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by Dog Trainer - austdogtraining.com
There are many different breeds of dogs and no one of them has a monopoly on brains. Puppies are idividuals just like humans. Some may be bold and some may be shy, but most of them can be molded, in fact a lot of puppies mimic the behavior of their owners. Some of the best puppie training advice is to know what you are doing as a trainer. One of the first things that you should concentrate on is to teach the puppy its name.
Pick a simple name and use it always when you talk to your puppy so that the puppy gets used to hearing it. Make sure that the puppy connects hearing its name with something good like praise or a treat. Start the training gently and don’t be harsh. Puppies and all dogs learn through repetition so you must be patient, you probably won’t see results overnight. Talk to your puppy a lot and establish communication with it. This relationship will draw the two of you closer together.
A good piece of puppy training advice that will save you a lot of frustration is, if the puppy can’t learn a certain thing, switch to something else. Another tip is to make the lessons brief so that the puppy doesn’t get bored. As was mentioned before, you must reward or reinforce the puppy for the response that you want. This can be with praise and treats or just praise. Remember to give the reward immediately as a puppy’s memory is very short.
If you have to correct or discipline, a disgusted voice is usually enough. If you need more force, make a startling noise by hitting a rolled up newspaper against your knee or some object.
Avoid using your hand to hit the dog, if you must, make sure that it is just a light tap. Basic training consists of name recognition, the “No” command, “Quiet” and house training (housebreaking).
Talk to the puppy a lot and start with only a few minutes a day of training and lots of play time. The best puppy training advice is to keep at it, be patient and don’t let either you or the puppy get bored. Follow these basic steps and you should be on your way to successfully training your puppy.
PawsandFur.com
The Cocker Spaniel is basically a hunting dog and its appearance reflects the capability of the dog. These dogs socialize well and behave nicely with children. Cocker Spaniel obedience training is normally simple as they are always eager to please their owners. Cockers sometimes may become more possessive of their owners and barks to alert them of a visitor. If they are left alone for a longer period, they become aggressive and may retaliate.
Cockers are brilliant family dogs and require lots of exercise; they also love swimming and running off the lead. They are friendly and love human companionship and like to please their owners. They live about 11 to 12 years and some of the health problems that affect them are skin allergies, cataracts, shyness, benign tumors, bite problems and deafness.
There are two types of Cockers namely the English and the American. The tallness in these two types distinguishes them. Normally, American Cocker is longer than the English Cocker. Cocker Spaniel obedience training involves trimming the coat and regular grooming. If you want to give them a neat look, then trimming is necessary.
Cocker dogs are excellent working and hunting dogs. Cocker Spaniel obedience training can be carried out without much difficulty as they are highly intelligent. Also, they are good learners and always eager to please their masters. The dogs can be trained as sniffer dogs that are used to check for food products or drugs. A working Cocker is a flushing dog and it need some training to do the job efficiently. A well-bred Cocker Spaniel is playful, gentle, trusting, loyal and happy towards everyone.
Cocker Spaniel obedience training includes the special grooming needs. The coat length may be wavy or flat. The color of the coat can be buff, liver, buff etc. The ears are silky and long and require daily cleaning. They should be combed and brushed at least twice or thrice a week to shun matting on the chest, ears and legs. They appreciate and love long vigorous walks.
Cocker Spaniels easily catch ear infections and hence the ears should be cleaned properly. If you are leaving her for professional grooming, then make sure the ear is cleaned properly. Any excess fluid or water should not remain inside the ear. The ear cleaning may be difficult to carry out. Cocker Spaniel obedience training will be easier if you keep her healthy and free from ear infections.
Cockers teeth should be brushed with the specific toothpaste and brush for at least twice in a week. Brushing removes the tartar and hence can avoid cavities and periodontal disease. The toenails also require care and should be clipped regularly. Strengthen your emotional bonds with her to keep her healthy and happy.
If left alone, they become more aggressive and even can bite or bark for longer hours to show their unhappiness. On the other hand, if trained right from a young age, they behave very well with others and children and shows their happiness and affection towards the family.
By Lisa Moore - McClatchy Newspapers
A pet-behavior specialist shares unforgettable dog-training challenges from the past year.
As we start the new year, the inevitable lists begin to show up: resolutions, want lists, to-do lists, dieting lists, and on and on.
I've come up with a new list; one of memorable dog-training challenges of 2009.
1. DOGS NAMED BO, JOE AND MOE. No kidding, all in the same house. One can only imagine the chaos and confusion of having three dogs all answering to — or collectively ignoring — a similar sounding name. After an hour of "Bo, no!" and "Joe, no!" I told the owner I could take "no Moe" and we discussed necessary name changes for all.
2. "MY DOG IS DUMB" SYNDROME. Many a client will describe his dog as a few kibbles short of a bag, wrongly assuming that the dog is incapable of learning. The bored dog at the end of the leash looks to be thinking the same of his owner. These are such fun cases to work with, because once we are able to teach the client how to relate to the dog in a canine way, learning becomes easy, and success is achieved. So bring on your "dumb" dogs — a good trainer will prove to you the brilliance of your canine friend.
3. WRONG DOG-OWNER COMBO. Time and again we see people matched with the wrong dog for their situation or lifestyle. Dog and owner are caught in a failure chain, as neither individual is capable of meeting the needs of the other. The senior citizen with a crazy Border collie, the 6-year-old with the Great Dane, the marathon runner with a Basset hound, the knitting nester with a German shorthaired pointer, the infirm individual with a young puppy. Training will not supersede the essence of the dog's character or activity level. The solution for this is simple — know what energy level you are able to handle for the next 10 years, and then choose a puppy or adult dog accordingly. Don't expect to bend the will and nature of the dog's spirit — you won't succeed.
4. "IT'S MY CHILD'S DOG." Parents, take note. No matter how much your child wants to be involved with obtaining, training and caring for a dog, the ultimate responsibility is yours. Should your child be involved? Absolutely, but at best it is a joint project, and as your child continues to grow and develop other interests, the family dog will continue to require care, training and companionship, and that's on you. So if you do not have the time or interest to take on a new furry family member, skip the puppy, and get your child a goldfish.
Note: Pet fish can be trained to do tricks, too!
5. "SHE'S NOT A DOG, SHE'S A PERSON." Contrary to current pop culture trends, dogs do not need or enjoy being dressed up in costumes, spritzed with cologne, or used as an accessory for an outfit. No matter the breed or size, dogs are canines, and to ignore their needs as a species is to do them a great disservice. Dogs will put up with all manner of ridiculous things we humans thrust upon them, but embracing and providing your dog with what her true canine needs are is what takes your relationship with her to the next level.
Lisa Moore is a pet-behavior specialist in Modesto, Calif.
Deva Samuels - FetchInfo.Wordpress.com
When humans go to the dentist for our bi-yearly checkups we all get the lecture from our vet about flossing and brushing our pet dogs at home. Imagine if you never brushed your teeth, if all your food was hard and crunchy but your gums were swollen and sore! That’s how it can be for our pets.
Dental disease, periodontal disease and gingivitis have been a huge issue for both cats and dogs. Although some pets take to having their teeth brushed, removing all the tartar and plaque can only be obtained though a dental prophylactic cleaning. Most veterinarians recommend pets to have their teeth cleaned yearly. This process involves a routine blood panel to make sure that your pet is healthy enough to undergo general anesthesia. This is very important to confirm that your pets liver and kidneys are functioning properly to process the anesthetic.
Your vet will also perform a general exam. Your vet will then anesthetize your pet under full general anesthesia and using a hand-scaler will scale all surfaces of each tooth to remove any plaque and tartar. The vet will scale under the gum line to help prevent gingivitis. Routine cleanings while under anesthesia will allow a very thorough cleaning and also allow the doctor to see full inside your pet dog or cat’s mouth, checking for broken teeth, masses in the mouth or any other oral issues.
There are different ways to maintain your pet’s teeth at home. Dental chews are a great way to occupy their time and clean their teeth at the same time. It is best to choose chews that are the appropriate size and texture for your pet. Some chews are kibble/treat like and some are bone like. Water additive is an easy way to help with bad breath. Most water additives contain enzymes that neutralize bacteria in the pet’s mouth to prevent bad breath. Brushing your pet’s teeth is a spectacular way to keep plaque and tartar build up away. Although it is easiest to start when a pet is young, a lot of older pets will come to tolerate teeth brushing. Some pet even like the taste of the poultry flavored toothpaste.
Never use human toothpaste on your pet. One way to get pets used to having their teeth brushed is to start with toothpaste on your finger and rubbing along the inside of the mouth for a short time. Doing this for just a few minutes each day will help adjust your pet to having things in their mouth. Then you can take the next step to a finger type toothbrushes and then move onto a regular brush. These activities will also help build patience if your pet ever has to go to the vet with an issue with their mouth, such as a broken tooth or object stuck in their mouth. It will be easier on the pet during the exam if they are used to having their mouth touched.
The benefits to good oral health range from better breath, better appetites all the way to helping prevent kidney and heart issues. The bacteria in a pet’s mouth can make it from the mouth to the blood stream. It is proven that pets that have had their oral health needs maintained live longer, pain free lives.
If you are ever in the need of pet sitting or pet services most sitters will take the time to follow your instructions on the dental care route you have chosen for your pets. Having different people handle your pet dog or cat will help prepare them for a long life with all of their teeth. When meeting the pet sitting company you chose, make sure they offer these services and be sure to show your sitter the technique you use when handling your pets mouth. Together we can make sure our pets live their lives to the fullest.
This article was written by Deva Samuels, owner of Fetch! Pet Care of West Seattle. Deva can be reached at 206-965-9851. Fetch! Pet Care is the largest national pet care company in the United States; serving 38 states in more than 2,000 cities and towns.
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by Ed Kent - BloggerNews.net
My daughter with her four children is at the moment visiting friends in CA. I was slightly in shock when she mentioned that a new addition was being made to the family.
It was with great relief that I learned that the new family arrival, Ollie, is a 1 LB LAP DOG (MALTESE) WHO NEVER MAKES A SOUND. My grand daughter had eagerly wanted a dog — the family has only a hamster now.
The possible catch here is that the last dog the family had some years ago became ours when a new residence in a another state turned out not to permit pets. I will admit that we became very attached to her and missed her when she finally had to be put away due to a painful illness.
Personally I grew up surrounded by animals - dogs, cats, but also two lambs and a pig. It was WW II and the two latter additions were supposed to provide food eventually. But Betsy and Butch became family pets who mowed our lawns as did Tiny, our pig and general garbage disposal unit. Tiny was picked up by my father when he noticed a burlap bag bouncing around on the side of the road. Tiny had probably fallen off a truck.
It was interesting to learn that our farm animals vary tremendously in intelligence. Tiny was by far ahead of the rest and a real friend to us as well. Needless to say, he did not become our bacon. We eventually returned our proposed meals back to the professionals.
With farming having become largely a cruel corporate operation, I wonder how many kids have direct contact now with more than the small dogs that we see in our neighborhood or the cats that my other daughter has.
I fear a great loss with the decline of family farming in this country. Animals now appear on a plate or in a bun. And those are not always so healthy.
One of the major beef suppliers to our schools, McDonald’s etc. has been mixing ammonia into its beef so that it can make a few more bucks selling the scraps that tend to carry infections. Apparently the process does not work very well either:
Safety of Beef Processing Method Is Questioned - NYTimes.com
Dec 31, 2009 … A Beef Products Inc. processing plant in South Sioux City, Neb. The company injects fatty beef trimmings with ammonia to remove E. coli and …
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/31/us/31meat.html
Perhaps it is time to become a vegetarian?
VisaliaTimesDelta.com
We try to make life safe for our pets, but sometimes, despite our best efforts, they get lost. When that happens, it's important to act immediately. Don't wait and assume that they will find their way home.
Here are some steps you can take to help locating your missing best friend:
If you've lost a pet:
•First, contact your local shelters and animal control agencies. The two local agencies that receive stray animals appear below. Animals received at these agencies are held about a week (varies by agency). The Valley Oak SPCA is required to hold stray animals for four days. Visit the shelters in person and ask to look at the strays picked up recently. Check back often as stray pets sometimes arrive weeks or months after they first disappear. Be sure to ask about the animals that were picked up by the shelter as sick, injured or deceased.
•File a lost report with all the shelters and agencies that you visit. When you make an actual lost report, the more specific you can be when you describe your missing pet, the better. Give lots of detail and provide a photo if you can.
•Search for your pet. Canvass the neighborhood, call and whistle. Injured, frightened or trapped animals might be encouraged to respond by the sound of your voice. Check with neighbors and friends.
•Make fliers and post lost pet notices with photographs of your missing pet in stores, churches, libraries and around your neighborhood. Include the pet's name, photograph and description, along with your name and contact information.
•Place a Lost Pet notice in the newspaper.
•Watch the found pets column in your local newspapers.
By Debbie Gary-Taskey - BeeHaven Canine Coaching
Winter time is here! In our area, winter can be harsh and frigid cold. Our pets depend on us for their safety and comfort.
For those of us who have dogs (or pets), it’s time to take precautions. First and foremost; pets are safer, happier, and healthier when kept indoors. If at all possible, pets should be brought indoors for winter. Pets can become sick or even die from hypothermia or freezing to death in extreme temperatures.
Pets that are kept outdoors need to be protected by a dry, draft free shelter large enough that they can comfortably sit and lie down in but small enough to hold their body heat. The doorway should face away from wind and have a flexible cover, such as heavy plastic, tarp or burlap. The floor should be raised off the ground and covered with cedar or straw to help keep them dry and warm.
Unless you keep your dogs outdoor water heated, you need to check more frequently and keep water available, as it will freeze. Keep in mind to use a container other than metal to feed and water your pet so that their tongue does not stick and freeze to the feeding container. Pets that are kept outdoors in winter will need more food as they burn up more calories during cold temperatures.
When taking your indoor dog outside during the winter, those dogs with a short coat or whose bodies are low to the ground can benefit to wear a water resistant coat. Boots for their paws can protect them from the harshness of winter and from harmful salt that can irritate or crack their paw pads.
Puppies, senior dogs and those with medical conditions can be more susceptible to winter conditions.
Check your dog often for signs of frostbite or hypothermia. Frostbite signs include skin discoloration (gray, red or pale), blistering or swelling usually around the ears, tail, feet or scrotum. Hypothermia could be life threatening and signs can include lethargy, shallow breathing, shivering or a weak pulse.
Some of my dogs have long hair and in the winter time I keep the long hair on their feet, paws, legs and belly trimmed. This helps to prevent snow and ice from clinging to their long hair. When they get snow balls on their body, I remove them as soon as possible to keep the cold away from their body and make them more comfortable.
It is a good idea to keep your dog on a leash as they can get lost due to having a harder time detecting scent in cold weather. Leashing dogs will also help keep them from running onto partially frozen bodies of water that could prove to be hazardous or deadly if the ice breaks and they fall in.
Keep in mind that antifreeze has a sweet taste that is tempting to pets but can be very deadly. Keep spills cleaned up and keep pets away. Consider using antifreeze products that contain propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. Salt can be irritating to their skin so be sure to wipe or wash areas of your dog that could come in contact with salt after bringing them back inside.
Winter time is also a good time to practice some basic manners with your dog. Reward your dog when he allows you to handle him while wiping or checking out those paws.
It is important that your pet feels comfortable while being handled. Practice “loose leash walking” and /or the use of a harness like the Easy Walkª harness can come in handy on those slippery days when you take your dog for a walk. Having a good “recall” (come when called) is handy if you pet gets loose to keep them from running away, getting lost or keep them from winter hazards such as running onto partially frozen bodies of water. The “leave it” cue can keep them from harmful antifreeze or other unknown objects you may encounter in the snow.
Keep these winter safety tips in mind so that you and your dog can enjoy the wintery days ahead.
Debbie Gary-Taskey is owner/professional trainer of BeeHaven Canine Coaching and PAWSITIVE STEPS columnist featured in the Daily American and Somerset Magazine. www.beehavencanine.com
K9DogTrainingTips.info
One of the first decisions we are faced with when introducing a dog into our home, is what are you going to feed him. Of course dogs do not eat what you eat, so you are tempted to go to the store, grab a bag and get on with it. However, other choices exist. Perhaps you have done away with meat in your life, and would like your dog to follow on the same footsteps. One of the primary reasons why a pet owner will take away meat from their dog’s diet is, is because they have taken it away from their own as well. This is fine, as long as the pet owner has taken the necessary precautions. One of the most important facts you need to realize when going in this direction, is that your pet is a dog, and you are a human being with similar, but different nutritional requirements.
If we take a moment to study wild dogs, you would soon make note that they rely on the hunt of the day to survive. However, there are prolonged periods of time in which the hunt is slow, and the animal will be lead to eating greens and grains to stay alive. So as much as appealing as vegetables may be, a wild dog will always be on the lookout for nice chunk of meat.
If we analyze your dog’s dentures, you will notice that nature has endowed them with large side teeth called “canines”, which serve as tools for ripping raw meat apart. Thus, in their natural state, dog where designed to be meat eaters. Steering your dog away from meat and towards greens may be going against the current, but perhaps possible.
In theory, it is possible to nourish your dog by means of vegetables and grains, but not recommended. The ingredients in your dog’s meal should contain all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals to support a healthy body. What sounds like an ideal lifestyle for you as a vegetarian, may end up being fatal for your dog.
The body of a dog requires large quantities of protein, which is mostly found in meat and some dog food brands. A lack of this nutrient in your dog’s diet will result in a weak dog that lacks enthusiasm and energy. Amino acids are another part of a nutritious diet that can hardly be met by a vegetable eating dog. Even though the dog’s body does produce close to half of the amino acids it requires for healthy living, the other half needs to come from his daily meal. It is unlikely that your dog’s amino acid requirements will be met through vegetables alone.
If you have made up your mind on a vegetarian meal for your dog, please consult your veterinarian for advice. He might be able to give you recommendations, and indicate some additional supplements to complement your dog’s meal. Remember that your dog might be able to survive as a vegetarian, but surviving life is not the same as living it. Nature did not intend for dogs to be vegetarians, and depriving them of meat could result in illness, lack of energy and even death.
Posted by Hope Hammond - PetsUnlimited.com
There were a ton of unique animal related stories this year. Perhaps the most followed was the Presidential family's decision to buy a Portuguese Water Dog.
However, there were a lot of other ones such as these listed below by the Houston Chronicle:
1. Houston's Stump won best in show at the 133rd annual Westminster Kennel Club show at Madison Square Garden. The 10-year-old Sussex spaniel, who lives with Scott Sommer, is the oldest dog to win the title.
2. Daizy, a Texas Blue Lacy lost in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, was reunited with her Clear Lake family 10 months later. Muffy, a dog missing nine years in Australia, was reunited with its original owner in July, thanks to microchip information embedded in the dog.
3. Michael Vick was released from prison after serving 23 months on a dogfighting conviction. Animal rights activists protested his return to pro football when he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. The quarterback speaks to youth groups about animal cruelty and dogfighting.
4. A few cats tested positive for the 2009 H1N1 “swine” influenza virus this fall and were treated successfully. This month the H1N1 virus was confirmed in a dog that is recovering. Of more concern for dogs is the Canine Influenza Virus, aka H3N8. A CIV/H3N8 vaccine for dogs is now available.
5. Nora the piano-playing cat got her moment in the spotlight, but the wackiest video sensations were Keyboard Cat, Jenny the pug, which pushes a stroller, and Surprised Kitty.
By John Keilman - ChicagoTribune.com
Humane Society seeks pledges in fight against 'backyard breeders'
The Humane Society of the United States has long denounced the practice of selling dogs at pet stores, contending that it props up a mass-breeding industry that treats animals cruelly. But as the group seeks new laws to clamp down on the trade, it is also trying to prompt change with a few kind words.
The organization has given its endorsement to 45 Chicago-area pet stores that have taken a pledge not to carry puppies. The society hopes the seal of approval will funnel more customers to those retailers, rewarding them for steering clear of the breeding business.
"We want to encourage (the shops) by saying thank you, and to encourage people to support those stores," said Jordan Matyas, Illinois director for the Humane Society.
Those who run some of the shops say it's hard to tell whether the endorsement has made an economic difference. But they added that many shoppers have made it abundantly clear that they expect stores to stay out of the puppy trade.
"A lot of our clientele patronizes us because we don't sell puppies," said Chuck Hume, owner of Animal Feeds and Needs in Arlington Heights. "We'd lose I don't how many customers if we decided to do that."
The Humane Society and other animal welfare groups have for years criticized "puppy mills," breeders that produce dogs on a large scale.
Even though many of these operations are licensed and inspected by the federal government, critics say the minimum standards of care, which allow animals to be kept in wire-floor cages and bred without limit, are so low they amount to cruel treatment.
"If the average dog owner saw the conditions that are allowed under (those) regulations, they would be horrified," said Stephanie Shain, senior director for the society's anti-puppy mills campaign. "They would not allow their own animals to live that way."
Some Downstate animal control officers say widespread unemployment appears to have produced a growing number of "backyard breeders," novices who hope to make money by selling puppies.
Those efforts frequently fail, the officers say, leading to animals being abandoned or dropped off at the local pound.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture, which regulates some breeders, had no statistics reflecting the state of the industry here. But anecdotally, veterinarian Colleen O'Keefe, the department's division manager of food safety and animal protection, said the tough economy seems to have produced a slowdown.
She said one large dog auction in Arthur, a town east of Decatur, closed last year after slack demand pushed the price of a puppy to as low as $10.
"A lot of the commercial breeders have really cut down, recognizing there isn't much of a market right now," she said.
The Humane Society would like to keep the pressure on big breeding operations, so it is pushing for new laws in Missouri, a state it says supplies many Illinois pet shops.
The organization is gathering signatures for a ballot initiative that would cap the number of dogs a breeder can keep, as well as establish stricter requirements for the animals' care.
A similar proposal in Illinois last year went nowhere, and one of its sponsors, state Rep. John Fritchey, D-Chicago, said it was wrongly portrayed as an attempt to put all breeders out of business. A task force is working on a compromise measure, he said.
"Every session we don't take action on this issue is another year where countless animals are mistreated," he said.
But for all the attempts at changing laws and regulations, Shain said she hoped the low-key campaign of applauding puppy-free stores could prove effective in its own way. So far, she said, about 450 stores in 35 states have taken the pledge and received the group's support.
"I couldn't tell you how much (the endorsement) has helped, but I can tell you for sure that our clients appreciate that we don't sell puppies," said Joe Spitza, co-owner of the Wet Nose pet stores in Oak Brook and Geneva. "I'm sure we gain clients because of that."
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JulieSimba.com
Pet grooming will be performed by the owner or from a skilled who has gone to school to be told the craft. If you’re a do-it-your-self sort person there are plenty of safety tips you would possibly need to keep in mind. The animal you’re grooming is special to you and you will need to stay the animal safe and calm during the pet grooming experience. Any undue pain or injury caused by unsafe practices can cause emotional stress to your animal and damage to the trust level the pet could have with you. The subsequent tips will guarantee a secure and pleasurable pet grooming experience.
Most pets do not like this, however the surplus hair that forms in the ears must be clipped. Excess hair can build moisture that can trap bacteria and cause ear infections or be a breeding ground for ear mites. These types of afflictions will cause your pet a nice deal of discomfort. Infections cause the animal to scratch and shake their head. Mites will really cause the animal to do harm to their inner canal as they stick their nails inside attempting to scratch. Giant eared dogs have already got a predisposition for ear issues and therefore the shaking of their ears back in forth will rupture blood vessels. Professional pet groomers have specialised equipment to remove ear hair, however the novice could use nose hair trimmers to urge the same effect. The noise of the clippers may scare the pet, thus stroke him with the other hand and supply soothing words to calm them.
Another novice mistake is to shave the animal all the way. Pet grooming specialists can do this at the request of the owner, however it’s unwell suggested if the animal is an outdoor pet. The coat protects the animal from the cold and additionally from the sun. Each parts will cause serious skin harm to your pet which could result in expensive veterinarian bills. The lack of hair on the body will cause rashes. The hair in some breeds secrete essential oils that shield and lubricate the skin, whereas others such as Labradors have 2 coats that serve different functions for the animals safety. Try to shave mats as close as possible until you’re ready to work them out with a brush. Even shaving mat patches to the skin can leave your pet in danger of the sun and wind.
If you employ a clipper, brush the hair backwards against the grain and then move your clippers with the grain. Pet grooming specialists could use a selection of length of clipper combs which will be used in variance with the length and thickness of the coat. The novice pet groomer might use home hair clipper systems, but they ought to experiment initial in one unnoticeable area before continuing the entire job. When shaving the underbelly, beware the nipples.
Even on a male pet this can a painful experience if they’re cut or cut off. Home pet grooming is an cheap way to stay your pet healthy and happy, however it is also a means for your pet to be injured or messed up so unhealthy that only skilled pet grooming can fix the owners mistake.
By flukerfarms - Information-Online.com
Bearded dragons are not just pets; they are an exotic variety of pets. The Inland or Central Bearded Dragon is the one that is most popular. Bearded dragons are native to Australia and there a variety of species that are found there.
When upset, the bearded dragon, they inhale and puff themselves up and in the process also enlarge a pouch under their jaw which resembles a beard. This is how they get their name as bearded dragons. Although referred to as a dragon, this is in fact a hardy lizard with a mild temperament and a trusting nature. This is why they are very popular as pets even amongst children. Bearded dragons tend to have triangular heads and flattened bodies. The adult of the species grows up to approximately 16 – 22 inches. Their growth generally ranges from 3 to 6 inches from birth to the end of their first month (measurements being head to tail). For your beloved bearded dragon to gain weight steadily, you have to feed it a wholesome nutritious diet.
Bearded dragons are classified as omnivores i.e. they feed on both vegetation and insects. If you are queasy about handling bugs, then having a bearded dragon for a pet may not be for you! They eat crickets primarily and also some mealworms. It is also important for you to have greens available for them to feed on although baby bearded dragons do not consume as much greens as their adult counterparts. Crickets work as the main food for them. Mealworms should only be given in small quantities as they have a hard outer chitin, making it difficult for bearded dragons to digest them. If you over feed your bearded dragon mealworms, this could eventually result in impaction leading to death. You also need to be careful of the fact that the insects you choose to feed your baby bearded dragon should not be bigger than their mouth. If you feed a baby or young bearded dragon a large cricket that is larger than the bearded dragon’s mouth, this could potentially result in choking or a blockage and even digestive problems. Obviously as your baby bearded dragon grows, you can increase the size of the crickets and mealworms that you feed your pet.
If your baby fruit flies is receiving a nutritious diet and proper care, you could see it grow up to 8 or 9 inches at the end of two months. After this stage, up to approximately six months of age, you could see your pet grow at the rate of half an inch per week on an average.
As with all pets, bearded dragons also require that their diet is monitored as they grow from a baby to an adult. A baby bearded dragon will take 2 or 3 feedings of insects like crickets in a day. But let your pet guide you and never over feed it. As the baby bearded dragon grows, it will be capable of eating a few greens, but the diet will still constitute a maximum of crickets.
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