If it tastes good, chew it!

Boredom and variety are usually inter connected in cases of dogs misbehaving. Yes, this is true. Many a times, boredom can be managed with variety of materials that will distract the animals to a greater extent.  Hence, the dog may not do the abnormal or unwanted activity arising out of the boredom experienced by it.

Boredom experienced dogs may have different types of behavioral patterns.  For example, some dogs will be seen barking continuously and some may be engaged always in some digging activities.

There are many ways to get your dog out of its boredom activities. Many toys are available which simulated duck, dog, rodent etc.

These may be kept inside the crate and in particular, puppies love these items.  A buster cube with multiple treats may be placed in the dog’s shelter and the animal soon understands on how to roll the buster cube to get the treats it prefers. A Buster Cube is an ingenious toy use for simulating and activating your dog during play and feed time.  Instead of placing the food monotonously in one place, change the place of feeding suddenly.

Such actions will be helpful for removing the boredom like activity in your dog. Activities pertaining to boredom need to be redefined well by the dog owners.  This will help them to a greater extent to drive away the unwanted behavior patterns in their pet dogs. Check out this hilarious video:

For example, some dogs may often have destructive biting characteristics and will be seen biting chairs, clothes, mats, and everything that they get a hold of. After ruling out the teething problem, if it is a puppy, provide  it with some large sized balls, mineral mixture based bone materials, etc. Such variety of materials help to reduce the boredom and related activities and make life much better for everyone.

Just because you are dealing with a disability does not mean you can’t have a dog in your life.  Studies indicate doing so will not only benefit you but the dog also! There are some things you can do to make the experience easier.

If you need help giving your dog medicine, fluids, or shots, ask your veterinarian if he or she knows of anyone who will make home visits. If not, contact local pet-sitters to find ones who will assist you. Many pet-sitters are trained to perform these functions for the sick pet for owners who cannot perform them for themselves or for owners when they are away.

To play with your dog, use flashlights or laser pointers. Dogs love chasing the light, and you won’t have to make a move.  An alternative is a remote control car for him to chase.  He gets exercise and you do not get over-exhausted.

If you have difficulty performing basic functions for yourself, investigate the use of a service or assistance dog. Assistance dogs are trained to help people with physical limitations perform their everyday functions. Assistance dogs are accepted in public places just as guide dogs and hearing dogs are.

Here is a very practical idea, divide large bags of food into smaller containers to help with lifting and filling dishes.  If you get large dishes, you will spend less time and energy filling them. There are dog food stands that raise the bowls above floor  so you won’t have to bend as much when you fill them.

Walking a dog when you are disabled can be difficult.  Consider hiring a neighborhood teen or professional dog walker to do this or have a pet sitter come in and walk your dog each day.  Fenced-in yards are another alternative to consider.

Having a disability doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the companionship of a dog.  It takes just a little more thought and planning for you both to be safe and happy.

Age is just a number, right? A human who is 60 years old may act like a young adult, while another human the same age may act like he or she is on their deathbed! Believe it or not, cats are the same! Your pet may act like a kitten for many years or may get gray and achy quite young. Why is this? Specific breed, environment, and genetics play a role, but in general, a well-cared for house cat usually lives to be at least 15 years old. Some cats live to be well over 30!

There are things you can do, however, to provide your cat with the chance for the longest life possible. For example, have your cat spayed or neutered for starters. Statistics show that fixed cats live longer, because this causes the cat to stay closer to home and be exposed to few dangerous situations and disease. Good nutrition is also important. Make sure that you are buying cat food that is appropriate for your cat’s age. You may need to make changes over the years as they get older, be open to change their food if necessary.

As you cat ages, certain medical conditions may cause you to make special considerations for your cat. Examples include:

• reduced tolerance to extreme temperatures
• decreased sensory perception
• susceptibility to infection
• arthritis and joint stiffness
• digestion problems
• kidney & liver problems
• weaker bones
• cancer
• muscle weakness
• slow reaction
• memory loss
• high blood pressure
• irritability

As you can see, aging cats have many of the same problems as aging humans!

Along with a good diet, promote healthy amounts to exercise in your cat. You can do this by allowing your cat to go outside or if you have an indoor cat, playing with your cat every day. Toys and environmental pieces, like scratching posts, are great for encouraging your cat to exercise.

Remember, cats may spend a lot of the day sleeping, which is fine. If you are overly concerned, talk to your vet about your cat’s sleeping habits.

Preventative health care is, of course, important. Make sure that your cat has regular checkups with the vet to make sure everything is in check. You should also brush your cat’s teeth daily and have your cat groomed regularly to prevent skin diseases. As cats age, most of them grow to love grooming. Monitor your cat for diet chances, changing sleep habits, and unsafe water consumption. The key to graceful aging in a cat is an owner who is well involved in his or her life. Make sure that you provide advanced care for your cat as he or she grows, and your pet should be a part of your life for a very long time.

Dog Parks. What a great idea! Imagine being able to take your buddy to a big, open field and letting him or her safely play and run around with dozens of other dogs. What a great way to provide exercise, especially for those rambunctious, high-energy teenagers that often become destructive and “self-employed” at home when they have nothing else to do. How many of us have come home to torn sofa cushions, shredded plants, neighbors complaining about incessant barking, etc.?

Dog parks can provide a wonderful opportunity for your dog to learn appropriate dog-to-dog behavior with dogs of all ages, sizes and temperaments. In addition to all these benefits, dog parks often offer us humans a chance to get out of the house and spend some time socializing and meeting new friends.

Most people who take their dogs to dog parks are respectful, polite, responsible, and look out not only for their own dog, but for other people’s dogs as well. After all, if one dog gets hurt, everyone is affected. And most dog parks are well maintained, clean and safe. With so many benefits to taking your dog to a dog park, are there any disadvantages?

Not a month goes by that I don’t hear from one of my clients that his dog or his neighbor’s dog was hurt at a dog park. And in 99% of the cases, it all had to do with the attitude of the human. A well-known actor (this is L.A. after-all) brought two of his dogs to a park and as soon as the dogs entered, they zeroed in on a Lab who was resting underneath a picnic table. Within seconds, cries and growls filled the air. People rushed to help the Lab who sustained multiple puncture wounds. When the actor finally arrived at the scene, he simply declared, “Hey, dogs are dogs, they were only playing.”

On another occasion, a woman came directly from a rescue with her new 80 lb dog and wanted to see how he would behave around other dogs. The dog attacked a small, blind Pekinese and caused several thousands of dollars in medical care.

In other cases, dogs are hurt because of how they play: some dogs are much more physical than others, resulting in unintentional injuries. Others never learned appropriate dog etiquette because of the lack of proper socialization when they were young. As a result, their pushy behavior often results in misunderstandings that trigger fights.

In addition, not every dog likes to visit dog parks. Older dogs sometimes care less about being around other dogs and are perfectly content interacting only with their humans. Well-intentioned as some people are, they can facilitate problems because they fail to read their dog’s body language, which is telling them, “Get me out of here!”

So what should you look for? Visit a park before you bring your dog. Talk to people. Safe parks all have one thing in common: a good park is one where people will not put up with aggressive dogs and they look out for one another. Make sure there is a separate area for small dogs. How clean is the park? Is water available? If you find yourself stepping over mounds of feces, it’s a good bet that park isn’t for you and your dog. See if the park has a ranger that oversees activities. This is rare but really says a lot about safety.

Once you’ve chosen a dog park, don’t bring food or your dog’s favorite toys as that often causes problems. Notice how other dogs are behaving and if play becomes to rowdy, interrupt it before a problem arises. If your dog seems fearful, leave the park.

Know your dog. If your dog displays aggression or fearfulness, don’t take your dog to a dog park. You can work on behavioral problems with a trainer but in the meantime, you can take your dog for walks or jogs, play fetch, hide-and-go seek and “find-it.”

There are wonderful dog parks out there that benefit both people and dogs. To find them, do a little investigation, use your good common sense, be responsible and keep a watchful eye. You and your dog can have a lot of fun!

Paul Owens is the author of “The Dog Whisperer” DVD and the book, “The Dog Whisperer, A Compassionate Nonviolent Approach to Dog Training“. He has been Certified by The Association of Pet Dog Trainers and Endorsed by the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors. Paul is the Director of Raise with Praise, Inc. Dog training. For more information, visit http://www.DogWhispererDVD.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Owens

I was listening to the Stephanie Miller radio show yesterday and heard a lively debate about pet names. We were sad to hear last month that her dog Puff died on April 23. She recently adopted a new dog; good for her! The controversy started because of the fact that she had changed her new dog’s name to Oliver from the one it had when she adopted him. Some callers didn’t see anything wrong with that and others did. That started a whole firestorm about the how and why of naming dogs and cats.

Naming your dog or cat or accepting the name they come with is very important business. Some people choose a name by certain physical characteristics such as spots. I had cousins when I was growing up who actually named their dog Spot! Size; a large dog may be given a diminutive name like Tiny or a big name like Brute. Some name their dog according to a behavioral trait. If the dog is digging up the back yard, Digger might be chosen. A cat with lots of hair might be named Fluffy. There are lots of pet naming books and even free websites if you get stuck.

Here is a fun 21st century way to name your dog:

And then there are us folks who like to give our dogs and cats human names. I am in that crowd who wouldn’t do it any other way; it’s like naming a new baby! I think it started with one of my first dogs who was a pure breed Old English Sheepdog with AKC papers. As I looked at her linage on the papers I was struck with the awesome responsibility I had! She was given not one but three names, first,  middle and last name. Our now deceased cat was named after one of my all time heroes, Martin Luther King; he was named Martin Luther Kitty. Does it humanize them? You bet it does, right or wrong, many of us consider them as part of the family.

Finally there are people who rescue or adopt a pet that already has a name. Do you continue with that name or like Stephanie, change it? It might depend on the age of the cat or dog. If they are young like Stephanie’s new dog, they can probably adjust to a new name. For an older dog, it just might be too confusing for them and you’ll have to grow to love their name just as you grow to love them.

We have an excellent book in our eBay store with 3,000 pet names for dogs, cats, goldfish, hamsters and other kinds of pets

Your Best Friend Is Counting On You!

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I'm just what you need!

Just What The Doctor Ordered!

Today we are more conscious of value than we have been in a long time. People are really thinking about what they eat, buy, watch, listen to and how they spend their time. One of the good things that have come about as a result of the current economic situation is the focus on value.

Pet lovers overwhelmingly agree that their dogs and cats are precious companions. Yes, the vet bills can pile up and there’s the food and various other costs but it’s so worth it in terms of what we get back.

Let’s look at what cats are good for:

a. There is something about a cat that is so calming. We are constantly living in a state of overwhelm and hurry-up! I used to have a sign that said “We are put on this earth to accomplish certain things. I am so far behind I’ll never die!” The first time I heard my cat Martin Luther Kitty purr I almost went into a coma.

b. Watch a cat and you will have a great example of how to relax and take care of yourself. It goes something like this:

• When under fire, take a nap!

• Don’t just go running into a room recklessly, stick your head in first and look around!

• Always, always be well groomed it’s a sign of good mental health.

c. Cats show us how to notice the little things in life that get overlooked as we rush around like crazy people. For example, a small bug crossing the living room floor doesn’t stand a chance with my Sofie around!

What are dogs good for?

a. You drag home absolutely whipped by a rough day at work and a traffic snarl that would try the patience of a saint. When you open the door, your dog almost looses his or her mind from the joy of seeing you, all that other “stuff” is forgotten. Folks, you can’t buy moments like that.

b. Not everyone is an extrovert who makes friends easily or effortlessly. All you need to do is put the leash on your dog and go for a walk or go to the dog park and watch what happens. People who ordinarily wouldn’t even make eye contact with you instantly become your friend. You are a part of the Fellowship of Dog Owners who have a lot in common and love to swap stories from puppy training to who is their favorite Vet.

c. Forget joining a gym and forking over your hard earned money, let your dog be your trainer. You need to get out and walk your dog, even if you have a yard in order give it the exercise your dog needs to stay healthy. Guess what? You also get the benefit of walking; it’s good for your heart and helps with weight loss. Once your dog gets a taste of this exercise, come the day you don’t “feel” like it your dog will be in your face like Jillian on The Biggest Loser!

Dogs and cats are good for far more than these few examples in terms of what they give us mostly by just being themselves!

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Fat Cat Store

Dogs are not the only household pet that can have weight problems. I remember when I got my first kitten, a boy tabby; a friend gave me a poster of a really fat cat. I was appalled and swore, never I cried! I had no idea how fast he would grow, and grow, and grow…  Martin was totally an indoor cat and before a year had gone by he had physically grown out of the kitty stage and began to just lie around as cats are prone to do. My “little” boy was now a “big” and I mean really big boy. Not quite the size of the poster but getting there. Alarmed I got him a companion who was not only company for him but an exercise buddy. Martin became an exceptionally handsome cat and I’m not just saying that from a mother’s point of view because visitors were always amazed by him. There is a down side to his bigness and that was diabetes. You see, big cats are prone to develop diabetes. Just like with humans we wound up having to give him insulin shots. After a while we got pretty good at it and he was a real sport about it. Martin’s life span was shortened but he had a big personality to match his size and he left a large mark on out lives.

It is a fact that about 50% of US cats are overweight. Fat cats may seem funny as in this video but it’s really not at all healthy. So how can you tell if your cat weighs too much? Just as with dogs, run your hands over their ribs. You should be able to feel them without applying pressure. With some long haired cats you may need to gently dig your fingers through the hair. Also take a visual assessment. Can you see their waist, is the tummy hanging down? Check their hips and shoulders, these are bony areas that you shouldn’t be feeling fat.

We love our cats and want to have them with us a long time. Proper nutrition and plenty of exercise will go a long way toward that. Be sure to check with your Veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.

I am not sure what caused Martin’s weight issues but it sure gave me an acute awareness of what can happen if their weight is not kept in check.

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"I really need to get in shape."

It’ easy enough to say that we need to exercise our dogs more and watch what they eat in order to keep them at a good weight and therefore healthy. This is the same principle we humans should follow. Long walks and lots of play will usually take care of the exercise part. Watch as Cesar Millan has a dog walking on a treadmill , most of us will probably not be doing this however this pretty amazing. Besides most of us can use the nice walk outside!

• Choose a dog food that has a high meat content, be sure it is the first ingredient listed. The can may say meat meal which is meat with the moisture removed. It’s even better if it has meat as two or three out of five top-listed ingredients.
• Grain will also be listed, you want to see the high quality ones such as Oatmeal, Brown Rice and Barley. There should also be vegetables, maybe even fruit.

A Real Couch Potato

It’s a known fact that January 1st of each year after all the holiday festivities there is a day of reckoning. We ate too much and maybe drank too much and the scales are not our friend. The annual national weight loss frenzy begins. Be sure to include our dog in your getting in shape plans. As a matter of fact, in a recent article in the newspaper there was a story about a work-out Bootcamp for dogs and their owners called Thank Dog! Bootcamp. Their motto is “If your dog is overweight, then you’re not getting enough exercise.” The theory being that if you’re walking and playing with your dog enough then you both are getting the benefits.

It is estimated that 25-50%of dogs seen by veterinarians are overweight! That’s incredible. Just like us this dog obesity is due mainly from eating too much and not burning off the excess calories. Also just like us the cure is to decrease the intake or adjust the food and increase exercise. Being overweight is the most common health problem in dogs and that in turn leads to all sorts of other problems. Sound familiar?

Some breeds do tend to be more prone to weight issues. Among them are Labradors, Dachshunds and Beagles. It really doesn’t matter if you have another breed or even a mutt, obesity can happen to any dog. How can you tell if your dog is overweight? There is a visual exercise:

• Look at your dog from the side. Is the belly tucked up?
• Stand above and look down. Do you see a waist in front of their hips?

Next there is a touch exercise:

• Feel their sides without applying pressure. Can You feel their ribs?
• Do you feel muscle over the ribs?

If you’re answering no to these questions then your dog is probably in need of a weight loss program with you. It’s a new year and a great time to get started if you haven’t already done so.

Your Best Friend Is Counting On You!

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