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June 26, 2004

How to take the perfect pet photo

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Ever used up a whole roll of film taking photos of your pet, only to end up with a series of furry blurs when you get the photos back? Here’s a few tips for taking the perfect photo of your favourite animal friend. Happy snapping.

Try to use a high-speed film and a fast shutter speed. Some digital cameras may not be fast enough for a good pet photo, but at least you can see the results straight away and try again.

Try to have the camera on the same level as your pet so their image won’t be distorted (eg, if you take a photo looking down at your pet, it will make its legs look short).

Don’t forget to check the background in the viewfinder – you don’t want a chair or tree to look like it’s ‘growing’ out of your pet’s head in the photo.

Try to capture your pet’s personality by photographing them naturally – asleep on their favourite chair, for example – rather than attempting a posed shot.

Keeping your pet in the one place long enough for a posed photo can be difficult. When taking photos of more than one puppy or kitten, put them in a basket so they will stay together and fit in the viewfinder. A soft noise or squeaky toy can help persuade your pet to look at the camera.

Be prepared to use quite a bit of film to get your perfect pet photo. Be patient!

Check that darker coloured dogs and cats are not in front of a dark background.

Make sure your shadow isn’t across your pet subject.

Be careful of ‘red eye’ in your pet photos. To avoid the flash reflecting off your pet’s eyes, make sure there’s enough light so you don’t need a flash, or don’t have your pet looking at the camera.

When taking a photo of a child and a pet, try to have them both on the same level.

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Home Page 5743

June 26, 2004

Cat chat

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Everybody knows that cats purr when they’re content, but what about the other ways they communicate their feline feelings to us?

Ever seen your cat rub its cheek on a sofa, a chair, a wall – even you? The cat is marking its territory and connecting to its network by leaving its scent.

When you arrive home, your cat may rub against you and purr. This is how a cat welcomes you, tells you that you’re their friend, and graciously bestow their forgiveness for your sin of leaving them. Your cat may also carry its tail flag-like in greeting.

Cats also have a welcome ‘miaow’ for your homecoming, which is different to the many other sounds a cat can make – eg, you’ll hear another distinct miaow when your cat wants something to eat.

As well as their wide range of vocal expressions, cats communicate their state through many different tail gestures. Most cat owners are familiar with a cat twitching the end of its tail in irritation. When a cat swishes its tail violently from side to side, you know it’s really mad. A cat thumping its tail heavily and wildly also indicates displeasure, or that the cat really wants something.

If a cat is wagging its tail, it may be making a decision about what to do. Cats also stare with their eyes wide open if they are wondering about something they can hear.

Why do cats torture you by repeatedly kneading your lap or limbs with their front paws – claws extended? This trance-like activity means that cats feel relaxed and secure – and that their nails might need a trim!

Sometimes a cat sitting on your lap may blink slowly and close its eyes for a moment. This also means the cat feels safe and trusts you. And if you gently smile and blink slowly at the cat, it might blink back at you in the same way.

Cats can gently pat objects and people with their claws retracted. This is a playful gesture and if they pat you this way they’re seeking attention. Of course, an angry swipe with their claws extended means something else entirely!

If you are patting a cat and they begin to groom you, it’s a sign of bonding and affection. Cats can also use grooming to show their contempt – have you ever seen a cat sitting just out of reach of an enraged dog, washing behind its ears without a care in the world?

For more great pet info, visit www.petnet.com.au

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June 26, 2004

Winter and your pet

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The temperature’s dropping, the leaves are falling, you have an extra blanket on the bed and the winter woollies out of mothballs. The humans in your house may be all set for winter but what about your pets?

It’s important that your pet has somewhere warm to sleep in winter, free of draughts and protected from the elements. It’s a good idea to elevate your pet’s sleeping quarters – even just a little – so cold and damp can’t creep in from the ground. A few old blankets and towels for bedding, and your pet is snug and happy.

Anyone with a cat knows that come wintertime their feline friends have no trouble claiming the warmest spot in the house. You can spoil them with a comfy cat basket near the heater. Cats love to soak up the winter sun so ideally they should have access to a sunny spot indoors or outdoors.

Some dogs can get too hot in a heated house, and may need somewhere cooler (a tiled floor is good) to lie down in your home.

Depending on what kind of dog you have, your dog may benefit from a dog coat. Dogs with sleek coats and little fat, like a Whippet or Greyhound, definitely need a coat’s extra warmth in winter.

Bad weather and a shortage of daylight can make exercising your dog in winter a challenge. But it’s important that you try to give your dog a run, especially if they’re active dogs. You can use a dog coat to keep your dog dry during a walk in the rain but be sure to remove a wet coat from a pet as soon as you get home. Ensure dogs don’t stay wet after being outside by drying them off with a towel or hair-dryer.

If it’s muddy outside, regularly check between dogs’ paws to make sure balls of mud haven’t built up as this can make it painful for them to walk. If your dog sleeps outside, they need a warm and dry kennel – a deep bedding of straw will keep them clean and comfortable during the winter chill.

Colder days can be hard for those suffering from arthritis – be they human or animal. If your pet is having trouble with stiff, aching limbs, take them to the vet for a check-up. Your vet can prescribe medication to ease their symptoms and advise you on how to care for your pet in the winter months.

A pet’s diet can also become an issue in the winter months. Dogs with fine coats may need extra food to maintain their weight. Alternatively, if your dog is exercising less they may need to eat less as well, so they don’t gain too much weight.

For more great pet info, visit www.petnet.com.au

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June 26, 2004

Barking Mad

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It’s natural for dogs to bark, just as it is for birds to sing. But if your dog barks all the time it can drive you – and your neighbours – ‘barking’ mad!

Having a dog is a bonus for home security, but dogs that bark constantly are not effective watchdogs because everyone just ignores them.

Some dogs by nature may bark more than others but as with any canine behaviour, obedience training can make a difference – the earlier the better.

It’s important to train puppies that unnecessary barking is not allowed. Do this by saying “Aaaah – quiet.” When the puppy quietens it should be praised. The “Aaaah” should be given as a harsh, guttural sound that will distract the puppy from barking and gain its attention. The command “Quiet” should be given in a firm, clear, definite tone. This way the dog will quickly learn to stop barking on the command “Quiet”.

It’s important to praise dogs when they bark at the right time. When a dog barks at someone at the front door, for example, he or she should be praised for raising the alarm. Then when you go to the door, give the dog the command to stop barking.

Often dogs that are left alone for long periods of time without an outlet for their energy will take up barking as a hobby – and keep barking for the fun of it. Make sure dogs have plenty of exercise – play with them, take them for walks and let them interact with other dogs. A dog that is tired out and satisfied is more likely to rest – rather than bark – when you’re not around.

Bored, active dogs are usually the ones that run up and down fences, barking at passers-by. It’s a good idea to restrict these dogs’ access to the boundary fence or make sure they don’t have a view of the street.

If your dog barks in the night, it may be cold or not comfortable. Make sure your dog has somewhere warm and draught-free to sleep. Feed dogs at night so they sleep at the same time as you do. With their keen senses and natural alertness, dogs don’t need to be running around the yard all night to be good watchdogs.

Some dogs will bark because they resent being put outside and excluded from the household. Train your dog so it associates being put outside with pleasure. Give the dog a treat it loves when you put it outside and never give the dog this treat at any other time. Your dog will learn that going outside is a good thing – not a punishment.

Some dogs bark up a storm the minute their owners leave the home. These dogs may be suffering from separation anxiety. Make the dog unsure of how long you are going to be away from home by leaving and coming back at intervals – ranging from a few minutes to several hours. Soon the dog will be unable to guess how long you’re going to be away. When dogs believe it may only be a few minutes until they’re reunited with you, they will be less stressed.

For more great pet info, visit www.petnet.com.au

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June 25, 2004

Catch a wave

Surfing is taking off as more and more people embrace the benefits of this all round body and mood pleaser.

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Surfing is taking off as more and more people embrace the benefits of this all round body and mood pleaser. Thankfully for Gidget, surfing has always been a sport that girls have participated in. While guys still dominate most local breaks and men’s comps have the focus of the media, highly successful female surfers, like our Layne Beachley are helping to make surfing popular with the masses. Even if you don’t live on the coast, you might like to include some lessons as part of your next beach break and turn your lazing into an active holiday. Surf schools offer group or private lessons, the use of wet suits and boards designed just for learners and some highly useful tips on wave etiquette. The group lessons are geared for all abilities and some are strictly chicks only. So let’s check out some of the body and mind benefits. Surfing helps build:

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