Archive for November, 2009

The modern lifestyle of today has brought new possibilities for many animal lovers to achieve the role of being responsible cat owners. However, the path of responsible pet rearing is not as simple as it may seem. This is because in the course of your pet ownership, you will come across several cat behavior problems that you may find too challenging to deal with. This may actually be surprising for some because they don’t know that behind the cat’s cuddly image and harmless demeanor, they can turn into the one of the most temperamental creatures they’ve ever seen.

These cat behavior problems manifest because despite the fact that they really are pets, they still possess their own minds and have their own feelings. These cat behavior problems are usually triggered because of your cat’s usual habits or an immediate event that your pet dislikes. Here are some usual cat behavior problems and what to do with it.

Cats with Aggressive Behavior- One of the most common cat behavior problems a cat owner can stumble upon would be aggression. This behavior problem is known to cause damage in the house. In addition, cats with this issue are also known to pester visitors and start fights with other cats..

These unwanted cat behavior problems can be resolved with proper training. You can teach your cat to channel his aggression on other things and not furniture or people. You can buy your cat a scratching post. This medium will help your cat release the tension and excess energy. Experts also say that scratching posts are very helpful for health of the cat..

Shyness- A cat may feel shyness or awkwardness when in the presence of strangers or even your friends that it does not know. This is because the cat does not feel comfortable on things that it isn’t familiar with. With proper training and familiarization, you can help your cat get over his or her inhibitions.

Other common cat behavior problems may include your cat having difficulty using the litter box or litter pan properly. In many cases, this may be due to the fact that you are failing to change the kitty litter regularly. Remember that problems with your feline companion that have to do with urination and bowel movement usually take place when your cat finds it difficult to consider his or her litter pan sanitary. It is, therefore, your duty as cat owner to make at least two changes of kitty litter every day. In this way, your cat’s behavioral problems involving litter box habits can more easily be avoided.

Some experts advise pet owners to direct the cat to litter on the litter pan, and the best way to do this is to implement the good old reward and punishment program. There are dozens more cat behavior problems that one may encounter but nothing can’t be corrected by proper training and undying effort to teach your pet what is right.

I really enjoy watching the television series called Stargate with my son. Its basic idea is that aliens seeded the earth thousands of years ago and use humans as hosts for themselves to live in. While controlling their mind they are a highly advanced alien race that resembles a snake and inhabits the bodies of humanoids. A friendly alien is removed from its host in one episode and is dying. They try to replicate its surroundings inside of a human but it still continues to die. One of the doctors is reminded that a human being has a small electrical current going through the body continuously, just as it seems that all hope is lost; kind of like a built in perpetual microcurrent therapy. So the doctors introduced a small electrical current to the alien’s artificial environment and it came miraculously back to life. Dog Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation

Electrotherapy, or, microcurrent therapy has been used for at least two thousand years. In fact, a Roman Doctor named Scribonius Largus in 46 AD recommended to his patients that they should stand on top of a live torpedo fish to help cure such things as gout and headaches. Torpedo fish can give off a powerful electric shock to stun their prey. In the second century a physician named Claudius Galen also recommended the electric fish as an appropriate medical therapy.

All over the world low intensity CES has been used for centuries to fight every thing from depression to anxiety; back aches and spinal injuries, headaches and many other disorders. So with so much history and research and success with microcurrent therapy is there any reason why our pets shouldn’t benefit from this science?

When I was researching a problem I was having with my cat I came across a website. Using CES on household pets and horses a lady named Ava Frick is seeing enormous results. She is witnessing anxiety, pain, depression, and countless other problems plaguing the animals we adore and love fade away by properly using and implementing the tools of microcurrent therapy. In the areas of animal and pet pain, depression and anxiety she’s an impressive expert.

I know that some of you may be thinking of that device that my mother-in-law purchased in order to stop her dog from barking. It went around the animal’s neck like a collar and whenever the dog barked the collar would emit an enormous electric shock to stun the poor dog into associating barking with severe pain. That is not what I’m talking about when writing about microcurrent therapy. That point has to be made crystal clear. That kind of electric shock therapy is torturous and really should be outlawed in my opinion. Microcurrent therapy is designed to relieve pain and suffering and provide happiness and joy to your beloved animals. Don’t let yourself be fooled by the similarities. They really have little in common. To ensure your animal is in the best environment to enable healing and relief Ava Frick uses state of the art technology in a highly controlled environment. Animal Chiropractic

Having a dog is wonderful and satisfying, but it also means assuming a set of responsiblities. Sometimes, parents cede to their children’s pressure and get them a pup, but when the pup grows and it’s not cute anymore, the responsabilities of having it also increase.

Dogs not only need food, they also need water, sun, shade, a place where to relieve themselves, and that’s not counting their emotional needs. You might have heard that getting a pet door installed is a great way to make life easier for you while getting some of your pet’s needs taken care of. Here are some things that you need to think about when you are deciding whether or not to install one of these doors.

Security

In order to be totally safe, pet doors have to be correctly installed. Some people worry about whether or not someone can break into their house if they have a pet door, and in some cases that fear is well founded. Big and large breeds will need a corresponding pet door, and if big enough, this door might let a human reach inside in an attempt to open the door from the inside. Of couse, this can be easily avoided by testing the door yourself before you buy it; you do this by reaching your arm through the pet door that you are considering. If your arm can reasonably reach a distance where it could touch the door knob, then that pet door is not for you. This is not a problem for pet doors that are designed for small animals.

Convenience

Another factor to consider when thinking about installing one of these doors is how useable it will be for your pet. Make sure that the pet door is big enough for your animal (future growth considered as well) and that the door isn’t so heavy that the animal can’t push it open.

I was thinking to myself, “Why would I need obedience training for my dog”? Then, I came to realize obedience training is just like potty training a toddler.

Like everyone, I had to decide on dog a name which was the fun part. I just had to say the heck with it.

I went to the kennel and picked out a Red male Doberman pinscher. I fell in love with that dog, but really the struggle was yet to come. People insisted that I send him to dog training classes. Different scenario’s just kept popping up like obedience training, dog training collars, dog behavior training and potty training. I realize that this is where money starts to add up. It’s like having a child!

I live in Manhattan, in other words, “dog heaven”. It looks like there are just as many dogs as there are people, with these dogs walking around with their masters. I was still adjusting to buying dog treats for the little guy while my girlfriend wanted to pick out some special dog collars, which can be “an arm and a leg” also. “Dobee” was a 5 months and growing fast so I opted for real positive dog training. They ask, “Who else wants their dog to be well behaved around people and other dogs, have them obey all of your house rules even when you’re not around?”

The best decision I could of made, honestly.

You do not want this to happen. “He steals food from the plae.” “he won’t come back when he is called.” “He destroyed the living room furniture.” “He barks all night.” “He’s a great dog, but I wish he wouldn’t . . . “

Check out some of there information on Obedience Training that help me just click here! puppy training

For city residents, yard space is an unheard of luxury. With apartment houses built right on the streets and a tiny amount of communal land in back of the buildings, there’s no way to plant a garden or cultivate a lot of flowers. You can, however, think small. If you have a balcony or a deck, or even a fire escape, you can build a water garden in containers that will give you the semblance of an in-ground water feature. You’ll be able to enjoy sounds of the water gurgling and observe tiny fish swimming, grow water plants, and appreciate the peace that only a water garden can offer. Water garden containers give you the basis for developing a watery microcosm in very limited space.

Finding water garden containers isn’t as confusing as selecting exactly what you think is best. A recommended size for a container is 15-25 gallons, and any kind of container in that size range will be okay. You will also require containers to grow your water plants in, because plants have to be grown in separate pots and then inserted into the water-filled container. It’s best to choose a container with a dark interior, because the dark color will give your pond the look of depth. Dark interiors are also more environmentally-friendly in that they won’t provide an attraction for algae and yet they’ll mask the presence of any algae that begins growing.

Your water garden optimumly will be located in a location where it will get at least six hours of sun each day. The majority of water plants don’t thrive and flower well without at least that much sunlight, although some bog plants will be okay with less sun. The plants you pick for your garden need to be varied for the prettiest effect. Choose some with floating properties, a few submerged, and emergent species when selecting the plants you wish to include in your water garden. Plants offer the function of shading the water which, once again, decreases the growth of algae. When you create a new water garden, however, you can expect your water to get cloudy after a couple of weeks. Just hang on, though, and the plants and fish will slowly but surely start controlling the algae in the pond, and the water will begin to get clearer.

In addition to fish, you should stick a few snails in your water garden containers. Snails are important in eating algae, fish waste products, and decaying organic matter. Really small fish, such as guppies, are recommended for containers that are 20 gallons or smaller; larger than that you can try a couple of goldfish. Guppies and fish like that are ideal choices, because they adapt to changes in temperature well, and they eat those pesky mosquitoes.

People who are not very much acquainted with the various categories of dogs and their breeds, should make it a point to be aware of the different aspects of shiba inu puppies, in terms of their origin, their distinct requirements, and their care regime..

Japan is the origin of Shiba Inu puppies, and these dogs are among the seven smallest breeds of dog native to Japan. They look quite similar to Akita puppies, but they tend to be slightly better muscled and are slightly smaller overall.

Shiba Inu puppies are instinctual hunters. Siba Inu puppies are highly intelligent and have predator-like qualities. These traits help to make the breed remarkable hunters..

Because of these breed-specific characteristics, training and appropriate discipline of Shiba Inu puppies should commence as early as possible. If training and discipline are delayed, Shiba Inu puppies may seem stubborn and more resistent to training because they will be motivated to act by their natural temperament and traits, rather than by the commands of their owners.

Shiba Inu puppies are known to be prone to a great deal of allergies, and because of this, it is important for any owner of this breed of puppy to carefully go through the measures of selecting the best dog food that can make for the healthiest diet for the breed?s specific needs.

While you are going to select dog foods for shiba inu puppies, the most importnat factor that you should consider is a healthy mix of protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids and other nutrients as that will lead to healthy growth of Shiba Inu puppies. Shiba Inu puppies become easy victims of allergies and in many cases the food they eat is responsible for such allergies. Owners of Shiba Inu puppies should find out the ingredients of dog foods causing allergies to their puppies as allergies lead to sickness and agitation among their puppies. As such, they should never allow puppies of this breed, dog foods which contain any of such allergy-causing ingredients.

Puppies of shiba inu descent are usually most prone to the following conditions or ailments at some point throughout their lives, and it is important for their owners to guard against them contracting these, even as early as their puppy years: glaucoma, cataracts, luxating patella, and hip dysplasia.

A characteristic of the Shiba Inu breed is the thick undercoats that young puppies develop to keep them warm and to protect them from the harshest elements. As a result of these undercoats, grooming and coat upkeep tends not to be much of an issue for Shiba Inu owners. Because the Shiba Inu breed is known to be both loyal and highly intelligent, many owners enjoy not only the companionship that such a dog offers, but also the sport of hunting with their Shiba Inu.

Owners of these shiba inu puppies find that the earliest efforts to tame them require time to change the instinctive behaviors.

There are those who have time on their hands and those who have very little, some are out of the home for days on end whilst other homes are always occupied. We’re all different, but if you are looking to bring a pet into your life you really need to ensure that you are able to provide it with the environment it needs to thrive.

The good news is that there is a pet for everybody. Not all animals need lots of care and attention; some can be left to their own devices over prolonged periods of time without a problem. But with most it is about temperament and needs. For most, the first choice when it comes to a pet is either a dog or a cat. Offering companionship as well as bringing life to the home, they are a clear favourite. However, as you are probably already fully aware, there are numerous breeds of both cats and dogs, each with their own unique requirements and behavioural attributes that need to be taken into account.

Some dog breeds are full of life and need continuous attention. Jack Russells and Collies are two examples of outdoor dogs that are happiest with plenty of attention and chasing around in large expanses. Others though are more docile and happier to stay around the family home; these include retrievers and many hounds.

When you’ve also got children in the house you need to consider whether the animal you choose is going to have the temperament that is suitable for them. All too often there are stories of dogs who have a naturally defensive attitude lashing out at youngsters, causing either serious injury or, in some cases, even death. Most animals are absolutely fine, but some are more prone to lash out than others; Pit Bull and Staffordshire Terriers being two examples.

Cats, like dogs are all very different; however, many have their own unique personality that goes beyond simple breed type. Whilst there are those that are happy roaming the streets for hours or even days on their own, others prefer companionship and won’t venture beyond the boundaries of your home. It’s worth researching whether the cat you get is likely to be the former or the latter, so that you can ensure it fits in with your own lifestyle. If you’re looking to get a feline or canine friend for your home you should consider pet insurance. This is a fantastic way to ensure that your pet is covered for all eventualities and you won’t be stuck with any difficult decisions further down the line. Dog insurance will cover your pooch for all operations (up to a certain ceiling limit) and may even include extras such as holiday coverage. Cat insurance is equally comprehensive, ensuring veterinary bills are never prohibitive to your pets health and wellbeing.

Beyond the most popular pet types there is a whole world of animals to choose from. Small rodents are particularly popular with families that don’t have the space (or the budget) for a larger animal. Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice and even rats have been favourites with children for years. They are safe, docile critters and won’t eat you out of house and home (hopefully), which is what makes them particularly good for families. Their small size and limited requirements make these fluffy creatures perfect for those with limited room at home. Often all they require is a hutch, a run and a regular clean out. Food wise they aren’t too fussy either, plus many landlords won’t mind if you get a rabbit or guinea pig as they don’t come with the same issues that larger animals like a dog might.

Reptiles too are increasing in popularity. Snakes and lizards offer a compelling alternative to the usual choice of pets, although they are often expensive to purchase – particularly rarer varieties – and require specialist housing. Whilst a snake might eat mice and other small rodents, a lizard – such as a chameleon or gecko – will be satisfied with large bugs and specialist food.

It goes without saying that some snakes are dangerous. Even non-venomous varieties can bite and constrict. This means that they shouldn’t really come into contact with very small children and babies.

A tortoise, turtle or terrapin might provide a solution though. Again they are incredibly easy to maintain, requiring just vegetation and the occasional treat. They may cost quite a bit to obtain, but should live for many years without any issues.

If that’s too much then why not fish. An aquarium is hugely relaxing for the living room, whilst an outdoor pond makes a fantastic water feature for the garden. There are all sorts of varieties available from the humble goldfish to exotic tropical fish of all shades and colours. Again these are a fantastic solution for people with limited space and shouldn’t contravene too many tenancy agreements either.

Things to consider when choosing your pet:

  • Do you have the space it needs?
  • Does it have a suitable temperament for your home?
  • Does it have any specialist requirements?
  • Do you have the time to look after it?
  • Have you researched it thoroughly to ensure it is compatible with your lifestyle?

Patio panel pet doors are a great option for people who have sliding glass doors leading onto their deck or patios. In the past, these pet owners might not have thought that they would be able to have a patio panel pet door installed, but today there are many different options for them to choose from. Because of this, it’s very simple to get a pet door that can be installed on a patio door made out of any material, including glass.

Options and Questions

One thing that pet owners can do is install a doble paned pet door or an insulated one that still makes the door energy effecient. Before going shopping for a patio pet door, people should check to see if their glass door is single or double paned so that they can make the appropriate choices at the store.

One important thing to take into consideration is if the patio panel pet door’s installation is going to be permanent or temporary, and how long will any temporary installation will last. The main advantage of having a temporary patio pet door is that it can be taken out at will and be installed in another place, in case the family takes a long vacation in another house or just because it moves to a different place. Even though the pet door is temporary, it is still secured in place with screws so that the sliding door remains secure from intruders.

A patio panel pet door works not only for your pet’s covenience, but also for its safety and the safety of your house. Some of these can be given an extra little security notch by using a lock to close them, while others can even have an alarm installed on them. There are several types of locks that can work on them and it all depends on the exact type of pet door that you have.

Finding the perfect pet isn’t just about which one is cutest, it is a process that needs research and a complete understanding of their needs.

If you live in a fifth floor flat, a Bernese mountain dog – despite your lofty position – probably isn’t the dog for you. If you have small children in the house you might want to rethink your decision to get a Burmese python. If one of your family members has an allergy to cat hair then a Persian cat probably isn’t going to be very popular.

Whilst we all have our favourite animals and breeds, sometimes practicality has to take a higher priority. It may be a cliché to say that a pet is for life, but it’s also true. When you buy an animal you have to be prepared to look after it for every day of its life. You can’t get a puppy or kitten because it is adorable and then tire of it when it gets older; you have to be prepared to help nurture them and love them through thick and thin.

The right pet is often a question of circumstance. If you’re in a small rented apartment, you won’t be able to have the same kind of animal as a person in a large family home with sprawling acreage for pets to play. So you have to adjust your expectations accordingly. Whilst you may fall head over heels for a gorgeous West Highland terrier, or be bowled over by a loveable bloodhound, you need to be aware of its needs ahead of your own. If your house is empty for most of the day some animals will get lonely and will be unhappy as a result. Therefore if you can’t afford the time, you should consider getting a high maintenance and intelligent animal like a dog.

If you do go down the canine route, don’t forget about dog insurance. This will cover any major veterinary procedures and ensure that your pet enjoys a long and happy life free from issues. It will also help you make savings and remove any difficult decisions when it comes to treating your dog.

Cats are a little different, or at least, some cats are a little different. Many breeds don’t require the same amount of care; they are largely self sufficient and will spend much of the day out and about. You are then free to go to work and leave them to their own devices, safe in the knowledge that they won’t come to any harm.

Pet insurance is also available for cats. You can get cat insurance to cover any of your moggy’s future issues, helping you cut the cost of dental and medical bills and, as with the aforementioned dog insurance, can help sustain it for a longer, healthier life.

Some people just don’t like cats. Believe it or not, cats aren’t to everybody’s taste. So an alternative pet may be in the offing. Well, there are plenty of loveable options that can be equally affectionate. Rabbits are a great example. Easy to look after, family friendly and they won’t cost you the earth either – both in maintenance and initial purchase. Guinea pigs are another great family pet for those who don’t have the space for a cat or dog. In fact any small rodent like a gerbil, hamster, mouse or rat can provide companionship without the same cost or requirements of their larger counterparts.

If it’s easy maintenance you’re after though, fish might be one to consider. They need regular feeding and a change of water every few days or so, but other than that they are completely self-sufficient. This makes them perfect for people who don’t want mess and are away from home throughout the day. They are remarkably therapeutic too; providing a fantastic centrepiece to any living area or garden.

Reptiles are also able to look after themselves to a certain extent. You may find that certain species of reptiles, lizards and snakes included, will require a unique environment for it to live comfortably. This will mean purchasing a specialist enclosure and being able to maintain conditions to ensure its continued comfort.. But as with fish, they don’t require the same level of constant affection that domesticated pets may need, so work well for those who want something a little different, have the money to afford their upkeep and aren’t always in the home.

There are so many animals out there you shouldn’t have any problems finding one that is perfect for you. Always remember the pet’s needs ahead of your own, it’s not just a beauty contest, you need to be able to look after and care for any pet throughout its life.

Things to consider when choosing a pet:

  • Do you have the space it needs?
  • Can you afford to maintain it?
  • Are you prepared to look after it for life?
  • Do you understand its requirements?
  • Does it have a suitable temperament for your home?

Keeping puppies clean is one hard task, and if you have ever tried it, you’ll know what I mean. However, in order to stay on top of good dog health care, it is important that you bathe your puppy on a regular basis. The way you bathe your puppy matters because you are teaching them, here and now, exactly what bath time will be like for the rest of his days. If you want a well-behaved adult dog that actually enjoys his bath, follow these steps.

Before turning the bathwater on, make sure you have everything you need conveniently positioned next to you. These include a coat-conditioning spray (for long-haired dogs) and a natural-bristle brush during times of heavy shedding. Plus, you’ll need a large towel for your dog. Next, put on clothes you don’t care about getting soaked. It is advisable to bathe the puppy when he is hungry, as he will be more attentive then. To make sure your dog behaves well, give him some treats when in the bath. Most importantly, you have to convince your dog that this is a fun process. Next up is the comb – brush the puppy’s fur for a while. Its important to make sure the puppy’s coat gets brushed properly before the tap comes on. Spray long coats with conditioner and brush thoroughly, then comb through, making sure you get all the way down to the skin.

Get some water round the back of the puppy’s ears and gently scrub clean. Remember to praise throughout this process and stay happy, keeping the treats flowing. Some dogs are more attentive if they have toy in the bath too. Use something gentle on a puppy’s head, like a baby shampoo. Don’t let the water touch the dog until you are sure it is the right temperature. Now, thoroughly soak the coat with water. Avoid the eyes and ears, and keep praising. The trick with shampoo is massaging it, and this should be done in short circles. It is also useful to use a scrub brush to massage the shampoo in. When you are sure you’ve rinsed out all the soap, do it again. Keep rinsing the shampoo out to give your puppy a clean finish. Lastly, condition the fur and rinse – then your dog is ready to be wrapped up in a towel and dried off.