Featured Articles
Aquarium Setup
Aquariums are a low-maintenance, allergy-free, and elegant approach to keeping pets. Before you run out and buy a bag of fish, however, it’s important to understand and set up the tank and its equipment. Currently there are a wide variety …
Spaying – Neutering Cats and Dogs
Early spays and neuters is the sterilization of puppies or kittens at 6 to 14 weeks of age, before they are sexually mature. The traditional age for spaying and neutering is 6 to 7 months of age. The concept of …
Pregnancy and Cats and Dogs
Many women wonder what precautions they need to take around their pet when they become pregnant. Veterinarian Dr. Ian Sandler says the biggest risk to pregnant women is a disease called toxoplasmosis, which is a transferred mainly from cats.
Most …
Basic Learning Theory and Dogs
Before taking on the rewarding task of training your pet, it might be a good idea to learn about how dogs (and any other animal, including ourselves) actually learn. Classical conditioning and operant conditioning are two terms you may have come across. They are two of the most important concepts governing learning.
Classical conditioning was made famous by the Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov and his dogs. Perhaps you have heard of the experiments he conducted, which eventually got the dogs salivating and drooling simply at the sound of a ringing bell, because they were expecting food. How classical conditioning works is that a neutral stimulus, such as a bell, is paired with giving food. Eventually, after a number of pairings the animal mentally associates the bell with the food.
Tip – 10 – Dog breeders and cat breeders – How to choose a reputable breeder
Although there are many good breeders out there there are also many bad breeders. These are breeders that keep their pets in horrible surroundings and have no real interest in the breed. Their only goal is to make money. Here …
Umbilical Hernias
You are at your pet’s first visit to the veterinarian, and your vet tells you that your pet has an umbilical hernia. How can that be? Your pet doesn’t look sick; in fact it looks perfectly happy and healthy. This …
Dogs Crates and Relaxation
Relaxing in your favorite chair is a pleasure you look forward to. A crate can provide just the same haven of comfort to your dog. It’s natural for a dog to use a den as a refuge, and a crate can serve as an excellent substitute becoming a warm, safe, quiet hideaway.
Good crate training can make both your life and your dog’s much easier. If you introduce him to the crate in a positive manner, it can become a valuable tool for you as well as a source of security for him.
