Robin asks:

I’m wondering if you could tell me why– when I’m walking Yogi through some grass– that he smells something and the next thing I know, he’s stuck his head on the ground and starts to roll his body over the area he was smelling. On two occasions, he coated himself in another dog’s poop. I’ve been asking vets and laypersons to explain this behavior but no one seem to know. Thank you so much for listening.

Very Sincerely,
-Robin

Dear Robin:

This is a hold-over instinct from before dogs were domesticated. They would roll around in a heavily scented object to mask their own scent, when hunting.

This behavior can be stopped by telling your dog, “No.”
Sounds easy, right?

Well, if that hasn’t worked, then you can bet that your, “No” command doesn’t have any meaning to your dog.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Establish yourself as the pack leader.

2. Leave a training collar and tab on your dog, so that you can start consistently associating a “negative” with your verbal “No” command.

3. If your correction is motivational, your dog will get the picture, fast. Dogs simply do not continue to do a behavior that does not feel good.

To read more of my dog training ramblings, read about my book (click below): http://tinyurl.com/4efaq
Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!

About the Author

Author, “Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!” which you can read more about at:
http://tinyurl.com/4efaq

The final stage in learning to play the guitar is learning to play the chords. This is the most satisfying part of learning the guitar because the beginner will already be playing music with the instrument. Playing a chord simply means striking simultaneously at least two or three strings on the guitar.

In order to play the chords, the beginner should first start with the three most common chords. They are the G major chord, C major chord and the D major chord. These are the easiest chords and they should be the ones practiced first.

When playing the G major chord, the guitar player should place the second finger on the sixth string of the third fret. Then he can place the first finger on the fifth string of the second fret. The third finger is then placed on the third fret of the first string. It is important to remember that the fingers should be curled and should not be touching any other strings that they are not supposed to touch. He can then strike all the six strings in one continuous strum. They should make the sound at the same time and not one at a time.

In playing the C major key, all he can do is place the third finger on the third fret of the fifth string. Then, the second finger may be placed on the second fret of the fourth string. He can finally place the first finger on the first fret of the second string. It is important to be careful and not hit the sixth string. Only the bottom five strings should be strummed when playing the C major key.

The D major key may be difficult for some beginners because all three fingers crowd into a very small area. After the technique id learned this should not be a problem to everyone. The beginner can put the first finger on the third string of the fourth fret. Then he can place the third finger on the second string of the third fret. Finally, he can put the second finger on the first string of the second fret. He can then strum the four bottom strings to play the D major key.

It is important to be familiar with these three basic chords before starting to learn the more complicated ones, as these are the chords that are commonly used to play many songs. He can start learning by choosing songs that only have these three chords for his practice and remember, it is by practicing that a person will be able to master playing chords with the guitar.

Bill McRea is the publisher of Guitar Warehouse the best place to Buy Guitar and learn Guitar Playing Techniques. Both sites offer free lesson and product sales.

While some companies have online auction sites, the individual seller conducts most online auctions. Auction sites such as eBay require sellers to register, and to pay a fee each time they auction an item. Sellers usually list a reserve price, or minimum bid they are willing to consider, and also set a time limit for bids. Better sellers provide a full description of the item being auctioned, and a photograph, and are willing to respond to any questions about the item. At the end of the bidding period, the person with the highest bid wins the auction. At this point, the seller establishes contact to discuss payment options, shipping, refunds and follow-up service, if any is available.

Auctions work best when both the buyer and the seller fully understand and comply with the rules of the auction site. Doing so helps either party notice if something doesn’t seem quite right. Experienced sellers learn to identify and screen out bogus bids.

Once a buyer places a winning bid, the seller usually specifies payment terms via a third-party payment agency. For items of substantial value, an escrow service may be used, which holds the buyer’s money until the buyer receives the item and is satisfied with it. Some auction sites provide payment and escrow services.

Unfortunately, online auctions don’t necessarily proceed in a smooth manner or to the satisfaction of the seller and the bidder. The Federal Trade Commission ranks fraud related to online auctions as one of the leading causes of complaints. Fraud may be committed by either the seller or the buyer, and usually involves payment or receipt of items. Online auction fraud should be promptly reported, with as much documentation as possible, to the Better Business Bureau, Federal Trade Commission, local consumer protection agencies and your state attorney general’s office.

If you are interested in selling on eBay, you might wonder where you can get items to sell. I’m talking about after you’ve exhausted the logical first places, such as items in your garage or loft or spare bedroom!

One of the drawbacks for anyone wishing to expand an interest in auctions into a business - be it part or full time - is the need to have stock to sell. Here are some of the issues you face:

Locating suppliers of stock at affordable prices
Somewhere to store your stock

The means and space to wrap the items

The time to take them to a Post Office

One of the ways around all of these problems is to use dropshipping. There are many people in the USA making extra cash, and in some cases making a living, by selling items on auctions on a dropship basis.

Dropshipping has arrived in the UK, and you may want to consider it further. You might be asking, “What on earth is dropshipping?”

Dropshipping is a system of trading offered by certain suppliers. These suppliers have stocks of goods, normally products which will sell well on auctions, and which they are willing to package and forward to your customers DIRECTLY.

This is how it works. Let’s imagine you are a seller on eBay. You join a dropship company. You then get access to the company’s online catalogue, which will usually have hundreds of items at discounted prices. It will also explain to you how much they charge you for P&P to your customer.

You select an item, create an auction listing and list it. The auction finishes, and your winner pays you.

All you now do is send the winner’s name and address, and the payment, to the dropship company. The payment is the cost price, plus the agreed shipping cost. The dropship company then package and send out the goods to your winner. Your profit is the difference between the discounted catalogue price you pay, and the winning bid.

The system has some great plus points - you’ve made zero outlay up-front for stock, and you are alleviated of all stock storage, packaging and mailing problems. And you have a ready made supply of new and different product lines.

On the flip side, you need to be careful you can make enough margin - don’t forget you pay any auction fees incurred. And if you accept PayPal or any other online credit card payment system, you will have to pay their percentage too.

With the right product, at the right price, dropshipping might be a useful addition to any eBay seller’s armoury.

Brian McGregor is an eBay and internet entrepreneur. He recently created the ‘eBay Master Class’ for eBay sellers. For your free copy, please go to http://www.workwinners.com/ebm-request.htm

As insurance premiums keep going up, cost concious car owners are looking for deals on auto insurance. There are lots of different types of price reductions available and if you can save a little cash, then why not? Below is a list of general price reductions that may be available to you. Check with your insurance provider to see if you’re eligible.

Individual Insurance Price Reductions

These price reductions are usually given based on your performance as a driver and policy holder. The other discounts are given based on your present status in life.

Car Based Insurance Price Reductions

It doesn’t come as a surprise that when getting a car insurance policy, the insurance agent takes a look at your car. Some of these car insurance deductions are given because you’ve purchased a safe car.

1. Car Air Bags. There are various types of airbags: front, rear, side-curtain, etc. The greater you’re protected, the larger the discount you may be able to receive.
2. Anti-Lock Brakes System (ABS). Many automobiles on the road today are equipped with ABS. Many car insurance agents offer deductions if your car is equipped with these types of brakes and many states even require the insurance underwriter to do so.

Anti-Theft Devices. Installation of anti-theft devices like LowJack is a way to get cheaper insurance. There may be an added bonus if the alarm automatically activates when the car’s engine is turned off.

There has always been a fascination with royalty and as a niche area for collecting and auction trading, it is still a relatively accessible market. And it can also be extremely interesting.

There is a vast range of items that you can choose as your niche market. So whether your interest is in fine china, silverware, mugs, clothing or whatever, you can usually find something with a royal connection. And you don’t need a huge bank balance to get started, as prices can be very modest depending upon your speciality.

There always seems to be a healthy demand for royal memorabilia listed on eBay and other online auctions. And now that items from the 1980’s and 90’s are becoming increasingly collectable, you can start trading with a very low budget.

So, is there a favourite Royal for eBay traders?

What can be said is that the British royal family has inspired more memorabilia than any other dynasty: whether it is stamps, photographs, medals, books, tins, china or a host of other varied items, the likeness of a British royal has probably appeared on it. And UK royal items are sought after all over the world and especially in the US. So this could be a high demand area to initially concentrate on.

Products related to Elizabeth II, the present British monarch, are currently the most tradable. Items can still be found related to the birth and childhood of Elizabeth, her 1953 coronation, the Silver and Golden Jubilee celebrations and other items associated with key birthdays, wedding anniversaries and state visits.

It is now believed that the most photographed person in royal history was Princess Diana and related memorabilia still attracts a strong interest and demand. Hand-written letters from the Princess can now sell for £10,000 plus but you can still find a Charles and Diana wedding matchbook for 50p!

Recently, the Christies’ catalogue for the sale of Princess Diana’s dresses sold for £775 on eBay.co.uk. In 1997, you could have bought this same catalogue for just a few pounds. So start searching those junk shops and yard sales. You just might find a copy tucked away in a corner somewhere!

On a slightly macabre note, if you have a copy of the original French newspapers (dated August 31st and September 1st 1997) that reported the injury and death of the charismatic Princess, you probably have an appreciating collectable. Hang on to it for a few more years and its value is bound to increase.

Other royal memorabilia in order of desirability are items connected with Queen Victoria, Prince Philip, the late Queen Mother, Princess Anne, the late Princess Margaret, Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry.

Memorabilia featuring royals from other countries is also very collectable but interest tends to be concentrated within that specific country. The exception is any item associated with the Russian royal family especially the Tsar and Tsarina, Nicholas II and Alexandra.

So which items of royal memorabilia are the most tradable and profitable?

I’ll be exploring these questions in my next article appearing soon. I’ll also be looking at the how and where to source royal memorabilia to maximise your auction profits.

Until then, wishing you every success.

With 30 years of business experience, online auctions and information marketing have now become my passion. I’m still learning and happy to help others if I can.

If you’re looking for the best way to start your own eBay business then this will be of interest. It’s a proven system that you can follow at your own pace. And it was created by a hardworking mum!!

For further details: http://ebayprofits.salesplease.com

At some point in your eBay selling life, one of your customers is going to send you a complaint. As long as you respond to it properly, however, it’s easy to keep a complaint from turning into a crisis.

Respond Immediately and Grovellingly.

Someone might complain to you directly, or they might do it through eBay. Whatever happens, you need to email them immediately. Here’s a template to use:

“I have just received your complaint and I would like to say that I am very sorry you aren’t satisfied. If you would like, I can send you a [replacement/refund] for the item, as part of my ‘no questions asked’ guarantee. I apologise again for our mistake.”

Whatever you do, don’t start making excuses for yourself. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t get around to posting it yet because I’ve been busy at work and I’m going on holiday next week…” - no-one cares. If the buyer isn’t satisfied, then you screwed up, and you need to apologise repeatedly and do everything you can to make them happy again. Besides, is it really worth your time to go through eBay’s long-winded dispute process when all it’s going to do is alienate your customers?

This an attitude that will give you a massive advantage in eBay selling, for the simple reason that many smaller sellers are confrontational, unhelpful and out for every penny they can get. If buyers are rude to you, it’s just because they’re used to dealing with rude sellers.

Responding politely, promptly and being willing to do anything for your buyers will mark you out as different. It’s so rare that you might even manage to turn your complaining buyer into one of your most loyal customers!

Let People Phone You.

Don’t insist that everything is done with email - allow frustrated buyers to phone you and have a chat about their item. The chances are that they will never have talked to a human voice before about an eBay complaint, and will be even more impressed with anything you offer them to solve their problem.

Neutralise Negative Feedback.

If it really comes down to it and your complaint ends up as a piece of negative feedback on your record, make sure you post a response - and don’t make it something like “buyer was impossible to work with, avoid”!

Instead, post an apology, and detail what you did to put things right, for example: “Very sorry for the scratched item, I have sent a replacement”. You may also find that some buyers leave feedback before you have the chance to put things right, in which case you could write a phone number in the response space, or something like “I have emailed you about a refund”.

This will let anyone looking through your feedback see that not only are negatives very rare, but the few that there might be aren’t really worth counting.

In the next email, you’ll learn how to turn your shipping costs into a profit center.

Kirsten Hawkins is an Ebay and internet auction enthusiast from Nashville, TN. Visit www.auctionseller411.com/ for more great tips on how to make the most from Ebay and other online auctions.

High Speed boat-car, Hydrofoil. Hey slow down so we can wash that? Car? Boat? Hydrofoil? Sports Car? Strike Vehicle? Whatever it is or all of the above. We were doing some boat washing industry research out there on the Internet and found this site:

http://www.dobbertinhydrocar.com/

Then we remember a research company in CA doing a private industry project with a water skimmer speed boat.

http://www.americanhydrofoil.com/

There are many such projects, which we do not know about as well as some pretty bizarre conspiracy theorists misinformation type information out there.

http://209.157.64.200/focus/f-news/1028393/posts

The actual unit being built is much faster than the specified speed. And it is a lot more capable than ever thought. And they are in use now. But the smaller assault style hydrofoil skimmer vehicles are the future like the strike vehicles used now in Baghdad only on the water actually traveling above it. These type of water vehicles have all kinds of uses from transporting seal teams, delivering weapons to enemy ports for blockage or Unmanned Above Water patrols for coastlines or to swim circles around the whole fleet at 50 miles out for additional buffer zone to give information to the Net Centric system guarding those assets in the fleets. Six or seven of these going around in circles and you have a complete out ring safety net, including taking weather, surf, temperature readings.

Now then, what if you used the some of this technology and this prototype and set up skimmer skis, which come out as the boat/car reaches speed. If this worked with some armor light-weight armor plating. You build a car-boat on a chassis of a vehicle like a SmartTruck or Presidential Limo. You could have a amphibious, strike vehicle once you got to the shore. A car, a high speed boat and if you got into serious problems head for the water. From the water to the land You could literally hit the beach at 30kts. On the water at 100+ Knots and then slow down to 50 knots on the water as this boat can do that already. Slow down to 30 knots and drive out of the water and accelerate to 100 knots again.

“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

What does it take to be a marathon runner? It takes a lot of courage and determination to push past the point where you don’t want to go any further. It is impossible to ever get run a marathon without training, so if you want to be a marathon runner you can’t be worried about training and the time that it takes to get ready to run the marathon.

Setting out a schedule is great if you want to run a marathon. Give yourself ample time to get ready. You could get help from the product Acceletrim to give you more energy when you are training. Taking the time to work up to the full marathon runner is like when you first learned to drive a car. It takes time to learn and be able to hold your ground. There comes a point when you are running where you will tell yourself to stop, you can’t go any further, and you want to stop. A marathon runner will not allow this and push past it. Once past that point a great high can kick in, know as the runner’s high. It comes from adrenaline kicking in and also from the sense of accomplishment for going beyond what you think you were capable of. Even if you decided to only run one marathon in your lifetime it will be worth the knowledge that you will gain from the experience.