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Posted on Friday, September 28, 2007
Labels:
Guide,
Pets
Ok so its day one and you’ve just brought your new cute little puppy home for the first time, all the family love its little puppy paws running around in its new surrounding. The entire family are instantly addicted to playing with the dog and all want it to sleep with them that night.
Day two comes and everything seems just as happy and playful as the previous day, except today, the puppy is slightly more used to its surroundings and gnawing and chewing on everything seems to be the new game for your puppy.
So how do you stop your dog chewing, biting, and general all round shredding of everything their little mouths can get around? Simply telling your puppy to stop and removing him from the scene, although it might help in the long run slightly, is not going to help your furniture in the short term and they’ll be straight back chewing something else.
It takes time for your new puppy to grasp the idea of what they can and can't chew to bits, chewing and biting is quite normal for a puppy and is all part of the process of teething, chewing helps the puppy cope with the soreness of the initial six months or so and is essential for a growing pup.
Nothing is out of bounds for a teething puppy, consider everything a possibility for chewing. Dogs don’t know the difference between your best pair of shoes and a battered old chew toy so it’s your job to show them. From the very beginning you need to show them right from wrong so you don’t come up against the same problem when your little puppy isn’t so little any more.
Chew toys are a great dog toy so take full advantage of them while you still have furniture left in your living room. Show your puppy that its good to play with that toy by rewarding him with doggy treats or something you know he likes, put this toy in front of him and in his mouth as much as possible to encourage him to chew it.
You can't always be with your puppy so when you find you have to leave your puppy alone in the house it might be a good idea to close him in a puppy proof room with just the essentials and his new puppy chew toy, before long he’ll get used to chewing on the puppy toys and start to notice the difference in reception he gets from chewing your favourite magazine and the reward he gets for using his toy.
There is a lot more to training puppies and teaching your puppy not to chew on everything in sight, and it may take time and some patience before you get there but it’s a lot cheaper than buying a new living room and your puppy will grow into a much better trained dog because of it.Technorati Tags:
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Posted on Friday, September 28, 2007
Labels:
Guide,
Pets
I am a dog person. I love the wagging tails, the licking tongues and the simple companionship that these pets provide. But I hate the way the expenses seem to pile up. First it?s the shots, the food, the toys and then the new carpeting I need after training a puppy. Despite all that, I could never give up on my furry friends ? nor could any other true dog lover that I know. Fortunately, cutting down on these pet-related expenses is easy with a few of the following tips.
If you?re thinking of getting a dog, one of your first major expenses will be shots and medications. Young dogs are required to have certain shots as they grow up, and these can be costly. If you?re adopting an older dog, you may need to purchase medication to treat existing conditions. Check with your local pet stores to see if they offer any special low cost vaccination clinics, which can save you a lot of money. These events can charge lower rates because they don?t have all the extra overhead associated with a full veterinary office.
You?ll also want to check with your local government to see if they offer any pet-related services. Some cities and counties offer low cost vaccinations and spay/neuter procedures that you can take advantage of. Since these procedures lead to fewer unwanted, unhealthy pets being born, the city benefits by cutting down on animal control and sheltering expenses. You benefit by saving lots of money on the same exact procedure that would be done at a veterinary clinic.
If you find that your pet needs medication, you?ll get a better deal ordering them online from a discount store. You can find basic pet medications like flea and heartworm drugs at companies like 1800petmeds.com, which offer the same products at lower prices. You?ll still need a prescription to order certain products online, but your veterinarian is required by law to give you a valid prescription that you can use anywhere to purchase needed medications. Just fax it to the online retailer and you?ll be all set.
Pet food is another necessity to keep in mind. Hopefully, you?ll wind up with a dog that will eat anything in sight ? not a picky eater whose taste buds will tolerate only the finest in doggy cuisine. Whatever food you purchase, try to get it in as large a quantity as you can. You?ll save more money by purchasing in bulk than buying tiny ten pound bags each week. If you?ve got a picky pooch, check with your local feed stores or farmer?s supply stores ? you may be able to find specialty brands at lower prices.
If you?re a pet owner on a budget, indulging in doggy day care, pet spas or any of the other chic pet establishments that have recently popped up is probably out of the question. If your dog is too big to be washed at home, check with your local pet store to see if they have a pet washing station with bigger wash tubs and longer hoses. And if you crave a dog-free day of doggy day care services, why not pair up with a fellow dog owner? One week, you drop off your dog at a friend?s house for the day and then return the favor the next week. You?ll both get a little break without breaking the bank.
Always keep your eyes out for pet store discounts in your newspaper and coupon circulars, and watch your local pet stores for clearance sales. You might be able to get that fancy toy you?ve been eyeing at a substantial discount. And keep in mind that the things pets love most aren?t necessarily store bought toys. My dog is never happier than when he?s chewing on a homemade tug toy made from heavy duty rope found at the hardware store. So don?t let the expenses of pet ownership scare you off ? you can share your life with man?s best friend without going broke.Technorati Tags:
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Guide
Posted on Friday, September 28, 2007
Labels:
Guide,
Pets
Your dog is like a member of the family. And, as such, you want to ensure your dog’s health, safety and comfort. If your dog is like most, he/she spends a large portion of the day sleeping. Therefore, it is easy to understand why the proper dog bed can make such an important impact on your dog’s quality of life.
The various types of dog beds run the gamut. They vary in size, shape, design and material. A bed can be a simple mat or an elaborately-embellished plush cushion. Still, some fancier bed designs look like, well, real beds!
Before you purchase a bed for your best friend, there are a number of factors to consider. They include:
Size of Your Dog
While taking into account the size of your dog may seem quite obvious, it may be overlooked when browsing through so many different fun-looking and novel bed designs. However, it is important to remember that the size of your dog is the number one factor in choosing the proper bed.
In addition, to his/her size, consider the sleeping position of your dog. Does your dog sleep in a curled position or is he/she a “sprawler,” sleeping fully stretched out with legs in all directions? A bolster bed, an oval-shaped bed with raised sides, may be ideal for a “cuddler” but unsuitable for a dog that likes to stretch out. Know that the bed should be at least slightly larger than the size of your dog in his/her normal sleeping position.
Remember to also consider the height of your dog. A number of bed designs are raised off of the floor, either for functional purposes or merely for appearances. In either case, a bed that might provide easy access for a Great Dane may prove to be quite a struggle for a short-legged Dachshund or a young pup.
Also, take into account whether your dog is a growing pup or fully grown. If your dog is a puppy, you may what to purchase a bed that is suitable for today but will provide comfort as your dog matures. However, please keep in mind, that it may not be possible for a particular bed to be suitable for all stages of your dog’s life. As your dog grows and ages, bedding needs often change.
Age and Health of Your Dog
A super plush bed that would be cozy for a young pup in which to snuggle may be too soft for an older dog that has arthritis or other joint or muscle aliments. A bed that is too soft may be a struggle for an older dog to get in and out. An orthopedic bed, one that provides a soft cushion to rest ailing joints but also provides support, may be preferred for older dogs.
Temperature or Seasonal Conditions
Depending upon the temperature of your home, older, short-haired or smaller dogs might find greater comfort with a heated bed. Some beds feature a built-in heating element, similar to an electric blanket. Other beds simply use special materials and physical design to take advantage of the warmth naturally generated by the dog to provide a warmer sleeping environment.
Conversely, long-haired dogs or those accustomed to colder climates may find a bed that provides for a cooler sleeping arrangement more desirable. Mechanical features or simply cooler coverings can provide some dogs with relief. Some mats and cushions serve a duel purpose by offering a fleece-lining on one side and a cooler fabric covering on the reverse side.
Easy of Care
If your dog enjoys the outdoors, he/she may track some of the outdoors indoors. If so, dirt, grass and, possibly, insects will find their way into your dog’s bed. Having a bed with a removable and washable cover will be quite convenient.
Even if your dog is primarily an inside dog, you may want to consider the merits of a washable cover if he/she sheds excessively. Being able to quickly and easily remove grime and dog hair from your pooch’s sleep quarters will go a long way to making the area more visually attractive, smell better and improve your dog’s overall health.
Coordinating Home Decor
Give consideration as to where the bed will be located in your home. Finding a comfortable bed for your best friend doesn’t mean the aesthetics of your home have to suffer. The style and design of dog beds have come a long way. A dog bed no longer has to be an eye-sore. It can be a well-coordinated accent piece, one that highlights your sense of style. Select a color and design of bed that will compliment the other furnishings and décor of the room, as well as be pleasing to your pooch.
In conclusion, just a little bit of consideration in the shopping process will go a long way in finding a dog bed that both you and your dog will love.
Lifelong pet enthusiast Leo Stanley writes for Remmeer.com, a online retailer offering various styles of dog beds, as well as other dog gifts and unique dog lover gifts.Technorati Tags:
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