Archive for August, 2008
Aug
31
Posted under
Uncategorized A Little Bit About The Pomeranian
By: Connie Limon
This is dog is occasionally referred to as the Miniature Spitz dog or European Spitz. In its native land of Germany it is the smallest member of the German Spitz group. The Pomeranian is also sometimes called the German Spitz in Germany.
In Germany the Pomeranian was bred to its present size in Pomeranian during the nineteenth century. Its ancestors were of the Spitz type and larger. Among the Pomeranian?s ancestors are the Samoyed, Norwegian Elkhound, Chow Chow and other northern European breeds. It is possible that the Pomeranian was reduced in size from the large white sled dog that originated in Iceland and Lapland. Exact time of origin is unknown. Queen Victoria of England took a great liking to the Pomeranian and helped to increase its popularity in her palace in 1888.
Other Spitz types were used as herding dogs and sled pullers. The Pomeranian, however, has always been a lapdog. It came to America in the late nineteenth century and was shown in the miscellaneous class in 1892 by the AKC. American Kennel Club recognized the Pomeranian officially in 1900. Since that time he has become quite popular as a pampered little pet.
Personality
The Pomeranian is sometimes a little too courageous for its own good. He serves well as an alarm dog, but its barking sometimes becomes a habit that needs to be discouraged. The Pomeranian has one primary purpose and that is to please its owners. It sometimes shies away from children that play too rough. The Pomeranian may not be a good choice for a household with children or as a child?s pet. They socialize easily with cats and other small family pets.
The Pomeranian is definitely one of those big dogs in a little package. They usually won?t back down from a much larger dog. This aggressiveness can be self-destructive as obviously a bigger dog could make mince meat of a tiny Pomeranian.
The Pomeranian is eager to learn and is devoted to its family. He is affectionate and has a very loving nature toward its own family. He is delightful and is always ready for a quick game with those he loves.
The Pomeranian responds to command if they are consistently given and he is rewarded with edible treats or kind words. The Pomeranian has a tendency to become somewhat of a ?spoiled brat.? When his bad habits surface he may simply ignore commands to ?act better.
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History of the Pomeranian
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House Training Your Pomeranian
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The Pomeranian Dog Breed
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Appearance
A Pomeranian stands about 7 to 8 inches tall and weighs from 3 to 7 pounds. The tiny Pomeranian has a short body, straight legs and well-balanced overall appearance. He has erect ears and a fox like expression that gives this little dog an alert expression. Pigmentation of the nose, lips and eyelids are always dark, usually black.
The Pomeranian?s coat is double and profuse. Acceptable colors are red, orange, cream and sable, black, brown and blue.
Grooming the Pomeranian
The coat of a Pomeranian is made up of an undercoat and an outer coat. The undercoat is soft and fluffy. The outer coat is fairly long, straight and harsh and covers the entire body.
There is an abundance of coat around the neck and the fore part of the shoulders and chest that forms a frill that extends over the shoulder. The forequarters are well feathered and the thighs and hind legs are well feathered to the hocks.
The Pomeranian requires regular attention to keep it clean and attractive. Thorough brushing once a week is required to keep the coat in good condition.
You will need a slicker/pin brush, medium-tooth metal comb, scissors and cotton buds.
Brush against the lie of the coat to give the Pomeranian its round pompom appearance. Brush first with the slicker/pin brush working from the top of the head, layering the hair as you go and be sure you reach the skin level. Then work through the coat with the comb to remove any tangles left behind from the brushing.
You might consider using a dry bath on your Pomeranian?s coat when in full coat. When the Pomeranian is in full coat, use a suitable pH-alkaline-balanced shampoo and rinse well.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1283.shtml
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Aug
30
Posted under
Uncategorized Horse Marketing 101
By: Ron Petracek
If you rely on your horses for income, you are going to have to have good marketing skills just like any other business. That’s right, horses don’t sell themselves! If you are a breeder, riding instructor, trainer, boarding facility, or horse dealer, you are going to need to reach and impress your potential customers in order to sell them your products and services. How do you do that? Just follow the steps illustrated below and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a successful horse-related business!
1.) Know who your customers are. Who needs your products and services? If you are a training facility, then people with untrained horses need you. If you are a boarding facility, then horse owners who don’t have space at home for their horses need you. If you are a riding instructor, then your potential customers are anyone who wants to learn how to ride horses. You get the picture! A big part of making sure your horse business works is identifying your customers.
2.) Find out where your customers hang out. Where do horse people congregate? At feed and tack stores, at horse shows, at online horse-related web sites and chat rooms, to name just a few. Now break it down even further. Let’s say you are a breeder of Morgan horses. Sure, you’ll find some Morgan enthusiasts at the tack shop and feed store, but you’ll likely find them in droves at breed-specific shows. Find out what newspapers and magazines your potential customers read as well.
3.) Advertise! Now that you’ve done all that research to determine who your customers are, where they hang out, and what they read, it’s time to put your product and service in front of them! Put ads in magazines and newspapers that they read, hang up flyers at tack and feed stores, and advertise in show programs.
4.) Know how to write a good advertisement. How you come across to your potential customers will make all the difference in the world when it comes to whether or not they will choose your products and services over those of a competitor. Be creative and give your ads a little zing! Make them memorable. Let’s say you are selling a horse. Instead of writing an ad that only tells the horse’s color, size, breed, and discipline, try adding impressive bloodlines if appropriate, accolades won, and personality traits that you think your customers will appreciate.
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5.) Set yourself apart by giving away some “freebies.” Give something away for free, and the customers will come to you. Your give-away can be as simple and cost-effective as an open barn day that allows the community to come and enjoy your facility, or your could go large-scale and sponsor a class at a show. Remember, the goal is to get your name out there in front of those who would benefit from your product or service. Be creative!
6.) Know that word of mouth can make you or break you. Your current customers are the best advertisements you have. Work to retain them, and do what you can to make them happy. They’ll tell friends, who will tell more friends, and so on. Run your business with integrity and honesty, and treat your customers fairly. Always represent your products and services truthfully. The old adage “under promise and over deliver” works well in the horse world, too!
Wit h a little marketing knowledge in hand, you’ll have your horse business up and running in no time. Good luck!
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1409.shtml
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Aug
29
Posted under
Uncategorized Havanese Health Problems: How You Can Prevent Them
By: Fiona A Kelly
The Havanese is a rare and fine animal. Havanese health problems can be kept to a minimum by utilizing the utmost in preventative care, namely regular cleaning of eyes, ears and teeth and regular visits to a veterinarian. Keeping your Havanese from ingesting foods that are harmless to humans but poisonous to dogs (e.g., chocolate) is another everyday preventative measure. Hereditary Havanese health problems can, in some cases, be prevented before an animal is born. Havanese are prone to vision, hearing, knee and hip problems. Breeders are starting to test their Havanese for these problems and then not breeding the afflicted animals. Additionally, national registries maintain databases on these hereditary problems. Prevention may not always be enough to ward away Havanese health problems. Sometimes you may need to find emergency care for your Havanese. If you have an established relationship with a veterinarian, this will help. He or she will probably have previously given you instructions about how to contact his or her office in an emergency.
You either have welcomed or will shortly welcome your new Havanese puppy into your home. She will adore you completely. You will be a hero simply for coming home from work. More importantly, your new Havanese puppy will trust you completely. Her wellbeing is entirely in your hands. In addition to providing her with food, water and attention, you know you want to do whatever it takes to keep her happy and healthy. Some health promotion measures are things you would want to do for any puppy. Other health promotion measures come with the extra fur on the Havanese.
You will want very much to learn about common puppy health problems in general and common Havanese health problems in particular. You should also know about arranging regular veterinary care for your Havanese puppy as well as how to arrange emergency care for your Havanese. Havanese care is a new adventure in your life.
Some health problems are common to any breed of dog. You should keep your Havanese?s eyes and ears clean to prevent infection or infestation with ear mites. Also, many puppies develop internal parasites, such as worms.
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Even indoor animals can get them. Your veterinarian can provide treatments for worms and can provide you with the best treatments for fleas.
Some Havanese health problems are genetic. Problems such as knee and hip dysplasia (dislocation), early onset cataracts, retinal atrophy and genetic deafness tend to run in the Havanese breed. These problems are not fatal, but might affect the quality of life for your Havanese. For instance, eye problems can lead to blindness. You will want to make sure that your breeder has tested the sire (father) and dam (mother) of the puppy you wish to purchase. Breeders should remove animals with eye or joint problems from their breeding stock.
Prevention is worth many ounces of cure when it comes to Havanese health problems. You can prevent ear parasites by cleaning your Havanese?s ears once a week. (Ear mites are a particular problem for all floppy eared dog breeds?the Havanese included). You can prevent eye infections by cleaning your Havanese?s eyes once a week. Be sure that your Havanese does not ingest common foods that you enjoy but that are poisonous to all dogs. These foods include chocolate, caffeine, grapes and raisins, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chives, nutmeg, and walnuts.
Some pet owners forget to take their pet for regular veterinary checkups. Don?t do this to your new Havanese. Additionally, be sure to keep your veterinarians contact information handy in case you need emergency care for your Havanese. You can also take your Havanese to the nearest emergency pet clinic. Additionally, many pet supply super stores have an on site veterinarian
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1546.shtml
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Aug
28
Posted under
Uncategorized Shih Tzu Â? The Hotly Contested Question Of Shih Tzu Size Part III
By: Connie Limon
There is a highly important article presented by a Norweigan Shih Tzu fancier of which the author?s name is not given. It is thought to be almost certain, however, the article was written by Dr. Walter Young, author of Some Canine Breeds of Asia.
The article was published in Peiping shortly before the first Peking Kennel Club Show. The articles states: ?at least as common as good Pekingese in Peiping are the Tibetans, the shock-headed long-coated little dogs which came to China during the Manchu dynasty as gifts from the grand lamas at Lhasa.? The writer continues to say: ?it is a novel little breed,? and complained at that time, ?no effort is made to distinguish what is quite evidently two distinct types, one considerably larger and higher on the leg than the other.?
These types of dogs described as being considerably larger and higher on the leg than the other were commonly bred by Chinese fanciers and sold in the dog markets on fair days. The writer placed these dogs as ones who must be in the non-sporting group, and admitted there was much confusion about the breed, and even in those days, was very inaccurate information being spread about the different sizes of the Shih Tzu. The article does confirm the theory regarding the existence of two types of Shih Tzu in Peking, at least as far as the 1930?s were concerned: one of a very small variety, in size more or less similar to the Pekingese, the other larger and apparently closely resembling what we now call the Apso, although smaller, and with shorter legs. The writer was also aware of many cases of crossing of Shih Tzu and Pekingese.
When Princess Der Ling came to Peking and shared her knowledge with the Countess d?Anjou, the full truth about the palace dogs of old began to emerge. Peking fanciers began to do their best to restore to the Shih Tzu something of the imperial grandeur which had been its birthright in happier days. The Japanese occupation of Peking in the summer of 1937 which was followed by the attack on Pearl Harbor 4 ½ years later, brought an end to their hopes and dreams.
Some very valuable information regarding Shih Tzu size and weight is in the form of a personal letter, dated May, 1955, written by the Countess d?Anjou to Mrs. L.G. Widdrington, leading English fancier and widely recognized authority on palace lion dog history. The letter in its entirety can be found in the American Shih Tzu News of March, 1967. The standard that was made out for France set weight limits for the Shih Tzu of 11-22 pounds. The whole standard is also said to have met with the complete approval of two other French fanciers from pre-Pearl Harbor Peking. It is highly unlikely either of them knew nearly as much about the breed?s history as the Countess. The available evidence suggest their experience of Shih Tzu dates from the confused period before the Princess Der Ling arrived in Peking to bring to light the full truth about the Imperial Lion Dogs as she had known them in the palace.
The Countess went on in her letter to make it quite clear that she was far from happy about the weight limits permitted. She had accepted them against her better judgement.
Shih Tzu ? The Hotly Contested Question Of Shih Tzu Size Part I
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Shih Tzu - The Hotly Contested Shih Tzu Size Part II
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The Hotly Contested Question Of Shih Tzu Size Part III
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Shih Tzu ? The Hotly Contested Question Of Shih Tzu Size Part III
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What The Shih Tzu Owner Should Know About Grooming Part I
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The Countess?s letter to Mrs. Widdrington states: ?Yes, I did think the Shih Tzu too big in England. They really should be under 12 pounds. In fact, there were two classes in Peking, up to 12 pounds (which would include our little 6 pound teacups today) and over 12 pounds were judged separately. They never had the big ones in the Imperial Palace??
Presently, the American Kennel Club standard for size does not regard the weight of under 9 pounds as being appropriate for the ideal Shih Tzu, and to be accepted by the American Kennel Club show ring competitions. This size is not allowed in the AKC show ring. All who love this size, must accept this fact as it is.
However, we must also face the facts that these smaller size Shih Tzu are the result of days gone-by breeding practices. It is not at all true that the smaller Shih Tzu are ?sickly? or have greater health problems than the larger Shih Tzu. It is not at all true that breeders who produce the smaller size Shih Tzu are guilty of being irresponsible, in-breeding and line-breeding with close relatives to obtain the small size, and doing just about anything to get these small sizes for the sake of ?more money.?
Shih Tzu puppies from the standard size Shih Tzu show ring requirements are priced at much higher prices and are capable of having just as many, if not more, health problems due to the fact that anytime animals are bred to meet a specific weight, look and requirement, a type has to be set in. Type is set in by in-breeding and line-breeding. Negative attributes, such as any health problems in the bloodlines are passed onto offspring just as the positive attributes of those that make a Shih Tzu beautiful for the Showring.
This article is FREE to publish with resource box.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1318.shtml
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Aug
27
Posted under
Uncategorized Why Vaccinate My Horse?
By: Fran Mullens
What are you doing when you vaccinate your horse? When we vaccinate our horses we are deliberately exposing them to a portion of a disease-causing organism or exposure to a disease causing-organism, such as the bacteria or virus of a disease. This is done in a very small dose. We do this in order to cause an immune response in the horse that will hopefully protect the horse in the future from that particular disease. Generally, this is how vaccines work.
Is it a100 % guarantee that the horse will never contract the disease? No. But should the horse contract the disease that they were vaccinated against usually it is a lighter case than without the vaccination. Chances for recovery are greatly increased with the vaccination than without. Vaccines must also be stored, handled and administered properly. Not doing so can mar the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Here are some of the diseases we vaccinate horses for:
Tetanus (Lockjaw): Tetanus occurs when a specific bacteria enters a horse like a deep wound. As Tetanus grows it produces a toxin and attacks the nervous system of the horse. Tetanus is fatal.
Encephalitis: Horses can be attacked by three types of encephalitis, Eastern, Western, and Venezuelan. Mosquitoes carry this virus. Horses become infected by bites from infected mosquitoes (usually found in states close to the Mexican border). Encephalitis infects the horses? brain. If they survive they may have permanent defects as a result. Encephalitis is potentially fatal.
Rabies: Infects the nervous system with a fatal infection. Rabies is caused by a bite from an infected animal (such as bat, raccoon, or skunk). Rabies can go undiagnosed in a horse for a period of time and can actually spread the infection to humans. This can happen by contact of body fluids with broken skin (a cut on your hand).
Potomac horse fever: Generally confined to a specific geographic areas (along the Potomac River) and in areas with moderate climate and close to rivers. This disease is characterized by depression, fever, diarrhea and founder. Check with your vet or local extension agent for advice in your area.
Rotavirus diarrhea: Causing sever, potentially life-threatening diarrhea in young foals. Rotavirus it appears is carried by the mother (or passably another horse). The horses that pass the virus may not develop problems but simply pass it on. Pregnant mares can be vaccinated then they pass the antibodies to their foals in the first milk (colostrum). Check with your veterinarian about availability of this vaccine.
Influenza: This shows up like severe cold-like symptoms and high fever making it a risk for developing bacterial pneumonia. There can be periods when the virus mutates, causing epidemics to break out. Vaccines are not completely effective in preventing the disease since the virus can mutate easily. The vaccine however can reduce the severity of the symptoms. Horses that are most at risk to the flu are the very old, very young, horses under stress, horses traveling, and horses stabled where there is horse traffic.
Botulism: This is caused by toxin of a bacterium related to the one that causes tetanus.
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If this disease is contracted, treatment can be expensive.
Rhinopneumonitis: Also known as ?rhino?. This disease is like our ?common cold?. The rhino virus can invade the horses? nervous system causing paralysis, and can also cause abortion. As with influenza, the risk factors are the same. Every two months throughout pregnancy mares should be vaccinated.
Strangles: Routinely not done, strangles vaccination is recommended for horses at high risk of exposure. Risk of side effects from the intramuscular vaccine may be up to 30% for this vaccine. This may include fever, loss of appetite, local swelling, muscle stiffness and abscess formation at the vaccination site. Vaccines usually provide reliable protection from severe disease but only for a few months. It does not prevent the disease completely. Unless there is known contamination on the premises, shipping horses frequently or a lot of traffic on and off the a farm, due to the side effects and limited time it is effective, you should weigh the benefit for your situation to vaccinate for strangles or not. That being said, there is a type of strangles vaccine that is a spray into the horse?s nose. Intranasal vaccine has low incidence of side effect. Protection is about the same. It is not clear if intranasal vaccine for pregnant mares gets the needed antibodies into the blood (protecting the foal with colostrum). It would be wise to use the intramuscular vaccine with mares close to foaling.
West Nile: This virus has caused many deaths in horses in recent years in United States. It is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. This virus infects the central nervous system and causes symptoms of encephalitis. Signs of encephalitis in horses include loss of appetite and depression, in addition to any combination of the following signs ? fever, weakness or paralysis of hind limbs, muzzle twitching, impaired vision, incoordination, head pressing, aimless wandering, convulsions, inability to swallow, circling, hyperexcitability, or coma. It is wise to vaccinate for this disease but avoid vaccinating pregnant mares late in pregnancy. If you have a pregnant mare, contact your veterinarian for a time best to vaccinate her for your area.
Which diseases should you vaccinate your horse for? That depends. You, with the advice of your veterinarian or your local extension office, will need to make that decision. Getting the best, up to date information from these sources will help you choose wisely.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1304.shtml
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Aug
26
Posted under
Uncategorized Herding Dog Breed. Alert, Busy And Determined. Clear The Way! Here Comes The Herding Dog\”
By: John E Adams
Herding dog breed. A Short History of Herding Dogs
The herding dog has a long history, tracing as far back as Neolithic times in Europe when early farmers and domesticators in lands that are now Britain needed a more efficient, quicker way to move livestock from one place to another.
These early herding dogs were very large and powerful dogs. They were generally rough with the livestock and could be quite hard to control for their owners, but had an uncanny ability to gather and herd livestock.
By the nineteenth century, it became apparent that a dog that was both more versatile and more gentle with the animals was needed. Farmers could not afford to feed multiple large dogs for their needs.
They required a single dog who could not only nimbly gather and keep an eye on sheep and other livestock, but also hunt game and sniff out sheep that might have been buried in snow.
With a bond so close that required the farmer to trust his dog explicitly, he also needed an animal that was more cooperative and affectionate. It needed to be sensitive to the human voice, a whistle and hand gestures as it would be working alone, far away from the farmer in the field.
For that reason, there were multiple breeds introduced into the early strain of herding dogs.
The Whippet was selected because it was both quiet and quick. Pointers and setters were used to provide a good nose and a keen eye. Eventually, the perfect breed of dog developed ?one that had a superior athletic inclination, light and fast movement, unmistakable livestock sense, and a good temperament that easily matched its handler.
The first modern herding dog, the Border Collie was introduced in 1894 in Northumbria, along the English and Scottish Border.
In other countries, the same early ancestors of that first Border Collie began to spread out, taking on work in the growing expanse of the United States West. Cattle herding dogs soon became common and immigrants arrived with other livestock that could live comfortably off of the land, along with their herding dogs.
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Various types of herding dogs included the German Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog, Australian Cattle Dog, Bearded Collie, and many more.
Each breed has become well known in the years since those early breeds were developed as a loyal, intelligent and highly trainable breed of dog. Today, most herding dogs are kept as pets by families rather than used in the field to herd sheep.
Because they were bred to connect with their owners so well and be so sociable, herding dogs make ideal pets, both gentle and familiar with children and playful with adults.
Herding dogs have a vast supply of energy and a seemingly human-like intelligence at times, all hallmarks of their careful breeding.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1442.shtml
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Aug
25
Posted under
Uncategorized A Miracle of the Living World: Communication and Signaling in the Language of Birds
By: Harun Yahya
Scientific research has revealed that throughout the living world, communication is just as important as it is to human beings. Countless living things lack the capacity for human speech, yet they employ entirely different methods in order to communicate with each other?and even with other species. Some of the most dramatic examples of this is displayed by birds. The astonishing behavior and ability to communicate that birds exhibit also totally invalidates the claims of the theory of evolution.
All forms of life on Earth have been created with miraculous properties and astonishing abilities. The examination of just one single species is enough to reveal hundreds of proofs of God?s magnificent creation.
In one verse of the Qur?an, Allah reveals that:
There is no creature crawling on the earth or flying creature, flying on its wings, who are not communities just like yourselves?We have not omitted anything from the Book?then they will be gathered to their Lord. (Qur?an, 6: 38)
The birds to which this verse draws our attention notice are one of the living communities that we need to examine and reflect upon.
There are roughly some 10,000 species of bird in the world, each of which possesses its own miraculous features. Wherever you may live, you can see a great number of these feathered creatures and can observe different and extraordinary properties in each and every one. With their attractive appearances, flawless flight mechanisms, expertise on the routes and timing of migrations, ability to build nests and altruistic behavior toward their young and to one another, birds possess countless proofs of the fact of creation. Their ability to communicate is another of these.
Birds’ Sense of Hearing
For birds to display their talents in communicating by sound, song?and in the case of some birds, words? they require excellent hearing. At critical times in their lives, their sense of hearing becomes particularly important. Experiments have shown that in order for birds to learn the distinctive song of their own species, they need an auditory feedback system. Thanks to this system, young birds learn to compare the sounds they produce themselves with the patterns of a song they have memorized. If they were deaf, it wouldn’t normally be possible for them to sing recognizable songs. (1)
Birds’ ears are well equipped for hearing, but they hear in a different way from us. For them to recognize a tune, they have to hear it in always the same octave (a series of seven notes), whereas we humans can recognize a tune even if we hear it in a different octave. Birds cannot, but can instead recognize timbre?a fundamental note combined with harmonies. The ability to recognize timbre and harmonic variations lets birds hear and reply to many diverse sounds, and sometimes even reproduce them.
Birds can also hear shorter notes than we can. Humans process sounds in bytes in about 1/20th of a second (2), whereas birds can distinguish these sounds in 1/200th of a second (3). This means that birds are superior at differentiating sounds that arrive in very rapid succession.(4) In other words, a bird’s capacity to perceive sound is approximately ten times greater than ours; and in every note heard by a human, it can hear ten.(5) Moreover, some birds are also able to hear lower-frequency sounds than we are. Their hearing sensitivity is so finely tuned that they can even tell the difference between pieces by such famous composers as Bach and Stravinsky.
Birds’ extremely sensitive hearing functions perfectly. Clearly, each of this sense’s components is created by special design, for if any one failed to work properly, the bird would not be able to hear any sounds at all. This point also disproves the theory that hearing evolved or emerged gradually, as a result of coincidental influences.
Communication and Signaling in Birds
Birds produce meaningful communications by their facial expressions, beak movements, feather ruffling, elongating their necks, crouching, bouncing, and flapping their wings. Although each species has its own body language, many different species interpret movements in the same way. For example, various species interpret an upward thrust of the beak as expressing the intention to fly, and the lowering of the breast as a warning of danger. Also, several species perceive raising the tail feathers as a threat, or displaying bright colors atop of the head as a declaration of the intent to attack. Via facial expression, birds can convey a variety of messages to those around them-negative feelings such as dislike and resentment, as well as positive ones like pleasure, enthusiasm and curiosity. (6)
Bird?s Facial Expressions
Birds produce different facial expressions by movements of the beak, or by positioning the feathers above the beak, on the chin, or atop the head. In some species, the feathers above the eye can also move independently. Moreover, many species make a display by opening their beaks. For example, the tawny frogmouth opens its beak to reveal its large, bright green oral cavity, emphasizing the size of its beak and making it appear more intimidating. Some other species open their beaks as a form of threatening behavior, usually silently, but sometimes enhance the performance with hissing or loud breathing. (7)
Besides communicating by means of body language, birds produce a great variety of sounds to communicate with other members of their flock, neighbors, or family members. These range from short, simple calls to songs that are surprisingly long and complex. Sometimes birds such as the green woodpecker use different instruments or, like the American woodpecker, use special feathers to produce sound.
Birds also communicate through scents, although since their sense of smell is poor, their communication is based mainly on sound and sight. At times of poor visibility, as at night or in dense foliage, sound is most advantageous, and is also the ideal method for long-distance communication. If conditions are right, birdsong can be heard for up to a few kilometers.
In addition to song, birds also have conceptualization and communication skills. In certain circumstances, they demonstrate talents equivalent to those of children of primary-school age, learning series of words and other means of human communication through social interaction. When alone, these parrots play vocalization games and when in the company of people, they join vocalizations together to produce new assemblages from existing sequences of speech. God, the Creator of everything on Earth and in the skies, equips them with the talents and characteristics that set them apart. Accordingly, our praises for the supreme beauty of our environment is praise that belongs to God.
The Language of Calls and Songs
To call to one another, birds produce sounds of extremely high frequency and strength. Only a few species such as pelicans, storks, and certain vultures are mute and have no call. The acoustic calls used by birds amongst themselves form a language of sorts. Their songs, which are longer and generally related to courtship, consist of a series of notes and usually contain melodies.
Birdsong is usually heard in spring, whereas the calls, much simpler than songs, are used by both sexes and heard throughout the year. Birdcalls allow swift communication via simple messages without a great expenditure of energy.
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Songs are exceptionally diverse melodies of specific meaning, sung for a purpose, and are much more complex than the calls used for signaling. They are generally used by males to advertise and defend a territory, or in courtship. It is also believed that songs serve a social function. When a pair is building their nest, they also establish communication by song. Experiments on caged birds have also demonstrated that birds find it easier to learn songs if another bird is present, but out of sight, in another cage. (9)
Male and female songbirds have different brain structures, particularly in the regions related to sound production. With many songbird species, the males can sing, but the females cannot. The males use “song” to call their mates or designate a tree, pole, or electrical cable as a place to perch. Each species sings a song with its own characteristics, but any given species’ songs display variations according to age, sex, particular time of year, and geographical location-appropriate for the environment in which they live. For example, birds that live in meadows use “songs of flight.” Similarly, ones that live in the dense foliage of rain forests or reed thickets have loud voices to compensate for reduced visibility.
God?s Miracle of Inspiration
As we have explained, birds employ the most suitable methods of communication for their habitats and objectives. There is no question of every bird being able to know which song it should sing under which circumstances, or to calculate on its own the meaning and purpose of the song it will sing. According to the Darwinist way of thinking, however, all the birds and other living creatures that we see around us, , all the abilities that they exhibit and all the beauty that they display, are the products of blind chance. Yet obviously, the consciousness and design that pervade life and living things at every moment cannot be explained in terms of a series of mere coincidences.
Living things devoid of reason and judgment can exhibit such behavior because such intelligence and consideration of the future are inspired in them by God. God creates every living thing with the characteristics it requires and inspires its appropriately intelligent behavior. All living things perform only those functions that God inspires in them, serving as a means whereby we are able to witness His might. In one verse of the Qur?an, God reveals:
Do you not see that everyone in the heavens and Earth glorifies God, as do the birds with their outspread wings? Each one knows its prayer and glorification. God knows what they do. (Qur?an, 24:41)
References:
1- http://instruct1.cit.cornell.edu/courses/bionb424/students/mdr17/neurophysiology.htm
2- http://www.earthlife.net/birds/hearing.html
3- http://www.earthlife.net/birds/hearing.html
4- Theodore Xenophon Barber, Ph. d., The Human Nature of Birds, USA, 1993, p. 36.
5- Ibid., p. 37.
6- Ibid., , p. 34.
7- Lesley J. Rogers & Gisela Kaplan, Songs, Roars and Rituals: Communication In Birds, Mammals and Other Animals, USA, 2000, pp. 78-79.
8- http://whalonlab.msu.edu/Student_ Webpages/Bird_song/page
9- http://whalonlab.msu.edu/Student_ Webpages/Bird_song/page
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1481.shtml
.
Aug
24
Posted under
Uncategorized Choosing a Dog in Your Senior Years
By: Andrew Kasch
As a person reaches their golden years they may want to have some companionship. Many of them look to owning a dog as a way to have a constant companion. This is a great idea, as a dog will give them unconditional and unrestricted love. Many people find that as they get older and they start to lose their friends that they need something such as this to fill a void in their life. If you are faced with the decision of choosing a dog to be by your side and to grow old with you then here are some things to keep in mind.
The first thing that you should consider when choosing a dog to have in your older years is how active you need that dog to be. There are seniors that are extremely active, sometimes more active than people that are 20 years younger than them. These seniors would benefit from having a dog that can be active for things such as walks but also would be happy just to lie around at their feet when necessary. Other seniors will benefit from having a dog that will just be a companion but does not need a lot of activity to keep it healthy.
Another thing that you would want to keep in mind when choosing a dog is if it will be around a lot of children. If you have an active family life and your grandchildren, or great grandchildren are around frequently the you would not want to choose a breed that has a reputation of not liking little children. Some smaller breeds that are perfect for many seniors also are very protective of their owners. While this can be beneficial, as the dog will no doubt be able to hear things that the owner can’t, you also need to keep in mind that this kind of dog might not warm up easily to others.
All things considered, here are a few all around good dog breeds for you to choose from. These dogs make good companions that require little exercise and will give you many years of happiness.
The Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a great choice for seniors. It not only requires little exercise but it is very faithful and will be a loyal companion that will stick by your side through thick and thin.
Choosing a Dog in Your Senior Years
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Choosing a Dog in Your Senior Years
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Nutritional Needs of Senior Dogs
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They make a fantastic pet, are very loyal to their owners and warm up to people easily. If you have family members visiting on a regular basis then a poodle would be a good choice for a senior dog.
The Papillion
The Papillion is a fantastic breed, although they do have a little bit more energy than other breeds. They will not only make an enjoyable pet but they will also be very faithful and are good around other people. At times they can be a little bit standoffish but all in all they make a fantastic companion.
These are just a few of the many breeds that are well suited for those who are reaching their golden years. It is a personal decision that you will have to make but by owning a dog at this point in your life you will have a constant companion for years to come.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1429.shtml
.
Aug
23
Posted under
Uncategorized Choosing a Dog in Your Senior Years
By: Andrew Kasch
As a person reaches their golden years they may want to have some companionship. Many of them look to owning a dog as a way to have a constant companion. This is a great idea, as a dog will give them unconditional and unrestricted love. Many people find that as they get older and they start to lose their friends that they need something such as this to fill a void in their life. If you are faced with the decision of choosing a dog to be by your side and to grow old with you then here are some things to keep in mind.
The first thing that you should consider when choosing a dog to have in your older years is how active you need that dog to be. There are seniors that are extremely active, sometimes more active than people that are 20 years younger than them. These seniors would benefit from having a dog that can be active for things such as walks but also would be happy just to lie around at their feet when necessary. Other seniors will benefit from having a dog that will just be a companion but does not need a lot of activity to keep it healthy.
Another thing that you would want to keep in mind when choosing a dog is if it will be around a lot of children. If you have an active family life and your grandchildren, or great grandchildren are around frequently the you would not want to choose a breed that has a reputation of not liking little children. Some smaller breeds that are perfect for many seniors also are very protective of their owners. While this can be beneficial, as the dog will no doubt be able to hear things that the owner can’t, you also need to keep in mind that this kind of dog might not warm up easily to others.
All things considered, here are a few all around good dog breeds for you to choose from. These dogs make good companions that require little exercise and will give you many years of happiness.
The Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a great choice for seniors. It not only requires little exercise but it is very faithful and will be a loyal companion that will stick by your side through thick and thin.
Choosing a Dog in Your Senior Years
...
Choosing a Dog in Your Senior Years
...
Nutritional Needs of Senior Dogs
...
Choosing the Right Bed for Your Senior Dog
...
Bloat and Flatulence in Senior Dogs
...
They make a fantastic pet, are very loyal to their owners and warm up to people easily. If you have family members visiting on a regular basis then a poodle would be a good choice for a senior dog.
The Papillion
The Papillion is a fantastic breed, although they do have a little bit more energy than other breeds. They will not only make an enjoyable pet but they will also be very faithful and are good around other people. At times they can be a little bit standoffish but all in all they make a fantastic companion.
These are just a few of the many breeds that are well suited for those who are reaching their golden years. It is a personal decision that you will have to make but by owning a dog at this point in your life you will have a constant companion for years to come.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1429.shtml
.
Aug
22
Posted under
Uncategorized Herding Dog Breed. Alert, Busy And Determined. Clear The Way! Here Comes The Herding Dog\”
By: John E Adams
Herding dog breed. A Short History of Herding Dogs
The herding dog has a long history, tracing as far back as Neolithic times in Europe when early farmers and domesticators in lands that are now Britain needed a more efficient, quicker way to move livestock from one place to another.
These early herding dogs were very large and powerful dogs. They were generally rough with the livestock and could be quite hard to control for their owners, but had an uncanny ability to gather and herd livestock.
By the nineteenth century, it became apparent that a dog that was both more versatile and more gentle with the animals was needed. Farmers could not afford to feed multiple large dogs for their needs.
They required a single dog who could not only nimbly gather and keep an eye on sheep and other livestock, but also hunt game and sniff out sheep that might have been buried in snow.
With a bond so close that required the farmer to trust his dog explicitly, he also needed an animal that was more cooperative and affectionate. It needed to be sensitive to the human voice, a whistle and hand gestures as it would be working alone, far away from the farmer in the field.
For that reason, there were multiple breeds introduced into the early strain of herding dogs.
The Whippet was selected because it was both quiet and quick. Pointers and setters were used to provide a good nose and a keen eye. Eventually, the perfect breed of dog developed ?one that had a superior athletic inclination, light and fast movement, unmistakable livestock sense, and a good temperament that easily matched its handler.
The first modern herding dog, the Border Collie was introduced in 1894 in Northumbria, along the English and Scottish Border.
In other countries, the same early ancestors of that first Border Collie began to spread out, taking on work in the growing expanse of the United States West. Cattle herding dogs soon became common and immigrants arrived with other livestock that could live comfortably off of the land, along with their herding dogs.
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Various types of herding dogs included the German Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog, Australian Cattle Dog, Bearded Collie, and many more.
Each breed has become well known in the years since those early breeds were developed as a loyal, intelligent and highly trainable breed of dog. Today, most herding dogs are kept as pets by families rather than used in the field to herd sheep.
Because they were bred to connect with their owners so well and be so sociable, herding dogs make ideal pets, both gentle and familiar with children and playful with adults.
Herding dogs have a vast supply of energy and a seemingly human-like intelligence at times, all hallmarks of their careful breeding.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1442.shtml
.
Aug
21
Posted under
Uncategorized Which Veterinary School Is Right For You?
By: Jose Havers
No matter whether you are only considering or sure that you want to follow a veterinary career, there will be a veterinary school or collage that will suit you. To become a veterinarian you will have to attend a school or collage just as doctors have to attend a medical school.
In the U.S, there are more than 50 veterinary schools and colleges that you could perhaps enroll in; they’re located in numerous states, Florida, New York, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Oregon, California, Colorado, Virginia and Wyoming, to name just a few. Veterinary schools and colleges can also be found in Canada and the United Kingdom, in fact, nearly anywhere in the world. Should being a veterinarian be your destiny, then you should research the all the veterinary schools and colleges to discover which one is best suited to you.
What Will I Be Taught At Veterinary School?
If you wish to qualify as a veterinarian, then it will be necessary for you to attend a veterinary school or college in order for you to obtain the many skills that are crucial to this career. In a veterinary school or college, you will get the chance to be taught the many different practices and techniques that will assist you greatly in your knowledge of veterinary science. You will acquire knowledge concerning the basics of animal care. You will also acquire knowledge concerning veterinary laboratory procedures that you will employ as a professional veterinarian. Various other topics that will be covered in a veterinary school or college will include veterinary hematology and veterinary pharmacology. Training will also be received in the many clinical veterinary procedures.
Not all of your time will be spent learning from the lectures and textbooks. Most veterinary schools and collages will require its students to also complete a residency in addition to the classes, this is where students will learn, observe and be involved with hands on activities.
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Which Veterinary School Is Right For You?
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...
Do You Specialize or Not Specialize?
Like doctors have the opportunity to choose to specialize in the varied areas of medical field, veterinarians also have this opportunity too. For instance, a veterinarian could choose to specialize in veterinary dental care or in veterinary cardiology. The choices are endless - howsoever, often specializing will require a specific program or additional veterinary school or collage course work.
Only you will be able to determine whether or not it is worth the extra investment and time to specialize in a particular area. To specialize in veterinary dental care would mean that you would have to find a specific program that offers that training and to specialize in veterinary cardiology may require a much longer residency.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1407.shtml
.
Aug
20
Posted under
Uncategorized Let\’s Talk About Vaccines - Everyone Else Is!
By: Connie Limon
There is no universal protocol for canine vaccination schedules. Many vets recommend more vaccinations than most dogs require to be protected from contagious diseases. A lot of vets use the vaccination schedule they receive with the vaccinations they buy from drug companies. Vets are now realizing to trust vaccine makers may not be the best thing to do. Vaccine makers are in the business of selling vaccines.
There are a number of things pet owners can do to make sure their dogs are protected against contagious diseases without overvaccinating. You need to learn about the diseases the vaccines defend your dog against. Before you allow your vet to vaccinated, ask your vet about the disease it prevents. What is its incidence? How is it transmitted? Is it more prevalent in your particular area? Ask your vet is the disease treatable, and if so, how many dogs recover? If you find out the disease kills many dogs who get it and the virus is everywhere, you should probably authorize your vet to vaccinate your dog against that disease. If you find out a particular disease is very prevalent in your area, you should probably authorize your vet to vaccinate your dog against that disease in addition to other appropriate vaccines.
A list of vaccines for dogs that most experts agree puppies and dogs should be protected against - diseases that are highly contagious and potentially fatal would include:
Canine Parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) Canine distemper virus (CDV) Canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) Rabies virus (RV)
If you are concerned about overvaccination be sure to have your puppies vaccinated against distemper, parvo, and adenovirus, not before six weeks, and at least once after the age of 12 weeks, and a rabies vaccine given after 16 weeks. About two weeks after the last vaccination with distemper, parvo, and adenovirus, ask for a vaccine titer test to see if your puppy has been successfully immunized.
Other vaccine tips you need to remember:
Use vaccine titer tests to see if your dog is adequately immunized against the diseases that most experts aggree puppies and dogs should be protected against. These are diseases that are highly contagious and potentially fatal.
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Let’s Talk About Vaccines - Everyone Else Is!
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Instead make a relationship with a vet who will take time with you, who will ask your about your dog’s health history, answer your questions about the benefits and risks of various vaccines and recommend an individualized vaccination schedule for your dog that takes into consideration his lifestyle and environment.
Take your dog to the vet at least once a year.
Do not vaccinate dogs who suffer from chronic or acute health problems, running a high temperaturem, or who have a history of vaccine reactions. Do not vacciante elderly dogs just because if your dog has been vaccinated many times in the younger years, he is probably immunized against disease as much as he can be.
This article is free to publish with the resource box.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1289.shtml
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Aug
19
Posted under
Uncategorized Pet Stroller Website Provides Great Option Rather Than Pet Wheelchairs
By: Daniel Dan
For pets that weigh under 25 pounds, Pet Stroller Mart has a fantastic selection of wonderful pet strollers so that you and your pet can get where you should be easily. You can choose to go with a pet stroller that has more of a customary carriage look, or select a more sleek pet stroller or a elegant stroller. Even though these pet strollers are developed for lighter, smaller animals, they are still created with the same reinforced high quality of Pet Stroller Mart’s other various offerings for bigger pets.
For heavier pets, Http://www.petstrollermart.com has a Three Wheel stroller, along with a Four Wheel Pet Stroller. These well-made strollers come equipped with big wheels so that you can efficiently move pets over any rigorous ground. The pet strollers also are equipped with waterproof trays for easy maintenance and cleaning, and are made with waterproof Denier nylon, so your pet stroller can remain in great shape for a long time. Shock absorbers on the front wheels help absorb unanticipated terrain and bumps, and help to sustain the soundness and high quality of your pet stroller. These pet strollers also will break down efficiently for transferring or storage.
To illustrate, if you have a couple of animals that you need to move at the same time, http://www.petstrollermart.com provides a wonderful Double Decker Pet Stroller than will quickly and easily transfer both pets at the same time. No need to take along carriers either because each compartment unfasten quickly and easily and can become pet carriers themselves. Moreover, the stroller easily folds down for transportation or storage.
Pet Strollers have just recently begun to gain popularity, but not many pet shops offer that kind of products, and stores that do, sell them at a premium. Pet Stroller Mart has started selling pet strollers that are available in a range of colors, sizes and designs to match various pets, and habitats. And not to mention budgets.
Pet Stroller Site Has Great Alternative for Wheelchairs for Pets
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