Get Paid To Pick Up Dog Poop!

Posted by Ree Adams | Pets | Friday 2 October 2009 9:39 am
by Ree Adams

If the title of this article has you chuckling, that’s okay. I pick up dog poop for a living and I’m willing to share some insider secrets about it.

How did I get into this area you ask? It’s not a long or complicated story. It’s actually a very short explanation. I like it for it’s simplicity.

If there’s a simpler business out there I’d like to know about it. Picking up dog poop is simple any way you look at it. The concept, the tools, the collection methodology, the routing of stops; it just doesn’t get any more basic than this. And that’s what appealed to me most.

At the first stop you unload your scoop and large dust bin, line the bin with a small plastic garbage bag, go into the back yard and start walking it in an organized way. As you walk you stop to scoop the piles into your bin as you move along. That’s it! Could it be any simpler?

When done, take your tools and the product you picked up back to the vehicle. Gather the edges of the small bag in the bin and pull it out. Open a large garbage bag and deposit the small one into it. Put your scoop into a bucket containing about six inches of sanitizer (to clean it between stops), load it into the vehicle with the bin and you’re off to the next stop.

Time elapsed from arrival to leaving? About 15-20 minutes is all it takes at most stops on average. Some take more, some less.

Maximizing your route comes from organizing stops to be as close to one another as possible. If done right you can manage up to 3 stops per hour without too much effort.

Most companies charge by the dog. On our routes, we have averaged about $16 per week per stop so if you can do three stops per hour, you’re getting paid the equivalent of nearly $50 per hour to pick up dog poop! Are you beginning to get a sense of why we do it?

Our routes are not as dense with customers as we’d like yet. We’re still a little too thin in spots. As it is we only average about 1.6 dogs per hour, which is still over $25 per hour. We’re striving to add customers every day to fill in those routes to make it even more efficient.

Plus the job has so many other perks. You’re your own boss, you set your own hours, there’s almost no investment, you don’t have to deal with the public hardly at all, you get to play with dogs a lot of the time and most customers are happy to pay on time so you’ll come back.

Pride would get in the way for a lot of people considering this kind of work. But does pride pay the bills? Not at our house. Our bills get paid after we pick up dog poop!

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A Puppy Breeder Teaches You How to Train a German Shepherd

Posted by Dustin Green | Pets | Friday 2 October 2009 9:18 am
by Gene Palast

I’m going to share a bit of advice with you in my pursuit to teach you how to train a German Shepherd. It’s essential that you appreciate that training your dog as soon as is feasible will shape him or her through the duration of his existence.

Abide by my tips here & you most certainly will be in good shape.

1st and foremost, you ought to make it a point to train your shepherd incredibly regularly. Keep with a date & be as strict on yourself as you are with your young German Shepherd.

A puppy will consistently have a short-term memory at a jovial age and could not recall certain things unless you’re there to instruct them each day. This is a very vital piece of information when it comes to how to train a German Shepherd.

The next thing that I would recommend doing is not hitting or spanking your dog to chastise him or her. You may recognize folks who have done this in the past, and may accordingly believe that it’s suitable conduct.

It’s genuinely not a nice suggestion. Hitting your puppy will plant anxiety in your jovial dog, and is 1 of the most vital things I could share with you as I teach you how to train a German Shepherd.

An additional nice piece of wisdom is to get your new dog onto a leash as soon as you can. I like to wait until my puppy is nearly two or 3 months old, and I believe this is a genuinely critical thing to understand. This establishes the tone with your German Shepherd & lets your dog understand who is in command.

I am moreover going to tell you that the more committed you are when it comes to training your German Shepherd, the more rapidly you will see the rewards. I could tell you this from direct experience, and you most certainly will really see improved progress if you put in the time.

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A Portable Chicken Coop – 3 Reasons Why You Should Choose a Portable Coop

Posted by George Fowler | Pets | Friday 2 October 2009 7:54 am
by George Fowler

Would you like the chance of being able to eat freshly laid eggs provided by some hens that you have in your garden? If the answer is yes to this question then when starting out it would be a good idea to keep only 2 to 4 birds initially. When it comes where you should be keeping the chickens your best option will be to get yourself a suitable portable chicken coop.

As you will soon discover there are numerous advantages to be had from getting this type of coop no matter what size garden you have. Below we look at just some of the reasons when first keeping chickens you should be considering buying yourself a portable chicken coop to provide them with a home.

Reason 1 – Unlike static coops this type are going to cause far less damage to your garden. The reason for this is that you can easily move it around on a regular basis and this will ensure that the garden will not be damaged too much when the hens are searching the ground for juicy morsels to eat.

Reason 2 – Because these are easy to move around the garden at night to provide more protection for your chickens from predators you can move it inside. So if you have enough space in a shed or garage you can place the coop in there at night.

Reason 3 – Keeping these coops clean is a lot easier compared to a static chicken coop. Once you have moved the portable chicken coop to a new location now you can spend a few minutes cleaning up the area where it was previously situated.

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The Advantages of Invisible Fences for Dogs

Posted by Robin Geffen | Pets | Thursday 1 October 2009 9:26 am
by Robin Geffen

invisible fences for dogs have been thought to be one of the best options for pets. In fact invisible fences are often recommended by veterinarians and by dog trainers alike.

If you’re a concerned pet owner that wishes to ensure the safety of your dog then you’ll find that you can benefit immensely by using an invisible Fence for dogs. These fences use the best technology available and that along with the right training will ensure peace of mind knowing that the safety of your pet is assured.

Keeping Your Dog Safe

“Perfect Start” and “Safe Dog” are two examples of brands that have successfully incorporated electrical fences in dog containment.

With invisible Fences, you can relax knowing that your dog is well protected and you will also feel happy knowing that your dog has become a family member that will enjoy living with you in a free and safe manner.

The two market leaders that manufacture invisible fences for dogs are Innotek and Petsafe. It is important to be able to trust the brand you select, because after all you will be trusting your dog’s containment to a system developed by these companies. Fortunately they’ve been making these for years and have perfected the technology involved.

When you get yourself one of these systems, simply plan out the area where you want the invisible fence to be. Then bury a wire along this perimeter and connect it back to the transmitter. Place flags along this perimeter and walk your dog around to get used to the boundary. Gradually introduce the collar using the techniques outlined within the included training materials.

Within a 2 week period of training, your dog will be perfectly and safely contained using an invisible fence

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Chicken Coops For Sale – Some Tips For Selecting The Right Chicken House

Posted by George Fowler | Pets | Thursday 1 October 2009 8:57 am
by George Fowler

The first thing that you will realize when you start looking at chicken coops for sale is how many are available to purchase. But before you invest any money in such a purchase there are certain things that you need to take into consideration first. In this article we offer some tips of what to look for when it comes to buying a chicken coop to ensure that not only will your hens have plenty of living space but it will provide them with ample protection.

Tip 1 – It is important that the coop you purchase is solidly constructed as this will last for many years. When it comes to purchasing a chicken coop select those made from tanalised and pressure treated wood. As well as these ones not require too much upkeep they often last for as much as 20 years.

But they are expensive and for many people who don’t have a lot of money to spend just going for a coop that is treated normally will suffice. However, even with these types make sure that no toxic materials have been used for treating the wood and also factor in the cost of having to retreat the coop each year to ensure that it lasts.

Tip 2 – As well as making sure the coop is solidly constructed you want one that is weatherproof. You should look for those chicken coops for sale where the roof overhangs the main part of it as this will ensure that rain water flows off it easily. So getting one with an apex roof is your best option. However you can also choose flat roofed ones that have a slight slope to them by the door to ensure that rainwater flows off over the back.

As for the roofing materials not only should it prevent water from accessing the space underneath but provide insulation to the coop as well. In general most of the chicken coops for sale today come with roofs that have a good quality felt covering such as Onduline on them. Not only does it provide protection from the elements but prevents providing space for mites to live in it.

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Of All The Saddles For Sale Out There, Which One Is Best For You?

Posted by Richard Burklin | Pets | Wednesday 30 September 2009 9:09 am
by Richard Burklin

It can be hard for beginners to tell the difference between all of the saddles for sale on the market. For a newcomer, what makes horse saddle unique might not be so obvious at first glance. And some differences are not exactly visible at first.

Once you’ve mounted your saddle, you will notice it has it’s own feel and unique sitting. Also different people’s bodies require different saddle types for optimal comfort. Your gut reaction to a certain saddle should also influence your decision. So how do you pick the right one?

All saddles for sale have some important things to think about:

Your horse’s fit should be your primary concern. Whether or not a saddle has any other drawing qualities, if it does not fit your horse well, it is pretty much useless. Poorly fitting saddles hurt your horse which tends to make them quite uncooperative.

Additionally, it can create a severe hazard for the rider since the improper fit could make staying on the horse difficult. Clearly, both are situations best avoided. The best way to actually avoid this would be to take a proper measurement of the horse prior to purchasing the saddle.

If you’re looking to spend less on a saddle, you could go pre-owned. But don’t buy a used saddles that is falling apart obviously. Even though you usually don’t have to worry about deteriorating used saddles when they are from a quality manufacturer.

That is not to say that just because a used saddle is a made by known brand name that you can overlook excessive wear and tear. If someone is selling a saddle that is just torn to shreds, it is useless, regardless of the original maker.

Sometimes saddles can be tricky. You may not notice a problem right away. But once you put the saddle on your horse and try it out, sometimes something just isn’t right. It could be the fit. It could be a stray part that pokes you. It could be a number of things.

Then, when you ride the horse with the saddle, you may notice that it is loose or unsecured. If this is the case and you cannot fix the problem, it probably would be best to exchange the saddle and select a new one.

Also, even if the saddle rides well, it could have problems. If you notice dark black spots on the horse after riding the saddle, these are bruises that would indicate the saddle is painful for the horse. Such a saddle would have to be replaced as well since it is a problem for the horse.

Yes, it can be a little extra work to select the right saddle and sometimes your selection may not go as intended. But, when you take these extra steps, you will discover your horseback riding sessions to be a lot more fun and a whole lot safer.

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Never Before Seen Tips on How to Build a Home Chicken Coop

Posted by Carter Campbell | Pets | Wednesday 30 September 2009 9:01 am
by Carter Campbell

Anyone who is considering raising backyard chickens knows that a home chicken coop is a necessity to raise chickens the right way. Chickens certainly need a safe place to eat and sleep. They also need shelter from the elements. However, the idea of paying top dollar for a chicken coop and having it delivered can be a very expensive option. This is why building your own backyard chicken coop may be a feasible thing to do.

This article is going to give you the top tips to consider when you are building your own home chicken coop.

1. Have a Plan: Safety of your chickens should be the primary concern when planning the chicken coop.

Other things you should take into consideration are- the number of chickens you are planning to raise at the maximum, the number of feeders and the water bowls needed inside the coop, proper ventilation and your access into the coop for easy maintenance and cleaning.

2. Choose the perfect location: Choose a perfect spot in your yard that is flat and free of bushes and tall weeds. Doing so will protect your chicken from rodents and snakes. Leave plenty of room around the coop. It will be useful in case you plan to construct a run later.

3. Draw your coop’s plans on paper: By taking the time to draw out your chicken coop on paper, you will be better equipped to buy the materials you need and budget for them. Remember that you are going for functionality and not beauty when constructing this building.

4. Build your chicken coop: If you are sure about the chicken coop plan, it is time for a trip to the hardware store to gather the materials. Basic wood working skill is the absolute requirement for building your home chicken coop from scratch.

If you want to skip the part of planning the design for your chicken coop, there are pre-made chicken coop designs available at affordable prices. With proper planning, there will be no waste of materials, money or time and you can really enjoy the rewarding experience of building a home chicken coop.

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Aggressive Dog Behavior Training Programs: What To Look For

Posted by Aleesha London | Pets | Wednesday 30 September 2009 7:51 am
by Aleesha London

Your dog may need aggressive dog behavior training classes. This is especially if your dog is already a threat to other animals and to humans. There are however, numerous modules and training programs vying for your attention. How do you know which programs you should trust?

Real Expertise

You have the option of choosing an instruction manual or a real trainer. In any case, the person behind a training program for dogs should be a real expert. He should have enough experience under his belt to make him a credible trainer or source of information about dog training. You don’t want to trust your dog to someone who has a fake trainer’s certification. You can try to find out how good an expert really is by asking about his credentials. You can also ask fellow dog owners if they know anything about the trainer you are considering.

Owner Involvement

Keep in mind that you are the one living with your dog, not your trainer. It is therefore quite crucial that a training program or module that you are considering has provisions for owner participation. This means a dog expert should also be willing to help you understand the reasons behind your dog’s behavior and the rationale behind the techniques you will be using to control your dog. After all, you don’t want to be a mindless automaton with no idea why you need to do or say certain things to make your dog obey.

Affordability

Aggressive dog behavior training classes may be necessary. Even so, you don’t want to go bankrupt paying for them. Whenever possible you would want to pay for an expertly made training program that will not cost you a fortune. Unfortunately, many training classes do cost a lot. You would have to be more patient and resourceful if you want to find one that will fit your budget perfectly. Consider looking through newspaper ads, yellow pages and online directories.

Effectiveness

Keep in mind that dog trainers and experts don’t always agree. One expert might tell you one thing while another might tell you otherwise. Which one should you consider following? The most effective technique always has an edge. The question is: how do you know which techniques are effective? This is where you might have to do a little more research. There are bound to be some dog owners out there who will swear by a good program or module for dog training. Search in online forums and review sites for owner recommendations.

Humane Techniques

As a dog owner, you’ll know which techniques are humane for your dog. You don’t need to be a dog expert to know when a technique isn’t good. Before you consider a training program or module, try to find out first the general guiding principle behind it. Believe it or not, some experts still incorporate physical harm in their training modules. You should know though that the use of too much hitting and electric shock might make your dog even more aggressive or emotionally scarred. Always opt for humane modules.

Aggressive dog behavior training are specifically designed to help a dog get rid of its aggressive tendencies and to build a better, stronger, and safer relationship with its owner. With the right training program or module, you will be able to finally have the loving dog of your dreams.

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What Dog Owners Can Do To Stop Aggressive Dog Behavior

Posted by Aleesha London | Pets | Tuesday 29 September 2009 9:12 am
by Aleesha London

There is a need for you to go through great lengths to stop aggressive dog behavior. You could be putting both your dog and other people in danger by leaving aggressive dog behavior unchecked. Like any other problem though, this one requires a step by step procedure.

Step 1: Discover the reason for aggression.

Dog owners should keep in mind that dogs are not dumb creatures. When they exhibit an aggressive behavior, it is most likely because of some factor. Take for example a dog who feels that it is the alpha male in your home. Naturally, your dog will exhibit aggressive behavior once it feels that its superiority is being undermined.

There are other possible reasons for dog aggression. Whatever the reason though, you need to know what they are. Basic insight into dog psychology will help you understand your dog better and find the right approach to curb aggressive tendencies.

Step 2: Find the most ideal training program for your dog.

Dog obedience training is the best way to stop aggressive dog behavior. However, there are several approaches to dog training though. Find the most suitable one based on what your dog needs most. There are several options and one of these is enrolling your dog in a professional training class. This will make sure that your dog is being trained by skilled professionals. Another thing to remember is that trainers and have different levels of expertise in dog training. Make a thorough search on the best trainer in your area for your dog.

Of course, you also have the option of training your dog yourself. This will not be a problem at all especially if you have a natural love for animals and a natural instinct of handling your dog. However, since you are not a professional, you will need all the help you can get to train your dog right. Read up as much as you can on tips and methods from well-seasoned dog training professionals. Learn the basic commands that dogs usually react to.

Step 3: Show affection and understanding for your dog.

Don’t be frustrated if your dog continues to manifest aggressive behavior. It’s quite possible that you’ve already enrolled him in obedience training or you may have even trained them yourself but this does not guarantee that your dog will change overnight or over one week. Training a dog and correcting a behavior takes time and patient.

Dogs have different personalities. Keep in mind that different approaches may work differently with different dogs. Be observant of your dog’s behavior while training and identify the strategies that work from those that don’t.

The importance of learning how to stop aggressive dog behavior cannot be over-emphasized. What you need now is just the right technique, the right amount of patience and perseverance.

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Organic Dog Food

Posted by Frank Williams | Pets | Sunday 27 September 2009 7:59 am
by Frank Williams

The requirement of healthy food seems to apply equally to people and their pets, since many animal owners prefer to buy organic products to feed their four-legged friends. One could be forgiven for being surprised at the large variety of organic dog food available on the market. Just as for humans, there are many of pet health issues that one could cure or even prevent in the first place by the use of organic pet food.

For instance, organic dog food could reduce the risk of the dog developing skin diseases and allergies. The reason for the positive health impact is the absence of additives, chemicals, colourants and pesticides. Instead the ingredients of organic dog food are just grain extracts and high quality proteins. Organic dog food provides more nutrients, which is reflected in the higher levels of energy and the weight of the pet.

Normal dog food often causes diabetes and excess weight with all the concomitant problems that accompany these illnesses: back ailment, organ failure and decreased mobility. How can organic dog food help here? Well, organic food items for pets do not contain bulk fillers, they are nutrient-packed products that create energy not fat deposits. Moreover, it is best and a lot easier to prevent health issues than to try to treat them afterwards.

Good digestion and a stronger immunity system are the other main benefits that come with the feeding of organic dog food. Because of the lack of chemicals usually present in regular pet food, your dog will no longer be sick or experience wind or diarrhea. A healthier metabolism is what you will achieve with a healthy diet. Furthermore, the quality of the nutritional substances in organic dog food, boosts the immunity functions, thereby reducing the risks of infection and all sorts of specific diseases that affect dogs on a routine basis.

In general, veterinarian experts claim that organic dog food significantly increases the life of any animal, to say nothing of the fact that it will pass through old age a lot better. It is not uncommon that pet owners who choose organic dog food, are also interested in eating organic foods themselves, sticking to clean natural products that boost bodily functions and avoid toxins and disease.

Ask your local dog food provider about organic dog food and if there is none available at your local shop, try to order it online. There are plenty of web sites that sell such products at pretty good prices.

One last tip, be very wary of dried dog food, no matter what it says on the packet. I used to have a dog that stayed at home alone during the day, while I went to work. I didn’t like to leave ‘wet’ food, because of flies, bacteria and vermin, so I bought dry food, which would not deteriorate during the day. However, within six years she had diabetes, which meant that I had to inject her with insulin every morning. The veterinary said that it was very common for dogs fed only on biscuits to get diabetes, so check with your vet first or feed organic wet food.

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