Westies Dogs and Your ChildrenWritten by Jeff Cuckson
Almost without exception, breeders will advertise that their favorite terrier, westies dogs, are good with children. However, terrier enthusiasts, and westie rescue organizations, tell a different story. Before you bring your terrier into a home with small children, be sure you understand westie personality, and how they might react to your children's behavior. Like any terrier, a westie can have what is called a high 'prey drive.' Any breed of terrier, westhighland terriers included, was originally bred to hunt down small prey, chase into its den, and then aggressively, or even viscously fight prey until it was caught in dog's jaws. Because small children's high, squealing voices sound like squeals of fleeing prey , a westies' prey drive may be triggered by these sounds. To compound confusion dog will see children running from them in same way see prey running to escape. It will give chase. Among breeds of terrier, a westie is one that will not tolerate manhandling. Trainers advise that unlike some dogs, which can be desensitized to ear-pulling, and poking and prodding that small children are likely to inflict, westies will react adversely to this treatment. The more you or your child annoys your little terrier, more likely it is to become aggressive or nip. From point of view of a terrier, it will see small children as an inferior member of 'pack.' This is true of many dogs. Being strong-willed west highland white terriers have an inclination to be bossy in first place. Small children are incapable of countering this behavior. If you have your heart set on a terrier, westies can still be your dog of choice if you have children. First train your children, then train your terrier. Teach your children how to properly approach, handle, and play with your westie.
| | Rabbit As PetWritten by Amanda Gates
Rabbits are one of most popular pets, apart from dogs and cats. They look attractive, lovely, gentle, friendly and cute. They are easy to take care and undemanding in terms of care and housing. They will settle well either indoor or outdoor, at home.There are 40 species of rabbits and hares worldwide. All domesticated rabbits are originated from European rabbits. The scientific name for domestic rabbit is Oryctolagus cuniculus. Typically, domesticated rabbits weigh between 2.2-221lb (1-10kg). The domesticated rabbits can be fed on commercially produced rabbit food, pellets, hay, green food, root vegetables, tree bark, herbs and apple. The gestation period of a rabbit is 31 days and typical litter size ranges from 6-8 young. The lifespan varies with breed. Keeping a rabbit as pet requires a good training system to prevent unnecessary destructions or hassle. For example, furniture and carpet chewing problems, pseudo pregnancy symptoms, litter problems, fights, behavioral problems, rabbit-house worries, sickness, fleas, predators and etc. Nevertheless, these challenges can be overcome when owners have knowledge and experience to deal with them. Thus, one of recommended ways to acquire important knowledge is to read widely and exchange practical information with experienced rabbit owners.
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