Pet Health Care Articles

Do's and Don'ts for Holiday Adoption

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 03:21:00 +0000

Many people love to give pets as gifts for the holidays. While it’s a thoughtful idea, giving a pet for a gift isn’t always the right thing to do. Adopting a pet from the local animal shelter or humane society is a good way to help an animal in need. However, not all animals make great gifts. The following do’s and don’ts will help you navigate this potentially tricky situation.

Don’t Give the Pet during the Holiday Chaos
Animals can become very nervous. This is particularly true when they’re faced with a new situation, like a new home and family. And the holidays are a time of high expectations, stress, and excitement.

It’s a good idea to wait until after the holiday commotion has died down before you give the animal as a gift. Give the animal time to warm up and settle in.

Don’t Give an Exotic Pet as a Gift
Exotic pets come with a lot of special needs. They also come with risks. For example, turtles have salmonella and are a risky gift for small children. Birds are vulnerable to stress, loud noises, and change. They don’t usually make great gifts.

Do Research Your Options
The humane society and animal shelters are packed with dogs and cats that need a home. If dogs and cats aren’t what you’re looking for, consider a guinea pig or other small rodent. Before you adopt or give away any animal, make sure the family members are not allergic. Cats, dogs, and guinea pigs all have the potential to cause an allergic action. You may want to introduce family members to the breed before you adopt.

Don’t Wing It
Don’t simply grab an animal, bring it home, and hope for the best. Animals need a variety of supplies and materials.

Do Shop and Stock Up
Make sure that you buy food, bowls, supplies, and bedding for the pet you’re giving as a gift. In fact, each of the supplies can be wrapped up and given as gifts. You can use them to lead up to the final surprise gift.

Do Factor the Future Expenses
Pets are expensive. They require regular check-ups, vaccinations, food, and medications. They also need toys and grooming products like shampoo and flea preventative. It’s not a one-time expense. Make sure that whoever you’re giving the pet to can afford the future expenses.

Do Expect to Need Approval
Many animal shelters do not allow their animals to be given as pets. Anyone who is going to own the animal or care for the animal needs to be approved. Many animal shelters require home visits. Some require the entire family to come in and meet the animal and then sign an agreement.

Giving an adopted animal as a gift is a wonderful way to help an animal in need. However, it’s not always an easy endeavour. Be prepared. Do your research and make sure the animal you choose is the right one for your recipient.

Winter Weather Safety for Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 03:19:00 +0000

Many people worry about their pets during the hot summer months. Rightfully so; the hot summer temperatures can be deadly to pets. However, the winter months can be just as dangerous. The following winter weather safety tips will help you keep your pets safe and healthy this winter.

#1 Keep Your Cats and Dogs Inside
Cats love to snuggle up in warm places when they’re allowed outside. This often means they find the wheel well or hood of a car. An unsuspecting car owner can kill a cat with the turn of their ignition key. And the sub-zero temperatures can cause small animals to become hypothermic quickly. Make sure all pets have a warm and safe place to get in from the elements during the cold winter months.

#2 Don’t Let Your Dog Off Leash
Every year dogs get away from their owners. They wander out onto ponds with thin ice and fall in. And because the cold weather masks their scent, the APSCA reports that more dogs get lost during the winter than any other season.

#3 Winter Wear for Your Dog
Some dogs can benefit from outerwear. Dogs with short fur and an intolerance to cold can get extra protection from a winter coat. And many dogs’ pads are extremely sensitive. Booties can help keep snow and ice from getting packed in the hair on their feet and causing pain.

Veterinarians warn against putting a coat on your dog and letting it outside without supervision. Outerwear can become wet and tangled. And if the temperatures are particularly cold, the winter coat won't offer as much protection ad you may like.

#4 Age Matters
Old dogs and young puppies cannot regulate their body temperature very well. It’s important that they don’t stay outside too long. Make sure to keep a close eye on your pet if they’re vulnerable.

#5 Put Away Household Chemicals
Antifreeze is deadly. Every year cats and dogs get into the garage. They’re drawn to the sweet scent of antifreeze. Just a few drops will kill a beloved pet. Keep your animals out of the garage and keep the chemicals up off the floor and put away.

#6 Skip the Groomers
Allow your pet’s hair to grow a little longer during the winter months. The extra hair will help keep them warm. Never shave your dog to its skin. Save those haircuts for the warm weather months.

#7 Beef Up the Protein
If you have an active pet, you may want to consider adding a bit more protein to their diet. The protein will help improve your pet’s coat. It can also boost their metabolism, which in turn increases their body temperature. They’ll feel warmer and have the same amount of energy.

Pets need specific care and attention all year long. Each season brings new challenges. This winter, take care of your pets and protect them from the cold, ice, and snow.

Seasonal Concerns for Your Local Animal Shelter

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 03:18:00 +0000

Animal shelters need help year round. The high cost of keeping a pet coupled with the continued pet overpopulation problem means shelters are regularly packed with adoptable animals. However, the winter season brings with it a number of additional seasonal concerns. Here’s what to be aware of and how you might be able to help.

#1 Lack of Funds
During the winter and particularly around the holiday season, every charity is asking for donations. At the same time, people are spending a bit more money out of their household budget. They’re buying gifts, spending money on traveling, and paying for traditional holiday celebrations. In short, demand for funds is high and donations are low. This is one of the most challenging times for animal shelters. The number of animals in shelter generally increases during the winter months, which means the demand for funds increases - yet donations tend to decrease.

#2 Lack of Volunteers
People tend to drop off around the holiday season. Volunteer needs increase. This is particularly true around the holiday season when volunteers need time off to go out of town and celebrate the holidays. Additionally, as people stop in to find adoptable pets to give as gifts, more staff is required to manage the demand. It’s the perfect time to start volunteering if you’ve ever considered it.

#3 Increase in Pets
The wintertime is also a difficult time for animal shelters which can become overfilled with adoptable animals. More dogs get lost during the winter than any other season, which adds to the increase. People realize they cannot afford their pets during the holiday season, too. And many animals that were given as gifts during the holidays are soon relinquished to the shelter. Giving animals as gifts isn’t always a good idea.

How Can You Help?
There are many ways you can help your local animal shelter this winter. Consider volunteering either in an administrative capacity or by working with the animals. You can foster a pet in your home, thus leaving more room in the shelter for animals. You can also donate your money to help pay for the expense of sheltering animals during the cold winter months.

If you don’t have time or money to donate, consider donating pet care supplies like food, bedding, toys and equipment. Most local animal shelters have an ongoing need for cat and dog supplies. Finally, consider stepping in to help out during the holidays when adoption rates are usually at an all-time high. It can be extremely rewarding to help people and families bring home a new pet.

Tips for Housebreaking Your Pet during Cold Weather

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 03:17:00 +0000

Housebreaking a dog is challenging any time of the year. And the cold weather adds an extra challenge. However, with a little information, advanced preparation and the right mindset you can housebreak your pet any time of the year – even the coldest days of winter.

Tip #1 Prepare the Location
One of the problems dogs have during the winter time is that they cannot smell as well. They cannot smell the dirt, other animals, and their waste. The cold air diminishes the scent. This makes it difficult for them to find the right spot.

A trained dog will spend minutes looking for a spot in the snow only to get too cold and have to go inside before they’ve done their business. The trick is to prepare a place in your yard for them to go. Shovel a patch of lawn clean so that your dog can find a nice patch of grass to go on. Additionally, having an established area in your yard will help reduce your clean-up process.

Tip #2 Know the Routine
Dogs need to use the bathroom as soon as they wake up – just like humans. They also need to use the bathroom after they play and exercise and a few minutes after they eat. Instead of waiting for your dog to tell you when they need to go out, take them outside on a schedule. Anticipate their needs and be proactive.

Tip #3 Rewards Work Better Than Punishments
Dogs are pleasers. They want you to be happy. When you’re happy they will go out of their way to repeat the behavior. When your dog makes a mistake in the house (and they will make a mistake in the house), don’t punish them. Take them outside immediately. If possible take the waste with you and place it on the lawn. As soon as your dog goes to the bathroom outside, reward them. Praise and treats both work well as rewards.

Tip #4 Use Consistent Language
Teach your dog the words you want to use. For example, “Do you want to go outside?” If you use this phrase every time you take your dog out, they’ll begin to respond when they want to go outside.

Tip #5 Choose the Right Tools
Crates are wonderful for young dogs because they give them a safe place to go. Your dog also won’t go to the bathroom in their crate so you can use it to control their training. If you choose to crate your dog, make sure you let it outside immediately after opening the crate - and don’t leave them in the crate for longer than they can hold their bladder.

Some people prefer to train their dogs to signal to them when they need to go outside. For example, they may hang a bell from the door knob and train the dog to ring the bell when it needs to go outside. This is advanced training and isn’t required to housebreak your dog.

Finally, make sure you approach the housebreaking experience as a positive one. If the dog senses you don’t want to take it outside, it will try not to go. Keep boots and a coat near the door so you can take the dog out and be comfortable when you’re out there. Make it pleasant for the both of you.

Tips to Safely Board Your Pet during the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 03:14:00 +0000

The holidays often require families to travel out of town. Flying or driving with your pet often doesn’t make sense. Flying is expensive and dangerous for many animals. And driving with a pet is stressful for them and you. Additionally, it can be challenging to find a place to stay where your pet is welcomed.

The solution for many families is to board their pets during the holidays. Yet boarding your pet is akin to finding a nanny for your children. It’s important to find someone who will care for your pet and love them almost as much as you do. Let’s take a look at some tips to help you find the best situation for your beloved pet.

#1 Visit Any Kennel by Yourself First

Finding the right boarding situation requires ample planning time. Ideally, you’ll be able to visit a few in your area and talk with the owners. Ask to see where the pets play and where they sleep. Don’t schedule an appointment, but rather stop in. This way you’ll be able to see the reality of the kennel. Are the animals in the kennel happy? Are they playing? Does the space look clean and well maintained? Are the employees happy and alert?

#2 Ask Questions

During your visit it’s important to ask a lot of questions. Ask about playtime and feeding time. What’s their schedule? What do they do when there’s an altercation between animals? If you have a small breed, do they have a separate area to play? What if an animal needs some quiet time - is there a place where they can rest? Do they have a veterinarian on call? How many people are on staff over the holidays and weekends?

#3 Trust Your Instincts

If a place doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. If you don’t feel comfortable leaving your pet at a kennel, it’s going to affect your entire trip away. There are wonderful boarders and kennels in your area. Wouldn’t you rather leave your pet with someone you trust so you can relax and enjoy your holiday?

#4 Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations

One of the best ways to find a great boarding situation is to ask friends and associates who have pets. They may be able to refer you to a great place. And it’s a lot easier to leave your pet with a new person if they’ve been recommended by someone you know and trust.

#5 Consider a Pet Sitter

Many people want to make a little extra money during the holidays. If you know of a college student or responsible teenager who you trust, consider asking them to pet sit for you. This way your pet doesn’t have to deal with a new environment. They can stay in their home where they’re comfortable. And you can trust that your pet sitter is exercising and feeding your pet. You may even ask for regular updates via text message or Facebook to make you feel a bit more comfortable with the situation.

Boarding your pet during the holidays can be stressful for both you and your pet. Take the time to find the right situation. Trust the person you’re leaving your pet with and you’ll have a more enjoyable time away.

What to Expect When Volunteering at Your Animal Shelter

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 03:13:00 +0000

Do you love animals? Are you looking for a way to give something back? You might enjoy volunteering at your local animal shelter. During the cold winter months they fill up with animals and their volunteers tend to decrease. It’s the perfect time for you to get started. Here’s what to expect.

#1 Training
Regardless of the type of volunteer work you’re going to be doing at your local animal shelter, chances are you’ll have to participate in some type of training. This training is important because it helps protect both you and the animals in your care. For example, if you’re going to be taking care of small rodents like bunnies and guinea pigs, you’ll need to know how to handle them so they don’t get injured.

#2 Commitment
Most animal shelters require a weekly commitment from their volunteers. This helps them best manage their staff and make sure that all animals receive the proper care. If you cannot commit to volunteering an hour or two each week, it may not be the right opportunity for you.

#3 Choices

There are so many ways you can volunteer at your local animal shelter. Here are some of the myriad of opportunities:

Dog walker – Help dogs get their daily exercise
Cat handler – Play with and interact with cats so they’re properly socialized
Dog coach/trainer – Work with the dogs to help increase their adoptability
Bunny/small animal handler – Work with the small animals to help socialize them
Groomer – Help the animals feel more comfortable and more presentable by grooming them
Adoption assistant – Help people and families find the best match for them
Foster parent – Care for pets in your home and help train and socialize them making them better candidates for adoption
Fundraising/behind the scenes – You don’t have to work directly with animals to make a difference. You can volunteer your services and help manage your local animal shelter. Help with fundraising events, staff training, volunteer recruiting and more.

#4 Be Prepared to Get Your Hands Dirty
Working with animals is a dirty job. You may be asked to clean cages and you’ll most certainly come home covered in pet hair. If you have allergies or issues with getting dirty, you may prefer to help in a more administrative capacity. Don’t worry, all volunteers are appreciated. In fact, because so many people want to work with the animals, the administrative responsibilities often get overlooked by volunteers.

#5 What’s Next?
Your local animal shelter likely has volunteer information right on their website. Visit their site and learn what you need to do to get started. If there’s no information, simply pick up the phone or drop in and see how you can help.

Want to Help Animals? How to Donate to Your Local Animal Shelter

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 03:11:00 +0000

Animal shelters across the country are filled to capacity. The ongoing animal control problem is part of the problem. The expense of caring for an animal is another. People simply cannot afford to keep their pets. Shelters require a great deal of help to continue caring for their animals. If you’re an animal lover, you can help in a number of ways.

Donate Money

One of the simplest ways to help your local animal shelter is to donate money. Many shelters have a donation button right on their website. Click the button, choose the amount you want to donate and save your receipt for tax time. Some shelters even allow you to set up recurring payments so you can donate every month.

Another way to donate money is to attend shelter fundraising events. For example, the Humane Society often holds races to help raise awareness and money. Sign up for a race and a portion of your race fee will go toward helping pay for the cost of animal care.

Donate Supplies

In addition to donating money, you may be able to donate supplies to your local animal shelter. Shelters commonly need:

Cat food
Dog food
Food bowls
Bedding for cats and dogs
Bedding for rodents
Leashes, collars, and harnesses
Crates
Unused dog and cat toys

Contact your local animal shelter to see what supplies they need most. If they house livestock they may also need hay, veterinary care, and other livestock supplies.

Donate Your Belongings

Some animal shelters have other means to raise funds. For example, a local Humane Society may have a thrift store. Proceeds from the thrift store go to help pay for the care of the animals. You can donate to the Humane Society by donating your gently used items to the thrift store. It’s a great way to get rid of clutter and help a charity at the same time.

Donate Your Time

Finally, almost every single animal shelter in the country could use a few more volunteers. They need people to walk dogs, play with cats, and care for the animals by cleaning out their crates. They also need people to help with press and publicity, recruit volunteers, train volunteers and much more. You can apply your specialized skills and help a local shelter. Whether you help care for the animals or help manage or promote the shelter, your time and skills are needed.

If you want to help animals and are unsure how you can give back to your community, consider donating your time, energy, or money to your local animal shelter. It can be a wonderful feeling to know you’ve helped make the life of an animal better.

Rare Cat Breeds

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:57:00 +0000

In order to choose a rare cat breed for a pet, you need to know how the breeds are defined and what breeds the cats originate from. Rare cat breeds are defined as breeds that are not generally recognized by cat registration organizations though they originate from other recognized breeds.

Breeding determines the behavioral characteristics of the cat. Some cat breeds are highly temperamental and their offspring are not very friendly. Some breeds due to the rare breeding have genetic defects and illnesses that get passed on to the kittens.

The following is a list of some of the rare cat breeds you may want to consider for a pet.

American Wirehair – this is a medium sized cat with a long head and round eyes. It has a firm, muscular body with rounded ears and the females in this breed are smaller than the males. The cat has a wiry coat of differing textures that comes in a variety of patterns and colors. The coat is typically dense and can be spiked, curly or crimped. Despite the wiry texture, the coat is soft; ruffle it and it will spring back into place.

These cats are good with children and other pets, make loyal and playful companions and enjoy human company. They are prone to allergies and it is recommended that the coat be kept clean and dry.

The California Spangled – is a new breed of cat and one that is extremely expensive. It is believed to have been bred from a mix of the silver-spotted tabby, British and American short hairs, seal-point Siamese, Spotted Manx, Cairo feral cats and Asian non-pedigreed cats. This breed was developed to create funding for the larger wild cats especially leopards.

The breed in fact closely resembles a leopard, but despite initial interest, the breed is still extremely rare. The cat has a long body with a spotted coat that ranges in color from dark charcoal to silver. It has a predatory gait. These cats are not unfriendly to other cats, are healthy and need regular grooming.

The Elf Cat – is another very rare breed, not recognized by cat associations. The breed was developed from the Sphynx ad the American Curl resulting in a hairless cat with curly ears. The cats enjoy human company, are intelligent and social; they like the company of other pets and should not be kept alone. The Elf cat is a good pet for people who suffer from allergies because of its hypoallergenic quality. Regular bathing and the right room temperature are the main requirements for caring for the breed.

Obese Cats, how to dealing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:46:00 +0000

Feline obesity is apparently a huge concern in North America. Many cat owners are facing problems with their overweight pets. According to statistics, roughly 60 percent of America’s cats are overweight and 30 percent fall into the obese category.

A cat that is overweight or obese - both conditions are equally bad according to the experts - is at higher risk from a range of health issues. Overweight cats are prone to diabetes, kidney problems, hip and joint problems. Some fat cats even have problems using the litter box!

If your cat is overweight or heading in that direction, the information in this article may help you get your cat back into shape.

Diet is one of the main reasons why cats put on weight. Owners believe quite wrongly of course in showing their love by feeding a cat cheese and milk. Both are rich dairy products. Here is the math on this subject – if a cat weighs ten pounds at one ounce of cheese it is the equivalent of eating 3.5 hamburgers and 5 bars of chocolate! Staggering! Scary really!

Human food is not meant for cats so avoid the temptation and killing your pet with kindness in the process. Obesity can also start with a cat being fed a low grade cat food brand. Most grocery store brands are very low grade, full or grains and vegetables and no real meat. Now cats are meat eaters and they need meat to survive. Grains and vegetables quite simply do not provide a cat with the nutrients it requires. Grains are nothing but carbohydrates that serve only one purpose – to pack on the pounds!

If the damage has already been done and your cat is overweight, you need to feed it a light, low calorie diet. Talk to your vet; take the cat in for a checkup and seek advice on the best diet plan for your cat. There are some very good high quality diet foods available at pet specialty stores. These special foods will be expensive, but in the interest of your cat’s health, well worth the investment.

As with humans, cats need exercise to knock off those extra pounds. Go out and buy a bunch of toys that move and make noises. This will encourage your cat to chase after the toys. Get toys that crinkle and try the ones with catnip or honeysuckle – that should get your pet going. Play hide and seek with your cat and drag a ball of yarn around the house getting your cat to chase it. A healthy cat means you have your pet with you for a longer time.

Clicker Dog Training

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 06:43:00 +0000

The newest dog training craze is clicker dog training. A clicker is a small rectangular plastic box with a metal button on top that clicks, hence the name clicker. It is the type of training the dog decides whether or not it suits him. There are many success stories with clicker, but with my dog he just did not want to know!

Researchers in dog studies believe that the clicker promotes enforced training, without punishment! As we all know when we do something good and get rewarded for it we are going to do the same again, a dog thinks the same way. Dogs learn through consequences, if they do something and it earns them a treat and praise they are going to want to do it again because they like this consequence. If they do something that you do not like and they get ignored or said no to in a strict voice they know that they aren’t going to get any treats so are not going to do it again.

Clicker dog training works in such a way it reinforces good behaviour. If your dog sits, click and give him a treat. The next time he sits do the same but do not say anything to him. He will soon realize that when he sits he will get a treat and hear a click, so when you eventually come to click before he sits he knows to sit. Its not all that confusing when you think about it.

Punishment is not used in clicker dog training as researchers believe that although punishment does stop some bad behavior may be any other unwanted behavior. Punishment is almost always carried out after the dog has done something wrong, so dogs see punishment as any punishment resulting thus not really solving anything.

Clicker dog training is not only used or dogs! It is generally used for other animals such as dolphins and horses. It is a method widely practiced training and lead to results, if performed.

Read also :
- Dog Supplies Buying Guide
- Dog Training Book

The Collie Dog

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:43:00 +0000

The Collie dog makes an excellent sporting dog, and can be taught to do the work of the Pointer and the Setter, as well as that of the Water Spaniel and the Retriever. He can be trained to perform the duties of other breeds. He is clever at hunting, having an excellent nose, is a good vermin-killer, and a most faithful watch, guard, and companion.

Little is known with certainty of the origin of the Collie, but his cunning and his outward appearance would seem to indicate a relationship with the wild dog. Buffon was of opinion that he was the true dog of nature, the stock and model of the whole canine species. He considered the Sheepdog superior in instinct and intelligence to all other breeds, and that, with a character in which education has comparatively little share, he is the only animal born perfectly trained for the service of man.

At the shows this type of dog is invariably at the top of the class. He is considered the most tractable, and is certainly the most agile. Second to this type in favor is the smooth-coated variety, a very hard, useful dog, well adapted for hill work and usually very fleet of foot. He is not so sweet in temper as the black and white, and is slow to make friends. There is not a more graceful and physically beautiful dog to be seen than the show Collie of the present period. Produced from the old working type, he is now practically a distinct breed.

The skull should be flat, moderately wide between the ears, and gradually tapering towards the eyes. There should only be a slight depression at stop. The width of skull necessarily depends upon combined length of skull and muzzle; and the whole must be considered in connection with the size of the dog. The cheek should not be full or prominent.

The muzzle should be of fair length, tapering to the nose, and must not show weakness or be snipy or lippy. Whatever the color of the dog may be, the nose must be black. The eyes are a very important feature, and give expression to the dog; they should be of medium size, set somewhat obliquely, of almond shape, and of a brown color except in the case of merles, when the eyes are frequently (one or both) blue and white or china; expression full of intelligence, with a quick alert look when listening. The teeth should be of good size, sound and level; very slight unevenness is permissible. The jaws ‘clean cut’ and powerful. The ears should be small and moderately wide at the base and placed not too close together but on the top of the skull and not on the side of the head. When in repose they should be usually carried thrown back, but when on the alert brought forward and carried semi-erect, with tips slightly drooping in attitude of listening.

The body should be strong, with well sprung ribs, chest deep, fairly broad behind the shoulders, which should be sloped, loins very powerful. The neck should be muscular, powerful and of fair length, and somewhat arched. The dog should be straight in front. The fore-legs should be straight and muscular, neither in nor out at elbows, with a fair amount of bone; the forearm somewhat fleshy, the pasterns showing flexibility without weakness. The hind-legs should be muscular at the thighs, clean and sinewy below the hocks, with well bent stifles. The feet should be oval in shape, soles well padded, and the toes arched and close together.

In general character he is a lithe active dog, his deep chest showing lung power, his neck strength, and his sloping shoulders and well bent hocks indicating speed, and his expression high intelligence. He should be a fair length on the leg, giving him more of a racy than a cloddy appearance. In a few words, a Collie should show endurance, activity, and intelligence, with free and true action. In height dogs should be 22 ins. to 24 ins. at the shoulders, bitches 20 ins. to 22 ins. The weight for dogs is 45 to 65 lbs., bitches 40 to 55 lbs. The smooth collie only differs from the rough in its coat, which should be hard, dense and quite smooth.

Dog Training Course

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:39:00 +0000

In agility your dog has to be trained to run courses. You will be able to train him on obstacles separately or you will be able to train him on a dog training course, either option is good but a course is much better in the long run. Most dog agility handlers have had experience running and training their own dog but when new handlers arrive at a club they have had no experience in agility and need all the help that they can get! So advising them about dog training courses is the best way to start.

Some handlers may have had previous experience in competitions like dog obedience, show dog work or fly-ball but not in agility. When starting out learning courses is the first thing any handler must do, they must know what a course involves and how to run one, if they do not know then how is their dog supposed to? A dog training course is a simple method to teach your dog agility and is great practice for when it comes to competitions. Any dog can run a course, mini’s, midi’s or full seized dogs are welcome in shows but of course the obstacles are lowered for the smaller dogs!

A dog training course is usually used on training nights by all the members of the club and there is usually one handler there who helps the rest, by letting the handlers know what they are doing “wrong” with their dog, the handler must project good body language and good commands for the dog to follow orders if the handler does not then the dog will just run around and not do anything correctly!

Separate obstacles are usually set up for handlers and dogs who need to concentrate on just one aspect of the course, for example their jumping, weaves or contact points. Again there is usually a guide there to help the beginners to show their dog what it needs to do. A lot of dog training courses are ran with inexperienced dogs on the leash so that they do not interfere with other dogs running on different training courses.

Any dog can learn agility with the right method of training; dog training is not only available in agility or obedience either. I mentioned something earlier called fly-ball. Fly-ball is the new competition sweeping the UK by storm. Crufts (the biggest UK dog show) now even have a course for it. It is where the dog runs over five small low to the ground hurdles and then reaches a box where it places it two front paws on a pad, when the pad is pressed a tennis ball is released from behind the machine and the dogs aim is to catch it and run as fast as they can back! This is great to watch and even better to train for.

If trained correctly on a training course dogs can be taught amazing things and reach new heights that you did not think possible, try and train as often as you can and your dog will soon be a master in its game and you will carry home many trophies and rewards for your efforts!

Pill for Cats

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 06:54:00 +0000

Giving a cat a pill can be a nightmare. No cat wants something shoved down his throat, and he will fight you tooth and nail to prevent it. Although most cats are small in size, you would be quite amazed with how much power they actually have. There are ways that you can get your cat to take his pills, which we will cover below.

The easiest way to give a cat pill is to crush the power into a powdery form by putting it between two spoons. Once the pill is powder, mix it in with some wet cat food. Cats that are used to eating dry cat food will see the wet food and think of it as a treat. They will normally eat it up, unaware that they just took their medicine.

If the medicine happens to be in capsule form, all you have to do is pry the capsule apart then sprinkle the medicine on some wet food and serve it to your pet. If the food also contains the pill or if your pet is sick, chances are he won't eat it. In this event, you should look into a Pet Piller. The Pet Piller is a device used to administer tablets and capsules to pets safely, quickly, and easily. You can get these handy devices from your veterinarian. They are plastic rods that hold the pill until you press a plunger. When you get one, you should always get a long one with a softer tip.

When you get your gun, your veterinarian should show you how to use it. The most difficult aspect of using the gun is getting your cat to open his mouth. The gun will more or less shoot the pill in the cat's mouth, and down his throat. You will need to hold him tight, to make sure that he does not wiggle his way loose. Once you have his mouth open, you will need to squeeze the trigger and pull the gun away quickly. After the pill has been inserted, make sure you give your cat a treat.

If you are not comfortable using the gun, you can always try giving your cat his pills by hand. To do it this way, you will need to hold your cat still, and open his mouth with your hand. Once you have his mouth open, you should aim for the back of his throat and throw the pill in. Once it is in his mouth, you should close his mouth with your hand and hold it shut for a few moments. This way, your cat will swallow the pill if he has not already.

If you can not get any of the above techniques to work, you can always go to a local pharmacy and get them to a make flavored gel or liquid using your cats medication. You should use this as a last resort though, as it can tend to get expensive.

Dog Training Book

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 08:52:00 +0000

Does your dog need a good seeing to? Does he act inappropriately? Those are just a couple of questions many people are answering in dog training books. Hundred of people are writing books on dog training as it is such a big market. Many people struggle to train their dogs on their own and people love the fact that they can make a profit out of it. I am not saying that it is wrong to write a dog training book and charge for it, it is very good that there are book resources available everywhere.

There are people writing dog training books that have never actually owned a dog and the nonsense they blether is quite funny but then you get the serious writers. People that have had about 30 years of dog training experience are putting their knowledge onto paper and making it available to the whole world which is fantastic. Many people need direction when it comes to teaching their dog basic training and books are a great way to learn. You just have to be careful you are purchasing a book from a genuine dog trainer and not someone who can paint a pretty simple picture of dog training, because a pretty simple picture is not what dog training is about.

One of my favourite books was "Help! My dog has an attitude" written by Gwen Bohnenkamp. This book is an excellent read and full of great tips and advice. She tells you about the problems that dogs are facing in an ever growing scary world and the pressures it puts on dogs, whether it are trains that are rushing past, cars that are coming to close or even the drain in the middle of the street making that funny loud gurgling noise! There is one thing about her book, it makes you realize that a lot of dog problems are made by us, we aim our dogs to do these things but we are oblivious to it, thank goodness she does not make you feel guilty about it though!

Whereas "The Dog Whisperer" written by Paul Owens is one of the books I was telling you about earlier. He writes about the simplest of dog training techniques and then fills his book full of psycho-babble about how to treat your dog and how to love him, that's not what a dog training book should be about. It has had a good few write ups but I think it is not worth the money or time to read it. He starts of going on about how Jesus and Buddha might train their dogs and then goes on about how he felt spiritual enlightenment and a feeling of pure love for his dog.

Dog training books are easy enough to get and if you enjoy a good read then sit down to one, have a cup of coffee and get prepared for the next days step; actually training your dog!

Great Gifts for Cat Lovers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 04:14:00 +0000

There are a lot of great gifts that you can give to cat lovers, although photo frames are among the most popular. Photo frames are very affordable, and make a great gift for anyone who owns a cat or other pet. Those who own more than one cat will truly appreciate photo frames - as it gives them a chance to show off their pet. Cat lovers can also frame pictures of their pet for memories as well - and keep them forever and ever.

Before you give a cat lover a gift, you should take into consideration what type of cat the person owns. There are several breeds out there, including tabby, pure breeds, Persian, calico, and of course the infamous Siamese breeds. Someone may own several cats as well, which is why you should know a little bit about the breed or breeds someone owns before you get them a gift.

You should take into consideration whether or not the cat lover has an outdoor or indoor cat. Cats, unlike dogs, are more than happy to spend all of their time outdoors. Outdoor cats can be a lot of fun, especially if the owner spends a lot of time outdoors. Cats have a natural urge to go outside, even if the owner has an indoor cat.

Cats who reside indoors are less exposed to sicknesses and common health problems that outdoor cats are exposed to. Indoor cats are almost always trained to use the litter box, which makes them easy to maintain for their owners. Nearly all gifts that you can get for a cat lover are designed for those who keep their pet indoors.

If you are looking for a humorous yet agitating gift, you can always give the gift of catnip. Catnip is one of the most popular treats for cats, as it’s a naturally occurring plant that has a unique affect on a cat. Catnip gives off aromatic oils that will often make cats appear to be drunk and very hyper - which is always great entertainment for both owners and guests. Catnip is completely safe for cats to consume, often times being included with gifts such as chew toys and play balls.

Other great gifts for cat lovers include decorative mats with cat pictures, which you can get personalized for the owner if you prefer. You can also give cat videos, cat shaped mail boxes, musical cat dolls, toys and treats, and various other goodies that are directed towards cat lovers. If you do your shopping on the Internet, you will find that the possibilities are endless. Cats are very popular pets - meaning that you will have no trouble finding the perfect gift for the cat lover in your life.

Keeping Cats Out Of Your Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 03:46:00 +0000

Your first line of defense when keeping cats out of your garden is to make sure that you have your boundaries secure. If there are any gaps in your fence, you should make sure that you block them to prevent any low access. Cats are very agile animals, and can jump very high. Normally they can jump a fence, which is why you should also invest in string or taut wire across the top.

If a cat has made his way into your garden, it may be hard to get him out. Most people choose to use dogs, simply because dogs are known to dislike cats. There are several dog breeds out there that totally dislike cats, such as Dobermans and Pit Bulls. Cats are completely fearful of these breeds, and will flee if they see them around.

All cats are known to despise water as well. If you spot a cat in your garden, water almost always gets him out. All it takes is a bucket of water or a well aimed squirt with a garden hose to make him run away. After you have hit the cat with water several times, he should get the hint not to come back anymore. If he comes back, simply squirt him or throw more water on him until he gets the idea.

Protecting your plants is a different story. Mothballs are said to be very effective, as cats do not like the smell. You can use mothballs around your plants, garden borders, or even along the fence. There are additional repellents that you can use as well, such as cayenne peppers, tobacco, lavender oil, citronella oil, mustard oil, and even lemon grass oil.

If you visit your local hardware or lawn store, you can find motion activated sprinklers. They work great in keeping cats out of your garden. Once you install the sprinkler system and a cat comes into the area, the detector will pick up the cat’s presence and immediately shoot out a jet of water that will douse the cat. In most cases, all it takes is a few times of exposure to the sprinkler before a cat learns to stay out of that area.

Sound devices that feature high frequencies are also a great way to scare off cats, although they aren’t annoying to humans. You can find numerous different models, such as those that stay on all the time, and those that are motion detected. To use this type of device, you will need to make sure that the model you have is strong enough to cover the entire area. If you model you are using is strong enough to cover your entire garden, it should suffice in scaring off any unwanted animals.

You can also use commercial repellents as well. Commercial repellents use scents to keep cats away, and should not be used near any food crops. Due to their high chemical content, commercial repellents can pollute your crops. You can find them at your local department store, with several varieties to choose from, many of which will fend off other animals from your garden as well.

If you have a garden, it can be very annoying if cats and other animals decide to make your garden their home. If you stick to your guns and do your part, you can prevent them from bothering your garden or your crops. Once you have secured your boundaries around the garden, you should try applying water first. If water does not seem to work, you can look into another method, such as commercial repellents.

Cat Behaviour : Common Meanings

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:07:00 +0000

A lot of people think that cats work on their own agenda, not paying much attention to their owner - provided they have clean litter, food, and water. Cats can behave in odd manners at times, which can easily confuse their owners and make it really hard to determine what the cat wants. As much as cat behavior can be confusing, there are some ways that you can solve common cat behavior mysteries.

A common behavior that almost all cats do is push their heads into any type of object that will allow them to do it. You have probably seen your cat do this before, probably against table legs, TV stands, or another object. This can be noticed more when you have other people who own animals or those with allergies over at your house. When a cat notices this, he will rub his head or body against the person. In doing so, he will put a touch of saliva on the individual. In a cat’s mind, he owns what he puts his saliva on.

By putting his saliva on something, that object or person will have a familiar scent. Although this can be very annoying, you have to understand that other people in your home are seen as odd or weird to your cat. When a cat does this, he is simply trying to make the visitor belong. When he brushes up against them and puts his saliva on them, he is trying to put his scent on them - which in his mind will mean that they belong in his territory.

Even though marking someone or something with saliva is beneficial to the cat, saliva is one of the most common forms of pet allergies. When someone wipes the saliva off of them, the scent will be gone and the cat will go back and attempt to do it again. Even though it may appear that cats target those with allergies, cats are actually just trying to make the visitor belong at the house. If the guest simply cannot take the saliva, allow the cat to rub himself on their pants leg a few times. Normally, this is all takes for a cat to leave the person alone.

Those of you who an indoor cat should expect the cat to spend quite a bit of time lying near windows. During this time, you may hear your cat make very strange noises or weird movements. You should not fear though, as he is simply acting out his hunting instincts. Whether it’s another cat or object outside moving about, the cat will see it and simply go into his native hunting instinct.

As most already know, cats love to play, especially with toys. They will pounce on things on occasion, which should always be expected. If you try to prevent this type of behavior, your cat will take a very negative approach and you will end up with a lot of broken things in your home. You can always play with your cat using a string, as he will love to chase the string around the room.

The longer you own your cat, the more odd behavior you will see him exhibit. Cats behave in strange ways, although they always have a reason for behaving the way they do. If you can understand why your cat behaves like he does, you will have no problems keeping him healthy and happy. If you simply pay attention to your cat and the way he behaves at times - you will be able to understand him better than ever before.

Curing Bad Cat Breath

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 09:41:00 +0000

Cat owners know for a fact that bad cat breath can be downright awful. It is not that much different from bad human breath, as both are caused by bacteria found in the mouth that breaks protein down and releases the sulfur compounds out into the air. Sulfur smells really bad on its own, which is why breath containing it smells bad as well. The bacterium that causes bad breath with cats is normally associated with a buildup of tartar around the teeth. Tartar is yellow in color, known as a coating of bacteria, food, and minerals.

To cure your cat from bad breath, you will need to remove the buildup of tartar. There are several cat foods out there that are designed to reduce the buildup of tartar, many containing enzymes that will literally dissolve it. You can also give your cat treats as well, as many of them will help eliminate and prevent tartar. If the buildup of tartar is bad, you may need to have your cat’s teeth professionally cleaned. Once the tartar has been removed, the bad breath will go away.

You may be able to clean the tartar off your cat’s teeth at home. There are several toothpastes available for pets, available in several different flavors. You will need to get a mechanical toothbrush, as the motion is very important for removing tartar buildup. Toothpastes that contain enzymes will dissolve tartar, helping to cure bad breath. If you start early with brushing your cat’s teeth, you can virtually eliminate any type of tartar buildup that will ultimately lead to bad breath.

Some bacteria that lead to tartar can be found in your cat’s diet. When you feed him, you should always make sure that the food he consumes does not contain a lot of bacteria. If you shop healthy and feed him only healthy foods, it can help his bad breath a great deal. When you give your pet a treat, make sure that the treat is designed to help with tartar. After your cat has finished eating, you can brush his teeth or rinse his mouth out. This way, you’ll get the bacteria out of his mouth before it has time to build up on his teeth.

Sometimes, cats may have a bad odor in their mouth that does not come from tartar or bad breath in general. In these rare cases, it can be either liver or kidney disease. If you notice bad breath and it is not tartar, you should take your cat to the vet. Even though it may be something to do with tartar, it is better to be safe than sorry. Your veterinarian can pinpoint the problem; let you know what the cause is - and how you should go about fixing it.

Cat Behavior : More Oddities

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:46:00 +0000

In my previous article on cat behavior, we discussed some interesting and unusual behavior displayed by the family of cats that live on my farm. That was only the beginning. These cats seem to delight in unexpected behavior. I thought I would share a few more gems with you.

There are three female cats on my farm. They consist of matriarch, Patch, and two of her daughters. There have been other female cats on the farm, but I have been able to find new homes for all of them. Cats, being solitary hunters, aren’t expected to show any kind of social hierarchy. My three female cats do have a definite hierarchy. The top cat is, of course, Patch. It's the two daughters that have been interesting. The older daughter, Calico, is from Patch's first litter she had on the farm. She is a sturdy, healthy calico that has not had any real problems. The second daughter is Little Girl. Little girl is a couple of years younger than Calico. She is the smallest cat on the farm. A black cat with flashy white markings, little girl is active and elegant.

Since her birth, Calico has been Patch's favorite daughter. Calico and patch hung out together much of the time. Patch even allowed Calico to help her with her kittens. When Patch wanted to go do something, Calico was right there to baby sit. Even when Patch was there, Calico was often right there with her. She could often be seen washing a kitten or even just providing a nice warm place for the little guy to sleep. When Little Girl arrived things continued quite awhile in the same way. Little Girl grew up and had her first litter of kittens. Calico, as occasionally happens with calico cats has turned out to be sterile. She has never had any kittens. Because of that, when little Girl had her kittens, Calico lost her favorite daughter status. With Little Girl's kittens, Patch became the doting grandmother. She was always helping Little Girl with her kittens. The two of then could often be see lying together, bathing the kittens or watching them play. Calico was banished. She was not allowed anywhere near those kittens or any other litter since.

Calico did not just lose kitten privileges. She was not even allowed to hang out with Patch anymore the way she used to. Poor Calico, she was very upset. She knew exactly who to blame for her predicament. Little Girl. Calico and Little Girl fought several times. Unfortunately for Calico, Patch would sometimes jump in on Little Girl's side and run her off. Calico was banished to hanging out with her brothers. It has been a couple of years since then. Little Girl is still favorite daughter. Calico's position has eased somewhat. Last summer, Little Girl allowed Calico to help her with her kittens once in awhile. Patch has allowed Calico to hang out with her again from time to time. Who knows? One day Calico may just be able to work herself back into her mother's good graces. Little Girl seems to think so. She watches Calico very carefully. If she thinks things are going too well for Calico, Little Girl will start a fight with her. Oh well, Life goes on.

It is not only the girls showing some interesting behavior. This past year two brown kittens were born. Thomas, a handsome cinnamon brown with lots of flashy white, was born in the spring. Pudge is solid brown without any white at all and was late summer. What is interesting about these two is that they are both fascinated by horses. We have three horses and every day you can find Thomas or Pudge (or both) strategically positioned to watch them. When I call the horses out of their pasture, often I find Thomas trotting in along with them. If I throw hay into their mangers I have to check before I throw. Quite often Thomas or Pudge will be sitting in the manger, ready for a close up study of the horse. When the horses are grazing, Thomas will creep along, nose to the ground until he's almost nose to nose with the horse. He will stay there for a few moments until the horse gently swings his nose at the kitten to push him out of the way. Pudge has recently developed a fascination with horse's tails. He will come right in behind the horse's heels and start playing with the tail. Fortunately for him, the horses have refrained from launching him into orbit.

Cats are funny and entertaining creatures aren't they. You just never seem to know what they are going to do next.

Cat Behavior

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 07:35:00 +0000

Cats are known as solitary animals. They do not hunt communally or share the spoils of a hunt. Sometimes cats with adjoining territories will get together for a pleasant evening grooming session, but on the whole they aren't the most social creatures with others of their kind. This general wisdom doesn't always seem to hold up.

My barn cats are a single family descended from a lone female who wandered onto our place one day and decided to stay. She and her children and grandchildren police the local rodent population. Their behavior does not always match the solitary hunter of common wisdom.

The original female, Patch, used to like to take her kittens for daytrips around the area. I have watched her bring her little brood back from wherever they have been in the evenings. One evening I watched her stop and sit down near the edge of a small, lightly used road running next to our farm. Two of her kittens stopped next to her. As she turned her head one way and then the other, carefully looking for traffic, the kittens mimicked her actions. The only one who did not was the little orange tiger who became distracted by a butterfly. Patch retrieved her wandering kitten and brought the whole family home. Walks are still a part of kitten lessons.

I recently watched Patch, her daughter and three of their kittens taking a walk around the boundaries of our farm. Patch and her daughter led the way. The two younger kittens were in the middle. The oldest kitten, not quite a year old brought up the rear. When one of the younger kittens stopped too long, he tried to move them along. If he could not then one of the mother cats would come back and get the little guy moving. I have wondered what this little jaunt was about. Possibly Patch was showing the newest members of her family where their territorial boundaries were?

Some of the most interesting behavior I have seen regards family member who were injured. One of Patches' sons is a big burley black and white adult tom. A very handsome and friendly boy, he unfortunately has a talent for trouble. One day he came limping heavily into the yard wailing at the top of his lungs. His mother and sisters raced up to him as fast as they could. While he continued to cry, Patch began washing his face and ears while his sisters lay down over top of him. They stayed that way for some time while I called the vet. I am happy to report that he recovered just fine with only a hitch in his giddy up to remember his adventure by.

Another of Patches sons, a brown and white tom just under a year old, got into a fight with his eldest brother. During the fight his foot was injured and began to swell. I found him limping along on three legs the following morning. I brought him onto our porch where I could keep a close eye on him and he could recover without further injuring his foot. While he was recuperating, various members of the family perched outside the porch windows, keeping him company.

These are just a few examples I have seen among my cats. Maybe they are unusual. I have certainly never seen cats act this way before. Or maybe, just maybe, cats are not such social isolates as everyone's always thought!

Litter Cleaning For Cats

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 09:28:00 +0000

Almost everyone, adults and kids alike have a natural fondness for cats. They are loving, quiet, and very playful pets that can provide you with years of entertainment. Although most of us have a fondness for cats, that fondness can rapidly diminish when it comes to the litter box. Even the most hardened cat lover may get tired of litter box duty, especially when it comes down to scooping “you know what” from the litter box.

Cats are very intelligent, instinctively knowing how they should use the litter box. After the cat has finished using the litter box, someone in the family will need to scoop the waste from the litter box. This can be a very dirty and somewhat smelly job, one that is often overlooked during the day when the workload gets heavy. Cleaning up the litter box does not take but a few minutes, although most would prefer not to do it at all. Although the litter box will need to be scooped out daily, it will also need to be changed once a week as well, by throwing the current bag out and replacing the box with a new bag and fresh litter.

Those who do not like to scoop out the litter box should invest in one of the best inventions ever - the self cleaning litter box. These litter boxes are easy to use, and will keep the area clean. After the cat has used it, the self cleaning litter box will automatically clean the litter either by sifting or using a device that resembles a rake.

Self cleaning boxes that use shifting will often times have a round design. Once the cat leaves the covered box, the dome on top will revolve for the box to clean. The litter in the box will be shifted with the waste being put below the litter where it is discarded. Once the waste is properly disposed of, the litter will be returned to its normal position in the box for the cat to use again.

Boxes that have raking systems will often times sport a rectangular design. Once the cat leaves the box, the rake will automatically come out and clean the litter. The rake will clean all of the litter in the box, including the clumps of waste as well. Rakes are popular, although the shifting litter boxes are by far more popular and more common.

Those who are often times away from home could greatly benefit from a self cleaning litter box. They are great to have for cats that spend a lot of time by themselves, as they virtually eliminate any scooping of litter on your part. You can find them at your local pet or department store, even online as well. They are very affordable - and ideal for anyone who does not like scooping waste from their litter box.

Hunting Dog Training

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 02:00:00 +0000

There are forms of hunting which are now illegal in the UK but some forms of hunting are not. Bird hunting seems to be a popular hunting sport for dogs and handlers. Hunting dog training is a lengthy, time consuming process which at the end is very worth it! You have to be completely dedicated and willing to put in a good deal of time to get the desired effects.

There are 3 essential commands when teaching your dog to hunt. The commands are "whoa", "come" and "heel". Handlers believe that "whoa" is the most important of all 3 and is crucial when hunting birds, your dog needs to understand that when you say "whoa" you need to your dog to stop completely in its tracks, no matter where it is or what it is doing, this command is not only helpful in hunting but can also save your dog’s life in other situations such as traffic!

Hunting dog training is quite a specific training field and needs to be done by professional hunters. They have the best knowledge and information on how to optimize your dog's hunting potential. Many people think hunters use their dogs but they adore their dogs very much and treasure them as they would children, in fact most of them are like little spoiled kids!

Hunters believe that if you can "whoa" your dog you have the hardest part over and done with. You can make him stand still while you rush to him and congratulate him on a hard days work, that’s what it’s all about; making sure your dog knows he’s done good! Always take a lot of time praising him in a soft soothing voice, dogs are born to make their owners happy and when he knows what makes (he will know because you praise him when he does what makes you happy) you happy he will constantly get better and better at the task you're asking him to do.

Apparently even the best champion only ever has his dog command "whoa", "come" and "heel". His dog does it to perfection though. A lot of breeds of dog today are being interbred to produce a perfect hunting dog. All dogs have a great potential to become the greatest hunting dog in the world, you just need to give him some hunting dog training. Experts say that half an hour a day when the dog is under one year old, and when the dog is over the year mark one hour a day three days a week is all it takes to train your dog in the ways of a hunter!

Dog Puppy Training

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 07:05:00 +0000

A new puppy in the home excites everyone especially children but make sure you got the puppy for a good reason and not just on a spur of the moment feeling. Like they say dogs are for life not just for Christmas. A puppy can bring lots of happy memories and times but they have a lot of training and work involved to, they are not all fun and no work!

A puppy’s temperament depends on where the puppy has been brought up and what type of breed he is. German shepherds, bull dogs, Rottweilers and boxers are all guard type dogs so tend to be very loving and protective. Border and bearded collies tend to be herding dogs and reared on farms and tend to be quite enthusiastic and never sit still (be aware because they are reared on a farm they may be a little bit nervous around modern day technologies, such as bridges, loud noises etc). Labradors, gun dogs and pointer are all hunting dogs so expect them to be full of energy and laughable moments. Of course these are just general expectations every dog has its day…and its personality!

Puppy dog training is something that can be achieved in a matter of weeks depending how much time and attention you spend on it. You do not need to train for hours and hours a day, a few minutes several times a day is all it takes. The first thing you need to train your new puppy in is obedience, commands like sit, stay, come, heel and fetch are basic enough for them to learn. As they get older you can incorporate commands like paw, roll over and play dead! Training a young puppy is not as hard as you may think as they're like a blank sheet of paper waiting to be written on. The way and things that that they are taught will stick to them and will influence them later on in life, although training is not forever so you need spend a few minutes every day just to keep reminding them what to do.

There are not so nice consequences involved when puppies are not trained, for a start your house will constantly be a toiler ground for them and your furniture will have massive holes in it. Puppies are like babies and need to be taught the difference between right and wrong, to do this you need some puppy dog training!

Many handlers experienced or in-experienced are turning towards training products and aids but training can be done without these methods. Just a bit of good old hard work! A puppy may take several months to training but when it is complete the benefits will be well worth it, but do not forget to top up on your training for several minutes each day or your dog will slowly forget and you will have to start all over again, with an even bigger task, training an older dog!

Dog Kennel Training

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 07:25:00 +0000

There is great controversy about dog kennel training. Many believe that cages, kennels and crates are today’s answer to quick convenient punishment. Although not as much controversy as there is about dog collars that choke a dog and give them electric shocks. Many dogs find comfort in their own place and some find quite strange places to call their own- the washing basket, the tumble drier, the bottom drawer…..

When dog kennel training you must ensure that you don't put your dog in there when he has been bad as tempting as it may be. Also dogs can not be in the kennel for more than four hours due to the fact that they will need to stretch and need to the toilet. Many dogs start to feel uncomfortable after four hours and then they begin to get anxious. Sometimes the kennel is not the godsend some think it is. A lot of people are not using kennels properly and therefore end up with more problems then they had started with.

You firstly need to identify the problem that you're using dog kennel training for, it is for housebreaking? Chewing? Making a mess? Once you have identified the problem you then need to utilize the cage to your advantage. All dogs should feel at home when they enter their cage. Food and water should always be available to them and comfortable bedding. For chewing problems chew toys should be available in the kennel and no where else and if he is caught chewing show him his chew toy instead do not shout at him. Housebreaking is a little bit harder. Most dogs will not do their business where they sleep. So once you notice your dog start to get uncomfortable in his kennel take him out and let him do his business, once he has praise him and continue to repeat. Dog kennel training needs a lot of attention and probably aimed at dogs that are very stubborn and hard to train.

You may think caging up a dog is cruel but in truth its not, what happened to us when we were small? We were left in our cot or playpen to play, that is what you're doing to your dog, nothing cruel or inhumane just practical. Kennels are a little bit expensive to buy so make sure that you want to follow dog training kennels methods to the end before purchasing one.

Dog Toilet Training

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 07:45:00 +0000

Unless you have a sixth sense you can't predict when and where your dog is going to do the toilet, that is why dog toilet training is necessary. Dogs need to learn to “hold it” and go where he is supposed to as they do not know any different. In the wild dogs can go when and where they please, but this is not the wild and they need to be taught the difference.

Dog toilet training can be something of a difficult task. Every day needs to be the same and you need to give him constant attention when you can; this will make the toilet training procedure a lot easier. Your training process will take longer if you are working out of the house quite often as your dog will need to go and the house is the only place that he can.

When you start out dog toilet training you need to give him a place of his own, maybe a corner of your back room. That should be where you put his food and his bed and his toys and cover the whole floor in newspaper. When you leave the house make sure he is in that room and can not get out.

When you're gone he will obviously need the toilet and will go where he is standing, but over time he will pick a place and start to do his business in the one place, when he starts to do that you can then start to remove the paper from the area furthest away from his chosen spot. Gradually continue this until it is only a small space available for him to go, if he misses the paper then you are moving a little bit too fast and need to go back a step or two until you get to as little papers as possible. When he gets older he will be able to control his bladder movements a lot easier.

When you're at home spend as much time with your dog as possible. Dog toilet training will be much easier if you do. Every 45 minutes or so take your dog outside and whenever he does the toilet outside make sure he is praised very happily and excitedly with lots of enthusiasm, and do this every time that he “goes” outside. He will realize that this is where he needs to go to the toilet and when he can control his bladder a little better he will wait until you come to let him out. It does take a lot of time and patience though.

Never scold your dog for doing the toilet in the house as he does not know any better. We did the toilet in our nappies until we were potty trained because there was nothing else we could do about it, when we needed we went, well dogs are the same. No dog is properly toilet trained until he is about six months old so it is a lengthy procedure but a great one when the end results start to show!

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