Feeding the Baby Cow

We had so much fun f3eeding the one day old baby cow at the Windsheimer's Dairy Farm.  They let my daughter named this cow which is  the sweetest thing.

My kids watched the cows eat their food.

 Some of them are a bit afraid, they backed  away as soon as we get near them.

 Melissa said that the cow knows the people that works in the farm so when they notice that the people aroound are someone they don't know, they are shy.

 This one here got scared of me lol.

I am so glad that the kids had the chance to  see what's going on in a Dairy Farm.

Who’s the Leader of Your Pack?

One of the main causes of dog behavioral problems is when a dog doesn’t understand its place in the family hierarchy. Dogs are pack animals and they need to know their pack position in order to feel happy and settled. In a human household, the dog should be bottom of the pack, below all of the human members and, often, below any cats that might also be resident. If your dog is submissive, he will almost certainly know his place and you are unlikely to have any problems with him. But if your dog exhibits dominant traits, you could be in for trouble further down the line.

Don’t Treat Your Dog like a Human!

Dogs are not humans. For one thing, they have four legs and for another, they don’t think the same way we do. Many owners make the mistake of mollycoddling their dog and treating him like a person: they let their dog sleep on the bed, eat off the same plate, and generally behave like a spoilt child. The end result is a badly behaved dog with no manners and an attitude problem. This type of behavior is bad enough in small breeds of dog, but if the dog is a large breed with a lot of physical strength it can be catastrophic.

Dominant behaviors include:

• Disobedience
• Aggression if you try to remove a favorite toy
• Jumping up
• Bad manners
• Overtly sexual behavior

How to Deal with Dominant Behavior

A dominant dog is unpleasant to be around. They are usually badly behaved and difficult to control. The best way to avoid this is to prevent it becoming an issue in the first place by implementing a dog-training program  from day one. You need to act like a pack leader from the moment you introduce the dog to your home.

The dog must behave appropriately at all times. Feed him on a schedule, so he knows you control the food. Don’t let him snatch food or toys and if he does, remove them immediately until he learns not to. Pay attention to your dog when you want to, not when he demands attention. 

A useful way of punishing bad behavior is to remove the dog from the room and let him have some ‘time out’, in much the same way as you would a naughty toddler. Dogs are social animals and to remove them from the family is upsetting for them. Ideally crate the dog up in another room, but if you don’t have a crate, shut them in a room where they can’t be too destructive. After a short time, release the dog and observe to see if his behavior improves – if it doesn't rinse and repeat.

When to Back Off

If you ever feel physically threatened by a dog or he refuses to back down, it is time to ask for help. Simple behavioral management techniques will work with a badly behaved dog, but if the traits are well established or the dog is aggressive rather than badly behaved, it is a good idea to consult a behavioral expert or check out online resources such as My Pawson.

A dog that knows his place in the pack is a happy, confident dog, which makes him a pleasure to be around. And a happy dog is a happy owner.

Rhinoceros

I always think that Rhinoceros are one of the toughest animals on earth.  It is just sad  to see them look so miserable  in the zlo but on the positive side, without the zoo, it would be hard for us to see these animals as they are not native in our  places. Below are some of the photos I took when we went to Pittsburgh Zoo  on Father's day this year.

I love to look at their  horns and their toes.  They are so unique in so many ways.

Top Reasons Why Your Dog Should Have a Bed

The adage goes that sleeping dogs should lie. But, where do they lie is often a question asked? Many people let their dogs sleep in bed with them. This should be considered a huge pet owner faux pas. Dogs need their own beds. In fact, this is so important for the health and well being of your pet that this should not be considered optional. Having a good quality dog bed is essential for your dog.

Here is why:

Healthy Dogs Matter

If you want your dog to be the epitome of good health, you need to invest in dog beds. Along with a leash, a collar and a water bowl, dog beds are critical for their health. When a hound has a bed of his own, they have a restful place to sleep. They will have much-needed support for their back and joints. After a long day of playing and walking, dogs need a bed that aid restorative sleep. Much like humans, they need sleep to ensure that they are fit and well. Having a specially designed dog bed can help relax, thus keeping them fit and healthy. 

Insulating Your Pet

Your dog needs to ensure that they have a warm bed. Even in the height of summer, dogs need to be insulated. Pet beds provide this for your dog. Many dogs will make nests during the winter using jumpers and clothes. This is a bad habit that should be eradicated. Giving them their own bed is vital to keeping them warm. What is more, a warm bed will provide support and comfort to their joints. Dogs are prone to arthritis, like humans, so you need to keep them warm in their bed. 

Space: A Place to Call Your Own

Like people, dogs need a place to call their own. Having a dog bed installed into the home can provide this. They need a retreat if they are feeling grumpy or unwell. While it may be tempting to allow them to cuddle up to you consistently, this can make dogs feel unhappy. Giving them their own space is vital for their emotional well being. 

Prevention of Injuries

If your dog is a little more boisterous, having a bed can minimize the risk of injuries. If they jump on the sofa, they may fall off. This can hinder their development. Having a bed means that they have a quiet space to fall asleep on. What is more, it's important to their individual needs. Low-quality beds can impede on a dog's health. So, ensure that you buy the best quality for their health requirements. Your dog will be less prone to jumping on the furniture if they have their own bed. This reduces the risk of injuries and wear and tear on your dog’s joints. It also makes sure that your furniture is in a good state of repair too!

Giving your dog their own bed is fundamental to their development and growth. It is vital to their emotional well being too. Give your dog the best start with a dog bed. 

Taiga Forest

The Taiga Forest in Pittsburgh Zoo is supposed to be the land of the  Amur leopard but we didn't see any when we visited.  

 We saw a bunch of gazelle instead which is kind of neat.

 Gazelle is one of the antelope species.  According to Wikipedia "The name gazelle comes from the Persian word Ghazal which means "elegant and quick". Six species are included in two genera, Eudorcas and Nanger, which were formerly considered subgenera. The genus Procapra has also been considered a subgenus of Gazella, and its members are also referred to as gazelles, though they are not dealt with in this article."

Aren't they pretty?