Opposed to walking along the flat surface of a treadmill or an in-door walking track, hiking on uneven terrain (uphill and downhill) activates muscles that are hardly ever used in other sports or exercises. This means, hiking benefits can give an excellent cross training workout that will help to better your physical and athletic performance.

The following is advised to cross train with hiking :

- Begin leisurely, walking just 1-3 miles twice a week on top of reasonably even and consistent terrain. (During these beginning hikes, you should not include any weight of carrying a backpack).

- Over a period of time, slowly increase the distance until 9 miles can be walked with relative comfort. As the mileage increases, the added weight of a backpack will be needed in order to carry the necessary snacks and beverages. However, one should still attempt to keep the weight of the backpack as light as achievable.

- When one can easily hike for 9 miles, the weight of the backpack should be steadily increased until it reaches the maximum of 22 pounds, consisting of added foods/drinks and any equipment needed. One should then hike with this weighted backpack until 9 miles can be comfortably conqured.

- Once this distance with the weight of the backpack are acomplished, one can then begin practicing hiking on more challenging terrains such as the vertical plains of uphill and downhill walking. (As with other aspects of cross training with hiking, one should gradually increase the size and frequency of the hills hiked.)

- With some patience and a lot of practice, an individual should in time be able to safely carry 25 to 30 percent of his or her weight in the backpack while hiking.

By using these tips, hiking benefits can effectively and significantly exceed those of walking while providing you with soothing sights, sounds, and smells of nature.

Be sure to compare medical services provided. All agencies should clip the nails, test for heartworm and provide basic shots and de-worming medicine. After adoption placement many groups offer support, as needed. Often this support makes the difference in whether the dog stays or gets returned. In terms of philosophy some agencies strongly oppose dog racing, and others are operated by the dog tracks. Many organizations remain neutral to preserve their relationships with the trainers or to avoid jeopardizing monetary support from the tracks.

Many agencies place their Greyhounds into a home environment for a brief period before adoption placement. Fostering is usually a great way to ease the transition. During the foster period, many agencies have the dog’s teeth cleaned and have them spayed or neutered. The foster families make sure the dogs are housebroken as well as introduce the dogs to many of the new experiences of retired life, such as televisions, stairs, mirrors, couches and children. Some groups test their dogs to determine whether they are cat-safe. If you have a cat or other small pet, be sure to ask for a dog with a low prey drive. Some agencies will make a real effort to evaluate the Greyhound’s personality to ensure a good match. Some adoption groups do not have the resources to foster the dogs; in this case placement often occur straight from the kennel.

Gabriele’s website http://www.1st-greyhound-dog-care.com was created for the appreciation of this unique breed. Having been an owner for fifteen years has given her first hand knowledge and a special love for the sensitive and beautiful Greyhound dog.

A little planning, some supervision, and a few things to watch out for can go a long way toward both you and your bird having a happy holiday. If I have forgotten anything, please let me know and I will build on this article for next year!

Stress
We all know Christmas can be a stressful time for us humans. Our parrots must think we have lost our minds. New people around, strange decorations, etc. Stick to your bird’s regular schedule as much as possible, don’t forget the lovin’ and playtime. Oh, and make sure there is plenty of time for a good night’s sleep for both you and your bird.

Decorations
Be careful of Angel Hair, it’s spun glass and that just can’t be good for anyone that eats it. Tinsel and garland are another big concern, it can cause intestinal obstructions if ingested. I don’t know what kinds of decorations you have at your house, but just be aware that they are unfamiliar to your bird and they may or may not panic at the sight of some of them. Many decorations are made of toxic or potentially toxic materials like different plastics, scented pinecones, hidden wires made of who knows what, stuff that is sprayed on so decorations look “fresh” longer. And don’t forget the common everyday things lying around that could cause problems such as rubber bands, string, ribbon, tape, tacks, little nails, glue, etc.

Candles and Smelly Stuff aka Fragrances
Candles with lead wicks can be toxic, usually you will find them in cheap imported candles. Burning candles with fragrances is very irritating to your bird’s sensitive respiratory system. Those candles with “essential oils” in them that smell great to you are HIGHLY TOXIC WHEN BURNED. Try 100% beeswax candles instead. They are more expensive, but burn five to seven times longer, are not scented and burn cleaner. One other word of caution – burns and wax spills have been known to happen when a wayward bird collides with a candle so ALWAYS watch your candles and your bird, don’t leave either one of them without supervision. I have a rule, IF I light a candle it’s 100% beeswax and the parrot gang has to be in their cages.

Potpourri, air fresheners, and a host of other smelly spraying things irritate the daylights out of your bird in so many ways. (They also irritate me, so it is not a problem for my birds because I don’t use them in my home.) Try and go for something more natural if you feel the need to “scent” your house. Heat up some water in a pan on the stove and throw in a few organic cinnamon sticks, that smells yummy. Oh yes, can’t forget this one NO SMOKING AROUND THE BIRDS – PERIOD!

Lights and Electrical Cords
Make sure these are concealed as well as possible so little birdie brains don’t get any smart ideas and want to play with them. They could get shocked (as in probably killed) or burned by chewing on them. If they are loose, they could get tangled in them.

Plants
I think most people with parrots know by now that Poinsettias and Holly are dangerous if eaten, but did you know that Philodendron, Ivy and Mistletoe are also. In case you didn’t there’s is no excuse now. These plants have the potential to cause life threatening problems for your parrot if eaten!

Dressing up Birdie
Not that you would do it, but watch those little ones. They seem to think it’s a good idea to stick bows on (ouch) or drape ribbon over and around birds. Talk about a strangulation hazard. Ribbon or string may cause intestinal obstructions if they eat it.

Food and Drink
Alcoholic drinks, hot chocolate, coffee, and the ever-present eggnog are popular drinks at Christmas time. If your place is anything like mine, there are yummy fattening human goodies everywhere like cookies, candy, cakes and deserts. Watch that your birdie doesn’t get into the holiday spirit this way! I like to put some water in a dark coffee mug (a duplicate of mine) and give the fids sips out of that. I don’t know what they think it is, but it’s in a coffee mug like mine and they are happy to drink it. Keep some nice fresh treats on hand for your birdies to munch on. I like pea pods, birdie bread, almonds and a little fruit. That way they won’t feel left out and I have to keep Zeke (African Grey) from saying “Mmmm, want some?” all night long.

Non-Stick Coated Surfaces
Be extra careful not to overheat any non-stick cookware or anything with a non-stick surface! Those toxic fumes can kill birds in no time flat. I know this warning has been around for a long time, but with extra cooking going on, I thought I would remind you all again.

People
Having guests over? I know you would never feed your bird anything it’s not supposed to have or subject it to extra stress, but watch your guests. Make sure they don’t give your bird anything to eat or drink that could cause a problem. Of course, for us bird lovers, it almost goes without saying to make sure they are not causing the bird any undue stress like poking their fingers in the cage or just generally annoying your bird. Show them where the acceptable bird treats and give them a rule run down about being nice to parrots.

Fire
Want a nice warm fire in the fireplace? Is your fireplace in good shape or is this the first time you will be using it this year? What type of wood are you burning? Is the damper open? Check those “instant fire logs” and make sure they do not contain lead or arsenic. DO NOT BURN WRAPPING PAPER OR PRESSURE TREATED WOOD EVER! It’s fine to have a fire as long as your fireplace is working like a should, has some type of guard across the front, and is being vented properly.

Wrapping Paper
Wrapping “paper” is a stretch. Lots of these innocent looking colorful papers contain toxic substances. Do not allow your bird to eat it and DO NOT burn it in your fireplace. If you are going to wrap a present for your bird, please use plain paper. If worst comes to worst, use a sheet of a black and white section of a newspaper.

Trees
May scare the daylights of your feathered friend. Take it slow and never place the tree where your parrot can chew on it.

Artificial Snow or Flocking
I couldn’t find anywhere that said these were definitely a hazard, but they are not meant to be ingested and I am pretty darn sure they are not good for your bird if they inhale the fumes of that stuff either. When if doubt, just skip it. It’s just not worth it.

Open Doors / Windows
With all the extra commotion going on around the holidays a little extra precaution about open doors seems to be in order. People going in and out, packages and food being carried in and out, point is that your door will probably get a workout. Not only that, but new things like trees or big boxes, might startle your bird and they may panic and fly. Just make sure you little feathered friend is out of harm’s way and not in the direct path of the chilly air.

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season
Please, I don’t want to hear about any accidents this holiday season. You all know what to do. And a message to your bird: (It’s not you. The humans really ARE out of their minds for a couple of weeks a year.) Remember, a little precaution and supervision go a long way in keeping everyone safe and happy!

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