting parents and children throughout the adoption process. Counselors might also find themselves handling much of the details of the adoption process, including background checks and paperwork. A bachelor's degree in social work or psychology is often enough in the way of credentials to obtain a job as counseling staff at an adoption agency.

Marketing Director

Since adoption agencies often rely on marketing in order to get their message across to the public, those with backgrounds in the advertising industry can find employment as marketing directors for adoption agencies. A marketing director is responsible for all of the agency's communication with both the public and the media, as well as the agency's marketing initiatives, which can range from print advertising to online social media. A degree in marketing or communications is usually required to obtain this position.

Tags: adoption agency, adoption agencies, adoption agencies, adoption process, agencies responsible

Give Your Baby Up For Adoption

Being faced with an unplanned pregnancy can be a very difficult experience for a woman. In many instances, despite the fact that the child may be very much loved, it is not feasible for the birth mother to raise the baby herself. She may not be emotionally or financially ready to take on such a herculean task and therefore might consider placing her baby for adoption. Adoption can be a positive choice for a woman who is seeking a better life for her child than she is able to provide. Meanwhile, it also allows an individual or couple who may not be able to have children of their own the opportunity to be parents.

Instructions

1. Determine if adoption is really the right choice for you. While it can be a selfless and noble thing to do for your child, it also means that you are legally and permanently giving up custody of your baby to the adoptive parent or parents. If you have considerable doubts or aren't sure, take more time to think the matter through.

2. Choose the type of adoption that you feel is the most appropriate. In the past, most adoptions were "closed," meaning that after the baby was born, the adoption agency chose where the child would be placed and offered the birth mother limited, if any, say in the matter. However, today many adoptions are "open," which means that the birth mother can choose which adoptive parent or parents she wants to raise her child. In some cases, an open adoption also means that the birth mother is permitted to keep in touch with the adoptive parents and be included in her child's life as the baby grows up.

3. Make an appointment with an accredited adoption agency in your area to discuss the process of placing your baby up for adoption. A counselor at the agency will explain the process, provide you with legal information about adoption and discuss the various types of adoption with you.

4. Conclude that you do want to place your baby up for adoption and advise the adoption agency. They will guide you through the process from start to finish, and their attorneys will handle all of the necessary paperwork needed to relinquish parental rights. When the time comes, you will be asked to sign the legal documents finalizing the adoption and to give the baby to the adoptive family.

5. Get the support that you need before and after the adoption has been finalized. Deciding to place your baby up for adoption may be the best choice for your child but a heart-wrenching and emotionally charged decision for you. Spend time with family and friends who are there to listen. Counseling and support groups are other good options to consider when you want to work through your feelings in a supportive atmosphere with people who can relate to what you're going through.

Tags: birth mother, adoption agency, means that, your baby, adoptive parent

Become An Animal Masseuse

Massage can help treat a variety of disorders in animals, providing relief from stress and pain.

As animals become more revered in society, securing a more cherished position inside families, pet owners are increasing the attention they pay to their companions' diet, lifestyle and overall well-being. Once unheard of, animal massage has become a common practice within certain pet-owner circles, as well as among those who rescue wildlife. As the demand for animal homeopathic services increases, more people are pursing careers as animal masseuses. Certain training, certifications and licenses are required to enter this field.

Instructions

1. Take some veterinary-focused biology classes to familiarize yourself with various animal anatomies. An animal masseuse needs to know exactly where to apply pressure on an animal's body to provide relief from pain or stress. If you want to limit your career to working with just one particular species, like dogs or horses, focus your studies on those animals.

2. Become certified. Organizations like Equissage, a trainer of equine sports massage therapists, and The Lang Institute for Canine Massage, a training program that offers veterinary medical massage, offer academic programs that focus on the application of massage techniques as they apply to specific muscle groups, the differences among applied massage to different animal species and dog breeds, and the steps necessary to start up a successful animal massage practice. Become certified in the state in which you wish to open your business.

3. Devise a business plan if you want to open a private animal massage practice. According to the Small Business Administration, some of the most important precursors to starting a business include choosing a location, obtaining a tax identification number, obtaining business licenses and permits, and securing financing for your business.

4. Advertise your skills. Becoming successful as an animal masseuse may be dependent on client referrals, so make sure to advertise your services in animal-friendly places, such as pet stores and veterinary clinics. Encourage any current clients to spread the word about your capability to their friends and acquaintances.

Tags: animal massage, animal massage practice, animal masseuse, Become certified, massage practice, relief from, successful animal

Maltese Puppy Training Tips

The Maltese is a highly intelligent dog that is easy to train.

The Maltese is a lively and playful puppy that's easy to train. A Maltese is smart and quick to learn and is usually good with children and other animals. However, the Maltese may develop a condition known as Small Dog Syndrome if not made to behave. This may lead to undesirable behaviors such as snapping, obsessive barking and jealousy. Small Dog Syndrome is not a behavior limited to the Maltese breed, but can occur in any dog that is made to feel like the pack leader of the household.

Encouragement

When training your Maltese puppy, it is important to encourage it to succeed by providing it with plenty of praise. Rewards for good behavior are a good way to give positive reinforcement to your puppy. A small dog treat is a good way to let your puppy know it did a good job with housetraining or obeying your commands. Basic obedience skills should be developed from early on, as soon as your puppy comes home. Be firm in your discipline so your Maltese puppy knows that you are the pack leader of the household and it is to follow your direction.

Housetraining

Housetraining your puppy may be the most stressful part of bringing a new puppy home. Puppies need to eliminate at least six times a day and training your dog will require a certain amount of effort. A crate is a wire cage that may help train your puppy. This crate must be large enough for your puppy as it grows, but not so big it can have room to relieve itself. At first, keep your puppy in the crate for short intervals, and take it outside regularly to use the bathroom. If your puppy is successful, be sure to lavish praise upon it and give it a reward. Being confined in the crate will teach your dog to hold its urine and feces for periods of time. Don't punish your puppy if it has an accident, but reward it richly when it is successful. Be sure to watch for signs that your puppy needs to go to the bathroom, such as circling and sniffing around the house. If you notice these signs, take it outside to go to the bathroom. Housetraining your puppy takes time, but is well worth the effort.

Socialization

The most crucial period in the training of a Maltese puppy is between four to 12 weeks of age. Try to expose your puppy to many different types of social events and people. Puppies need to have positive experiences with other people to learn that the world is a safe, not frightening, place. It is important for your puppy to interact with other animals, people and children in order to learn to interact with them. Be sure your puppy does not become overwhelmed with socialization. This can be accomplished by keeping outings short and sweet.

Tags: your puppy, easy train, easy train Maltese, good with, Housetraining your

Make Your Room Look Like A Surfer'S

Surfboards make cool accessories in a surf-themed room.

The surf theme reflects a cool, laid-back lifestyle lived in the wildest waves of the water. The colors of this decorating style run in the cool palette, and the decorative motif features interesting visual aspects of the ocean and a surfer's life. To put the room together, stick to simplicity and try to incorporate as many authentic pieces as possible into your decorating scheme. From the board to the critters you find on the beach, almost anything ocean and surf-related is game in this decorating style. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Choose surf colors. Surf colors reflect the sand and the sea, so bright, vibrant colors like red, white and blue work very well. Some surf looks also gravitate toward the flower power look of the '60s when surfer music reigned; try out colors like lime green and soda-pop orange for a retro surfer look.

2. Paint a silhouette mural of a surfer riding on the ocean waves. Make this a focal wall; it'll help draw the eye into the room and its decor.

3. Lean surfboards against the walls. This supports the decorating theme and gives you a place to tape up photos of you and your pals at the beach. Try a group of three boards with the longest board positioned in the back and the other two leaning against it. You may want to insert some nails in the wall to keep the boards in place. To do this, pound a few long nails into the wall, but don't let them go deep. Scoot the edge of the board next to the nails so that it can't slide along the wall. You're not nailing the boards to the wall, but rather using the nails as a prop of sorts to keep them in an upright position. A vertical row of three or four nails should be enough for the board to lean against.

4. Hang up curtains with surfer themes or that complement your colors. Use bold choices and breezy fabric.

5. Use ocean items as decorating accessories. These can include the round rescue ring, a buoy, antique glass floats and fishing net. The net you can hang on the wall with the glass balls suspended in it. Place the buoy in a corner and hang the rescue ring above your bed.

6. Decorate with vintage surf posters from movies. Have posters framed and create a gallery of pictures. Group the posters in clusters of three or five for a casual look; hang a large poster to one side and flank each side of it with two smaller posters.

7. Bring in beach-friendly furniture. Wicker offers an excellent choice -- it has the look of the furniture in beach-side bars or cabanas. If the room is a bedroom, look for dressers made from wicker. If you're decorating a room like the den, make sure you find a couch and chairs with brightly colored cushions to finish off the look. Consider deck chairs as well. Place a couple in the corner.

8. Lay down surfboard rugs. These rugs are shaped like the boards and come in a variety of colors.

Tags: colors like, decorating style, rescue ring, this decorating, this decorating style

Petfriendly Cabins In Brevard North Carolina

Land of Waterfalls

Brevard, North Carolina, is often referred to as the Land of Waterfalls. Located in Transylvania County near the Pisgah National Forest, Brevard offers visitors outdoor mountain activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, boating and snow skiing. Brevard is 34 miles south of the Biltmore estate in Asheville. Pet-friendly cabin rentals offer a variety of stays and have no or some pet restrictions. Visitors traveling with pets should mention their pets when first securing reservations. Property managers will want proof that pets are healthy, quiet, nondestructive and free of fleas or other parasites.

Barkwells, A Pet-Friendly Mountain Retreat

"I love vacations!"

Barkwells, A Pet-Friendly Mountain Retreat, is located 12 minutes from Brevard and 20 minutes from the Biltmore Estate. It offers guests two-to-6-person luxury cabins enclosed by eight acres of fencing to ensure dog safety. Dogs may enjoy pond swimming and romping either privately or with other dogs during their stay. Barkwells provides cabins with doggie doors, dog dishes, dog beds and dog wash areas complete with dog towels. Each cabin also has a gated covered porch area complete with rockers or gliders. Cabins have full kitchens, gas fireplaces, washer/dryers and stocked linens. Equestrian enthusiasts may board their horses next door with Cross Creek Stables. A $100.00 refundable charge is collected for one to two dogs, with an additional $50.00 charge for three or more dogs. Refund checks will be mailed after cabins have been checked for damage.

Barkwells

290 Lance Road

Mills River, North Carolina 28759

828-891-8288

barkwells.com

Ash Grove Mountain Cabins & Camping

Ash Grove Mountain Cabins has a special one-bedroom Dogwood Cabin for visitors with dogs. Pet fees (dogs only), are $10.00 per night or $60.00 per week. A health report showing proof of current vaccinations and flea control must be presented upon arrival. Dogs cannot be left unattended and must be leashed at all times. Dog owners must clean up their animals' excrement. Dogwood Cabin offers a fully stocked kitchen, full bathroom, heat, air conditioning, satellite TV, screened porch with swing, and picnic area complete with a charcoal grill. Linens and towels are provided and nearby activities include hiking, biking, golf and fishing.

Ash Grove Mountain Cabins

749 East Fork Road

Brevard, North Carolina 28712

828-885-7216

ash-grove.com

Rushing Water Cabins

Rushing Water Cabins will accommodate dogs over the age of 18 months if they are housebroken, free of fleas and friendly. Guests must bring their own dog towels, and crates are recommended. Dogs must be leashed and not left unattended. Rushing Water Cabins retains the right to ask unruly dogs to leave with no refunds. Pet fees are $25.00 per night, and a refundable deposit of $100.00 is required. Refunds will be returned if lodgings remain intact. The rustic cabins can host two to seven persons and offer full kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, washer/dryer units, Internet access, and air conditioning and are open year round.

Rushing Water Cabins

PO Box 7

Brevard, North Carolina 28712

828-885-2226

rushingwatercabins.com

Tags: North Carolina, Brevard North, Brevard North Carolina, Rushing Water, Rushing Water Cabins

Ship A Live Bird

The only warm-blooded animals that can be shipped via the United States Postal Service are live birds. You must follow certain rules and regulation guidelines. Here's do it.

Instructions

1. Know that you can only ship adult live birds that are free of diseases. Examples of shippable live birds include doves, ducks, swans, turkeys and chickens.

2. Understand that live birds sent through the postal service must be shipped domestically (within the United States) and only via express mail.

3. Use the appropriate kind of packaging for the bird you want to ship. The birds must be shipped in secure containers approved by the manager of Mailing Standard. Find information on getting approvals on the website for the United States Postal Service or by contact your local post office.

4. Be aware of the regulations regarding the birds that you ship. You must follow the package limits for the container you're using regarding the number of birds you ship in one package. In addition, each bird must weigh at least 6 ounces.

5. Go to your local post office to ship your birds. Your local postal worker will be able to help you select the appropriate postage for shipping your bird.

6. Take note that the United States Postal Service is only responsible for loss or damage to your bird or birds during shipping. They are not responsible for the death of your bird or birds if the packaging container that you used was not damaged during shipping.

Tags: live birds, United States, States Postal, States Postal Service, United States Postal

Place An Ad On Craigslist

Whether you are advertising something for sale, a service you provide, or a job position you wish to offer, placing an ad on Craigslist is one of the easiest methods of getting your message out there. As an online resource, Craigslist is simply a large database of classified ads, categorized by subject, country, state and area. It is relatively easy to use, as well as relatively easy to post ads to.

Instructions

1. Go to the Craigslist website. There you will see all of the areas available to post in, and all of the topics. Choose the area and topic that best suits your needs. Topics range from jobs to personal services to professional services to personal ads and more.

2. Set up a Craigslist account. In order to post, you must have a Craigslist account. To do this, click on the "Post to Classifieds" link on the left-hand side of the page related to whichever state or town you are looking to post to.

3. Click on the "Apply for Account" link in the top right corner of the page. Follow the directions on the subsequent pages. At some point, you will be sent a confirmation link to your email address. Click on this link and confirm your account. Return to the "Post to Classifieds" page once you have confirmed and logged in.

4. Click on the link from the list titled "What type of posting is this?" Click on the most appropriate topic to your needs. Make sure you are posting in the right geographical area. For some postings, such as jobs offered, there is a fee for posting. This is to discourage fraudulent posters and spam. If this is the topic you wish to post to, you will have to pay the fee, which is usually $25 for some areas.

5. Fill in th blanks, including the title of your ad, the body of your ad, and how you wish to receive replies. There is an option to receive them anonymously through Craigslist's own message system, through your own email address, or by placing a contact number on the ad.

6. Decide whether to allow other posters to contact you with other interests, business, promotions etc. If you don't want to be exposed to a lot of spam or unrelated offers, it is best to switch these options off.

7. Post ad by clicking on the button. The ad can be edited later if desired. Craigslist ads are usually deleted after 45 days, and are placed according to the date. If you wish to have the ad running for a period of time, it is wise to repost the ad at regular intervals to maintain visibility.

Tags: Craigslist account, email address, Post Classifieds, relatively easy, your email, your email address

Housetrain A Lab

Begin house breaking your Labrador retriever as soon as possible.

Getting a dog is an exciting time for a family, but some challenges are ahead, such as house-breaking the dog. When you have a Labrador retriever who is not house trained, whether the dog is a puppy or an adult, get started with the training immediately. You might think that training an adult dog is hard, but you do it pretty much the same way as with a puppy. Labs are smart dogs who are eager to please their owners, so training a Lab is often easier than training some other dog breeds.

Instructions

1. Establish an area where your Labrador retriever will use the bathroom and take it to the same spot each time you take it outside. That way, it will smell its own urine and feces and be encouraged to go.

2. Come up with a word to use each time the dog is taken out to use the bathroom. For example, say "go potty" several times until the dog goes. Then, reward the dog verbally. Give it a small treat in the beginning, until it begins to grasp the concept.

3. Establish a routine for taking the dog outside. Take it out as soon as it wakes up in the morning or after a nap. Take it outside about 10 minutes or 15 minutes after meals. Watch for signs that the dog needs to go, such as circling, sniffing the ground or appearing as though it is looking for a spot to go. You need to take small puppies out much more often than adult dogs.

4. Pick up the Lab and take it outside immediately when you see it having an accident. Do not scold the dog, spank it or punish it at all. This will only confuse the dog. Simply take it outside and let it finish its business in the appropriate spot.

5. Clean up the mess immediately when the dog has an accident inside. If you do not catch the dog in the act, do not bring it to the mess and show it to the dog, as this would only be confusing. Simply leave the dog alone and clean up the mess completely, removing all odor. If the dog smells its urine or feces in the house, it will be encouraged to go there again.

6. Place the dog inside a crate when you have to leave the home. Dogs are den animals, so they are not likely to use the bathroom inside their crate. This will help the dog learn that it should not use the bathroom inside and should wait until you come home and let it go outside.

7. Maintain consistency with these steps and do not get frustrated with your Labrador retriever. The dog will master the concept eventually.

Tags: Labrador retriever, your Labrador retriever, take outside, your Labrador, bathroom inside

About Dog Pounds

About Dog Pounds

Dog pounds are more commonly known as animal shelters. Named originally for the pounds used to pen up loose cattle until they could be sorted out by their brands to the correct owners, dog pounds are today known as a place to house homeless animals, particularly dogs and cats. These animals are either kept until adopted, turned over to rescue organizations, reunited with owners or put to sleep after a certain amount of time.

History

Dog pounds earned their common name from the use of the 'pound' in agricultural communities. These loose pens would be used to house stray cattle until they could be claimed by their owners through the use of their brands or other identifying marks. The pounds were just loose pens set up near town centers or common areas where the stray cattle would be sure to be seen. The oldest pound in existence in the United States can be found in Glocester, Rhode Island. Built in 1748, the stone pound is recognized by the National Historic Register.

Significance

Most dog pounds, or animal shelters, are run by municipal agencies within local cities and townships. The shelters may be contracted by the city to provide services related to animals including stray animal collection, the removal of animal remains (road kill), reports of animal abuse, euthanasia of old and sick animals, animal adoption and vaccinations for animals. Most municipal animal shelters require spaying or neutering of all pets adopted through their facilities.

Function

Different dog pounds function differently. In some towns, the dog pounds offer an open door policy. Pets can be dropped off without fee or question by owners who either can no longer care for the pet or don't want to care for the dog. These open door policies are instituted to help prevent animal abandonment. In other towns, a nominal fee is charged to help pay for the animal's care and feeding until it is adopted. Many rescue organizations work with dog pounds in order to make sure the dogs are adopted before they are put to sleep. In some cases, the rescue will 'adopt' the dog from the dog pound.

Considerations

Dog pounds (animal shelters) are nonprofit agencies supported by municipal monies and donations. They often cannot afford to be heavily staffed and rely on volunteerism from local residents, veterinarians and animal activists. Most dog pounds accept donations of time, money and goods 365 days a year. Due to space considerations, the limits on how many dogs, cats and other animals that these pounds or shelters can help can be improved dramatically with increased financial and placement support.

Misconceptions

Dog pounds are often associated with evil dog catchers as displayed in films ranging from "101 Dalmatians" to "Lassie" and "Benji." The dog catcher is not out to destroy animal homes or rip beloved pets from their family, but rather to remove stray animals from neighborhoods and streets in an effort to protect not only the local populace, but also the animals themselves. Stray dogs in neighborhoods can lead to animal bites, accidents and even death for the dogs. Dog pounds, despite their bad reputation, are necessary in large urban and suburban areas and will continue to play a vital role in animal health as long as dog and cat owners abdicate their own responsibilities towards them.

Tags: animal shelters, About Pounds, cattle until, cattle until they, dogs cats, from pound, loose pens

Give A Maltese A Puppy Cut

Give a Maltese a Puppy Cut

The puppy cut is a Maltese breed owner's best friend. As much as you may love the look of the Maltese breed, you often don't have the time to care for a long haired coat if your dog is not a show dog. Easy maintenance is the reason that most owners choose the puppy cut, but it also helps your dog stay cooler in warm temperatures. Unlike the latest human hair styles, a puppy cut is fairly easy to do at home.

Instructions

1. Place your dog in the standing or lying position and start removing the coat from his back. He will be most comfortable in this position, so it's best to start there. Trim the coat until it is about a half inch long and use that as the guide for the rest of your puppy cut. Move around to the hindquarters, but leave the tail as it is. A puppy cut doesn't include the tail plume on a Maltese breed.

2. Start on the legs of your dog while he is in a standing position. The cut line on each leg should be straight and not show the narrowing of your dog's legs. Trim the paws into rounded shapes and avoid cutting so short that the nails show.

3. Don't forget the underside of your dog. If your dog is willing to lie on his back while you trim his stomach and chest, this will be easy for you. However, most Maltese do not want to expose themselves this way while you are grooming them. Instead, have him in the standing position and work carefully around his stomach and genitals. The underside is exposed to all sorts of dirt, so you might want to cut a little more closely here than in other places. An added benefit is that a near bare belly will keep a long-haired dog like the Maltese breed cooler in warm weather.

4. Finish the puppy cut with the head and ears. (If you have been using clippers on your dog, now is the time to switch to scissors for better handling.) Even though the puppy cut is supposed to be short, many Maltese owners leave the head a little long. Just be sure to trim away the errant hairs around the eyes and nose. If you don't trim the beard and ears all the way back to the skin, they should at least be even and polished.

Tags: Maltese breed, cooler warm, Give Maltese, Give Maltese Puppy, Maltese Puppy, standing position

Buy Kittens Online

Cats are wonderful companions, but you need to make sure you are ready to have a cat before you get one. Although cheaper than dogs, cats can be expensive to own. Once you are sure you are ready for a cat consider the following steps when buying a kitten online.

Instructions

1. Make sure you and your family are ready to own a cat. Cats can be independent and cuddly so be ready for both behaviors. Also be ready for everything that goes into owning a cat such as litter box, aggressive streaks and veterinary costs.

2. Once you are ready for a kitten take the time to decide what type of cat you want. Long hair or short hair? Is there a specific coat color you want? Do you want an indoor or outdoor cat? A more independent breed or a loveable breed?

3. It is best to buy a kitten through a reputable source online. Make sure they are a licensed breeder or affiliated with the local animal shelter. Buying from just anyone online means you can't be sure what type of cat you are getting.

4. While buying a kitten online is easier it is also a good idea to stick to the local area. This way you can visit with the kitten and get to know them before deciding to take it home. This way you can be sure the kitten is right for you and your household. Never rely on just the description or the photo.

5. Before bringing the pet home make sure you know what immunizations they have and be sure they have had a health check. Otherwise you could be getting a kitten that has health issues without knowing it until you get the costly vet bill.

Tags: buying kitten, buying kitten online, kitten online, Make sure, make sure

Train A Cat

Cats are more independent than other pets such as dogs, however, this does not make them impossible to train. Training a cat to behave will require different methods, and more time and patience than training other animals, but the end result is positive.

Instructions

1. Understand the type of training your cat respond to. Rewards of food or affection often do not stop bad behavior in cats. Pain also is usually not helpful as punishment. The best tactic is surprise, provided there is no pain involved.

2. Get down on the cat's level. When administering discipline, bend down to your cat to foster better communication between the two of you.

3. Use a plant sprayer or water gun to spray your cat with water when she misbehaves. Cats generally do not like water and water will not hurt the cat. Spray the cat without yelling so she sees water as the punishment.

4. Keep a bean bag handy by your chair so if you see your cat misbehaving, you can instantly surprise him. Throw the bean bag near the cat without hitting it to surprise it. Rapid response is necessary. If you wait until the cat has stopped the bad behavior to administer punishment, he will not understand what he's being punished for.

5. Place aluminum foil in areas your cat is not allowed to go. Cats do not like the uneasy feel of the foil under their feet nor do they like the loud noise it makes when they walk on it.

6. Train cats not to dig in or eat houseplants by putting moth balls in them. Cats are sensitive to the strong smell. As an alternative, place mouse traps under paper around the plants if your cat misbehaves while you're away. When the cat steps on the paper, the trap will spring and surprise the cat, but the can will not be hurt.

7. Tap your cat gently on the nose if he bites or otherwise misbehaves toward you. This simulates how cats retaliate toward each other and trains the cat not to harm you. However, this only works if the misbehavior was directed at you.

Tags: will hurt

Pay For Ivf

Babies born through IVF were once popularly called "test-tube babies."

IVF stands for in vitro fertilization, a fertilization procedure that takes place outside the human body. A doctor fertilizes an egg with a sperm and implants the resulting zygote into a woman's womb. A single cycle of IVF can cost between $10,000 and $20,000 in the U.S., according to a 2010 article in Newsweek magazine. There are numerous methods you can use to help pay for treatment.

Instructions

1. Find out if you have insurance coverage. Your policy may have an infertility rider that will cover some or all of the costs of IVF. Check carefully with your insurance company. Get all quotes in writing. In certain states you may have coverage that will cover at least one full cycle if you meet certain criteria such as working for a company that employs a certain number of people.

2. Sign up for a paid study. Some medical centers offer people who meet certain medical conditions the opportunity to have at least some of their costs paid during a cycle. Contact the centers to find out if you qualify. You can also look up studies on the Internet that you may be eligible for. You may not get all your costs covered but you can get at least some of them covered.

3. Take out a second mortgage on your home. You can use the mortgage funds to pay for a round of IVF. Look into places that will allow you to tap into the equity in your home and use the extra funds to finance IVF. The extra funds you take out of your home may even be tax-deductible if you exceed certain income guidelines.

4. Set up a Health Savings Account, or HSA. You can set up a HSA to pay for legitimate medical expenses, including IVF, according to Sandra Block, a personal finance columnist writing in USA Today. Use the funds you set aside to help pay for costs. The funds are tax deductible. Contact your employer to find out set aside an automatic amount.

Tags: that will, your home, extra funds, least some, meet certain, that will cover, will cover

Start A Business For A Tax Shelter

Your hobby is a great way to start a tax shelter.

Most people understand that taxes are a part of living in a civilization. This doesn't stop them from finding ways to reduce their gross income or finding additional tax credits to reduce their tax bill. One excellent tax shelter is your hobby or business. This is because you write-off the losses or expenses from your business from the adjusted income paid by your employer. The one drawback is that you have to keep track of your transactions and receipts to prove the validity of your business in case you're audited.

Instructions

1. Identify a hobby or something you already like doing. Perhaps you started a jazz band and have played a few shows or you took up jewelry making. Both of these can be turned into businesses that can be used as tax shelters.

2. Estimate how much money you will spend on equipment, permits and inventory. Assume you spend $10,000 on beads and other equipment. Be sure to keep all receipts for the items purchased. Some equipment that provides a benefit over a number of years may be depreciated. The rest can be expensed during the year it was purchased.

3. Determine how much you can make from the business. Be sure to make a record, either physical or virtual, of all purchases. You can do this by keeping a diary of transactions and purchases. Most credit cards and debit cards also act as proof of purchase. The first year, your sales may be minimal. Assume your adjusted income is $50,000 and your estimated sales for the first year are $200.

4. Identify your tax shelter. Deduct your losses from your total adjusted gross income. For instance, you can subtract $9,800 ($10,000 minus $200) as your losses from your net income.

Tags: from your, adjusted income, first year, gross income, losses from, losses from your

Be A Search Dog Handler

SAR canines are some of the highest trained working dogs in the world.

Search and rescue (SAR) is an emotionally and physically grueling volunteer activity. Search dog handlers give up their time, money and resources to help serve their community and country. They spend hours training their dogs, both on and off the field. Search and rescue is, however, extremely rewarding.

Instructions

1. Ensure that you are physically fit enough to be a SAR dog handler. You must be able to withstand long hours in the field in all kinds of weather and climate conditions while carrying enough gear to support you, your dog and any missing persons.

2. Find your local SAR unit. Look on a website such as The 911 Site and check with your local sheriff's department. Your veterinarian might know contact the local SAR unit as well.

3. Meet the requirements to join the team. This often involves completing a background check, physical and probationary period. The probationary period usually lasts anywhere from six weeks to a year. It's used to determine your commitment to the team and rigorous training schedule. While on probation, you must complete all other requirements and attend at least half of all team training sessions. You must demonstrate you skills in the field, and prove that you are physically able to meet the demands of SAR work. This often involves a complete physical examination by a doctor and lab work. Your particular unit will vary on background check guidelines and information must be received from them.

4. Take any required classes. Most SAR units require classes in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and scent theory. Others require extensive classes in navigation, K-9 trauma and upper-level SAR certifications. Most SAR classes are hosted by volunteers or members of the local emergency response team. Travel may or may not be involved. Your unit will likely attend classes together and travel together. Some basic certifications and classes can be completed in a day. Others, such as any National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) certifications, take up to six weeks to complete. Many classes require you to prove your skills in order to receive certification. Some, such as the upper-level NASAR courses, require a formal examination and field test.

5. Express your desire to work as a member of the dog team, once you've become a full-fledged member of the team. You may be required to train under an advanced handler for a while. Your dog must have all vaccinations up to date and be well-socialized with people, animals and objects. Prior training isn't mandatory for most units, although your dog will have be obedience trained before formal SAR training begins.

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Careers With Animal Welfare Organizations

There are a number of career opportunities within animal welfare organizations. Zoos and nature reserves need educated personnel to take care of the captive animals, while law enforcement agencies need employees to pick up stray animals as well as to operate animal shelters. Besides a desire to work with and help animals, most careers in this field require a certain level of education.

Animal Control Officer

Animal control officers work with law enforcement agencies to control the stray animal population within cities and counties. He also investigates animal cruelty reports and maintains shelters where stray animals are held and possibly returned to owners or adopted to new families. A high school diploma as well as an associate's or bachelor's degree in a law enforcement field is recommended to become an animal control officer.

Zookeeper

Zookeepers take care of captive exotic animals, handling the feeding, cleaning and, in some cases, training duties. She may work at zoos, animal parks or reserves. Because the job entails such facets as research, public education and recreation as well as animal care, zookeepers need at least an associate's degree in animal training management, though a bachelor's degree in biology or zoology is recommended.

Humane Educators

Humane educators can include animal welfare, animal rights and animal behavior teachers. He uses educational methods to inform and teach children and adults about humane attitudes toward people, animals and the environment. It's important to have a knowledge of animal welfare issues and a willingness to travel to different schools, businesses or zoos.

Wildlife Rehabilitators

Wildlife rehabilitators work with wild animals that have been injured, abandoned as babies or kept as pets and need to be reintroduced to natural environments. She creates simulations of natural environments for the animals and works to teach them feed and care for themselves. In order to have a career as a wildlife rehabilitator, she must have a degree in biology, animal anatomy or a similar field so she has at least a basic understanding of animals. She will also need knowledge of the animals she's working, with including eating, socializing and survival needs.

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Advantages Of A Silent Whistle In Dog Training

Advantages of a Silent Whistle in Dog Training

Silent dog whistles give off a higher pitched noise than humans can hear, making dog whistles an excellent way to communicate with your dog without disturbing other people. Dog whistles also provide many other benefits, including the ability to communicate with your dog over long distances, consistency of command tone, and the attention-grabbing nature of a dog whistle. Although whistle training has traditionally been used by shepherds or gun dog trainers, silent dog whistles represent a great resource for any pet owner.

Low Noise Impact

Since humans can't hear dog whistles, they provide a great option if you live in a quiet residential area or want to avoid disrupting others at parks. A silent dog whistle is much less disruptive than shouted commands and is still an effective way of training and communicating with your dog.

Communication over Large Distances

Dog whistles also allow communication over greater distances than the human voice does. Although factors such as wind, rain, and sources of noise (for example, traffic) that decrease the range of the human voice will also decrease the range of a dog whistle, dog whistles will still prove much more penetrating than the human voice. Dog whistles also won't get tired or become hoarse after a long day.

Consistency of Command Tone

Dog whistles sound the same each time you blow them. This consistency in tone contrasts sharply with the human voice, which varies by emotion and by who is speaking. Training your dog to a dog whistle can help your dog respond well to different trainers and also allows you to command your dog without emotion. A dog whistle will never sound angry, and your dog will never be confused because of your tone of voice.

Attention-Grabbing Whistles

Dog whistles also provide a more attention-grabbing sound than that of the human voice since dog whistles have very high frequencies, and dogs instinctively respond to these frequencies.

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Pet Care Games For Kids

Pet care games let kids play with virtual on-screen pets without the mess or cost of a real pet. You can let your kids play pet care video games as preparation for caring for a real pet, since some pet care games do require some level of responsibility, lest the virtual pet go hungry. Alternatively, pet care games can let kids play with fantastical creatures they'd never be able to own in real life, such as Pokémon.

Nintendogs

"Nintendogs" started off as a launch title for the Nintendo DS because it highlighted the system's technical capabilities: players use the microphone to speak to their dog, the touch screen to pet their dog and then dual screens for a more elaborate interface. You can choose from three different versions of "Nintendogs," the only difference being which six puppies you'll start with. All three games feature the same 18 dog breeds and you'll eventually be able to unlock them all, so it's not a Pokémon-type deal where you have to buy both versions for the full experience. "Nintendogs" lets you do many of the things you could do with a real puppy: play fetch, teach it tricks, give it a bath or enter it into dog show competitions. When it comes to being a teacher of responsibility, though, it falls short since the dogs never age, die or relieve themselves on the living room floor if the player forgets to take care of them.

My Aquarium

"My Aquarium" is a downloadable WiiWare app that turns your television into a virtual aquarium, minus the need to clean out algae or flush Mr. Guppy down the toilet when the kids forget to feed him. You could consider "My Aquarium" to be more of a screensaver than a game, in that fish are more like a paperweight than a pet. Still, your kids can spend a decent amount of time decorating and designing their ideal aquarium. The game provides six different aquariums to choose from, and each aquarium can be fitted out with 36 different accessories-from rock castles to kelp-and 40 different species of fish. Your kids can also feed the fish whenever they feel like it. With an Internet connection (which you need to download the game in the first place), your kids can share their creation online.

My Pokémon Ranch

"My Pokémon Ranch" is a downloadable WiiWare title best suited towards younger children. Older fans of the Pokémon series won't find much in the way of content, but kids who want to interact with their Pokémon in a 3D environment and treat their Pokémon as pets should enjoy the game. Kids can use their Mii avatar to interact with any Pokémon they've raised on the Nintendo DS Pokémon games. They can play games with the Pokémon, ride Pokémon and use the Nintendo Wii Remote for motion-controlled interactions such as petting and grooming. The title also unlocks special features in the Nintendo DS games, such as access to rare Pokémon like Celebi.

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Teach A Dog To Pull A Wheelchair

A dog can be trained to pull a wheelchair.

Training a dog to pull a wheelchair is possible, but it must be done very gradually, getting the dog used to pulling a variety of increased weights over a time period of about two months. In this way, the dog's strength and fitness will increase at a reasonable, steady weight, and she will get used to the sensation of having something "follow" her when she walks forward. Just make sure that your dog has a mature and steady temperament before you begin this training.

Instructions

1. Check your dog's basic obedience first by doing some basic training. Command her to walk at your heel, or leave her off of her leash, then call her back to you. She should respond to your commands right away.

2. Introduce your dog to her harness by putting it on her and taking her for walks in a private field. Do this for one week. During that week, introduce a command word such as "Pull." When you are walking with her, come to a sudden stop, then while patting your leg say, "Pull" (or another command word) in a loud voice and start walking again. She needs to start walking with you at the command. Praise her when she does, and give her some food as a treat each time. Do the same with a different command word, such as "Stop," to train her to stop when you want her to.

3. Introduce some weight by attaching the leads to the full milk cartons at one end, and the dog's harness at the other. If she seems spooked by the weight behind her, just behave in a normal, positive way. Give her lots of praise and encouragement, and behave as you usually do when you take her for a walk. When she walks at a steady pace at your heel while pulling the cartons, praise her and give her some food as a treat again.

4. Increase the weights over several weeks --- allow her eight to 10 days to get used to each increase. Try walking about 20 feet away from her and commanding her to sit and stay from there. If all is going well, she should be responding to your vocal commands regardless of where you are.

5. Upgrade the weight to a child's cart (with wheels), with some sandbags on top. Make sure that your dog has gradually adjusted to pulling this weight. Now bring her to a public park and get her used to pulling the weight and obeying your commands while there are distractions around, such as other people and dogs. Reward everything that she does correctly with lots of praise and treats.

6. Attach your dog to a wheelchair, with someone able-bodied sitting in it, initially. Use the command words that signal her to start pulling and to stop, and reward her for getting the actions right. Take about two to three weeks for her to get used to pulling a person in the wheelchair before she starts to pull someone who is disabled.

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Rescue Animals On "Happy Aquarium"

Just like a real fish aquarium, "Happy Aquarium" allows you to take care of and rescue fish.

"Happy Aquarium" is a game played through Facebook where you create a fish tank and fill it with a variety of different fish. You get to feed them and watch as they grow up. Another feature in the game is the random pop-up to "rescue" a trapped fish inside a barrel. Completing a few requirements will allow you to rescue this animal and add it to your aquarium.

Instructions

1. Log in to your "Happy Aquarium" game and at random times you will be presented with a "Rescue an Animal" pop-up. When this option appears, click on the "Rescue" option and you will begin the rescue with a barrel falling into your tank.

2. Click on the new barrel and a menu will pop up to show you what items you need to collect in order to complete the rescue. You will need to collect three scuba divers, three screwdrivers, three plyers, three hammers, three crowbars and four gloves.

3. Click on the "Get Help" option under each item in order to post a message on your Facebook feed for your friends to send you the needed items. If you have enough pearls, you can also purchase these items.

4. Collect all items needed and you will see a "Rescue Now" button appear on the barrel. Click this button and your animal will be released.

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What Vaccines Do Dogs Really Need

Vaccines are a critical part of maintaining your dog's health. There are certain vaccines that are needed regardless of your location, while others are used only in specific areas or when an outbreak has occurred. Most vaccines are given when dogs are still under a year old.

Puppy Shots

Young dogs must be given a combination shot for distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza. This shot is given at six to eight weeks, then booster shots four weeks and eight weeks after the initial shot.

Rabies

A rabies shot is a critical vaccine in dogs that should be given at 3 months old. Booster shots should be given every two years afterward for the life of the dog.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a concern for dogs infected with ticks. It is mainly in areas heavily populated by deer that carry the tick. A two-shot series with annual boosters can protect your dog.

Bacterial Infections

Both leptospirosis and coronavirus are bacterial infections that can cause flu-like symptoms. These vaccinations for dogs are given as part of combination shots if you live in an affected area.

Laws

In many areas, vaccines for dogs are required for certain health problems. Shots for rabies and distemper are needed for most areas, while Lyme disease is only for specific areas but is often recommended.

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List Of Aggressive Dogs

List of Aggressive Dogs

Attempts to curtail dog-bite incidents has resulted in breed-specific legislation restricting or banning dog breeds. City and state ordinances sometimes refer to specific breeds based on local events and refuse to allow ownership of a so-called "aggressive" dog. While the majority of people consider humans the cause of aggression, others think a breed may be predisposed to attacking.

Restrictions

There are different types of restrictions that are followed depending on the location of aggressive dogs. The most all encompassing is a breed ban, whereby it is illegal to own a specific breed of dog in the city/state. Next is breed-specific sterilization. While spaying and neutering is a good thing for the pet population, opponents think the procedure should be voluntary and not breed-specific. These same breeds are included in a database, forced to be microchipped, confined, or otherwise noted that an aggressive animal lives on the premises (i.e., signage in the front yard). Flat weight or size restrictions regardless of breed history also occurs. For instance, in Fairfield, Iowa all dogs over 100 pounds are banned regardless of temperment.

Mastiffs

Mastiff breeds possess a gentle demeanor by nature. Unless protecting their owners, which should not be confused with aggression, these large dogs are gentle and relaxed. Usually a Mastiff will become aggressive because of the enironment he is raised in--it's either a learned response to being treated poorly or a lack of socialization. These big babies usually receive a bum rap because of their size. English Mastiffs are the largest dog breed and can weigh in at up to 220 pounds.

Terriers

The AKC (American Kennel Club) defines terriers as "feisty, energetic dogs." The breed was bred to hunt and kill rodents and to that end, may have little tolerance for other animals. If owners have sufficient energy and aptitude to train these dogs they make great companions.

Bulldogs

Bulldogs are most likely on this list because they resemble Pit Bulls (who are frequently touted as vicious) or simply because one city outlawed all dogs with wrinkles. The typical bulldog is slow, big headed, and although not a lap dog at 40 to 50 pounds, would certainly like to be. Ironically, they are one of the most popular breeds for families because of their gentleness, yet they are deemed aggressive.

Shepherds & Wolfdogs

All dogs are descended from wolves but the Wolf-dog hybrid breed began by mating wolves with Alaskan Malamutes, German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies. Most of these dogs are considered quarter wolf and are highly trainable and domesticated. American Wolf dogs are now bred together to improve the breed by requiring obedience training and hip testing. However, there is still an aggressive stigma attached to this breed.

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Paid Jobs For Teenagers

Working with animals is one job option for teenagers.

A variety of job opportunities are available for teenagers looking for some extra spending money or to obtain funds for college. Some jobs require little or no experience, while others allow you to take advantage of your unique skills and experiences. In many cases, you'll be able to work after school and/or on weekends. Apply for jobs by visiting the location or by filling out an application online if applicable.

Work with Animals

If you're a teen who loves animals and have experience working with your own pets, you can seek employment in an animal-related field. Kennels and veterinary offices may need kennel assistants to perform tasks such as cleaning cages or taking dogs for walks. Large pet stores need people to work with customers and care for animals that are displayed for sale.

Tutor

If you excel in a particular subject such as math or English, put your expertise to work by tutoring other students after school. Parents of kids who are struggling in school will likely appreciate the help and be willing to pay you for your services. Tutoring can also provide great experience if you wish to pursue a career in academia.

Turn a Hobby Into a Job

If you have a passion for activities such as golf or biking, turn your hobby into a job. The local golf course or country club may need help with landscaping, retrieving golf balls or assisting customers in the pro shop. Biking enthusiasts with a mechanical aptitude can work in a bike repair shop, while those with general knowledge of bikes can work on the sales floor.

Fast Food

Fast food restaurants are often the first foray into the world of work for many teenagers. Fast food restaurants are ubiquitous and offer a variety of entry-level jobs. You may wait on customers, prepare food or clean the restaurant. If you enjoy the fast food business, you could make it a career by becoming a manager or even eventually purchasing your own franchise.

Retail

If you're a teen who likes to hang out at the local mall, apply for a job working at one of the stores. Possible jobs include working as a cashier, stocking shelves or waiting on customers. In addition to getting paid, some retail stores offer generous employee discounts on store merchandise.

Tags: after school, Fast food, Fast food restaurants, food restaurants