Is crating your dog cruel? – Part 2
Before making a decision as to whether or not crating a dog is cruel you first need to understand how a dog thinks. If you were to find a dog in the wild you would find him resting or seeking safety tucked away in a nook somewhere in the woods. Animals of all breeds usually feel safe when they have a place to hide away from predators. This is an animal’s natural instinct and it does not change when one is domesticated.
I have trained dogs for years and found the most well adjusted are those that were introduced to crate training at a very early age. They are better behaved and easier trained by learning their place in the hierarchy of the family just as they would in a pack. Dogs need structure and consistency to feel safe as well. Leaving a dog too much freedom causes confusion and fear which leads to bad habits. Crating your dog lets him know you are the Alpha in the house and for the same reason you are protecting and giving him a safe haven to retreat to when you are not around.
This is not to say you are mistreating your pet by not using a crate or that you are showing him you do not care. Ones dog is ones own responsibility and their care is solely up to the owner. The opposite argument could be made that not crating your dog is cruel in the respect the owner doesn’t want to be troubled by providing their pet with a place of their own where they always know they can feel safe and relaxed. When you break it all down this is a harmless technique in training your dog. However, ask yourself this “Is it cruel to put your baby in a crib?” Are you not really using the crib to keep your child safe from harm when you cannot be right there for them when they are awake? Is it cruel to give your teenager his or her own room?
I think it makes more sense when you take the dog out of the question as an animal and look at them as a real part of the family. Even adults have a place to go when they need to get away. I do not think the majority of people in this world are raised to sleep or live anywhere they landed. I have never seen a dog complain about being given a crate to sleep in with his or her own special blanket and a bowl of water. I even went so far as to give mine a bone to chew on as a treat. Kind of like that teddy bear you had as a kid you could not sleep without and would scream at the top of your lungs until your parents found and tucked it into bed with you at night. No, I do not think crating dogs is cruel at all. I just think people need to keep it in perspective as to what it means for the dog and not for themselves. So do Fido a favor and give him his own room.
Cats and the computer
Cats are not the best timekeepers in the world, and don’t care if you are working or not- If they want attention, they want it THEN, not five minutes from now. As I type, my 25 pound cat (no, I am not exaggerating) is sitting on my lap, purring contentedly and sleeping away. When I move, he gives me the look of death and then returns to sleep. The only possible way to get him to leave would be to physically move him or throw a cat treat on the floor- but he would just jump back up again. This proves to be a problem when you are working on a school project or paperwork, or even work from the computer at home.
This leads to researching and finding different ways to get the cat off of your lap so you can work. The ideal way is to train them from when they are kittens to NOT sit on your lap while you are working, but more often than not, it is to late for that. Another thing would be to get a window seat (if your computer is located next to a window) for your cat to sit on, but then you have to train the cat to use it. An easy way to do this would be to put some catnip on the seat, and then place your cat on the seat. Hopefully, if you do this enough, the cat will jump on the window seat instead of your lap. Training is, however, a small price to pay for some peace of mind and an easier work schedule, not to mention an empty lap when you’re working on that term paper or work report.
Pet grooming trends and techniques
Pet grooming has evolved into a multi-million dollar industry over the last 20 years. With advances in holistic pet care and all natural diets, new specialty pet grooming shops are opening their doors daily.
Even if you are just looking for a good haircut for your new (or older) puppy, there are some new options to consider.
Many dog owners are now opting for a “puppy cut” style. This clip leaves the same length of hair all over the dog’s body and legs with a more individual look for the head and face. There are many advantages to having your dog groomed in this style, including ease of coat care for owner and ease of clipping for the groomer.
Having your dog groomed with a “puppy cut” style will require some grooming at home between appointments with the dog groomer. A cut of this style normally leaves the dog’s coat anywhere from an inch to an inch and a half in length, giving the coat lots of bounce and fluff (and the dog’s appearance is more like a puppy). Therefore a daily brushing, or better yet combing, will be necessary to maintain this length. Pet owners should never rely on a groomer’s “magic” comb to get mats out of a dog’s coat (it hurts just as much with a stranger pulling, and your dog will hate to go to the groomer).
Grooming tools have evolved as well. Any dog owner now has ready access to professional grooming tools including: combs, brushes, mat rakes, dog grooming clippers, dog grooming clipper blades, clipper blade comb extensions, dog nail clippers, dog drying kennels, dog cage dryers.
For the dog owner that keeps a regular grooming schedule, the bare necessities are: a shedding comb, a slicker brush, and a pet nail file.
Proper health care and diet of your pet also ensures a better grooming experience. Many grooming shops have started offering holistic and all natural pet diets for sale to their customers as a way of helping to ensure better skin and coat quality in dogs. Some veterinarians now recommend a raw diet for all dogs and cats, as they are both born carnivores.
Full line dog spas can now be seen popping up in cities across the U.S. Offering services such as: full body dog/cat massage, deep tissue dog/cat massage, dog/cat acupuncture and acupressure, dog/cat temperament testing, dog/cat behavioral analysis, individual training and play time.
These service come at a price of course, but with a little research you can often find introductory coupons or referral bonus programs. You can also pamper your pet at home for a very affordable luxury. All natural shampoos and cream rinses for dogs and cats can be heavily diluted to last longer. A warm bath can be a treat for you and your pet.
Tips for litter box training kittens – Part 4
Cats are very clean and have a natural instinct to eliminate to sand and soil. Kittens learn where to appropriately eliminate by watching their mother and usually start learning at about three to four weeks of age. You should not have to do much to train your kitten to use the litter box. However, there are some steps you can take to insure success. Litter box issues and elimination disorders are the main reasons cats are given up to shelters so success is important.
Household Introduction –
Once you have introduced your new kitten to the household take her to the litter box and gently place her inside. Take her front paws and show her how to scratch the litter. Repeat this routine throughout the day. Once she uses the box leave her alone. Cats like their privacy when using the box.
Until you are sure your kitten is using the box, confine them in a smaller area with access to the box. Do not allow them to find alternate places to eliminate.
Keep the kitten away from houseplants. The dirt around the household will be hard to resist .
Litter Box –
A good rule of thumb is to have one litter box per cat in the household, plus one. Some cats will not use a box that has been used by another cat.
A new kitten should have a new, smaller, litter box that they can access easily.
The box should be located in quiet area with little foot traffic. It should be placed away from the kitten’s food and water supply. It should be easily accessible.
The litter box can be cleaned with a water and vinegar mixture.
Litter –
There are many types of litter currently available. Many cats prefer unscented litter with a sandy texture. However, there are litter versions which come in pellets and other shapes which can be successfully used.
Try to start your kitten off with the litter used in their previous environment and if necessary switch them over slowly to the type preferred in your household.
Avoid clumping litter which uses sodium bentonite. It can cause intestinal issues if ingested.
Litter should be scooped daily and the full box of litter should be switched to fresh litter at least once a week.
Mistakes –
Determine the reason your cat chose to eliminate outside of the box. Is the box clean enough? Cats can be very fussy about the cleanliness of the box. Did they have access to the box? Is the environment quiet? Has something changed?
Clean any mistakes immediately with an enzymatic cleaner designed to work with cat urine and odor. If spots are not thoroughly cleaned your cat may return to the spot for future elimination.
Do not punish a cat for not eliminating in the box. Instead show them the box and praise profusely when used.
If accidents continue, this could be a sign of a urinary tract disease or intestinal parasites and they should see a veterinarian.
Offer your kitten a calm, clean and quiet environment for their litter box. They should easily learn the appropriate spot to eliminate. Once settled into a successful litter box set up do not make any unnecessary changes.
Should restaurants allow dogs in with their owners? – Part 5
The other day, I sat down at a favorite local pub. It was a perfect late summer afternoon, and my dog and I had completed a long walk and several shopping excursions. I was looking forward to a beer and had his water ready.
I wandered to the terrace, where there are ten tables. Three were occupied with individuals who were smoking and also enjoying the afternoon. I chose my table, the dog immediately placed himself underneath, and we waited for service.
Instead, we were thrown out.
The manager came out, and explained to me that my dog could not be there because it was considered to be a health hazard to individuals who were eating, and that the Health Department could shut them down if they happened to stop by. I look over at the people smoking, and can’t help but to see the irony of the health hazard of second hand smoke verses my canine who was quietly lying underneath the table, looking forward to a handout or two from my plate.
So, I politely left and went to another pub where my dog was welcomed to sit on the terrace and join me in sharing a plate of nachos. He is particular to melted cheese.
Individuals will claim that dogs are unsanitary or potentially disruptive to an eating establishment. Like smokers who have been moved outside, having a dog on a terrace is no different. If individuals do not want the second hand smoke, they can move to a table away from the smokers or move inside; likewise, if the dog is an issue, the patrons can respond the same.
The argument has been presented that dogs can be disruptive. As can children, I retort. A well-trained dog can be as unnoticeable as a well-mannered child. Individuals who take their dogs into public areas have generally invested considerable time and money to make the enjoyment of their dog a positive experience. The same is not necessarily applicable to parents and children. I have had more meals disrupted by the antics of a rowdy child than I have had by a dog sitting on a terrace with his walker.
Very few people are allergic to children; there are a number of individuals who are allergic to dogs. However, I have never seen a dog allergy that was so severe that the person could not be ten feet away in the outdoors while a child ten feet away can still make your eating experience unendurable. Hence, allowing dogs on a terrace at an eating establishment is as fair to dog owners as it is to smokers, leaving the inside of the restaurant for those who wish to have an environmentally sanitized eating experience while the rest of us can enjoy our unsanitary habits with friends or panting companions.
Training Dogs: Tips On Breaking Bad Pet Habits
You want a nice, disciplined dog, who doesn’t chew on anything and everything in the sight and doesn’t deafen you with his needless barks. These are one of the most common dog problems and can be really irritating at times. They can, however, be corrected by proper training. Here are a few effective ways of bringing in correction in your dog’s habits:
Barking
Barking come naturally to them, and what use is a dog that doesn’t even bark. However, at time dogs overdo it and keep barking without a reason and sometimes even after their barks have been taken cognizance of and the offending element removed. Then, it is high time he had his lessons in “barking habits.”
Most often dogs bark to tell the owner what they feel he must know, like an intruder, any unusual moving object, any unusual activity or sound. They feel that it is important for them to inform you at the earliest. This kind of warning bark is perfectly alright, but if your dog keep barking even after having been told not to, he needs to be trained about it.
In such situations take a squirt bottle filled with water, and every time the dog barks unnecessarily squirt the liquid right in his face after telling him not to bark in a loud “No”. The liquid or the squirt wouldn’t harm the creature but he wouldn’t like it and would get the message eventually. This is disciplinary action and must be adopted only when the dog doesn’t respond to your verbal commands. Keep it as a second option and not the first.
Chewing
Chewing is not only destructive but is potentially dangerous to the dog as well, because they might ingest pieces of plastic or wood or any other harmful object that could block their intestines, which could be life threatening. Puppies’ chewing is acceptable because that’s part of teething, but if the habit is retained into adulthood, it needs to be corrected.
It is better to start early. So, you need not wait till the dog grows up to teach him not to chew on things that are not meant for his chewing. The strategy for the pup as well as for the dog remain the same. Get some toys for the dog to chew on, and train him to restrict his chewing to them. Watch him carefully and if he chews on things other than his chew toys, look into his eyes at close quarters and say in a loud voice, “No!” and then offer one of his chew toys. He would get the message as to what has to be chewed on and what not.
Begging for food
Never give the dog to eat from your dinner table or your plate. Make him learn that he gets nothing by begging for food but gets to eat at the proper time. And if, unfortunately you already have a dog who has such a habit lock him up in another room while you eat.
You want dogs to behave well, but good behaviour is not something one is born with. One– be it a human or a dog– has to learn to behave. So, right training is the key.
What you need to know to train your dog – Part 1
Training dogs is not difficult, and there are numerous books, web sites and organizations dedicated to telling you how to teach or dog to sit or walk at heel. However, there are some areas of confusion and a few things that aren’t always discussed in sufficient detail, which novice trainers (and perhaps a few experienced trainers) should consider when training a dog.
1) Your dog is NOT a wolf
There’s a lot being made of the dog-wolf connection, and genetically and ancestrally, dogs and wolves ARE related. However, dogs are not wolves, and the differences are sufficiently significant to make the study of wolf behavior pretty much useless when training your dog. Wolves live in organized packs – dogs are merely social. Wolves are predominately hunters who also scavenge – dogs are scavengers that occasionally hunt. Wolves learn by observing – dogs learn through repetition. Wolves are intelligent – dogs are clever. The list goes on, and there are always exceptions, but you get the idea.
If you want to learn how to train your dog, don’t study wolves – study dogs!
2) Consistency is critical
You as the trainer, and everyone else in your dog’s world must be consistent in the words that are used and the behavior that is considered acceptable.
If you use “out” to refer to going out-of-doors, don’t use “out” to chase Rover from the kitchen. Everyone should use “down” to tell the him to lay down, but use “off” tell him to get off the sofa or off your lap.
If you are trying to teach your dog not to jump on your good clothes, but the husband thinks it’s fine for Rover to jump on his jeans, your dog will always jump – jumping is more fun than staying on the ground. If you’re trying to get the dog to stop begging at the table, but the kids are sneaking him bits of their unwanted vegetables, the dog will beg. Don’t blame the dog, but get the humans to agree to the rules.
3)Sugar wins out over vinegar
Old-school training was correction based – a jerk on the choke-chain, a swat with a rolled up news paper, yelling and rubbing their noses in “it”. These methods are out-dated, ineffective and are too likely to be misused by humans with short fuses. Ignoring bad behavior and rewarding good behavior works much better, and will lead to a closer bond with your dog.
If your dog does something incorrectly, it’s acceptable to say “ooops” and withhold a reward, but anything else smacks of punishment, which dogs don’t understand. And while punishment MAY stop your dog from repeating
Why cats are difficult to train – Part 25
Cats, unlike dogs, are not loyal to others. They live for themselves and will only be loyal to you for that one second when somebody feeds them.
Hence, while you can train dogs by using positive re-enforcement (meaning feeding/rewarding when they repeat the right actions), the same method does not apply for cats as their brain does not function the same way. Their memory powers are not like dogs, so long-term impression on people do not work.
Hence, cats are definitely not men’s best friend. Howevery having said that, keeping a cat at home is not that difficult because they are naturally toilet-trained and very clean animals (they somehow know instinctively where to poo and to cover them after that). Except for the hair-shedding, which dogs too cant control too anyway, you definitely can’t get a cat to fetch!
Cats and their sleep
Cats of all shapes and sizes like their sleep, ranging from lions lounging about under the shade of a handy tree on the savanna during the heat of the day to the domestic moggie curled up in their favorite place – normally your favorite chair. It is an instinctive thing, born from generations conserving precious energy in between hunting bouts – many of which can be an unsuccessful waste of time and effort before they land their next meal. Our beloved moggies may well get two good meals a day, or even food on demand if they have their humans well trained, but this does not detract from the hereditary urge to curl up after a good long wash and nap away the majority of the daylight hours.
In modern zoos with well planted enclosures, this often leads to a disappointed public peering in at an apparently empty enclosure – next time this happens to you, remember, the inhabitants are simply doing what comes naturally. At home with our furry companions, it has the potential to lead to sleepless nights for we humans – especially those of us without a cat flap. One gentleman I know is a case in point. His cat has him so well trained that he will sit up into the early hours waiting for the cat to come in (the alternative being to go to bed and then get woken up by the wailing under the bedroom window), and then obediently get out of bed a little later that (still early) morning to let the fiend out again (the alternative being to lie in bed awake listening to the wailing from the livingroom).
How do we avoid this tiring fate I hear you ask… Well for those of you who are happy for your cats to roam at night, it is simple – install a cat flap and let them come and go as they please without having to persuade you to work that tricky door for them. For those of us who prefer our cats inside at night, the solution is equally simple – will power!
Cats are highly adept at training their humans, using a surprising variety of miaows ranging from loud and insistent to squeaky, sad, and pathetic, depending on which approach seems to get the best result from their human target. However, while cats instinctively want to sleep most of the day and then roam from dusk to dawn, it is possible to come to a mutual agreement about an acceptable routine.
For example, our cats are more than happy to go outside in the morning to check out their territory, which suits us and them fine. We let them out before going to work and they have the run of the neighbourhood gardens
Finding a dog trainer in your area – Part 3
What time is it when your dog starts to chew on all your furniture, jump on your guests and ignore your commands? Very likely it is time to consult with a good dog trainer.
When a dog misbehaves we tend to think that the dog simply lacks good manners. However, there is much more involved than just simply good manners. More often than not, the dog’s behavior is the result of what the owner made out of it.
Dogs are pack animals, in nature, they were used to living in a pack where they were subject to a social structure. Once domesticated, dogs retained their need to be on top or on the bottom of the ladder. Owners therefore should be the “alpha dog” aka the leader, the one that the dog will look for guidance and directions. If the social structure in your relationship with your dog is unclear, the dog may easily take over and make his own rules.
In these unbalanced relationships dogs will misbehave, ignore the owner’s commands and in worse cases assume a dominant role and have a tendency to become aggressive.
This is when time has come to consider a good trainer. Actually, a dog trainer ideally should be contacted even before these behaviors arise.
Finding a good dog trainer is vital, a dog trainer will be the key in solving your dog’s behavior problems and respect you as the leader. A good dog trainer may mean the difference between surrendering your dog into a shelter or keeping him peacefully in your home. This is why when it comes to choosing a good dog trainer you must choose wisely. Here are some good guidelines to follow along your search.
1) Selecting a good dog trainer should take more effort than peeking into the yellow pages and selecting the dog trainer that costs less and/or is closest to your home. Put some extra effort in your search by calling local veterinarian offices, humane societies, kennels or groomers for referrals or by asking friends, other dog owners and neighbors. Keep in mind that no government agency regulates or licenses dog trainers so basically anybody may claim to be a dog trainer.
2)Once you have found a reputable trainer head out to visit the training facility. Ask the trainer how many years he has worked as a trainer and what training methods are used. The trainer should appear knowledgeable and most of all you should be able to acknowledge in him a salutary passion for dogs. The trainer should primarily work for the passion of educating dogs and their owners and profits should be a secondary incentive.
