Good Grooming Habits Take Dedication
For some dog owners, simply giving their faithful canine an occasional bath is considered adequate grooming. Unfortunately, dogs require much more attention than just the infrequent dip in a tub of sudsy water. Good grooming habits necessitate dedication, but once you get into the habit, you’ll begin to sense when your dog’s nails need trimming or his coat needs to be brushed.
Don’t expect your dog to enjoy the nail-trimming process. In fact, he will likely whine and struggle throughout; this can be remedied however with the assistance of a pet grooming table. Dog products such as clippers will prove invaluable for the task. Keep a firm grip on the dog’s paw while taking special care not to cut too far down to the quick. Light-colored nails are much easier to trim as you’ll be able to tell where the blood vessels begin. If you cut into the quick, the toenail will bleed and the dog will associate the nail-trimming sessions with pain.
Saving the Furniture
In some ways, my cat Elsa behaves more like a dog. She absolutely adores attention and won’t rest until someone scratches her ears for a few minutes. For the most part this behavior is endearing, but it did create one memorable problem. About a month ago she began scratching the furniture defiantly while I was away at work. I would come home to find her in the process of clawing the couch practically beyond recognition. She seemed bored and despondent.
That’s when I bought a cat tree to occupy her attention. Since I couldn’t be home all the time to play with her, the tree provided an effective substitute. She could climb and scratch the tree to her heart’s content, and I could finally rest easy knowing that the furniture wouldn’t be torn to pieces upon my return. I’ve been thinking of getting a second cat to play with Elsa. I’m sure the two of them will learn to share the cat tree.
Effective Crate Training Takes Patience
Skeptics have argued that crate training dogs is a form of cruelty; this wholly ignorant point of view fails to account for the facts, however. Dogs appreciate small spaces at an instinctual level for a number of reasons. First, they like to feel safe and protected from predators and enemies. Second, they revel in the snugness and comfort of a cozy den. Although it takes some work, crate training can actually improve a dog’s outlook and general well-being.
It’s best to crate train dogs when they’re still puppies. Spend plenty of time playing with the dog during the day so that he’ll be suitably tired and ready to retire to their small dog crate for the night. The space should be filled with a favorite blanket and a few chew toys to keep him busy and to familiarize him with his nocturnal habitat. If the dog whines a bit for the first few nights, check to make sure that the dog is safe but don’t cave in by opening the crate. Within a week, he should be happy and adjusted to the routine.
A Few Crate Training Tips
Conscientious dog owners know that there’s much more to crate training than simply locking a puppy away in a cage all day. It’s especially important that a canine grows comfortable with the crate surroundings before being left for an entire day. This process won’t take long, and it can be expedited by keeping the crate clean and filling it with a comfortable blanket and a few of your dog’s favorite toys.
Prior to leaving the dog within the confines of a soft sided dog crate, allow ample time for a bathroom break. This will allow your pet to do his business and get a bit of morning exercise. Upon your return, you should let the dog out immediately and indulge him with some much deserved attention. Try to make an afternoon walk a regular part of your routine, to be provided when your dog behaves inside the crate.
Make Travelling a Breeze
Traveling with your dog can be very easy with a dog travel crate. They can just sit inside while you carry them around. There are different dog crates that you can choose from. There are soft-sided crates, hard plastic crates, portable crates and more.
Today there is even a wide selection of airline approve pet carriers, so you can take them on your flight. Just make sure that your pet is comfortable inside their crate. Some dogs need to get used to being confined in such a small place. You might need to train your dog to sit in the dog crate for several minutes a day before they are fully comfortable in staying in the crate for hours. But once they are used to it, traveling will be a breeze.
Crate Training Is Worth the Effort
If you’ve chosen to train your dog to sleep in a crate, you might be surprised at the relative simplicity of the process. An untrained dog abides by its natural instincts, and one of those is to find a comfortable sleeping den. If you encourage the dog by putting down fluffy padding inside the crate, the chances of your dog settling there improve dramatically.
Try to teach your dog to associate the steel dog crate with positive experiences such as treats and other rewards. In the early stages of training your dog may mess the crate, will require some cleanup. Before long, however, the dog will be effectively housetrained. He will also be content to stay inside the crate at night. It’s incredibly important not to give into the dog’s whining; he will settle into his household role in time.
How To Keep Your Pet Warm And Cozy In The Winter Months
The freezing, cold winter season can be pretty harsh for your dog if he does not have the proper gear to protect him and fight the cold nights. Keeping your pet warm is essential especially when the temperature drops zero. Certain breeds of dogs are more affected by the cold than others, particularly older pets and/or those that endure ailments such as arthritis.
Below are some ways you can keep your dog safe during the winter season:
• Get your pet a dog coat that will keep him warm whether he’s just staying indoors or is playing outside. If he is going outside with you into the snow, it’s advisable to opt for pet clothes that have a waterproof nylon covering.
• Keeping your dog indoors does not automatically mean that he doesn’t feel cold, you might want to try a Dog Crate Bumper. Dog Crate Bumpers provide warmth and comfort to your pet while in is cage. Your pup can snuggle up against the bumper instead of being bothered by pokey wires. Bumpers also create a cozy atmosphere by making your dog’s crate feel more den-like, which can reduce stress and stress-induced misbehavior’s.
• Dogs regulate temperature through their tongue and the soles of their feet so having booties on can help them feel warm especially when they walk on snow. This also helps protect them from salt and other products that are used to melt ice.
• Of course, don’t forget to give your dog the occasional belly rub and special treat. Nothing warms your dog’s heart more than special attention and delicious food.
Herding Dogs Need a Job!
The herding dog breeds—including the more popular Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, Australian Cattle Dogs, Rough Collies, and Border Collies—are loving dogs that are excellent for families and kids. However, these dogs also need regular physical activity to ensure their happiness. These dogs are bred to herd livestock, and will often have a lot more energy than the average canine. While this doesn’t mean it’s necessary to own a farm to have a happy herding dog, it’s important that their energy be channeled into a creative outlet. Most herding dogs love to herd; whether it’s livestock or just a soccer ball, herding dogs have natural instincts. Larger herding dogs like Rough Collies are even known to herd small children. It’s important that these dogs receive regular stimulation from chasing a soccer ball, fetching balls, or just running alongside their owners. Even as puppies, it’s good for these dogs to be jumping around in a dog playpen.
There are numerous dog breeds that aren’t bred to do more than sit around the house, but with herding dogs, it’s important to give them a job, otherwise the dog will find a job that their owner might not like!
Heavy Duty Dog Harness
My dog’s favorite activity—walking—could be harmful to his health, especially because he happens to be an excessive tugger. Dogs that pull on their leashes are at risk for neck and trachea injuries that can result from a choking affect created by their collars. Many dog trainers recommend that leather dog harnesses be used in place of collars for tug-prone dogs.
Experts recommend using dog harnesses because they offer safety, security and comfort. A harness distributes weight equally around a dog’s body as he pulls on the leash, preventing choking. Critics, however, say that it is much harder to train a dog using a harness because it gives an owner less leverage to get the dog to walk next to them.
Follow a Hollywood Pet Example
In 2006, Hollywood actress Tori Spelling made celebrity magazine headlines when she was seen pushing her pug, Mimi LaRue, around L.A. in a stroller. The magazines speculated about whether Mimi was too tired to walk or whether Tori was simply practicing for her new baby, Liam, whom she was pregnant with at the time. It turned out that Mimi had hip problems, and Tori was spending quality time out with Mimi despite her ailments. Sadly, Mimi died in 2008 at age 11 after suffering from hip and neck problems for several years.
If your dog has hip dysplasia, arthritis or joint problems, you can still bring him outside in a pet stroller. Just like Mimi LaRue, your dog can enjoy the outdoors without straining his tired bones. This activity will help keep your dog from becoming depressed about his ailments. It will also allow you to keep an eye on your dog, since you won’t have to leave him at home and worry about whether he is in pain all by himself.