Keeping you dog safe at the beach
Taking a dog to the beach multiplies the human fun as well. A happy dog running along the surf’s edge, rolling in the sand, and playing with other canines is a thing of joy. But, before you take Fido to the beach, here are some safety considerations.
1. Identification. Make sure your dog is micro-chipped or has a collar and tag that can’t possibly slip off. In addition, put a water-proof i.d. tag on the collar with your cell phone number (that’s a good number to have on the permanent tag as well).
2. Vaccinations. Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations for any encounters he may have with other dogs. Also, in the unhappy event of a bite to human or dog, you will want to be able to prove that he has been vaccinated for rabies.
3. Obedience. Do not take your dog off leash unless you are positive he will come on command. We had the scary experience once of letting a well-trained dog loose at the beach only to have her chase a sea gull in the rough winter surf on the Washington coast. We were literally stripping off our clothes wondering if we would survive a swim in the icy water when miraculously the bird turned and came back onshore. Our dog followed. That was the last time we took her leash off. You must also be certain that your dog will come to you if spot an aggressive dog or other danger. Thankfully, our dog came to us on command when we saw her going toward an injured sea lion on the beach.
4. Friendliness. It goes without saying that any dog that is the least bit dog aggressive should never be taken off leash. Also, you must be certain that your dog is friendly to any humans he encounters. He must also not be so friendly that he jumps on people or topples over small children.
5. Pick up Poop. You don’t want to step in it; no one else does either. Please carry a bag (often provided at way stations on the beach) to dispose of your dog’s waste. Kicking a bit of sand over the pile is not disposing of it.
6. Watch for dangers. Look for broken glass, metal, or any other object which could cut your dog’s feet. Also be careful around the water. Not every dog is a good swimmer and sometimes beaches drop off suddenly. If there are sea lions in the water, be careful. Your dog may look like lunch to them. One man told me the sad story of having his Labrador retriever snatched right off a dock in Alaska.
7. Sun and Water. Dogs, especially ones with little hair, can get sunburned. Any dog with a pink nose can get sunburned. Also be aware that your dog will be thirsty after a romp on the beach. Salt water will make him throw up. Carry fresh water for him.
8. Read the signs. Often there are rules such as “Dogs Must Be on Leash” that must be obeyed. And sometimes there are specific warnings. Our dog once drank from a freshwater stream running on to the beach. She became very ill with diarrhea and it was then that we saw the newspaper article about contamination of the runoff in the area.
9. Take towels. Motels don’t particularly appreciate having dirty dogs use their fresh towels. Take your dog’s special beach towel and rinse him off and get him dry before going back in the motel. You’ll also want to cover the car seat with a towel on the drive home as there will always be sand after a day at the beach.
10. Have Fun. There is nothing more delightful than walking a dog on the beach. They enjoy it, you enjoy it, and onlookers will enjoy watching joy in action as well. Think ahead, be safe, and head to the beach.
Can owning a pet be beneficial to your health? – Part 2
Sharing your life with a pet can be beneficial to your physical and mental health. Pets have been known to help combat depression, sickness and disease.
For some people having a pet to come home to is a way to give life meaning again. Knowing that another life depends on you can really turn things around for some people.
It has been documented that stroking a cat, and listening to it purr can lower your blood pressure. How about that, a happy cat can make you healthier by engaging in a pleasant activity you will both enjoy.
For me, I know that no matter how rotten my day has been, as soon as my key hits the lock, I have two happy dogs inside. The wag their tails, they hold their ears, they lick my face and hands. They are so happy to see me I can’t help but smile on my worst day. My dogs are true friends. They don’t care if my make up isn’t perfect, or if my socks don’t match my ensemble. They don’t care if I made some terrible mistake at work or spent too much at the grocery store. They are just genuinely excited to see me, to be around me, and to hear my voice.
It sounds crazy, but I have seen dark days in my life. I feel certain that my dogs have saved my life. When I was alone and depressed, I knew I could not commit suicide because my dos would have no one to care for them. I knew I had to suck it up, get over my bad lonely feelings and go on living for my pets. I made the commitment to care for them, and I am not going to desert them.
So, yes, having pets involved in your life can be beneficial to your health. If I did not have my pets to love and care for I might not be here today. They saved me from myself, when I needed to be saved the most.
The impact a pet can have on ones health and quality of life is amazing.
Not only do pets offer a precious gift to the humans who share their lives, the gift of undying devotion, friendship and loyalty, a pet can bring happiness and companionship to an other wise lonely existence. Pets reduce stress levels and possibly high blood pressure. Pets are usually happy creatures, happiness is just as contagious as yawning or misery can be.
Pets can fill a void in a persons soul. In my opinion the benefits of sharing your life with a pet certainly outweighs any cons of having a pet. The unconditional love of an animal can change not only your outlook on life, but it can also help you heal and recover from injury, illness and disease.
How to prevent indoor cats from scratching furniture
There are so many reasons why cats and kittens scratch furniture and people in the first place, and these need to be addressed if training should be successful. First of all, do remember that your little baby actually fancies himself an invincible tiger who rules the world. Sofas, vases, shoes and picture frames are not objects to tip-toe around. Rather, they help make up an exciting jungle of an obstacle course that they must conquer!
You may have guessed the second thing that must be acknowledged – it’s just fun! If you could wreck things – break plates, smash windows, colour on the walls – you know you would! A cat does not understand that this should not be done. So how to tell your cat that it’s wrong, and ensure he will listen?
Well I have found that with cats in general, the ones that fancy themselves your babies (but not in a spoiled way) and really look to you and up to you, are the easiest to train. Cats have a much lower sense of shame than dogs, so knowing that you are displeased will often not phaze them, or simply incite rebellious behaviour, such as biting, swiping, hissing, avoiding you, or simply continuing (or seemingly, increasing) that same act you punished him for. The more a cat seems to ‘value your opinion’ as it were, the more affected they are when you act displeased.
Another interesting fact: When cats seem to be scowling, turning away from you, pouting, etc. after being scolded, they are actually showing submission. Humans often read this wrong because it looks an awful lot like a child pouting after being scolded, but in actuality the cat is trying to show you that you’ve won. They accept you as their superior, especially in this matter, have backed down, and would like for the fight to be over. Knowing this will help prevent any resentment from you and promote your realization that your pet IS listening to you and DOES respect you. This will improve your relationship to your cat which will in turn improve the effectiveness of the training.
There are many helpful techniques to ensuring that your cat understands that you have said "no" and that it knows to what you are referring. I prefer gently grabbing the offending paw, with claws out, by the sides with your thumb and finger (at about the beginning of the third knuckle) and squeezing. This gently forces the claws to retract. Doing this with a firm "no" and a serious facial expression will let the cat know what NOT to do, what TO do instead, and
What you need to consider before getting a pet – Part 8
Before getting a pet, you should realistically go over all that is entailed in being a responsible pet owner and what kind of pet would be right for you.
There are many things to consider before getting a pet. The first consideration and one of the most important should be the veterinarian bills. Even after getting their shots, and having them spayed or neutered, they will still require the attention of a veterinarian at one time or another.
If you can’t or choose not to pay for the medical care that your pet will require, you may want to reconsider getting one. It is irresponsible to run out and get a pet, not being able or willing to pay for their medical needs. Pets are not toys; they are living beings and depend on us the way children depend on their parents.
Furthermore, some pets require more attention than others. Consider how much time you are able/willing to give a pet. Dogs need to be walked regularly. If you don’t have a fenced yard, you may have to take it someplace for a good run. When going out of town, you must leave a dog in the care of someone else.
There are many types of dogs from small to the whopping super-size and they all have different personalities. Of course, the bigger the dog, the more food they’ll eat and the more space they will require.
Cats are pretty much independent and don’t need to be walked. With sufficient food and water, they can be left for longer periods of time. But along with owning a cat comes a litter-box, which has to be cleaned regularly.
There are several good products on the market that are making the sandbox type litter-box a thing of the past. But some can’t abide the thought of a litter-box, especially if there’s a small child in the home.
Hamsters are popular with children and make adorable pets. However, they also come with a certain amount of responsibility. They must have an adequately sized cage with exercise equipment and nesting materials. The cage must be cleaned regularly. Children promise to take care of their pets, but oftentimes, the parent gets stuck with the job.
Birds are happy pets, singing and chirping. But their cages also have to be cleaned regularly. Cleaning up after a bird can be a constant thing. They tend to shed and scrape food out of their cage. Place a birdcage in a sunbeam and watch what happens when it shakes itself, fluffing its feathers. No doubt, you will see a cloud of tiny specs floating around in the sunbeam.
Fish are soothing to watch and aquariums make a beautiful addition to a home. But they also have to be cleaned regularly. An aquarium emits a foul smell that can linger for days if it’s not cleaned. Even a goldfish bowl, if not cleaned, can leave an awful stench in your home.
Dogs, cats, hamsters, birds and fish are the most common pets and each of them have different needs. Please consider the facts before rushing out to get a pet. Pets fill places in us that we didn’t even know were empty. Choose the pet that’s right for you. You will both be happier in the long-run.
In closing, remember that Jesus Christ was born in a stable among the animals. He was known as The Lamb of God and The Lion of Judah.
“He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.” Psalms 147:9
“A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.” Prov. 12:10
Dog and Puppy House Training
Dog Training Is Fun!
Early Dog Training Is Essential. Not all dog training is created equal, and is more than just telling your dog to stop behaving the way he is right now; it’s one of the most important fundamentals of owning a pet. The important thing about dog training is to get started today because tomorrow the naughty behaviour will just continue.
Do you know that the key to successful dog training is getting your new pet to understand you? Dog training is for every dog or puppy and is not breed specific, it’s more a temperament and drive specific thing. It’s the process of training your dog to display certain specific acceptable dog behavior in various circumstances.
Basic dog training is available for most all breeds. Performing the correct dog training is something that will better your relationship with your dog. Dog training is definitely not rocket science and is easier than you would expect particularly if you can get help from a good dog training book or guide. Dog training is a must for ALL dogs large or small.
The final major mistake we all make is thinking that the dog training is over. The main advantage of traditional dog training is the high reliability of the trained behaviors. Other advantages are that positive dog training is easy to understand and fun to carry out. The thing needed in training your dog is what most experts define as “positive reinforcement”. This is a method of rewarding the dog or puppy when they do something “right” and leads to them wanting to do the right thing all the time.
Dog and Puppy House Training Stops Them Piddling And Pooping in the Wrong Places.
Raising a Puppy and Basic Dog Training is best started with a puppy. House breaking a puppy is an integral part of dog training and will control this behaviour for their lifetime. Did you recently acquire a puppy that you want to train? Some important things to keep in mind when training your puppy are gentle reinforcement, both positive and negative, always consistency and lots of initial practice. If you have a puppy, you must start training him or her early, and do it gently and correctly.
Do you want to teach your dog or puppy some useful commands and amazing tricks? Have you ever wondered what exactly is up with puppy in-home training? There is no time like the present for training (or re-training) a puppy or adult dog to fit into your human world. Puppy Training is for every dog, regardless of breed, size or temperament.
Dog Obedience Training and Behavior Modification. Behavior (or obedience) dog and puppy training is very important in today’s society because many people take their dogs everywhere they go. When your dog does something wrong or that is an undesired behavior, do NOT reinforce that behavior. Our recommended training course can effectively and humanely correct unwanted behavior, as well as establish proper behavior and respect. There is no question that behavior is reward driven, so always make sure to properly reward your dog when they do something acceptable.
Does your dog have some behavior that you just can’t find a way to stop? This type of bad behavior could have been avoided with early dog obedience training. But it’s never too late to start!
Solutions for all behavior problems, including aggression towards people and other animals.
Training allows caregivers to safely and humanely control their dog’s behavior and help them fit in better with their human partners. When you have a dog or puppy, dog obedience training can make a large difference in stopping or solving behavioral problems. Dog Obedience Training is a must when you want your dog listen to you. This is very important when you’re out on the street or in a public park.
Obedience and agility training for all dogs.
This helps to teach it more dependency on others and obedience to you. A new and novel approach to dog obedience training. Using rewards during obedience training is a very valuable tool. Training collars can be used to teach basic obedience training, advanced training, and sport dog training. Visit our site at www.FastBreaking.info to learn more about dog obedience tips and more. The important thing about dog training is to get started today. Effective dog training is not a mere option.
Free Dog Training Tip:
Dog Training is an INVESTMENT in your dog and your home. Although Dove Creswell’s Puppy & Dog Training Online training course is a dog-training online system, it is not like any other. We highly recommend it!
How to make your pet dog a part of the family – Part 7
Most, find, that pets can be a welcome part of the family. Especially dogs, with their easy going and unconditionally loving nature. It is often, that people are stumped, in trying to figure out just how exactly you are to bring a new puppy or dog into your home. How to make them feel as part of the family. It’s always a joy, to see the light on someone’s face, to watch a child smile, or see just what kind of impact a dog alone can make on someone’s day. It’s often, that animals are seen visiting retirement homes because of the sense of calm and relief that it brings the clients that attend facilities. Many sing the praises of what a pet can do for those that enjoy their company. But what can we do, that will allow them to be part of the family? It’s not as difficult as you might think.
Firstly, what you want most of all, is for them to already have a place of their own. Dogs are essentially very social, but even they need their own space. Setting up a place for them before they are even taken into the home is the best, so that you can show it to them. Have a comfortable bed waiting. Now you don’t have to go out and spend a great deal of money on some sort of expensive bed. Just because it’s made for dogs doesn’t always necessarily mean it’s the best or what’s going to work for yours. For example, an old pillow with an easily washable case is something that could work, a blanket that you no longer use, a old sheet that was stained or used for a project and is unsuitable for the bedroom any longer. The main thing is, really, to give them something comfortable. Some dogs might prefer to sleep on just a small rug, each dog is different and it may take a few tries to get it just right. In the bedding area, you might want to place a toy or two, something so that perhaps if they are spending the night within the confines of their space, they will have something to keep them company. Despite a place to sleep, they need a place to eat, a bit out of the way of a great deal of traffic. Most dogs get a bit nervous when their eating beside a large traffic flow. So you want to place their bowls in a place where they can eat with little disturbance.
Another note to remember when introducing the dog to your home and to your family is not to shower it with immediate affection. So many think that this shows love to the dog, but instead it might in fact overwhelm the animal. Let the animal get a feel for how the house is really run. I know, that
Pet health insurance: Is it a good idea?
Why NOT to get pet health insurance
On several occasions I have researched animal insurance plans. As bad as people insurance is, everything I’ve learned is telling me that pet insurance is no better. I can’t find any evidence that pet insurance is cost effective in any way. Please take the time and effort to explore other ways to finance your pet’s health care needs.
I agree that veterinary fees are exuberant, but owning a pet is a responsibility that you take on when you bring the precious bundle home. You know there will be vet fees to pay from that day forward, and they can’t always be put off. Accidents happen, illnesses happen, we have to plan for them just as we plan for our human children’s entry to college, first car, dance or Karate lessons or sports interests. In these economic times, pet insurance is a waste of money that most of us just simply cannot afford.
Research pet insurance plans and select a good one. Make sure you find one that will cover well visits and unexpected trips to the vet. Look at the premium. Take that amount each month and place it into an interest bearing savings account. If you stick with it and put that money away every month as though you were paying the pet insurance premium, you will have more than enough money put away to overcome, financially, all your pet’s veterinary bills. You will also have a fund to lean on during leaner times should you absolutely need it.
Additionally, if you spend some volunteer hours helping a local shelter or SPCA, you will meet people that will help you in desperate times. They have veterinarians that come to the SPCA, and designated vet clinics that see shelter animals for a reduced fee. They need volunteers to work a couple of hours each weekend to assist with pet adoption efforts, they need safe-houses to keep pets on a temporary basis, they need people to walk, groom, train, and feed animals. By donating some of your time helping them, they will help you.
If you can’t spend time in the shelter’s without getting depressed or adopting every animal that comes through the door, volunteer at a vet clinic. They need people to clean cages, disinfect runs, walk dogs, pet cats, clean litter boxes, feed all the animals, and keep them with fresh water.
Sometimes you need to think outside the box in an effort to provide your animals with their needs. It’s not hard, just get a little creative.
Advice for recovering after the death of a pet – Part 1
From the large and exotic to the tiny and common, we chose our pets, care for them, and inevitably they become an extension of ourselves. So when a pet dies we feel that we’ve lost a piece of ourselves. Grieving is painful both physically and emotionally, but the most important thing to understand is that over time grief will diminish as long as you allow yourself to mourn.
Here are some suggestions to help you or a loved one through the mourning process:
Talk To Your Veterinarian
Veterinarians are trained to help you through the initial pain and shock of losing your pet. Weather you have questions or just need reassurance know that your relationship with your veterinarian doesn’t end the moment your pet passes. Take your time to talk, listen and accept what has happened before you leave the hospital.
Veterinarians understanding the special needs of pet owners who are experiencing loss are beginning to organize bereavement groups. Larger veterinarian hospitals are the most likely source of such groups in your area. These groups are open to everyone even if your pet was not a patient.
Have A Memorial Service
If possible bring your pet home for burial or a funeral before cremation. Knowing that you’ve done something extra for a pet after life is of great comfort. Children also benefit from arranging a funeral. They can make cards, place your pet’s favorite toys and foods inside the coffin and even take last pictures. Many children have said it made them feel good that they could say goodbye in this way instead of leaving their pets at the hospital.
For larger pets, or if you can’t take your pet home you can obtain keepsakes like pet tags, horseshoes, or fur. Don’t be afraid to ask for these if they are not offered. Some veterinarians are giving pet owners polymer clay disks with their pets’ paw or hoof prints embedded in clay. You can ask if this is an option, if it’s not you can bring your own materials and ask them about obtaining a print.
Don’t Hide Your Grief
Many pet owners find that it’s difficult to express their grief because sometimes co-workers or friends don’t understand the bond that they shared with their pet. This can be especially true with the loss of a small pet or a reptile. However, the best thing anyone mourning a loss can do is talk about it. You don’t have to go into detail; just let people know that you just lost your pet and it hurts. Think of speaking about your pet as a way to honor the memory of the love you shared.
Collect
Cats and intelligence – Part 4
After an association of a little over thirteen years with my cat, Nadine, I believe I have begun to understand the psychology of cats. Nadine is a black cat with a few irregular white spots on her belly. Though she has never been a mother, she doesn’t appear to have missed being either pregnant or a mother.
Though many people believe they choose their kitten, from observation, I have concluded that cats choose their humans. Nadine and I began our association when at three weeks, she reached out her paw and patted me as I stood conversing with my apartment manager. The next week she both patted me and nuzzled her nose against my exposed palm.
By the time six weeks had passed, Nadine and I had become great friends and since she was the last kitten my manager’s cat had produced, my manager suggested I should adopt her. I agreed to do so upon hearing that I was the only visitor she had had that Nadine paid any attention to. I dutifully purchased a cat carrier, something I was to learn Nadine did not like. She made the point on the way to the Vet’s by producing the most foul smelling cat crap that has ever assaulted my nostrils. As a result I placed the offensive box in the trunk. She peaceably took her place on the passenger seat next to me and expressed her pleasure in the new arrangement by purring and licking my hand.
She still insists on freedom in the car and still hates the confinement of a cat carrier, defecating most odiously when confined there-in, but being a perfect lady if she is given her freedom.
It is my conclusion that, unlike dogs, cats, rather than being trained, train you. It seems to me that they are genetically programmed to remember when en worshiped them and simply can’t look at ungraceful humans as diets, something nearly every dog does.
In summary, cats must be treated with defference. They will accept your worship and allow you to provide their necessities, but will as readily reject all your offerings. Treat them with respect and they will return it, but you must never try to bully or push them into your idea of ideal cat behavior.
Cats and litter box training – Part 5
How to Stop Feline House Soiling
House soiling is a fairly common problem, but cats often do this for a reason. The difficult part is figuring out what that reason is. Cats are very clean animals by nature, and often are no happier using the floor, a beloved couch, or even a bed for a toilet than you would be. They do not house soil out of spite. Usually there is a valid reason for their behavior. What follows is a quick guide to diagnosing and fixing the problem.
1. Observe where your cat is defecating. Often the place where your cat is leaving you presents is an important clue to what the problem is. If the leavings are near the litter box, the problem probably has something to do with the litter box. If they are near a window, the cat may be spotting a wild animal and defecating from fear. Sometimes it can be as simple as a new piece of furniture that the cat is not accustomed to. The location usually lets you know what the problem is.
2. Check for blood in your cat’s urine or feces. If defecation is painful for your cat, they may start to associate the pain with the litter box and look for other less painful places to conduct their business. The solution for this is to get your cat to the vet as soon as possible.
3. Is it territorial? Male cats have a habit of spraying around the house to mark their territory. Watch where your cat is spraying. There are products you can buy that have the pheromones, one of which is called “Feliway”. You spray this where your cat is spraying. If a place is already marked, your cat won’t be as interested in re-marking it.
So, what now?
If the house soiling is not due to a medical issue and not part of marking their territory, then we need to look at the clues. If the cat is defecating just outside the litter box, then chances are, there is something about the litter box that your cat just can’t stand. Try changing the litter. Some cats do not like the scented or odor-controlling litter. Hartz makes an excellent non-scented cat litter, and it’s usually cheaper than most. To make up for the extra smell, I’ve found it especially helpful to put a cardboard box over the litter box with a small entrance hole cut out. This also lets the cat have more privacy from other curious or aggressive cats in the house that may be harassing the cat in the litter box.
Also, if you haven’t tried it yet, make sure you clean the litter box more often. For one finicky cat, this should be done at least twice a week.
