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Leash Training Your Dog 101

Using a leash with your dog may seem pretty intuitive. Clip it onto their collar or harness and you’re ready to go, right? Sure, that gets the job done, but did you know there are lots of tips and tricks you can use to leash train your dog? Holding it correctly to prevent injury and teaching your dog to stop pulling are two great benefits of  training!

Leash Training 101

  • The right collar. If you’re starting your leash training with a puppy, it’s pertinent to get a collar that fits. Since puppies grow, be aware that you need to check the collar sizing regularly and upgrade as needed. Check out this link for tips on measuring your dog’s collar size!
  • Learn how to hold the leash. Here is where some human training comes in. Knowing how to hold the leash properly will help you keep steady control of your pet, without risking injury to yourself. This is particularly important during the training process when your pet will be pulling and jerking the most. Proper technique, as described by Wikihow:

    “Slip your thumb through the loop at the end of the leash. If you hold your hand upwards in front of you (like you’re giving someone a high five), the leash should dangle off your thumb. Then close your hand around the loop. The rest of the leash should come out the bottom of your fist, beside your pinky finger.”

  • Start with a short range. Keeping your dog close to you can help them learn which side they should walk on and what an acceptable pace is. This also allows you more immediate, easier control during the early stages.

  • Trial and error. Now comes the training part! With a pocket full of treats head out the door! As your pet walks calmly beside you, praise them and offer a treat. If they pull or dart about erratically exercise patience and reward them when they stop this behavior and return to polite walking. If they remain walking with you, stop and reward them every so often.
  • Deal with pulling. If your dog is trying to pull you toward a goal, stop. Wait until your pet stops tugging and then slowly walk toward the object of their interest, rewarding them if they walk calmly with you. Your dog needs to understand that misbehaving will produce the opposite result of what they want. If their behavior persists, calmly walk away from their goal. Don’t ever jerk the leash, just apply enough steady pressure that they must follow you. And again with the training mantra, once he stops and begins following you at a normal pace, reward him!

Remember to always be patient and gentle with your dog. Use your stubbornness and leadership to command your pet. Dogs are smart and most pick up on leash training fast!

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Cats and the Tips For Health and Happiness

Cats are pretty self-sufficient creatures. They keep to themselves aside from demanding your focus while you’re trying to do something else (reading anyone?). This doesn’t mean there aren’t important things that a cat owner need to know. Sometimes their ability toward self-reliance means their needs can be overlooked. Your best bet is understanding your cat’s needs and personality!

Cat naps in a sunny windowsill!

Tips For Your Cats Happiness

  • Grooming – Yup. It doesn’t matter that your cat takes baths all the time and is a fastidious groomer. Just like most other fur-covered animals they can benefit greatly from a regular brushing. A regular brushing, especially during shedding, can help cut down on fur balls. This ensures your cat’s got a happier belly and less clean up on  your end. Don’t forget to provide them with a good scratching post too to keep their nails trim!
  • Naps – We have the term “cat nap” for a reason! Cats will spend up to 16 hours a day sleeping – often times in short increments. It’s important that you respect their need for lots of sleep. Depending on your cat’s personality they may prefer to nap somewhere near you. Other cats may prefer to the most remote place your home has to offer. They will often like warm and/or sunny spots. Make sure your cat has easy access to their favorite nap spot!
  • Keep the Litter Box Clean – It’s no secret cats are clean animals! Keeping their litter box cleaned out makes for a happier cat and a cleaner home too! In addition to regular scooping be sure to wash your kitties box each time you change the litter with hot soapy water too! Don’t settle for the cheapest litter out there either. Opt for an eco-friendly variety that is free from harmful dust or chemicals that can cause health problems in cats over prolonged use.
  • Scheduled feedings – Keep your cat happy and healthy with a regular feeding schedule. Having a schedule can help keep you from overfeeding and prevent obesity. Many people find it works well to feed in the morning coinciding with family breakfast, and then again with the family dinner. A cat with constant access to food is at risk of obesity, a growing problem with cats in America that can lead to shorter, less happy life spans.

Bonus Tip: Cats LOVE empty boxes!

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Innovation in Pet Care – Top Gadgets To Ease Your Worry

With new technologies booming in every possible industry out there, pet care innovations are keeping stride! Whether your “tech minded” or just pet-minded it’s impossible to deny these handy innovations we’ve seen hit the market over the last year!

Innovation in Pet Gadgets

Tagg GPS Plus  – Tracking systems for pets have been around for some time. The important clue to why this one is an innovation lies in the ‘Plus”. Tagg GPS Plus will track your wandering pet as well as alert you if your pet is suffering from extreme temperatures. If you have an outdoor, or indoor/outdoor pet and live in an area prone to extreme weather this innovation can take the guess work out of your pet’s living conditions.

Pet care innovation makes happy faces!

PetNet – PetNet allows you to use your cell phone to distribute food for your pet no matter where you are! With this innovation, you simply fill the reservoir with food, set the portions, and then use your cell phone to dole out the ideal amount at the ideal time! Keep your pet a creature of habit and never miss a meal time again.

PetCube  and PetChatz– In the spirit of making sure your pet is well cared for in your absence PetCube and PetChatz take it a step further. While no substitute for a pet nanny… Both allow you to talk to and interact with your pet while you’re away. PetCube lets you have a conversation, view them via a built-in camera or even use a laser pointer to play! PetChatz combines the social aspect of PetCube while incorporating the option to reward your pet with pre-filled treats too! Ease the separation anxiety with either of these two innovative gadgets!

FitBark – Make sure your pet is getting the proper amount of exercise! FitBark is an innovative little gadget that lets you know how your pet spent their day. How long they played, slept, or were lightly active. This is perfect if you’re trying to help your pet slim down a little or just want to make sure they are getting enough attention and enjoying life!

What’s your favorite new “must have” pet gadget?

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Disabled Pet – Tips for Care and Coping

Some pet parent’s choose the less travelled path of taking on a disabled pet. Others may unexpectedly find themselves in that role by an unfortunate accident or simply age. Whether you are a disabled pet parent, plan to be, or may end up as one, we are hoping to provide you some information and resources here to help with the task. Disabled pets often have just the same desires and love for life as any other pet, they just need a little extra care to have the chance to enjoy it! A word of caution though, disabled pets require extra time and money. Do not willingly take on the task unless you are prepared to provide both of these. It’s also always a good idea to have a safety net of funds and a support network should you find your pet becomes disabled in the future.

Caring for a disabled pet

Disabled Pet Basics

  • The first thing pet owners need to know about disabled pets is that animals don’t feel sorry for themselves. Disabilities don’t break their spirit. Don’t make the mistake of euthanising a pet because you feel sorry for them. There are lots of disabilities out there that, with humans help, pets can overcome and live a fulfilling pain-free life.
  • Expect to do things a little differently. Many disabilities make bathroom habits harder to cope with so you may need to make some changes in your home to better accommodate. You may also need to make areas of your home handicap accessible, and be more attentive and available than you once did.
  • Find a support group. A quick googling can lead you to many websites that host forums allowing other disabled pet owners to discuss the struggles and successes of caregiving. Having a supportive community of people who understand and can help answer questions can make a big difference in  your ability to cope. Some groups can even direct you toward charities that help cover the cost of disabled pet care.

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Unattended Pets And The Destruction They Can Cause

“Pet Shaming” has become a popular social media trend with pet parents displaying the destruction their unattended pets have wrought. While the pictures accompanied with little signs explaining the unattended pets crime are far too adorable, they are also far too relatable for many pet owners!

Dogs frequently display destructive behavior when left alone. Mostly because they are suffering from separation anxiety. While you know you’ll be back in the evening, that span of time can seem endless for a dog. The longer you’re gone the more their anxiety can grow and result in some pretty unpleasant behaviors. Chewing and poor bathroom habits are the two biggest symptoms. It’s important to remember that punishing your dog when you get home in the evening doesn’t do any good. Too much time has likely passed for them to understand what they punishment is for and instead they will just feel unloved and not learn anything.

Damage caused by unattended pets

Cats can suffer from separation anxiety too! While unpleasant bathroom habits are often a symptom for them too, they are often prone to scratch instead of chewing. In some cases, that can be far more costly! A dog may ruin a nice pair of shoes, but a cat can ruin your furniture!

 

What can you do help your unattended pets not destroy your home?

  • Keep Them Well Fed With Lots of Toys – Unattended pets will also wreak havoc when they are hungry and bored. Make sure that your pets have (or have had) plenty of food before you leave. Enough to sustain them for the duration of your absence. Also, make sure your dog has chew toys or that your cat has a scratching post!
  • Pick Up After Yourself – Make it a point not to leave things you value within your pet’s reach. Keep your shoes in a closed closet, electronics out of reach, and make sure that your trash containers are inaccessible.
  • Restrict Their Range – Don’t let your pet have free reign of your home while you are away. Keep doors shut to rooms you don’t want them in. If your pet is known for sketchy bathroom habits while you’re away, restrict them to a room with easily cleanable floors.
  • Arrange For Visitors! – If you can’t make it home in the middle of the day to check on your pet or spend some time with them, consider asking a friend or hiring a pet nanny! Dog walkers and pet nannies are just a service for vacations. They can provide a much-needed bathroom break and playtime mid-day for unattended pets.

 

photo credit: Trash Dogs via photopin (license)

Pet Care As Your Companion Ages – Signs and What to Do

Pet care evolves throughout each furry critters life-span. Just like with humans, the way you care for a baby is different from that of an adult or elderly pet. Do you know how to properly care for your pet at the different stages in their life?

The unique pet care required for young animals seems to be well taught. Pet owners are quick to provide soft and easily digested foods for those that are recently weaned. Many also understand that growing pets need extra nutrients and plenty of play time to develop a strong body. Vaccinations and wormers are also all musts. As they approach adulthood, pet care often becomes more standardized unless you have a pet with special needs. In most cases, it consists simply of a nutritious feeding twice a day with plenty of fresh water and daily exercise.

Pet Care for Aging Companions

What about pet care for aging pets though? Unfortunately, this often gets overlooked for a multitude of reasons. It’s easy to forget that your pet ages a lot faster than you and will likely enter their golden years long before you. When your pet does begin to need specialized care it’s not always obvious. Maybe you’re too busy or distracted to notice the subtle struggles your pet is undergoing? Be sure to take note of some simple signs and know how to care for your pet accordingly.

Aging Pet Care Tips

Talk to your vet – It sounds obvious but if you’re less than prompt about those yearly check-ups and only hit the vets office when something is clearly amiss, you may not realize your pets true age. Talking to your vet about when you should start looking to change up your pets nutrition and habits is a great way to stave off those symptoms of age and ensure your pets continued comfort.

Notice your pet’s energy levels – Are they ready for a rest much sooner than usual? Do they act languid before their old play routine is over? Take note of your pet’s energy levels and adjust play time accordingly. Note that this doesn’t mean stop playing with your pet – just play with them differently. Shorten their walking circuit. Shrink their play space so their toys aren’t so spread out. Take them for shorter but more frequent frolics. Essentially know their limits and cater to them accordingly.

Watch their eating and bathroom habits – As pets age, they sometimes need softer food that is easy to digest just like young animals do. If you find they are eating less or seem to have trouble chewing try switching foods. Additionally, if your pet has always had good bathroom habits but lately they seem prone to accidents or going outside their box or “zone” you may need to make adjustments. If your cat uses a litter box try getting one with a lower entry point for easier access. If your dog waits to go outside try introducing puppy pads so there is a safe place for them to go in the house in case they can’t hold it.

Test for nutritional deficiencies – Some pets will experience hair loss and vision or hearing problems. In most cases, the level of pet care you provide will be limited to simply trying to make their life with the disability easier. Some of these problems can be lessened or slowed by correcting nutritional deficiencies associated with age. Consider having your pet checked regularly as they age.

 

 

Back-to-School and What It Means For Pets

As July nears an end those three dreaded words every child fears start popping up everywhere – back-to-school. Two to three months of summer adventures come to a close leaving some parent’s relieved for their households to resume their usual routine. But what about pets? Whether you’ve adopted a new pet over the summer months or have the same family friend, back-to-school time can be rough on them. As adults head out the door in the morning for work and daily errands and children rush off to the school bus pets are often left home alone for the majority of the day.

 

Make sure you are still meeting their basic needs. Sometimes in the rush to get everyone out the door on time, a pet can be overlooked. This can be a problem any time of the year but especially during the first back-to-school months when routines are being formed. Your family may find it helpful to use a dry-erase board on the refrigerator to make a morning pet checklist.

Pets don’t like back-to-school time any more than their

owners do…

Back-To-School Checklist Ideas

  • Ensure that dogs have been let out for a bathroom break and quick exercise
  • Make sure cats, bunnies, or other pets have clean litter boxes
  • Fresh food and water should be provided
  • Shoes, cords, and other things your pet shouldn’t be into are placed safely out of their reach
  • Windows and doors that may give them access to restricted areas are closed
  • Necessary medications are administered

Keep an eye out for depression too. After a summer of constant play and companionship, it’s not unusual for your pet to be sad and a little lost once all the humans run off to do other things. Until your pet has an opportunity to adjust to the new family routine consider asking a friend to stop by and check on them or hiring a pet walker or pet nanny. Someone stopping by during the day can make sure their needs are being met and give them a little mid-day attention.

Make the most of the evening time and be patient. You may have had a full day of socializing but your pet hasn’t. Any hyperactivity or persistent demands for affection have to be understood from your pet’s point of view. After back-to-school as homework and extracurricular activities pile up remember the importance of making your pet a priority. Those other things are important too, but a pet is a living responsibility. If you feel your lifestyle will prevent you from providing the love that’s needed, you should reconsider before getting a pet or taking on those extracurricular activities.

Remember parents, while the pet may belong to your child, as the adult you are ultimately responsible for making sure its needs are being met. Don’t make pets victims of the back-to-school frenzy!

photo credit: Academic Cat via photopin (license)

 

Bizarre Accessories For Pets – Do You Indulge?

It can be easy to get carried away with spoiling your pet but do your habits venture into the bizarre category? Are you a sucker for buying unusual pet accessories? Check out our list of outlandish pet care owners get up to and see if you’ve fallen victim!

Bizarre Pet Accessories

  • Pet Highchair – Owners who want their pets on the same level as them have the option of purchasing a “highchair” for them! A quick search on Amazon brings up a wide variety of options for highchairs that clip onto tables to elevate your pet. If you’re tempted to take part in this bizarre behavior try to be mindful of restaurant rules!
  • Social Media– In 2015 it’s not that bizarre for doting pet owners or celebrities to create social media accounts for their pets. “Puppy Tweets” takes it a step further having created a USB device that snaps onto your pet’s collar and automatically uploads tweets from your pet to their Twitter account based on their activity levels!
  • Pet Treadmills – While we take our pets healthy and activity level seriously a treadmill for a pet seems a bit much… Taking  your pet for a walk is about more than just the act of walking – it’s the excitement, stimulus, and adventure that goes with it! If you can’t find time to walk your pet regularly don’t fall prey to this bizarre option. Instead use that money to hire a dog walker for your poor pet!
  • Kitty Wig – At some point most pet owners are guilty of putting a pair of sunglass or a hat on their pet to take a silly picture. We all do it. It’s not that bizarre. But would you buy a wig just for your cat? Most importantly, does your cat even want a wig? The fashion statement may be lost on your cat, but we’re certain that they will enjoy hunting, fighting, and ultimately conquering it at 3 a.m.
  • Pet Tattoo – Temporary! As pet owners, it’s natural to want your pet to express your personality just as much you yourself do with your own fashion statements. Temporary pet tattoos now allow you to brand your pet with a message or image. They work by staining your pets fur but before you decide to attempt this bizarre pet practice be sure to do some research into the safety of the dyes being used. Most pets lick their fur!

Bizarre Kitty Wigs

photo credit: Sam wants in on the wig action via photopin (license)

 

Dog Park Etiquette – What You Need To Know

Taking your dog to a dog park is an excellent alternative to regular people parks! Obviously, a dog park is much more pet friendly than your average park where you might deal with pet haters or nervous parents who are uncomfortable with your Fido taking an interest in their child. Just because it’s a park for dogs though, doesn’t mean there aren’t rules and an expected etiquette to ensure all pets and pet parents have the best time possible! Are you a little unsure about what’s okay and what’s not? Check out our list of etiquette and common dog park peeves.

Dog Park Etiquette

  • Know your dog – Most important dog park etiquette is that you know your dog’s preferences, behavior, and sensitivities. If your dog tends to be aggressive and protective, it may be best to keep then on a leash or in a less occupied part of the park. Never let your dog off a leash in an unfenced portion of a park – especially if they rarely listen to your commands.
  • Do Remove The Leash & Harnesses – Once in a fenced in area, always remove the leash and harness. Keeping a dog on a leash in a dog park not only negates the purpose of the park, but also poses a tripping or tangling hazard for your pet, other pets, and other patrons. In heavy play, dogs can get entangled in harnesses causing injury or fights.
  • Stay involved – Don’t just let your dog loose then go sit in the shade somewhere oblivious to what your pet’s up to. Feel free to chat with other pet owners, but never without being aware of your pet. Avoid distractions by smart phones too. Know where your dog is and what it’s doing.
  • Spay & Neuter – If your pet is not spayed or neutered, keep them on a leash or very close to you to prevent any unwelcome promiscuous behavior.
  • Play vs. Fight – Know the difference between dogs playing and dogs fighting. If you have a larger pet, make sure their play stays limited to dogs of a similar size. Dogs often don’t know their own strength and it can be easier for the larger breeds to injure the smaller ones.
  • Avoid Packs – Make sure your dog isn’t teaming up with a large pack. Even packs of normally docile and domesticated dogs can turn dangerous. Try to limit your pets playmates to no more than three at a time.
  • Clean-up Waste – Just because you’re in a dog park, doesn’t mean you don’t have to be prepared to clean up any waste your dog may leave.

  • Health Check – Make sure your pet is up to date on his or her vaccinations and not sick. Furthermore, keep your pet away from any other dogs that may be exhibiting symptoms of disease or mites.
  • No Puppies Allowed – Avoid taking a new puppy younger than twelve weeks to a dog park. They are vulnerable, often don’t have all their shots yet, and may be a target for bullies.
  • Hire a Pet Sitter – Many pet sitters are trained for dealing with dogs and are a great option if you’re not comfortable or don’t have the time to take your dog out for socializing and exercise!

Not sure if there is a dog park near you? Check out dogpark.com to find one! Remember, YOU are responsible for your pet’s actions.

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Memory in Animals – How Does Your Pet Measure Up?

Have you ever wondered how good your pets memory is? Does your pet seem to be a repeat offender when it comes to misbehavior? Do they seem to recall some things (like the sight of the bag of treats) with an amazing ability and then completely blank out with other things (I didn’t know that was a no-no…)? Animals, unlike humans, tend to remember things that are triggered as important to their survival. In the wild, an animal may always remember the way back to a popular watering hole, but  show no recollection of a recent event. As a result, when considering the memory of a pet, it has to be divided into what they remember in the short-term, and what they remember in the long-term.

The short term memory span of a rabbit is four minutes!

Like most animals, dogs have great long-term memories, but are unable to keep track of time and specific events like humans can. Their long-term memories for remembering their training or tricks, are created not by remembering specific episodes, but by connections that are formed in their brain during the training which result in memory “impulses”. So that their reactions to certain stimulus become second nature to them. It’s important to have an empathetic understanding of animal memory when you decide to take on a pet – even more so when you decide to train one!

Their lack of a short-term memory is the reason why disciplinary action must be taken immediately after a bad behavior occurred. If your pet tore up the house and made a mess while you were away, by the time you get home, it’s too late to punish them and expect any effect except other than making them scared of you for a little while. Lasting training and discipline with most pets must come in the form of immediate cause and effect – you go into the brier patch and get scratched or you touch something hot and get burned. Committing a “pet crime” and then getting punished a few hours later is seen as nothing more than abuse by your pet, not punishment. It will result in no change in your pets behavior other than making them less trusting of you, and trust is a key factor in successfully training a pet.

 Interesting facts and statistics about animal memory:

  • Fish can remember where for is for up to twelve days! On the down side though they probably have no idea who you are. Their short term memory span is about three seconds.
  • Dogs short-term memory maxes out at about two minutes – no punishing if it’s been longer than two minutes!
  • Chimpanzees will forget trivial information in about 20 seconds, but have a visual memory far superior to humans allowing them to recognize other chimpanzees and places.
  • Sea lions can recall frivolous things they were taught for up to a decade.
  • Ravens remember faces and voices for their entire lifetime.
  • Cats memories are said to be much better than dogs. Cats are believe to have a short term memory of about sixteen hours – maybe it’s that slow pace they’re known for!
  • A rabbits short-term memory is about 4 minutes.
  • Hamsters have terrible memories. The poor little buggers will occasionally forget what they were doing moments after starting!

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