How to prevent dogs from attacking livestock animals

Dogs are not this hobby farmer’s enemy. I love dogs! I have lost count of the number of dogs I have rescued and I currently own eleven rescued dogs of various breeds and sizes. What I do not love are irresponsible owners who allow their dogs to roam free-a practice that can lead to annoyance and suffering, not only for neighbors and livestock, but also for the free-spirited dogs. It goes without saying that I despise people who dump unwanted dogs. These animals usually die horribly. The ones that survive pack up with other dogs and become feral. Feral dogs are very dangerous because they do not have a wild animal’s fear of man.

Pet dogs that are allowed to roam at night fequently hook up with a feral pack. People do not realize that even the best dogs will kill if they are with a pack. Many problem packs consist of a few feral dogs and a whole lot of pets. These dogs will frequntly go into a killing frenzy leaving behind a host of dead and horribly mangled animals. It is a nasty thing to have to deal with.

So what is an animal lover to do? First and foremost, take steps to prevent an attack so that you never have to be awakened by the sounds of your animals being massacred. If you do not have a large flock, your best bet is a secure shed or barn where the animals can be confined at night. Make sure this building has a solid floor, even if it is just a layer of wire mesh. Dogs are champion diggers when they want to get at something.

For larger areas, string at least three electric wires-top, middle and bottom. Make the bottom one low enough to discourage digging. This has the added benefit of keeping your livestock in. If you can afford it, add a layer of solid wire mesh to at least the lower third of the fence.

In most rural areas a homeowner has the right to shoot an animal that is attacking stock. If you live in the country and you have livestock, then you might consider obtaining a firearm. However, if you make this decision, I strongly recomend getting professional training on handling your gun. Also, most importantly, PRACTICE! If you must make the decision to kill a dog, make sure you can do it cleanly. There is no excuse for making any animal suffer.

However, sometime in an attack situation, you cannot get a clean shot on the predator. I have found a bull whip to be invaluable in these situations. You often do not even have to touch the dog. The noise of the whip most often sends the beast running. Once again, practice. It is embarrassing to hit yourself in the rear with your own whip.

Always remember that dogs in attack mode can be dangerous. Watch out for your own safety when you are defending your stock.

Remember, your pet cats and small dogs are in danger as well. Keep your cats confined at night, and don’t leave your small dogs unnattended.

If you can catch the probem dog or dogs without danger to yourself, take it to the nearest animal control. It is more humane than shooting the animal. If it has an ower, and the owner wants it back, then perhaps the fine he or she will have to pay will encourage them to be more responsible.

Socializing your cat: The importance and the methods

Bringing a new member into the family of pets at home is a fascinating experience. The matter is the same whether, it is for the first time or adding a fresh one into the group. Socializing of the pet is what you would worry about. It is the process of learning to live and participate in the essential habits of the society. It is the most significant factor in having a pet in the house. It is the technique to make a touchy and nervous or a hostile natured cat to a different lovable member of the family. The process of socialization educates the cat the norms that govern the house and the behavior that is expected from your cat. This is more applicable when there is a child in the house, who usually chases the poor kitty and does a little bit of rough petting. A truly socialized cat will tolerate all these actions without any odd repercussions from its end. That is what is expected from a nice little cat in the house. It is the power of socialization that makes the difference between two cats.

Though a cat can be put to training at any age but it is wise to start the socializing classes from the early age. The breed is important in this context. Cats of some breeds are exceptionally sociable and liberal in nature. Before deciding for a cat, some research work will be more helpful to know about the different breeds of cats. If you have a child in the house, you must take this matter seriously because there are cats known for their notorious attitude and annoyance to children. Consider this fact before you take the decision to bring a kitten to make the presence of the pet in the house enjoyable

Create several opportunities to the pet for getting socialized. Some cats are scared at the beginning, present comforting situations to them. Hold them with love, stroke them gently and share the experience of talking with them. Pat them for good behavior and reward them with treats so that the pet understands the importance of desirable behavior. Engage the cat in play to have better interaction because they are very sensitive creatures. This will be quite helpful in giving the required medication to the cat. Ultimately, you will be able to help the cat in its proper grooming to an adorable pet. Refrain from punishing the cat heavily for bad behavior. Instead, show confidence and care to transform the pet so that it doesn’t repeat the same. Only a sense of affection and the atmosphere of comfort will help the cat to get socialize in true logic.

Socialization is concerned with people and responding in a nice manner. Make the scope for your pet to understand area socialization or meeting guests in the house. Give them the confidence and comfort to get out of fears; they are generally gripped with at that time. The cat will come out before the guests only when it has complete faith on you. A fully socialized cat will surely come out before the guests and behave normally. It will be the most enjoyable sight for you. You should be determined, supportive, gentle and dependable so that your pet socializes easily.