Top 10 List | Top Ten Lists

Owls are indeed beautiful, majestic creatures and at the same time you can find a plethora of pictures on the internet with simply adorable specimens. These factors have lead many people to believe that a pet owl would constitute a perfect companion, not to mention that the fact that it’s less “mainstream” than cats, dogs, fish or hamsters.

Sorry to disappoint, but first of all in the vast majority of countries – including the U.S. – keeping an owl as pet is against the law. The only circumstances when caring for an owl is legal imply being a certified and bonded professional, the owl can only be kept in temporary fostering for rehabilitation/breeding/training (certain species make half-decent falconry birds) AND you cannot hold legal ownership over it.

Even in the aforementioned situations, the best you can hope for is stewardship and the Wildlife Service can recall the owl if you fail to meet all the requirements at any given time. But in addition to the legal complications, there are other reasons why an owl is not exactly the best pet bird. Let’s elaborate.

1. They cannot be left unsupervised for prolonged periods

A human-imprinted owl – meaning an owl that was raised by a specialized trainer since a young age, rather than develop in the wilderness – will not accept another person caring for it with ease. This means that if the owl is accustomed to you, you will have a hard time finding a replacement in the event that you want to go on vacation or you have to take a business trip. And don’t think you can simply take the owl with you, because most airlines require a ton of permits and bureaucratic papers for traveling with this type of bird because of the strict wildlife regulations. Moreover, any break from their normal routine is a stressful, borderline traumatic experience for the owl.

2. These birds have a very destructive nature

The natural killing instincts are not restricted to other living things in your home. In fact, the owl will attempt to brutally “murder” any inanimate object that its claws can tear through, including sheets, rugs, pillows, plush animals, woodwork, etc. At the same time, if the owl “feels” a certain item does not belong in its high altitude habitat, which will typically consist of the topside of your dresser or cabinets, it won’t hesitate to drop it to the floor.

3. You and your neighbors will go nuts during the mating season

Owls are nocturnal birds, so during the nights of the mating season they will proceed to hooting and mating loudly, especially at early morning/late evening hours. Human imprinted owls perceive themselves as human and their mating call is directed to the owner, which means that you will have to “hoot along” otherwise they will get very cranky. And you don’t want to see them while they’re cranky!

4. Petting and cuddling is out of the question with owls

You will have to refrain from trying to pet the owl no matter how cute and fuzzy it looks, that is if you care about your fingers. The owl can and will bite you if you touch its backside, no matter how “humanized” it became or how much time it had to adjust to you. Don’t forget that it is after all a predatory specie.

5. Owls have very strict caring necessities

Not only will you have to engage in a strict and lengthy routine of cleaning and feeding the owl at predetermined times during the day, but you will also have to fly it regularly. Flying is mandatory for these birds – providing of course they are capable of flight – and if you cannot do that you at least have to host it in a decently sized cage to enable it this activity.

Having and raising a pet can be a rewarding experience and this can be ascertained by those who have pets in their homes. However, you can only achieve a sense of satisfaction by ensuring that your pet is well cared for. Just as you need to exercise on a daily basis so does your pet. Nonetheless, unknown to some pet owners is that pets can also get their exercise while at home. To ensure that your pet is well cared for, you need to consider its nutrition, entertainment and training. Entertainment can be provided for in form of toys while training entails teaching your animal to behave.

The following are ten different ways through which you care for your pets.

1. Training:

Training is a means through which you can make certain that your pet is well provided for and that it is comfortable. Training techniques ought to include rules that your pet should adhere to at all times while in the house. Showing your animal on how to behave when they are around guests, toddlers as well as other pets is vital. This ensures that your pet is not at loggerheads with individuals and other animals in the house. Moreover, a well trained pet is guaranteed to get more attention that in the long run will be of benefit to it. The moment you have determined the fundamental training which your pet requires, then you can show it a number of tricks. For example, constantly playing with your pet can help to build the bond between you and pet.

2. Bathing and Grooming:

As a person, you are able to feel confident and good about yourself because of the bath and grooming which you receive. The same applies when you bath and groom your pet regularly. There are numerous bath and grooming items for pets available in the market at an affordable price. When you have a clean and well groomed pet, not only will it feel comfortable and fresh, but, you will also feel confident about it. Pets such as cats and dogs love to be groomed. There are several advantages of grooming a pet, i.e. preventing fur from matting and enhancing the posture of your pet. By clipping the nails of your pet, you will be giving it the much needed comfort whilst walking. Pets can be bathed in a basin or bathtub.

3. Toys and Games:

One of the reasons why a majority of people have pets is to give them company and keep them entertained. During the weekend, you can play with your pet in your backyard or take it to a park. As such, you can keep your pet active in the house by buying for them toys and teaching them a couple of games to keep them busy. Therefore, when you are at work or school, you can rest assured that you will not have a bored pet back in the house. Unknown to some folks is that games can equip your pet with the much needed mental simulation. Furthermore, it increases the bond between you and the pet. For a choice of toys to buy for your pet, just log online and browse for pet stores. You will be surprised at the various toys available for different types of pets.

4. Nutrition:

To be healthy and strong, you need to eat a balanced diet continually. The most basic means through which you can provide for your pet is by offering it a good diet. There are various kinds of foods available in the market for different types of pets. For instance, there is dog and cat food. Moreover, the food which you decide to give to your pet should be in tandem with the diet needs of the animal. For instance, if you have a cat that has issues with urinary tract then the food which you give it needs to be low on ash. The adage, “you are what you eat” also applies to animals. Therefore, what you decide to feed it will influence their health.

5. Health:

Your pet’s health will be determined greatly not only by the food that you give it but also on how frequently you take it to the veterinary. You need to know that your pet does interact with other animals when out of the house. Therefore, the likelihood of it picking certain illnesses is high. Other than that, you need to immunize your pet against certain diseases. For example, dogs are vaccinated against rabies.

Let us have a look at the top 10 most intelligent dogs making them the man best friend of all time.

1. Border Collie

The Border Collie is the workaholic of the dog world. It is the world’s premier sheep herder and is often valued and esteemed for its intelligence, amazing instincts and great working ability. If you are up for a dog that is energetic and requires exercise beyond a simple walk, this dog is for you. Shepherds have been using it for centuries to maintain large flocks of sheep.

2. Poodle

A lot of us may be surprised by the inclusion of the poodle and at the top spot at that. Your minds are playing tricks on you. The Poodle has to be your best choice of smart dog breed next to Border Collie.

Often equated for its beauty and not its brain, It is actually used as rescue and hunting dog. It excels in obedience training and is exceptionally smart and active.

One who buys this dog does not limit him/herself to size and colour. The poodle comes in the form of 3 sizes (standard, miniature and water retriever) and in a variety of colours. The options are infinite and will definitely have you entertained.

3. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are one of the most admired and shrewdest dog breeds in the United States. Not only are they tremendously intelligent, but they are exceptional work and family dogs as well. They are compliant enough to be shielding and extremely loyal. A working GSD will come home to play with children in their family and impulsively sense when and how to proceed in each situation.

The history of the breed goes back to 1889 at a dog show in Germany. The dogs exhibited the grace, power, and patience and strength that are essential.

They see the families as part of their pack; because of this they have a strong caring instinct. This leads them to be doubtful of strangers. Compliance training is still vital to conform your dog to controlled behaviour when essential.

4. Golden Retriever

Don’t confuse this breed of dog with Labrador Retrievers. The Golden Retrievers are very popular as companion dogs.  Mainly used for hunting, this dog perfectly fits the description of sniff dogs, guide dogs and even as rescue dog as well.

The dog was brought to the public through movies and television. They have been continuously illustrated as adorable puppies with a gentleness and intelligent curiosity.

You may have noticed this dog before. The dog acts as a guide dog for the blind. Moreover they are good as police dogs that sniff for narcotics and other suspicious elements in airports. If you see a blind person walking with a white dog like this, it is a golden retriever.

5. Doberman Pinscher

This dog breed takes on the 5th spot. It is another German breed that has made to the top 10 list. It is the perfect breed of a dog which is both fierce and loyal. The modern Dobermann Pinscher is an energetic and lively breed suitable for companionship and family life.