Animal Solutions Unlimited

Having Trouble HouseBreaking your dog?

noreply@blogger.com (ANIMAL SOLUTIONS UNLIMITED) — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 00:31:00 +0000

I have covered information on this subject before, but because there are so many questions on it I thought maybe I need to add more for a better understanding about it.

Dogs can be our best friends when we are down, our buddies when we take them out riding and our protectors when someone comes to the house, but when it comes to housebreaking, crate training and just down right eliminating where we want them to, some dogs don't seem to understand us.

Little dogs can be the most feistiest and the HARDEST TO HOUSEBREAK OR CRATE TRAIN for the life of us!!! Is this you? You try to teach your puppy over and over and over and over .......and over and over til you can't do it no more. You become frustrated, maybe even cry, but they usually just don't ever get it. Or maybe your little puppy goes pee outside, then comes back inside and pees again!

Little dogs and puppies don't have bladders as big as bigger dogs do, so holding their bladder can be very challenging to them. There are few small breeds that can do it and are very smart. For example the mini poodle. Just keep in mind that they still have small bladders, so they can't hold it long.

*Puppies can have different ranges of when they can be taught successfully. Some can learn in a few weeks, while others may take up to six months. This is because of the maturity level of the puppy. But start teaching your puppy as early as possible, which tends to be from 6 to 8 weeks and up.

**Older dogs can learn too, but may have a harder time if they have not had the habit of being house broken most of their life.

For the little dogs, most owners need a doggie door and a secure fenced yard so they can simply go out when they need to because they may not let us know when its time, or may have to go often.

Bigger dogs for example a Labrador Retriever, Doberman, German Shepherd, and the like can be much easier to house train/house break/crate train. These dogs were actually bred specifically to be detailly trained by their owners and also have the bigger bladder. The breed is something to think about too. You may want to look into the background of your dog breed. A lot of little dogs were bred simply and specifically for companionship or to be shed-free.

So if you have a small/little dog that you have tried and tried and got to where you're wearing yourself out trying to get it to become house broken, then maybe its just not a dog that will be house-trained. And know that it's not what you're doing wrong. You can do the doggie door and secure fenced yard thing or put down doggie pads which are very popular with breeders of small breeds.

A mixed breed may even be a good choice for you. ...... A companion dog mixed with a training dog......a non-shedding dog mixed with a training dog....etc.... Lab mix, Poodle mix, Rottweiler mix, etc. Labs are the most popular dog in the U.S.

There are some bigger dogs that won't be house broken either, but a much smaller amount than little dogs.

Next: How to successfully housebreak/crate train your dog.

If you would like more information you can fill out the contact form to the right.

So You Want To Train Your Very Own Playful and Cute Puppy?

noreply@blogger.com (ANIMAL SOLUTIONS UNLIMITED) — Sun, 07 Jul 2013 17:48:00 +0000

So you want a puppy? Maybe your friend has one and every time you go over her house her puppy is so fun and playful...cute and adorable! Its even trained to sit, speak and let her know when it needs to go potty. It gave you the idea.."Why don't I get one? It will be my puppy. I will have my very own fun and adorable puppy to come home to everyday."

Stop!...................................

That's the usual scenario. Someone sees a puppy that is just so adorable and has to have one of their own. But did they count the cost of being able to keep that puppy everyday?

Puppies are just like children. They can't tell you when they feel sick. They pee wherever and need to be told what to do from the second of them being in a new home.

What else?

Puppies get worms from their moms. It doesn't matter if the mom has been wormed. A lot of times things get missed because mature dogs immune systems are able to enable them not to become sick from things around them. Puppies need to be wormed from at least week 4 and up. And if they are wormed later than week 4 can have the risk of getting very ill with worms before their bodies catch up. And if your puppy has been around fleas it may have tapeworms. So you need to worm for round worms, hook worms and tape worms.

Ok, then your puppy could of been around other dogs that had a virus or contagious sickness. A lot of puppies just don't survive fatal sickness. Most of the small puppies in the shelters won't make it out alive. Not because of euthanasia, but because of the sickness in the shelter. If you do bring a puppy home from a shelter, it needs to be kept in an isolation, away from other dogs. Your veterinarian may be able to give it some meds for relief if it becomes ill, but most of the sicknesses in puppies come from viruses that can only run its course on its own. There is no cure. This is where your puppies vaccinations are important so it won't get sick if it hasn't yet.

WHY AM I REFERRING TO ALL OF THIS BEFORE TRAINING? Because all this happens to most people when they get their new puppy home. You as the owner, need to make sure your puppy isn't sick, or you won't be able to even start training.

All of the above is what you need to consider before taking your puppy home.
Questions are:
Where will you get your puppy from?
What type of breed is good for me according to my lifestyle?
Will I be able to do a lot of traveling if I want to?
Will I have time to train my dog to fit me?

And don't think that getting an older dog will make things go faster. In some cases it may. But older dogs have a past, a history where they already learned things that may prevent you from training right away. They may need to UNLEARN some things first. They may have been abused or not had any vet care yet. Unfortunately, a lot of these dogs need vet care and may already have heart worms because they were neglected their whole life, even if it was for 1 year or less.

So make sure you have the heart and soul to put into HAVING YOUR VERY OWN PUPPY before you think having your very own will be fun and easy. Training can create a bond between you and your dog. It creates a routine and trust with your dog, which is what it thrives on.

Puppies As Child Gifts during the Winter Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (ANIMAL SOLUTIONS UNLIMITED) — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 02:00:00 +0000

For many this year Christmas brings the joy of getting together with family and friends to celebrate. And Parents and Grandparents are trying hard to make their child’s Christmas the best!!! And usually with gifts of toys, gift cards and puppies.

Puppies are not meant to become gifts under the Christmas tree. Don’t get me wrong, there are some families, but very few, that will actually keep the puppy they introduce to the family this Christmas.

If you are familiar of what happens after Christmas day you would know that people return items they don’t want to the stores. Tons of items go back through customer service desks. But those are not the only unwanted gifts that get returned or tossed to the side. Puppies are also on that “gift return” list. People become discontent because they didn’t realize how much responsibility the puppy would be or that their child would become uninterested in the puppy.

So what happens to the puppy that was under the tree for Christmas? That same puppy that was in a warm home, with a bow on its head is taken to the shelter or pushed to the side feeling unwanted.

Please understand that a puppy is a LIFE with feelings, not just an object that stands still until you decide to move it. Let a child grow and have a passion for animals before you get a puppy that will become unwanted. The only exception is if you are an adult that has had a dog before and you know what it takes to care for one. So if the child doesn’t want the dog then you can have your very own best friend.

Pet Supplies Plus is a HIT in Concord, NC

noreply@blogger.com (ANIMAL SOLUTIONS UNLIMITED) — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 23:27:00 +0000

I went to the new pet store in Concord today, Pets Supplies Plus. That's me in the blue sweater. The store has been having their Grand Opening Saturday, Dec. 8 & Sunday, Dec. 9. I enjoyed sniffing and playing with the dogs for adoption! And there were some wonderful ones!..... Like Storm, Nana, Gina and Ellie. The rescues I met were from Concord & Greater Cabarrus County and HS Cabarrus County Rescue. Hey, I'm for adoption too!

I also walked on leash while there looking at all the smell good dog treats( they had tons!!!), fun squeaky and chew toys, soft dog beds,
oH...and even the other animals .... fancy gold fish, fuzzy rabbits and different breed & colored birds! You should of seen the 11 year old dog that came out looking like royalty after he was groomed.

The customer service was great and the store is very clean. I loved walking down the dog food isle! There are isles just for cat food and isles just for dog food...and lots of it!!! So chances are you'll find the one you're looking for.

The store also has a rewards card for Preferred Pet Club members that includes a birthday reward coupon for customers who supply a birth date for their pet(s), up to 3 per household.

I had soooo much fun at Pets Supplies Plus...what an awesome NEW Place!!! You and your babies ought to check it out sometime!
BTW their address is: 1237 Concord Parkway North, Concord, NC in the Shoppes at Davidson Corner plaza with Harris Teeter.

N.C. LOW COST Spay / Neuter THANKSGIVING SPECIAL!!!

noreply@blogger.com (ANIMAL SOLUTIONS UNLIMITED) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 00:06:00 +0000

Are you looking for a Low Cost way to have your pet spayed or neutered soon, but don't know a GREAT place to get it done?

Take advantage of the November THANKSGIVING SPECIAL at SPAY / NEUTER CHARLOTTE!!!

-Cats are $35.
-Dogs are $65.
Dogs that weigh 50 to 84 lbs pay an additional $15.

Rabies vaccine is $10.
All animals must have their rabies vaccine up to date or receive it on the day of surgery. If your pet already has its rabies vaccine, just bring in the certificate the day of the surgery.

An E-Collar can be provided for your pet for only $10.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF MECKLENBURG COUNTY or RESIDE IN CHARLOTTE!!!

Call 704-375-2009 to set up an appointment.
You can also choose to set it up through their online form.

Appointments fill up quick!

I personally had my dog fixed with their pitbull spay/neuter special in September and was I am very happy! My dog was sent home with meds and had NO complications at all! She is now healed up and has a spay tattoo. I'm also going to have another dog done there in November!

Their staff is very detailed, personable and orderly!
Check them out and give them a try! Information is right on their site.

http://SpayNeuterCharlotte.org
http://facebook.com/SpayNeuterCharlotte

3 Bonding Secrets To Dog Training

noreply@blogger.com (ANIMAL SOLUTIONS UNLIMITED) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 08:05:00 +0000

Are you having trouble getting your dog to listen to what you want it to do? Do you find yourself becoming frustrated with training your dog to sit, calm down or go potty where you want it to?

There are 3 need to know Secrets for dog owners that most dog trainers don't teach. They will help create a lasting bond with you and your dog.

When I was a teenage girl, I loved caring for stray animals. People in the neighborhood saw what I was doing and started telling me about strays they saw and one person actually left a puppy on my doorstep one morning. Although I couldn't have pets in my home then, I had 2 cats that would stay around my home and greet me whenever I came outside.

As I grew up, those who knew me would say I was the "animal lady" because I spent lots of time with animals and connected with them so closely. I would take strays in, bathe them, feed them, and find them a place to stay.

In the process of caring for animals, I learned 3 Bonding Secrets that no one can learn from a book.

Secret #1. Connecting with an animal is not much different than spending time with a person you love. What do we do to people we love? We make sure they eat, give them what they need to be in a good environment and most of all, we show them that we love them. The bonding love from an animal can be a very heart warming experience. Take heed though. Animals are not DUMB. Most of your domestic animals, if you give them love, they give love back. But your ENERGY has to be right because they know a bluff.

Secret #2. Animals do not want to be around negative energies. Those are energies that mean to harm them or approach them with the wrong attitude. So if you ever become frustrated with training or play time with your dog, take time out until you can come back to the situation.

Secret #3. Its best to get an animal that matches your level of energy activity. And sometimes its not all about the breed of dog. If you like to go hiking and do lots of outdoor activities, then a high energy dog would be good for you. On the other hand, if you are an average walker, then you need a dog that fits your lifestyle and that energy level.

Please go share these 3 Secrets so more animals' lives can be happy.

5 Fun Things To Do With Your Dog While Staying Safe On Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (ANIMAL SOLUTIONS UNLIMITED) — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Are you wondering what to do with your dog on Halloween? Well here are 5 things you will want to do after you read them!

Fun thing #1.

Put on Clothes, Hats and Wigs:

Do your kids like to put clothes on the dog? Well on Halloween let them have a ball! Maybe put on an outfit, a wig, hat, whatever fits your dog's fancy or funny bone!

Now if your dog is fussy and doesn't like putting things on, that's ok! There are still ways to enjoy putty clothes on him or her. Read on.

How to decorate a fussy dog? Be gentle and talk softly. Then when your dog gets one piece of clothing on reward it with a “good girl” or “good boy”! Say it like you really mean it and feel it. Your dog will start to realize that its something you enjoy to do and that's why you do it, not just because it needs to be done. And if you plan on dressing your dog up often or even every Halloween, and your dog is young, you will want to start now because as your dog ages it will become accustomed to dressing up and be less fussy.

When your dog puts a few things on and lets them stay on, then do things as normally and don't be tense. See how funny your dog looks with what you are putting on it in your mind? Have fun! Laugh at your dog a little! Those are the feelings that encourage your dog to do more!

Fun Thing #2.

Take Your Dog out of the House:

Yes! Take your dog out with you if you can! Let it socialize and become part of your family. A socialized dog is a happy dog. You don't have to take it all around town. Try to do something outside of your dog's everyday surroundings so it can smell new things and see new people and dogs.

Now if you are not sure how your dog is going to act you may want to wait til you know what its temperament is like on a consistent basis. Some dogs just won't get along with other dogs or people. But if you can bring him or her out and away from home for awhile, even if its to the pet store then do it.

Make sure you can handle your dog on its leash! And please DON'T let a child hold the dog leash if the child is young and not old enough to know how to hold your dog's leash! A young child can easily be swayed to putting his or her mind on something else and totally forget to hold on to the dog leash tightly or forge to hold on to it at all. And please, please, PLEASE, don't say it won't happen to you because that is usually the time when accidents happen, when you think it can't happen to you.

Fun Thing #3.

Go to a Dog Halloween Costume Party

These are very fun events for both you and your dog! There are usually game prizes and FREE gifts just for coming! There are also different breeds of dogs to see, costume contests and special offers for exciting buys you may not know about yet.

Vet practices have them, you may find them at pet stores or maybe someone has one at their home. Lots of times these are public events open to anyone to come and have Fun with their dog. Just look out for them locally online or ask around at different pet places.

Fun Thing #4.

Take The Dog Trick or Treating With the Kids

Doing this is great for socializing your dog! He or she will get to meet different people. Maybe even meet new pets they have.... And will see how much fun the kids have. Dogs are a lot like us, Monkey see Monkey do. And that's how they learn.

Fun Thing #5.

Dress Up With Your Dog

Yes, I said it! Its always more fun with 2 than just one, isn't it? Your dog will also get to understand just how much fun it can have!

This is also something you can go back to “Fun Thing #1” with. If the “good girl” or “good boy” tactic doesn't work, try dressing up yourself then dressing your dog. Some dogs may like that better. Although if you dress all up then try to dress your dog may be a little harder or your dog may get silly seeing you get dressed, then trying to dress them up while they sling the clothes off will be funny to them, you may really want to try this, because its still Fun and you will have yourself and others in stitches with laughter!

So there it is! 5 Fun Things to Do With Your Dog While Staying Safe On Halloween

Pictured is one of our rescues at age 5 months Halloween 2011.

How to Keep Your Pets Safe During the Scorching Summer

noreply@blogger.com (ANIMAL SOLUTIONS UNLIMITED) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 22:06:00 +0000

THE SUMMER IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TIME OF YEAR TO KEEP YOUR PET SAFE FROM THE HEAT

So, how do you keep your pet safe?

WARM BLOODED PETS

Cats and Dogs can suffer from heat stroke and dehydrate quickly. So keep water bowls filled. Be sure the water you give them is at the appropriate temperature your pet needs. Some dogs cannot have very cold water from the fridge or ice in their water.Keep Rodents, Rabbits and Birds' bowls filled also.

HOW ABOUT FISH?

You can actually put ice in a fish bowl or tank if you have Betta or Goldfish. But make sure to test the water temperature before putting in the ice. The water will most likely be at the home temperature when it just sits. You may NOT want to put ice in the water if you have tropical or salt water fish. Any kind of change in their environment may cause them to become stressed, or die. Just keep an eye on the water temperature and move them to a place inside where they are most comfortable, if possible. Betta and Goldfish are hardy fish and can take a little more change.

KEEP YOUR REPTILES WARM

Reptiles need the warm temperatures because they are cold blooded. Some can be put outside to absorb the sun on a nice, sunny day. Water turtles do very well absorbing vitamin D from the sun outside. Just be sure to keep a top on your container your reptile is in so other critters won't come along and hurt it. Reptiles include snakes, turtles, tortoises, lizards, alligators....animals with protective scales or shells.

AMPHIBIANS CAN BE KEPT SOMEWHAT WARM

Frogs, toads, newts and salamanders are another story. They are cold blooded, but because they mostly have soft skin, they need to stay in the shade, under something or in mud. They can become injured if they get too warm or sit in the sun. So if you have a pet amphibian, make sure to keep it away from a sunny window or very hot environment. Being outside is NOT good for it either, unless its in the mud or the rain. Amphibians are unable to maintain their body temperature above that of their environment and only become active when the temperature is high enough. (kind of muggy)

The Truth About The Holiday Shelter Animal

noreply@blogger.com (ANIMAL SOLUTIONS UNLIMITED) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:58:00 +0000

In my years of rescuing animals I have seen different neglect and abuse cases, but my experience is that many of these animals do get another chance of being in a comfortable and secure home for the rest of their lives. The sad truth is that our country’s shelter animals’ chances for the same are slim to none.

Did you know that when there are holidays during the year shelter animals have a lesser chance of getting adopted than they do on regular days? And regular days may only run from 3 to six days for most shelters. But during the holidays, many shelters across the U.S. close for the holiday putting more of the animals in their care in a bind of being euthanized at a faster rate, less days they have available to be adopted. On many of the closed days, shelter animals are being evaluated for euthanasia. Families drop off their unwanted pets so they can “enjoy their holidays better”, meaning even more animals will be put to death around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.

This holiday season, all animal lovers, let’s tell our friends about these animals that breath the same air we do and are open to our world to bring us holiday joy. And remember to also tell everyone that we want to spay and neuter our pets so we don’t have to worry about more shelter animals up for euthanasia when next year’s holiday season comes around!

Adopt A Senior Dog In The Month of November

noreply@blogger.com (ANIMAL SOLUTIONS UNLIMITED) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 19:44:00 +0000

~ November is Adopt a Senior Dog Month ~

WHY ADOPT AN OLDER DOG?

From the very beginning you’ll know their full-grown size, personality and grooming requirements. All this information makes it easier to pick the exact dog you are looking for and get that instant connection that will last their lifetime. Not into surprises? Then an older dog is for you!

Can you teach an OLD dog NEW tricks? The answer is YES!!!!
Older dogs have a good attention span and great at focusing on you. They can be better learners because they’re calmer than youngsters. Plus, more years of experience reading humans means they can quickly figure out how to do what you’re asking.

Older dogs don’t require the constant monitoring puppies do, leaving you with more freedom to do your own thing. If you have young children, are very active at home or need to take some time to yourself, this is a great bonus.

Less messes in the house means more time to do things you need to do. Most older dogs are likely to already be housetrained. If they’re not, they have the physical and mental abilities to pick it up really fast (unlike puppies). And with their teething years far behind them, seniors also are much less likely to chew on things and become destructive chewers.

Please consider an older canine rather than a high-energy young dog who may run you ragged. Not that older dogs don’t require any exercise.....younger high energy dogs need lots of exercise, but the older dog is not going to need, or want, to run every day.

AT SHELTERS, OLDER DOGS ARE OFTEN THE LAST TO BE ADOPTED AND THE FIRST TO BE EUTHANIZED. Nowadays, rescues are having trouble finding space to hold on to the senior dogs that seem to find a home slower than the youngsters, and a lot of times the fosters that keep the dogs have a major life change and if the dog is not adopted in time, they have to go to the shelter. Their last hope for living out their lives naturally and comfortably is adoption. THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN. Saving an animal’s life offers an ENORMOUS emotional return on your investment, and you’ll feel the rewards every day you spend together.

The Joys............

What you see is what you get
A buddy to spend more time with and less time cleaning up after
Friend to go places with and less time training
Your older dog will already have passed the stage in life to know to alert you when there is someone outside the door
An older dog will appreciate and understand the hugs they receive around the neck

Pictured above was our loving, fun and outgoing Reno. He passed away this year at the ripe age of 16 years (human years). He lived longer than either of his background breeds, Pit bull & Boxer. And he never saw a sick day in his life until he died. That was one of the last pictures taken of him.

September is National Guide Dog Month

noreply@blogger.com (ANIMAL SOLUTIONS UNLIMITED) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 01:12:00 +0000

Dogs help us daily by being our companions, workers, and cuddle buddies. But one of the greatest ways they help people is being a guide dog for the blind. September is National Guide Dog Month.

Guide dogs of America provides guide dogs and instruction in their use, FREE of charge for blind and visually impaired men and women in the United States and Candada.

Check out their website for more information at www.GuideDogsofAmerica.com

The Questionable World of Dog Feelings

noreply@blogger.com (ANIMAL SOLUTIONS UNLIMITED) — Thu, 27 May 2010 22:37:00 +0000

Do dogs have feelings?
Have you ever been mystified by the thought of this question?

Our dogs run, jump, play, dig, swim and enjoy us just like we enjoy them.
But do they have feelings?

There is a story that has been hitting the air waves for a while now. Its a very touching story about a man that found a dog at the train station. He brought the dog home and tried to find its owner, but never did. So he kept the dog to grow up with his family...wife and daughter. They loved the dog very much and spent lots of time with him. The dog was very curious and spent most of the time in the yard.

One day the dog saw the man leave home. He climbed over the fence for the first time and followed the man all the way to the train station where he daily took the train to go to work. The man came back to the same train station after work to go back home that day and the dog was there waiting for him. This actually became their every day routine for about 10 years or so until the man died.

When the man died the family moved and took the dog with them. The dog became distressed, ran away and went right back to the train station where he used to meet the man every day. He stayed around there for the rest of his life until he died.

The question again was "Do dogs have feelings?"

We see them each and every day. They all have different personalities. They love us just like we love them, in their own way.

Dogs do have feelings, but not like we do. They are just like us in so many ways in that they learn from the way they are socialized and train to act. If there is neglect, they tend to learn things on their own even if it is something that would'nt be considered "good manners". But they don't know any better.

The best way to see man's best friend is to know that we, man, took them from the wild and made them a part of our pack. We DOMESTICATED the dog.

Our dogs are happy, communicate and show affection to us because this is the way we have raised them to be as they have grown and it is part of their nature as a pack animal. They learn from their surroundings as well as the animals that are not so fortunate to be raised in a home that shows them comforts and love they deserve.

Yes.....your dog has feelings and they rely on you to love them the best you possibly can.

Who Really Needs the Training……Your Dog or You?

noreply@blogger.com (ANIMAL SOLUTIONS UNLIMITED) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:28:00 +0000

Picture this: Petunia has the day off from work and spends the day with Max, her dog (her baby). They go to the park together, play ball and run around ‘til they are both tired. When it’s time to go home, Petunia calls Max to come to her so they can walk to the car and leave. Max takes the time to think about it and decides that he doesn’t want to end the day yet. He jumps around everywhere except where Petunia wants him to be. What would you do in Petunia’s situation? Chase Max and risk the chance of him running into the road? Call him and get upset letting out all of your frustrations? My, my, my have we a long way to go to learn about dog training.

First of all, who really needs the training…..your dog or you? Who is in control here?

Many people want a “dog trainer” to come to their home and assess the dog’s problem. Don’t you agree that there is work to be done and that you, as the owner of your dog, should take complete responsibility? Well, then why are you looking first for the dog to be trained?

Here is the scenerio. The “dog trainer” comes to your home. You introduce him/her to your dog, Duchess. She loves to dash out the door when it is open and you don’t want her to run into the road and get hit by a vehicle. How is Duchess to learn this behavior? Will Duchess and the “dog trainer” have a conversation so she can cooperate with you? Or will you have the conversation with the “dog trainer” so you can learn how to communicate to Duchess that you don’t want her scrambling out the door when it is open? (Smile)  Get the true picture? It is simple. You learn from the trainer. You train your dog.

Welcome to Animal Solutions Unlimited!

noreply@blogger.com (ANIMAL SOLUTIONS UNLIMITED) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:57:00 +0000