Training Your Cat To Use The Toilet

Training Your Cat To Use The Toilet
    
Cats are wonderful pets but cleaning the litter box can be a real drag. But what if you could train kitty to use the toilet? Instead of dealing with messy, smelly litter, you could eliminate your cats elimination with just one flush!

When training your cat to use the toilet, it's best if you have two toilets in the house. Using one just for the cat and one for yourself during the training period will make things much more convenient although you can train your cat with only 1 toilet.

For toilet training your cat you will need an aluminum tray that fits into the toilet as well as an aluminum tray as a replacement for his litter box. The idea is to get him used to the aluminum tray in the same spot his box is usually in and then the tray in the toilet won't seem so foreign.

Keep the litter box in it's original spot but replace the box with the aluminum tray instead. Use the same litter and keep everything else the same.

Gradually move the litter box closer to the toilet. Don't move it too far each time and make sure your cat knows where it is by taking her over to it and scratching her paws in it. If your cat stops using the box, you are probably going to fast for her so slow down. Training a cat to use a litter box is a process that takes a long time so patience is key.

Once the cat is using the litter box next to the toilet, raise it an inch off the floor. make sure you use something that will keep the box stable and where the box will not slide off. Gradually, raise the box an inch higher until it is level with the toilet. As it gets higher the cat will have to jump up into it so it is critical that the box is stable, if it tips over this will scare your cat and she might not want to use it again.

At this point, you should have the tray ready in the toilet. You can use a cooking tray that is wide enough to fit the toilet. Put the tray in between that seat ring and the toilet base - make sure this holds it in place. Put some of the litter the cat is used to (make sure you use flushable litter) in the tray.

Leave the litter box level with the tray in the toilet for a couple of weeks, gradually taking away the litter in the box. Eventually, the cat should just jump up and use the tray on the toilet. Once this is happening regularly, take the litter box away.

The next step is to gradually reduce the amount of litter that is in the tray on the toilet. Also, make a little hole in the tray. Each day, reduce the litter more and make the hole a bit bigger. Do not move to fast on this or your cat might not feel comfortable using it. Eventually, you can remove the tray all together and your cat will be toilet trained!

Since your cat needs to balance on the toilet seat eventually, it is not recommended that you train cats that are too young. Wait until your cat is about 6 months old so that he is big enough to balance on the toilet seat. One important point that should be obvious is that once your cat starts using the toilet - you MUST leave the toilet lid open at all times - the cat can't open it himself!

Be patient as this training process can take several months, but when your cat is trained you will have eliminated the smell and mess of a litter box. Now the only problem you will have is remembering to knock next time you want to use the bathroom as your cat may be using the toilet!



Realted articles about pets training :

• Dog Training Tips


• Potty Training Your Puppy!


• The Rewards Of Training Your Dog


• Training Your Dog to Sit


• Basic Puppy Training


• Obedience Training for Your Dog


• Dog Training


• The Happy Puppy Owner's Guide To Housetraining Your Puppy


• Training Your Cat To Use The Toilet


• Bribery and Cat Training


• A Cat Behavior Training Crash Course


• Cat Care While Training


• Cat Litter Training


• Cat Potty Training


• Cat Toilet Training Tips


• Cat Training Aids


• Clicker Training Cats


• How to Correct a Cat in Cat Training


• Kitten Training Tips


• Training Your Cat to Coexist with Your Dog


• Cat Health : Litter Training


• Cat Training devices


• Cat Training Products


• Cat Training Requirements


• Cat Training Supplies


• Cat Training Tips for Different Breeds


• Reinforcing Cat Training


• Training Your Cats to Use The Scratch Post


• Treats While Training Your Cat

Who Takes Care of Your Pets When You're Away ?

Who Takes Care of Your Pets When You're Away?

Can your dog wait 10 hours to go for a walk? Will the cat have enough food and a clean litter box if you are away for a week? What if you can't come home Wednesday nights because of a prior commitment?

Anytime a pet owner needs to go away on vacation, stay long hours at work or has regular scheduled activities that take them away from home they must consider how their pet will be cared for. Pets provide entertainment and companionship but are also a huge responsibility. You show respect for your pet by taking its needs into consideration and planning accordingly.

Fortunately there are many services available to assist you in caring for your pet during times when you can't personally give them the attention and care they need. What are they? Which is best for your pet?

DAY CARE

Social animals, like dogs, can suffer emotionally from a lack of attention. If your dog has access to the outdoors they will be able to relieve themselves when necessary but a house-bound dog will physically require a walk or you will come home to an accident on your rug and a frustrated animal.

Day care centers provide the needed social stimulation most dogs crave. At the day care your dog will spend time with other dogs and have people looking after its physical needs. If you have a young dog this can be especially important as your dog may become destructive with a lack of supervision and an abundance of unused energy.

BOARDING KENNELS

If you plan to be away overnight or for longer your dog or cat may be placed in a boarding kennel. This can be expensive but will ensure your pet is cared for daily and overnight.

IN-HOME CARE

If you are comfortable leaving your dog at home all day you may find the in-home services of a visitor or dog walker to be sufficient and less costly while still providing personal attention.

Cats and other animals may not need daily visits if you come home in the evening but will need some attention if you are away overnight or for several days. Cats prefer their own homes rather than the highly social aspect of day cares or boarding kennels. Other pets, such as birds and reptiles, will most likely do better with in-home care as well.

In-home care can be as basic as someone taking your dog for a walk in the middle of the day or as inclusive as having a sitter stay in your home with your pet.

Examine your situation and budget when choosing a method of care. Take your pet's best interests in mind. If you are having someone come to your home be sure they are reputable. Licensed businesses should be insured and bonded when employees are trusted with entering and locking up your home.

Pet Sitters - Information on Hiring or Starting a Business

Pet Sitters - Information on Hiring or Starting a Business

Are you looking for someone to help care for your pet while you're away? Or are you interested in making your own business as a pet sitter? Here are answers to some of the common questions about pet sitters.

WHAT DOES A PET SITTER DO?

Pet sitters care for your pet just as a baby sitter cares for your children. While most pets do not demand the same amount of supervision and care that a child does every pet has a certain amount of physical requirements as well as social needs. What is necessary for your pet will depend on the personality as well as species you are looking to have cared for.

Pet sitters perform a variety of tasks. They may simply check the food and water supply of your animal. Dogs may require a walk while cats and caged animals may need their litter boxes cleaned or the papers changed.

If you have an exotic animal or bird you should look for specialized services that can adequately meet the needs of your pet.

Pet sitters allow your pet to stay in its own environment without the stress of travel or new accommodations. Pet sitters will follow the schedule your animal is use to and the diet it is accustomed to. Pet sitters also provide the one-on-one attention your pet will be missing when you're away.

WHAT DOES A PET SITTER COST?

Expect to pay at least $15-25 for a daily visit of 30 minutes - possibly more if you require the sitter to walk your dog. Usually the cost for multiple animals is only a few dollars more per animal.

If you need the sitter to stay overnight you will probably pay $50 or more. Holiday visits (during the day or overnight) will have an increased rate.

Rates will vary according to region and specialty. Some pet sitters will visit twice a day or include other tasks, such as collecting the mail, with their pet sitting services.

HOW DO I FIND A PET SITTER?

You may find a pet sitter listing in your phone book or online. You can also ask friends, groomers and veterinarians for referrals.

It is wise to only hire pet sitters who are bonded and insured since they will not only be responsible for caring for your pet but must be trusted in your home and with your belongings. Even when trust is not an issue the sitter will be responsible for being respectful of your home and properly securing your home when leaving.

WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO BECOME A PET SITTER?

Depending on where you live you may have to have a business license to operate a pet sitting business. It is also important to acquire bonding and insurance, not only for the possibility of negligence but to assure customers of your professionalism.

While you do not need experience to start your own business you will need to research businesses in the area and talk to groomers, vets and others about the market. It is important to be organized and take your business seriously - others are depending on you. Use contracts to establish the tasks and costs agreed to and keep paperwork and schedules organized.

Pet sitting can be a rewarding job but can also be tiring. You will often work during inclement weather and on holidays. Plan ahead so you do not over schedule. Enjoy your work and the animals you come to know!

Dog Ear Infections

Dog Ear Infections

Dog ear infections are also commonly called Otitis Externa. It is an infection of the outer ear canal. There are three parts to the ear; the outer, the middle, and the inner ear. Ninety percent of infections occur in the outer ear, the part of the ear that you can see.

Dogs are prone to ear infections because of the anatomy of their ears. They have a horizontal and a vertical component to them, so it is hard for anything in there to drain out, like water or debris.

Signs of an ear infection include excessive head shaking, yellow to brown exudate in the ears, or a yeast like smell. Additional signs of ear infections include redness and swelling.

There are several causes of ear infections. The most common cause of ear infections are due to allergies. Some dogs are more prone to allergies than others; therefore they get more ear infections.

Another common cause is sporting dogs that swim. They get water inside their ears, and provided their difficult anatomy, the water in the ears cannot drain out. Therefore, this provides the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to grow. It is recommenced that if you let your dog play in the water you dry your dog's ears thoroughly afterwards.

If your dog does have an ear infection it is important to properly clean your dog's ears before applying any medication.

To clean your dog's ears, start by placing a few drops of an ear cleanser into the ear and massage the ear to help loosen any debris that is in the ear. Then use a cloth or cotton gauze to whip the dirt out.

After your dog's ears are thoroughly clean, then you can apply your medication. Follow your veterinarian's advice about how much medication to apply to the ear, usually a few drops.

The treatment your veterinarian will prescribe will vary depending on the cause of the ear infection. For yeast infections they prescribe anti-fungals, for bacterial infections they will prescribe antibiotics. Normally treatment is applied directly into the ears, but in severe cases systemic treatment may be needed. This usually means have to give your dog pills orally.

In some dogs with severe ear problems, the veterinarian will usually clip the hair around the ear to help let more air into the ear. In extreme cases your veterinarian may recommend surgery to reconstruct the ear canal to let it drain easier.

Breeds of dogs that are prone to ear infections include all breeds with large ears that flap over the ear canal, and breeds of dogs that have a very small canal. By knowing what to look for, you can detect ear infections early.

Four Things to Consider Before Buying a Chihuahua

Four Things to Consider Before Buying a Chihuahua

When considering whether or not to buy a Chihuahua, whether it be for a pet or for showing, there are at least four considerations.

Hype - Don't be drawn to the Chihuahua simply because they are so small. You may have heard of phrases like: teacup Chihuahua, pocket Chihuahua and miniature Chihuahua, amongst many others. These phrases are sometimes used by breeders and pet shops as a marketing play; to make more sales. These phrases do not apply to Chihuahuas; they do not exist in the breed standard. Implying that a Chihuahua pup is a teacup Chihuahua is simply a device to entice the customer into purchasing the pup with the hope of getting a very small Chihuahua.

Fragility - Chihuahuas are not usually suited to small children. They can actually be killed or badly injured if they are stood on or dropped, or even crushed in a well-meaning cuddle. Being such a small dog, the Chihuahua needs constant supervision, and should always be kept on a lead when taken outdoors.

Behaviour - It's not often that you will come across an overly docile Chihuahua. Most are loud and dominant, trying to run the entire household, your other pets included. It's not unheard of for a Chihuahua to boss around a Boxer or even a Rottweiler, without any concern for their own safety. What they lack in size, they make up for in spirit. You need to be firm with some consistent training to help gain the upper hand. This is also necessary if the Chihuahua has developed the bad habit of what is sometimes called 'yapping'. They tend to bark at almost anything that moves or frightens them, and can sometimes become quite aggressive towards strangers. This behaviour could lead to biting and needs to be controlled.

Housebreaking - Of all the dog breeds, the Chihuahua would have to be one of the hardest to train. This is especially the case if the Chihuahua suffers from extreme shyness. Raising your voice and/or losing your temper will not help the matter as sometimes the deed is done on the carpet before they even get to the litter tray. Patience and easy access to facilities are the only avenues, and even then this task may never be accomplished.

Though there are a few downsides to owning a Chihuahua, there are many more upsides, like: a friend for life (can live well into their teens); a great travelling companion (travels light); loves to snuggle (with no expectations); doesn't need much exercise or space and will gladly give its life for you. What more could you ask for?

Taming Shy Kittens

Taming Shy Kittens

Sometimes when you get a new kitten, they are shy or they shy away from human touch. Sometimes they want to hide in a secluded spot away from you. This behavior is not uncommon and should be dealt with to bring the kitten's behavior to be more interactive with humans. Here are some things you can do.

1. Put kittens in a small room with areas for them to hide blocked off or absent. They should be in the room by themselves with no other pets. Start them off in a cage with enough room for them to run around a bit. Put a box in the cage to allow them to go into if they need to a little security. The cage can be partly covered with a blanket or towel to help them feel safer. Using a pheromone spray like Feliway at one spray per day will help too - just do not spray it around the litter box.

2. Do not stare at the kittens. Staring is predatory behavior and will scare the kittens. When you look at them, make sure you blink a lot and turn your head often. Practice trying to touch the kitten after he has been in the cage a couple of days. If they are not receptive to your hand right away, try using something like a back scratcher to rub their fur. Attempt to move your hand down the back scratcher to get closer to the kitten as you try this. An advanced method called the Tellington Touch can be attempted also. This method is proven to help an animal feel more comfortable around humans.

3. Start spending more and more time in the room with the kittens. A kitten needs at least two hours per day of interaction time with you. One person should do this at first, probably for the first 5-7 days you have had the kitten. Then one or more other people can be added to help the kitten get used to being around more people. Use a toy in your hand to play with the kitten and get him used to being close to your hand. Move your hand closer to the kitten when you hold the toy until you can touch him. Giving the kitten a special food treat also helps them get used to you being close to them.

4. Play a radio softly on a station with only voices for a few hours a day to help them get used to people's voices.

5. After you can touch the kitten, start letting them out of the cage. You may take the litter box out of the cage now and put the litter box and food at opposite sides of the room. Spray the Feliway around the room now. Do not spray it near the litter box. Start playing with them by using toys they like such as newspaper balls and string toys. This play time will turn into them looking forward to your return to play more with them. Do not forget to touch occasionally and pet them during play time.

6. After a time, just sit in the room with the kittens and do what you want to - like read, watch TV or use your computer. This will help them get used to people that are not there just to pay attention to them. Then after a while, start to play with them. Try to bring in other people in the room with them more often and for at least 30 minutes at a time. The other people should try to play with the kittens and also try to pet them.

All these things will help a shy kitten come out of his shell. If you have a shy kitten and do nothing the kitten may hide all the time. Help them get used to humans and human interaction. Some will need this help more than others.

Help Prevent Cat Hairballs

Help Prevent Cat Hairballs

Cats are fastidious animals. They like things clean and apparently one thing they like clean the most is themselves. Therefore they spend an excess amount of time just grooming. The act of licking themselves helps to untangle and remove loose hair. Their tongues are specifically made for the task. They are covered with little bumps and toward the center of the tongue is tiny barb-like bumps that act to snag the hair. Unfortunately, this habit of grooming can lead to the formation of hairballs.

Cats are unable to digest the hair they swallow. However, they are able to have the hair pass through the digestive system in small amounts. A problem is caused if the cat is most likely low on fiber, which renders it incapable of passing the hair. The hair builds up and forms a hairball. The hairball can develop either in the stomach or toward the back of the throat.

The distressed cat begins to cough and attempts to throw-up the hairball. For the loving cat owner, the gagging and retching is worrisome not to mention the annoying cleanup afterwards. While the occasional hairball is probably nothing to be too alarmed about, frequent hairballs could be a cause for concern. Constant hairballs can result in digestive track troubles such as loss of appetite and constipation.

You cannot eliminate your cat from swallowing all its loose hair. However, there are actions you can take and natural remedies along with commercial products that you can use. The best way is combing or brushing your cat to prevent swallowing as much hair as possible in the first place. Longhaired cats should be combed or brushed daily and shorthairs probably only require it once or twice a week.

If your cat needs more assistance with its hairballs, there are commercial products that can be applied to the top of its front paws. The cat will attempt to lick these off; which will aid in the hair passing through the digestive system. People have used other similar lubricants such as Crisco All Vegetable Shortening, mayonnaise or butter as a substitute to these store bought products. Yet be careful, because the use of these can cause other digestive problems. Then again, some people have used Vaseline though this also should be applied only occasionally. It is recommended that you check with your veterinarian on the use, frequency and amount of any of these products before administering them to your cat.

You may also feed your cat specially made cat food diets and treats that are intended to prevent the development of hairballs. Another interesting solution is to mix in about a teaspoon of canned pumpkin to your cat's normal food. One more method used as a preventive is to feed your cat grass a couple of times a week. You can grow the grass indoors. Rye, wheat or oat grasses are the best types to use and can be purchased at pet stores or on the Internet. Do not feed your cat grass from a chemically treated lawn.

Still, it must be noted that cats will throw-up for various reasons. Some of these may be from serious underlying conditions. Therefore before attempting any of these remedies, it is advised that you consult with your veterinarian to rule out any other illness and to see which, if any of these solutions should be tried. Along with your vet's help and one or more of these suggestions, it is possible that your cat will be able to live virtually hairball free.

Published by : Brur

GPS for Pets - Finding Fido or Fluffy Fast !

Do you own a dog or cat that is constantly escaping or disappearing? Have you set up fences and closed windows only to stand helpless as your dog rushes through your legs and out the door when the mail person arrives? Or your cat escapes over the weekend you were away and the neighbor came to feed her? Even if your pet stays safe when they are home you may face dangers when traveling with your pet to camping grounds or other areas.

Pets love to explore and even the most conscientious owners will find certain pets - especially dogs like Beagles and other hunting breeds - that routinely seek adventure out-of-bounds. Outside and alone your pet will face the dangers of cold weather, traffic on the roads and even attack by other animals - wild or not.

Can You Protect Your Pet?

Finding them as soon as possible will reduce the threats drastically. Getting your pet home before nightfall when cars are less likely to see them, the temperature drops and wild animals can roam even in the city, is key to keeping them from harm.

If you have spent too many days roaming the streets looking for your pet or suffered the heartbreak of loosing a pet forever you will appreciate what GPS technology can do.

What is GPS?

GPS means 'Global Positioning System'. It is a method of tracking the position of anything from a car to a child or even your pet. The system uses surveillance methods set up by the government with satellites monitoring a tracking device worn by the person or pet.

How Do I Get the Information?

The information can be accessed by your phone, the Internet or with software you install on your PC. Some systems also permit data to be delivered to a cell phone with GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication).

You can set a 'safe zone' on your tracking device that will only start monitoring your pet's location if they leave the area. If they leave the zone you will be alerted. When you are traveling you can reset the zone boundaries.

The information itself must be tracked by attaching a transmitter to the collar of your pet. The GPS system is much more powerful than a typical tracking collar which has a limited range. However, you will have to pay for a service provider to monitor the device and relay the information to you.

If you do choose to use GPS with your pet make sure it is part of an overall strategy to protect your pet since the device itself will not prevent your pet from escaping or encountering harm. If your pet loves water you will also need to be sure the device you choose is waterproof.

Food For Kitty

KITTY BISCUITS

1 pound liver, organs, or other meat
2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
2 cups bran
1/4 cup cooking oil

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
Cover meat with cold water and bring to a boil. Immediately lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove meat from water and let cool; retain water.

When meat is completely cool, chop into 1-inch pieces and grind in food processor, chop in a blender, or process through a meat grinder until it is finely ground. Mix ground meat, bran, oatmeal, and oil, adding the cooking water from the meat as necessary to make a thick dough. Avoid using any more liquid than needed to make a dough that is coarse and just wet enough to work with. Shape the dough into flattened balls or little bone shapes and arrange on an oiled baking sheet. Bake for 3 hours. Then, turn off the heat and let the biscuits cool in the oven to ensure they are hard and crunchy.

Let the biscuits air dry for 24 hours and store in an airtight container on the shelf for up to 4 weeks.
NOTE: When making this recipe for cats, shape the biscuits into tiny bits for easy chewing.

HINT: A good idea for getting the meat for this recipe is to save organs from chickens, turkeys, etc. in a plastic bag in the freezer until you have enough to make this yummy treat.



KITTY TREATS

1-1/2 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup tuna oil, chicken or beef bouillon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix all ingredients into a dough. Dust hands with flour and form small, 1/2-inch-thick, round "biscuits". Set on greased cookie sheet. Bake 30 minutes (or until biscuits are slightly browned).

Cool 30 minutes before serving.



KITTY CATNIP COOKIES

1 cup whole-wheat flour
2 tablespoons wheat germ
1/4 cup soy flour
1/3 cup confectioners' milk
1 tablespoon kelp
1/2 teaspoon bonemeal
1 teaspoon crushed dried catnip leaves
1 tablespoon unsulfured molasses
1 egg
2 tablespoons oil, butter or fat
1/3 cup milk or water

Mix the dry ingredients together. Add the molasses, egg, oil, butter or fat and milk or water. Roll out flat on an oiled cookie sheet and cut into narrow strips or ribbons. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until lightly toasted.

Break into pea-size pieces, suitable for cats. Good for treats, exercising gums and cleaning teeth, but too low in protein to use for regular fare.



KITTY BREAKFAST

3 eggs
2 tbl. milk
3 tbl. grated cheese
1 tbl. margarine
Beat eggs and yolks together. Stir in the grated cheese.
Melt the margarine in a frying pan until sizzling. Add the egg mixture, stirring continuously until cooked.



KITTY HEAVEN (SARDINES AND RICE)

2 cups flat cans of sardines in oil
2/3 cup cooked rice
1 tbl liver
1/4 cup parsley, chopped

Combine all ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon to break up sardines into bite-sized pieces.

Store unused portion in refrigerator, tightly covered.


KITTY COOKIES

1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup soy flour
1 teaspoon catnip
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons wheat germ
1/3 cup powdered milk
1 tablespoon unsulfured molasses
2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix dry ingredients together. Add molasses, egg, oil and milk. Roll out flat onto oiled cookie sheet and cut into small, cat bite-sized pieces.
Bake for 20 minutes. Let cool and store in tightly sealed container.

Whelping Puppies

Whelping Puppies

Preparing Your Bitch for Mating

It is important to feed your brood bitch a balanced diet. She needs adequate protein and carbohydrates, which should include all the vitamins and minerals needed to supply a balanced diet. You can prepare her meals yourself using fresh meat and whole meal bread with fine minced veggies, or but a high quality dry food such as Eukanuba or Science Diet.

After mating continue feeding her as before until about 2 weeks before whelping, at which time you should increase the amount of food by 25%, and split her food into two feeds daily. This is because there's not much room inside her for a large meal and a belly full of rapidly growing puppies.

When your brood bitch comes into season, worm her with a good quality broad spectrum worming preparation. Also take her to the Vet for a culture and sensitivity test, to guard against any possible vaginal infections.

You should take her to the stud dog by about the 8th or 9th day of bleeding so that the “stud master” can monitor her progress and ensure she is mated on the correct day. Generally they will mate at the 14th day, but they can be ready as early as the 8th or as late as the 24th day. You can get progesterone tests done to get it exactly right if you wish, especially if using frozen semen.

Preparing Your Bitch for Whelping

She should be wormed at 4 weeks after mating and again 2 weeks before whelping. She should also be vaccinated either prior to mating or at about 2 weeks before whelping. This will protect the puppies from viruses while they are suckling on her. The anti-bodies will pass from her to the puppies in her milk.

She will stop eating about 12 to 20 hours before whelping. At this time you should ring your Vet and let him know that she will whelp in the next 24 hours. Ask him if it's OK to call him at any time of the day or night if she has any problems.

Make sure you have plenty of clean newspapers on hand as whelping can be quite messy. She will start panting, pacing and tearing up her bedding (newspapers) a few hours before the contractions start. The first pup should be born within an hour or two of the start of the contractions. If she goes 3 hours and there's no pup, call your Vet.

The Whelping

As soon as the first pup is born she will settle down to her job at hand. The pups can be born in their sac or out of it. They can be born head first or tail first, it doesn't matter. Generally they will be born head first and still in their sac. If you have a problem with a pup getting stuck, try and help her by gently pulling the pup as she pushes. Don't try and pull a pup if she's not contracting though. If in doubt call your Vet.

All the puppies should be born in 8 to 15 hours, but they could take as long as 24 hours in some cases. When she's done, take her for a walk to empty. You may have to lift her or put a collar and lead on and force her to leave her puppies so she can empty. Give her a drink of milk with some electrolytes, but don't try and make her eat straight away. She will be very tired after whelping. Her appetite should be back about 12 hours after she whelps.

After Whelping

Clean the whelping box up, removing wet and bloodied paper. Replace it with a piece of carpet that you tack to the whelping box floor. Carpet will keep the puppies warm underneath, and give them a good surface to grip on while suckling. Make sure the whelping area is warm, but not hot, and certainly not cold.

For the next 2 weeks all you need do is feed her. She will begin to eat a lot after about 3 days, so be prepared. By the end of the second week, she'll be eating 4 to 5 times her normal diet. Keep plenty of fresh clean water available for her at all times.

You should start feeding the puppies some food from about 4 weeks of age. With a big litter you may need to start feeding from as early as 3 weeks. You can feed them the same food as their mother eats, but be sure it is minced fine, as you don't want them choking.

Feed them 2 to 3 times a day to 3 months of age, then twice a day.

Care of Puppies

Worm them with a worming paste at 2 weeks old, then again at 4 weeks. Use tablet wormers from 6 weeks onwards. Change worming formula's to prevent the worms from building up immunity to the preparations. Trim their nails and dew claws on their front feet each time you worm them to prevent them scratching their mother while suckling. If you don't trim their nails, she will probably wean them early.

Give the puppies some meaty bones to chew on and fight over from about 6 to 8 weeks of age. This helps prevent stomach upsets at the critical weaning age.

If you follow this advice, you should have very few problems whelping and rearing a healthy litter of puppies.

The Happy Puppy Owner's Guide To Housetraining Your Puppy

The Happy Puppy Owner's Guide To Housetraining Your Puppy

Dogs are probably the only animals in the world who love unconditionally, with their whole heart and body and soul. There are many stories of dogs saving the lives of their humans, of warning people of danger or of seeming to know when an owner is sick or in pain.

If you've decided to get a puppy, or you've recently brought one home, congratulations! You will have a loyal friend and companion who will enjoy your company, never be too tired to go for a walk with you, and who will always be on your side, no matter what!

One note of caution though. A dog is only as well-trained as he has been taught to be by his owner. It is important that your puppy understands as quickly as possible what is considered acceptable behavior and what is not in your home.

You need to decide early if you will allow your puppy to get on your furniture, where he can sleep, and what he can chew on.

So housetraining your dog now, while your dog is still a puppy is the best way to assure that she/he is a welcome and happy member of your household.

The crate method is one of the fastest and most humane methods of housetraining your puppy.

But, first, here are some do's and don'ts for housetraining your puppy:

DO'S:
Do be assessable to your puppy. If you're going to be gone for long periods of time during the training period, then do not give the puppy full access to your house. Put him in an area where you've prepared for accidents.

Do limit the amount of food and water your puppy has throughout the day. (If it's hot outside, make sure your puppy has enough water to drink, but remember that what goes in, will come out!

Do praise your puppy every time he/she does what you expect him/her to do. Your puppy wants to please you, and he/she needs to learn what behaviors create praise from you.

Do be consistent. You will only confuse your puppy otherwise.

Do be realistic. Your puppy may not be capable of being completely housetrained until he is at least six months old.

DONT'S:
Don't reprimand your puppy when he has an accident. It's going to happen, and if it does, it means that you didn't get him outside in time. Just clean it up and move on.

Don't use the crate as a means of locking your puppy up for long periods of time, or as a punishment.

Don't let your puppy go to the bathroom anywhere except his/her designated area while you are training him/her.

Why the crate method works: Dogs are naturally fastidious animals and they don't like to eliminate where they sleep or eat. Therefore, if your puppy sleeps in the crate, she/he will not use the crate as a bathroom.

First things first:

Puppies need to urinate shortly after they eat, drink, play, chew, run or walk. Depending on the breed, size, temperament and age of your puppy, this can be within 15 to 30 minutes.

1. Keep a record of the times your puppy needs to go for a couple of days. This will help you to learn his natural schedule, and make the training process easier.

2. Plan your "walking" schedule around your puppy's needs. From the time your puppy is about 10 or 11 weeks to six months old, he/she should be walked between 5 and 10 times a day. Once your puppy is between six months and 11 months old, this will drop to around 4 to 6 times a day. And when he/she is an adult, walking your dog three to four times a day will be sufficient.

3. Especially after your puppy has spent the night in his/her crate, do not return from your morning walk until he/she has eliminated. (If for some reason you do have to return, put your puppy in his/her crate, and then take him/her out every fifteen minutes or so, until he/she goes.) Make sure you give your puppy lots of praise and affection, once he/she has done what you wanted.

What the crate means for your puppy:

A crate is your puppy's home away from home, his/her sanctuary in times of stress and his "bedroom" at night.

Make sure that your puppy associates his/her crate with positive feelings. Put his/her favorite blanket, chew toys and treats inside the crate. When helping your puppy get used to the crate, leave the door open until your puppy shows no sign of fear of the crate.

The more comfortable your puppy is inside the crate, the less likely he/she will be of soiling it.

Never let your puppy out of the crate for bad behavior such as barking, whining or scratching.

How To Get Started:
1. Establish a regular schedule of feeding and going outdoors.
2. Put the puppy in the crate at night, but make sure you take him/her out first thing in the morning and don't go back in the house until the puppy has finished.
3. After the puppy has gone, bring him/her in, and let him play for an hour or so. (Remember not to give your puppy complete run of the house until he is completely housetrained.)
4. Feed the puppy.
5. Using the chart you created, take the puppy outside within 15 minutes of the time you know he/she is going to need to go. Don't come back in until the puppy has gone.
6. Bring the puppy in and let him/her play.
7. Put the puppy in his/her crate for a nap.

Repeat this schedule throughout the day.

Yes, this is a lot of work. But the method is effective, it works quickly, and your puppy will soon become housebroken, and as he/she gets older, your puppy will let you know when he/she needs to go. In the meantime, you'll be able to have complete confidence in your puppy!

Realted articles about pets training :

• Dog Training Tips


• Potty Training Your Puppy!


• The Rewards Of Training Your Dog


• Training Your Dog to Sit


• Basic Puppy Training


• Obedience Training for Your Dog


• Dog Training


• The Happy Puppy Owner's Guide To Housetraining Your Puppy


• Training Your Cat To Use The Toilet


• Bribery and Cat Training


• A Cat Behavior Training Crash Course


• Cat Care While Training


• Cat Litter Training


• Cat Potty Training


• Cat Toilet Training Tips


• Cat Training Aids


• Clicker Training Cats


• How to Correct a Cat in Cat Training


• Kitten Training Tips


• Training Your Cat to Coexist with Your Dog


• Cat Health : Litter Training


• Cat Training devices


• Cat Training Products


• Cat Training Requirements


• Cat Training Supplies


• Cat Training Tips for Different Breeds


• Reinforcing Cat Training


• Training Your Cats to Use The Scratch Post


• Treats While Training Your Cat

More, Foods For Cats

BIRTHDAY TREAT FOR KITTY

1 - 2 poached fish, preferably salmon, with the skin and bones removed
1 tsp. plain yogurt
Few drops of fresh lemon juice
Poach the fish. Then mix the yogurt and lemon juice and serve over the cooked fish.




CHICKEN CRUNCHIES (Cat food for the kitties)

1-1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
1-1/2 cups rye flour
1-1/2 cups brown rice flour
1 cup wheat germ
1 teaspoon dried kelp or alfalfa
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups chicken broth or beef broth
1 pound ground chicken
1 to 2 tablespoons brewer's yeast
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine the first six dry ingredients. Slowly add oil, broth and chicken, and mix well. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch then place it on a greased cookie sheet. Bake until golden brown.

Cool then break into bite-size pieces. Place pieces in a bag with the brewer's yeast and shake to coat them. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Makes 2 to 3 dozen pieces.




Cat Food : HAM IT UP CAT TREATS

1 jar (2-1/2ounces) strained ham baby food
5/8 cup wheat germ
5/8 cup non-fat milk powder
1 egg, beaten

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cookie sheet with vegetable oil spray. Mix baby food, wheat germ, milk powder, and egg in medium bowl. Drop by 1/2 teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet. Bake 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack. Store baked treats in airtight container or plastic bag and place in refrigerator or freezer.

MAKES 2-1/2 to 3 dozen

NOTE: Beef or chicken baby food may be substituted for ham baby food.



Cat Food : KITTIES FAVORITE TREATS

1-1/2 cups cooked chicken or turkey
1 large egg
2 Tbl. chicken broth
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup whole wheat flour

In a blender or processor whirl chicken, egg and broth until smooth. Scrape into bowl. Add cornmeal and 1/2 cup flour, stir until moistened. Cover dough and refrigerate at least 2 hrs. Then roll out 1/4 in thick on lightly floured board. Cut into 1/2 in squares or triangles. Scatter on 3 greased 12 x 15 baking sheets. Bake at 350 until golden (about 15 min.) Remove from oven, stir in pans and let cool. Refrigerate airtight up to 2 weeks, freeze for longer storage. Makes about 3 cups.



Cat Food : MINI-CAT CAKES

2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup soybean flour
1 cup skimmed milk or water
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon Canola or Sunflower oil
1 teaspoon sea salt

Mix dry ingredients. Add liquid and honey. Mix and let the dough rest in a warm place for 15 minutes. Add oil and allow to sit another 1/2 hour. Take walnut size portions of dough and flatten into small cakes. Bake in oven at 400 degrees for 1/2 hour.

Dog Heroes

Dog Heroes: All Time Heroes

Everyday, people witness countless acts of heroism, big and small. Heroes, too, come in different shapes and sizes, forms and breeds, man and animals alike. Dolphins, seals, horses, cats and whales are just a few from the animal kingdom that display tremendous protective instincts that save man from all sorts of danger. But nothing beats “the man’s best friend”.

After displays of great courage and bravery during World War I, dogs have seen in a different light. They were thrust into the limelight unknowingly. Since then, dogs have been called all time heroes – recognized, rescued, trained and cared for by man. All kinds of awards were given to dogs to celebrate their heroism and saving prowess such as the “Dog Hero of the Year Award.”

The dogs carry on a long line of lifesavers. They have shown unthinkable acts of saving adults and children alike in grave danger like fire, drowning, road and home accidents, intruders and robbers, and even in a huge tragedy like 9/11. The images of heroic dogs finding possible survivors or even lost bodies under rubble and debris in ground zero crushed the hearts of many Americans.

These canine heroes come from all breeds, backgrounds and locations. Take note, they are not pedigreed. These dog heroes are not at all dominated by big dogs, though they are often used for the purpose of national security. Their breeds vary from the famous German Shepherd, Saint Bernard and Collies (remember Lassie?) to Poodle, Labrador, American Pit Bull Terrier, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Doberman, Pinscher, English Springer Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Shetland, Sheepdog, Terrier and Weimaraner.

During the Vietnam War, 4,000 dogs were recruited to assist and protect U.S. troops, thus preventing an estimate of 10,000 plus American casualties. At that time, they were considered “surplus armaments”. They were either euthanized or left to their fates in Vietnam. Now, books and documentaries preserved the memories of countless canines that aided in the protection of mankind.

Today, dog heroes play an even more critical role in the fight against terrorism. The ability of dogs to detect bombs is already proven since World War I. A German shepherd’s nose has 250 billion smelling cells to give it the ability to detect a target odor amidst all other odors.

Breeds do not guarantee a “dog hero status.” Like men, dogs need a rare set of attributes to stand out: intelligence, being calm even in the presence of loud noise, focus amidst distractions and a compulsive desire to play with a toy. After all, the game is to find the scent and get the toy.

Grooming Man’s Best friend

Grooming Man’s Best friend

Proper grooming for your dog does not only have aesthetic purposes but also adds to your pet’s holistic growth – physical and psychological. Since dog hair can interlace due to dirt and grime in the coat forming mats and tangles, they would need to be groomed to keep proper hygiene. Plus grooming generates more bonding time with your pet, creating a stronger relationship.

It is best to train your dog to be groomed at an early age. But, an untrained dog can still be taught to accept all the attention. Train your pet to get used to his body parts being handled and brushed. You need not go to a professional groomer, but if you don’t have the time or the interest to groom your dog, be sure to select a groomer that handles the animals gently.

Things to Remember in Grooming your Dog

Make a daily examination of your pet’s body parts. Look out for bumps, hot spots, inflammation, irritation, vegetative matter, and parasites like fleas and ticks in his coat. Get rid of fleas by using a fine-toothed comb while ticks can be tweezed off. Ears should be checked – droop ears are inclined to infection which can lead to permanent hearing loss. Examine your companion’s pads – dirt, grime, pebbles, chemicals can get caught that can infect his paws.

Brushing doesn’t only remove mats, it also takes away dead hair, thus eliminating animal odor. Tangles can also be very painful for your dog that may lead to skin inflammation. Grooming during shedding encourages growth of new coat, so brush especially after physical exercise.

Nails should be trimmed every month, especially if your dog has a hard time walking. Dental hygiene is maintained by using dog toothpaste and toothbrush with soft bristles twice a week. A damp cotton cloth is used to remove mucus from your dog’s eyes and a coarse rag is appropriate in cleaning your pet’s face.

When bathing your pet, make sure that you brush away dead hairs first to clear all the mats in his coat. Soak your pet in warm water. Apply a pet shampoo in small amounts. Target areas are the eyes, ears, rectum, toes and under the chin. Avoid getting soapy water in his eyes and ears. You also have an option to apply coat conditioner after bathing. Different breeds require varying bath frequency; consult the local pet grooming shop if you’re not sure how many times you should bath your dog.

It is recommended that a dog owner has his own home grooming kit. A good kit includes a grooming brush, clippers for dog toenails, combs with varying teeth (fine, medium coarse), dog shampoo, coat conditioner, and a coarse rag.

Dog Bite

Dog Bite: Prevent or Deal with It

Statistics show that 4.7 million people get bitten by dogs yearly. These bites range from minor nips to major attacks.
Dog's are man's best friend, not his worst enemy....With this thought in mind, here are some tips to prevent being bitten by a dog.

Bite Prevention:

1. Don't Approach a Strange Dog.

Don't go near just any dog you find adorable, particularly when that dog is tied, fenced-in or in a car. A new or strange dog might think that you are threatening him or you are an intruder.

2. Don't Pet a Strange Dog.

It is not advisable for anyone to pet strange dogs, or even his or her own dog, without letting him sniff and recognize you first.

3. Don't Turn Your Back and Run from a Dog.

A dog's instinct will be to chase and catch you. So, running away is not a good option.

4. Don't Disturb a Dog.

When a dog is sleeping, chewing on anything, caring for her puppies or eating, it is bad idea to shock or disturb it.

Other Precautions to Prevent Dog Bites:

1. Neuter or spay your dog to reduce its tendency to roam and fight with other dogs.

2. Make it socialize to lessen its being nervous when a lot of people are around.

3. Train your dog to not chase anyone even when it's just for fun.

4. License your dog and provide for its regular care and rabies vaccinations.

5. Never let your dog roam alone.

What To Do for Dog Bites:

1. Never Panic.

This will only aggravate the situation. Stay calm and make sure that you make informed decisions.

2. Deal with the Wound Immediately.

Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water. This should be done immediately. Then, contact your physician for more care and advice.

3. Tell the Animal Care and Control Agency in Your Location about the Bite.

Report to the animal control personnel all the information you can supply regarding the dog. If it is a stray dog, describe the dog, where you saw him, whether you are familiar with it and also the direction which he went.

What a Dog REALLY Needs

What a Dog REALLY Needs

Loyal, friendly, protective, affectionate, fun. Those qualities have earned dogs a special place in the lives and hearts of humans. Most dogs now are owned as pets mainly because they are THE ideal pets. A dog will always try to keep you pleased and smiling. It will never hold grudges against you, and will never judge you for your looks or mistakes. It isn't called man's best friend for nothing.

Dogs have a basic need for shelter, good nutrition, exercise and companionship. A dog will rely on its owner for all of these needs, in addition to training and protection. These are all basic needs, but a dog also needs veterinary care.

If a person has a dog for a pet, it is a good idea to ensure that it is seen by a vet regularly. Dogs are prone to a wide array of illnesses and diseases and it is best that he gets vaccinated against these diseases. Some of the most fatal diseases that a dog can contract are listed below along with the proper vaccination to prevent them:

1. Canine Adenovirus - or Infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH). ICH is an extremely contagious disease that is only dogs transmitted to other canine animals. This disease is transmitted in urine and eye or nasal secretions of animals with this disease and affects the liver, kidneys and lining of the blood vessels. Dogs of all ages are prone to acquire this disease, although puppies and younger dogs are at a higher risk.

2. Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) - It is transmitted through contact with infected dogs and affects the gastrointestinal, respiratory and central nervous systems. This disease is often fatal to puppies and adult dogs.

3. Para Influenza - Also known as tracheobronchitis, it is a contagious infection of dogs seriously affecting young puppies' upper respiratory system. Its symptoms are gagging and coughing. Dogs in stressful and crowded conditions are at the highest risk for this disease.

4. Parvovirus - This is an extremely contagious viral disease that affects white blood cells, the intestines, and heart. It is characterized by vomiting, severe diarrhea and fever. It is often fatal in puppies. At the highest risk for this disease are dogs in crowded places such as dog shows and kennels.

5. Rabies - Rabies can affect all warm-blooded animals that are unvaccinated against the disease, including humans. It affects the brain and is always deadly. Pets get exposed to rabies from the bites of wild animals which include bats, raccoons, foxes and skunks.

The bottom line is to keep a dog disease-free. Have it vaccinated. After all, what a dog really needs is. . .good health!

Dog Sports for Every Breed

Dog Sports for Every Breed

Engaging in sports is not only for humans. It is also well-loved by our best friend, the dog. Dog sports do not only make a dog's life fun, but healthy, as well. Here is a list of dog sports that you may want your dog to get involved into depending on his breed, of course.

Agility

This is when a dog moves through an obstacle course, i.e., contact obstacles, tunnels, jump, etc., as guided by his or her handler. What controls the dog is only its handler's voice and body language. Without a leash, obedience training is the major requirement for a dog to enjoy this sport. Speed and accuracy are the names of this game.

Carting

Large breeds usually participate in this dog sport. It mainly involves the dog pulling a cart filled with supplies like firewood or other farm goods, sometimes even pulling people. It is also known as dry land mushing and sulky driving and is well-known and practiced all over the world.

Frisbee Dog

Commonly known as disc dog, frisbee dog competition is about a dog and a human disc thrower competing in events such as a choreographed freestyle catching and distance catching. The division of events on this kind of dog sport depends on the handler's skill and experience. What makes this one of the most popular dog sports is that any kind of dog can participate.

Flyball

This dog sport is a relay wherein teams of dogs race against each other leaving their handlers. These teams need to surmount four hurdles that are placed 3 meters apart from each other. Then, they have to reach a box that will release a tennis ball that needs to be caught when the dog presses the pad which is spring-loaded. Then, they have to go back to their respective handlers while carrying the ball.

Scootering

It is a sport where one or more dogs pull an unmotorized scooter in which a human is riding. It is similar to another dog sport done in the winter known as mushing, only dog scooter involves fewer dogs and instead of a dogsled used in mushing, a scooter is used. Like sled dogs, dogs that are doing scootering wear harnesses and are hooked to the scooter using a gangline.

Sheepdog Trial

Also known as "dog trial", this is one of the competitive dog sports in which breeds that are into herding move sheep around a field, gates, fences or enclosures as directed by their handlers. Think of "babe" the movie about a pig. This is more popular in UK, Canada, Ireland, the USA, New Zealand, Australia and other farming nations.

Assistance Dogs

Know Your Friendly Neighborhood Assistance Dogs

Dogs, aside from being his best friend has also served man in so many useful and varied ways – from shepherding, to cattle rustling, to rescue, and protecting property.

It doesn’t come as a surprise that they also are able to assist those who cannot get about by themselves. Assistance dogs are specially trained dogs that serve to complement, assist, and aid those that may have some sort of limitation. They have also become indispensable to some who have difficulty with mobility due to some disability.

Below are a few ways dogs have truly become man’s best friend as assistance dogs.

Guide Dogs:
When you mention assistance dogs, this is the first function they perform that comes to mind. These types of dogs help those who have visual impairment and help them move about conveniently. They help these people cross roads, climb stairs, and find their way around a place. They are usually able to help these people manage even potentially hazardous areas.

Hearing Dogs:
These dogs assist those that have hearing impairment, and are specially trained to nudge their owners when they hear certain noises such as telephone rings, doorbells, and horns among others.

Mobility Assist Dog:
These friendly canines pull wheelchairs, and carry light equipment for their owners in their backpacks. These amazing dogs assist those who cannot move around easily to at least find convenience moving around an area.

Seizure Alert/Response Dog:
These dogs are trained to hit a button that contacts 911 in case of a seizure or cardiac attack. Operators are advised in advance that calls coming from this line are activated by dogs. In turn, they alert paramedics on a possible emergency situation. As with most assistance dogs, they do not leave their owner’s side and are constantly alert and observant.

Psychiatric Service Dog:
These dogs provide an emotional security blanket to those who may have mental illnesses and phobias. They also help autistic people stay focused. These dogs never leave their owner’s side and provide steady, reliable companionship to their owners.

Combo Dogs
These dogs are a hybrid combination of the above mentioned assistance dog types. They are trained to assist those with multiple disabilities or needs. Although their jobs may seem quite advanced, they do accomplish their tasks consistently.

Assistance dogs serve a vital part of many people’s lives. They are not only ‘tools’ that assist a deficiency, but friends that provide companionship for the duration of their lives.

Dog Lovers Club

“Basic Principles in a Dog Lovers Club”

There are lots of dog lovers clubs in the US that offer a lot more for both the dog lovers and their dogs. Here are some of them.

The American Kennel Club has a dog lovers section called “For the Love of the Purebred Dog”. This article is more than a canine purebred section. It is dedicated to living at home with dogs. This dog club gives informative and educational materials pertaining to pet care, training, nutrition and a lot more. It also includes funny stories, art, pet history and the more popular Companion Animal Recovery method. There are also more popular sites like the dog breeds and events page.

The American Mixed Breed Obedience Registration or (AMBOR) on the other hand was created in 1983 with the objective of taking into accounts the perseverance and accolades in obedience contests of mix breed dogs and handlers. This dog lovers club also gives support and inspiration to dog handlers.

Important Information for Members:

1. Mixed-breeds

Unlimited full membership is open to handlers and owners of mixed-breed dogs as long as the pet is spayed and nails are cut. There should be front and side photo shots of the dog that will be included in the application. This is the ticket to all the obedience and agility programs, automatic tabulation in the agility and obedience nationwide ranking system. This also includes a given eligibility for the annual awards.

This achievement will be given honor in AMBOR highlights (AMBOR’S newsletter) and on the website. The member will be eligible to any agility and obedience national competition in the future. Dogs with assigned numbers are marked as purebred and should be enlisted as a purebred. Also, dogs that are listed as mixed-breeds that are given a number based on the owner’s application causes its membership to be changed to a status of a purebred.

2. Purebreds

Purebred dogs can be listed with AMBOR with a rule that entry is limited to the AMBOR-supported agility program. All dogs that are purebred, listed with AMBOR and exhibits AMBOR-supported programs on agility will have competition points monitored and there will be an automatic issuance of certificates.

Dogs that are purebred and listed with AMBOR are not qualified to be a part of the agility and obedience scoring systems. They will also not be included in the website on highlights and not qualified for any mixed-breeds national competition in the future.

Handlers that register to the AMBOR-supported trials on agility should put their AMBOR number on the form at the club’s entrance so that competition points will be monitored.

Dog Behavior

What People Need to Know About Dog Behavior

As the old adage goes, “Dogs are man’s best friend.” However, there are times when people just can’t understand why their beloved dogs behave in a different manner. Hence, it is extremely important to know the underlying reasons why dogs sometimes behave differently.

You can teach your dog appropriate behavior. Experts say that dog behaviors can be controlled through proper training.

Dog behaviors are actually responses that are mostly triggered by environmental and social factors. Hence, to control these responses, the owner should teach his dogs the proper way to respond to such elements. Let’s explore a few of the methods:

Dog Bite

Statistics show that almost 5 million people in the U.S. are victims of dog bites annually. This is almost 2% of the total population in the U.S. What’s more, dog bites cases rank as second most common cause of emergencies in the hospitals.

So, the question is: Why dogs bite?

According to the experts, the main reasons why dogs may bite are the following:

1. Excitement

When somebody plays with his or her dog, the tendency of the dog is to get excited, and because dogs don’t have hands to use when playing, they use their mouth to grasp things. When this happens, there is the tendency that the dog might accidentally hurt people without intending to do anything harmful.

2. Protection

Dogs can be very possessive, so, whenever he wants to protect something that he owns, he will bite whoever threatens to take it away from him. Hence, when people get near the dog’s property, the dog’s tendency is to bite to make the person leave his property alone.

3. Pain

When the dog is not feeling well, he does not understand why he is feeling that way. Therefore, when a person, even if it’s his master, touches him, he may think that it’s the person who causes the pain and so his tendency is to fight back by biting.

4. Fear

Dogs are sometimes afraid just like humans. That is why when somebody startles him, the dog’s only known protection for itself is to bite back.

The best thing is to avoid these situations and leave the dog alone. The problem with so many people is that they want to always play around with their dog without learning how and when the dogs should be left alone.

Like humans, dogs have feelings too. When these feelings are all mixed up, their only known protection for themselves is to bite because they cannot understand the situation logically. Therefore, people should know that in order to avoid such circumstances.

Dog Training

When Dog Training Really Matters

Dogs can be very sociable. In fact, they sometimes get too sociable and get aggressive. That is why it is important to train your dog to control behavior.

Moreover, dog training is important to avoid dog biting incidents. Statistics show that 77% of dog biting cases are mostly those that are within the family.

Hence, with dog training, bad habits are removed and dogs have better control of their feelings and behavior towards environmental and social variables.

However, implementing dog training is not that easy. Certain things must be employed to have positive results. The thing most needed in dog training is what experts define as “positive reinforcement.” This refers to the way people reward their dogs with treats, praises, or both whenever their dogs show positive behavior.

Through positive reinforcement, dogs are able to comprehend that treats and praises will come whenever he shows good behavior. For example, when the owner gives his dog some treats for obediently obeying his commands, the dog will think that obeying commands when told equals treats.

But this does not necessarily mean that when the dog did not obey the owner’s commands, punishment is needed as counter-reinforcement. This should not be the case because punishments will only make the matter worst. What will happen is that your dog will be confused and it will begin to doubt your feelings.

The next thing that you must remember when training your dog is that people should avoid training their dogs into a bad habit. Actually, many people are not aware they are doing this but there are instances wherein the people’s reaction towards some behavior of the dog will inadvertently train the dog in a bad way.

For example, when dogs bark, it is common especially when they do that because they see something strange or unfamiliar things. But, when dogs continue to bark, even if it includes a familiar person, that becomes a problem.

In this case, most people have the inclination to yell and tell their dogs to shut up. This particular reaction of dog owners will confuse their dogs and will only make them understand that the reason why their owners are yelling is because they are also enjoying the shouting scene and that they are “barking” along with their dogs.

The key point here is to avoid paying attention to the dog. In time, he will stop. That's when you should reward your dog.

Boiled down, dog training is all about positive reinforcements. And, as they say, positive reinforcements reap positive results.


Related articles about pets training :

• Dog Training Tips


• Potty Training Your Puppy!


• The Rewards Of Training Your Dog


• Training Your Dog to Sit


• Basic Puppy Training


• Obedience Training for Your Dog


• Dog Training


• The Happy Puppy Owner's Guide To Housetraining Your Puppy


• Training Your Cat To Use The Toilet


• Bribery and Cat Training


• A Cat Behavior Training Crash Course


• Cat Care While Training


• Cat Litter Training


• Cat Potty Training


• Cat Toilet Training Tips


• Cat Training Aids


• Clicker Training Cats


• How to Correct a Cat in Cat Training


• Kitten Training Tips


• Training Your Cat to Coexist with Your Dog


• Cat Health : Litter Training


• Cat Training devices


• Cat Training Products


• Cat Training Requirements


• Cat Training Supplies


• Cat Training Tips for Different Breeds


• Reinforcing Cat Training


• Training Your Cats to Use The Scratch Post


• Treats While Training Your Cat

Adopting A Dog

Adopting a dog – puppy or adult?

Everyone is surely going to get excited when trying to adopt a dog. Truly a man’s best friend, you can rely on your pet dog in giving you company, cuddling up together and some can even guard your house. You need to review your personal lifestyle and needs when adopting a dog. It is a major decision whether or not you would choose to have a puppy or an adult as a pet. Before deciding on which dog to adopt, here is some useful information that might help you decide.

On Puppies

* Bringing up a puppy is an advantage because this means that you would guide its growth and well being. You would have the chance to raise it up according to what you want. This means you can ensure that it is properly nurtured with the right dog food, ensure that necessary dog shots are given and prevent heartworm at this early stage. Having your puppy personally trained is also a plus since you can teach him exactly what you want.

* You should adopt a puppy when it is at least 10 weeks old. Puppies need a lot of time to be cared for by their mothers. This is a crucial stage for them. They somehow gain a psychological advantage for both puppy and for the mother dog as well.

* A puppy can easily adjust to new surroundings as compared to an adult dog. Although most puppies may cause minimal to major damage to your personal stuff while they are in the stage of teething. They need to be housebroken and house training needs a lot of time, effort and patience from the owner.

* There is no assurance of what a puppy would look like when it gets old; especially if it is a mixed breed. Also, his temperament might change when he grows up.

* Most pet owners love how puppies can be entertaining. They are very cute and adorable pets that is a hit for both children and grown ups. Puppies can be easily regarded as one of the family.

On adult dog

* You would have less of a fuss taking care of an adult dog. They already have this established behavior that you can easily adopt too. By being with the dog more often, you would have more or less an idea of what its temperament is.

* You need to get as much information that you can when adopting an adult dog. Take note of its habits and mood swings. You can acquire information from the previous owners of the dog. Some adult dogs may have some behavior issues. It is important to take note of them.

* It may take some time and effort for an adult dog to be completely comfortable with a new owner.

* Take note that you need to introduce an adult dog to your children and other household members. This would help the dog be familiar with them and helps them refrain from biting or barking thinking that they maybe strangers.

* Adult dogs may not need your full attention unlike puppies need and would require lesser trips to the veterinary.

* For a fully grown dog physique and behavior is basically not a variable anymore. What you see is basically what you get.

* Most dogs are housebroken already so they would cause lesser damage to your belongings and don’t wake up at night like most puppies do. Usually, they have grown out of the impulse of chewing things.

* An older dog can easily adapt to other pets, like other dogs or cats, if you have a group of them at your household.

Adopting a dog is not an easy task and choosing which one to adopt can be a little tricky too. Everyone loves sweet looking puppies, but not everyone can stand up to the tiresome house training. Though most would appreciate the bonding shared with them.

Adult dogs need no great amount of guidance but can still turn out to be a lovable pet. Whichever you think is the right pet for you, just keep in mind that taking care of them requires a lot of time and effort. In return, they would always keep you company and has ready smile with an excited wag of tail waiting for you everyday.

The Importance of Breeds of Dogs

The Importance of Breeds of Dogs

Dogs are considered as man’s best friend. If one decides to get a dog for a pet, one can choose either a specific breed otherwise known as pure bred or choose one that is a mixed breed or a mutt. There is not that much difference between dogs that are pure or mixed. One simply came from parents of the same breed while the other came from a family of two different breeds.

Choosing a dog depends on many things. The size of your home, how much exercise is needed, does it shed often or if you want a gentle or playful companion.

Deciding to own one whether it is big or small involves a lot of responsibility. It is not just about feeding it but includes other chores such as grooming, watching its health and diet, cleaning up after it and most importantly, giving it some tender loving care. There are many places one can get a dog such as a kennel or the pet store but if one wants to get a pure bred animal, one must seek a reputable breeder to get the best results.

Breeding done in pure bred dogs is done carefully. The pair is tested for every possible disease which includes having all the information regarding the pair’s ancestors and health records on file. Should there be no problem in the history of the pair, then the breeding can begin. If in testing, the pair is not compatible due to diseases that are common in a specific breed, another dog will be selected to match with the other dog.

Since the demand for the breeder’s pure bred dogs are well sought after due to the selective nature of the breeding practices, the newborn pups will still have to be raised with the breeder and will only be released when a number of pre-screened homes have been found. This is done for the welfare of the select few of owners and to control population growth.

Reputable breeders have certain requirements that one must have before qualifying as a potential dog owner. These are usually in the form of written contracts or guarantees with a spay or neuter requirement that limits the registration of the puppies. The person who wants a dog must also have a secured backyard and attend certain classes such a puppy kindergarten to be familiar with the challenges one will face come the time the dog has been given. This shows that pure bred dogs are well taken cared off from pregnancy till after birth.

Mixed breeds on the other hand or mutts as people call them could have been done out of experimentation to produce a breed which could be better and stronger than the two breeds. Most likely, these were the results of accidents. This is the reason why dogs of mixed breeds just like pure breds must be neutered since millions of dogs every year that are not wanted by people die in animal shelters.

Health wise, pure bred dogs that come from a line of strong parents won’t have problems. This is because breeders screen the pair before the process happens. There have been instances that certain breeders especially those dealing with pure breds do not practice the strict guidelines of proper breeding which produces inferior dogs and do this because these people are more concerned about financial gain rather than the welfare of the animal.

Mixed bred dogs on the other hand will fall somewhere in the middle since proper screening was poorly done or never carried out. Certain dogs carry varied deficiencies common to the breed and mixing the two will just pass on to the mixed breed.

Some people prefer pure bred dogs than mixed bred ones. The primary reason is that it is easier to sell and carries a certain prestige with it. Mixed bred dogs are seen as inferior and since no one is interested, most of these are rounded up and die in an animal shelter.

Pure bred dogs are seen as a higher class which is why they are always featured at dog shows. Mixed dogs due to certain rules are not allowed to join. The reasoning given has not been that clear which is why it is still being contested by mixed breed owners.

Dog Breeds

The Naming Game

If “fashionistas” are obsessed with brand names, some dog lovers are hooked on dog breeds. This is because purebred dogs are expensive and belong to the higher level of this particular species.

Generally, dog breeds were incorporated to give distinctive characteristics to certain classifications, thus, resulting in a substantial number of varieties.

However, people who breed dogs often find it hard to detect the specific characteristic of the resulting species. There are times that offspring appear to be different from their “parents.”

In dog breeding, experts contend that the offspring should have the same characteristics as their parents, both physical attributes and behavior. For example, a breeding pair of Retrievers should produce the black puppies because purebred Retrievers have black coats.

However, there are instances that retrievers produce puppies that have yellow coats. Hence, cases like this are not considered by the known Kennel clubs. What happens next is that these yellow retrievers are sometimes “euthanized” by dog breeders based on the notion that they want to curb the probable reoccurrence of such species.

This particular issue has long been debated by many dog experts and scientists because of the fact that there are certain instances wherein genetic consequences may intervene.

In addition, studies show that dog breeds, like the human race, have no specific scientific origins and that their breeds cannot even be identified and proven even by DNA. So, the chances of getting a purebred dog are not that common.

However, because of the existence of dog breeds, Kennel clubs only consider pure dog breeds on their competitions.

Today, there are about 160 dog breeds being recognized by the club, but most people can only recognize a dozen or two. In fact, even those who are experts in dog breeding may still confuse a certain breed as a cross between two dog breeds.

Hence, dog breeds should not be considered as a basis on whether or not a certain dog will bite. Most people have this thinking that there are dog breeds that will not bite.

People should keep in mind that dog biting is based on behavior, in which certain environmental and social variables trigger the behavior. Hence, experts contend that there is no breed of dog that will attack somebody without any reason at all. This means that 99.9% of all dogs will not attack anyone as long as there are no viable reasons that will trigger the attack.

The bottom line is that dog breeds may still vary, depending on their genetic make-up. Hence, the foundation of classifying dogs according to their physical attributes and behavior may be affected by different factors.

It isn’t any wonder why the issues about purebreds are endless!

The Right Breeder

The Right Breeder


Dogs are considered as man’s best friend. Deciding to own one whether it is big or small involves a lot of responsibility. It is not just about feeding it but includes other chores such as grooming, watching its health and diet, cleaning up after it and most importantly, giving it some tender loving care. There are many places one can get a dog such as a kennel or the pet store but if one wants to get a pure bred animal, one must seek a reputable breeder to get the best results.

Finding the right breeder for the dog depends on the breed that one selects. Professional breeders do not breed frequently and will only do so when a pair is found to be healthy and temperament that will insure the birth of also healthy offspring. Breeders will also breed only when a sufficient number of homes have been evaluated and deemed appropriate.

Given that there is no standard as to what a standard breeder is, one should do research by asking people and interviewing as many breeders as possible before making a decision. There are many categories of the type of breeders in the market and by knowing which one is the best and understanding the consequences; this will make all the difference of the type of offspring that will be produced.

The ideal breeder should have the pair of dogs tested for every possible disease as well as have all the information regarding the pair’s ancestors and health records on file. Should a breeder find no problem in the history of the pair, one must still ask details to be sure. This is one sign that shows the breeder the interest of a potential owner of such a magnificent and smart animal. One can also ask the people who have be given offspring’s in the past to check if there were any problems since the breeder maintains a close relationship with these dog owners.

Reputable breeders have certain requirements that one must have before qualifying as a potential dog owner. These are usually in the form of written contracts or guarantees with a spay or neuter requirement that limits the registration of the puppies. This is done both for the protection of the owner as well to control a possible overpopulation problem.

The person who wants a dog must have a secured backyard and attend certain classes such a puppy kindergarten to be familiar with the challenges one will face come the time the dog has been given.

The requirements needed by the breeder is not to delay the process of giving one a dog but to ensure that the person is aware of what will happen as a dog owner and the responsibilities that come with it as well as make sure that the puppies will have good homes. This is what makes responsible breeders different from others who are not since these people are not concerned about the health or welfare of the dogs but are just in it to earn money.

Once a person is able to find the ideal breeder, the waiting does not end there. Since the demand for the breeder’s dogs are well sought after due to the selective nature of the breeding practices, the newborn pups will still have to be raised with the breeder and will only be released when a number of pre-screened homes have been found. If one does the all the research, it is possible that one will qualify as part of that list.

One of the most critical factors in identifying a good breeder aside from the health and food given is the condition of the mother after birth and how well are the puppies taken cared of. The best way to do this is if the breeder is nearby so one can visit the place from time to time and monitor the condition of the puppies.

Another good quality of a responsible breeder is the voluntary assistance provided to the owners of the puppies. If the placement of the puppy did not work out as hoped with a certain owner, the breeder can require the person to return the puppy and provide it with a better home since the life of the puppies is the responsibility of the breeder throughout the dog’s life.

Dogs Breeding

Dogs during Labor

Breeding dogs is an exciting experience. From the time a proper mate is found to the point that the puppies are born, it is crucial to take careful steps to make this successful.

Professional breeders do not breed frequently and will only do so when a pair is found to be healthy that will ensure the birth of healthy offspring.

The ideal breeder should have the pair of dogs tested for every possible disease as well as have all the information regarding the pair’s ancestors and health records on file. Should a breeder find no problem in the history of the pair, then the process can begin.

Dogs normally come into heat twice a year which is every six months. Larger dogs can come into heat every eight or ten months which usually lasts about three weeks. Vaginal bleeding is a sure sign that the dog is in heat as well as swelling in the vulva. A dog's pregnancy or gestation period lasts between 60 to 67 days. Most dogs give birth after 63 days.

The only way to determine the stage of the dog’s pregnancy is by keeping track of time from the day of the breeding. Keeping a record of this on file is advisable for reference purposes.

Exactly three weeks after breeding, the mother must be examined to confirm the pregnancy.

The dog must be given a formulated and premium brand of dog food for the duration of the pregnancy and throughout the nursing period preferably with a strong nutritional foundation.

During pregnancy, the mother's food consumption will almost double compared to the pre-pregnancy level so increased feeding must be given to ensure that there is enough for both the mother and the puppies.

Behavioral changes are to be expected during this time. The dog will demand far more affection or may experience a few days of vomiting.

Later on, the expectant mother will search for a secure place to deliver the puppies. Ensure that a proper place is ready when the time comes. An ideal place for an expecting mother is a box. Depending on the size of the dog, it must be spacious enough for the dog to move around and must have layers of newspaper inside it that will absorb birthing fluids. This should also have low sides for the mother to look outside and for the breeder to easily check if assistance is needed to make it easy to remove soiled papers without interrupting the mother and the newborn puppies.

Follow these steps and you should be able to count on a happy birthing process!