Dog Training

Ferrets may not be a common animal choice for pets, but these critters have been domesticated by humans since way back in 4 BC. Many people find ferrets nice to have and as easy to keep, if not easier, as other typical pets like dogs and cats. Here are some basic tips about caring for ferrets.

Making a Home for the Ferret

Ferrets prefer living in spaces that resemble dens in the wild. A wired cage that is about 30 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 18 inches long may suffice. Many ferrets like living in cages that have things to climb such as ramps and stairs. The cage should allow good ventilation, thus it is not wise to use aquariums. The floor may be covered by linoleum tiles and carpets or other soft washable materials to make the flooring more comfortable for ferrets to walk on than wire floors. The cage should be kept within 55 to 70 degrees. It should also be cleaned regularly with hot soapy water.

Feeding Ferrets

Ferrets are carnivores that require at least 22% fat and 34% protein from animal sources. It isn’t recommended to feed them dog or cat food. Chicken and turkey are ideal. Ferrets should never be fed vegetables because they are difficult to digest. Fruits are also not an option because sugars may increase tendencies for insulinoma. Egg whites should also be avoided because they can cause hemolytic anemia.

Potty Training

A small 3 to 5 inches-high cardboard box may be used as a litter box for ferrets. Litter pans should be secured to a side of the cage, far from the ferret’s eating and sleeping areas. Litter products made of plant or paper fibers are recommended to prevent clumping of fecal matter.

Keeping Ferrets Clean

Ferrets tend to produce undesirable odors. To prevent them from smelling to strongly, they can be bathed using a special ferret shampoo, kitten shampoo, or diluted baby shampoo. It isn’t advisable to bathe ferrets daily, because it will dry their skin, causing overcompensation of oil secretion, making the ferret smell more. It is also important to check the ferret’s ears for mites regularly. Ears should be cleaned using cotton soaked in a special cleanser that can be bought from a pet store.

Keeping Ferrets Active

Ferrets are very energetic animals. It is recommended to keep them entertained with toys that aren’t easy to break to maintain the animal’s safety.

Ferrets can be nice pets when one knows the right ways of caring for them. Having them can be a fun and exciting experience.

Joshua Simms
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-care-for-a-pet-ferret-749277.html

well I have 1 kitten that is potty trained by the first time he came to our house we took him to the place where he had to pee.and then he started peeing there but what about puppies? do you do the sme thing?
thanks for all your help!

This site has some very good info on your question: http://dogs4u.info

A common problem that occurs between dogs and owners comes from how the pet reacts to being left alone. In this type of situation, we have to keep in mind that our puppy is a pack animal. He was not built to be on his own. The whole point of living in pack is to be able to live as a group and work together, play together, hunt together, and raise puppies together. Every puppy was made from this same mold. Being alone does not come naturally to him.

With proper care and training, we can help him adjust and accept staying alone. You need to be sympathetic and determined when training your dog to accept your necessary absences. You must show him over and over again that you will come back and give him love, take care of him, and fulfill his needs.

You will need to set up a crate or den area for your puppy and establish a permanent location for his water bowl and food dish. He will also need a blanket or towel to sleep on and papers or potty pads to relieve himself. Give him safe toys to chew. Chewing will help him relieve his anxiety. Keep this in mind if he chews on your shoe one day in an attempt to make himself feel better. It is anxiety, not spite that makes him do bad things when you are out. However, you must still correct him. But you also have to understand that while your pet can adjust to being left alone, it is not a natural state for him and he is never going to like it.

Your comings and goings during the first few days of acquiring your puppy will help to communicate to him that you will come and go. Some puppies adjust easily while some will find this area very difficult. Naturally, if you have a breed that was originally developed to herd and protect a flock, he will tend to get upset when his flock disappears. Understanding the qualities bred into your dog for generations will help you predict his behavior and how he will react to certain situations such as training, how he responds to children, and being left alone.

Giving your puppy something to do to keep him busy will help when he is left alone. He should have safe things to chew. Another pet, such as another dog or a cat, will also help ward off lonely feeling. In addition, you can help him feel better by giving him a good exercise right before you leave. This will tire him and relax him. Furthermore, you can train him before you leave for the day. This reminds him that you are the leader of the pack and also reminds him of his security as well as his limitations. He will therefore feel less anxious knowing that he has a loving, firm, and fair master. You can even leave the radio on while you are gone. Music and voices are a great comfort to a puppy who has to spend the day alone.

forgreat (dogcare)clickhere

Linda Kajda
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-train-your-puppy-to-accept-being-alone-121269.html

I have a small chihuahua mix, and i was just wonder if its too late to potty train him!

He is 3 years old!

And is there any tips and tricks to potty train dogs

some dogs yes and some dogs no.it depends if they have ever had training.i have had dogs many of different ages and some were trainable and some were not but i will tell you this.if he makes a mistake in the house DO NOT clean it with bleach,bleach smells like ureine to them,clean to you but pee to them.after he eats put him out 15 mins after he eats/drinks,leave him out for45 mins at a time.when he does something out side give him prase and a treat.when he does something in the house DO NOT hit him but in a firm voice tell him he’s bad such as,"what did you do","no","oh my".at night stop feeding him at 10:00.put him out before bed and put him out when you get up.do not over feed him or he’ll poop everywhere.for samll dogs a good size meal 3 times a day.try this and see what happens and if you need more help you know how to reach me.

Does anyone know why it is so diffcult to potty train this certain type of dog?? I have been researching for some time now, but cannot find any results. And any tips on doing so?? Thanks in Advance!!

It’s not the breed. That’s just a common excuse for novice pet owners.

Tips.

1. Have a designated "potty-place" in your yard.
2. Whenever you take the dog out (if puppy, once an hour), go to this place and say a command, like "Do your business!"
3. If he goes, praise him exuberantly, give him a treat or two, then take him on at least a short walk.
4. If he doesn’t, pop him back in his crate (you do have one, right?) and try again in half an hour.
5. Never yell, hit, or punish a dog for going inside. It’s your fault, not his!
6. His crate should be just big enough for him to turn around and lay down in, no bigger. If it is bigger, he can just eliminate in one end and sleep in the other.

A very good neighbor dropped in yesterday for a coffee. Or at least I thought that was it. In fact she was so upset that she was in tears before the coffee had even brewed. Thinking that her husband must have run off with the particularly buxom waitress at our local diner, he and his buddies endlessly discuss this lady’s virtues, and I am always amazed at their tendency to confuse ambition with ability, but I digress. I gave her my full attention. I sat down and comforted her, expecting all to be revealed. The tears dried up instantly and I got a complete mouthful of the angriest language that I have ever heard this mild lady use. Fortunately it wasn’t directed at me, but I am now very impressed by her, shall we say ‘streetwise’ vocabulary. What had made her so mad was a very sad case of the utmost cruelty to a dog. At this point I was firmly on the bandwagon too, and the air was blue around us.

This brings me round to something I have a real bee in my bonnet about. And that’s the lack of thought that many people give to choosing a dog.

My neighbor works for the local RSPCA (Royal Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty to Animals in the UK). She works principally with the dogs that they rescue and take in. I probably shouldn’t be, me being rather more senior in years than junior now, but I am always astonished at the reasons why people abandon their dogs or decide that they just can’t keep them anymore.
Now I’m not talking about the genuine reasons, such as an old person falling too ill to care for a pet. I mean the blatantly selfish reasons that some people find acceptable and which I, on my high horse, clearly DO NOT.
My poor friend has to rehome as many of these poor friendless dogs as she can. I am very happy to say that Stalin’s interrogation techniques couldn’t be more impressive than hers when it comes to making sure that these unfortunates do not end up being discarded again. I am pleased to say that getting a dog away from her tender care is not for the faint hearted.

A dog can be a wonderful addition to your family, as long as everyone is prepared to put in the time and effort required. So many people think a puppy would make a wonderful present for their children, only to forget about them once the novelty has worn off. A very popular excuse for being unable to keep a dog is ‘I didn’t realize he was going to get that big’ well Der. He was born with those big paws, and he is a GSD, didn’t that give you a bit of a clue. Honestly, I know I don’t have a lot of patience with some people but they really do take the biscuit when they have checked out the breed, seen how big they grow and it STILL comes as a surprise. Ok, I’m going to calm down now.

Before you make the leap and introduce a new pet to your family make sure you know what to expect and that you’re prepared for all the consequences of bringing a new family member into your home.
Let’s look at some of the things you should consider before you take the step of picking your puppy or dog.

Who is going to be responsible. It’s all well and good to tell your children that the new puppy is theirs to care for, but remember, the first time they have to choose between picking up after it and hangin’ out with their friends you know there’s going to be a problem. So if there is no one prepared to step in and look after the animal on a regular basis perhaps rethinking the gift would be a good idea.

Do you have room for it. The type of home you live in and what type of backyard you have, will be a major factor in both deciding on what type of dog you should get. Add to this whether or not you’re prepared to exercise the dog, if you don’t have the room to let it run free in the backyard. If you can’t supply the room for a dog to run or are not willing to exercise them on a regular basis then a dog is not right for you.

Are you a neat freak. No matter how well prepared you are, or how well you train your dog is, there will be accidents. These can range from the normal potty training problems to digging up your prize garden, chewing your new shoes, or shedding their hair on your sofa. If you’re not ready to put up with any of the above at some stage of the dog’s life then perhaps a dog is not right for you.

Can you afford it. Caring for a dog means more than just paying for its meals. While dinner time scraps are a common food source, they need more than that. A well balanced diet is essential throughout their life, but particularly when they are young and still growing. Food is not the only cost though. There are also the worm tablets, vet bills, registration fees and other costs associated with caring for your pet. If you are struggling to pay your bills now you shouldn’t add to those costs. All too often it’s the animal that misses out on what it needs.

What about it’s training. Funnily enough, dogs don’t come ‘pre trained’ unless you are very lucky, that is. An untrained dog will be a nuisance, a hazard to himself and to humans and other dogs. If you haven’t got the patience to train a dog then either get an older one who already has some manners, or don’t get one at all. Not knowing how to train a dog will be no barrier to a keen dog lover because they will either take the dog to classes or learn how to train the dog themselves.

And finally, Time, do you have enough. Please don’t get a dog if you don’t plan to spend anytime with it. Ignoring it and leaving it alone for long periods of time will bring problems as it feels bored and is unable to develop a loving relationship with you. A dog is a sociable animal that needs company preferably human, and if you can’t give a dog any time then please don’t get one.

These are just a few things to bear in mind when you’re thinking about getting a new dog, or any new pet, come to that. If you now understand some of what is expected when you get a new dog, and you decide you still do want a dog, then yes go ahead. Provided of course you can fulfill one other key requirement.
Being prepared to offer lots of love, caring and patience. The undivided loyalty, love and affection you will get back from your dog are the greatest gifts you can ever have.

Debbie Boffa
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/a-dog-is-for-life-not-for-christmas-55067.html

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for people, but not dogs. Thousands of our furry friends end up lost, injured or sick during the winter holidays. Take a few moments to learn how you can easily make this holiday season a safe and happy one for dogs and puppies.

The best way to keep pets safe over the holidays is to think of them as children. Like children, the dangers to your pet depend largely on their age, training and ability to follow simple commands. A new puppy is more at risk because they lack the training and experience to deal with increased holiday activity in a household.

Untrained pups tend to ‘bolt’ out of an open door or gate and may not be missed for hours. Pups can easily be stepped on while trying to navigate their way through all the extra feet. Children can accidentally injure a puppy during rough play if adults are too busy to monitor them. Prevent injury to your pup by setting up a playpen or using a child safety gate to create a safe place for your pet to access food, water and a potty area away from all the activity.

Dogs of all ages tend to be overfed during the holidays. It’s natural for dogs to ‘beg’ for food. With all the extra cooking and eating, people feel guilty and give their pets lots of human food. This can make them sick and will add to the problem of obesity in older dogs. Never give chicken or turkey bones to dogs. They can splinter causing serious throat or internal damage.

Holiday plants such as mistletoe, poinsettias, lilies and holly can poison or make your dog very sick. These should be placed in areas that cannot be reached by dogs or younger children. Most kids instinctively pluck at plants, taste leaves and petals or offer them to pets.

Dogs that like to chew will try and make a meal of extension cords and electrical wires. Help your pet avoid a shocking experience by purchasing wire and cord protectors. Use pre-assembled Christmas Tree Light Sets. These easily wrap around the tree, tuck just inside branches and allow for connection to electrical sources near the top. This helps eliminate the danger of dangling light wires or loose extension cords under the tree.

Pet Owners that prefer traditional light sets should string their lights from the bottom of the tree up. Connect them to power sources near the middle or top of the tree. Dogs love to lay under or behind Christmas Trees. It’s easy for them to become entangled in loose wires causing strangulation, injury to extremities or worse as they try to get loose. If they pull hard enough, the tree will probably fall on top of them.

If you decide on a real tree instead of an artificial one, you will have to pet-proof the area around it. Dogs tend to chew on or eat pine needles and drink tree water. The needles can cause internal damage. Freshness treatments contain chemicals or fertilizer and stale water is a breeding ground for bacteria.

Artificial trees pose a risk because of the decorations we place on them. Broken Christmas ornaments and light bulbs can get stuck in a dog’s paw or mouth if they are chewed. If eaten, the sharp pieces will probably cause internal damage. Tinsel can cause an intestinal blockage.

Creating a safety zone between your dog and a Christmas tree can be accomplished in several ways. You can cut a real tree down to fit on a tabletop. Artificial trees assemble in sections and can be sized to fit on top of a table. Use gifts to fill in the space below. If you prefer the traditional floor to ceiling tree, screens or portable fencing can be used to keep pets and children away from the tree and gifts.

Most holiday pet problems involve strangers. If holiday visitors are unfamiliar with your pet situation, you cannot blame them when dogs are accidentally let out, given unhealthy treats or allowed to do things they shouldn’t. If you’re going to allow your dog to mingle, let holiday guests know what is and isn’t allowed when it comes to your pet.

Now let’s discuss the B word. Despite the best training in the world, it’s almost impossible to predict how a dog will react to someone new. A dog BITE can cost you a lot of money and end up being a death sentence for your pet. Think twice before you allow your dog or puppy to roam freely in an area filled with strangers. Apart from biting, young children can be mangled or clawed by larger dogs that are suddenly frightened.

The holiday season is the time for wishful thinking when it comes to gifts, not pets. If you’re not sure how your dog will react to seasonal changes in the home, take steps to protect your pet. As every parent or experienced pet owner knows, you only get one chance to protect and care for those you love.

Visit http://www.azpuppies.com for free dog health and care tips, toy dog breed information and puppies ready to be adopted.

Bill Knell
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/keep-your-dog-or-puppy-safe-during-the-winter-holidays-76818.html

Chances are, at one time or another you will need to turn to someone else to care for your dog. Perhaps you’ve accepted a work assignment that will keep you out of town for a month. Maybe you’re finally going on that long awaited cruise. Whatever the reason, you find yourself in need of someone dependable and trustworthy to care for Rover. Although some dogs do best at home with a pet sitter, other dogs do better in a boarding kennel. Consider your dog’s personality and needs before making a decision.

Things to know up front: For kennels, pet boarding is a business. Their success depends on volume as much as quality care. Kennels care for many animals at the same time and your pet will probably be kept in a cage or run. Don’t expect a kennel to give your pet the same kind of attention and affection that you do; it just won’t happen. But good kennels employee people with a natural love of dogs that will be kind and gentle and care for your pet to the best of their ability.

Kennel choices: Most vet offices offer boarding services. While vet office care may be limited, with smaller cages and limited exercise opportunities, many people, especially those whose animals have medical needs, feel more secure leaving their pets with a trusted vet. Other owners turn to private boarding kennels that can range from bare-bones to luxurious. Sparse facilities do not differ much from vet offices. Cages are usually small and exercise is limited to two walks a day. More expensive facilities offer mixed playtime for dogs that are socialized, outdoor exercise areas, larger runs rather than cages, and grooming services (all of which may be at an extra charge). Upscale doggie hotels are all the rage in some areas. Your dog may receive a massage, bath and haircut, obedience training, soothing music and luxurious bedding while you’re gone.

Where to start: Whatever level of care you decide on, there are some basic things to know and do before making a final decision on where to board your pet. Price, comfort, health and safety are all valid concerns. After all, you’re entrusting someone else with one of the most emotionally valuable things in your life.

Ask friends, neighbors, family, and your vet or dog trainer for recommendations. Then do a little background investigation. If your state requires licensing and inspections, make sure the kennels you are considering are in good standing. Also ask whether the prospective kennel belongs to the American Boarding Kennels Association. This trade association promotes professional standards, requires members subscribe to a code of ethics, and offers accreditation for professionalism, safety and quality of care. If you’re satisfied that a kennel meets basic requirements, schedule a visit.

What to look for: First impressions are important. Sniff the air as soon as you walk in. There should be no strong antiseptic smell or odor of urine or feces. Some antiseptic odor is understandable in concrete areas, but if odors assail your nose as you walk in the door, you may want to consider another kennel.

Look for a pleasant atmosphere. Do the current boarded dogs look happy? Do they come to the front of the kennel to greet you? Dogs that lie to the back and do not interact are a bad sign. Is the staff competent, confident, friendly and caring or do they seem harassed and irritable? Are there a sufficient number of workers or are they short-handed and overworked? Is the kennel owner ready and willing to show you where your dog will be housed and exercise areas? If not, cross this one off your list.

Make mental notes as you tour the facilities. Are dog beds clean? Look for clean food bowls and water bowls without scum or floating objects. Are the runs clean or is there feces lying around? It’s impossible to keep all runs clean 100% of the time, but you’ll be able to tell the difference between filth and recent deposits. Is the kennel yard full of debris? Is the building in need of serious repair? Is there good ventilation and a comfortable temperature? If possible, take a look at the kitchen. A clean kitchen is a good indicator of a clean pet area. Get a tour of outdoor exercise areas and runs. Are they protected from the elements? Is the noise level overwhelming? Although it is impossible to prevent dogs from barking, especially while someone is walking through the facility, the kennel should not be overcrowded to the point where dogs are constantly barking. Observe any activities offered. Note especially how aggressive dogs are handled.

Brass tacks: If your first impressions are favorable, then get down to details. You need to know if pets are required to be current on vaccinations. Some kennels now require that your dog be vaccinated against Bordetella, canine kennel cough. Many kennels will allow you to bring your dog’s regular food. It not only cuts down on their costs, but helps your dog adjust to kennel life. If it is important that your pet stay on his regular diet, ask; don’t just assume. What veterinary services are available? Does the kennel have a vet on call? You may prefer that the kennel call your vet if there is a need. Make this information readily available and let your vet know that your pet will be staying at a kennel while you are gone. Ask questions about feeding schedules. If your pet needs regular doses of medication, make sure this service is offered. Find out how much exercise your dog will be getting and how often they are allowed to potty. Can you bring your dog’s bedding from home and his favorite toy? Is it important to you that a staff member be on the property around the clock? If so, make sure this is the case at your chosen facility. Be sure to get a breakdown of charges. Some services are included in basic daily rates, some are not. If price is an issue, get the details worked out up front so you won’t be surprised when you get home. And last, but not least, trust your instincts. If you just don’t feel good about a particular kennel, go somewhere else.

Prepare your pet: So, you’ve taken all the preliminary measures and selected a kennel for your pet. Now you need to prepare Rover for his stay. If the facility offers doggy day care services in addition to longer term care, give your pet the chance to try it out. Take him once or twice for just the day. Take special note of his first impressions and reactions. Quiz the staff on his behavior and interaction with the other animals.

Be sure your pet knows basic commands. Make sure he is current on vaccinations and is flea-free (most kennels require it). If your pet is going to be at the kennel for an extended time, you may consider a trial run of a weekend excursion. This allows you to work out any kinks before the longer stay. If necessary, teach your dog to sit before being petted or fed and to walk quietly on a leash. Socialize him to strangers, especially if medication or grooming will be provided at the kennel. Make sure he is accustomed to a crate if he will be in one at the kennel. It will make the stay less stressful and fearful for your pet.

Prepare the kennel staff: No one likes surprises, not even kennel staff who are accustomed to working with all animal personalities. If your dog has any unusual fears, aggression triggers or other idiosyncrasies, be honest for the safety and well-being of all involved. Let them know if Rover is not reliably housetrained, hates men or eats things he’s not supposed to.

On kennel day: Exercise Rover before you turn him over to the kennel staff. Leave the kids at home. Walk in the kennel door, give Rover a gentle pat, tell him you’ll see him soon and let him go. Long goodbyes, hugs and tears will only stress out your pet (and you). He’s not going to hate you for leaving. Go have fun.

Coming home: One last thing, don’t be surprised or alarmed if your dog segregates himself and sleeps a lot upon coming home. He is not upset with you or had a miserable time. Dogs in kennels are awake from the crack of dawn until nighttime. They are excited by barking dogs, meal times and visitors walking past them. He may simply be exhausted.

Boarding kennels can be a good solution for those times when your pet has to be left behind. Do your homework and find the best facility for you and your pet. It is well worth the time. Your peace of mind and your pet’s health are your reward.

Sherry Massey
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/pet-care-partners-boarding-kennels-92441.html

Similar to the nutritional value of your pet’s food is the feeding schedule. Remember that dogs like humans need to eat on regular basis, delicious and nutrients loaded food and other treats should be closely observed as part of the dog’s diet. Snacks and mealtimes should be given at intervals in a good feeding schedule.

Devise a feeding schedule depending on your dogs age and health, this will enable you provide nutritional requirements that supports the dog’s diet. Mature dogs often eat a single meal during the day, but two meals are a good option.

Older dogs seldom require a feeding schedule variation from any mature dogs, though a dog’s dietary requirements change with time.

Younger dogs require frequent meals in the course of the day. Puppies that are nursing should be allowed to nurse on demand. As you change your puppy’s diet from milk to solid dog food, you could be required to give meals four or five times a day. When the puppy becomes accustomed to the new diet, you can decrease the feeding schedule to three times in the course of the day.

Time consistency should be maintained in administering your dog’s diet throughout the day. Deciding the time is solely your personal responsibility, just ensure that that you stick to that time once established for a successful diet program. Don’t vary feeding times drastically, e.g. if your feeding schedule requires that you feed your dog at 7:00 AM before work and 7:00 PM after work, stick with the schedule the whole week.

It should not be a surprise when your pet becomes antsy at 6:00 AM in expectation of breakfast. Your dog’s diet is essential to him and he is justified for being anxious with anticipation.

Treats too should be incorporated into the dog’s diet as part of the dog’s daily feeding schedule. If you teach your dog to expect a treat each morning after your breakfast, the pet will become accustomed to the ritual and will therefore expect you to live up to your promise.

Feeding schedule is important because it keeps your dogs diet on track. Daily dog feeding routine is easy to establish. An established dog feeding schedule will also make it easy to tell when to implement an elimination schedule. When house training an adult dog or teaching a puppy potty basics, its essential that you learn how to note when the dog needs a break or wants to go out. Sticking to a feeding schedule reinforced by a healthy diet will make the task easy. This could prove useful when you travel with the pet. Once you learn how to identify your dog’s elimination schedule, it then becomes easy to plan proper potty stops. You will also be able to tell whether your pet is feeling stress by the change to the established schedule. Learn to uphold normalcy and custom as much as you possibly can.

Just as the substance that forms your dog’s diet is important, so is the way you present it. A successful dog diet is based on value and schedule. An established eating schedule will teach your dog when to expect meals, hence save you from those begging tricks that land your hand in table craps or cupcakes which could be harm the pets health.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/feeding-plan-to-a-dogs-diet-the-significance-of-one-753469.html

If I don’t get my puppy trained by the time my new baby brother arrives,(August 8), my puppy will have to be taken to my grandparents’ house.

After your pup eats, drinks, and sleeps take it out. If you see it sniffing around take it out. If you catch it in the act say no in a firm voice, scoop it up and take it out. Do not ever fuss at the dog after the deed is done, it has forgotten about it. Crate training is also a good tool for housebreaking. A rule of thumb I’ve always heard is how many months the dog is, is approximately how long it can hold it. (3mo=3hours) you can use that as a guide line. Always praise when it goes outside. I think you have plenty of time before your baby brother arrives. Just keep at it. Also just when you think you have them trained..there will be an accident. Just be patient, it will happen.
Good luck.