Affectionate, loyal, friendly, gentle – these admirable qualities are the reasons why dogs are considered as man’s best friends. Some breeds though can be intimidating as they are naturally ferocious and ownership is restricted in some areas. The aggressiveness that is specifically bred into these dogs is further developed through training as these ferocious dogs will be utilized as guard and protection dogs.

Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years and these animals have become well loved members of the family. A well mannered dog can easily bare its teeth and show an aggressive temperament as in spite of the long years of domestication the ferocious nature remained. It is not surprising if more than 4 million Americans get bitten by dogs every year. Many of the victims were attacked by their own dogs. It is therefore necessary to learn how approach a dog.

It is necessary for dog owners to learn how to safely approach the dog. Dogs are territorial animals and food motivated as well. A dog will guard its territory, food and toys. Even a well mannered dog would growl and bare its strong needle sharp teeth if it perceives a threat to what was considered as its territory. People and especially children must not tease the dog by trying to get a toy or take away the food the dog is eating. A dog unaware that your intention in getting the bowl is to add more food can bite.

Kids are generally fascinated with dogs. The little ones cannot resist touching a sleeping pet. However, even a gentle pet can bite instinctively if startled. Children must be cautioned not to startle a dog. Dogs must be approached slowly and make sure that the dog can see you.

The dog may tolerate the family members to invade its territory but a ferocious temperament will be shown at the intrusion of other people. Dog lovers find it hard to resist touching an attractive and gentle looking dog. Remember, not all dogs are friendly and the particular dog you want to touch may react differently to an unfamiliar face . Always ask the owner’s permission before approaching the dog. If it’s OK to pat the dog, slowly approach the dog directly but do not stare directly into the eyes of the dog lest the animal take your look as a challenge. Extend a hand with the fingers curled under or the palm down to be sniffed by the dog. A friendly dog will sniff the offered hand.

Read more about how to approach a dog and dog first aid at Sarah’s Dogs.

Dogs are one of the tailed members of the animal kingdom. Bushy, long, thin or short stubs – these types of tails are delicate extensions of the spine that is used by the dog in a lot of ways. A dog tail is a useful body part that improves the appearance of a dog. Japanese Spitz and American Eskimo Dogs are two breeds most admired for their beautiful tails. A dog’s tail though has many other purposes aside from making the dog beautiful.

The tail is used by a dog as an important balancing tool. Hunting breeds of dogs are very fast runners. These dogs have to be agile as well to overpower their prey. Not unlike balancing tightrope walkers, dogs uses the tail to maintain balance when they need to walk on narrow ledges in search of prey. Without the tail serving as a counter balance, a dog running at great speed that has to make an abrupt turn will surely topple over. The tail is used as well by water retrievers as rudders to swim more efficiently.

Dogs don’t have the ability to talk but their tails can do the talking efficiently. The tail is used by the dog to communicate not only with dogs but with humans as well. It is a common knowledge that a loosely wagging tail is a sign that the dog is friendly. Be wary with a dog that bares its teeth and holds te stiff tail high as it is likely to attack.

The tail is an important body part that allows dogs to understand each other. Additionally, the tail is the dogs’ one of a kind ID system. When the tail is raised, a small amount of anal gland secretion is released. Dogs use this unique scent to identify each other. The rank of a dog in the pack can easily be distinguished by observing the way the tail is held. It is customary for alpha dogs to stiffly and widely wag a tail that is held high. Dogs lower in rank can be easily distinguished as the tails that are held much lower are wagged slowly as well.

The tail has another purpose – for comfort. Not unlike the way cows use the tail to drive insect, a dog also uses the tail as a swatter. A tail, acting as a muffler allows a dog to brave extremely cold weather. Northern dogs that sleep in the open are all curled up in the snow with the tail resting on the face to keep the nose protected from draft.

Learn more about why dogs have tails, dog first aid and other interesting dog facts at Sarah’s Dogs.

Turtles are truly wonderful pets. Learning how to care for a pet turtle the right way is certainly worth the time, effort, and money you may spend. Remember, there is no excuse for the premature death of your turtle based on neglect or lack of knowledge. The five tips I’m about to share with you can help you provide a long, healthy, and happy life for your little friend.

Caring For Turtles – Tip One:

Educate yourself. Learn about the specific breed of your turtle. Is it a Box Turtle, a Slider, a tortoise, or something else? Know its special dietary needs, temperature requirements, and social temperment. The more you know about your turtle, the better off you will be.

Caring For Turtle – Tip Two:

A little elbow grease is required. You must set up your turtle’s tank, acquire the very best type of food for your turtle’s specific breed, and establish go-to veterinary care by simply calling around and finding a vet who has experience with turtles.

Caring For Turtles – Tip Three:

Avoid using water with chlorine. Whether we’re talking about water for drinking or for swimming, it is critical that you use purified water with your turtle. One way to accomplish this is to use regular tap water which has been sitting in (a) seperate container(s) for at least 24 hrs. You can then add it to the tank. Spring water is the ideal, but using the process just explained will work fine.

Pet Turtle Care – Tip Four:

It is imperative that you provide your turtle with a mercury vapor UVB heat lamp for basking. This type of lamp will provide your turtle with sufficient amounts of vitamin D3, which prevents bone disease and premature death. Without this lamp, your turtle is in serious trouble, so please do not overlook its importance! Leave the light on for about half of each day.

Caring For Turtles – Tip Five:

It is absolutely essential that your turtle’s tank is within a certain temperature range, usually between 70 degrees (night) and 80 degrees (day)… these temperatures are Fahrenheit. Of course, this can vary depending upon the exact species / breed of your turtle. This is why educating yourself about your particular type of pet is so critical. Purchase a heater that goes under the water and check it periodically to make sure that the temperature is remaining consistent.

So these are five important guidelines for you to follow to ensure your turtle enjoys a long, happy life with you. Remember, turtles can live a very long time. In fact, some are known to actually outlast us! With this in mind, understand that your initial investment of time, learning, and money will be well worth it in the grand scheme of things.

A turtle is a wonderful pet. They have more personality than many people realize. You’ve made a fantastic decision to educate yourself on being a good turtle owner! And there is still much to be learned…

Sadly, lots and lots of pet turtles meet their graves several years before it was their time. They are being killed through neglect and ignorance. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is that you learn all you can about your turtle so that you can both feel good about each other for many years.