An important pre-requisite before taking your dog on a pack walk, is to make sure that your dogs are well-trained and disciplined. They should recognize you as the alpha leader and thus always look up to you for guidance and discipline.

While walking your dogs, they should always be aware that you are the leader by letting them heel beside or behind you. This action will reinforce the notion that you are the one in charge, and that you will be the one to lead the way.

Dogs love to explore and investigate anything along the side of the road. However, during pack walks, they can only stop to sniff or eliminate when you give the permission. Male dogs can be  ... Read more »

Psittacine birds include parrots, macaws, cockatiels, and parakeets. In their natural habitat, they consume a wide variety of foods including insects, plants, nectar, and some small animal species.

 
In captivity, birds are usually given a seed diet. Seeds contain high amounts of fat however these are deficient in other nutrients including vitamin A and D. When kept on this diet for a long period of time, the bird has higher risks of developing liver disease, skin and feather problems, and other medical problems.

To keep your pet bird happy and healthy, the dietary recommendation includes a combination of commercially formulated pelleted bird food, fresh whole foods, and some treats. Pellets should comprise 60-70% of your pet’s diets; 30-40% should be from fresh, whole foods. The latter group can include fresh fruits, raw or cooked vegetables, cooked rice or pasta, butter-free popcorn, or any healthy food that is low in fat and salt. Treats sh ... Read more »

Orphaned and abandoned kittens are totally helpless especially during the first few weeks of their lives thus they need all the help they can get from you to survive.

If you are caught in this dilemma, it is best to contact your veterinarian and ask for advice on how to take care of the kitten.

When raising kittens, make sure to keep them warm and making sure that they are given proper nutrition. You can use a cardboard box as a homemade incubator or nest to keep your kitten warm.

 
It is also recommended to keep track of your kitten’s development by weighing them every day during the first week and every 2-3 days during the next few weeks. Make sure to write everything down so you can have a record to help you and your vet track the kitten’s progress.

 
Have your kitten checked regularly by a veterinarian Brighton.

As a puppy turns two months of age, he learns to be more perceptive of his immediate environment. It is recommended that puppies be weaned between eight to ten weeks old.

Weaning is such a stressful time for very young puppies. While still very young, they should undergo socialization to prepare them dealing with new changes in their surroundings. A puppy that is well-socialized can easily deal with new people, animals, and situations.

If you have a new puppy, it is recommended to bring him to a vet for a complete checkup. This is also a good time to ask your vet for valuable advice regarding your pet’s vaccination schedules and wellness checkups.

A new puppy will also mean housetraining the newest addition to the pack. It is your responsibility to train and lead your puppy to behave in an appropriate manner. It is also important for your puppy to know that you are the dominant member of the pack, and as such should be looked up to for leadership.

Aside from being used during walking and letting the dog out to attend to the call of nature, a dog harness will allow you to easily get a large and heavy dog into the car. A dog harness can also provide support to partially paralyzed dogs as well as those dogs limping from severe arthritis or osteoarthritis. A dog harness can also give you full control of your dog and prevent it from running aimlessly and get in harm’s way.

When your dog has just undergone surgery and needs to be restricted and controlled during the rehabilitation period, a dog harness will definitely be of much help.

A dog harness is definitely a necessary accessory to have around if you have a dog. Dogs which have been used to wearing collar and leash can be hesitant when fitted with a harness for the first time. During the first few weeks, you can entice him with treats until he will feel more comfortable with the harness. Be sure, though, that the harness fits him well for an ill-fitting h ... Read more »

The Bombay cat is a miniature affectionate panther. Copper-eyed with short black hair,
this cat derives its name from Bombay, a city in India, also known as the land of the
black leopard.

As a kitten, the Bombay does not warrant a second look. However, once they reach their
fourth month, their lustrous, satin-like black coat and stunning gold eyes develop.

The breed makes a good pet to families with children. They love being around people,
displaying affection and being attached not to one particular family member but to all
members.

The breed was created by Nikki Horner, an American breeder in the late ‘50s. She was
able to successfully cross a black American Shorthair with a champion Burmese
producing a cat that looks like a miniature panther with the characteristics of the
Burmese. The breed was accepted for registration by the Cat Fancier’s Association in
1976 and was allowed to compete in ... Read more »

A fearful cat is prone to act negatively when there is sudden movement or noise. It is always suspicious of his surroundings. However, in time, he will be able to develop confidence as he gets used to his new surroundings.

A fearful cat will easily retreat into his shell when he feels threatened. When you have just adopted a timid pet, be prepared to give him time to adjust comfortably to his new home. Some cats may take months while some can easily get used to the new environment within a week or two.

To help your cat deal with this phase of transition, it is best to put him to a small room. He may try to hide under a bed or furniture in the room. When he does, just let him be. Don’t force him out for he may react in fear. Sooner or later, he will come out of his hiding place when he is already comfortable in his new surroundings. Put a litter box that he can use as
well as food and water which are placed at a considerable distance from the litter box. ... Read more »

First, unlike other domestic birds, ducks do not require wing clipping. They are far too heavy to fly successfully even if they attempt to do so. To prevent your ducks from getting injured when climbing in or out of their pool, provide a sturdy, safe ramp. Their cages should also be covered if the lining is made of wire.

 
If you notice any bare spots around the head of a female duck, do not be alarmed as this is likely caused by mating behaviour. Males usually release a mucous during the mating process and you can help remedy this by allowing your ducks to bathe regularly. Visit a veterinarian D’ilberville if necessary for more info.

Overall, in order to keep your ducks healthy, keep their surroundings and shelter as clean as possible at all times. This includes the water that they swim in and the food that they eat.

Khaki Campbells are known for their laying process and can produce over 300 eggs annually. The only problem is that brooding isn’t their strength so if breeding them is your goal, you may need an incubator. Male Campbells are beautiful in colour with shades of mottled brown, grey, bright blue; and velvety green on its body. On the other hand, females are primarily brown and black. Male and female Campbells can have either grey or orange legs. Campbells are proficient swimmers.

Another popular duck breed is Muscovys. Unattractive in its appearance, Muscovys can weigh up to 17.6 lbs. Their faces are red and blotchy. They are not the most popular duck breed but they are temperate and devoted pets often searching for a pat or cuddle. Muscovys are open to being held by their owners.

Visit vets Carlisle for more info on different duck breeds. See here.

Dogs are naturally aggressive animals and are physically capable of inflicting harm on both humans and dogs alike. Being aggressive is an instinct which was developed by their ancestors in the wild to defend themselves as well as their territory.

 
•    Although domestication have tamed dogs over the years, there are dogs that continue to be aggressive and dangerous as a result of lack of training.

 
•    Dogs become aggressive when they are scared or nervous. They can also get aggressive when they feel that their territory, food, toy, or other members of the pack are threatened.

 
•    If you feel that your dog needs help, seek out a professional dog trainer. The problem will not go away on its own.

 
•    Avoid situations where your dog is likely to show aggression. Everyone's safety should be your priority.

... Read more »