Category: Pets

A well-trained dog is a joy to have around. They listen to your commands and behave the way you want them to. In contrast, a poorly trained dog is hard to live with. They may steal food, have accidents in the house, or even behave aggressively towards other dogs. Luckily, with the right training, you can turn almost any dog into your best friend.

But where do you get started? How do you ensure your fluffy family member follows the rules and can even do a few tricks? Let these five critical dog training tips lead the way.

1. Set your dog up for success. 

Housetraining is one of the first things that you will teach your new pup. To make the process as easy as possible, set your dog up for success. Make sure you take them outside to eliminate on a regular basis. Very young pups need to go out every couple of hours, but once your dog reaches three months, they can usually wait about four hours between potty breaks.

Put your dog on a leash and take them to the same spot every day. Then, once they’ve done their business, praise them heavily and let them off the leash. If they don’t go within about 15 minutes, take them inside, put them into a crate, and try again about 15 minutes later. Most dogs will avoid peeing or pooping in the crate so this helps to ensure they’re ready when you go back outside for another try.

2. Use consistent cue words. 

Whether you’re trying to house train your dog or teach them to shake or sit, you need to use consistent cue words. For instance, when you take your dog outside to go to the bathroom, say the same word every time your dog squats down. Also make sure anyone else who lives in your home uses the same word.

With consistency, your dog will quickly learn the words you’re using. The average dog can learn about 165 words, but when you’re in the training stages, you really want to stick with the words and concepts that you need them to know.

3. Reduce distractions until you reach the proofing stage.

While training your dog, try to reduce distractions. A busy dog park, for example, is not the place to start training your dog to sit, speak, shake, roll over, or do other tricks. Instead, start working on these training essentials on a quiet day at home.

Also, make sure that you eliminate internal distractions as well. If your dog is hungry, needs to go to the bathroom, or has excess energy from being pent up all day, they won’t be able to focus on the lesson. Take care of their core needs before you start training.

That said, when your dog learns a trick, you can introduce distractions during the proofing stage. Ultimately, whether you’re out on a busy walking path, in a hectic dog park, or around lots of people, you want your dog to be able to follow your commands.

4. Have fun and end on a positive note. 

Have fun while training your dog. Use treats to keep them interested in the lesson, but also train your dog to do tricks that delight you. Your dog will be more likely to listen if they feel like you’re truly interested in their training. Also, make sure to end training sessions on a positive note by having your dog practice tricks and commands that they’ve already mastered.

5. Consider a dog obedience program.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to train your dog on your own. There are dog training experts who can work magic with pups. Consider signing up for a pet obedience class. These classes teach your dogs to follow commands, but they also show you tricks and tips on how to better train your dog.

Have you thought about getting a cat? It’s hard to blame you. They’re cute and fuzzy, and when they mew, it seems they’re just begging you to take them home and make them yours. However, there are a few things you should understand before you take the plunge and become a cat owner. Here are five.

1. A Cat Is a Long-Term Commitment

That little kitten you’re eyeing could live as long as 20 years, and it won’t always fit in your hand. Like people, cats grow and change. Like people, cats become attached to their friends and their surroundings. They’re uneasy about moving, and they don’t like changing owners. If you can’t see yourself feeding that cat and changing its litter box 15 or 20 years in the future, it may be best to pass.

2. Cats Can Be Costly

The initial cost of a cat is only a fraction of what you’ll spend over its lifetime. There’s food, litter, toys, bowls, scratching posts, cat carriers and medical care. Some have estimated the ongoing cost of a cat at $800-$1,000 per year. If your cat is injured or develops health issues, the expense can be even greater. Emergency treatment can run into the thousands.

In addition, cats, especially kittens, can be destructive. If you don’t give them something to scratch, they may take it out on your pillows or upholstery.

3. Cats Should Be Spayed or Neutered

Nobody knows how many feral cats there are, but estimates run from 50 million to 150 million just in America. “Fixing” your cat not only fights feline overpopulation; it’s good for a companion animal. Spaying a female cat helps prevent uterine infections and uterine and breast cancer. Neutering males drops the risk of prostate and testicular cancer. Spayed or neutered cats behave better. They’re less prone to yowling, aggressive behavior and marking territory.

4. Cats Are Best Kept Indoors

Indoor cats are healthier and live longer. They don’t get killed or maimed in fights or get hit by vehicles. Outdoor cats are notorious for killing songbirds and bringing home “presents” such as small rodents. With a comfortable environment, cats are just fine staying inside. However, they do appreciate a sunny perch where they can look out the window.

5. Cats Need Human Contact

Cats are domesticated animals. They don’t need as much attention as dogs, but they still need your love. Sometimes they seem standoffish and uninterested in their people, and they can spend a lot of time hiding under the bed or napping, but sooner or later they’ll need human companionship and human touch. In fact, studies suggest that cats will sometimes choose human attention in preference to food.

A cat in your life can bring countless hours of companionship, happiness and even joy. However, there are also costs and responsibilities. It’s important to know what you’re getting into before you bring Fluffy home with you.

Having a dog is one of the most rewarding perks in the world. They are the kings and queens of unconditional love. There is plenty of work involved in caring for any pet, though. What scientific facts should you know about owning and loving a dog? 

1. Bad Breath is a Bad Thing

Dogs are prone to dental problems. So, vets warn that if your best friend kisses you with foul-smelling breath, pay attention. It could be a sign of dental disease. Bacteria live in a dog’s mouth the same way they do in humans. As they build up, they can emit foul-smelling gas. The smell may also be from the decay of the tissue in the dog’s mouth. 

2. Some Times Dogs Eat Poop

It’s just a fact, unfortunately. However, some pet owners see this behavior and think it means their friend is sick. It is not a sign of illness or a lack of good nutrition; it’s just that dogs are gross. The truth is they eat poop because they like the taste.

If watching a poop smorgasbord bothers you, ask your vet if there is anything that can be done. There are some products that might discourage this tasty treat. 

3. Hypoallergenic Dogs Don’t Exist

Breeders like to advertise some dogs as hypoallergenic, meaning they won’t cause allergic reactions if they live with you. The truth is that it is more fiction than fact. 

There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. What you are getting is a breed less likely to shed. All dogs spread allergy-causing proteins through the skin, urine, and saliva. It’s just that some dogs shed them as gifts all over the house. 

What breeders call a hypoallergenic dog is really just one that won’t shed much. The proteins are still there, though, so if you have severe allergies, you might have a problem. 

4. Dogs Know What You are Saying to Them

It’s not your imagination. They really do. They may not have a good grasp of the language but can develop a basic understanding of certain words. If you say door, they sit by the door because they know what that word means. 

It’s not about memorization, either. Scientists have found dogs have more activation in the hearing regions of the brain when they hear certain words. It’s like a mother always hearing her baby cry at night even though she blocks everything else out. 

5. There is a Reason That Nose is so Cold

There is a scientific reason behind that cold nose, too. The tip of a dog’s nose stays around five degrees cooler than the room temperature. It’s not clear why this is but the current theory is that it is because the nose is what they use to smell through. They use their smell more actively than humans, so having it functioning properly is important to their overall health and safety. 

If you are considering getting a dog, then do your research so you understand your new best friend. 

 

If your kid wants a pet and you don’t want the hassle of a dog or a cat, why not get a hamster? This is the logic that has led roughly 11 million families to invite one or more of these creatures into their homes. In fact, many people have come to refer to hamsters as “starter pets.”

While hamsters can, indeed, make excellent pets, they are far from the entirely carefree animals that too many people assume them to be. Compared to most larger household pets, the hamster requires much less attention, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need a significant amount of care.

In any event, you owe it to yourself and your future pet to educate yourself on the important details of the hamster before you buy one of these cuddly creatures. With this in mind, here are five things about hamsters and hamster care that may surprise you.

1. Hamsters Aren’t Ideal for Kids of All Ages

While people often think of hamsters as a pet for children, this animal isn’t always appropriate for extremely young kids. Hamsters must be handled with great care and don’t generally feel secure in smaller hands. They also come with care recommendations that small children simply cannot meet. Perhaps most importantly, parents should know that hamsters can bite.

2. You Must Keep Males and Females Separate

Although it is fine to house two hamsters in the same cage, they must be of the same gender. Opposite sex hamsters have to be separated, or else they may fight and sustain serious injuries. Of course, they may also have babies. Even if you want a tiny litter of baby hamsters, you should only bring males and females together to breed. When the babies are born, the father may choose to attack them.

3. Hamsters Are Nocturnal

While hamsters have a lot of energy, they are generally most active at night. This is because they are naturally nocturnal animals who are biologically programmed to sleep during the day. Many people simply don’t realize this. So if you don’t want your pet to come alive after your kids have gone to bed, a hamster may not be for you.

4. Hamsters Need Daily Exercise

As active pets, hamsters require plenty of exercise. In the wild, they run for miles and miles per day. Thanks to cage equipment such as running wheels, your pet hamster can get a workout at any time. They also love to get out of the cage to wander and explore. However, even if you place your hamster in a running ball, never leave it unattended while it is out of its cage.

5. Hamsters Require Specific Feeding Routines

You must feed hamsters approved kibble each day and always from a dish. If their food mixes with their bedding, they may eat both and become ill. Every other day, your hamster will benefit from eating some fresh fruit and vegetables

There are numerous reasons why dogs are considered man’s (and woman’s) best friend. They’re loyal, great at vacuuming up crumbs that fall on the ground, and they’re always happy to see you when you get home. Owning a dog, though, is a true commitment and should not be taken lightly. So, before you bring home a new furry family member, here are 5 things you need to know:

A Dog Could Be Good for Your Health

Dogs, especially young ones, thrive when they get plenty of exercise. So, if you get a dog, you can probably expect to take your canine on at least one long walk a day. The plus side is that this could help you lose or maintain your weight, while also pumping up your energy levels. Even better? Studies have also shown that owning a dog can actually decrease your blood pressure, reduce your stress levels, and ease loneliness.

The First One to Two Years Could Be Trying

It’s a good thing puppies are adorable and so darn lovable, because they can be a lot of work. Just like with a human baby, you can expect to lose some sleep each night while house training a puppy. Plus, most young dogs go through a “devil” phase, where they’re likely to destroy shoes, dig up some plants, or gnaw on your furniture. Fortunately, most dogs get over this phase sometime between their first and second birthday.

Veterinarian Bills Can Be Expensive

Today’s pups are fortunate to have access to the best of medical care, including treatments that once were only available for humans. For example, chemotherapy and radiation are two treatments that are now available for dogs with cancer. The bad news is that many of these treatments can be expensive. Fortunately, pet insurance can help defray much of those costs. And if pet insurance doesn’t make sense for your dog, you could always set aside money in a fund each month for your dog’s vet bills.

Different Breeds have Different Traits

Before you adopt or purchase a dog, make sure you understand the different traits of that pup’s breed. For example, Dalmatians were bred to run behind carriages. So, they typically require a lot of exercise. Beagles were used for hunting, so they love to sniff around on walks and also have a loud bark, which is great for alerting their owners when they’ve found a rabbit. Not so great when you live in an apartment with thin walls.

A Dog Is a Forever Friend

Dogs are famous for their loyalty and loving nature. So, if you decide that you want to add a canine to your family, be prepared to keep them forever. That means evaluating your life carefully before bringing one home to make sure that you have the time to take care of a canine. Unlike a toy or gadget that you no longer want, a dog is a living, breathing, love-filled creature that can’t and should never be just tossed aside.

Almost everyone loves dogs whether they have one or not. After all, almost 40 percent of homes in the United States have at least one dog, with a strong share of just about every breed imaginable. We all know that owning a dog isn’t cheap, costing around $1,800 per year with vet visits, food and more. What are the most expensive dog breeds, though? Here are the five costliest. Note: This list is in no particular order, also, as prices vary greatly by region. Naturally, there’s no MSRP on a dog.

5. Chow Chow

When you think of fluffy dogs, one of the first breeds that comes to mind is the Chow Chow. A breed that’s native to China, Chow Chows are very sturdy and large dogs that are ideal for families due to their loyalty and ability to protect. Chow Chows require a lot of grooming, which can help rack up the bill for keeping one quickly over its lifespan of about 12 years. At the very lowest, it costs around $1,000 per year to raise a Chow Chow. However, most find themselves paying $2,300 just to obtain one and spending around $3,200 per year.

4. Samoyed

Affectionately referred to as “Sammies,” the Samoyed is one of the most beautiful looking dogs no matter their age. Samoyeds hail from the Siberian region of Russia and are a medium sized breed that grows to around 20 inches in height. Mainly pure white in their coats, Sammies are also one of the most requested dogs for breeders. Getting a Samoyed isn’t overly expensive at around $1,000, but some can be up to $3,000. The average cost per year runs between $750 to $3,600.

3. Afghan Hound

Afghan Hounds are among the most identifiable breeds because of their unique coats and tails. These gorgeous dogs are large, but not very thick compared to those that are in the same height class. Coming in many different colors, Afghans have long legs and live for about 12 years on average. Getting an Afghan from a breeder runs about $1,000 and the yearly costs tend to fall between $2,000 and $3,000.

2. Tibetan Mastiff

One of the largest dog breeds in the world, the Tibetan Mastiff is also majestic and speedy. Keeping itself warm with a double coat, these dogs can thrive in harsh conditions and are used to doing work while also having a longer lifespan than most others of its size. Naturally, these dogs love to eat, so get ready to spend a lot on food. These boys are expensive as puppies, costing up to $5,000 from a breeder and $1,500 as a rescue while also adding $2,500 to $4,000 in yearly costs.

1. Shikoku

Not to be confused with the very similar looking Shiba Inu, the Shikoku is one of just a handful of dogs that are native to Japan. The Shikoku is a blend of several other breeds including Great Danes and St. Bernard’s, making them a very powerful and sought after dog. Standing at around 20 inches tall, Shikokus are a medium size dog that require a lot of care. A puppy from a breeder is around $4,000 with yearly costs reaching north of $3,000 on the lower end.