sábado, 1 de agosto de 2020


How to Play With Dogs

Posted: 01 Aug 2020 01:00 AM PDT

Most owners are happy to let people play with their dog, especially if you are at a dog park. Ask permission and approach the dog cautiously, and you can usually make a new friend. If you've just brought a new dog into your house, it's especially important to play safely and respectfully.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Interacting with a Stranger's Dog

  1. Ask the dog's owner if you can pet and play with their dog. Always get permission before petting or playing with a dog. The dog may be a service animal, or the owner may not want their pet interacting with other people. Once you get the owner's express permission, feel free to approach the animal.[1]
    Play With Dogs Step 1 Version 3.jpg
    • Similarly, don't offer a dog any treats until the owner gives you permission. Depending on their diet, the dog may not be able to enjoy the treats you have on hand.
  2. Encourage the dog to sniff your hand. Hold out your hand around the dog's nose level so they can give it a good sniff. Let the pet smell your hand for several seconds, or until they feel comfortable enough to let you approach. Once the dog is comfortable with your presence, you can pet and engage with the dog more.[2]
    Play With Dogs Step 2 Version 3.jpg
    • Dogs have a very strong sense of smell, and tend to identify things by scent. Letting a dog sniff you lets them give you a once-over, and helps put them more at ease.
  3. Play with the dog without staring at it or making loud noises. Avert your gaze as you play, and try not to stare at anyone's dog directly. This can come across as intimidating, and the dog may have a negative reaction if they think you're a threat. Instead, look at the dog while they're looking in a different direction.[3]
    Play With Dogs Step 3 Version 3.jpg
  4. Watch for signs that the dog is uncomfortable or agitated. Pay attention to a dog's ears, which can signal when the animal is angry, nervous, or just uncomfortable. Note that lip-licking and yawning are signs of anxiety and nervousness, while flattened ears and a tucked tail indicate fear. Additionally, if a dog's tail is really stiff while they're wagging it, then the animal is being aggressive.[4]
    Play With Dogs Step 4 Version 3.jpg
    • For instance, if a stranger's dog has its tail tucked in, back away since the dog is scared and uncomfortable.

[Edit]Experimenting with Games and Toys

  1. Play tug of war to keep the dog engaged. Invite the dog to pull on the end of a toy. Wait for your dog to let go of the toy eventually, then wait a few seconds before declaring a rematch. Try to instigate this game with the dog so you can stay in control.[5]
    Play With Dogs Step 5 Version 3.jpg
    • You may need to grab the collar of larger dogs if they refuse to let go of the toy. If you're playing with someone else's dog, ask permission before you do something like this.
    • Tug of war can be played with a variety of objects, like a rope toy or your pet's favorite blanket.
  2. Entice the dog with a game of fetch. Toss a flying disk or other fetchable toy around, then encourage the dog to bring the toy back. If you're playing with your own dog, start by praising the dog for holding the toy. Graduate to running backwards while holding onto a treat so your dog will chase after you while still holding the toy.[6]
    Play With Dogs Step 6 Version 3.jpg
    • Some dogs are more into fetching than others. Don't be discouraged if your dog isn't interested in this game right away!
  3. Invite the dog to play hide and seek with you. Find a neighboring room or enclosed area to hide while the dog stays in a separate area. Yell the dog's name and praise them with treats once they find you.[7]
    Play With Dogs Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • You can play this inside or outside, depending on your living space.
    • If the dog is really eager, you may need someone to hold them back while you go hide.
    • Impatient dogs may not be a great fit for this kind of game.
    • When playing hide and seek with a smaller dog, you may want to hide close by so the dog doesn't have to search very far.
  4. Encourage the dog to search for their favorite toy. Throw or hide the dog's toy somewhere in your living area or out in some open grass. Unlike fetching, invite the dog to sniff around and search for the toy. Use an excited voice so your dog is really engaged and inspired to keep looking.[8]
    Play With Dogs Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • Always hide toys in safe places where you don't mind your dog poking around.
    • Any kind of dog can play this game, though some pets may not have a long enough attention span for this activity. For impatient pups, hide treats or segments of their meal instead of a toy.
  5. Supervise while the dog plays with a squeaky toy. Some dogs like to entertain themselves by throwing their squeaky toys in the air and pouncing over them. Keep an eye on dogs as they do this to make sure they don't eat or destroy their toys.[9]
    Play With Dogs Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • Sometimes, dogs will try to remove the squeaker from the toy.
    • Any dog can enjoy a good squeaky toy—just keep in mind that stronger, rambunctious dogs may rip into their toys more quickly than a smaller, mild-mannered dog.
  6. Engage the dog with a flirt pole. Find a park or other open area where you can run around with the dog. Hold out a flirt pole, which is a long pole with a lure attached to 1 end. Encourage the dog to change after the lure.[10]
    Play With Dogs Step 10 Version 2.jpg
    • You may be able to find this at a pet supply store.
    • A flirt pole may be a great option for a high energy dog, like a Golden Retriever.
  7. Blow bubbles to entertain the dog. Take a normal bottle of bubbles and blow a few in your dog's general direction. Some pets will be really entertained by this, and will chase after and try to eat the bubbles.[11]
    Play With Dogs Step 11 Version 2.jpg
    • Always use a non-toxic bubble solution that's recommended for children!
    • This is a great option if the weather is too overcast to play outside.
    • Any dog can play with bubbles, though it likely depends on their personality and interest level, and what kinds of games they usually enjoy.
  8. Set up a pool and other water games in your yard. Find a kiddie pool and fill it with a few inches or centimeters of water. Encourage your dog to splash around and enjoy the water, especially if the weather is hot. You can also turn the hose on and encourage your dog to splash around with the water.[12]
    Play With Dogs Step 12 Version 2.jpg
    • Some dogs aren't a fan of the water, which is totally normal. You can play a different outdoor game with them!
    • This is a great outdoor activity for dogs of all sizes.
  9. Stuff a dog toy with treats to keep your dog amused. Find a dog toy with a lot of cracks and openings for dog treats. Let the dog sniff the toy and start rolling and chasing it on their own. The dog may burn a lot of energy just from chasing the toy![13]
    Play With Dogs Step 13 Version 2.jpg
    • If you're playing with someone else's dog, always ask permission before giving treats.

[Edit]Practicing Safe Playtime with Your Dog

  1. Teach your dog the "take" and "leave" commands so they can play safely. Use treats as a way to encourage your dog to "take" and "leave" toys so they don't become possessive during playtime. Place a treat on the ground and wait for your dog to stop going after it—once they stop, reward them with an even better treat. To practice "take it," let your dog have the initial treat after they stop trying to nose it out of your hand.[14]
    Play With Dogs Step 14 Version 2.jpg
    • For instance, try putting a treat in your closed palm, then wait for them to stop sniffing and nudging your hand. Once they behave, open your hand and use a clicker to praise your pet, while saying "take it."
  2. Encourage your dog not to bite during playtime. If your dog bites you, make a loud noise or yell like you're in pain, even if you aren't hurt. Keep your hand still so your dog realizes that biting is hurtful and bad to do. If your pet still isn't getting the idea, ignore them for 10-20 seconds as a brief time-out period.[15]
    Play With Dogs Step 15 Version 2.jpg
    • For instance, simply turning away from your dog for 10 seconds can count as a time-out.
  3. Make the toy look exciting so your dog wants to play with it. Don't wave a new toy in your dog's face—instead, hold it gently in your arms and hug it, showing your dog that the toy is valuable. To get your dog interested, drop the toy near them and then pick it up quickly, which further proves your pet that the toy is valuable and interesting. Once your dog is interested, play tug of war to make them even more engaged.[16]
    Play With Dogs Step 16 Version 2.jpg
    • The tug of war game should only last a few seconds, or else your dog may get bored of the toy.
  4. Hold any dog toys below your waist so your dog isn't tempted to jump. Keep an eye on where you hold your dog's toy so they aren't tempted to jump or leap onto you. Try to do this whenever you play your dog, so your pet knows that they shouldn't jump around during playtime.[17]
    Play With Dogs Step 17 Version 2.jpg
    • This will also make it safer and easier for others to play with your dog.
  5. Play for 5-10 minutes and see if your dog is satisfied. Give your dog several minutes of undivided play attention and see if it wears them out. Depending on the size and usual energy level of your pet, you may need to play with your dog for longer before they're satisfied.[18]
    Play With Dogs Step 18 Version 2.jpg
    • Active dogs need around 30 minutes of exercise each day, but the amount of playtime your dog needs depends on the other kinds of exercise your dog gets. For instance, if you take your dog on a 20-minute walk, you can dedicate 10 minutes or so to rigorous playtime.[19]
  6. Enforce a consistent play schedule if you have multiple dogs. Dedicate certain sections of playtime to each dog, so all your pets get to burn their energy. If one of your dogs runs after a toy that isn't meant for them, call them back and have them sit or lay down. Give that dog a 30-second time-out, then proceed with your usual playtime.[20]
    Play With Dogs Step 19 Version 2.jpg


[Edit]Tips

  • Call a vet if a dog looks hurt or injured.[21]
  • Stay still if a random dog approaches you. Any sudden movements could startle it.[22]

[Edit]Warnings

  • Don't bother a dog if it's eating or resting.[23]
  • Don't try to pet a stray dog—it may not be friendly or trained, and could lash out if you try to pet it.[24]
  • Some larger dogs don't know their own strength, and may knock you over by accident. If this happens, roll into a ball and stay as still as possible so the dog realizes they've done something wrong.[25]
  • Always supervise young children and babies when they're around dogs.[26]

[Edit]Related wikiHows

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

  1. https://www.cityofbowietx.com/229/Children-Dog-Safety
  2. https://metro-vet.com/animal-safety-awareness-2019-03-13/
  3. https://www.cityofbowietx.com/229/Children-Dog-Safety
  4. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/pets/advice/a37730/things-your-dogs-behavior-is-trying-to-tell-you/
  5. https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/how-play-your-dog
  6. https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/how-play-your-dog
  7. https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/how-play-your-dog
  8. https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/how-play-your-dog
  9. https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/how-play-your-dog
  10. https://www.kyhumane.org/about/blog/item/92-tired-dog
  11. https://barcs.org/blog/indoor-pet-activities-cold-days/
  12. https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/5-wet-and-wild-summer-games-for-your-dog
  13. https://barcs.org/blog/indoor-pet-activities-cold-days/
  14. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/learning-the-leave-it-command/
  15. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/mouthing-nipping-and-play-biting-adult-dogs
  16. https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/how-play-your-dog
  17. https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/how-play-your-dog
  18. https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/how-play-your-dog
  19. https://www.dogster.com/dog-health-care/dog-exercise-how-much-exercise-does-a-dog-need-every-day
  20. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1D_16qpO21Y&t=2m21s
  21. https://www.cityofbowietx.com/229/Children-Dog-Safety
  22. https://www.cityofbowietx.com/229/Children-Dog-Safety
  23. https://www.cityofbowietx.com/229/Children-Dog-Safety
  24. https://www.cityofbowietx.com/229/Children-Dog-Safety
  25. https://www.cityofbowietx.com/229/Children-Dog-Safety
  26. https://www.cityofbowietx.com/229/Children-Dog-Safety

How to Clean an Instant Pot

Posted: 31 Jul 2020 05:00 PM PDT

Thanks to all the different functions, having an Instant Pot can be a terrific experience. But it's a device with a number of small parts and lots of crevices where food can get stuck. That's why proper maintenance is key if you want this appliance to last. Make sure you get the most out of it by learning how to give your Instant Pot a thorough cleaning, one part at a time.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Cleaning the Cooker Base

  1. Unplug the appliance and let it cool down. Make sure it's cool to the touch before you get started. This is important because the cooker base is the main part of the Instant Pot that contains the device's microprocessor. That's why it's highly sensitive to getting wet and should never be cleaned while still hot.[1]
    Clean an Instant Pot Step 1.jpg
  2. Use a clean cloth to remove stains. You can use a damp cloth for cleaning the exterior. To clean the interior, make sure the cloth is only slightly damp. If at any point you get the cooker base wet, try to dry it as quickly as possible.[2]
    Clean an Instant Pot Step 2.jpg
  3. Use a toothbrush to reach into the crevices of the cooker base. There's a narrow opening between the heating element and the housing of your Instant Pot. That's where food can get stuck while you use the appliance to prepare meals. A toothbrush can reach into that opening and clean out any possible build-up, so you can just wipe it off with a cloth once it's out.[3]
    Clean an Instant Pot Step 3.jpg

[Edit]Cleaning the Inner Pot and Anti-Block Shield

  1. Take out and wash the inner pot. This part of your Instant Pot is dishwasher safe. That means you can just toss it in there along with the dirty dishes. If you don't have a dishwasher, wash the inner pot by hand, using warm water and dish soap.[4]
    Clean an Instant Pot Step 4.jpg
    • Use baking soda to remove burnt food. Fill the inner pot with water and add of baking soda. Cook this on low heat for a couple of hours. Leave the solution to cool, pour it down the drain, and then use some more baking soda to gently scrub off the remaining burnt food.[5]
    • If you've noticed bluish marks or rainbow colors appearing on the surface of the inner pot, remove them with white vinegar. Pour it in and let it sit for 5 minutes. Rinse out the pot and let it dry.[6]
  2. Remove and wash the anti-block shield. The shield is a round, metal cap that you'll find on the inner side of the lid. Remove it by pushing it toward the rim and then lifting it up. Use warm water and dish soap to wash it, but you can also put it in the dishwasher. [7]
    Clean an Instant Pot Step 5.jpg
  3. Wipe the anti-block shield dry and put it back in place. This is a small part that you can easily misplace, and your Instant Pot can't work properly without it. That's why you should put it back onto the lid right away. Use a clean cloth to dry it and then push it back into its original position. [8]
    Clean an Instant Pot Step 6.jpg

[Edit]Cleaning the Remaining Parts

  1. Take out the sealing ring and wash the lid. You can put it in the dishwasher if you use one. But make sure to use the top rack only. If you don't have a dishwasher, simply give the lid a more thorough washing-up using hot water and dish soap.[9]
    Clean an Instant Pot Step 7.jpg
    • Before you wash the lid, check its valves for dirt and food residues. If you find any, rinse the valves thoroughly using hot water.[10]
  2. Wash the sealing ring separately. You can either toss it in the dishwasher or use warm water and dish soap to wash it by hand. Either way, you should do this regularly since silicone retains smells. When putting it back in place, make sure it sits right. [11]
    Clean an Instant Pot Step 8.jpg
    • Do a vinegar steam to remove bad smells. Put equal parts water and white vinegar into the inner pot. Toss in a couple of lemon peels and close the lid. Select the Steam function and set it to 2 minutes, after which the Instant Pot should smell nice and fresh.[12]
    • If you'd like to avoid bad smells, you can always do it by switching between 2 different sealing rings. Simply use one for making sweet food and another for savory dishes.[13]
  3. Wash the steam rack and condensation collector. The steam rack is dishwasher safe, but you can wash it using warm water and dish soap as well. You might want to use a brush to avoid getting sponge fibers caught on the edges of the rack. The condensation collector should only be washed by hand, also using dish soap.[14]
    Clean an Instant Pot Step 9.jpg

[Edit]References

_PARTS_

How to Clean Brass Coins

Posted: 31 Jul 2020 09:00 AM PDT

Brass coins are pretty common in a lot of coin collections, but they may be looking a bit worse for wear after a lot of time in storage. Brass is a pretty sensitive metal, but you can easily clean it with a few household items.[1] Set aside a few minutes of your day to clean off any dirt and rust so your coins can stay in great condition!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Removing Dirt and Grime

  1. Rinse your coin with warm, tepid water. Hold your coin beneath the water to get rid of any obvious dirt, rust, and grime. If the coin still looks visibly dirty, very lightly rub and clean the surface with mild soap and a soft cloth. Try not to rub the surface too much, or you could damage the coin.
    Clean Brass Coins Step 1.jpg
    • Don't confuse rust with patina! Patina is a natural, beneficial, green tint that older metals may develop over time, while rust actively damages the coin. Patina can help protect your brass coins from rust, so you don't want to wash it off.[2]
  2. Examine the coin with a magnifying glass to find any dirty spots. Hold the glass over the surface and rim of the coin to spot any stubborn sections of dirt or rust. Focus especially on the edges as you search for grime on your coin.[3]
    Clean Brass Coins Step 2.jpg
    • Don't be discouraged if your coin is still dirty. Brass cleaning can involve a lot of trial and error before you get the results you want!
  3. Pick off dirt and grime with a wet toothpick. Soak 1 end of a toothpick in warm water and gently poke the sections of dirt and rust. Try to lift and nudge the grime off the surface. Don't scrape or scratch at the problem spots, as tempting as it may be.[4]

    • Scraping the coin can damage the metal.
  4. Blot the coin with a soft cloth or let it air-dry. Dry off both sides of the coin, as well as the rim. You can also place your coin in an open area where it can dry off naturally.[5]

    Clean Brass Coins Step 4.jpg
    • Feel free to dry your coin off in direct sunlight—don't worry, this won't damage the metal at all.

[Edit]Giving Your Coins a Deep Clean

  1. Wash your coin with a baking soda paste. Mix of hot water and 1 tbsp (g) of baking soda in a bowl until the ingredients form a thick paste. While wearing gloves, coat your fingers in the paste and very lightly rub it over the surface of your coin. Once the brass coin is completely coated, rinse it off with cool or lukewarm water and let it dry.[6]

    • You don't need to let the coin soak in the baking soda paste at all.
  2. Rub a dot of regular toothpaste on your coin to clean it. Squeeze a tiny, pea-sized amount of traditional toothpaste onto the tip of a gloved finger. Gently knead the toothpaste into the surface of the brass coin, then rinse it off with lukewarm or cool tap water.[7]

    • Stick with regular toothpaste for this instead of a specialty brand.
  3. Soak your coin in ketchup for 10-20 minutes. Place your brass coin in a plastic cup or container. Cover the coin with regular ketchup, then let it soak for at least 10 minutes. Once the coin has soaked, rinse it off in cool or lukewarm water.[8]

    • You can add a spoonful of water to your ketchup cup so it spreads better over the surface of your coin.
  4. Clean the coin with lemon and salt. Slice a lemon in half and dig out any of the seeds in the center. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the sliced portion of lemon, then lightly rub the fruit over your coin. Once you've gone over both sides of the coin, clean it off with a very soft cloth to get rid of the residue.[9]

  5. Cover your coin in a mixture of salt, white vinegar, and flour. Mix of white vinegar, 1 tsp (2.6 g) of white flour, and 1 tsp (5.9 g) of salt together in a small bowl. While wearing gloves, lightly coat the coin with the paste, then let the mixture soak for an hour. Rinse it off with lukewarm water, then repeat the process on the other side of the coin. Dry off the coin with a soft cloth, or let it air-dry.[10]

[Edit]Tips

  • You don't have to clean your brass coins! A lot of older coins are more valuable when they look naturally worn.[11]
  • If you're a big coin collector, you can clean your brass and copper coins at the same time.[12]

[Edit]Warnings

  • Don't use standard cleaning products like detergent, wax, or bleach to clean off your coins. Brass coins are pretty delicate, and these cleaners can do more harm than good.[13]
  • If you're working with really old coins, consider sending them to a numismatic professional.[14]
  • Don't store your brass coins with other types of metals. This could cause your coins to oxidize and rust.[15]
  • Avoid using PVC packs to store your coin, as these can do long-term damage to your coins.[16]

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Removing Dirt and Grime

  • Warm water
  • Magnifying glass
  • Toothpick
  • Soft cloth

[Edit]Giving Your Coins a Deep Clean

  • Baking soda
  • Water
  • Bowl
  • Toothpaste
  • Ketchup
  • Plastic container
  • Lemon
  • Salt
  • White vinegar
  • Flour

[Edit]References

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