Animal Behavior College Encourages Annual Checkups, Offers Tips to Relieve Transportation Woes during National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day August 22

Santa Clarita, Calif. (PRWEB) August 21, 2014

When was the last time your cat had a check-up? If you are like thousands of cat owners, it has probably been a while. Even though cats outnumber dogs in the U.S. (there are 95.6 million cats compared to 83.3 million dogs, according to the American Pet Products Association), cat owners are less likely to schedule annual exams than dog owners are.

Like their counterparts, cats need regular exams and vaccinations, too. With some owners avoiding veterinary visits due to an anticipated negative reception from their cats, some choose to forgo the visit altogether. However, a visit to the veterinarian does not have to be a dreaded and stressful event, reports Animal Behavior College (ABC).

August 22 is “National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day.” To heighten awareness, ABC not only encourages cat owners to schedule regular veterinary visits, but also suggests behavior modification techniques that teach cats to make positive associations when being crated, which in turn could make for a more peaceful and less stressful ride to the veterinary office.

“Many cat owners are not aware that there is a direct correlation between their cat’s behavior and how they develop negative associations over time, which can occur every time they are placed in a carrier or riding in a car,” said Steven Appelbaum, president and CEO of Animal Behavior College. “There is a misconception that cats cannot be trained and that challenging behaviors are not treatable. In fact, you can modify cat behaviors. You can train them to enter a carrier for transport. Behavioral changes are attainable by employing positive associations for desired results.”

The 2012 American Veterinary Medical Association U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook affirmed that total veterinary visits for canines in 2011 was 130.4 million compared to veterinary visits for cats at only 60.5 million visits.

In addition, 38 percent of cat owners admitted that taking their cat to the veterinarian caused much anxiety and stress, according to the Bayer-AAFP study. As part of ABC’s program for professional cat trainers, the school teaches positive reinforcement training to correct undesirable feline behaviors.

Positive Association. Unlike dogs, most cats are not accustomed to being in a crate or transported via a carrier. To create a positive association, ensure that the carrier is large enough for your cat to move around comfortably. Set it in an area on the floor that is easily accessible. Place, treats, catnip or favorite toys inside it. Leave the carrier out for two to three weeks until your cat regularly enters it on his own; he might even sleep in it. Every cat is different, so be prepared to make timeline adjustments as necessary.

Take Your Cat on a Test Drive. Once your cat is familiar with the carrier, put him in and take him for a short car ride that does not end at the veterinarian’s office. Do this a few times so that your cat does not always associate the car (or the carrier) with the veterinary or vaccinations clinic. When it comes time to take the cat to the vet, he should be less-stressed out upon arrival.

Prepare for the Ride. Once your cat has adapted to the carrier, you are ready to prepare him for the journey to the veterinarian’s office. A day or two before the trip, place your cat in a confined area so he does not hide when it is time to leave. Ensure he has access to food, water and a toy and place an extra blanket or towel inside the carrier. Repeat this process an hour before the trip so that your cat has time to enter the carrier on his own. While in transition, periodically observe your cat’s behavior to make sure he is not in distress.

ABC also offers an online continuing education program that teaches the proper socialization techniques for developing happy and healthy human-to-feline relationships. The Cat Management and Training Program is available to all of the school’s certified graduates. To become a dog trainer and obtain dog training certification or enroll in the veterinary assistance or grooming programs, please visit our website at http://www.AnimalBehaviorCollege.com/info or call 1-800-795-3294.

###

About Animal Behavior College

Animal Behavior College is the premier international vocational school specializing in certified animal career training programs. ABC has created a powerful team of skilled advocates who are devoted to nurturing the human-animal bond The founders of ABC have spent years developing and perfecting affordable career programs, many of which combine home learning with hands-on training externships with professional mentors. To date, more than 28,000 students have enrolled in ABC programs including over 1,900 in ABC's cat training program.

Pets Travel in Comfort and Style with Carriers from PuddlesPetCarrier.com

Mountain Home, ID (PRWEB) June 23, 2011

Web entrepreneurs Barry and Kim Kubala are proud to introduce their blog, which accompanies their business site, http://www.PuddlesPetCarrier.com. The small business was established in 2008 and expanded to include the pet supply website in August 2009.

“Years ago we raised Pomeranians, so going into this line of business was a natural extension,” said Barry. “We use many of the products on the site with our one dog and three cats, so we can personally attest to the product quality.”

At PuddlesPetCarrier.com pet owners are invited to browse a vast array of pet goods. There are collars and colorful toys specially made for feline friends, as well as bird food and cage accessories for feathered friends. Spoil man’s best friend with squeaky toys, adorable pajamas, rain coats and sweater jackets, and mahogany stained food and drink bowls. For safety, first aid kits for treating minor scratches or stabilizing serious conditions until a veterinarian can be reached are a must-have for all responsible pet owners. Orthopedic beds, cooling mats, and other specialty items help pets cope with aging and ailments.

The crowning jewel of the site is its collection of pet carriers and crates. These folding zippered carriers, car boosters, and backpack pet carriers are designed to ensure maximum comfort and safety for pets during travel. No longer do pets have to be put in a kennel or left in a car when the family goes on vacations or day trips.

“Pets are really full members of the family,” said Barry. “You wouldn’t leave your child home while you went off on vacation. We’ve done extensive research on carriers that allow owners to bring their furry family members along for the fun.”

The PuddlesPetCarrier.com team is committed to providing a convenient, secure shopping experience to every customer. That same commitment extends to offering the lowest prices on the highest quality pet carriers, dog beds and crates. Queries and comments are welcomed and responded to promptly by a friendly, knowledgeable staff member.

“We try to be extremely cost-conscious, so every owner can afford quality, practical carriers that are comfortable for pets and fit within a family’s active lifestyle,” said Barry.

For additional product information, visit the site’s brand new blog, http://www.PuddlesPetCarrierBlog.com. The Kubalas provide valuable advice from their years as pet owners. Their posts direct attention to first aid kits for dogs, helping aging pets cope with arthritis, and other ailment solutions that lead to happier, healthier pets.

About the Company:

PuddlesPetCarrier.com – a division of Kubears Spectrum, LLC – is owned and operated by web entrepreneurs Barry and Kim Kubala. The inspiration behind the company name comes from the Kubalas’ son who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at a young age. Their son’s happiness and love of animals helped the Kubala family develop the website for the safety and caring of their pets.

Barry and Kim Kubala

http://www.PuddlesPetCarrier.com

(801) 791-2175 (day); (208) 587-0779 (evening)

iePlexus, Inc.

http://www.iePlexus.com

Cow Hide for your Dog

There is a misconception about cowhide dog toys. They are not meant to be eaten, but rather used as an amusement toy for your pet. Of course it is edible and there is no preventing them from devouring it before your eyes. These toys are made from the inner layer of the hide from a cow that can be manipulated into various shapes. Like other toy products, there are good and bad points to giving your dogs these toy-treats. Make sure to monitor the progress of your dog and so you can throw it out before they swallow a large enough piece to cause injury.

what are cow hide toys

Rawhide helps to play a part in teaching your dog, especially when they're puppies, how to chew. These rawhides usually come from the inner layer of the hide from a cow and sold in pieces made to look like bones, sticks or bacon stripes. Pieces of rawhide are given to pets as toys to keep them busy because dogs have a general tendency to chew. Cow hide contains calories and a small amount of protein but are not food for your pets. It is recommended two hours worth of chewing a day is adequate for most pets.

Are they good or bad for your dog

There is the possibility for your dog to swallow on to large of piece of cow hide and can result in vomiting and/or diarrhea. Make sure to dispose of pieces that have been chewed too small but are too large where it is not safe for your dog to swallow at once. If a large piece is eaten, it is not so dangerous enough where surgery is needed, but can become very uncomfortable for your pet while it being digested. Rawhides should be offered as a toy or an addition to a balanced diet. Although it consists of protein and is digestible, it is not considered a "food" item.

Other Alternative Dog Toys

Although there are many benefits to buying a rawhide and injury cases are relatively low for these toy-treats, there are plenty of other toys that are just as fun and much safer. Kong chew toys are a very popular alternative but is relatively more expensive than rawhide. Tennis balls and rope toys are also some other good toys to buy.

Although rawhide dog toys are relatively cheap ranging anywhere from $1.00 to $10.00 depending on the bag size. What's great is that dogs enjoy them and it helps with the overall teeth and gum health of your dog. They come in many shapes and sizes so it is suited to all small, medium and large breeds. Due to these factors and the low number of cases where dogs have been injured, many owners continue to give these affordable treats to their dogs. The material in rawhide is usually not a problem for most dogs, the problem is that some dogs have the urge to swallow large pieces that can get stuck in their esophagus, stomach or intestines that may require surgical removal. So remember to supervise your dog before they swallow that last piece.

Absolute Auction Eutrophia Farms in Ohio with Horses, Equipment to Sell

Chesterland, Ohio (PRWEB) October 09, 2013

Elisabeth Alexander has been a well-known fixture in the Ohio horse racing community for some time now, but the 85-year-old owner, breeder and equine enthusiast has decided it’s time to retire and is offering her equestrian farm to the public. Myers Jackson, auctioneer and marketing producer with United Country – iNational of Tallahassee, Fla., in conjunction with United Country – Premier Estates of Tampa, Fla., referring broker, and Wigton Real Estate & Auction Co. of Ashley, Ohio, will be conducting a live and online auction event to offer the Eutrophia Farms, farm equipment and prime Thoroughbred horses to the public Tuesday, Oct. 22.

This property consists of a roughly 140-acre equestrian estate that is located near several race tracks and only 25 miles from Cleveland. Eutrophia Farms is home multiple barns with a total of 81 stalls, indoor and outdoor arenas, a Eurosizer, round pens, storage buildings and run-in sheds. The land offers 25 pastures and paddocks, roughly two and a half miles of wooded riding trails, three lakes, and several housing options.

"Eutrophia Farms is an extremely versatile farm and was designed for multiple uses," Elias Del Val, current farm manager for Eutrophia Farms. "The property is currently used as a Thoroughbred breeding and training facility, but it is also well-suited as a multi-discipline training and boarding facility for Standardbreds, Quarter Horses, Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, Polo, and more. This Ohio horse farm has all the amenities necessary for equine breeding, boarding, and training."

The updated 1901 home is a split-level, two-suite farmhouse featuring approximately 2,135 square feet of gross living space. Upstairs and downstairs both offer a two-bedroom, single-bath suite. The manager’s house is a renovated and remodeled 1900s farmhouse with about 2,040 square feet, three bedrooms and two baths.

Also offered for sale on the same day are 24 horses – yearlings and broodmares – and a sizable personal property collection including trucks, trailers, tractors, equipment, tack, tools, furniture and other items.

The breeder’s sale is subject to reserve and prior sale. Real estate, land buildings and listed equipment sells absolute.

The October 22 auction will begin at 10 a.m. on-site at 7939 Sherman Road in Chesterland, Ohio. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. Interested parties can also join the bidding process via Internet at CertifiedLandAuction.com/HorseFarm.

Ohio horse farm auction property details, photos and terms and conditions can be found at CertifiedLandAuction.com. United Country – iNational can be reached at 800-711-9175, or by email at Info(at)uccre(dot)com.

Last Updated 10-17-2013

Setting Up Aquariums: Where Do I Start?

Setting Up Aquariums: Where Do I Start?

Aquarium equipment

To set up fish tank aquariums you will need this equipment: filter, lighting, heater, gravel, plants and décor. You will also want replacement filter media and aquarium test kits to examine water parameters and monitor the nitrogen cycle. I enthusiastically advise buying entire system fish tank aquariums which come with all the necessary aquarium equipment. This means you are not confused as to what precisely you need for setting up your fish tank or bewildered by the range of numerous types of equipment for sale. Purchasing tank aquariums with all you want gives you peace of mind and relieves a lot of pressure!

Establishing your aquarium

Before buying an aquarium you need to decide on the space you have free and investigate the adult size of the fish you want to keep, both of which will suggest the size and shape of aquarium that would be suitable. Considering all this has been carefully designed and your perfect aquarium is sitting with all the essential equipment ready to be set up, you can follow these steps to stress-free successful aquarium setup.

1. Position aquarium (on a stand, if needed) in an area away from direct sunlight, draughts and heat, as these alter the light and temperature of the fish tank. Also make certain that the floor is able to support the total weight of the aquarium when filled with water (approximately 10 pounds per gallon of water).

2. Rinse out the aquarium with water as hot as you can tolerate. Do not use detergents or soaps as residue will be detrimental to tropical fish.

3. Position the under-gravel filter in the bottom of the fish tank (if your aquarium comes with one), following the instructions included.

4. Wash the gravel thoroughly in hot water using a sieve to take out any dust or debris. Add the gravel to the aquarium, covering the under-gravel filter. Create a gentle slope of gravel, deepest at the back.

5. Wash all artificial decorations and plants in hot water and arrange in the fish tank.

6. Fasten the aquarium heater to the inside of the tank with its suction cups but do not plug it in for at least 30 minutes until the thermostat has adjusted to the water temperature, otherwise the heater may shatter. Obviously, you need to have researched the species you anticipate to keep to learn about specific temperature requirements.

7. Set up the aquarium filter following the instructions enclosed, placing the filter media inside.

8. Put a dish on the bottom of the aquarium to break the force of the water and fill the aquarium with water that is at room temperature. Add de-chlorinator to the water if you are using tap water that is unfiltered. Look for any rare leaks as you fill the tank. (They are easily repaired with aquarium silicone).

9. Unless the lighting of the aquarium is previously fitted underwater, place the light on top.

10. Plug in all the equipment and check that everything is working correctly. Ensure there is a dip in the cord before it reaches the electrical outlet, known as a 'drip loop'. This ensures the water drips off onto the floor and does not pass directly into the electrical socket.

Your aquarium is now ready to run in its self but is still not ready for sustaining freshwater fish. Beneficial bacteria needs to be established first, and the aquarium environment then needs to change as new fish are gradually added.

How to proceed after initial aquarium setup

Allow the tank to settle and the water stabilize for some days. During this time you should keep monitoring the water parameters using aquarium test kits to ensure they are ideal for the fish you intend to have (temperature, pH, hardness, and ammonia).

Nitrogen cycle

You will then need to begin the nitrogen cycle so your fish tank will be ready to support healthy tropical fish (see related article 'Setting-Up Tropical Freshwater Fish Tank Aquariums: The Nitrogen Cycle').

Aquarium care

When the nitrogen cycle is finished and you start adding fish to your fish tank, you should start on a maintenance plan. Each day make sure that fish are healthy, especially during feeding times, and make sure that the filters and heaters are functioning properly. Wash your tank every one to two weeks and carry out 25% water changes once a month.

http://www.tropical-fish.me

http://www.enigma-webdesign.com

Collars for Dogs that Pull

Dog collars are available in a wide range of sizes, designs, and styles. It is up to the owner to choose the best one for their pet dog. While purchasing a dog collar, certain factors are to be taken into consideration, such as the dog's size, temperament, and mode of training. For most dogs, the regular nylon and leather varieties serve the best purpose. Nevertheless, choosing the right one for strong-willed and stubborn pets is not very easy. Indeed, you do have to spend an extra effort purchasing one for a dog that pulls while on a leash.

Types of Collars

For many dog owners, it is quite challenging to select the best brand from the different types of collars available. Using the right no-pull collar will help you control and train your dog easily. Otherwise, you will have a difficult time while training or simply walking with your dog. The following are some options for dogs that pull.

Head Collars

This is a proper training collar which works by pressing slightly on the dog's muzzle and neck. So, whenever the dog tries to pull or behave aggressively, he/she will feel that pressure on the muzzle. When used correctly, head collars can help in proper training and correcting a dog's behavioral problems (if any).

Halter Type Collars

This is the best option to have full control over your dog. It is more or less similar to a horse halter that goes around the back of the head. When you pull the leash slightly, it will give a direct pressure to the head, thus helping you to lay control over your dog while training or going for walks.

Chain-Slip Collars

Simply called a choke chain, this variety is used for training very aggressive dogs. Contrary to the steady pulling mode, this collar sits high on the neck and involves a fast tug-and-release method, which tightens around the dog as long as he/she continues to pull. Prior to using this, make sure that you understand the guidelines properly. To be precise, use this collar when your dog does not behave well with the regular, traditional ones.

Pronged Collars

Prongs are easy to use, and a better option as compared to slip collars. Unlike choke chains, pronged collars are configured in such a way that the dog is tightened to a certain extent. With prongs around the neck (behind the ears), applying a strong pressure can cause injury to the dog's skin. Hence, understand the manual properly before using it.

Dog Harnesses

A dog harness is actually more than a collar, wherein the leash is connected to the chest and ribcage portion. With such an option, the dog is refrained from choking even if he/she tries to pull while walking. Many dog owners prefer using this rather than using a collar, especially if their pets tend to pull while being outdoors.

Understand the product that suits your pet dog and buy the correct type. In case you are not clear about the correct collar brand for your pet, don't hesitate to seek advice from a professional dog trainer. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Humming Bird Houses Need Special Considerations

Birdhouses are a lot of fun to build and hang in your backyard. There are many different types of species that enjoy the birdhouses. However, the humming bird is a unique species of bird that requires its own specific humming bird house. Once you know and understand the specific needs of the humming bird, you can build them a humming bird house that they will enjoy year after year.

Pay Attention To What The Humming Bird Needs

There are two important things that pertain to all humming birds. Humming birds usually build small nests and they will never live in the same humming bird house with other birds. So, in order to build a humming bird house that the humming bird will like, one must keep these two important factors in mind at all times.

Another thing to consider is the climate. Humming birds cannot have a nest where the sun is too hot. If the sun is too hot it may cook the eggs in their nest. Their eggs are very delicate and can cook quickly in the hot sun. One must also put the humming bird house away from the wind. Strong winds could blow the eggs right out of the humming bird nest. So, make sure you consider the climate when you are building your humming bird house.

Choose a high place to place your humming bird house. Most humming birds like to build their nests in trees that are at least six to twelve feet from the ground. They feel as if they are more protected if they are up higher. So, when you are placing your humming bird house, make sure to put it as high off the ground as possible.

Be careful when determining the location for the nesting platform. One of the best places for the nesting platform is to attach it to the side of a building or a tree and have it curved downward. Once again, remember to place it in an area where there is very minimal sunlight and wind.

Use humming bird food and treats in and around your humming bird house. This will attract the humming birds to your location and keep them interested in their new home. You can purchase humming bird food and supplies at your local pet store or anywhere bird supplies are sold.

These are just a few considerations to keep in mind when you are making or buying a humming bird house. Watching humming birds nest and raise little ones can be fun and exciting. When you pay attention to their needs, they are happier birds and will be more likely to return year after year to build their nests and raise their young.

How To Clean Cat Beds – The Easy Way!

After your cat has used its cat bed for a while, it will need to be cleaned. They may get their dirty paws on the bed or they may salivate on it. They are also likely to shed their hair on the bed. Cleaning cat beds will get rid of the dirt and freshen the bed up so that it smells good again. So, if you are spending a lot of time keeping our homes spic and span, particularly when there are four-footed friends to constantly clean up after. So it can be quite disturbing to see the way your pet's dirty since it's his fortress, and too often it's a cat bed covered with mud, hair, salivate and something that smells deviously like the pile of trash your cat was rubbing himself in your yard.

Cat beds come in all shapes and sizes - some are covered with a slipcover and other kitty nests are piled high with blankets. Learning how to clean cat beds is very easy as 1-2-3:

Cleaning The Foam

€ If you've got a foam cat bed, unzip the cover, take it outside and shake out as much of the hair and dust as you can. If any hair remains, try once-over with a lint roller.

€ Next, soak the cover in the sink in a hot water for 10 minutes before you wash it with soap to kill any bacteria that could possibly creep around. Squeeze the water out and wash it with soap.

€ Vacuum the cat bed thoroughly to get any dust or hair that may have left.

€ Fill your sink with hot water and some mild detergent (don't use the same water you washed the cover in!). Once the water is warm enough to be bearable, use your hands to work the soap into the foam and perhaps put something heavy on it to hold it down while it soaks.

€ Drain it and top-up the tub with clean water. Don't forget to squeeze the cat bed to get the soap out - keep at it until all the soapsuds are gone.

€ Don't put it in the dryer - that could shrink the cover.

Urinated Cat Bed

1. If the urine is new, blot up as much of it as you can use paper towels or a sponge. Apply amply of pressure to reach the succulence deep down. Stand on the paper towels for more pressure if necessary. If you own a wet/dry vacuum cleaner extract as much of the moisture as you can.

2. Mix a solution of 50% vinegar and 50% water in a container. Pour a small amount of this solution over the area of cat urine. I used about 50mls. Then start blotting as described above to soak up this solution.

3. Dash a baking soda over the area.

4. Mix a quarter of a cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with a teaspoon of dishwashing detergent and drizzle it over the area where you have sprinkled the baking powder and work it in using your fingers or use a brush. Allow fifteen minutes for the solution to work and then begin blotting again.

Caution: Do not use hydrogen peroxide that is stronger than 3%.

5. The cushion must now be left to dry carefully. A good sign is when the baking soda feels totally dry. Then vacuum up the baking soda thoroughly. Use a hard bristled brush to loosen up the baking soda if needed.

That's all there is to it. It's as easy as that!

Tips to Buy Dog Toys

When you have a trillion options of entertainment today, why not give some options to your cute canine pet too? After all it gives you company and boosts up your mood by wagging its tail and doing the tricks that you have taught it. Then why not treat it with some nice and dog friendly toys?

Choosing the right dog toy for your pooch is very significant. It is not as easy as going to your nearest dog supplies shop, pulling out any toy and giving it to your puppy. You will be laying down your precious bucks if you resort to this methodology. Dogs are also like your children so just like purchasing toys for your kids, you have to give some serious thought before buying dog toys.

There are some tips that would prove to be handy when you go on a shopping spree for your doggy. Make sure that the toys you buy are specially designed for dogs. This is because they are manufactured keeping the nature and habits of dogs in mind. If you give your dog your own tennis ball then chances are 99 to 100 that your canine buddy would tear it off. So if you have to give it balls to play with, go for ones that are dog friendly.

The size of the toy should be according to the size of your pet. If you buy toys that are too small then there is a hazard that your dog will swallow it. If your dog has very tough chewing habits then go or tougher toys. Keep the chewing habits of your pet in mind while shopping for it. If you have selected toys that are easily breakable and can splinter, you need to think again. Check twice that the toys you are buying are made up of non-toxic materials and thus are not a health hazard for your dog.

If you want your puppy to remain active and healthy, then go for toys that encourage exercise and enhance play and fun habits of your dog. You can buy Frisbees, balls, ropes and tugs that will attract your dog to fetch and tug-of-war. These toys also encourage your dog's interaction with human beings and thus are a good tool to develop friendship.

Innovative and modern dog toys include dental health enhancing toys. They are not only beneficial for the tooth and gums of your dog but are also easy to clean. They come in a wide range of variety including dog toys that freshen the breath of dogs. So these toys are a big yes because they are very practical.

If your dog feels depressed and anxious when you are away that leave some toys for it that reduce boredom and separation anxiety and are challenging as well. Such toys include puzzle toys and others that require your dog to work for treats. We suggest that you keep these useful tips in mind while buying dog toys and you will definitely make a wise choice.