Quantifying the Human-Animal Bond

The relationship between humans and animals is as complex and diverse as the Earth herself. Animals have long shared a deep and meaningful bond with humankind from being a food source to serving as a trusted friend and Soul companion.

According to a Gallup lifestyle poll 6 out of every 10 Americans share their lives and home with some kind of animal companion and it is estimated that Americans spend over 36 billion dollars per year on pet care.

The reasons for having an animal companion vary widely. Some people love animals for their unconditional love and treasure the companionship. Some need service animals such as Seeing Eye horses and therapy dogs. Some animals are actually in the job force such as canine cops and truffle seeking pigs.

While the reasons for having an animal companion vary, we all have one thing in common…a unique bond or attachment that we have for animals. This bond or attachment will determine how you treat and interact with your pets. Below is a scale that will help you determine how you define and quantify the unique relationship you share with each of your pets. It will also allow you to understand other people’s relationships and attitudes towards animals with more clarity and understanding.

Level 1 – Cruelty/Abuse

If you are reading this article you most definitely are not a level 1. People at this level have no respect for animal life. Animal torture, abuse or abandonment is a common practice. Animals are regarded as lowly beings to be tolerated and used.

Level 2 – Ambivalence

Level 2 is characterized by people who have a pet but could care less about it. Perhaps their child desperately wanted a dog so they succumbed. Basic care is given but neglect is common and health issues are probably not addressed. The animal will often be left to its own devices and will likely suffer from a variety of behavioral, emotional and physical issues.

Level 3 – Responsible/Traditional care

This is probably the most common type of human/animal relationship exhibited. The animal is an important member of the household and is well provided for as far as food, shelter and medical care. However there isn’t a strong emotional attachment.

Level 4 – Family Member

People characterized as a level 4 consider their pets to be members of the family. The animal is involved in day to day activities and enjoys the best food, comfort and care that its caretakers can afford. There is a strong emotional attachment between the pet and his/her human.

Level 5 – Soul Companion

Some people share close, intimate and profound bonds with their animal companions. Someone at a level 5 considers their companion to be an equal and relies on their companion as a close and trusted ally and friend. It isn’t uncommon for such people to ask advice from their trusted friend. They often believe that their time together involves a deep spiritual commitment.

There aren’t any hard lines between the levels. These are just guidelines to provide you with a broader understanding of the intricate human/animal bond and with the relationship you share with your pet.

Which category do you find yourself in? Do you have any judgments about the other levels? If so what are they? Do you have a desire to strengthen and deepen the bond between yourself and animals? If so, how do you think this will benefit you? The world?

A greater understanding of the emotional bond you have with your pet will lead you to a greater understanding of yourself, your motivations and your Soul path. As the human species grows and evolves so too does its relationships with itself and other beings.

A deeper compassion for animals will serve to lead humanity toward solving many of our social issues such as war and abuse. As you interact with your animal companion today think of him/her not as a pet but as an agent of social evolution.

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Becky Kimes is a Divine Animal Healer and Initiator of Enlightenment who specializes in working with people to overcome their grief when losing an animal companion. Visit her today at http://divinehealingforanimals and sign up for her free, weekly ezine equestrian and Animal Connections where you’ll receive valuable article, inspirational stories, and be introduced to professionals dedicated to enriching and enhancing the lives of animals.

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Dog Nutrition: Reading Pet Food Labels

Trying to understand pet food labels is sometimes difficult and can be time consuming. There are a few things to consider while buying food for your dog: age, teeth, and health. There are many varieties of both wet and dry food dogs and cats. Even treats will have labels that are hard to read.

The FDA states that dog food labels have to list the minimum amounts of protein,and fat; also, the maximum amounts of moisture and crude fiber. Many manufacturers will also list other ingredients. Dog food labels do not usually state the minimum percentages of calcium, sodium, phosphorus or linoleic acid. Cat food labels normally list taurine and magnesium, two necessary nutrients for cats.

The amount of moisture in pet foods is different in all foods. Dry food does have the least amount and canned food has the most. Make sure when comparing food, compare canned food with canned food and dry food with other dry food.

There are three basic rules to pet food labels:

1- The 95% rule: If a product has a name like ‘Beef for Dogs’ it has to have at least 95% of that product that is names. These should not include any added water.

2- The 25% rule: If there is a qualifying word in the label, such as ‘Dinner”, ‘Entree’ ‘Platter’ or ‘Formula’ there has to be at least 25% of the ingredient named on the label. An example would be ‘Shrimp Dinner’.

3- The 3% rule: If the label has the word ‘with’ it only has to have 3% of that product named.

‘Chicken Dog Food’- 95% rule applied ‘Dog Food with Tuna’- 3% rule applied

It is also important to look at the entire list of ingredients in pet foods. They are listed in descending order. The first ingredient must be the highest quality, such as meat. Be careful when buying pet food which contains ‘animal by-products’ as they will not give any nutrition to any age of dog meaning they are more likely to need medical carts.

It is best to choose food that is appropriate for your pet’s life stage. Some foods are just for ‘puppies’ or ‘seniors’. these are formulated for a pet of a certain age and stage of their life. Food for adults is not appropriate for a puppy that is growing. If a food label states “100% nutritionally complete” then the food is good for all ages.

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http://www.joshyblog.com/dogfood-dangers/ is committed to informing you of the harmful ingredients that are sometimes found in commercial dog foods. Josh Paul, admin@joshyblog.com

Tried and tested methods are best, my Nan says, and one of the most enduring ways of keeping your money safe is to put it in the form of precious metal. Of course you would never buy gold bullion from your local corner shop, or spend it there, but it is really quick and easy to convert your gold or silver into ready cash and that is why people have been using this method for hundreds of years. Of course people need houses as well but their value can be affected by the economy and it takes a long time to get your hands on the money. Keeping money in the bank is not so good either because it starts to be worth less as time goes on. And of course gold is easy to take with you wherever you go – just a few coins can be carried easily. You can find out more from the helpful people at the United States Gold Bureau.

Silver can be bought in the form of ingots or coins, and it is now the fastest appreciating precious metal. Demand for silver has been increasing steadily for more than ten years so silver is well worth considering as an investment. Silver bullion is a flexible investment and the United States Gold Bureau has been America’s gold and precious metals investment leaders since the group was founded in 1967. The professionals at the US Gold Bureau are committed to serving your investment needs: you can buy silver and leave it in safe storage with them, or bring it home to admire the beauty of the perfect of precious metal. A silver ingot or a gold coin would be very well received as a Birthday gift.

Dog Training Courses – Which Method is Right for You?

Dog training courses can mean the difference between having a happy dog and happy life – or not. Dogs are happier, healthier and safer when they have loving boundaries set for them and that’s what dog training courses help you learn to set for your dog. make sure your garden is secure and use landscape lighting for when the dog goes out at night.

First let’s take a look at the overall methods that dog training courses use. If you find a method that suits you best, you will know the type of course that will best for you and your dog.

Types of Dog Training Courses

Reward Training: Emphasizes positive reinforcement — instead of punishing or yelling at your dog for what you don’t want him to do, you reward your dog for doing what you want him to do. Rewards consist of praise and petting as well as treats. Treats are especially used in the early learning stages of a new behavior.

Dog Whispering: Dog Whispering is more of a general philosophy than a method. This is a more advanced method that should taken on by dog lovers who feel very confident in their connection with their dogs and are interested in learning about canine behaviors, motivation and body language.

Choke or Check Collar Training: Choke collars are collars that slip over a dogs head onto it neck and tighten down on the dogs neck when it pulls too hard on its leash. Choke collars were designed for professional trainers and for limited use – there is a health risk to your dog’s neck and trachea when using them. In general, dog training courses that emphasize choke or check collar training are not recommended.

Prong Collar Training: Don’t even think about this method. A prong collar has metal ends that stick into a dog’s flesh and digs into its neck when it pulls on its leash. Inhumane period!

Head Collar Training: Very humane collar that gently redirects a dog’s attention or the way you want him to go instead of punishing or hurting him as the two methods directly above do. Very effective especially when used with Reward Training.

Clicker Training: This method takes a hand-held clicker, which oddly enough makes a “clicking” noise when squeezed. During clicker training, a dog is reinforced in behaviors with doggie treats paired with the clicking noise. At some point, the treats will be eliminated and the dog will know it has done something right simply by hearing the clicking noise. Very effective.

Electric Collar Training: As the name implies, this type of training involves your dog wearing a collar in which you are able to administer an electric shock to discourage certain behaviors. this method should only be used by professional trainers in the most extreme circumstances. If you are reading this blog, collar training is not for you — or your dog.

Ultrasonic Whistle Training: You know of the dog whistles that you can’t hear but a dog can – right? This method uses these whistles to get your dog’s attention as well as to train him. You will need to be trained in this method first.

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Barry Sowder owns an older rescued terrier-mix, Spencer, and a young pure-bred Collie, Olivia. Find the best dog training courses for you and your dog at his blog, available at: => http://www.dogtrainingcourses-1.com/

What language does your dog speak?

RECOGNIZE WHAT YOUR DOG IS TELLING YOU WHEN HE IS BARKING, WHINING, WHISTLING OR WHIMPERING.

If you’ve seen some of my previous articles you know we have littermate Miniature Schnauzers. A sister, Steffi who started out black but is now morphing into black and silver and her brother, Stanley who is a breed definitive Salt & Pepper.

She is the Alpha Dog.

Stanley was originally Alpha up till they were about eight months old. Then Steffi grew tired of his hassling and beat up on him. The second time she beat him he got the message. Stanley has the Surfer-Dude mentality and so had little trouble dropping back into the second position. Read more »