Stopping Dog's bad habits

Stopping your dog’s bad habits

by Beth Logan

We love our dogs, but honestly, isn’t there at least one thing you wish your dog didn’t do? With a little patience and effort, you can change that. Instead of trying to stop it, the trick is to encourage another behavior.

For example, let’s say your dog barks at everyone that walks past your house. Try tossing small kibble or treats at his butt when he barks. This will make him turn to see what is hitting him and then he’ll eat the treats. Eventually, people walking by will make him look around or even come to you for a treat. You’re giving the dog something else to do instead of barking.

Begging can become a down stay if you start small (just a down) and work up. Jumping up on people can get converted into sitting and waiting for a pat on the head. Nudging your arm can turn into a roll over, sit stay, or lots of other tricks. Have fun with this by picking silly tricks (spin in a circle and then lay down) as the new behavior....and let us know how it works.

Introducing cats to cats

Written by Ginger Hendry

Introducing Cats to Cats in your household.

by Ginger Hendry

So you are thinking of bring home a new four-legged family member? Good for you!  There are many shelters that are overflowing with homeless kittens and cats and without a doubt you will be able to find the perfect one for your household.  First you need to figure out what type of cat is the best fit for you.  Do you have young cats at home or older ones?  Is your existing cat outgoing or shy? Do they like to play are they a lap kitty? The looks, gender, size or breed of your new cat is not as important as their personality.  If you concentrate on matching personalities you will increase your chance of a successful integration. If you have your heart set on a kitten make sure that your cat/s will be up for the energy level a kitten will have.  If you choose to adopt an adult cat you may likely have a better idea from the shelter about background and personality that can make the choice a little easier.  Once you do make that decision you want to take precautions to make sure the introduction and transition of your new member goes smoothly for all involved.

You will need to move slowly as cats can be territorial and may not be interested in sharing their home or their human.  You can start the process by letting each other get used each other’s scents before they meet.  Swap a bed or a blanket between cats so that when they do have a face to face the scents will be familiar.

In the meantime you can keep them apart by giving your new cat their own space with food, water, bedding, toys, scratching post and litter box.  Feed both on either side of the door so they can associate pleasure while they are nearby.  Try this for several days or until both are eating well and seem calm.

You can now move your existing cat into the new cat’s room while letting the other have access to the rest of the house for short periods of time so they can experience and recognize each other’s scent before a face to face meeting.  Your new cat will have time to become familiar with the whole environment without the stress of dealing with another animal.   Try this a few times a day over a few days until you feel they are ready to meet.  If possible allow them to see each other a few times before they actually get together. During the first few meetings there may be some posturing…hissing or swatting although in many cases they will work issues out by themselves.

Supervise each interaction so can you read body language to ensure there is no aggression.   Body language for aggression are such things as growling, ears flattened to the head, crouching so be watchful and if either appears stressed remove them for the situation and try again another time.  Above all be patient.  The adjustment of new animals into the home can take weeks or even months. But someday you will come home and find both cats curled up on the bed and it will be as if they have always been together.  Life is good.

Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter

Have you finally booked that long overdue vacation…or perhaps an unexpected business trip will take you out of town?  Who will be there to take care of you pets while you are gone?

Well, if you are like millions of other folks you will be searching for a Pet Care professional to take care of things while you are away. In year’s past there were not many alternatives for a pet owner. Asking friends or family to help out or using a kennel were the only choices available. If kenneling was the choice pet owners had to deal with the stress of transporting animals and the worry of exposure to illness. Trading favors with friends or family to keep everyone at home could be difficult to arrange.

Professional pet sitters have changed all of that and have lessened the anxiety of an owner who wants quality care while they are away. Pet sitters visit pets in their own home. This allows pets to stay on their own diet and maintain a daily routine to which they are accustomed. The result is a much happier pet (and owner!).

Read more: Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter