Monthly Archives: April 2013

animal & pets

Parrot Tricks: Proven Ways to Get Your Pet Bird Talking

When most people hear the word “parrot”, they think of a bird that talks a lot. It is amazing to hear these adorable pet birds mimic whatever they hear, making it easy to teach your parrot tricks. Unfortunately, they will mimic both good and bad words, so that is something to keep in mind when you are around your pet. Since your bird has the ability to learn to talk, why not make use of the opportunity. This will create a bond between you and your pet bird, while increasing your bird’s vocabulary each day. Use these simple tips to get your parrot talking in no time.

Choosing a Parrot

There are various species of parrots, some of which doesn’t have the ability to talk. Some of the best talking parrot species include the African Grey, Macaws, Budgies, Quakers, and Amazon parrots. Even though some parrots may be capable of talking, some have the ability to speak more clearly than others. The extent to how well your bird will talk, depends on the species, how often they are talked to, and basic training. You also have to consider how much noise level you can tolerate. Some talking parrots may mimic words in a high pitched voice, while others are more smooth talkers.

Tips for Parrot Training

Get rid of all distractions when you are about to teach your parrot to talk. Choose a quiet location that is free of background noise such as the television. Stand in front of your parrot and say the words that you would like it to learn. Begin training either in the mornings or evenings, and start with words that contains two or three syllables. Reinforce the training by connecting words to objects. For example, if you are giving your parrot a toy or a treat, say the word of the thing while you are handing it to the bird. Teach actionable words such as up or down, while doing the action at the same time. The training sessions should be short, not exceeding 15 minutes during each session. Your bird will catch on faster if words or phrases are repeated often. Your pet bird may not repeat back the words to you immediately, as it is common for parrots to store things in their memory and repeat it back at a later time.

Encouragement Sweetens Labor

Keep your parrot motivated with rewards whenever there is an achievement. This will encourage your bird to grasp new words and do exceptionally well during training sessions. You may use various rewards such as your bird’s favorite treats or choose colorful toys that grabs its attention. Above all else, keep your bird happy and healthy at all times. Humans don’t learn well when they are unhappy, and so do birds. Make sure that your parrot is well fed and kept in a clean cage.

animal & pets

Guard Dogs: The Best Breed for Your Family

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Although having a guard dog cannot take the place of having a security system in your home, it can help to deter intruders. Safety is paramount for most people, so the thought of having a dog in their home is usually welcoming. There are many different types of dog breeds that are born with certain natural protective instincts. However, finding the best dog breed to guard your home may be challenging, if you don’t know which one to choose. In addition to getting a dog, you will also need to provide specialized training to prevent harm to people who have no intention of harming you or your family.

Doberman Pinschers

These elite dogs are often used as guard dogs to protect the home. Doberman Pinschers are loyal and energetic dogs, and are quite protective of their owners. Although they have a mean appearance that will deter intruders, deep down they are loving and obedient, making them a great addition to the family. Your Doberman dog will need a lot of exercises to keep him fit and healthy. This specific dog breed can be aggressive because of their protective instincts. Therefore, it is necessary that you provide all the necessary training.

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is another popular guard dog breed. It will protect its family in an instant if he feels that they are threatened. With the right training and care, the Rottweiler will provide the best protection for your home and family. These dog breeds tend to be headstrong, and can be stubborn at times. In order for your Rottweiler to be the best guard dog, it will need consistent obedience and socialization training.

German Shepherd

Strong, agile and faithful, are just some of the words often used to describe German Shepherds. They are one of the world’s most popular guard dogs. This dog breed fits right in with the family, especially since they love being around children. When it comes to loyalty there is no exception. Adults and children alike, gets the same royal treatment from these lovable pets. The German Shepherd can switch roles when the occasion arises, whether it may be herding or being a blind person’s leader.

Food for Thought

When getting a dog to use as your watch dog, choose a reputable breeder. Although your dog has its own natural instincts, you will need to reinforce it with training, exercise and socialization. It is beneficial that you bring your dog around other dogs and people for exposure purposes. The more sounds he is used to such as vehicles and regular everyday activities, the better he will be at handling different sounds. Make sure that you post a warning sign in your home and alert your visitors of your new guard dog.

animal & pets

Pet Insurance: The Secret to Finding Low Cost Coverage

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It is not uncommon for pet owners to obtain a pet insurance coverage for their beloved pets. One minute things can be normal, then in an instant things may take a turn for the worst. Fortunately, with advanced technology, there are a number of procedures available to save your pet’s life, but this is if you can afford the cost. What you consider to be a simple procedure, can be quite expensive, suddenly leaving you broke.

Protecting your pets with an insurance coverage can save your pet’s life and save you some money as well. With so many insurance companies around, it can be overwhelming when trying to find one that will fit your budget, while providing the coverage that suits you the best. Take the stress out of searching for the right pet coverage with these simple tips.

Top Ways to Reduce Vet Costs

Whether you are bringing your pet to the vet for a routine treatment or something more serious, pet insurance can drastically cut costs. Making sure that your pet gets his regular checkup such as vaccines, can keep him in tip-top shape. Dogs frequently suffer from various types of health problems such as ear infections, urinary tract infections and skin allergies.

There are some things that you should consider when searching for a insurance policy, one of which includes your pet’s age. Depending on the age of the pet, some owners may opt out of purchasing an insurance policy. If your dog has a specific health problem, you may choose to only buy an insurance policy that covers only that particular illness. This can reduce out of pocket costs if you normally pay for treatment on a regular basis. However, purchasing an insurance policy that will cover any type of pet illnesses, is also cost effective.

Comparing Pet Insurance Plans

Do comparison shopping to find the most affordable pet insurance. Start by researching a few insurance companies, then narrow down the list, based on your needs. Just like with us humans, the type of coverage that you choose for your pet, will determine the premium.

During your comparison shopping, make sure that you ask about these things: if there is a breed exception, if the insurance can be used at any veterinarian, pre-existing conditions exclusion, if there is a restriction on the age of the pet and about available discounts. Some companies will offer savings discounts if you are including more than one pet on the policy. The answers to these important questions can help to quickly find what insurance policy is best for your pet.