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Essential Items to Bring Along For Your Dog While on Your Hiking Trips

If you’re an outdoors kind of person, and a dog owner, you may have considered bringing your dog along with you on a hike this summer. Humans have been hiking and trailing the various landscapes of the Earth with dogs as companions and guides for thousands and thousands of years. This symbiotic relationship between man and canine can be observed in a very popular children’s movie that came out a few years ago known as Ice Age. In the movie, the early humans carried supplies with them to keep their dogs well-fed and occupied on the long journeys.

The first of the dog supplies that you need to have in your hiking inventory are the essentials to preserving the life of your dog. You need to pack plenty of food and water for him or her, and make sure that you pack enough in case of an emergency (such as getting lost in the woods and not being able to find your way back to civilization for several days or weeks). I wouldn’t buy the dog food that comes in bags that you find at the grocery store. Instead, I would get the canned dog food that almost looks like liquid beef when you pour it out of the can. This will save you a lot of time and energy, as you won’t need to lug around several bags of dog food. It’s also a lot less expensive to get a couple boxes of Alpo instead of seven or eight bags of Kibbles & Bits.

Next, you need to make sure your dog has a powerful leash that you can easily get your hand around and hold onto tightly. I’ve heard countless stories of people hiking in the woods with their dogs (without a leash mind you), and the dog will see a rabbit or a squirrel and run off to chase it. A lot of people have lost their dogs this way, so make sure you get a sturdy leash from a store that specializes in pet-related merchandise such as PetSmart. While you’re there, don’t forget to grab a chew toy or two for your dog in case he or she gets bored while on the hike. I would also recommend picking up some treats.

Lastly, you need to have some type of first-aid kit specifically designed for your dog. Dogs may believe they’re invincible, but you and I know that they can get hurt just like us while experiencing the great outdoors. Snake bites, bug bites, broken limbs, and overheating are all very real and dangerous things that could happen to your dog. Your dog’s first-aid kit should be made to handle any situation, whether it’s a scrape or an entire limb being severed.

Going on hikes with your dog can be a very rewarding and beneficial experience for not only you, but for your dog as well. If you’re mindful of where you’re going, and you take every precaution necessary to ensure your dog’s safety and overall well-being, your hikes should be very wonderful memories that you and your dog will never forget. Hiking with your dog is truly an amazing bonding experience that no dog owner should pass up.

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, check for current specials on chew toys online.

Natural Treatments For Canine Body Discharges

Sometimes when a dog is suffering from a disease or illness he can also have a discharge from eyes, ears nose or anus. Often the sick dog is miserable and suffers all the more due to accumulation of a discharge that they can not reach to clean and that can build up and serve as a source of further irritation to underlying tissues.

You can provide great relief to your pet by following these simple cleaning techniques:

Nose: Carefully remove any discharge using a damp piece of gauze or cloth. This can take time and patience in order to soften any matter that may have dried on to the nose. This can be a stressful situation for any dog as the nose is a very sensitive area, so it is better to work in several short sessions instead of trying to do it all at once. After the nose has been cleaned and patted dry, apply almond oil to the area. The almond oil may be used alone or mixed with vitamin E oil. Repeat this process several times a day.

Ears: For waxy or oily ear secretions, use a dropper or a squeeze bottle to drop about

How to Prevent Dog Biting

If your dog is less than 16 weeks old and nips and bites non-stop, this is normal behavior - young dogs mouth a lot. Puppies mouth while playing and they mouth when communicating their wants. If your dog begins mouthing, he may be hungry or thirsty. Ask yourself: Does he need to remove waste? Is he tired? Does he want to play? Dogs nip when they feel a sense of neediness – like when a baby cries. If your dog does not stop, he may want to go outside, exercise, or drink water. The following tips can assist you when trying to control your dog’s mouthing and nipping:

1. If your dog does not want anything and he still will not stop, isolate him with a favorite bone. Do not punish your dog as you isolate her. Calmly place the puppy in her area.

2. When your puppy licks you, say “Kisses” and praise him. Encourage licking by slathering your hands with a stick of butter.

3. Hold back your attention when your dog nips quietly. Keep your hand still; removing your hand is an invitation to play and nip harder.

4. When your dog starts biting down hard, turn quickly, say: “Ep, Ep!” and glance into her eyes for two seconds; then go back to your normal routine. If he continues, try spritzing yourself with Bitter Apple or affix a leash onto your dog so that you can tug the lead sharply to the side and place him in a quiet location to cool off.

If you have a puppy that continues to nip when more than 16 weeks old, you start curbing it now. Even though the nipping will continue, make it clear that it is inappropriate. Then these tips to help you:

1. Dispense from all challenge games such as wrestling, tug-of-war, chasing, and teasing because you’re sending him the wrong message. These games teach dogs to compress down hard on any object - a leash, the dinner table, your clothing, or even your skin - and challenge.

2. Discourage all forms of nipping, whether it’s a bite on your arm or a nibble on your finger. Dog teeth do not belong on human skin.

3. Buy items to use in defense, such as Mouth Spray, Bitter Apple spray, or a long-distance squirt gun. Never stare down at your dog while you spray him; this will turn an unpleasant result into a confrontational interaction.

4. Leave your dog leashed so you have something to direct him with and can avoid physical confrontation. If your puppy’s not wearing the Teaching Lead, place a short lead onto his buckle collar.

5. When you dog begins to mouth, turn to him, use a lead or collar to snap him head from your body, or spray the region he is nipping with a spray. Do not stare at him; because he will identify your actions as confrontational play.

6. If he continues biting, ask yourself: Am I convincing? Am I snapping or pulling to encourage play? Is my puppy taking me seriously? As a result, you might need more training before you earn your dog’s respect.

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, check out our specials on chew resistant dog toys online.

Cyprus Resolution Opportunity Brings Surging Investment in Rental Property

Why invest in North Cyprus property? What distinguishes the property market there against more traditional locations for people to make investments in rental property, places like, for example, the well established tourist hot-spots of South France and the Costa del Sol?

The answer is simple – North Cyprus is Europe’s most lucrative, emerging property market for those who get their timing right and act quickly.

Property prices are, for the moment at least, nowhere near those in the South of the island and even lower than those in other countries with similar appeal to tourists and second home owners. The sole reason for this is the separation between the Turkish Cypriot north side of the island and the Greek Cypriot south side of the island which has existed since 1974.

The partition has prevented certain aspects of growth in the North, most importantly the ability of North Cyprus to trade directly with the EU (all freight has to go via Turkey first, and only since 2004 has the Green Line Mechanism – which allows North Cyprus to export goods to the south – been in place). The fact that there are no direct flights to the North – again, all flights have to touch down in Turkey – has meant that up until the opening up of the border in the last few years the tourist trade in the North has been underdeveloped compared to that in the south. However, since tourists can now fly to the south and simply cross over into the North the tourist trade has started to grow, as have relevant property prices.

Indeed, the effect that allowing tourists to cross into the North has had on property prices gives some taste as to the boom that will follow full reunification. The increase in values which ran parallel to the failed Annan plan of 2004 sets a precedent for what is happening now – prices are rising rapidly in line with the revived reunification talks.

There are multiple reasons for being optimistic about this current round of talks, and that optimism is already being translated into economic action in the North Cyprus property market, with single investors and property developers placing their money in North Cyprus, either in properties or land development.

The International Crises Group (ICG), one of, if not the, most well respected NGO Think Tanks in the world, conveyed the overwhelming spirit – both international and domestic to the island – in their June report called “Reunifying Cyprus: The Best Chance Yet.”

In addition, the organisation’s latest 12 page monthly report, CrisesWatch September, Cyprus is now listed as a Conflict Resolution Opportunity, a striking step forward which represents the shift in will that followed Christofias’ election victory in February.

North Cyprus shares the idyllic climate and embracing culture that has made the South such a popular destination for tourists as well as for investment in rental property. With the warmest sea temperatures in the Mediterranean, and unspoiled countryside that arguably outstrips that in the South, reunification will bring with it a huge increase in tourism, and for this reason developers and individual investors alike are giving the progressive attitudes of both leaders their full blessing.

Want to read more about how reunification and the property market in North Cyprus? Visit www.whiterocksbafra.com

Cyprus; Setting up For a Sunny Future.

It has been thirty-four years since Turkish troops invaded Cyprus, causing a physical division that runs right through the very capital and which has staunchly remained to the present day, despite the previously attempted peace talks. Considering their history, it seemed almost unimaginable that the two conflicting parties, the Turkish and Greek Cypriots, would ever make this much progress, however reunification talks begun again on the third of September and both sides are displaying much more positive attitudes.

President Demetris Christofias and his Turkish counterpart Mehmet Ali Talat have joined in some positive plans for the development of Cyprus once reunification is underway; they wish to rehabilitate areas within the UN buffer zone (a 300km stretch of deserted land, running along the border and through towns such as Nicosia and Famagusta) and prevent illegal dumping. They have drawn up a series of ‘confidence boosting measures’ with instructions to implement them immediately, to aid the peace process.

Previous reunification plans from 2004 began positively and were accepted by the Turkish Cypriots, whose authority on the land is only recognized by Cyprus. However the Greek Cypriots, encouraged by their former president Tassos Papadopoulos, rejected the plans. The new president, leader of the Greek Cypriot communist party Akel, Demetris Christofias, was elected in February of this year and has brought a more moderate ruling than that of dogmatic nationalist Papadopoulos, driving harder for a resolution. With the support of their new leader, working groups from both the north and south are addressing the more controversial issues such as the presence of 40,000 Turkish troops in the north which divide the communities, which has set the way for more positive results.

It was Christofias’ election to power in February this year that can be attributed to this breakthrough in reconciliation as there are now two moderately leftwing leaders, who genuinely share a real desire to unite the country, which they realise is just too small to remain divided. They are also clinging on to a dwindling sense of how the once united island was, and it is the threat that if the talks are not concluded now then they are unlikely to ever complete, that is spurring the sides on. And of course, Turkey is desperate to become a part of the EU finally and better relations with its neighbor Greece.

The positive glow of the peace talks extend to many aspects of the Cyprian economy. Most importantly the reunification promises unity of the two parts which in turn will lead to economic growth. An aspect which is already prospering is the Cyprian property market. Holiday resorts and apartments in both the north and the south have been growing dramatically in value over recent times. Despite the current global housing climate, the property prices are rising; new developments, marinas, shopping centers and golf courses are cropping up, holiday resorts have drafted in British sporting icons to head their projects, and certain areas are proving particularly popular with expats. House prices in the North are still lower than those in the south; a reunification will level these out, with Cyprus’ popularity growing, these peace talks mark the perfect time to invest in Cyprus.

Hannah Walker is a writer for www.whiterocksbafra.com, specialising in the Cyprus property market

New Political Will Looks Toward Reunification Between South and North Cyprus

The property market in North Cyprus is undergoing serious changes at the moment, with the currently low property prices rising – and looking set to continue rising – at an unprecedented rate. In addition, a new type of property development is beginning to appear in the north side of the island – namely, upmarket and luxury apartments – that are clearly designed for people wanting to buy investment properties in this emerging market.

The reason for this change is, simply speaking, the reunification talks between Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot delegates that are now striding ahead. International optimism regarding, and support for, a successful resolution – which have snowballed since Demetris Christofias’ election victory this February – is heartening evidence that, after years of hampered talks and deliberate stalling, there is now a genuine and tangible attempt to restore the divided island.

Each week Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot Mehmet Ali Talat are meeting to discuss the exactitudes and workings of a blueprint for reunification. This week, Turkish Cypriot delegates outlined the importance of addressing the historical chronology of the Cyprus problem for the current set of talks to be a success, according to the Cyprus Observer’s website.

‘After this point, both sides should negotiate with full capacity and complete responsibility and, ultimately, introduce an agreement which will be submitted to approval of two peoples,’ the Turkish Cypriot diplomats were quoted as saying.

Talat and Christofias, during their weekly talk, were discussing the issue of power sharing in a reunified state, and Greek Cypriot President Christofias caused somewhat of a stir by announcing that the Greek Cypriot side had granted a concession to the Turkish Cypriot side by accepting the notion of a bizonal federation that was devised by President Makarios in 1977.

Christofias rejected the possibility of forming a new state in the north Cyprus through ‘virgin birth’ and also rejected the possibility of a confederation. The only possibility, Christofias maintains, is a ‘federal solution…a partnership of the two communities.’

Both he and his North Cypriot counterpart, Mehmet Ali Talat, are left-wingers who have made it clear that they desire to bring reunification to the island. Seeing them at joint social events, and the fact that they met five times before the historical September 3rd meetings began, highlights how different North-South relations are under these leaders.

Speaking after he addressed the issue of confederation between North Cyprus and South Cyprus, Christofias addressed his counterpart as ‘my comrade and friend Mehmet-Ali’ before adding that ‘the time has come for us to take joint action and to respond to the call of history, to realize the vision of a reunified homeland.’

The new political will that is epitomised by Christofias and Talat is already causing property prices in North Cyprus – where prices are far lower than they are in the South – to shift upwards. With Turkey’s EU membership talks restarting next year, it can be expected that Ankara will be keen to be seen to be assisting the talks, which is another reason for being optimistic about the immediate future of this ancient, idyllic island.

Stay up to date with the reunification of North Cyprus at www.whiterocksbafra.com

North Cyprus Property Market Sticks to the Golden Tip on Buying Investment Property

Tips on buying investment properties nearly always evoke the old adage that applies to all investments: buy cheap, sell dear, and then laugh all the way to the bank. For people looking to make an investment in rental property – or simply purchase a second home that will appreciate in value nicely – then the property market in North Cyprus should undoubtedly be the centre of attention right now.

The bucolic Mediterranean island of Cyprus has been divided for the last thirty years, during which time development - and property prices- have advanced far faster in the Greek Cypriot side of the island.

In fact property prices in North Cyprus are around a third and one half of those in the South of the island. Not only that, but property is bought and sold in Sterling in the North, so the key tip on buying investment properties - buy cheap – is doubly satisfied by the North Cyprus property market, as UK investors are, for obvious reasons, not currently advised to put their pounds into the Euro.

But what chance of being able to make a profit on property in North Cyprus?

The simple answer is that property in North Cyprus represents a better chance for profitable investment than anywhere else in Europe, and property prices, which are low due to constraints that look set to be removed in the very immediate future, are already rising at an unprecedented rate. On top of that, investment in new property developments – many of which offer fantastic off-plan investment opportunities- are already beginning to take off in North Cyprus.

Timing is something that is integral to our initial tip on buying investment property, after all an investor has to be certain that prices are going to rise.

In North Cyprus this proof takes the form of the current mood toward reunification, a reunification which faltered during the presidency of now-departed Greek Cypriot Tassos Papadopoulos but that has been well and truly revived since the election success of the left-wing, pro-reunification Greek Cypriot presided Demetris Christofias .

Both Christofias and Mehmet Ali Talat, the Turkish Cypriot leader, have used strongly pro-reunification words in the recent past, but unlike other leaders (and unlike many, perhaps most, other politicians) they have both honoured their words with actions.

The pair now meet each week in order to discuss what form reunification will take, and the talks are reportedly- Talat and Christofias have themselves imposed a media blackout during this stage of the negotiations- progressing well, according to the UN.

The United Nations Secretary General’s Special Advisor on Cyprus, the Australian Alexander Downer, has made good on the recommendation that the UN act to mediate multi-lateral reunification talks. Last week Downer, who appears to have engaged well with both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides, visited delegates in Cyprus, Turkey and Greece.

Speaking after a meeting with Prime Minister Konstantin Karamanlis of Greece, Downer told reporters that “We are at the beginning of the negotiations. Certainly there are differences between the views of each side. Anyway, that is the reason for the negotiations. If these differences occur at the end of the negotiations and not at the beginning, then it means there is a problem. We hope to reach the solution by arranging a settlement on the disagreements between the sides in the negotiation process.”

This negotiation phase is the period during which those who make the best returns on their investment will act. Many Russian investors, and land developers, are already seizing the opportunity to take the old tip to heart; it doesn’t matter whether it’s wine or property, as long as you see for more than you buy, you are doing well, and right now you can’t do any better for property investment than in North Cyprus.

If you want to stay up to date on North Cyprus Reunification plans and property in North Cyprus, then visit www.whiterocksbafra.com

El Paso Flat Fee MLS

El Paso is unique: its location in West Texas and the Mountain Time Zone is actually closer to the State of California than it is to Texas’s Eastern neighbor, the State of Louisiana. The closeness of El Paso to its neighbor Ciudad Juarez and the presence of more than 70 Fortune 500 businesses, major military installations like Fort Bliss, and the beautiful grandeur of the nearby Franklin Mountains add to the uniqueness of the city. What is not unique about El Paso is a real estate market that steadily increased in value in recent years, and with it, steadily increasing real estate listing commissions that were based on a percentage of sales price.

For many people in El Paso, the size of real estate commissions made no sense. The tenured professor at the University of Texas – El Paso wondered what his listing agent was doing to justify a $25,000 commission based on the limited amount of education his agent had completed. The non-commissioned officer getting his orders to transfer from Fort Bliss to California wondered why the commission would essentially equal 100% of the increase in value his property had appreciated in the last two years. A customer service representative at Echostar wanted to move closer to work to conserve gas and improve quality-of-life, but high transaction costs, especially commissions, made it highly unlikely that she could afford to sell her home and buy another one. A local homebuilder wanted to sell more homes, but realized that every dollar captured by the real estate agent is one less dollar available to purchase one of his homes.

El Pasoans from all walks of likes and with homes of virtually any price point could benefit from a flat fee MLS listing program. The way it works is simple. Rather than pay a listing agent a commission (which is often split with a buyer’s agent), a seller pays a listing agent a small flat fee to get the seller’s property on the MLS; the seller offers a commission to the buyer’s agent if and only if the buyer’s agent brings a buyer that successfully purchases the seller’s homes. Commission savings realized by El Paso homeowners can vary from about one-half to almost the entire commission a competing broker may have charged. For many in El Paso, the decision to hire a flat fee MLS broker is a no-brainer. They want the exposure to the marketplace that the MLS provides. They do not want to pay extremely high commissions to gain access. The flat fee MLS listing provides them the right mix of exposure with commission savings.

All sellers should at least consider a flat fee MLS program. If they do not like the program and would rather pay a traditional broker a larger commission, by all means that is their choice. However, making an educated and informed decision should at a minimum entail visiting a flat fee MLS company website and speaking with that broker on the phone to see exactly what to expect and whether it meets the seller’s needs.

Donald Plunkett is President of Congress Realty, a flat fee MLS company in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and several other states. His company serves El Paso among other markets. More info: http://www.congressrealty.com

Napa County Has Many Unique State Parks

Part of living in Northern California means actively preserving the natural beauty of the land, and Napa County is no exception. Teaming with robust agricultural and viticultural lands, home to many endangered species, and full of natural wonders, the terrain of Napa County is both diverse and functional. Like most of Northern California, the climate is also temperate, which makes the area in and around Napa County an enjoyable place to explore throughout the year. The natural beauty of Napa County has been preserved by zoning laws and the State Park system to provide incredible places to hike, bike, horse ride, boat, and sightsee. Napa County maintains wildlife refuges, designated agricultural lands, lakes, rivers, and state and local parks so that everyone who goes there can easily appreciate the distinctive landscapes of this beautiful region.

The State Park System provides the most outdoor recreation, with the city parks providing towns with localized recreation. The Skyline Wilderness Park, located in Napa County, is 850 acres of wilderness where visitors can enjoy picnics, horseback riding, hiking, and camping. There are also buildings for meetings and events. Kennedy Park is 350 acres of land situated along the Napa River and offers sports, boat launching, and the public 18-hole Napa Golf Course. There are also picnic areas and facilities for meetings, weddings and private parties.

The Bale Grist Mill State Park in St. Helena and the Bothe Napa Valley State Park in Calistoga are connected state parks that feature a real working historical mill and a Native American plant garden. However, this is only the beginning of things to do in this protected wilderness. This State Park encompasses nearly 2,000 acre of land and includes fifty camping sites where visitors can sleep among the famous giant red woods of Northern California.

The Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is the gateway to Mt. St. Helena, the county’s only mountain. There is a monument to the author, who used the mountain as a backdrop for several of his books and also a rustic hiking trail that goes to the top of the mountain. Here, you can see the geyser country of Calistoga, where the California version of “Old Faithful” is located.

For fishing enthusiasts, Lake Berryessa is one of the largest manmade lakes in California. Located in the eastern part of Napa County, this lake is stocked with bass rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. A variety of facilities include a four lane boat launch ramp, tackle shop, fifty three shaded waterfront RV hookups, wooded campgrounds, picnic areas, restaurant, convenience store, fuel dock, jet ski rentals, and boat rentals.

Westwood Hills is a great example of the kind of parks that are located in the cities of Napa County. This heavily wooded Napa city park features the Carolyn Parr Nature Museum, whose exhibits depict the plants and animals found in Napa County’s five different natural habitats. Like most city parks, Westwood Hills is a great recreational retreat right in the city. Most residents appreciate the fact that the towns of Napa County take great pains to preserve these parks so that they are readily available to enjoy for residents and visitors alike.

We can help you with your questions on Napa County Real Estate and find homes for sale in Napa County.

Napa County Real Estate is a Sound Investment

It’s no wonder that Napa County has some of the most sought after real estate in the country. Not only is this region of the United States staggeringly beautiful and incredibly temperate, it is also well-protected. This is because Napa County residents and landowners in this region remain overwhelmingly committed to the natural preservation and management of the land entrusted to them. The beautiful communities of the Napa Valley will be preserved for years to come because of the zoning laws put in place in 1968 and again in 1990. These laws are extremely beneficial for home buyers who can be confident that not only will their real estate retain its value, but that the family-friendly integrity of these small towns will never be compromised by over-development. This is a great real estate strategy for a county lovingly know as a place that “you will always return.”

It may be famous for its wineries and tourism, but Napa County has an amazing array of available real estate. This includes every kind of property you can imagine, from cozy bungalows to magnificent estates that are connected to commercial farms, ranches, and wineries. Other commercial property is available for development as well, but is limited to light industry. Traditionally sized lots for private homes are located within the city limits of the Various Napa Valley towns, but once you get out into the country most homes sit on lots of multiple acreage. These lots are zoned to keep local real estate focused on farming and ranching as opposed to housing developments.

Individual home prices start at approximately $400,000 for a two bedroom bungalow on a standard lot and go up from there. Architecturally, houses range from 40’s style to newly custom-built homes, with historical properties available from time to time. Many homes are built or restored to be “green”, which means that the materials used to build are more environmentally friendly and also save on heating and cooling costs. For newer homes, this includes steel framing which saves on lumber, lasts longer, and can’t grow mold.

The towns are small, with the City of Napa being the largest at 75,000. The median income for a household is over $60,000 and the average household size is 2.62. Napa County has limited public transportation. However, most towns are centered around a walkable and historic downtown area featuring a “Main Street” atmosphere with many local restaurants, shops, and businesses. The public schools in the area are considered to be above average and extracurricular activities are vast. The local economy is fueled by tourism, wine, agriculture production, and light industry. The population is evenly distributed among families, single professionals, seasonal residents, and retirees.

Even with its tourism, Napa County residents describe their home as a remote, private and peaceful place that is close to everything. Its relaxing, small town atmosphere and relative proximity to larger cities like San Francisco and Sacramento give real estate owners the best of both worlds. Combined with strict zoning ordinances and temperate weather, Napa County is truly an area that earns the description “blissful”.

We can help you with your questions on Napa County Real Estate and find homes for sale in Napa County.

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