Start a Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Business – Fast and Easy!

Pet sitting and dog walking services can be the perfect way to launch a good income-producing business during tough economic times.  When start-up capital is in short supply and you need to get going with something fast, this might just fit your needs.  Most animal lovers already take care of pets for friends and family during vacations and short trips, so why not turn that skill and passion into the work you love to do?

While the idea of running a pet sitting business may seem like a piece of cake at first, there is quite a bit involved with it that many people don’t think of right away.  There is much more to it than simply showing up to feed, water and walk pets.  As a pet care business, you will develop relationships with clients, both human and animal, that are pivotal to the success of your business.  A basis of mutual trust, respect, and excellence in care giving is necessary. There is a need for organization, starting from the services offered and fees that will be charged, to contracts, forms, and the service area within which you will work.  Additionally, insurance, bonding, and safely carrying out duties so that pets are healthy, as well as the home secured, are neccessary factors.  Protecting yourself and your clients from liabilities comes not only with insurance coverage, but also in how you perform your work. 

Here are the main points a new start up for pet sitting and dog walking should consider:

1.  Services and Pricing.  It goes without saying that the busiest periods for a pet sitting business is the summer months and holidays.  But there is an array of services that can be offered, including daily dog walking for those with long work hours, medical problems, etc., that can keep a pet sitting business busy during other times.  The average professional pet sitter with insurance charges anywhere from -25.00 per visit to a client home for pet care.

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2.  Insurance and bonding.  As a professional pet sitter, securing commercial liability insurance, and when needed, a bond, is essential when taking on a service that requires entering homes and working with animals.  There are pet sitting trade organizations that offer this specialized insurance through membership that make this aspect of the business affordable for a new start up and for established businesses.

3.  Service area.  Knowing where your service area boundaries are as a new start up is very important, and must be determined according to your location.  A pet sitting service located in a compact, high population city is different from providing service in a rural or semi-rural area. Even the sprawl of some suburbs, and weather conditions for your part of the country can have an affect on choosing the service area you will start with.  Eventually, growth beyond the initial area can be pursued as your gain experience and are in a position to hire help.

4.  Advertising and marketing.  There are numerous traditional and more innovative ways that you can get word out about your pet sitting and dog walking business. As a new start-up, obtaining your first clients is the most important step to growth.  Most of these early clients will service as your initial references and often provide word-of-mouth referrals to their neighbors and friends.  However, keeping your business name in front of new clients throughout the year is also important, and the most important way to start is with a good website that can be easily found on the Internet searches. It has been recently estimated that over 80% of American households now have a computer and Internet access, and using search engines has become the standard when looking for products and services.  A website is not longer an option, but a necessity for any business. 

5.  Management.  Every business has to have organization, whether is it scheduling services, collecting money, contracts, forms, record keeping, accounting, etc.  Pet Sitting and dog walking businesses are no different, and in fact, pet care can have some of the more complicated and changable scheduling challenges of all.  People change their travel plans, work hours, and have sudden needs (like a death in the family) that may require last minute changes and need for service. Having a good system in place to handle these events will go far in running a smooth and worry free service. 

Now that the essentials have been discussed, how does one get started with a pet sitting and dog walking business?  Although a pet sitting and dog walking business can be started fast and easy, some guidance will make you more successful.  Having the resources in one place with everything you need is hard to come by.  That’s why Pet Sitter Boot Camp(tm) was created.  A one-stop online course that gets to the core of what it takes to operate an in-home pet care business.  Everything that is relevant to a new start up is covered and included, saving loads of time and research.  Most participants are ready to start in less than a month. Even ready to use forms, contracts, how-to’s for conducting new client consultations, daily visit routines – simply everything you need to know and have.

Wouldn’t it be great to have an acutal pet sitting business owner to talk to?  Pet Sitter Boot Camp(tm) provides this as well.  As part of your enrollment, you will have access by phone, email or chat room to your mentor for any questions and specialized guidance you need. 

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Own a Dog? Learn More about Los Angeles Dog Walking

If you are a resident of Los Angeles and you own a dog, then you need to know about keeping your dog happy. Simple gestures in life matter to us the most. Dogs also feel that. Taking your dog for a walk is just one of those simple gestures in a dog’s life. But, how do you do that and juggle a busy schedule as well. It is common for most dog owners to fail to even give the animal a pat and worse off a walk. Walking is the best way to exercise and keep a dog healthy. If you have no time, then get the services of a dog walker.

 

The dog walker does not have to live in your area to give it a walk. As long as you give the person a call, they will come to your home and collect your dog. Your dog can take a walk to the park or nature walks. Wherever your dog goes, it will enjoy being free. There are different kinds of dog walking services that are available. There are some dog walkers who offer individual walks. This means that only your animal is taken for a walk and there is more attention given to it. The dog will enjoy being spoilt just like you would. There are other dog walkers who will take several dogs from different homes at the same time. Well, good for your dog. A dog is a social animal, so it can get to be with other canines and may even pick up good habits from other dogs.

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Giving the dog some exercise is not the only benefit the dog will get from dog walking. The dog will also get the much needed and essential training. The dog will learn how to behave on the leash when it is out in public. As a dog gets used to the leash, it will tolerate it better. There are other simple commands that it will learn which are essential for good behavior. It will also learn how to behave when it meets other dogs. You do not want your dog to be aggressive and attack other dogs. Generally the behavior of your dog will improve.

 

You should always think about what your dog’s needs are. If you are working, then you will almost never get time to take the dog walking. You will probably get stuck in traffic when you are supposed to take your dog for that needed walk. Even if you work at home, you will need to do the housework, take the kids to school, and do the shopping and the laundry. By the end of the day you are too tired to be lugging a dog around. has been gaining a lot of popularity amongst dog owners. It will be pretty mean to your dog if you do not call up a dog walker to take your dog for a date.

 

Mlb Biography: Clay Buchholz, Boston Red Sox

Clay Buchholz, a right handed starting pitcher, was born August 14, 1984 in Nederland, Texas.  He grew up watching and shaping his game to the master of the no-hitter Nolan Ryan.  A multi-sport athlete, Buchholz played both baseball and football in high school.  He impressed collegiate football scouts as he ran a 4.32 second 40 yard dash.  Despite having offers to be a wide receiver at such powerhouse football schools as University of Texas, Notre Dame, Purdue, and Texas A&M, his passion was not for football, but for baseball.

Clay Buchholz chose to attend McNeese State to pursue baseball, spending time as both a pitcher and position player; he spent a year there before transferring to Angelina Junior College in Texas.  While at Angelina, Buchholz dominated inferior competition with a 1.05 ERA and 129 strikeouts in 85.2 innings.  Shooting up the draft charts, the Boston Red Sox selected him in the supplemental first round of the 2005 amateur draft – his draft pick was in place as compensation for losing Pedro Martinez through free agency.  After signing, he reported to the Lowell Spinners, Boston’s short-season A-level affiliate in the New York-Pennsylvania League.  In 41.1 innings there, he struck out 45 batters and allowed just two home runs en route to a 2.61 ERA as a 20 year old.

Clay Buchholz began 2006 in full season ball with the Greenville Drive of the South Atlantic League.  There he demonstrated consistent dominance over pro hitters, strikeout out 117 compared to just 29 walks in 103 innings with a 2.62 ERA.  His performance earned him a promotion to the advanced A-level Wilmington Blue Rocks.  After moving from the hitter friendly South Atlantic League to the pitcher friendly Carolina League, Buchholz was absolutely dominant.  In three regular season starts, he struck out 23 and allowed only 14 batters to reach base in 16 innings; his playoff start was just as dominant as he struck out ten in six innings allowing only three hits and one run.  When the dust had cleared, he had seen the last of A-ball and was named the Red Sox Minor League Pitcher of the Year

Going into the 2007 season, Clay Buchholz added some muscle and was poised to have a breakout year.  Before spring training, he was promoted to AA Portland after having spent only a few weeks at the advanced A-level.  Buchholz’s arsenal had developed into that of a potential front of the rotation major league pitcher.  His best pitch is his devastating changeup; he locates it well, it has great tailing movement, and it has a good ten-plus mile per hour differentiation from his fastball.  His fastball sits in the low to mid 90s and can reach as high as 97; he does not yet locate this pitch as consistently as he needs to, but it is much improved.  He has a 12-to-6 curveball that sits in the high 70s and has tons of movement; he locates it well and is able to throw it in any count.  Finally, his slider is his least used pitch, but it has been described as above average to plus on multiple occasions.

The 2007 season would prove to be everything Buchholz had hoped it would be.  In 86.2 innings with the Portland Sea Dogs, he struck out 116 batters, walked just 22, allowed only 55 hits, and maintained an Eastern League leading 1.77 ERA.  He earned a brief mid-season promotion to AAA Pawtucket and on August 17, Buchholz was given his first shot at the Major Leagues.  He pitched the first game of a double-header against the Los Angeles Angels, holding the team with the second best record in baseball to three earned runs in six innings, and earning a win.  After the game, he was returned to Pawtucket, but his stay would once again be short.

On September 1, 2007, in a spot start for the injured Tim Wakefield, Buchholz dazzled the Baltimore Orioles en route to a no-hitter in just his second major league start.  It marked just the second time since 1900 that a pitcher had thrown a no-hitter within his first two major league starts.

For the next two seasons, Buchholz bounced back and forth between the minors and the Red Sox.  Starting the season as a member of Boston’s pitching rotation, he struggled with his consistency throughout 2008 and, but by the second half of 2009 he once again found himself holding a stable spot in the Majors.  In 92 innings, Buchholz posted a 4.21 ERA and held batters to a .256 average, earning the third starter position in the playoffs.

Now an established member of the Red Sox’s pitching rotation, Clay Buchholz is off to a brilliant start to the 2010 season.  Through 13, Buchholz has his ERA down to 2.67 with 58 strikeouts in 84.1 innings.  He has the lowest ERA among Bostonstarters and ranks in the top five in the American League through mid-2010.

Hello my name is Charles Sutton and I operate a pet sitting service called PDX Pets on the GO!. I provide dependable dog walking and pet sitting service to Portland, Oregon. This is a collection of 30 sec interviews www.pdxpetsonthego.com

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5 helpful tips on how to pack and move your dog

Moving is one of the top 10 most stressful events in a person’s life- we can all agree on this fact. Wherever we go, man’s/woman’s best friend is sure to follow and is hopefully not lost in the moving process. All animals are creatures of habit and become very nervous when they’re relocated to a new and different environment. When you start to move, they start to freak out.  At Rent A Green Box, we have seen our share of moving related pet issues: sad pets, missing pets and really pissed off pets. With over 80,000 moves completed in the last five years, we’re constantly asked the same question “How do I safely move my dog?”  We’re happy to share with you these free dog friendly packing and moving tips, for a happy pup! If your looking to move your cat, we have a special tips article on “how to pack and move your cat”.

HOW TO PACK AND MOVE YOUR DOG

1.) Moving Prep: Have your veterinarian give you a referral to a new vet near your new residence.  This can often eliminate file/record transferal fees.  Stock up on their prescription medications until you do find a new veterinarian. Keep your copies of your pet’s medical records with you in a box with first aid materials for the drive/flight.  This box should travel with you and your dog, not buried under boxes. It should also include food and water for travel and upon arrival. Hydrated pets are happy pets on long car rides/plane flights.  

However if you’re moving to a nearby residence, walk your dog as much as possible around his/her new address prior to moving.  As soon as you know your new contact information, get updated pet ID tags so he/she can wear both a week before and after moving day. If lost people can return him two the two locations owners can be found. 

Invest in a secure and spacious pet carrier and get your pet accustomed to the crate ahead of time.  Most dogs can even be crated early to a family friend or kennel to remove them from the chaos of moving. If that is not an option, throughout the move avoid encouraging nervous behaviors by over attention or babying the dog. Instead have the dog or cat participate in positive actions like going on walks and other normal activities.  To keep to normalcy is the most important theme so also avoid washing blankets and toys a week before and after to keep the scent they associate with home.

2.) Moving Day: On the day of the move, if not already exported, decide where the dog will reside during loading. Placing them in an unlocked crate in a quiet room is best.  Give 

them food, water, and a toy. Use a sign on the outside of the door reminding movers not to accidentally let your dog escape.  Injury can done to himself/herself or others if loose on a day full of transporting heavy objects.  To give your dog the quickest and easiest travel your dog should be the last thing on the truck at the old residence and the first thing off the truck at the new residence. 

3.) Travel by Car: If traveling by car crates are the best mode of carrying.  If your dog doesn’t like riding in cars, veterinarians may offer the option of tranquilizers or sedatives to reduce the stress of travel.  Never leave your dog alone in a parked vehicle on a warm day due to health complications as well as pet theft.  When in transit allow for rest stops every hour and a half for potty, stretch, and water breaks.
  


4.)Traveling by Air: Traveling by air takes pre-planning and is time consuming and stressful to you and your pets, so avoid if possible.  If you have a small dog, for a small fee you can carry on dogs with you, which will be well worth the expense.  Call the airline well in advance of your flight to get details about cabin/cargo limits, immunization requirements, and carrier standards.

5.) Post Move: After the move your dog will be extremely curious so allow him to navigate around the space and around the stacked belongings. As soon as you can do so make sure to set out his old bed, carrier, bowls and toys to evoke a sense of familiarity.  Do this first before unpacking to make him/her more relaxed so that you can be relaxed too while proceeding with your own settling in. 

It may seem like an excess amount of precautions, but by abiding some of these tips, you and your pup can relax and for smooth move. Rent A Green Box wishes you and your pup and safe and happy move!

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Where To Find Free or Nearly Free Things To Do On Vacation in Southern California

The true beauty of So Cal is the diversity. Here’s a few tips on how to find things to do that won’t cost you and arm and a leg:
LOS ANGELES COUNTY:

See free concerts during the Summer by Grand Performances at California Plaza, an urban amphitheatre. Brazilian Samba to modern dance — their upcoming season schedule is posted on their website in April. Seating opens two hours before performances (Fri-Sun) and you can bring a picnic lunch. For more info: grandperformances.org 

Go to ExperienceLA.com and check out their FREE cultural event listings for all over Los Angeles County. You can participate in Drawing Hour at the Getty Museum, enjoy a Chamber Music concert at the LA County Museum of Art, or join in the Old Time Music Jam at the Center for Folk Music in the San Fernando Valley. 

Or, meet Hollywood’s BIGGEST star – The Santa Monica Mountains. These beautiful mountains have portrayed everything from Africa to the Old West in a variety of TV shows and movies. For more info and a downloadable map, visit the National Park Service website. 

Other inexpensive stops: The Huntington Library and Art Gallery in San Marino, The Aquarium of The Pacific in Long Beach (check online for discount tickets), Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, and the Natural History Museum.

ORANGE COUNTY: 

Seal Beach – it’s the last of the small family beaches with a charming walkable downtown area that boasts numerous $ -$ $ range restaurants, antique shops, the 2nd longest pier in CA, and a family friendly beach complete with a playground area. Parking is reasonable, and there are several major grocery stores and health food stores nearby (within 5 mi. radius). 

Huntington Beach – Surf City USA. Surfing and Volleyball championships are held here, along with free entertainment downtown, a Farmers Market on Fridays and a little-known jewel called Central Park. Central Park’s 350 acre complex is host to the main library (two story with indoor fountain) horse riding rentals, frisee golf course, picnic grounds, dog park, sports complex and more. Best of all, it is literally within 2 miles of the beach off Goldenwest. 

Newport & Laguna Beaches are world-renowned and rightfully so, but can be pricey. However, if you are savvy, you can find lots of inexpensive or free things to do in the beach communities and surrounding areas. 

The cities of Fullerton, Irvine and Brea also have great events throughout the year that are worth looking into. Oh yeah, Disneyland,in Anaheim is close by as is Knott’s Berry Farm…

SAN DIEGO:

Home to the San Diego Zoo, Legoland, Camp Pendleton and the Naval Base, among others. It’s free to stroll through the Gaslight Quarter with its historic buildings, great restaurants and charming shops. Check out the 14-acre bayfront outdoor mall known as Seaport Village – a quaint, Cape Cod feel that can resulting in a fun low-key afternoon walk. Speaking of which, Walkabout International offers free guided walking tours. 

All the museums in Balboa Park (1100+ acres!) offer free admission on Tuesdays (on a rotating schedule – Natural History Museum on the 1st Tuesday, and the Aerospace Museum on the 4th Tuesday). 

La Jolla – north of the city of San Diego, and in my opinion, the best of the best! Check out the 1/2 mile coast walk, enjoy the tide pools, sea lions, beautiful ocean view and the Children’s Pool. It also has beautiful restaurants, art galleries, and if you happen to be in a convertible or on a motorcycle, follow Scenic Drive for a 360-degree view of the area.

Tips
Amtrak has an easy train route from San Diego to Los Angeles. A recent roundtrip ticket from Carlsbad to Orange County was less than .
Less expensive grocery chains in the area: Fresh & Easy and Trader Joes. Both have great selections of prepared foods, healthy vegetarian meals, and even wines — without the restaurant prices.
Consider craigslist for finding alternative short term housing as opposed to a hotel or motel. Many houses are available on and off season for up to 2 weeks at a time.

Additional resources
How To Find Campgrounds In California

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Film Review: The Brave One

Although Jodie Foster has performed in more than 50 films, I saw her for the first time last month when I watched the film The Brave One. I knew about her, of course, I don’t watch many films but I read about them and it’s not possible not to notice Jodie Foster as she’s a media darling. Every article stresses her unconventional beauty, her fierce intelligence, her talent as an actress and director and her cleverness in financial matters. Recently I’ve read two interviews she and director Neil Jordan had given on The Brave One, their profound remarks on the problem dealt with in the film impressed me so much that when the film and I happened to be in the same city, I went to watch it.

New York radio host Erica Bain (Jodie Foster) has a night show in which she talks about ‘the safest big city in the world’ in a sentimental, nostalgic, occasionally kitschy way (“New buildings sprout like chromosomes from the city’s DNA“), she’s planning her wedding with her beloved fiancé David, a physician, (British Indian actor Naveen Andrews). One night they walk her dog in Central Park and are viciously attacked by three thugs, the assault leaves David dead and Erica nearly so. When she wakes up after a three-week long coma, she is afraid of going out alone and buys a gun to feel safe.

Chance has it that she witnesses a killing, when the killer turns to her, she shoots him in self-defence. From then on her life runs out of the rudder, she develops a split personality, with the weapon in her hand she becomes an avenging angel unleashing her rage on the mean streets of New York, back home she’s overcome by repulsion and nauseation, not by remorse, though.

I find the title of the film outrageous, The Brave One, what does that mean? When asked what is brave about Erica, Jodie Foster answered cryptically, “Good question,” and added, “Probably the German title is a better choice.” Germans are the world champions when it comes to translating foreign film titles in the most idiotic way, but this time someone had a stroke of genius and came up with the title “The Stranger in Me”.

The Stranger in Me alludes to the dark sides everyone has in them, the question how far we’d go if our life were in mortal danger is indeed fascinating. If the thin varnish socialisation has put on our raw selves were scratched, which monsters would emerge? Jodie Foster was also attracted by the idea that in this case it’s a woman who turns her rage outside, what with women traditionally keeping terrible things that happen to them inside and only react by becoming depressive or addicted to alcohol or drugs. She concludes, “Ultimately the revenge plot became a way of getting into something that was very character driven.”

With this she’s right, the film revolves around Erica’s character, and as Jodie Foster’s performance is superb, it’s clearly *her* film. She physicalises the idea of a hurt woman turning tough killer when the mood strikes her, on the one hand she’s the pretty little thing, petite stature, lithe frame, on the other hand she’s the toughie with the taut body. Once when she’s walking up some stairs, I saw muscles in her calves I didn’t know we had, a clear sign of a strict work out routine.

The NYPD detective Sean Mercer (Terrence Howard), whose task it is to bring the killer to justice, is not only shown as a representative of the police force but also as a private man with familial problems, penchants and weaknesses (he used to listen to Erica’s nightly stories), but on the whole he’s only a supporting complement to Erica. His partner, Detective Vitale (Nicky Katt) cracks some jokes and thus provides comic relief in an otherwise unfunny film. The other characters have only small roles and are negligible.

When asked if Erica does the right thing, Jodie Forster said, “No, she doesn’t, she definitely gets on the wrong path and I believe the film shows that.” And Director Neil Jordan said, “What I want to express with my films is: Without civilisation, without the powers of order we’d all kill.”

I’m afraid, Ms Foster as well as Neil Jordan are mistaken when they think that the viewing public gets their message. Let’s get back to the title which is *not* The Stranger in Me but *The Brave One*, without knowing about their honourable intentions the average spectator will only see another film of the American genre ‘vigilante justice’, ‘an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth’ dealt with ad nauseam Many critics accuse Jordan of glorifying lynch justice, a justified accusation if you ask me.

The film is not only typical American in this aspect but also in the ending/the climax. How could it have ended? Well, Erica might have understood the futility of her crusade and shot herself or the police might have got her in the end and shot her, she might also be sent to prison which would be a kind of let-down in my opinion, but it would have been realistic at least. Yet the ending Jordan has decided on is preposterous and sentimental, typical Hollywoodian kitsch!

Philippe Rousellot’s (Director of Photography) shooting of the nightly New York reflects perfectly Erica’s dark-night-of-the-soul state, for this and Jodie Foster’s acting I’d give five stars, for the story two and a half, so that the end result is three stars.

Recommended only for fans of Jodie Foster.

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Runtime: 122 minutes

Rated R for strong violence, language and some sexuality.

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My Dog Sunny

This is a little story about my dog sunny. He is a maltese with an attitude and he is over 12 years old.When I first saw him at the pet store he was as cute as any dog could be.My kids were real young then and sunny just instantly fell in love with them and we also knew that he had to be part of the family. I purchased him for 700 dollars and we took him home with us.It was a week before christmas and we had a nice tree in the living room.

I was still trying to house train him and he would slip up now and then and leave me unwanted presents under the christmas tree.lol.Now that i look back i remember he stopped going in the house after the tree was gone.He still loves christmas time because i think he associates that time of year when we gave him a home.Every year he goes under the tree and starts sniffing the presents and when we open them he acts like the presents are his.Of course i always make sure he gets a few presents and is is so funny to watch him tear the paper off so he can get his toy.

I almost lost him forever one time about six years ago. I was going out of town with my family and i decided to put him in a boarding kennel for the weekend.The next day i got a call from the vet saying that sunny got out of his cage and then dug his way under two fences. They saw him and started chasing after him but he got away.

I rushed home and started looking for him but he wasnt to be found. The next day we put up flyers and kept looking for him.This went on for five days and I was extremely depressed.Finally after the fifth day i told my wife that i was going to find him and that i wasnt coming back untill i found him. I went back to the street that the kennel was on and kept walking around and calling his name.About midnight i was near a gas station and the store was closed and he heard me and came out of the woods crying like a little baby.We were so happy to see each other and i picked him up and took him home.and now he wont let me out of his sight.

A dog is definitely a mans best friend.

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Introducing Two Dogs!

It is common knowledge that humans are bound by certain rules of etiquette when it comes to meeting each other. In a way dogs are too but there rules differ from ours. Humans unlike dogs do not meet each other and then begin fighting one another, or should I say not usually. This is common place in the canine world. To actually introduce two dogs in a public place can be a very precarious situation unless you have trained them well. There is a good chance that they may start to fight. There are also other things to look out for such as any sort of dog illness that can be passed on when two dogs meet.

It is a good idea to assume the worst possible scenario when you first take your dog out in public. This may sound extreme but there are quite a few ill mannered dogs and their owners in the big wide world. By assuming the worst you should be well prepared for any sort of mishaps that you may come across along the way. Do not go out expecting every dog that you meet to automatically get along with your dog just because yours is well trained.

So how is it possible to introduce two dogs when you assume the worst? Well in truth I try not to introduce my dog to another when I am out in public with him. I normally try to keep my dog away from others as I am not sure about the other dog’s health or whether or not it is an aggressive animal that could injure my dog in a fight.

I tend to think that other owner’s know nothing about dogs. Have you ever found that when you are walking with your dog and you meet other owners they almost always want their dogs to meet? They try to calm your fears by saying “yes he’s fine with other people’s dogs”. Just because they have been friendly with other dogs does not necessarily mean that he will be friendly with mine. I have had previous occasions when walking my dog and approaching another owner with an Airedale terrier. “He’s fine with other dog’s” they shouted upon which the other dog lunged at mine barking quite ferociously. My dog and I was lucky to escape as the other owner held his dog back and if it was not for the leash there could have been serious consequences. This is why my opinion of other dogs and their owners is like it is.

I suppose in a way this is why we tend to avoid dog parks. The more dogs you get in one place the more chance of fighting or catching other dog related illnesses in my opinion.

Am I over reacting? Well I don’t think I am. At last I can guarantee both mine and my dog’s safety when we go out. As for my dog socializing I prefer to do this under well controlled situations.

In the same way I am careful about the children that my daughter meets. I would not let her associate with known bullies or people who are ill. So why should I do this to my dog. A controlled situation is the best way in my opinion for two dogs to meet.

So how do you class a controlled situation? There are a few examples such as I know the other dog and its owner. Or situations where both dogs are on leashes and under complete control of their owners. I am very confident of keeping my dog under control so as long as the other owner can control their dog then to me this is a controlled situation.

Starting with both dogs on their leashes and about 10 feet apart from each other you can gauge how they react with each other. If there are any signs of aggression then this is not an ideal situation. If they seem friendly then let one dog slowly approach while the other dog is in the sit position. You could then alternate the dogs by firstly one dog sitting while the other dog walks by at a few feet apart and then vice versa. If both dogs are still happy with each other both owners could put their dogs to their left side and slowly walk past each other, this way they are still under control by the owners. If by this time they are still content with each other this is a good sign. If however they show even the smallest amount of aggression towards each other then you should stop the session and walk on.

If everything goes smoothly then you can get to the actual meeting of the dogs. As the owners approach each other with their dogs in the heel position they should get to about 3 feet away from each other and then get the dogs to sit. The dogs can then be released from that position and allowed to approach and sniff each other. Leave them sniffing for a few seconds and then lead your dog away and both owners go in opposite directions. You should then turn around and approach each other again until about 3 feet away and repeat the last process. This time leave them to sniff a little bit longer. By this time there may be some tells for you to read. If one of the dog’s has its hair standing proud on the back of its neck lead that dog away and start to slow down the meeting operation. If there are any other signs such as growling or lip curling abort the meeting.

Keeping your dog on the leash is important as you can easily drag the dogs apart should a fight start. If after introducing two dogs this way everything is fine with them you could gradually give the dogs a little more freedom at a time to allow them to play more.

Most things in dog training are a matter of common sense. As long as you keep your eyes open for any signs both good or bad you should be okay. Just remember to be cautious and it can be quite fun.

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5 Home Based Business Ideas

The economy isn’t doing so hot right now, so is now a good time to start a home based business? It can be, as long as you choose the right business. Here’s 10 home based business ideas you can start pretty easily.

1. Daycare

You can watch peoples’ kids in your own home! Daycare is very expensive and usually lacking. Many people would prefer to use a home day care where their kids will get personal attention at resonable prices.

2. Pet Care

Everyone always has pets, and people who go out and work all day need someone to take care of their pets. You can pet sit or even offer dog walking services, both of which are great money-making ideas.

3. Web design

Approach local businesses and offer them your services for a reasonable fee. You don’t really even need to be all that skilled to start your own web design business. All you need is knowledge of your local businesses and the ability to make a sale. Find out what everone else in the area is offering and cut it in half, this is a good way to get customers. Once you get a few clients, you can up your prices.

4. Freelance writing

Obiously Bukisa pays you for your writing, but many other sites do as well. Check out Associated Content, Examiner, eHow, Today, Constant Content, Elance, etc.

5. Affiliate Marketing

There’s a bunch of people making an outrageous amount of money with affiliate marketing. The way it works is you get a commission on all the stuff you sell. This can be both easy and hard to succeed with, but it’s a great idea if you can get it to work.

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A Walk in Central Park

I have lived by Central Park in New York City for over thirty years and it is one of the most wonderful places to visit in any season. Here’s my suggestion for a nice walk in the park during any weather, although fall and spring are my favorites seasons. The park is full of open areas, fountains, lakes, bridges, statues and flowers. It’s hard to get lost since you can always go East or West and find your way out of it on Fifth Avenue or Central Park West. The park is also in the best shape it’s been in decades thanks to the wonderful work of the Central Park Conservatory. I remember a time when it was truly in a terrible condition, but that is no more. It is the urban oasis that it was planned to be when it was designed in 1858.

Let’s start at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue—which is directly by the Plaza Hotel and the fantastic Apple Store. You can get here easily by subway or bus. If you enter here, you will see the first of many ponds. This one is called appropriately “the pond” and it’s a beautiful, natural area. Head back to Fifth Avenue and walk uptown on the sidewalk from there. You will soon see the Central Park Wildlife Center on your left between 63rd and 66th streets. This is really a small zoo and it has a variety of animals, including sea lions, puffins and polar bears. More than 100 species of animals are shown in three climate zones. There is an admission charge, but it’s well worth it. It’s open from 10 am daily until between 4:30 and 5:30 pm depending on the season. You can also visit the Children’s Zoo, which is nearby. Don’t miss the Delacorte Clock, which plays every half hour and has a variety of musical animals that move. Snacks are available here and all through the park. Don’t miss having a hot dog from one of the many street vendors.

After you have finished at the zoo, go into the park, go directly behind the zoo and walk west. You will find the Wollman Rink. This is an outdoor ice skating rink that was restored by Donald Trump as a gift to the city. It’s a beautiful place in winter but during the other parts of the year it is often home to a carnival or other events. Walk up the hill behind the rink’s entrance area (you will see signs) to the Dairy. This Victorian building houses the Central Park Visitor’s Center. You can ask questions and pick up a map from 10 to 5 daily.

From the Dairy (and hopefully you’ll get a map) continue in the direction you were walking to get there (up the hill) and you’ll hear and see the carousel on the left. It’s worth a ride even if you’re too old. No one cares. You will see the Sheep Meadow beyond this, where sheep actually used to graze and now is a spot for sunbathing. It’s one of the many quiet zones in the park where radios are not allowed. Continue along the road that is there and go right from the carousel. You will see The Mall on your left. Turn into The Mall and continue walking. It’s a beautiful promenade with large trees on each side. The Mall will lead you to one of the favorite places in the park, The Bethesda Fountain and Terrace. You will recognize the fountain and it’s angel statue from many movies and commercials, and the beautiful lake lies beyond it. Spend some time here relaxing and people watching. This is the heart of the park.

If you go right from the fountain and follow the road that is in front of Bethesda Terrace toward Fifth Avenue, you will find the Conservatory Water (better known as The Boat Pond). This is where model boat races are held and but you will also enjoy the ducks who live here. At the end of the pond is one of the most famous statues in the park, Alice in Wonderland. Stories are read to children here on weekends. After you have seen this, head back towards Bethesda Terrace again. You will pass the Boathouse Café where you can have a nice meal or even a snack at their outdoor area. You can also rent a rowboat next to this for a nice, if exhausting, row on the lake. Bicycle rentals are also next to the café if you want to stop walking and start peddling.

Make your way back to the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace. Now you will go in the opposite direction from the way you just went and follow the road towards Central Park West. You will see the entrance to Strawberry Fields. (Thankfully most things in the park are well marked with signs.) Yoko Ono created this area in memory of her husband, John Lennon. They lived in the Dakota apartments overlooking the spot (you can see the apartments at West 72nd Street and Central Park West and she still lives there). He was also killed outside this building. A mosaic in the path with the words “IMAGINE” has become a place where people stop to reflect and often leave flowers. Walk back the way you came to the roadway where you entered Strawberry Fields and start going north, following the lake.

It’s a pretty walk and soon you will come to the Swiss Cottage, a marionette theatre.

Turn right here and walk up the hill through the Shakespeare Garden. At the top of this you will see Belvedere Castle. This offers one of the best views in the park and you can look out over the Great Lawn, where there are baseball fields and where summer concerts are held. You can also see the Shakespeare Theatre, where free shows are offered to the public in the summer. Make your way back the same way you came and keep walking north along the roadway or path. Soon you will reach the Reservoir, which is surrounded by a running track named in memory of Jacqueline Kenney Onassis, who used to run there each day and lived on Fifth Avenue nearby. You can make your way out of the park at this point by going either east or west.

If you go west to Central Park West you will find the American Museum of Natural History at 81st Street. If you go east, then you will come out at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Both museums are worth visiting, but both take a lot of time. You can easily get a subway on the east or west side back to 57th Street or midtown. These are my highlights of Central Park. This walk can take a couple of hours or all day depending on how much time you spend in each area. You can have a nice lunch in the park and relax. That’s what those of us who live in New York City do. Anywhere you walk you will have a wonderful time. It’s even okay to explore other areas I didn’t mention. It’s not just a park, it’s the city’s oasis and it is an essential part of living in and visiting New York City.

Shiba dogs are generally NOT good off leash dogs. Mine were trained by 2 dog trainers and I. For 3.5 years+. My shibas were trained with a 50 ft leash nearly every weekend. They were VERY tough to train as puppies, but they are much older now (6 and 5 years old). We used positive reinforcement training mostly by ANDREA ARDEN. andreaarden.com And, by agility trainer KRIS SEITER http In an effort to get ourfamily back in shape, our human will be walking us around NYC on the weekends. You’re invited to join our dog walk videos! We love making new friends, and smelling them too! Our human will be uploading 1 video per week until 2011, maybe longer! New York City is the most dog friendly city in the world, and we will prove it! We will take you where we go. We know New York City’s best dog food stores, shops, doggie daycare centers, and dog-friendly human stores. Lots of love, The Shibanas Escape From Chinatown (our 1st feature film) www.facebook.com www.escapefromchinatown.com http Follow us on twitter! www.twitter.com Shiba dogs are not for the faint-hearted. Shibas need a lot of positive reinforcement training, but are TOTALLY WORTH it. national.shibarescue.org http
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