Many athletes come home with remarkable photos of their outdoors adventures and misadventures. These are some of their tricks.

Camera is the Most Important
Now in the age of digital photography SLR cameras are the best ask. Invest in a mid to high-end SLR (single-lens reflex) camera such as the Nikon D40 or D60, or a Digital Rebel EOS XSi or XTi. Today’s digital SLRs create high-quality, high-resolution shots in a multitude of settings and modes.Many brands are comparable in price and most cameras in similar price ranges match up well in head-to-head comparisons. Plus, digital SLRs will produce fantastic, professional photography results in the outdoors.

Point and shoots cameras are the main trend today since they can be so light and portable, the camera quality is also exemplary. However, they limit one’s ability to add lenses and filters that enhance the quality and effects of outdoor picture-taking. If a point and shoot is the only camera available, experiment with the tips listed below that do not pertain to attaching filters, and fantastic outdoor sporting photos can still be achieved.

Tripod- Utilize a tripod for ultra-clear shots when a scenic panorama is involved. You cannot easily have a steady hand during action, it will also help to avoid the focusing problems. Athletes willing to take photographs will also have some other problems, they will be tired, breathing hard and adrenaline will be pumped during action etc and all these can be avoided.

The natural sunlight offered will open wide range of opportunity to experiment with the light setup. Accessories like tripods and lenses will help a lot for the athletes for taking some of the quality photos focusing the subject in action. There are many types of tripods available so that you can choose one that are more suitable for your type of photography. You should look for one that can be easily carried around without adding great weight to your already heavy sports kit.

Polarizer- Circular polarized filters virtually eliminate the glare and reflection caused by the sun bouncing off of water and particles in the atmosphere. Polarized filters turn ultra-bright rivers into see-through water wonderlands. And when the sky appears hazy and dull on the brightest of days, a polarized lens will transform the sky into an exquisite, cobalt blue.

There are many modes to choose from on most digital cameras. Determining the desired effect of a photograph is the first order of business. Reading the manual that comes with the camera is highly recommended for familiarizing oneself with modes and settings. But to break it down in the simplest of terms, try experimenting with the follow tips when taking outdoor sporing pictures.

You can avoid camera slippage using a good camera gear. Stick on to some of the basics of camera for getting those wonderful pictures. Experiment with camera settings, angles, composition, and time of day. Combining these tips and techniques will greatly-enhance any outdoor photographer’s sporting adventures.

German Shepherd is a kind of breed that caused different oppinion among different peple. While some see it fierce and threatening, some others, especially who had a German Shepherd look at it much more tenderedly.

The German Shepherd is often aloof – they don’t often walk right up to a stranger but size them up, as if silently figuring whether you are worth their time. Some dogs take longer than others to warm up and create a bond, but once that bond is made is a dog that will face any threat imaginable to protect their family.

It is this loyalty and sense of duty that has made the German Shepherd a dog that willingly guided the blind, works as law enforcement, herds livestock, competes not only in shows but in dog sports, is a friend to the military and performs countless duties in homes throughout the world.

In the late 1800s cavaly officer Capt. Max Von Stephanitz sought to perfect a dog for farm work. As with many animals bred for function, what was needed locally was different than the dogs available. The breed today takes the look of a defined breed but not all are the same. A dog developed as a show dog might look very different from one developed for police work, which may have a different body type from one working on the farm.

American soldiers brought the breed to the US after being introduced to the breed in the military. The breed is still today used to assist soldiers throughout the world.

By the standard, the male should be 24-26 inches at the shoulder with females 22-24. They should be longer than they are tall, with an image of power and grace. Disqualifications from show include: cropped or dropped ears, nose not mostly black, undershot jaw, docked tail and all white dogs. There are many many dogs that are larger than the standard, or all white dogs, as well as all black dogs, that are still fully German Shepherd. For those interested in details of show conformation requirements they can be found at http://www.akc.org/breeds/german_shepherd_dog/

In early development it was felt the GSD should be above everything utility and intelligence. The breed is still today a working machine…functional in the ability to cover ground easily whether after a loose cow or an escaped criminal. They are distinctive in appearance and although known by different names are the same breed throughout the world.

The GSD is one of the breeds some pet food companies have developed special formulas for. They are also many people who feed a raw meat and bones diet. An important factor in feeding German Shepherds is food selection. Do not feed for fast growth – it does not necessarily mean a bigger adult but can mean a weaker adult. High energy food that boosts fast growth should be avoided especially in the rapid growth time of 3-8 months of age. This reduces the chances of displasia later. While selection of breeding dogs and testing hips and elbows before breeding is certainly a factor, equally is diet.

Many things vary within this breed. One GSD charges fearlessly into a conflict that includes gunfire while another trembles in a thunderstorm. Some have been guilty of biting while others would never except under extreme threat threaten a human. Some are bold in any circumstance, some are borderline fearful. Handling and breeding can make an immense difference in this breed. Additionally the breeding and genetic markers for disease can affect an otherwise suitable working dog. Genetic issues affecting the eyes, skin, heart, neurological system, digestive and skeletal systems are all possible within the breed – and most are found by testing before breeding.

It is this testing and the maintaining of healthy, tested clean lines that makes a good GSD an investment. A few health issues to watch for besides the hip and elbow displasia include thyroid disorders, skin allergies, Addisons, vonWillebrand’s disease, heart murmurs, cardiomyopathy, epilepsy, wobbler syndrome and spinal bifida can all affect the breed. Many problems show up at under 2 years old. A condition called EPI, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, is another issue that can be overlooked.

A more complete list of the health issues that can affect the breed is at http://www.awsaclub.com/healthgenetics/caninegen.htm – and remember that although it can look like they are prone to every disease known to canines, many of these can be eliminated by genetics.

Although not genetic, owners of GSD should be familiar with the danger of bloat. Like many deep chested dogs, GSD is susceptible to this critical emergency that needs immediate medical attention. This condition is fast-striking and fatal.

Do not be deterred by the list of health issues in the breed – instead, use that to choose your dog wisely. Understand that without testing you have the risk of losing a dog you’ve become attached to – and it may well be worth $ 700-800 for a dog that has a healthy genetic family rather than getting one of unknown background for $ 150 then spending thousands treating problems that are lurking unseen. For a tested, working and show type dog bred for temperament, trainability and soundness do not be shocked by prices $ 1,500 or $ 2,000 and up. Many of these come with health and soundness guarantees.

Dogs of 12-15 years are not uncommon. With a reported average litter size of eight, it’s important to choose mates wisely.

The trainability of the German Shepherd is well documented. The movie “K-9” and it’s sequels revolved around a German Shepherd, as did the infamous Rin Tin Tin. The first seeing-eye dog in 1928 was a German Shepherd. The GSD is one of the most intelligent dogs in the canine world, in one test just behind the border collie and poodle. John Kennedy, Roy Rogers and Franklin D. Roosevelt kept GSD.

Schutzhund, a competition not for the faint of heart, is but one thing the GSD excells at. This competition tests the dog’s intelligence, soundness, tracking abilities, willingness to work, courage and trainability. While photos from these competitions show dogs scaling obstacles and making spectacular leaps to latch bites onto the arm of a “suspect” it’s important to remember these dogs are highly trained. They are not vicious…they are trained to get to a suspect, restrain them and ideally get them on the ground for the safety of their handlers.

No dog, German Shepherd or otherwise, should be teased or mistreated to induce aggression. The difference between an aggressive dog and a trained K-9 is extreme. A K-9’s training is based on play – an aggressive dog is based on survival, and this difference is critical to understand. It drives an aggressive dog to unspeakable acts and reflects poorly on the many great dogs of the breed that are highly trainable.

A good dog with obedience training doesn’t need special training for protection. These operate from a position of defense of the home – and the bark of a GSD is often enough to change the minds of someone who thinks they want to do harm. The natural protection instincts of a good GSD is normally sufficient to deal with a threat.

It is no surprise that there are many heroes in this breed. Ceasar, a K-9 handled by Corporal Mark Sarna of the Shaker Heights Ohio Police Department, had a resume that included drug detection, tracking suspects as well as being a certified therapy dog and friendly with children. Griff, a K-9 with the Summit County Sheriff’s Department, and his handler Deputy Kathy Wilmot is another awarded dog and a great illustration as to the unknown these dogs and their handlers can face. Called to a domestic disturbance where the suspect was threatening to burn down the house of a girlfriend with her and her kids in it, Griff tracked the suspect through freezing rain. While he wanted to continue, the humans insisted on returning to the command unit and before long a second call came in. The suspect returned to the home and was becoming violent. A very dangerous situation evolved with the suspect assaulting the dog and handlers, attempting to kill the dog hands on despite being tazered. Griff not only never gave up but never shifted position – he put himself between the suspect and his handler, willing to lay down his life if need be. After the incident was over it was learned the suspect had commited an armed robbery just hours before, was out on bond and had a previous stint of 13 years in prison.

In the dangerous work of police and military work many German Shepherds have paid the ultimate price for their instincts and training. They serve faithfully and have confronted the worst of humanity, not only on a daily basis but also in events such as the World Trade Center and Oklahoma City bombing.

Because these are bold, intelligent and trainable dogs they must have a home that will TRAIN them. Select a good, healthy dog and put the time into training them. This doesn’t take 6-8 hours per day…it’s teaching things in small ways on a day to day basis. Left to their own devices they will be unhappy and find their own means to entertain themselves, and you probably won’t like it. A bored, untrained dog can destroy vehicles, homes and lives. Once trained then you can sit back and enjoy your beautiful, functional, intelligent and well mannered dog.

For the right home the German Shepherd is a wonderful companion and security that doesn’t fail with power outages. If yours is the right home, do your homework and find the best dog for you. They’re a wonderful breed with a big heart.

Adopting a shelter dog is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Sadly, many base their decision on emotional appeal, having little to no knowledge about the dogs breed, temperament or potential behavioral challenges. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) estimates that 3 to 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized in animal shelters every year. One of the major reasons they are taken to shelters is due to untreated behavioral problems, according to organizations such as Pet Finders and the National Council on Pet Population Study Policy (NCPPSP).

October is Adopt a Dog and Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Animal Behavior College (ABC) encourages prospective pet owners to research and understand specific dog breed characteristics before they adopt and to provide appropriate obedience training to their new four-legged friend. This creates a harmonious human-to-canine bond that could potentially reduce the number of unwanted dogs that end up in shelters each year.

Choosing a shelter dog that is compatible with a familys lifestyle and personality is important, said Steven Appelbaum, president and CEO of Animal Behavior College. While initial emotions are good, keep in mind that this new companion will be in your family for a number of years. Unfortunately, many dogs that wind up in shelters have never received training or guidance when in reality their behavioral problems are correctable. Taking time to provide professional training will ensure many long and happy years together.

Since dog breeds have different characteristics, it is important to choose a breed that is compatible with the individual or familys activity level. For example, Airedale Terriers are independent, energetic dogs that have a propensity for digging, chasing and barking. Individuals who enjoy quiet evenings at home and little to no outdoor activity or exercise may find Airedales annoying and too energetic.

ABC offers the following 10 tips on choosing a shelter dog:

Decide what kind of dog you want to adopt by visiting your local shelter. With 25 to 30 percent of dogs in shelters being purebreds, there is a high chance that the breed you are seeking is available. To help with your decision, research breeds characteristics to determine if a particular breed is compatible with your lifestyle and personality. After finding a potential adoptee, inquire about his previous living conditions Spend time interacting with the dog in an isolated area or room Observe and note his demeanor around other dogs. Is he aloof? Does he display fear and aggression? Assess the dogs health condition by examining his eyes, teeth, hips, legs, etc. and request access to medical information Learn about ongoing medical concerns and find out if he is taking medication or undergoing treatment Find out how long the dog has been in the shelter and the circumstances for his being there (was he dropped off or abandoned?) Determine necessary follow-up services that may be needed Once you adopt the dog, make arrangements for professional training as soon as possible

Dog obedience training is one of the most important aspects of raising a dog. In fact, some shelters have volunteers from programs such as ABCs Student Saving Lives (SSL) program that provide training to homeless canine companions before they are adopted. SSL volunteers enlist more than 10 hours of training to local shelters, humane societies, or rescue organizations for the purpose of addressing behavioral and socialization concerns, giving canine companions a better opportunity of finding a loving home.

Animal Behavior College offers certifications and continuing education programs. To become a dog trainer, obtain dog-training certification, enroll in the Dog Obedience Program (DOP) or to learn more about the college or the Student Saving Lives program, visit our website http://www.AnimalBehaviorCollege.com/info.

###

About Animal Behavior College Animal Behavior College is the premier international vocational school specializing in certified animal career training programs. ABC has created a powerful team of skilled advocates who are devoted to nurturing the human-animal bond The founders of ABC have spent years developing and perfecting affordable career programs, many of which combine home learning with hands-on training externships with professional mentors. To date, more than 28,000 students have enrolled in ABC programs including over 1,900 in ABC’s cat training program.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) should move toward permitting private contractors to train explosive-sniffing dogs and make them available for use at government certified cargo screening facilities, the Airforwarders Association (AfA) urged a congressional panel in testimony today.

Appearing before the U.S. House of Representatives Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security, AfA board member Chris Connell urged TSA to finalize its efforts to develop a program for private companies to use their own canines, certified to TSA standards, to meet federal air cargo screening mandates. Currently, TSA permits only the use of the agencys own dogs in cargo screening, and only at on-airport facilities.

Click here to download the AfA’s written testimony.

Connell, who is President of Commodity Forwarders, Inc., a Los Angeles-based freight forwarding company specializing in perishable products, said enabling the use of private sector dogs will help broaden the security options for freight forwarders who operate off-airport Certified Cargo Screening Facilities (CCSF), which are supervised by TSA.

We are not saying that privatized canines are a magic bullet when it comes to screening cargo, but they are a potentially valuable part of this multilayer approach another important tool in the toolbox, if you will that includes a range of other technology solutions that our members can use to meet their screening requirements, he said.

Connell told the subcommittee that the AfA had just recently surveyed its members and found that fully three-quarters of the respondents about half of whom operate CCSFs said they would strongly consider using dogs provided by private companies if they were given the option to do that.

While emphasizing that the threat to the aviation industry remains high and association members are determined to do their part to ensure safety, Connell noted that time is money in our business. And right now our company believes that we could save over a million dollars a year at our LAX facility if we had access to a third party solution deploying canines. And of course our customers would highly appreciate the time savings that this solution would help us achieve.

Accordingly, we are highly interested in any solution that can help us expedite the screening process, move our perishables more quickly through the supply chain, and still provide the utmost in safety and security of what we ship. We think dogs can really help us do that, he said.

Connell also noted that use of specially trained dogs is one of several methods for screening air freight that are identified in the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act that was passed by Congress in 2007. And he said that, given the track record of using canines in cargo screening, proceeding with a private sector option with solutions fully regulated, certified and monitored by government agencies would square with other screening approaches such as in-house x-ray and ETD, where the government relies on private sector solutions that are tested and certified.

About the Airforwarders Association

The Airforwarders Association (AfA) represents more than 360 member companies dedicated to moving cargo throughout the supply chain. The association’s members range from small businesses with fewer than 20 employees to large companies employing more than 1,000 people and business models varying from domestic to worldwide freight forwarding operations. In short, they are the travel agents for freight shipments, moving cargo in the timeliest and most cost efficient manner whether it is carried on aircraft, truck, rail or ship. For more information, visit the association’s website at http://www.airforwarders.org.

On August 1st, 2014, the Fresh Patch Company will offer all-wood, optional outer sleeves, which are designed to hold its 16×24 inch real-grass, fully disposable dog potty units. The reusable sleeves are intended to ward off the chewing behavior of some high-energy puppies and dogs.

According to a Company spokesperson, Fresh Patch disposable, real-grass dog potties–which are intended for dogs up to 25 pounds–are made from very sturdy material. However, we know that some dogs, and especially puppies, like to chew everything in sight. Many of our clients need our disposable dog potties for house-training young dogs, and we want to offer them a product that is virtually puppy-proof.

The Company says it has received very positive feedback from customers about the hydroponic grass it sells. The grass is light-weight, dirt-free, highly absorbent, and its scent naturally attracts dogs. The only suggestion some customers have made is that we should find a way to reinforce the sides of our disposable potty units for chew-loving pups. We decided to act on that feedback, and we developed the new protective sleeves for those customers who want them.

In addition to its 16×24 inch disposable, real-grass potty unit and optional sleeve for small-to-medium size dogs, the Fresh Patch Company is now offering products for larger dogs. The Company recently announced that, starting June 1, it will sell 2×4 foot hydroponic grass pads for dogs over 25 pounds. A stainless-steel tray designed specifically to hold these larger grass pads is also available separately, as an optional purchase. Alternatively, dog owners may decide to use the grass with or without their own containers.

With nation-wide shipping capabilities via Fedex, the Fresh Patch Companys website (http://www.freshpatch.com) offers a continuous delivery service for both its 16×24 inch real-grass disposable dog potty units and its new 2×4 foot real-grass pads. Both products feature hydroponic grass. The Companys products are also available on Amazon.com.

Dogs are carefree animals. They do whatever they like such as peeing, pooping, licking, barking, chewing, whining, scratching, jumping, sniffing and running around like there’s no tomorrow. As they are unable to figure out how to act on their own, they do what comes naturally to them. So, they must be trained to instill good behaviors in them.

You must know that it’s never too late to train a dog. Though it gets difficult when they grow older, but it’s never impossible. If you know the nature of your dog and some methods to deal with them, then you can train them effectively in your own way. However, if you want your dog to learn quicker, train them as early as possible. Just like the proverb, “Early bird catches the worm”, you must also train them early to get the best results.

There are lots of ways for dog training and they differ with different breeds. For instance, a training approach used for Yorkshire terrier may not work for Jack Russell terrier. Likewise, beagles also cannot be trained in the way you train your pugs. Different breed of dogs have different level of understanding and learning capacity. So, they should be trained in their own unique and effective ways.

Exception to this, there is one thing that works best for any type of breeds, and one thing that should be strictly avoided for all breeds.

Positive reinforcement

This is a simple dog training method that can be implied to any dogs, yet you can get effective results. Positive reinforcement means rewarding your dog for the good behaviors. You can reward your dogs either by giving treats or by using verbal praises. Rewards or treats will motivate and promote good behaviors in your dog. Therefore, it has been one of the effective ways for training any breed of dogs.

Old School Method

This method, which simply rely on harsh and punitive measures for training should be strictly avoided as such methods only bring abnormal and unnatural behaviors in your dog. They resent you for such behaviors and may not obey your commands as often as they used to. So, don’t ever include this method for training any breed of dogs.