Have you ever thought of how intelligent your pet bird is? Really? You would be surprised! Pet birds, just like any pet dog or cat, can be trained to do several behaviours and tricks. All you need are some treats that your feathered friend loves and craves, some patience and enthusiasm. And they love the stimulation too! So let’s get our training caps on and follow us step by step to birdie preschool!

What is arthritis & how is it caused?

Arthritis is a painful inflammation of the joints.  Healthy cartilage that lines the joints is eroded away, leading to swelling and irregular boney changes. Arthritis can be caused by the wear and tear that occurs in the joints over time, joint trauma (eg after a fall or run in with a car) or secondary to inherited joint disease such as canine hip dysplasia. Both dogs and cats are affected.

The provision of a balanced diet for your pet rabbit is essential to not only meet its nutritional requirements but also assist in preventing many common ailments such as gut stasis, dental disease and obesity. Rabbits are strict herbivores and have continuously growing teeth, which must be sufficiently worn down by the grinding of fibrous food. Their gastrointestinal tract is adapted for hindgut fermentation. This means that a large volume of plant material is broken down in the caecum, a large blind-ended portion of the large intestine.

Why control barking?
Barking is a natural method of communication for dogs. Some breeds of dogs may bark more than others, but there is great variation among individual dogs. Most dogs do take on the guard dog role at some stage in their life and bark to alert their family of potential threats. Some dogs can bark to fulfil an emotional requirement, for example if they are anxious, nervous, bored or excited. Some dogs bark to get attention or a lack of stimulation leads to frustration.

Chewing is a very natural behaviour in dogs. Dogs constantly use their mouths not only to chew but also to feel, taste, communicate and learn. Your dogs normal play behavioural may become destructive if they are trying to seek attention, if they are bored, if they are anxious when separated from their owner, or if they are fearful. Punishment for destructive behaviour after the crime is always futile and can in some cases worsen the behaviour.  Some owners make the mistake of thinking that their dog is guilty or sorry for destroying things as he cowers and slinks away from you, but often they are simply reacting to your anger and distress.  It is critical that your dog has ample amounts of play toys to chew on and that his exposure to restricted items is just that restricted: by minimising the opportunity for your pet to do bad things he will focus on the items he is allowed to chew on.

What is separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety in dogs is the anxiety, stress, or fear that develops as a result of being isolated or separated from their owner. Dogs are incredibly social animals that can form a close bond with their owner; this bond can sometimes be so strong as to become an excessive dependence.