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Plants that are Poisonous to Horses
Posted by: Kathy Williamson, DVMThere are literally hundreds of plants that are either outright, or potentially, toxic to horses. There are several factors that contribute to toxicity. First, the plant must contain a substance that is toxic to that particular species of animal (susceptibility). Secondly, the amount of plant (and by extension toxic substance) ingested must be sufficient to cause toxicity (dosage). This second factor is influenced by the relative toxicity of the substance (potency of the toxin) and the size of the animal. Toxicity occurs if the animal ingests a sufficient amount of a toxic substance to which it...
Daily Exercise for You and Your Dog
One of the best things you can do for your dog’s health is to make sure he’s getting exercise. This will not only improve his physical health, but also his disposition.Daily exercise time is prime bonding time for the two of you. And exercise can often eliminate problem behaviors that can be traced back to boredom or pent-up energy. If you want to teach your dog tricks or obedience skills, start your session with 30 to 60 minutes of exercise followed by a brief training session. Exercise will help calm your dog and allow him to focus on what you’re...
Earning the Love and Respect of Your Horse
Horses are intelligent, perceptive animals, and every horse owner must continually work to improve the partnership they have with their mount. Earning the love and respect of a horse is essential to better cooperation, communication and trust for a long-lasting relationship both human and horse can enjoy.To build a safe, loving and respectful relationship with your horse…Always Be the LeaderHorses are social animals with strict hierarchies in their herds, and your horse will continually test who the leader is – you or him. Always use confident body language around your horse, being firm with your commands and staying in control...
Training Your Pets Not to Get on the Furniture
Pets and furniture don't always mix, and pet owners have many reasons they may not want their furry family members to make themselves comfortable on a recliner, sofa or chair. Not only can pets cause stains and odors on furniture, but claws cause snags and tears, shed fur clings to upholstery and pets can even be in danger of falls and injuries if they aren't able to jump on and off furniture safely. But how can you keep your pets off the furniture? It isn't an impossible task, but it is one that will take dedicated effort and careful training.Start...
Learning the Basics of Training Your Horse
Training a horse is a challenging and awarding experience. Most professional trainers have years of experience and education through schools and workshops. If you are new owner and do not have a professional horse trainer readily available, then this article is for you. Follow this article to learn the basics of training your horse.First and foremost, always practice safety and caution when handling a horse. If you are ever afraid to do something at any point, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Before you being training your horse, make sure you understand your horse’s instinctive behavior, its physical limitations, and...