Let's face it; most of us can't afford private lessons with a pro or even with the local country club's golf instructor. Knowing where to look and what to look for go a long way in finding help with golf instruction however. It doesn't matter if you play on the finest golf courses in the world or join up with your buddies occasionally for a round on the local public course. In this era of high speed information the tips, hints, and techniques used by golf pros can be at your fingertips.
Finding advice on golf instruction is simple really. Books and magazines are printed by the hundreds on this very subject. Either one would be an excellent addition to your birthday or Christmas wish list. It is a good bet that your significant other would be delighted with an original gift idea and at the same time give themselves the gift of not hearing you lament your golf game anymore. Check out the library for a selection of books that highlight every different aspect of the game of golf. This technique will save you bundles on your bill at the local bookstore. Another way the library can be useful in finding golf instruction is in their DVD department. Check out the ones that seem interesting. The DVDs you find especially helpful can always be purchased later. When your golf skills dramatically improve all your friends will think you spent a mint on private lessons. They'll be so jealous.
While talking about acquiring golf instruction on a budget, don't underestimate the usefulness of friends and family. If golf is a family passion, maybe Mom or Dad has some helpful hints that you overlooked. And the friend you are always trying to impress with your game may be the perfect instructor. You can always sway him by stating the obvious, if he helps you, just maybe he will at least have a little competition the next time the two of you hit the greens together. That should be enough to encourage some cooperation.
The information highway is the place to go for information on all kinds of subjects. You already pay for your Internet connection, make it earn its keep. There are countless websites and forums dedicated to the game of golf and many of them offer tips on a wide variety of golfing issues. For example, you can learn the best clubs to use for each shot and how to factor weather conditions into your game. This is seriously some useful golf instruction. Your budget will love you because you are using a resource that is already paid for.
When most people think about golf instruction it is rarely associated with inexpensive. Considering that golf course time, the equipment, and golfing extras tend to cost so much, budget golf instruction is the way to go. Who knows? Before long maybe Tiger will be calling, or maybe not. Either way you will be playing better and the kids can still go to college.
Andy West is a freelance writer and communications specialist for SDGA. San Diego Golf Academy is a premier golf school with five locations across the United States. For more information on golf instruction, please visit http://www.sdgagolf.com.
¶ 9:04 PM 0 comments
Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue group gives the abused or abandoned dog a deserved chance to a happy life. According to government statistics, 700-1300 animals are abandoned per county per year. This is an uncivilized disgrace. Going to a shelter to adopt a dog is an honorable act - in fact, you will be tempted to take all the dogs home with you!
There are too many puppies bred and not enough homes adopting these dogs. Abandonment numbers are simply too large for the dog rescue groups and the dog/animal shelters to handle. Many wonderful dogs that should be adopted and given another chance are left abandoned in dog shelters and euthanized every year.
There are no excuses for dog abandonment.
Common, poor excuses are given as:
- Moving: A dog owner moves only to find his dog is not allowed, so the dog becomes abandoned, as if it is disposable. Often left to the streets, or if the dog's luck is a little better, a dog shelter or animal rescue group.
- Pregnancy: A dog owner that does not anticipate and lacks the resources to cope with a pregnant dog and the litter to follow. And, the difficulty in finding good homes to adopt the puppies.
- The dog owner underestimates the amount of work required to care for a dog.
- Allergies: Make sure in advance you will not be allergic to the dog you adopt to bring home.
A neglected dog is an abused dog.
An abused dog is when it is left without food, water, shelter, when proper veterinary care is not provided, and the dog is deprived of interaction and kindness. When dogs are acquired, then forgotten or ignored, they can starve, dehydrate, be exposed to parasites, infections, and worse. Sometimes, the abused dog can become overweight to grossly obese with massive fat deposits on the chest, spine, and base of the tail, with abdominal distension.
Adopting a dog - adopting a puppy.
Dog shelters are loaded with dogs that desperately need people to adopt these dogs and give them homes. The dogs that need adopting are there due to no fault of their own. According to the ASPCA, 50% of dogs in shelters are destroyed because there is no one to adopt them. You might consider the merits of adopting a puppy, or adopting a dog, and rescuing either from your local dog shelter or dog rescue group.
The merits for adopting.
The added bonus is that dogs adopted from shelters have been given their shots, and are usually spayed/neutered. Adopting from a shelter or dog rescue can be the way to go even if you are looking for a purebred. Besides the rescue groups for purebreds, the ASPCA estimates 20% of dogs in shelters are purebred.
Going to a dog shelter to adopt your dog or puppy is a noble deed.
You should consider the following:
- The background of the dog or puppy.
- Shelters can provide assessments on aggression and personality.
- Since most dogs react to wire cages aggressively, see if you can remove a dog of interest from its neighbors.
- Try to walk the dog on a leash in a controlled area. Remember, you are a strange person in a strange environment to a confused dog. If you have other pets or children, try to examine the dog's reaction to them.
- Most pound dogs are of mixed breeds. A staff member can give you his opinion of the breed, but if you have a knowledgeable friend you may want him along for a second opinion.
There are benefits and merits to adopting an older dog.
A grown shelter dog may already be house and obedience trained, and past the teething stage. You will have a good assessment of your new dog regarding size, temperament and personality so the possibility of surprise is greatly reduced. By adopting an older dog from the shelter, you will be giving the dog a deserved second chance at a happy life.
We have existed as a company since 1985, but it was a love of dogs, the dogs that have been a part of our life, and the passing of one dog in particular, Rusty, that inspired the creation of http://www.callofthedog.com and http://www.callofthedogshop.com -- created to provide the things your dogs and pets need. Visit us for great information and quality dog supplies! Be sure to see our About Us page as well.
The two sites are dedicated to the dogs we have loved so deeply, and who have given us so much love in return. Purebreds and mixed breeds, but mostly rescues in need of a home. We educated them, but each one has had something to teach us in exchange.
¶ 9:03 PM 0 comments
