Jennifer Blog

Studies show that children have the best chance of being bitten. Before a child turns 15, an animal has bitten nearly half. The vast majority of attacks happen to kids less than 9 years of age. By examining canine tendencies, most bites can be thwarted. It is true that most animals are safe, but some times dogs can have their own agendas. It is imperative that we educate our children to be on the look out for situations they must avoid.

There is rarely a good reason for a dog biting a child, but learning the mindset, from the animals' point of view, may be helpful in evading aggressive animals. Here are some stats from a well-known university, which were based over a three-year period.

Of all K9 bites on children under four years of age, most were bitten in early May. Sixty percent were bitten on the head, neck and face, 90 percent were bitten in their own home, 40% were attacked by their own dog and 60 percent of the dogs had never bitten before.

Of all K9 bites on children over four years of age but less then 17 years old, most were bitten in early July. Eighteen percent were bitten on the head, neck and face, 38 percent were bitten in their own home, 18% were attacked by their own dog and 50 percent of the dogs had never bitten before.

This poses many questions...

All dogs are capable of biting, but the majority wont if you act accordingly.

Be sure to pay attention to the body language of a dog. If a dog has an aggressive demeanor do not approach it. Often you can tell an aggressive dog but the following signs: Ears are stiff, body is tense, tall is high.

Dogs that have assumed either a defensive or offensive threat posture frequently have a "critical zone". A child is safe around this zone until entering the imaginary circle the dog has projected. The problem is that this zone varies between dogs and can even be different for the same dog if the situation changes. So it's impossible for humans to accurately determine the critical zone. The shy or fearful dog adopts a defensive threat posture. It is hesitant, easily frightened, timid, tends to avoid certain persons or things. Frequently, these traits are not noticed until the dog encounters a new situation. The dog might assume elements of the defensive threat posture when frightened.

How do you stop your child from being attacked?

- Avoid pack dogs
- If confronted, do not run away or scream.
- Always ask an owner if it's okay to pet their dog
- Always let a dog sniff your hand before petting them.

Animals and children are capable of living in harmony, but it's the parents job to teach their children. If you conform to the following information, you and your kids will be safer!

Amber Rose Parodi write various articles on animals and pets. Many of her articles can be found at http://www.pet-super-store.com. For more information please visit their website here: Discount Pet Supplies.

Sure its nice to head out to the golf course on a beautifully tranquil day where its easy figure your yardages and be confident in your club selection. Unfortunately, however, Mother Nature isnt always so accommodating and youll find yourself having to deal with a bit of wind.

When youre up against a windy day on the golf course, if you let it affect your attitude, youre going to be in for a long day. Many players do and are. You, however, should not let this happen. First of all it does your golf game no good, and secondly, if your playing partners bowing to the wind, then all the better for you to collect on the nassau.

The basic golf shot that enters the conversation when talking about playing in the wind is the knockdown shot.

There are a couple of basic keys to the knockdown shot.

The first is that the hands have to remain ahead of the clubhead through the swing. So at your address, move the ball slightly further back in your stance. The knockdown golf shot is not a full swing type of shot. It is a control shot. In fact, with knockdown shots youll want your finish position to be lower and not fully completed.

The second key is based upon the first.

Since the knockdown shot is not a full swing youll want to take and extra club or two in order to (a) take the loft off of what would be your normal shot and (b) get the distance you want with a lower ball flight and easier non-full swing.

The tailwind Playing a hole with a good tailwind is a favorite scenario for many. Keep in mind however, when it comes to playing in the wind control is the key word.

A tailwind certainly adds distance and carry to your golf shots, and will help keep your shots straighter, but remember it also adds roll. And if were talking about an approach shot into the green, the tailwind is going to take the backspin off of your shot and subsequently your ball wont check nearly as tidy when it hits the green. So, factor in not only the distance, but roll as well.

The headwind now youve made 180 and youre heading back into the same wind that was just at your back. Now is when the knockdown becomes your friend and ally. Remember, play the ball back in your stance (keeping your hands ahead of the clubhead), take more club, and swing easy and under control.

The crosswind - the crosswind or the quartering wind is the most difficult to deal with. This type of wind will magnify the spin and shape of your shot. If your flight is shaping the same direction, think distance and roll but, if you're going to shape your shot back into the crosswind add extra yardage to your calculation.

Given these two mirroring results, you can see that a crosswind can produce greatly varying distance. Because of this great variance, youll want a strategy that takes advantage of the wind.

If your distance is open ended youll probably want to shape your golf shot to work with the wind and get the most distance you can. If, however, youre hitting your approach to the green, youll want to shape your shot back into the crosswind so your ball will land softer on the putting surface.

In summary, the key to wind play is control.

Remember, a solidly struck golf ball will be less affected by any wind as opposed to one that takes flight with a side spin.

Be confident when playing in the wind, ratchet your swing back a couple of notches and think about a nice smooth rhythm with solid contact.

Jeff O'Brien offers instruction and golf tips to get your game on track. Be sure to visit golf-ology.com for online golf lessons, golf gear, and other articles at http://www.golf-ology.com.