Against Closed Eyes In Marketing

Imagine your wedding anniversary or your birthday falling a week earlier this year than it did forty years ago. This was the example that Mark Avery, the RSPB’s conservation director, gave to the BBC’s Today programme this morning to highlight the significance of a new report showing that many of the UK’s garden birds, from Robins to Chaffinches, are laying their first egg of the year a full week earlier than they traditional have done. The State of the UK’S Birds, a report produced by the RSPB, Natural England and the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust, collected evidence from over 30,000 nests with the help of 500 volunteers. The study found that as well as laying their eggs earlier in the year, many birds are raising fewer chicks. The song thrush, which dines on earthworms, is struggling to find their squirmy snacks in the more parched ground caused by drier summers. The song thrush, a bird instantly recognisable to West Bromwich Albion fans from their club badge (as well as the subject of poetry from Browning to Hardy to Hughes) has actually been flourishing in the recent wet summers. However, in the long term there are fears for its survival, as climate change is expected to bring warmer, drier summers to its habitats. The environmental groups fear that by laying earlier the birds will lose the precise relationship that they have with the wider environment; namely that chicks will appear before the food sources on which they rely, caterpillars and other bugs, are in plentiful supply. The experts who conducted the report explicitly link the worrying changes in these birds’s behaviour with global climate change. Their work provides another pillar of evidence against those sceptics who doubt the scale or immediacy of the problem of climate change, as well as a foreboding example of the extent to which those animals that we most take for granted; the small birds that dart from fence to fence in our gardens, the birds that perch high up, singing out unseen as we stroll through the countryside, will be threatened by global climate change. Specifically, the evidence in the report suggests that the behaviour of the birds has been altered due to warmer winter temperatures and springs that start earlier. The birds assume a regularity to the seasons, a regularity that is no longer a given thanks to climate change, and are thus easily duped into nesting earlier than they should.

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Let’s face it, we love our pets. Sometimes that love can lead pet owners to pamper their pets just a little too much when it comes to food and treats. This over indulgence has the same effects on our pets as it does on us when we over eat or snack a little too often, we get fat. If you add in not getting enough exercise, then it is a problem compounded.

Yes, pets too can suffer from being obese. Statistics show that one in four pets weigh in the overweight or obese category. It is a problem which carries a lot of health risks to our four legged loved ones, and it is a problem that we as owners must handle.

As a Pit Bull owner, I know first hand how good it makes your pet feel to get those special treats, and how hard it is to not give them when it results in getting the loving look that only your Pit Bull can give. I also know as a Pit Bull owner that this particular breed needs a lot of regular exercise. Pit Bulls are very athletic and energetic by their very nature, and if they do not get enough exercise they are not happy. The dog also runs the risk of being overweight, which puts him at risk.

I realize that some Pit Bull owners would ask, “What’s the worst that a little weight could do?” Well the answer is that a little weight would do no harm, but if left unchecked the weight gain could quickly put your Pit Bull into the obese category. Some of the common ailments brought on by canine obesity are heart problems, arthritis and even diabetes. An overweight pet is also more susceptible to a hip condition known as dysplasia, as well as problems with the back and joints.

By now you’re probably glancing over to your Pit Bull trying to quickly gauge if your pet is within acceptable weight limits. Glancing isn’t going to give you an accurate answer, but if you’d like to do a quick home pet obesity test, then here’s how to do it.

First, get your Pit Bull to stand in front of you, and look at him from above. Your Pit Bull should have the shape more of an hour glass than say, an ocean liner. A dog with rounded out sides is certainly getting into the obese range. You should also be able to feel your dog’s ribs easily. Don’t press hard on your beloved pet; we don’t want to hurt him.

Keep regular vet appointments for your Pit Bull, as your veterinarian will also be checking your pet’s weight. Your veterinarian can also advise you on how you can get your pet back into optimum shape should he weigh in a bit too much.

To learn all about finding a pitbull for sale and training a Pit Bull, visit www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.

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Everything indicates that the name of the moment for a Fox Terrier, German Wirehaired Pointer, Beagle, English Setter or any hunting dog is Google. Why? mmmmmmmmm yes, well, the Fox Terrier is a hunting dog, isn’t it? Right now, Google is the most important search engine on the net or, at least, the most well known.

Both of them, the dog and de search engine, are highly adept at finding things. But why not call it Yahoo! After all, Yahoo was one of the first ones and also the most well known. So my dog would be “the number one”, and those that are first are the best. Now, which one sound better to you?

Do you feel more comfortable saying: “come here Yahoo”, or “come here Google”? The decision will probably be different for everyone. But we recommend these two names to anyone who needs help finding the things they need in their life.

Weather you are looking for boy dog names or girl dog names or unusual dog names you’ve come to the right place!

Fidonames.com has thousands of dog names to choose from and you can search them all for FREE! Browse names alphabetically, by gender, by movie, by miscellaneous type

Fidonames.com - Thousands of dog names

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Have you checked your yard for flowers or plants that may be toxic to your pet? If you have a cat or dog, you may want to do some research on plants, before you bring them home, to determine which could be harmful to your pet. Here are a few plants that are toxic to cats and dogs.

•Oleander: if your pet comes into contact and eats (or licks) an oleander bush or flower, symptoms may include upset stomach or hypothermia. In cats and dogs hypothermia presents as cool paws, ears and stomach.

•Azalea: symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness.

•Lilies: in cats symptoms may include vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite.

•Sago Palm: if your pet consumes any part of a Sago Palm, symptoms might include vomiting, diarrhea and seizures.

Other common home and garden plants that are considered to be toxic to your dog or cat include:

•Aloe Vera (commonly used for burns and sunburns)

•Boston Ivy (common ground cover or hanging plant)

•Calla Lilly (flowering plant either indoors or outdoors)

•Bracken Fern (common variety of fern)

If you suspect that your pet has eaten or consumed any plant that may be harmful or toxic, you should consult your veterinarian immediately and/or seek emergent care. When getting ready to plant items in your yard or before bringing home house plants you may want to research the variety first to determine if they are harmful to your cat or dog. One other suggestion: consult your veterinarian to determine what emergency supplies you should have on hand in your home in the event of an emergency.

Publishing Rights: You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your website, free of charge, as long as the author’s information and web link are included at the bottom of the article and the article is not changed, modified or altered in any way. The web link should be active when the article is reprinted on a web site or in an email. The author would appreciate an email indicating you wish to post this article to a website, and the link to where it is posted. Copyright 2005, Michele Webb. All Rights Reserved.

About the Author

The author owns her own website and is a member of a number of organizations for women Netpreneurs and business owners and lives in Las Vegas, Nevada USA with her two dogs. You can contact Michele at mailto:news@ebooksnstuff.com or visit her website at: http://www.ebooksnstuff.com

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The black walnut tree manufactures a substance that is a natural insecticide according to experts at the Texas State University in Austin.

American black walnut tress contain a tannic acid chemists call juglone. The reddish yellow substance leaches from leaves, and some believe exudes from roots, or transfers from branches and foliage to the roots. Tree physiologists agree that roots of other plants that come in contact with those black walnut tree roots die–even other black walnut seedlings.

Juglone is sometimes washed out of the still green walnuts during late summer or even autumn rains. The growth of plants 60 to 80 feet away are inhibited by the juglone. The substance affects plants of various families. Studies have found that tomatoes, alfalfa, potatoes, apples, blackberries, rhododendron, mountain laurel and pine trees are all affected.

According to a professor and extension forester at Iowa State University, juglone is known to repel various garden insects. Just by placing branches of the tree around the house and under furniture dog and cat owners are amazed to find that their pets have fewer fleas.

For more information on natural flea control: http://www.apluswriting.net/onlynaturalpetstore/fleacontrol.htm

For more information on natural garden products:
http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/gardensalive.htm

Copyright © 2005 Marilyn Pokorney

About Marilyn: Marilyn Pokorney is a freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment. She also loves crafts, gardening, and reading. Website: http://www.apluswriting.net

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While excitement and anticipation may be at the top of the list when bringing home a new puppy, preparing for him should rate highly on the list. Just as you would need to prepare a home when you have a baby, pet owners also need to take special precautions when “puppy-proofing.”

Before you start preparing your home for a puppy, you should take into consideration the yard and garden. First, check fences and gates to be sure there are no holes large enough for him to get his head stuck in. Watch for litter and/or trash cans, which can be tipped over, giving your new puppy the chance to eat things that he shouldn’t. And finally, know where you are treating your lawn and garden with pesticides, and then forbid your puppy from going there. In addition, make sure that all chemicals and other harmful products are put away out of your new friend’s reach.

Next, you will need to investigate your home and pretend that a small toddler is coming to live with you! Like toddlers, puppies will find everything new and exciting. They don’t know when something is dangerous or can’t tell if that “interesting” remote control will get them into trouble.

In addition, when preparing your home for the new puppy, you should keep these tips in mind:

Be sure all electrical and cable wires are either in a space your puppy will not be or hide them under rugs or carpets. Do not keep wires where your puppy could chew and gnaw on them.
Just like a toddler, your puppy will explore every element, including low cupboards. Just when you thought having a puppy was easier than a child, he will learn to nudge those cupboard doors open! Consider installing locks or sort through them and only keep safe objects in low areas.

So far, so good, right? Well, that’s only if you remember that in reality your puppy has the mind of a small child. Soon you’ll be getting ready for afternoon walks to the park, 3 a.m. trips to the bathroom, (more officially, outside) and lots of cuddling. So, while preparing your home for your puppy, think of him as a member of your family. Buy him a bed made from plastic, which is more resistant to chewing. Line it with comfortable beddingwashable of courseand then place it in a special place just for him. Make sure it is somewhere he will be safe and comfortable.

Preparing your home for your new puppy is a lot of work, so you may consider buying a puppy pen until everything is taken care of. Just like a baby’s playpen, a puppy pen will offer an area for him to play without roaming the house. By doing this, you are also saving your furniture and other objects from being chewed on. (Don’t worryhe’ll eventually grow out of this!)

Another important thing to think about when preparing your home for your puppy is any stairs that you may have in the house. If you have an open basement or second floor, use baby gates to confine his run area to prevent harm. Babies and puppies alike are not aware of danger and don’t realize that they could fall down steps and hurt themselves.

The most important thing to think about while preparing your home for the new puppy is just like a child, they will need cuddling, attention and there will definitely be a lot of wet kisses!

About the Author

This article courtesy of http://www.puppy-training-guide.net

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Animal jewelry has always been popular. Even in ancient Egypt, people wore jewelry fashioned after animals like the cat and the ibis. In modern times, you see animal jewelry captured in charm bracelets and necklaces. Why is animal jewelry still popular today? Here are a few reasons to consider when you think about how appealing animal jewelry can be.

1) Animals are nice to look at.

Who can ever get tired of watching birds fly or kittens play? Because animals are fun to look at in nature, jewelers use them in their work. People often go to nature for inspiration and then use it in their creations. Animals have a simple elegance to them that is always complementary to a nice outfit.

2) Animal designs don’t go out of style.

Fads and trends are just that; they are here today and gone soon after. Animal designs seem to withstand all of that because they don’t change. Over the course of human existence, animals have remained in about the same state as they were when we first saw them. Polka-dots, loops, zigzags, and starburst bracelets all go out of style at some point. Animals have a degree of permanency that allows for constant design inspiration.

3) The animal depicted in the jewelry represents the person wearing it.

My mother has a leopard lapel that she got from her mother as a birthday present. She and her family come from South Africa, so the leopard lapel reflects great significance to her roots. My mother likes to wear it on special occasions, to church, and just for fun because it reminds her of home.

Other people wear certain animal jewelry because it is a representation of them. Someone who wears a lot of dolphin jewelry might have an affinity for the ocean, freedom, playfulness, and intelligence. Someone else might like elephant jewelry because they are bold, strong, and majestic. Overall, animal jewelry can be a symbolic interpretation of the individual and an appealing display for others to observe.

About The Author

Pete McFraser

To get a sense of how varied Harris Michael Jewelry’s collection of animal jewelry is, visit http://www.harrismichaeljewelry.com/animal-jewelry.html.

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Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea that may parents will know only too well. How do you go about adopting a dog to make suure that the dog is happy and there isn’t too much upheaval in your home?

If you are thinking of adding a dog to your family, consider adopting your new best friend from an animal shelter or humane society. You’ll not only get a good feeling from helping a homeless pet, you’ll get an outstanding companion. The staff at these organizations carefully check the animals for sound health and good temperament. In addition, some shelter animals have had the benefit of training to develop good manners while they waited for a new home.

Through no fault of their own, a lot of great dogs wind up in animal shelters hoping for a second chance at happiness. People relinquish their pets to shelters when they are no longer able to care for them. Sometimes this is because the owner was unprepared for the responsibility that comes with caring for a dog. Often, however, caring owners struggling with life-changes or trying to cope with family tragedy realize their pet would be better off with someone else. They bring them to the shelter because they know the animal will be well cared for and placed in an excellent home.

You can find just about any age, size and breed of dog at an animal shelter. So, if you have your mind set on a puppy, a shelter is a good place to look. However, if you would like a more mature dog that is likely already housebroken, you’ll also find these kinds of canines at the humane society or animal center.

Upon arrival, shelter staff carefully evaluate each animal for physical and behavioral soundness. They make note of quirks, and work with specialists to eliminate negative behaviors. Most shelters have adoption counselors who interview potential adopters to understand their needs and lifestyle.

This is nothing to worry about - the counselor just wants to make sure that so they can make the perfect match for dog and owner.

This is an opportunity for you to find out about the dogs at the shelter too. There are a number of questions you should ask the counselor.

• Why is the dog available?
• Does the dog have any behavior problems?
• How is the dog with other animals and children?
• Does the dog have any health problems?
• Is the dog spayed or neutered already?

You will find it easy to pick your new dog with this expert advice. In fact your only problem may be not taking all the dogs home with you!

Bringing your newly adopted dog home is exciting for you, but may be a little overwhelming for her. Keep her on a leash as you take her from room to room, giving her plenty of opportunity to sniff. You may want the first stop on your tour to be the backyard or wherever you want her to relieve herself. The excitement of a car ride and coming to a new place can give her the need to empty her bowels or bladder.

Dogs are creatures of habit, so the sooner you establish a firm routine, the more comfortable your new dog will become. Always feed her in the same spot and at about the same time each morning. You’ll find she grows to anticipate “what comes next.” For example, if you always feed her after you bring in the newspaper, you’ll notice she becomes very excited when you open the door to step outside. Dogs catch on quickly.

Remember, though, the reason why many dogs are in animal shelters in the first place. If you don’t have the commitment to look after the dog properly, think again.

About The Author

Niall Kennedy

Best Pet Health Information http://www.best-pet-health.info is a resource which will help you find infomation, hints and tips to keep your newly adopted dog happy and healthy. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and live links are included intact.

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Fleas are the most common external parasite of pets in North America. Fleas are small wingless insects that use their specialized mouth to pierce the skin and siphon blood from their host. When a flea bites, it injects a small amount of saliva into the skin to prevent the blood from coagulating. Some animals become sensitized to flea saliva and animals that are allergic can have severe itching and scratching from a single bite. Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common disease among dogs.

Current flea control products are primarily either oral or topical systemic treatments. Most of the products may be used for prevention as well as to treat existing flea problems. One group of products control fleas by interrupting their development by killing or stopping the maturation of flea larvae and eggs. These drugs are called Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs). One common oral product used is lufenuron which is found in the Program® line of products which are administered orally in tablet or liquid form. Methoprene and pyriproxifen are also IGRs that are available as sprays or collars. The FDA shares regulation of these products with the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Because even the same products from other countries have not been approved by these agencies, it is illegal to purchase or import these products for use in the United States.

Currently the most popular flea control products kill adult fleas (adulticide), are applied topically and work rapidly. Popular topical products utilize fipronil which is the key ingredient in Frontline® Top Spot and imidacloprid which is in Advantage®. The most popular product on the market, Frontline Plus®, utilizes both an adulticide and an IGR. An oral adulticide that is also available is nitenpyram which is in Capstar® and begins to kill fleas in 30 minutes. Frontline Plus also kills ticks which makes it the most popular product where ongoing tick protection is required.

Consult with your veterinarian to determine which flea and tick control products are best for you. The choice of flea control will depend on your climate, environment, your pet’s activities, and potential for exposure. However, with consistent use, it is almost always possible to control your flea problem. Using these products throughout the year typically will eliminate the need for regular insecticidal use. The following provide additional summary information on selected popular products.

Program from Novartis®

Program is available as a once a month pill or oral liquid suspension to be given with a full meal. Adult fleas that ingest Program’s key ingredient, lufenuron, produce sterile eggs. Program does not kill adult fleas so pets remain susceptible to fleas hatching and maturing pupa already present in the environment. Therefore, some time may pass before the all fleas are killed in an environment. In order to stop the life cycle, every animal in the environment must receive lufenuron. Pets should also be sprayed with an adulticide during the first week or two of starting Program.

Advantage from Bayer®

Advantage is applied topically on both dogs and cats and seems to be very well-tolerated by sensitive cats. Advantage kills fleas within 24 hours and 100% protection can be maintained for cats for 21 days and 90% protection can be maintained for dogs for 28 days. Advantage is susceptible to washing off so dogs that are active outdoors and dogs that swim or must be bathed frequently should be re-treated frequently. Up to weekly re-treatment is allowed. The imidacloprid in Advantage does not effect ticks, but K-9Advantix, with permethrin does. K9 Advantix is only labeled for once a month K9 Advantix is ONLY FOR USE WITH DOGS and MUST NOT BE ADMINISTERED TO CATS.

Frontline Spray, Frontline Plus And Frontline Top Spot from Merial®

Frontline Spray, Frontline Plus, and Frontline Top Spot comprise the market leading Frontline flea control product line. The fipronil in Frontline products is a broad spectrum insecticide available as a spray or topical. Fipronil works by binding chemically to the pet’s hair and is absorbed through the follicle by the sebaceous glands. As a spray, fipronil kills fleas at 95% for over 80 days after application on dogs and for 1 month with biweekly bathing. Frontline is labeled for puppies and kittens as young as 8 weeks (10 weeks for Top Spot) and it is not washed off by bathing. Frontline is also affective against ticks. Some cats may show minor adverse reactions with high volume use of the alcohol based spray product which should be applied no more than once a month. Frontline Plus also contains the IGR, S-methoprene which inhibits the growth of immature fleas.

Capstar from Novartis®

Capstar is an oral tablet for dogs and cats that may be administered as young as 4 weeks of age. It offers extremely rapid and complete killing of adult fleas and is safe enough that the tablets may be used whenever fleas are seen on your pet as often as once per day. Capstar may be used in combination with an IGR to kill fleas immediately to compliment the long-term control of an IGR such as Program.

(c) VetDepot.com - Discount Pet
Medications
Mark Smith is a staff writer for http://www.VetDepot.com Vet
Depot offers discount and wholesale brand name pet medications
for dogs, cats, horses, and selected products for fish breeders.
All over-the-counter (OTC) pet medications are manufactured for
use in the United States with FDA/EPA approval. Vet Depot
purchases from the same distributors that supply your local
veterinarians. All products are Guaranteed Fresh.

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There are many different styles of dog training, and finding the
one that works best for you is important for creating a dog that
is a talented, loyal and faithful member of the family.

All successful methods of dog training work to reinforce the
relationship between dog and handler, and the foundation of any
successful training program is getting the respect of the dog.
Fortunately, dogs are wired by nature to seek out leaders, and
to follow the direction of those leaders.

Both leash/collar training and reward training have been around
for a very long time, and they have proven their effectiveness
over time. The type of training that works best will vary from
dog to dog, and from breed to breed. It is important to remember
that each breed of dog has its own unique qualities, reinforced
by hundreds of years of selective breeding.

The leash and training collar is the most basic piece of
equipment used in training a dog. Using the lead and training
collar properly is vital to successful dog training. The
training collar is designed to apply a specific amount of
pressure each time the leash is tightened. The amount of
pressure put on the leash controls the amount of pressure placed
on the training collar, and the pressure can be adjusted
according to how the dog responds.

Of course personalities of individual dogs vary quite a bit,
even within established breeds. You, as the owner of the dog,
know better than anyone which style of dog training will work
best, so it is important to work with the trainer you choose to
achieve your goal of a willing, obedient and friendly dog.

Leash and collar training is the best way to accomplish many
types of dog training, particularly in situations where the dog
must have a high level of reliability. For instance, dogs that
have an important job to do, such as rescue dogs, police dogs
and guard dogs, generally benefit from leash and collar training.

In leash and collar training, varying degrees of force can be
used, ranging from slight prompts with the lead to very harsh
corrections. The amount of correction used should be appropriate
to the situation, since using too much correction, or too
little, will be ineffective.

The first part of training with collar and leash, of course, is
to purchase a quality, well made training collar that will fit
your dog properly. There are many types of training collars and
leashes on the market. The most important thing is to choose one
that is sturdy and well made. The last thing you want to do is
chase your dog down after he has broken his collar.

The length of the collar should be approximately two inches
longer than the circumference of the dog’s neck. It is important
to accurately measure the dog’s neck using a measuring tape. In
order to get an accurate measurement, you must make sure that
the tape is not tight around the dog’s neck.

Most training collars come in even sizes, so you should round up
to the next size if your dog’s neck is an odd number. It is
important that the chain that attaches to the collar be placed
at the top of the dog’s neck. That is where the training collar
is designed to apply the best pressure.

The ability to apply varying degrees of pressure, and to relieve
that pressure instantly, is what makes a training collar such an
effective tool. It usually takes new users a little while to get
used to using the training collar, and some styles of training
collar require more finesse than others. If you are unsure which
collar to choose, be sure to ask a professional dog trainer, or
the management staff at your local pet store, for help.

In a collar and leash based dog training program, first the dog
is taught a particular behavior, generally with the leash. After
the dog has demonstrated that it understands the command, the
leash is then used to correct the dog if it disobeys, or when it
makes a mistake. The leash is the main form of controlling and
communicating with the dog in leash and collar training.

When using leash and collar training, the dog must be trained to
trust the handler and accept his or her directions without
question. In order for the dog to be fully trained, the handler
must demonstrate the ability to place the dog into a posture or
position he or she does not want to take. This does not mean
using force, but it does generally require some level of
physical manipulation. This manipulation is most easily and
safely done using the main tool of leash and collar training -
the leash.

The well trained dog is one who will walk at his owner’s side on
a loose lead, neither dropping behind nor charging ahead.

The well trained dog will also vary his pace to meet that of his
handler. Under no circumstances should the handler be forced to
change his or her pace to match that of the dog.

If the dog does begin to charge ahead, it is important to
correct the dog promptly by giving a quick tug on the leash.
This will give the dog a good reminder that he needs to change
his pace. It is important to quickly relieve the pressure as
soon as the dog responds. The training collar is designed to
relieve pressure as soon as the leash is loosened.

Most dogs will immediately respond to corrections by a good,
properly used training collar. If the dog does not respond as
directed, it may be necessary to apply greater pressure. This
can be especially true of large dogs or those who have
preexisting behavior or control problems. If you are still
unable to get a response from your dog, it is possible that you
are using a training collar that is not large enough for your
dog. If you think this may be the case, be sure to ask for
expert advice before proceeding.

It is important for every would be dog trainer to understand
that the leash is simply a tool. While the leash is an important
tool in this form of training, it is important for the dog
trainer to be able to eventually achieve the same results using
whatever tools are at hand.

Even when the only tools at hand are the owner’s body and skill,
the dog should be willing to obey. Creating a leader/follower
relationship between handler and dog is still very important,
and it is important to use the leash as a tool and not a crutch.
A properly trained dog should be willing to obey whether the
leash is present or not.

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