Judy writes:
"I have a 6 month old Great Dane that I bought a pinch collar to stop bad habits (nipping, jumping up). This worked great for about one week but now it is very difficult to give a 'motivational' correction. It's almost like she's gotten used to the collar and doesn't respond to it anymore. This is especially the case when she is on the couch. Sometimes she bites at this time (not hard, but it's very annoying), and it is impossible to give her a 'motivational' correction. Any advice?"
Dear Judy:
Here's a blurb from an article I wrote on how to use the pinch collar:
Basics of the Pinch Collar
The pinch collar is designed to replicate the way the mother would correct her pups in a litter. Or similarly, how the Alpha dog in a pack would correct the subordinate dogs... that is, by giving a "nip" on the neck.
The prong collar (also frequently called the pinch collar) is made of a series of prongs that link together.
Most pinch collars are designed pretty much the same: There is a safety ring which rides next to the dog's neck and a "D" shaped ring that you hook your leash to. Some pinch collar manufacturers have developed "quick release" mechanisms which may work somewhat differently.
A Safe Fit For the Pinch Collar:
In order to properly size and fit the collar, you must do the following:
1. Understand that size and fit are two different issues. The size is determined by the SIZE of the prong... not the diameter. Sizes usually come in small, medium and large. For dogs up to 40 pounds, a small prong usually works best as you'll get more "pinch to the inch." Dogs 40 to 80 pounds will usually need a medium or sometimes a large size prong.
2. The fit of the collar is determined by adding or subtracting prongs to change the diameter. Simply break the collar open at one of the looser prongs in the middle of the collar and pop off one or more of the individual prongs.
3. Properly fitted, you should only be able to fit approximately 1/2 finger space between the tip of the prong and the skin of the dog's neck. Trust me, you won't be doing your dog any favor if it's too loose and you have to give 10 times the number of corrections and it's rubbing and chafing her neck because YOU weren't using it correctly. Make sure it's a snug fit... 1/2 finger space!!!
Don't Teach Your Dog To Be Collar-Smart!
If you put the pinch collar on your dog immediately before training, she'll become COLLAR-SMART! She'll respond like a complete angel when the collar is on but like a real devil when the collar is off. So, just like the Alpha dog who always has the ability to correct the subordinate dogs (with her mouth)... so must you! In other words, leave the pinch collar and a tab (1 foot leash or longer) on your dog ANY TIME YOU'RE INTERACTING WITH HER. You'll know when she's proofed when you can call me up and bet me $100 because you're so confident that your dog is responding with 100% reliability. If you take the pinch collar off sooner, you're running the risk of making her collar-smart!
Specific to answering your question, usually when people tell me this the culprit is one of the following reasons:
- The pinch collar is too loose, and they need to take another link out. In such cases, you should only be able to put 1/2 a finger space between the prong and the skin of the dog's neck. Sometimes even less.
- When giving the correction, the handler isn't using slack, but is instead mistakenly pulling the leash tight-to-tighter. It needs to be loose-to-tight-to-loose, in a sharp, snapping tug motion.
- If, after trying all of the above, you're currently using a medium sized prong collar, I'd suggest going up to the large. Or vice versa.
Sometimes a different sized prong works better on different dogs. However, this is usually a non-issue, as the culprit is HOW the collar is used (see above.)
That's all for now, folks!
Adam
2008年9月17日星期三
2008年9月5日星期五
Before You Bring Your New Pit Bull Puppy Home: Dog Owner Advice
There are several things one should consider before adding a Pit Bull terrier to your household. As with any and all breeds of dogs, Pit Bulls have their own individual quirks and personalities that should be researched and considered thoroughly before adding a Pit Bull puppy to your family. You also will need to make sure that you have time for a puppy in your life, as they crave lots of love and attention, and don’t do as well in busy families where they aren’t able to get that. You definitely do not want to add a new pet if it isn’t going to fit in with your family or other pets you may already have. Pit Bull terriers usually do better in homes with older children, than those with babies or toddlers.
Once you have made the decision that a Pit Bull puppy would be a good addition to your household, you will need to ready your house for him before you bring the puppy home. Preparing your home beforehand will make your first few days at home with your new puppy much easier. Puppies are naturally curious about their surroundings, so you definitely should take precaution with household products, plants, poisons, etc. Puppies also tend to be destructive sometimes, so you will also need to consider that as well. They like to chew a lot, so you will want to purchase toys for them to have, and keep anything you don’t want damaged out of the puppy’s area.
When you bring your new puppy home, you should ensure that there will be someone at home most of the time. The puppy should be taken outside often, at least until he is house-broken. It is also important that your puppy get a lot of exercise, which will help in getting rid of any pent up energy he may have, making the puppy easier to deal with.
It is very important to try to have a routine for your new puppy, as puppies tend to do better when things are kept consistent. Many puppies don’t respond well to change, so it is important to establish a routine and keep it up.
Owning a Pit Bull terrier comes with a lot of responsibility, as with owning any pet. Pit Bulls thrive in homes with loving and attentive owners. They are very loving and devoted when cared for and treated well.
Once you have made the decision that a Pit Bull puppy would be a good addition to your household, you will need to ready your house for him before you bring the puppy home. Preparing your home beforehand will make your first few days at home with your new puppy much easier. Puppies are naturally curious about their surroundings, so you definitely should take precaution with household products, plants, poisons, etc. Puppies also tend to be destructive sometimes, so you will also need to consider that as well. They like to chew a lot, so you will want to purchase toys for them to have, and keep anything you don’t want damaged out of the puppy’s area.
When you bring your new puppy home, you should ensure that there will be someone at home most of the time. The puppy should be taken outside often, at least until he is house-broken. It is also important that your puppy get a lot of exercise, which will help in getting rid of any pent up energy he may have, making the puppy easier to deal with.
It is very important to try to have a routine for your new puppy, as puppies tend to do better when things are kept consistent. Many puppies don’t respond well to change, so it is important to establish a routine and keep it up.
Owning a Pit Bull terrier comes with a lot of responsibility, as with owning any pet. Pit Bulls thrive in homes with loving and attentive owners. They are very loving and devoted when cared for and treated well.
2008年9月2日星期二
How To Name Your Exotic Pet?
When looking for a pet think of how much time and dedication you have for walking it, feeding it, and all the other responsibilities that come along with owning a pet. If you don't want to be involved in all of the responsibilities being a pet owner entails then you should reconsider buying a pet to haul along with you on outings just to make you look cool.
How to name you exotic pet?
Having a pet is just like having a baby. Pet owners take much time and effort in giving names to their pets much like they would do with their own children. Getting the right name for an ordinary or an exotic pet would give more distinction and personality to the pet.
Where would you get exotic pets for sale?
It is hard enough to choose an ordinary pet and choosing an exotic pet makes the choice doubly difficult. It is always important to think twice before choosing an exotic pet because they are more difficult to take care of than ordinary pets.
The first thing to consider when choosing an exotic pet is your degree of commitment to the pet. Owning and taking care of an exotic pet is no joke and one should always be prepared for challenges. Exotic pets are also more expensive to take care of since they have special needs and requirements.
Once you have chosen an exotic pet, the next part is to decide on its name. Like most people, your exotic pet will be known for its name for as long as its life span, so be careful when giving your exotic pet a name.
Choosing a proper name for an exotic pet can be quite hard but every exotic pet owner can do that with proper research and a little creativity. Make sure the name you choose for your exotic pet is appropriate and can easily be recognized by the pet. The purpose for naming the pet is to have something to call him by which will make him respond so don't give the exotic pet difficult names.
Keep in mind that some pets, like a dog for example, are much more expensive to own than others. It is important that you know what you and your family can do to keep your pet healthy, happy and safe before you make any purchases.
The name given to an exotic pet will distinguish it from the other household pets. Giving short and easy to recall names can be an important factor in making the exotic pet conscious and responsive to the owner’s training and commands.
Pet experts believe that a pet that is given a wrong and inappropriate name can lead to difficulties in training and behavioral patterns. The pet will also have a difficult time recognizing his own name and won't be as responsive to the owner had he been given the proper name.
Names with one syllable are ideal because they are easily recognized by pets. Remember that you are naming an exotic pet and not a person. Even people will have a problem when they are given difficult sounding names so keep the name of your exotic pet as simple as possible.
Choosing one-syllable names that sounds the same with training commands like sit, talk and come will make the exotic pet easier to train. Also avoid giving your exotic pet a name that can cause embarrassment to both of you and even your neighbors.
Today, it is common and acceptable to name pets after humans. Words of caution though; never give identical names to your child and your pet or else, both of them may come at the same time when you call them. Worse, this may cause embarrassment to your child.
If your pet can feel happy when there is the cause to,then why do you think it can't feel sad and grieve whenthere is cause to?
What are exotic pets like?
How to name you exotic pet?
Having a pet is just like having a baby. Pet owners take much time and effort in giving names to their pets much like they would do with their own children. Getting the right name for an ordinary or an exotic pet would give more distinction and personality to the pet.
Where would you get exotic pets for sale?
It is hard enough to choose an ordinary pet and choosing an exotic pet makes the choice doubly difficult. It is always important to think twice before choosing an exotic pet because they are more difficult to take care of than ordinary pets.
The first thing to consider when choosing an exotic pet is your degree of commitment to the pet. Owning and taking care of an exotic pet is no joke and one should always be prepared for challenges. Exotic pets are also more expensive to take care of since they have special needs and requirements.
Once you have chosen an exotic pet, the next part is to decide on its name. Like most people, your exotic pet will be known for its name for as long as its life span, so be careful when giving your exotic pet a name.
Choosing a proper name for an exotic pet can be quite hard but every exotic pet owner can do that with proper research and a little creativity. Make sure the name you choose for your exotic pet is appropriate and can easily be recognized by the pet. The purpose for naming the pet is to have something to call him by which will make him respond so don't give the exotic pet difficult names.
Keep in mind that some pets, like a dog for example, are much more expensive to own than others. It is important that you know what you and your family can do to keep your pet healthy, happy and safe before you make any purchases.
The name given to an exotic pet will distinguish it from the other household pets. Giving short and easy to recall names can be an important factor in making the exotic pet conscious and responsive to the owner’s training and commands.
Pet experts believe that a pet that is given a wrong and inappropriate name can lead to difficulties in training and behavioral patterns. The pet will also have a difficult time recognizing his own name and won't be as responsive to the owner had he been given the proper name.
Names with one syllable are ideal because they are easily recognized by pets. Remember that you are naming an exotic pet and not a person. Even people will have a problem when they are given difficult sounding names so keep the name of your exotic pet as simple as possible.
Choosing one-syllable names that sounds the same with training commands like sit, talk and come will make the exotic pet easier to train. Also avoid giving your exotic pet a name that can cause embarrassment to both of you and even your neighbors.
Today, it is common and acceptable to name pets after humans. Words of caution though; never give identical names to your child and your pet or else, both of them may come at the same time when you call them. Worse, this may cause embarrassment to your child.
If your pet can feel happy when there is the cause to,then why do you think it can't feel sad and grieve whenthere is cause to?
What are exotic pets like?
2008年8月24日星期日
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and its Effects on Cats
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not only common among humans but also among animals particularly cats. Basically, the IBS that is experienced by people is the same type that cats also feel.
The Irritable Bowel Syndrome among cats is the same gastrointestinal disorder that is also felt by human. The large and/or small intestines are also affected. IBS in cats usually affects the contractions of the digestive tract resulting to irregular bowel movement. Aside from that, IBS also interferes with the normal distribution of food and waste material inside the cat's body resulting to the accumulation of toxins and mucus in the cat's intestines.
These accumulated toxins often obstruct the normal function of the digestive tract. In the process gas and stool are trapped causing bloating, constipation and distention. It is also surprising to note that the same IBS factors in human have been identified to cause the same effects among cats. Factors causing IBS such as stress, overuse of antibiotics, poor eating habits, bacterial, and viral infection, parasites and food allergies were found to affect cats as well.
Likewise, a blockage is also very common among cats since they love to chew as well as swallow objects. This too can trigger IBS symptoms.
Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Cats
It would be surprising to note that cats and humans exhibit the same Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. And here are some of them:
• Constipation among cats is just like in humans. It is also exhibited by hard, small, pebble-like stools, which make bowel movement very difficult.
• Diarrhea is a more frequent bowel movement wherein the stool is often soft and watery. Cats with IBS usually experience successive loose bowel movement alternating with constipation.
• Abdominal pain is also common among cats with IBS. The pain can range from mild to severe.
• The presence of mucus in the stool is also a common sign of IBS.
• Another symptom of IBS that may be observed in cats is vomiting and nausea.
• Gas pain or flatulence is also an indication of IBS in cats
• Bloating
• Intolerance to certain types of foods
• Anorexia which most of you may think is only common to us human but surprisingly is also exhibited by our feline friends.
Treating Your Cat's Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Since Irritable Bowel Syndrome involves many factors, it is very important that you have your cats examined by a veterinarian. This way you will know what's triggering IBS symptoms in your pet cats. In case you prefer to apply natural methods in controlling your pet's IBS symptoms still it is better to consult first a veterinarian before applying any type of IBS treatment to your cat to avoid further complications.
A change in your cat's diet is also a good way to control Irritable Bowel syndrome. However make sure that you consult a veterinarian or a nutritionist to provide your cat with a personalized diet and program.
Feeding your cat with the right type of food is still the best way to control your cat's Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Cats like humans prefer different types of foods. There are some cats that like eating raw food while there are some that prefers home cooking or canned food.
It is very important that you try to experiment with foods that work for your cat. If you can keep a food journal in which you can jot down foods that your cat needs to avoid then so much the better. This will guide you on the proper food to give your cat and in turn keeps IBS symptoms in control.
The Irritable Bowel Syndrome among cats is the same gastrointestinal disorder that is also felt by human. The large and/or small intestines are also affected. IBS in cats usually affects the contractions of the digestive tract resulting to irregular bowel movement. Aside from that, IBS also interferes with the normal distribution of food and waste material inside the cat's body resulting to the accumulation of toxins and mucus in the cat's intestines.
These accumulated toxins often obstruct the normal function of the digestive tract. In the process gas and stool are trapped causing bloating, constipation and distention. It is also surprising to note that the same IBS factors in human have been identified to cause the same effects among cats. Factors causing IBS such as stress, overuse of antibiotics, poor eating habits, bacterial, and viral infection, parasites and food allergies were found to affect cats as well.
Likewise, a blockage is also very common among cats since they love to chew as well as swallow objects. This too can trigger IBS symptoms.
Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Cats
It would be surprising to note that cats and humans exhibit the same Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. And here are some of them:
• Constipation among cats is just like in humans. It is also exhibited by hard, small, pebble-like stools, which make bowel movement very difficult.
• Diarrhea is a more frequent bowel movement wherein the stool is often soft and watery. Cats with IBS usually experience successive loose bowel movement alternating with constipation.
• Abdominal pain is also common among cats with IBS. The pain can range from mild to severe.
• The presence of mucus in the stool is also a common sign of IBS.
• Another symptom of IBS that may be observed in cats is vomiting and nausea.
• Gas pain or flatulence is also an indication of IBS in cats
• Bloating
• Intolerance to certain types of foods
• Anorexia which most of you may think is only common to us human but surprisingly is also exhibited by our feline friends.
Treating Your Cat's Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Since Irritable Bowel Syndrome involves many factors, it is very important that you have your cats examined by a veterinarian. This way you will know what's triggering IBS symptoms in your pet cats. In case you prefer to apply natural methods in controlling your pet's IBS symptoms still it is better to consult first a veterinarian before applying any type of IBS treatment to your cat to avoid further complications.
A change in your cat's diet is also a good way to control Irritable Bowel syndrome. However make sure that you consult a veterinarian or a nutritionist to provide your cat with a personalized diet and program.
Feeding your cat with the right type of food is still the best way to control your cat's Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Cats like humans prefer different types of foods. There are some cats that like eating raw food while there are some that prefers home cooking or canned food.
It is very important that you try to experiment with foods that work for your cat. If you can keep a food journal in which you can jot down foods that your cat needs to avoid then so much the better. This will guide you on the proper food to give your cat and in turn keeps IBS symptoms in control.
2008年8月19日星期二
Pet May Be Suffering From Dog Food Allergies
Food allergies are not exclusive to humans, but they can be difficult to diagnose in pets, especially when dog food allergies appear to manifest quickly. The biggest problem of course, is the pet's inability to communicate the symptoms effectively, and they are many times confused with other ailments.
Symptoms of dog food allergies may include excessive scratching, hair loss, skin infections as well as ear infections. Most times antibiotics used for skin infections will clear them up briefly, but they will reoccur when the antibiotics are stopped. An animal with itchy skin that does not seem to improve with the use of antihistamines or steroids, may be suffering from food allergies.
There is also a difference between food allergies and food intolerance. An intolerance to certain foods may cause symptoms such as diarrhea or frequent bowel movements and vomiting. Fortunately, whether the animal is suffering from food Allergy or food intolerance, once the proper diagnosis has been made, they can both be treated.
Since most dog food is made from beef, chicken, wheat, eggs, soy and dairy products, it should be no surprise that most food allergies are caused by one of these ingredients. When pet food companies began producing lamb and rice formulations, many dog allergies seemed to disappear. Most veterinarians agree that it is not because of something special in the lamb and rice formula that reduced the incidences of food allergies in dog , rather it is the fact that the dog's diet was changed and the animal has not developed an intolerance for the new food.
Dietary Change To Test For Food Allergies
Once other causes have been ruled out, such as flea bite allergies, intestinal parasites, yeast or bacterial infections a dietary change may be needed to reduce the symptoms of dog food allergies. A new food source containing protein and carbohydrate should be the only diet of the pet for at least 12 weeks to determine which of the ingredients in their old pet food was causing the allergic reaction.
The food source must be completely different from what the animal was used to and cannot be supplemented with treats or other types of food if the test is to be effective. Once it has been determined the pet is not having an adverse reaction to the new diet, different foods can be added to help develop a more diverse diet. However, any addition must go through the same test procedures and if any reaction is noted, the new addition will need to be eliminated.
Symptoms of dog food allergies may include excessive scratching, hair loss, skin infections as well as ear infections. Most times antibiotics used for skin infections will clear them up briefly, but they will reoccur when the antibiotics are stopped. An animal with itchy skin that does not seem to improve with the use of antihistamines or steroids, may be suffering from food allergies.
There is also a difference between food allergies and food intolerance. An intolerance to certain foods may cause symptoms such as diarrhea or frequent bowel movements and vomiting. Fortunately, whether the animal is suffering from food Allergy or food intolerance, once the proper diagnosis has been made, they can both be treated.
Since most dog food is made from beef, chicken, wheat, eggs, soy and dairy products, it should be no surprise that most food allergies are caused by one of these ingredients. When pet food companies began producing lamb and rice formulations, many dog allergies seemed to disappear. Most veterinarians agree that it is not because of something special in the lamb and rice formula that reduced the incidences of food allergies in dog , rather it is the fact that the dog's diet was changed and the animal has not developed an intolerance for the new food.
Dietary Change To Test For Food Allergies
Once other causes have been ruled out, such as flea bite allergies, intestinal parasites, yeast or bacterial infections a dietary change may be needed to reduce the symptoms of dog food allergies. A new food source containing protein and carbohydrate should be the only diet of the pet for at least 12 weeks to determine which of the ingredients in their old pet food was causing the allergic reaction.
The food source must be completely different from what the animal was used to and cannot be supplemented with treats or other types of food if the test is to be effective. Once it has been determined the pet is not having an adverse reaction to the new diet, different foods can be added to help develop a more diverse diet. However, any addition must go through the same test procedures and if any reaction is noted, the new addition will need to be eliminated.
2008年8月12日星期二
Dog Training: How To Stop The Chewing Problem
Many people have begun the task of getting there dog or puppy into a dog training school. There are a lot of aspects that are gone over in dog training classes. Unfortunately, one part of dog training that is not gone over very well in dog training classes is chewing.
It is hard to go over a chewing problem in dog training classes because dogs often have nothing to chew on or destroy while in the class! If you are one of those people who are in dog training classes, but you still need help with chewing, please read on.
This type of dog training can be for dogs young and old. Many people find this part of dog training to be more common in puppies. But older dogs have been know to need this type of dog training because they love to chew things up while their owners are away!
To begin this type of dog training, you must first realize that all dogs chew. Dogs need to chew. So when you begin, make sure you have several things that are ok for your dog to chew on. Then begin your dog training by keeping all of your dogs chewing toys in one location.
This way, your dog will learn to associate this spot with his or her chew toys. You must do this in order for this type of dog training to work. Try to have the dog toys in a "toy box" for your dog.
During this dog training, never spank or hit your dog if you catch it chewing on something it is not allowed to. Instead, for effective dog training, praise your dog and pet it when it chews on what it is supposed to chew on.
It has been shown that dogs respond much better to positive praise and positive dog training. If the dog continues to chew on things that it shouldn't, verbally reprimand it. Your tone of voice will be enough punishment and is the only punishment necessary for this kind of dog training.
Another method of dog training you can try is to put a taste deterrent on the items your dog shouldn't chew. This Dog Training chew deterrent is called "bitter apple" and it is available at most pet stores.
These are the most effective means of dog training that will teach your dog not to chew on inappropriate things. If you follow all of these aspects, your dog training should go more smoothly.
Dog training can be a fun and rewarding experience...as long as all of your favorite things aren't chewed up in the process! Keep calm and be patient to achieve good results.
It is hard to go over a chewing problem in dog training classes because dogs often have nothing to chew on or destroy while in the class! If you are one of those people who are in dog training classes, but you still need help with chewing, please read on.
This type of dog training can be for dogs young and old. Many people find this part of dog training to be more common in puppies. But older dogs have been know to need this type of dog training because they love to chew things up while their owners are away!
To begin this type of dog training, you must first realize that all dogs chew. Dogs need to chew. So when you begin, make sure you have several things that are ok for your dog to chew on. Then begin your dog training by keeping all of your dogs chewing toys in one location.
This way, your dog will learn to associate this spot with his or her chew toys. You must do this in order for this type of dog training to work. Try to have the dog toys in a "toy box" for your dog.
During this dog training, never spank or hit your dog if you catch it chewing on something it is not allowed to. Instead, for effective dog training, praise your dog and pet it when it chews on what it is supposed to chew on.
It has been shown that dogs respond much better to positive praise and positive dog training. If the dog continues to chew on things that it shouldn't, verbally reprimand it. Your tone of voice will be enough punishment and is the only punishment necessary for this kind of dog training.
Another method of dog training you can try is to put a taste deterrent on the items your dog shouldn't chew. This Dog Training chew deterrent is called "bitter apple" and it is available at most pet stores.
These are the most effective means of dog training that will teach your dog not to chew on inappropriate things. If you follow all of these aspects, your dog training should go more smoothly.
Dog training can be a fun and rewarding experience...as long as all of your favorite things aren't chewed up in the process! Keep calm and be patient to achieve good results.
2008年8月11日星期一
All You Would Want To Know About Lions
Lions have strong, compact bodies and powerful forelegs, teeth, and jaws for pulling down and killing prey. Their coats are yellow-gold, and adult males have long, dark, shaggy manes. Young lions have light spotting on their coats that will disappear as they grow up.
Considering Size, Male lions grow larger than females, reaching up to ten feet long (females reach up to nine feet long), plus a two- to three-foot-long tail. Male lions weigh from 330 to 530 pounds; females weigh 270 to 300 pounds. Lions stand between three and a half and four feet tall at the shoulder.
Except for a small population that hangs on in the dry Gir Forest of northwest India, lions now live only in Africa. They are found from the Sahara's southern fringe to northern South Africa, but are absent from equatorial areas dominated by moist tropical forest. The lion is listed as vulnerable on the World Conservation Union's (IUCN's) Red List of Threatened Animals. The Gir Forest population, which consists of about 300 lions, is listed as endangered.
Lions inhabit a wide range of habitats, from open plains to thick brush and dry thorn forest. Lions eat primarily large animals, such as zebra and wildebeest, weighing from 100 to 1,000 pounds. In times of shortage, they also catch and eat a variety of smaller animals from rodents to reptiles. Lions steal kills from hyenas, leopards, and other predators, but may also lose their catches to hyena groups. Lions may also feed on domestic livestock, especially in areas near villages.
Female lions usually give birth to a litter every two years. Females are receptive to mates for a few days several times a year, unless they are pregnant or nursing. Mating spurs ovulation. Females give birth to one to five cubs after a gestation of about three and a half months. Cubs nurse for six months, but start eating meat at three months. Due to varied dangers, including starvation during times of food shortage and attacks by male lions taking over prides, up to 80 percent of lion cubs die within their first two years of life. Zoo lions may live up to 25 years, while wild lions live about 15 years.
More than 10,000 years ago, lions thrived from North and South America to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Today, following climatic changes and after centuries of hunting and habitat degradation by people, lions live in scattered habitats across Africa (with the exception of the Gir Forest lions, which live in a park in northwest India). Within these areas, lions still face dangers, including habitat loss and hunting. Many have died from diseases such as distemper, which is spread by domestic dogs from villages near natural habitat.
Considering Size, Male lions grow larger than females, reaching up to ten feet long (females reach up to nine feet long), plus a two- to three-foot-long tail. Male lions weigh from 330 to 530 pounds; females weigh 270 to 300 pounds. Lions stand between three and a half and four feet tall at the shoulder.
Except for a small population that hangs on in the dry Gir Forest of northwest India, lions now live only in Africa. They are found from the Sahara's southern fringe to northern South Africa, but are absent from equatorial areas dominated by moist tropical forest. The lion is listed as vulnerable on the World Conservation Union's (IUCN's) Red List of Threatened Animals. The Gir Forest population, which consists of about 300 lions, is listed as endangered.
Lions inhabit a wide range of habitats, from open plains to thick brush and dry thorn forest. Lions eat primarily large animals, such as zebra and wildebeest, weighing from 100 to 1,000 pounds. In times of shortage, they also catch and eat a variety of smaller animals from rodents to reptiles. Lions steal kills from hyenas, leopards, and other predators, but may also lose their catches to hyena groups. Lions may also feed on domestic livestock, especially in areas near villages.
Female lions usually give birth to a litter every two years. Females are receptive to mates for a few days several times a year, unless they are pregnant or nursing. Mating spurs ovulation. Females give birth to one to five cubs after a gestation of about three and a half months. Cubs nurse for six months, but start eating meat at three months. Due to varied dangers, including starvation during times of food shortage and attacks by male lions taking over prides, up to 80 percent of lion cubs die within their first two years of life. Zoo lions may live up to 25 years, while wild lions live about 15 years.
More than 10,000 years ago, lions thrived from North and South America to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Today, following climatic changes and after centuries of hunting and habitat degradation by people, lions live in scattered habitats across Africa (with the exception of the Gir Forest lions, which live in a park in northwest India). Within these areas, lions still face dangers, including habitat loss and hunting. Many have died from diseases such as distemper, which is spread by domestic dogs from villages near natural habitat.
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