Shot Gun Shooting Ethics & Etiquette Part 2 - From a South African Perspective

Know the quarry

If you cannot tell the difference between game birds and other species then you really do not belong in the field. An ethical wingshooter only shoots once he has identified his prey. One can excuse the hunter confused by a partridge and francolin as from a distance they pretty much look the same. But in saying that a wingshooter must make an effort to learn the different species. To shoot the farmers specially protected blue cranes or any other specially protected birds may have severe consequences.

Using a 'gundog'

Given the incredible ability of game birds to conceal themselves, especially when wounded, it could be successfully argued that it is unethical to go wingshooting without a trained dog. Even with the best of dog some game may still get lost, but it will definitely be a fraction of what is lost without a highly trained dog. It is also highly unethical to shoot birds over water without a retriever in the party. Not everyone has a 'gundog', but depending on the type of shooting, there should be at least one 'gundog' with every group of shooters.

Practise marksmanship

It could be regarded unethical for a wingshooter never to practise. Surely you owe it to the birds to go out several times before the season and shoot some clay targets. Unless you are a natural athlete with perfect hand-eye coordination, some practice at getting back into the swing of things is necessary for all of us.

It's just common sense and decency

>From time to time we should indulge in some quiet reflection; take stock of what we are doing and, if necessary, modify our behaviour. Many times hunters become relaxed when out on a shoot, and that is usually when mistakes are made which may or may not result in a serious injury, but nevertheless has some consequence on other hunters or the game that is being hunted. Wingshooting etiquette is simple and straight forward and there are a few grey areas. Obey the simple rules of etiquette, act ethically and it is very likely that you may be asked to enjoy another shoot, if you are a beginner.

Andrew Smit

How To House Train a Dog - The First Step

I do a lot of writing in various areas and much of it has to do with how to do things. Usually, the articles are fairly general and are related to more extensive and complex resources available online. After all, one short article isn't going to be enough to teach you how to house train a dog. The point though is that, in almost every case, people's apparent inability to achieve their goal, whether it's how to potty train a dog or stop a cat's destructive behavior, is almost always the result of not actually carrying through and doing it.

There are books, training videos, probably vast MP3 collections, all of which can teach you or show you how to house train a dog. Now there are some people who are collectors. They just love to get everything about dog training, dogs, dog breeds all the way to the that non-existent but highly desirable "The Everything Dog Training and Trick Book". Others are really looking for a solution but keep going from one to another looking for something that requires no effort on their part. Just like everything else in life, potty training a dog takes actual work and effort on your part.

The amount of work involved in potty training a dog is not a back-breaker, but you need to learn how to go about it. You need to pay close attention to the process and you need to carry through with the training. There's just no other way. Nobody's selling a magic wand you just wave around - and Shazaam, you don't need to know how to house train your dog because - miraculously - your dog has become instantly potty trained. Somehow though, a lot of folks seem to keep thinking that if they keep looking eventually they'll find that easy magic solution.

Hopefully, you now get the idea of what the first step in house training a dog - or, in fact, any kind of dog or pet training is. You have to decide you are serious enough about it to actually do it even if it takes some time and effort. If you can't do that then there's absolutely no point in spending any money on a course or videos or an ebook on how to house train a dog. You're going to need the money for cleaning expenses.

To help get through that first block, think about what a nasty unending on-going mess you will have to deal with if your dog is not house trained. Day after day, week after week. Dogs can live a long time.

This same principle applies to any undesirable behavior. A well trained dog makes a fair more pleasant companion and requires far less work on your part. And an untrained dog can be a serious risk, especially if it has aggressive tendencies.

Learning how to house train a dog is generally the first step that people want to take with a new puppy. But it should also fit into learning how to train your dog to be a great companion. You are supposed to be the boss and that means you do need to learn how to be good master or mistress. That can make the difference between a wonderful experience and an ongoing miserable struggle with your dog that no one wins.

There are some excellent guides, in different styles, which are easily available on the internet. Generally, which might be best for you depends on your style and how you learn best. If you prefer to read and are interested in more detail and information, then an ebook with step-by-step instructions on how to house train a dog (with pictures, of course) might be the best solution.

On the other hand, if you learn more easily by watching video and listening, then a video course might be better. There are advantages to both and many people have found it helpful to eventually get more than one guide.

Whichever style is best for you, these guides offer you more than simply a method on how to house train a dog. The best ones teach you step by step how to solve other common dog behavior problems and teach you methods you can use to deal with whatever undesirable behavior problems your dog develops. Life with a dog can be very satisfying and enjoyable, but it is also largely dependent on you taking the steps necessary to learn how to train your dog.

Copyright (c) 2006 Richard Keir

Richard is a writer and has had a number of well-trained happy dogs over the years. If you prefer reading and detailed training materials in eBook form visit http://DogObedience.Werkz.info and if you prefer watching and listening then checkout the video approach here http://DogTraining.Werkz.info and learn how to house train your dog and more.

Tips About Your Dogs Room And Personal Space

Regardless of where you live, your dog must always have its own private domain where it can feel at home. Find a quiet place for the dog to sleep. The location should be convenient for you and suitable for your pet. Make sure your dog feels comfortable there, and do not change the location afterwards.

An uncarpeted room, not too cold, with a floor that is easy to wash, is a good choice. A puppy must be well protected from draughts. Beware of cold air seeping in around doors and windows. A dog will automatically settle with its back against a wall, so arrange your pets spot next to a wall or in a corner but not too close to a radiator or heating vent because the dogs coat will dry out and become brittle.

The dogs place should be away from heavily traveled areas because the animal will probably need a lot of sleep, initially. But the dog should also be able to observe everyones comings and goings so it can start taking part in family life. Your pet can probably sleep comfortably in a crate lined with cushions, a towel or shredded newspaper. Large dogs generally just sleep on a blanket.

If your dog will weigh less than 30 pounds when fully grown, you can use a wicker basket lined with a soft, easily washable cushion. The main concern is to see that the animal is well insulated from the floor. Air the dogs bedding every day and clean it once a week. In summer, if your dog gets fleas or tics, treat the bedding with flea and tick powder or replace it completely.

You can put the dogs two bowls one for food the other for water, near its bed. If the dogs muzzle is pointed, use deep bowls, if its muzzle is blunt, shallow bowls are preferable. For a toy, give your dog a bone made of animal hide. It can cut its teeth safely, on the hide because even if it swallows a piece, the material is digestible. You may find that your dog will choose its own plaything; if so, make sure the choice is not an old shoe. This may encourage it to start chewing new shoes.

Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed http://www.joncopets.com. On the site, customers can shop for the latest dog collars, dog clothes, pet supplies and more. Check them out at http://www.joncopets.com.