Archive for May, 2007

The Epsom Derby - 2007

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

It’s always nice to pass along current events that are happening around the world in the PETLVR Kingdom .. (and feel free to ADD YOUR OWN PET RELATED EVENT to our Calendar) ..

I am passing along a reminder message from “JJ” (aka Jumping Jockey) ..

I was searching for a few good Horse Blogs over the net, and thankfully came across ‘Pet Lvr’.

Since, this blog is in most ways dedicated to horses, thought of dropping in a line or two on the upcoming Derby here in the UK.

The Epsom Derby, which is considered to be one of the most prestigious flat thoroughbred horse races in the world is one of the most iconic events in the British sporting and social calendar. It will take place, this week, at the Epsom Downs Racecourse, Surry, England.

I’ve been covering the latest news and tips on the Derby at my website - www.jumpingjockey.com

For the 2006 Epsom Derby Video please visit www.jumpingjockey.blogspot.com

Regards,
JJ.

SOURCE: PetLvr Blog’s Comments!

Thanks JJ for update :) … and maybe you can come back and do a guest post and let us all know how the “DARBEE” went!

~~~~~~~~~~

According to wikipedia

The Derby Stakes, known colloquially as The Derby (pronounced “dar-bee” in SA/”der-bee” in countries using American English pronunciation) and internationally as the Epsom Derby, is considered one of the most prestigious flat thoroughbred horse races in the world. The race takes place each year in June at Epsom Downs, Epsom, Surrey, England. (The race was held at Newmarket from 1915-1918 and called the New Derby Stakes.)

The Derby is one of the five United Kingdom Classic Races and is the second leg of the English Triple Crown, preceded by the 2,000 Guineas and followed by the St Leger.

It is a Group 1 race for three-year-old colts and fillies - colts 9 st (126 lb or 57.2 kg), fillies 8 st 9 lb (121 lb or 54.9 kg). In modern times the race is almost always contested by colts only. Fillies and older horses also run the same course and distance for the Oaks and Coronation Cup respectively.

SOURCE: Wikipedia

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My Tired Benny After A Hard Days Work

Tuesday, May 29th, 2007

How A Pet Door Can Improve Your Life

Tuesday, May 29th, 2007

By Allen Jesson

Owning a pet is a huge commitment, especially if you work full or part time and have to dash home when you can to allow your pet to go outside.

At some point you would have been annoyed of frustrated with your pet because you have just sat down and got comfortable and your pet is at your feet wining to go out

The answer to these problems is simple - a pet door, owning a pet door will not only allow your pet to have the freedom of coming in and out side as and when she pleases it will also protect your walls, carpets, floors and furniture from the scratching pets sometimes do when they want to go outside.

The best way to determine what pet door suits you is to measure your pets height and width, this will give you the right measurements to need to purchase a pet door that your pet can actually fit through. You will also need to know the thickness of the door that it will be attached to. Armed with this information you wont go wrong.

Installation of a pet door can sometimes be tricky, all pet doors should come with full installation instructions and it is important to follow the steps properly. Alternatively if this is something that you do find difficult then you could always get someone in to for the door for you. This should not take long and should not be too expensive.

There are many types of pet doors available that vary in size, shape, colour and price, most people think of a flap type door when thinking of a pet door, however the electronic pet door is becoming more and more popular.

Some of the advantages of having an electronic pet door are as follows -

An electronic pet door is operated by a signal that comes from your pets collar, this means the door will only open for your pet, this will stop other animals and strays from entering your home.
Because the electronic pet door only opens when your pet sets off the signal it will remain closed unlike a flap door, this will reduce loss of heating or air conditioning.
An electronic pet door is considered safer than an flap, anyone can push things through a flap door where as an electronic pet door will remain sealed and closed.
Once you have researched and installed your pet door you will need to encourage your pet to actually use it, as will all new things your pet probably wont understand what it is for at first. Never push your pet through the pet door to show her how it works, this could scare your pet and they may never use it again Try to gently encourage your pet to go through, stand the other side with a treat and gently persuade her to come through, be patient, they may not go through for a while and it is important not to put them off.

When your pet finally does go thought the pet door remember to reward them and make it fun, this way your pet will be happy to use the door and you can both enjoy the benefits.

Allen Jesson writes for several sites that specialize in pets, training for dogs, and hot dog training tips,

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allen_Jesson

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Birds - The Golden Eagle

Tuesday, May 29th, 2007

By Michael Russell

The golden eagle is one of the largest birds of prey; the bald eagle and the California Condor are the only ones that are larger. This bird lives in the western Northern Hemisphere flying over prairies, tundra, barren areas, and in hilly mountain regions. Golden Eagles do not congregate in large numbers; they are solitary birds and will fly alone for the winter.

The Golden Eagle has a large hooked bill, and it is dark brown all over, but has a green sheen on its head. Its wings and tail are very long and broad, which can be seen when it’s flying high in the air. The Golden Eagle is sometimes mistaken for a Buzzard when it is high in sky, but once the long wings and the head come into focus, it will be obvious that it is an eagle

Prey for the Golden Eagle consists of many animals. While it can attack large prey like cranes and domestic livestock, it tends to eat smaller animals like rabbits, hares, squirrels and prairie dogs. A Golden Eagle needs a huge territory of around 3,000 acres to fly over and hunt. When it finds prey, it will soar from the sky at speeds of 150km/h striking the prey with its sharp talons. Spotting its prey while high in the air is not a problem for the Golden Eagle, it has keen eyesight that allows it to see small animals such as mice or lizards. The Golden Eagle catches most of its prey on the ground; however, it sometimes catches birds while they are in flight. The eagle cannot attack a large animal; when it finds a large animal such as a deer, it will only eat it as carrion.

The Golden Eagle population decreased during the nineteenth century because farmers shot them. In the 1960s, the Golden Eagle, along with other birds, were affected by dangerous chemicals. A number of animals in the Golden Eagle’s habitat ate one the chemical called DDT, which had been sprayed onto plants, and since the Golden Eagle was on the top of the food chain, it greatly affected them. Today, Golden Eagles remain protected by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and possession of any body part or a feather could lead to a fine or even up to 10 years in prison.

Golden Eagles live throughout the Northern Hemisphere. When identifying a golden eagle, look for an all over brown color and a hooked bill so that you do not confused it with a Buzzard when they’re flying. Golden Eagles are also one of the few birds that have legs feathered all the way to their toes. It is also one of the largest birds of prey, and with binoculars, you can spot them flying in prairies, and tundra areas. Although DDT greatly affected the Golden Eagles, they have since increased in population, and there are plenty still around today.

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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Birds
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Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Lovable Hounds: The Beagle

Tuesday, May 29th, 2007

By Tiffany Trent

Beagles are a medium-sized breed of hound with short legs and soulful eyes. The beagle comes in a wide variety of colors, though the most common appearance is tri-color with a black nose. These dogs are usually black and white when they are born and develop their brown patches as they get older.

Beagles are curious by nature and this may make them harder to train because they are intelligent and stubborn. The Beagle is a gentle dog, with a good temperament, making this dog breed great for any age child. These dogs are playful, energetic, and very loyal to their owners. Beagles, unlike other dog breeds, don’t just bond with one person in their home; they bond with the entire family.

Beagles are prone to separation anxiety because they are pack animals. If you are going to leave your beagle along for a long period of time, (ex. going on vacation) your pet would do best being kept with other dogs or a person they are familiar with. If you don’t have a family friend your beagle can stay with, you should consider taking your pet to a kennel while you’re away to lessen the anxiety of being separated from you.

Overall, beagles are a rather healthy dog breed, though they do have some common health problems. The beagle’s ears are floppy and very long. This can prevent air from getting into the ear canals and moisture can get trapped in the ear, which can cause ear infections in your beagle. Regular cleaning and a diet including lamb and rice dog food are good ways to prevent this in your pet.

Another common health problem in beagles is obesity. This occurs when people overfeed their pet or reward with treats too often because of their gentle, exuberant nature. In a healthy beagle, you should be able to feel your dog’s ribs and see an hourglass shape to your dog’s length when looking at it from above. This breed of hound can also be prone to congenital heart disease, seizures, and arthritis.

This breed of dog is very versatile. Beagles have an exceptional sense of smell, making them a great companion for hunters. Because they are loyal and very gentle, they make great family pets. These dogs are also often placed in dog shows because of their beauty and agreeable nature. The beagle is a lovable hound dog, that is low maintenance, and very hard not to love!

T.s. Trent is an author on www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers. This article has been submitted in affiliation with www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tiffany_Trent

Is Your Goldfish Constipated

Tuesday, May 29th, 2007

By Lee Dobbins

I recently read a story online about a goldfish that died at the ripe old age of 43. I marveled at the story because my goldfish only seem to last a couple of months. What caused this fish to live so long? No doubt he received great care and was raised in optimum water conditions.

Goldfish are actually hardy fish but they’re many diseases that they can die from including constipation. If you want your goldfish to live a long and healthy life you need to make sure that you treat the aquarium properly. Goldfish can be a bit messy and you need to make sure that you clean their water diligently vacuuming up all feces and uneaten food on the bottom and doing partial water changes often. Also it is important not to overcrowd the tank as this can cause the water quality to go downhilll fast.

Here’s some aquarium diseases that you goldfish might be prone to:

Constipation while, this is not a disease per say it does have to do with what you are feeding the fish. if you notice that your goldfish is trailing feces behind him, then he is probably constipated. This means that you are not feeding him the right kinds of foods, perhaps his diet is too fatty or just not varied enough. Just like in humans, you can remedy this by giving him more roughage. Try feeding him spinach, peas or even tubifex worms. You should also soak dried fish foods before letting your goldfish feed on them and this will help with his digestion.

Swim Bladder Disorder swim bladder disorder happens more in the fancy goldfish and is a problem with him swimming where he will seem to be floating up near the top of the tank or down at the bottom. This happens more often and tanks that have bad water quality so keep your tank In good condition.

Dropsy Dropsy is a bacterial infection that attacks the fish from the inside. The symptoms are that your goldfishes scales will look like they are sticking out from his body. This is a very serious aquarium disease and by the time you notice your fish have it it’s probably already too advanced treat.

Ich Ich is a common aquarium disease which is actually a parasite that attaches itself to your fish. It is often called white spot because It looks like little white dots, like tiny grains of salt on the fish. If you leave this unchecked it can get quite bad as the spores multiply excessively.

Fin Rot Fin Rot is another bacterial infection which attacks the fins of your goldfish. this will cause his fans to look ragged and you will notice over time that it progresses up the fin until nothing is left. This can be treated successfully if caught early on..

Most all goldfish disease can be avoided by keeping your tank clean. Remember to do periodic water changes and don’t crowd to many fish in the tank. Watch your fish for signs of constipation and other disease and you too might have a goldfish that lives to the ripe old age of 43!

Lee Dobbins writes for www.fish-tank-guide.com where you can learn more about setting up and maintaining a fish tank as well as how to care for your goldfish.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins

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All the Secrets of Ferrets Revealed

Tuesday, May 29th, 2007

By: Dane Stanton

Ferrets are fury little mammals that are like a stretched out version of a cross between a rabbit and a rat. They are highly playful and curious domesticated animals that provide great companionship for anyone. Many people do however believe that ferrets are rodents like rats and mice, but contrary to this, they are actually in the Mustelid family along with weasels, stoats and martens.

The exact origin and date of domestication of the ferret is unknown, however remains of these cute little animals have been dated back as far as 1500BC, so they are quite a mature species. Ferrets, despite their cute appearance and cheeky nature, were in fact used originally for hunting or also know as ferreting. The ferret was usually used by hunters to chase rabbits and small rodents out of their burrows, however this is now illegal in many countries, but still practiced in the United Kingdom and Australia because this method is still more successful than many of the technologies developed for the same purpose.

Ferrets are more commonly kept as pets, because of their curious and energetic playful nature, they are very similar to kittens that never grow up, which is why they are preferred by many animal lovers. The slight drawback of the ferret is that they tend to nip when they are young, intending it only in a playful manner, but it can get annoying for an owner who does not fully understand their nature. This habit can be eliminated with correct training, and generally dissipates on its own with age. Ferrets have quite a long lifespan, of around 6 to 10 years, but in some cases can live into their teens.

Diet
The diet of a ferret its a lot like that of a cat, but they tend to need more protein and fat than in typical cat food. They can be fed dried cat food, but be sure to check that the top 3 ingredients are meat based, as the ferret’s metabolism cannot properly digest proteins from grains. There is a wide variety of ferret food in pet stores around American and the United Kingdom.

Sleep and Play
Ferrets spend the vast majority of their time sleeping, usually 14-18 hours in fact, so they require a comfortable place to sleep that is also quiet and away from other pets that may disturb them. They do sleep a lot, but when they are awake they have extreme energy, so should be provided with lots of toys and activities, like running wheels, climbing towers, balls, and even fellow ferrets to play with. This will keep both the ferret and the owner entertained.

All these factors and more make the ferret an ideal pet to add to any family. They are sociable, non-aggressive, playful, cute, cheap, clean and extremely lovable. So why not add a ferret to your family tree and reap the reward of unconditional love and affection.

Article Source

If you want to know more about Ferrets, including free information, reviews and much more, then please visit www.FerretsForever.com

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All The Secrets Of Guinea Pigs

Monday, May 28th, 2007

By: Dane Stanton

Guinea pigs originated from the Andean region of South America, presently known as Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru. They were a food source for mountain tribes around the year 2000BC. They are still to this day used as a food source in that area. They also live off of families scraps and are used as pets or collectors of evil-spirits in healing ceremonies. European trades transported quinea pigs to Europe, people saw them as exotic pets.

Where do Guinea Pigs get their name and why?

No one knows for sure just how the guinea pig came to be called a “pig”. They really are not pigs but are larger rodents. However they do tend to make noises that are very similar to that of a pig. They alos have some similar physical features with a pig. Their heads are large, with a rounded hind end, and with no tail. The guinea pig is also able to survive in cramped conditions such as a “pig pen” therefore they were easier to transport to England. Even in other languages they are referred to as pigs. The Dutch often called them “Guineas Biggetie” (Guinean piglet). In Germany they use the term “Meerschweinchen” (little sea pigs). The Germans gave the guinea pigs the name from when they would stop in the New World to stock up on provisions and would purchase large amounts of guinea pigs for their main source of meat.

What kind of environment do Guinea Pigs live in?

Guinea pigs are very social animals living in large groups consisting of sows (females) and boars (males), the offspring are called pups. Their life expectance is any where from four to eight years. In the year 1997 it was recorded that a guinea pig lived for a record of 15 years. Guinea pigs mate for life unlike similar rodents who have several different mates. Domesticated guinea pigs generally are kept in groups of two, either all females, all males, or one female with a neutered male. All male groups usually do well as long as there is no females brought into their environment and they have enough room in their cage.

When in the wild they can be found in little groups grazing grass a lot like a herd of cattle. They are more active during dawn and dusk making in harder for predators to see them. When the are frightened they can move surprisingly fast. Domestic guinea pigs are often more active for longer periods of time and taking little naps in between.

Domestic guinea pigs usually are kept in plastic cages with softwood chip bedding. They are kept indoors, they are not capable of handling exposure to the elements or predators.

Article Source

If you want to know more about Guinea Pigs including free information, reviews and much more, then please visit www.GuineaPigsUncovered.com

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How to Feed Hummingbirds by Hand

Monday, May 28th, 2007

By Simone Skorcik

This is the technique I used to get our backyard hummingbirds to eat from my hand.

1. Make a hand feeder by removing the top part of a small hummingbird feeder & use only the base that has the perches & feeding holes. Fill this part with the nectar that is usually in the feeder.

2. Wear bright colors such as red or pink, as hummingbirds are most attracted to these colors (a flower print shirt will work well also).

3. Put all your hummingbird feeders inside and stand with your hand feeder in a spot where one of your regular feeders used to be (as they will be looking for their food in that spot already). Keep your hand as steady as possible & don’t make any sudden movements.

4. Project happy, loving thoughts to the hummingbirds.

5. HAVE PATIENCE!! It could take weeks of trying before they’ll land on your hand feeder. Continue putting up & taking down the regular feeders.

6. Once they’ve begun eating from your hand feeder & trusting you - try smiling & talking quietly to them.

7. Remember to always be kind & loving with the birds, as it is a great honor that they trust you & allow you to get that close to them.

8. Don’t be afraid to try new things like holding a real red or pink flower in your hand or pour some liquid nectar in your cupped hand & see if they’ll respond and eat directly from your hand.

Good luck & have fun!

Feel free to reprint this article as long as you keep the article, this caption and author biography in tact with all hyperlinks.

Simone Skorcik - LongBraid Designs Professional Graphic Artist & Photographer> http://www.longbraid.com

Click here to view pictures

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simone_Skorcik

Top 5 Characteristics of Successful Dog Training Techniques

Monday, May 28th, 2007

By: Brian Dolezal

When it comes to dog training, there are several factors that will affect whether or not your approach is successful. In addition to being comfortable with the environment and the person handling the training, your puppy or dog must become familiar with a schedule. As the trainer, you must consider a number of factors that will help you to provide the proper training that your dog needs to get him/her started on the road to discipline and good behavior.

Convenience. Although some dogs can be professionally trained as rescue or medical respondents, the majority of pet owners simply want their animals to respond to common commands. Therefore, a convenient and easy to understand approach at dog training will be the most effective. Most pets respond to positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding them with a treat, praise and strokes when they have done something right. If a training program is too complicated, it may require the help of a professional trainer. For standard training, a convenient approach is more likely to produce results.

Cost. When you add up the cost of food, supplies and veterinarian expenses, the cost of a pet is anything but cheap. Unless it involves specialized rescue or medical purposes, training your pet shouldn’t be something that costs a fortune. Enrolling your four-legged friend in dog training classes can be pricey, which is why many pet owner opt for training their puppies and dogs at home with a little help from books, videos and/or training programs. These methods often provide valuable insight and allow pet owners to receive the same results as a trainer could furnish, but at a fraction of the cost.

Training methods. When it comes to dog training, the approach that you use will ultimately determine whether or not your attempt is a success or failure. Dog or puppy training should always involve gentle treatment and never include physically or verbally harming your animal. Pets respond to the tone of your voice and positive reinforcement but, during no time, will instilling fear in an animal ever improve your training results. The best and most effective method will include rewards when your pet obeys and ignoring them when they refuse.

Persistence. As with most things in life, results take time. Successful dog training will not occur overnight but, given time, will prove to be a valuable asset to both you and your dog. In order to achieve the best results, you must be willing to spend time working with your pet on a daily basis and continually train your pet even if the task takes more time than you originally thought. In the beginning, responses may be slow or even non-existent. With persistence, you will start to notice a change in your pet that will last a lifetime.

Patience. When it comes to dog training, patience is truly a virtue. Because your puppy or dog doesn’t have the ability to communicate in a verbal way, it will take time to teach him/her how to respond to your voiced commands and tone. When you initially start to train your dog, he/she may not respond at all or may even become anxious if they sense that you have treats in your hand or pocket. The key is to have patience with your pet as he/she tries to learn what you desire of them and how best to achieve it.

Article Source

Brian Dolezal is a contributing editor for TopConsumerReviews.com, a leading provider of independent reviews and rankings for hundreds of consumer products. You can find out how top dog training programs compare by visiting TopConsumerReviews.com today.

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