Can Dog Aromatherapy Products Change Your Pets Mood? By Amy Nut

Aromatherapy has been used for decades to soothe human beings, but more recently, pet owners are realizing the incredible value of using dog aromatherapy to help dogs live happier, more contented lives.

What is Dog Aromatherapy?

The concept of aromatherapy isn't a new one. Smells affect us drastically and since dogs have a far keener sense of smell, it stands to reason that aromas would have a powerful effect on them as well. Dog aromatherapy is possibly even more effective than human aromatherapy for this very reason.

The use of essential oils and essential oil blends is the basis of aromatherapy of all types. However, it isn't necessary to use it as is. Many products exist for applying the essential oil in a more diluted fashion. Using shampoo or a specially formulated spray for your dog can work wonders. Often pet owners find that combining a warm bath with a good aromatherapy blend is the best way to treat their dogs.

This method of treating your dog has many benefits, but perhaps the biggest one is simply that dog aromatherapy is all natural and uses ingredients that your pet will love and that won’t irritate allergies.

Does It Actually Work?

You may be skeptical about the effect of dog aromatherapy, but it is definitely worth a try. If your dog tends to be hyper or nervous and anxious, try giving him a bath with a soothing essential oil soap and you'll notice a big difference.

Calming a pet isn't the only use for dog aromatherapy, though. In fact, there are so many uses for this wonderful therapy that no matter why your dog’s mood, you can improve it.

- Increase appetite. For dogs who aren't interested in food, a good aromatherapy treatment can boost their appetite and get them eating again.

- Soothing. For the nervous dog, a calming treatment works wonders and can even help your dog sleep better.

- Energizing. For older, lethargic dogs, the right scent can perk them right up and give them some extra pep. This is a very handy way to energize your tired canine before a walk.

- Healing. When your dog isn't in good health, it`s hard to know what to do for them, but there are dog aromatherapy treatments for many of the more common ailments, including nausea and cough.

- Pain relief. For dogs with arthritis, aromatherapy can be very effective in alleviating the pain and making them more comfortable.

A great benefit that most pet owners don't consider before getting into dog aromatherapy is that they will also be affected by the aromas. If you are using a peppermint essential oil to energize your dog, you’ll find yourself having more energy, as well! It’s a fun side effect of treating your dog and can be very relaxing as you share this experience with your canine friend. Choose essential oil blends that you can both enjoy for a true bonding experience.

Dog aromatherapy may be a fairly new addition to pet therapies, but it is an effective one. Experiment with different essential oil blends and products to find which ones work best with your dog. While you could mix your own, it’s often best to opt for a professionally formulated and tested product that is designed with specific benefits in mind. As more people become aware of how great it is for their dogs to benefit from this new therapy, more products are becoming available. This means more options for dog aromatherapy in your own home.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=298785&ca=Pets

Bird World - Part 4 By Saronkorn Seuyouyong

The Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus, shown here feeding its young belongs to a group of birds which even experienced birdwatchers have difficulty in identifying by sight, and the various Reed Warblers and their song. This is probably also the main way in which the various species identify their mates. Reed Warblers are only found in the Old World where they live in a wide variety of marshy habitats. Bird-lovers delight in the brilliant colours of the small finch-like tanagers of the New World. There are over 200 species and they nearly all retain their dazzling colours the whole year round. In the tropical jungles of South America the most vivid of these compact, active birds vie in colouring with the gaudy parrots as they fly through the trees.

The diversity in colour of the tanager family is amazing. Many species, such as the lovely Emerald-spotted Tanager Tangara punctata and the Black and Green Tanager Tangara nigrovirdis (bottom left), build open cup nests in bushes and trees, but there are also some species which build covered nests. Typical tanagers have short, stout beaks. One specialized group of nectar-eating tanagers, however, have long slender beaks which they use to hold and pierce flowers. Some tanagers are quite competent songsters while others, the blue tanagers among them, can scarcely sing a note.

The blue tanagers are busy little birds with a huge appetite for fruit and berries. They also eat insects which they catch, with amusing dexterity, on the wing. Their nests are shallow cups in trees or bushes and after mating a pair of blue tanagers nearly always stays together for the rest of the year. Frequent visitors to parks and private gardens, they are probably among the best known of all the tanagers. The picture is of the pretty Blue-headed Tanager, Tanagara cyanicollis.

Other well-known birds of the New World are the seed-eating cardinals. Perhaps the most popular of all the cardinals is the Red Cardinal Pyrrhuloxia cardinalis which is very common in the United States, where it is affectionately known as the ‘red bird’. A handsome bird, with its bold scarlet colouring, distinctive crest and stout conical-shaped beak, it is a familiar sight on the outskirts of cities such as New York. The female is easily distinguished from the male, as she is more brown than red.

Most cardinals build shallow cup nests which are similar to those of many of the tanagers, except that they are usually found on or very close to the ground. The three birds illustrated here are among the most colourful of the species breeding in North America. They are quite unrelated and have very different habits.

The Yellow Warbler Dendrica petechia is a summer visitor, arriving in North America when the apple trees are coming into blossom. The male is a loud and persistent songster, singing for most of the day and leaving the female to get on with building the nest. The Yellow Warbler is often parasitized by cowbirds but, unlike many other birds, Warblers will often build another nest over the top of the original if it contains the egg of a cowbirds; as many as six grow rapidly, leaving the nest about a fortnight later. Shortly afterwards the Yellow Warblers will set off on their journey south.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=298442&ca=Pets

Ear Infection in Dogs: All You Need to Know By Cristian Stan

Ear infection, no matter how mild, requires a veterinarian's attention. While some infections can possibly heal on its own, the vet should always be consulted so that the right treatment therapy is provided to your pets. The cure of dog ear infection should start the moment it is diagnosed. Otherwise, the condition may worsen. Ear infection is one health concern that all dog owners should be well-informed about because of its high number of noted cases.

There are different types of dog ear infection– the outer, middle, and inner ear infections. The primary symptoms of this disease are foul-smelling wax discharges, swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation. Oftentimes, the cases of inner and middle ear infections are a lot harder to treat than that of outer ear infections.

If your dog is suffering from this health concern, you will find it shaking or cocking its head frequently and at an unusual angle. It may also rub its ear incessantly because of irritation. In worse cases, dogs would develop balance problems and hearing impairment due to the disease.

There are different reasons why ear infection in dogs develops. Sometimes, it is due to bacterial and yeasts finding its way in the dog's ears. Mites may cause this disease as well. So if your dog has some parasites, be sure that you do what it takes to eliminate them from your pet's body. Allergies, underlying diseases, and foreign objects may trigger the problem as well.

If your dog is suffering from ear infection, anti-bacterial medications and ear drops are usually the foremost cures. However, it is strongly advised that you don't just buy over-the-counter medications as they may not necessarily help your pets. Instead, talk to the vet, ask for a prescription, and follow his advice.

For milder cases of ear infection, there are home remedies that you can use to help alleviate the discomfort that your dog goes through. Sometimes, it is necessary to provide your dog with both the medicines prescribed by the vet and the remedies found around the house to achieve fast relief from ear infections.

But more than treatment, dog owners should be more concerned on how to prevent ear infections. Regular grooming and proper hygiene can help a lot. For as long as you know how to take care of your pets properly, infections and all types of diseases shouldn't be a concern for you.

If left untreated, ear infection could pave the way to a host of complex health concerns for your dog. Aside from deafness, your dog can develop tumors and diseases that are hard to treat. The bottom line is that simple ear infection can develop into diseases with complications are next to impossible to reverse. And these diseases shouldn't have occurred in your beloved pets, if you were only there to give them the necessary medical attention.

So the next time you see your pets irritable, scratching its ears often, and has abnormally high ear wax excretion, better be ready for an appointment with the vet. Keeping your dog's health problems at minimum could help both of you greatly in the long run.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=299484&ca=Pets

Things to Consider When Shipping Your Animals Away Throughout the United States By Rick Powell

When life calls upon us to travel, whether it be a move away, a business trip, or a vacation, it is important to tie up all loose ends and to make sure that all of our loved ones are taken care of, especially the furry ones—our pets. If you plan on traveling with your pet, there are several steps that you must take to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. Here are five tips for pet shipping to help you accomplish this:

1. Your pet must be healthy.

A healthy pet will better withstand the stress of travel. Schedule an appointment with your local veterinarian and ask for a domestic health certificate that states your pet is fine to travel. If your pet is not healthy, certain travel conditions can affect your pet adversely.

2. Buy a Crate in the Appropriate Size for Pet Transport

Another very important tip to traveling with pets is making sure that you have the appropriately sized crate for pet transport. A top quality crate with enough room for your pet to move around in the crate is perfect. A sufficiently sized crate will ensure that your pet is not injured in the cargo compartment and that your pet is not turned away by the airline. If your pet is small enough to fit in a carrier that can be placed beneath your seat, this is your safest and most worry-free option.

3. Schedule your pet transportation in accordance with your schedule.

If you are moving and shipping your pet, please be sure that your pet transport arrangements fit perfectly within your schedule. Also, be sure to cover the crate using stickers, paint or permanent marker, with notes that say your dog's name, your name, flight number, and contact information.

4. Be certain of your travel plans well in advance of the actual travel date.

When it comes to pet shipping and pet transport, a last minute rush can spell disaster for your pet. Plan to arrive at the airport at least a half hour earlier than usual. Check in, but don't let them take your pet away until the last moment, usually thirty minutes before departure. Once you've checked in, take your pet outside for a walk to allow him or her to relieve themselves. Because you can never be cautious enough, be absolutely certain that the door of the kennel is extremely secure, but do not lock it. In the event of an emergency it may need to be opened. Just above the door, write, “Do not open this door without the permission of owner or a licensed veterinarian!' Also, never leave your pet before a baggage handler actually comes to collect him for pet transport.

5. Choose a reputable company to handle your pet shipping needs.

Whether you are planning a move or a trip that just includes your pet, a reliable pet transport company will see to it that you have the proper crate for pet shipping, provide a door-to-door service and handle boarding needs.

A family pet is usually as well loved as any human family members. Taking the time to plan your travel and pet shipping well in advance will make travel less stressful for both you and your beloved pet. Hiring a well-known pet transportation company to handle the travel arrangements for your pet will let you breathe easier, knowing that the arrangements from A-Z have been made by professionals who treat your pet with the same loving care as you do.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=299218&ca=Pets

Horse Color Genetics - What About Bays? (Part 2) By Lydia K Kelly

If you read the first part of this article you will now be familiar with the basics of color genetics in horses. To quickly review things, there are two basic color genes, the black (B) and the red (b). All horses have a combination of these two genes. All other colors are created by special genes called modifiers.

Before we get started you need to understand some basic terms. The first thing you need to know is that dominant genes will always show their traits while recessive genes are silent when combined with a dominant gene. So a horse with one dominant color gene (B) and one recessive color gene (b) will always show the dominant trait which is black. Another important term to understand is homozygous. This means that the horse carries two copies of the same color gene. For example a chestnut horse (bb) must carry two copies of the red gene or it would not be chestnut. The complimentary term is heterozygous. This means that the horse carries one dominant copy of the gene and one recessive copy of the gene (Bb). The dominant gene will show, but the recessive gene can crop up when crossed to another horse who carries that recessive gene.

The purpose of a modifier is to modify, or change, the outcome of a basic color gene. For example, the most common modifier is the agouti gene. This special gene causes the black in a horse’s coat to lighten making it brown in color. On the other hand it does not affect the black on the points including the mane, tail and legs. If you have this pictured in your mind you will quickly see that the agouti gene is what makes horses bay in color.

So how does the agouti gene work? To make things simple let’s call the agouti gene (A). If a horse is black in base color (Bb) or (BB) and carries the agouti modifier it will be a bay (BbA) or (BBA). If it does not carry the agouti modifier it will remain black. Let’s look at this in a breeding scenario. Let’s take a bay stallion who is homozygous for the black gene (BB) but is heterozygous for agouti (A) and cross him with a black mare who is homozygous for the black gene (BB).

(BA)(B)
(B)(BBA)
bay(BB)
black
(B)(BBA)
bay(BB)
black

The stallion will only pass on his agouti gene half of the time, making half his foals from the black mare bays. The other half of the time the foal will not get the black gene and will turn out black.

Now the agouti gene is very common. This is why you do not see very many black horses. In addition to this, the agouti gene is also present in chestnut horses, but because they do not have any black it does not express itself. So you can have a chestnut mare who carries two agouti genes (homozygous) and breed her to a black stallion and wind up with only bay foals.

How do you know if your chestnut horse carries the agouti gene? This can be hard to tell without doing genetic testing. Really the only other way would be to breed her to a black stallion and see if she throws a bay foal. Even one bay foal from a black stallion means that she carries an agouti gene. Because the agouti gene is dominant all foals who carry the gene with the black gene will be bays.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=299040&ca=Pets

Do You Need Dog Training Tools When You Train Your Dog? By Eddie Gillespie

There is no question about it, if you own a dog you need to make sure that it behaves well with people, strangers, and with other animals. Your dog needs to obey commands to keep the dog and his surroundings save. This means you need to train your dog and the best time to start with training is during its puppy time. It is possible you do not have a clue what it takes to train a dog, in that case we advise you to go to a puppy training school where you and the puppy can learn together.

During the time you are training with your dog (and that can be its whole life) you will come across dog training tools and you will wonder if these can help you to train your dog. The most controversial of the dog training tools you will come across is the electronic dog collar.

Is an electronic dog collar necessary?

Well that question can be answered quick and clear, No it is not necessary at all, there are many ways you can train your dog and there are many tools that can assist you with the training process, but an electronic dog collar is not one of the dog training tools we can advise. We already said it these kind of collars, (there are different types and forms) are controversial to say at least. If you look them up on the internet, you will read stories of people who think these collars are the best way of training and they absolutely do not harm or hurt the dog in any way, well I suppose those people did not put the collar around their arm or neck because it does, it hurts like a sting of a wasp and we all know that can hurt like hell.

The electronic dog collar works by giving the dog a shock that makes him understand that certain behavior is not right and it has to be avoided as much as possible. The idea is not bad, but there are so much other ways to train your dog

Do you need other dog training tools?

Also a no to that question, you do not need dog training tools at all, if you gather the needed basic knowledge for dog training and you do some research about how you can best train your dog you do not need a thing. But there are some handy dog training tools available that can be fun to try and dog training needs to be fun for the dog and for you, because when you play and learn, dog training comes natural and much more easy.

When you follow the market carefully for a couple of years you will notice that there are many dog training tools introduced that seem very attractive but almost all are no substitute for basic normal dog training. There is just one of the dog training tools that stick for quite a few years now, and that is the clicker training.

Clickers are hand held devices that fit in the palm of your hand and make a click-clack sound when you push them. It is rather loud and your dog should be able to hear it even when surrounded with common background noises. when you give a command and the dog obeys you click and give a treat or other reward. and you keep repeating this until you are sure that the dog understands, when you regular repeat this type of training it can be very effective.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=297053&ca=Pets

Bird World - Part 3 By Saronkorn Seuyouyong

The Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis of North America is a pure parasite. During the breeding season it is very promiscuous, mating quite randomly and not forming lasting pairs. The female lays her egg in the nest of a smaller bird and, as with the Cockoo, the Cowbird’s egg hatches before the others in the nest, the nestling grows faster and soon starves its nest-mates out even if it does not actually crowd them out. During the summer months, the Cowbird is usually to be seen following, or even riding on, sheep and cattle to catch the insects disturbed by their feet.

Many of the whydah groups are also nest parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of the small waxbills. Not only do their eggs resemble those of the waxbill, their young have the same markings in their mouths as young waxbills as it is by these markings that the parent birds identify where to put the food and without them the nestling whydahs might starve. Only the male Long-tailed Window Bird, or Whydah, Diatropura progne has the long black tail from which it gets its name.

The Fantails are a group of nearly forty species of closely related birds found only in south-eastern Asia, the south-western Pacific and some Australasian regions. They are relatedto the Old World fly catchers and are easily recognized by their habit of cocking their tails. The Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrous is shown here on its nest, fanning its tail. It is found in Australia, the Solomons, New Guinea and a few other islands, in a variety of habitats, including jungle, scrub and mangrove swamps.

The European Wren Troglodytes troglodytes , the only species occurring in Europe, is known in North America as the Winter Wren to avoid confusion with the other nine species found there. It is thought that the wrens evolved in North America and only colonized the Old World from the New, via the Bering Straits, either during or just after the Ice Ages. In many parts of Europe, the Wren is called the ‘king’ of birds (this may have originated from confusion with the Goldcrest) and there are many superstitions and rituals connected with Wrens. On Christmas Day in Britain, the Wren was once hunted and then stoned or clubbed to death. This ritual has obvious connections with the Christian ritual of death and rebirth, centred on Christmas and the New Year.

The cock Wren, in spite of its small size, is one of the loudest songsters in the dawn chorus, and is often heard breaking into a short snatch of its trilling song even in the middle of winter. At the onset of the breeding season, the male Wren builds severalnests and the female then selects one in which to lay her eggs. The nests are domed and of fairly flexible construction; as the youngsters, which may number up to about fifteen, grow in size, the nest will stretch slightly to accommodate them.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=298429&ca=Pets

Dog Doors: Why You Must Have it For Your Lovely Dog? By Richard Dinae

A dog door, also known as pet door or doggies door is a small door mounted into the lower part of a wall or a door which allows for entry and exit of your pets without anyone letting them do so. It can be fitted right to the door. It has a hinged cover which moves backward when the dog goes in and sways back after. These dog doors are found to be convenient to many pet owners because these doors allow their pets to go in and out of their houses as they please. This reduces the destructive behavior of their pets such as scratching the walls, clawing and running around the house. Dog doors not only provide your dogs freedom but they also provide you with destruction-free dinners and evenings. However, you must remember that just because you have a dog door does not mean you do not need to exercise your pets. Dog doors are not replacement for walking your dog or pets.

There are various types of dog doors depending on your type of pet, the level of security provided, colors and frame types. You just have to choose which!

Dog door with dual flaps are known to be resistant to extreme weathers. The flaps are usually made of plastic and are rigid. It is also resistant to punctures and tears. It is durable and appealing to the eyes. Pet door panels which have single flaps are made of polycarbonate. It slides and locks on automatically providing security. It is dark tainted preventing the door and floor coverings from sun damage. Extreme weather dog door is a three-flap system pet door which is highly efficient. It is said that this seals off unwanted weather conditions outside. The flaps are housed in thick acrylic frame.

Plastic dog doors which frames are made of thick acrylic can withstand the toughest condition outside. It is said to be tough on bad weathers and easy on our pets! There are also the cheaper plastic dog doors but are not recommended for large and rowdy pets. Usually, these dog doors are made carefully so that they do not harm or injure or trap the pets. They also make use of soft vinyl materials.

While you may or may not want to invest on your dog doors that allow you to lock the door to one direction or the other, you definitely will want to get one of the dog doors that can be latched closed. Dog doors with latches are good if you are able to restrict your dogs’ movements. However, if your dog is too large or too boisterous, then it is better recommended to get a dog door. Also, while dog doors are helpful to big dogs, it can also do the same to smaller ones – you just have to pick the right door for your pet.

With the wide range of availability of dog doors, you will be able to get your pet the door that suits them while not compromising your finances!

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=297767&ca=Pets

Dog Doors: Why You Must Have it For Your Lovely Dog? By Richard Dinae

A dog door, also known as pet door or doggies door is a small door mounted into the lower part of a wall or a door which allows for entry and exit of your pets without anyone letting them do so. It can be fitted right to the door. It has a hinged cover which moves backward when the dog goes in and sways back after. These dog doors are found to be convenient to many pet owners because these doors allow their pets to go in and out of their houses as they please. This reduces the destructive behavior of their pets such as scratching the walls, clawing and running around the house. Dog doors not only provide your dogs freedom but they also provide you with destruction-free dinners and evenings. However, you must remember that just because you have a dog door does not mean you do not need to exercise your pets. Dog doors are not replacement for walking your dog or pets.

There are various types of dog doors depending on your type of pet, the level of security provided, colors and frame types. You just have to choose which!

Dog door with dual flaps are known to be resistant to extreme weathers. The flaps are usually made of plastic and are rigid. It is also resistant to punctures and tears. It is durable and appealing to the eyes. Pet door panels which have single flaps are made of polycarbonate. It slides and locks on automatically providing security. It is dark tainted preventing the door and floor coverings from sun damage. Extreme weather dog door is a three-flap system pet door which is highly efficient. It is said that this seals off unwanted weather conditions outside. The flaps are housed in thick acrylic frame.

Plastic dog doors which frames are made of thick acrylic can withstand the toughest condition outside. It is said to be tough on bad weathers and easy on our pets! There are also the cheaper plastic dog doors but are not recommended for large and rowdy pets. Usually, these dog doors are made carefully so that they do not harm or injure or trap the pets. They also make use of soft vinyl materials.

While you may or may not want to invest on your dog doors that allow you to lock the door to one direction or the other, you definitely will want to get one of the dog doors that can be latched closed. Dog doors with latches are good if you are able to restrict your dogs’ movements. However, if your dog is too large or too boisterous, then it is better recommended to get a dog door. Also, while dog doors are helpful to big dogs, it can also do the same to smaller ones – you just have to pick the right door for your pet.

With the wide range of availability of dog doors, you will be able to get your pet the door that suits them while not compromising your finances!

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=297767&ca=Pets

Horse Riding in a Balanced Seat By Lydia K Kelly

For many beginning riders, just sitting on a horse and staying on seems enough. But as you progress, it becomes more important to have a correct, balanced seat as you ride.

A balanced seat not only allows the rider to stay on the horse, it also allows the horse to travel forward in a more balanced way. If you are riding for performance purposes it is essential to offer your horse every opportunity to be balanced as he works.

No matter your discipline, the basics for balance remain the same. A balanced seat has even weight on both seat bones with the center of balance directly over the stirrup.

Most riders start out with what is called a “chair seat”. When you sit on a chair, you sit with your bottom behind you and your legs in front of you. If someone were to suddenly pull the chair out from under you, you would collapse on the ground. This is because your center of balance is to the back, making you unable to remain upright without the support of the chair.

If you ride in a chair seat, you center of balance is behind you, directly in the middle of your horse’s back. This makes it impossible for your horse to engage his hind end and to move forward freely. You horse’s movement will be impaired and you could even cause him a sore back.

To become balanced, you need to change your posture so that your weight is carried down through your shoulder into your leg and into your feet. If someone were to pull the horse out from beneath you, you should be able to land on your feet and maintain your position.

To experience this, try squatting on the ground as though you were riding on a horse. To maintain your balance you need to bend your knee forward, keep your bottom beneath you, and your upper body slightly ahead to balance off your bottom. The more you need to lean forward, the more you will need to compensate by bending your knees and closing the angle of your hips so that your bottom is further behind you.

On a horse, this translates to maintaining a position where you feet are beneath you and your knees are bent to accommodate this position. Unlike a chair position, you will find that your upper leg is in a near-vertical position, forming an open angle between your torso and your leg. As you shorten your stirrup, this angle will close, but your weight will remain evenly balanced from your shoulder, through your hip to your heel.

For some disciplines, such as jumping, you need to ride in a forward seat. If your leg is too far back, your balance will fall forward, and you will need to lean on your horse’s neck. If your leg is too far forward, it will be next to impossible to move into a forward seat position, as your balance will be shifted towards the back.

You need to maintain a leg position that would allow you to remain upright should the horse be removed from beneath you. To sit forwards, you need to close the angle of your hip so that your upper body comes forward and your seat slides backwards. Try this while squatting on the ground to see how the balance works. If you lean forward without sticking your bottom backwards, you will be off balance and wind up falling on your face.

A well balanced rider should be able to lower her upper body as low as the neck, and then return to a normal position without losing her seat. This is because she balances herself through the hip.

Take the time to practice your seat while on the ground. You can try it on a short stool or on an exercise ball if you prefer the feel of something beneath you. Always imagine what might happen if the horse (or stool) were no longer beneath you. Would you stay on your feet?

It takes time to perfect a balanced seat, and as you pick up the pace and move into a trot or canter, it can be more difficult. In the long run, though, it is more than worth the effort. Your horse will perform far better, and you will be more balanced and less likely to fall off should something unexpected happen.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=298826&ca=Pets

Leather Vs. Synthetic - Choosing the Right Material For Your Saddle By Lydia K Kelly

When shopping for a saddle, you will see that there is a wide range of options available to you. Not only are there many different styles of saddle, there are also a range of materials from which the saddles are made.

At first glance, it may seem obvious what material is best for a saddle, but it is actually a little more difficult that you might expect. The following comparison should give you a good idea about what each material offers the rider, and will hopefully help you decide which is best for your needs.

Comfort

Both synthetic and leather saddles offer good comfort. Like any other type of product, there are well made saddles, and poorly made saddles. The material used has little to do with this factor. Whichever material you choose, try the saddle and make sure that it fits both you and your horse.

Weight

Synthetic saddles are far lighter than leather saddles. This can be a real advantage if you enjoy long hacks or are interested in endurance riding. It does not seem to make any difference when jumping or doing dressage.

Appearance

Leather saddles are usually better looking than synthetic saddles. Many synthetics just don’t look “real” and are unattractive. If you are looking to show, you will need to consider which would look better in the show ring. On the other hand, synthetics offer an unusual range of colors and styles that leather saddles do not offer. If you are a pleasure rider, you might enjoy having the option of having a saddle with colored accents, or different textures.

Wear and Tear

Leather is highly durable, and holds up very well to long-term use. Unfortunately, not all synthetics can say the same. Often regular use will scuff the material, which cannot easily be brought back to its original shine. The holes in the billets and the stirrup leathers will stretch and may eventually tear. Leather will also show wear and tear, but if well maintained, it will last longer and suffer less damage overall.

Cleaning

One nice thing about synthetics is that they are easy to clean. Often a sponge and a bucket of water will do the job. Some can even be hosed off. Leather takes a lot more work to clean. You will need saddle soap and leather conditioner. To keep you leather at its best, it should be cleaned at least once a week.

Maintenance

It is easier to repair a leather saddle than a synthetic one. Often synthetic saddles are designed in such a way as to make them impossible to fix, should they become broken. Leather saddles are usually repairable, unless the inner structure of the tree is broken.

Longevity

Generally leather saddles will last longer than synthetics. It is not unusual to find a leather saddle that is over 50 years old and is still in perfectly serviceable condition. Synthetics loose their charm within 10 years.

Sound

This may seem odd, but you will want to consider the sound that your saddle may make. Leather saddles tend to squeak when they are brand new. Over time they work in, and become quiet. Synthetics tend to have the opposite problem. Many synthetics will become squeaky over time, often because parts loosen, or the material becomes worn.

Price

Synthetics are generally far less expensive than leather saddles. If you are only looking for something to ride for pleasure and are not likely to put hard use into your saddle, you might find that the cheaper price outweighs the benefits of leather.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=298822&ca=Pets

What To Ask Your Prospective Golden Retriever Breeder By Carol A Matthews

Money shouldn't mean much to a good Golden Retriever breeder needing to find good homes for puppies. Ask for references and what they like to see in a dog owner. You must visit the Golden Retriever breeder to be sure he or she isn’t a puppy mill in disguise. Good dog breeders will only have a few pups for sale a year. Ask to see health certificates and ask for a written contract. Great Golden Retriever breeders will ask you more questions than you ask them.

There's no way around the issue – a Golden Retriever puppy costs a lot of money. Depending on the health assurances and reputation as a breeder, a pure bred Golden Retriever puppy can run you anywhere from three hundred to three thousand dollars. If you are going to be investing that much money in a pet, a show dog or future breeding stock, then you need to ask a lot of questions to your Golden Retriever breeder.

This is one reason why you should never buy a puppy from a pet store or from online puppy brokers. You will never be able to ask questions of the breeders. That, and the slight fact that all pet stores and online puppy brokers get their stock from inhumane puppy mills. These puppy mills are the reason why there are sadly, very unhealthy and un-trainable Golden Retrievers running around. In order to assure yourself that your puppy is healthy and sane, you need to meet the breeder.

First off, do not be afraid to ask any questions of your Golden Retriever breeder. It is your right – not just from a business standpoint, but from an ethical standpoint, too. You are bringing this creature into your home and your heart for however long the Golden Retriever should live. You might as well know what you are getting yourself in for. Forewarned is forearmed.

Ask the breeder for references, whether from past customers or from their vet. Ask the breeder why they breed Golden Retrievers. Ask them what they think makes a perfect Golden Retriever. Their answers should be more concerned about the dog's health and personalities rather than looks. Also ask whether the parents are gun dogs (hunting dogs) or show dogs. There is a different temperament and sometimes a different body shape between working dogs and show dogs. If you are an avid duck hunter, then you will have no interest in show dog stock.

You also want to ask for a written contract, which spells out what the breeder is responsible for. A good Golden Retriever breeder will already have such a contract for you! A good breeder will also be able to not only show you the puppy's mother, but also her health certificates. You need to be sure the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and eye conditions that can be passed genetically.

Then ask yourself why you are going through all of this. If you want show dogs, breeding dogs or hunting dogs, then stick with the Golden Retriever breeder you can best get along with and is as proud of his or her dogs like they would be their children. If you want a pet, then please do not go to a breeder. Instead, go to a Golden Retriever breed rescue group and adopt an adult or older puppy. You'll save a life and get a financial break that way.

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