Pets and Animal Care

Archive for the ‘Pet Training’ Category

Fifty-eight million dogs and sixty-two million cats are thought to exist in North America and most unfortunately, every year thousands of them will drown needlessly. Due to the fact that many people do not report these drownings, there is no way to know exactly how many pets actually die this way. Since 99% of all dogs are able to swim, we typically are not concerned when our dogs are playing at the water’s edge at the lake or around our swimming pool. Dogs, and even some cats, grow tired after swimming short distances in water. When they are not able to find purchase anywhere with their paws, a debilitating panic sets in quickly, and this is what will cause them to drown. Our beloved pets are not the only victims of drowning, devoted pet owners will risk their own lives to go after their animals after they have fallen into a frozen lake or a swiftly flowing river.

What ways can we prevent our pets from drowning? Here are a few valuable tips:

1. Do not make the assumption that your dog is able to swim.

2. Keep a closer eye on a pet that is getting older. As they age, they are unable to swim as when they were younger.

3. Never throw a dog or cat in water. This will cause them to panic from the surprise.

4. Obtain a pet life jacket or one of the canine flotation devices (CPD) for your pet. Ensure that they are wearing the device whenever they are close to the water. It is not uncommon for a pet to fall off of a moving watercraft or dock and not be seen.

5. Solar blankets/pool covers look like a solid surfaces to a pet. If your animals are near the pool, it is a good idea to remove them when possible.

6. Fix a pet safety gate to the entrance to the pool area.

7. Make sure that your pet is not able to get into your neighbor’s pool area.

8. Get a pool alarm for your pool or pond.

9. Don’t let your pet play or walk near fast flowing water.

10. Do not allow your pet to go near frozen lakes & rivers.

Observing your pet drown fills one with a guilt that is devastating and an event that will remain with you forever. I highly recommend that you go out and inspect your property for any water hazards. It doesn’t matter if it is winter or summer where you live. Go fix any water hazards NOW, and protect your pet from a fate of drowning. If your pet is going to be anywhere near water, make sure they are wearing a canine floatation device or pet life jacket.

Jake writes numerous articles on the dog life jacket and about the safety aspects of dog life jackets to keep your pet safe whilst near water.

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History has shown that most people prefer owning a dog than any other animal as a pet. This is due to the fact that they have proven themselves to be efficient, intellectual and trainable. Dogs have the uncanny ability to be loyal to their masters but wary of strangers. These qualities make them a perfect buddy for those who are living alone as well as to couples who are just beginning to start their own families. No matter what is the age of the person, he can still benefit from the presence of a dog.

Studies show that a dog’s behavior as an adult is a result of his breeding and training. Because you can’t do anything anymore about a dog’s breed since it is an inherent part of his personality, you just have to make sure that he was trained well in his younger days so that you won’t be experiencing any attitude problems when he is already a full grown adult. This is a big consideration to mull over when you want to get another puppy in the future. Here is a list of puppy training secrets that you must know in order to have a well-mannered pet in the future.

The first thing that you should bear in mind when training a puppy is to start low and go slow. This means that you must first establish a good rapport with your pet. Do not instantaneously start the complicated tricks that will make him want to run away with his tail between his hind legs. Create a favorable mood that will make him relax and be conducive to training. Upon reaching that ideal state, then you can already commence your training schedule. This might seem cruel but you have no alternative if you want to enforce obedience in his existence.

Tie him with a leash, put him inside a dog kennel or put him in a crate to demonstrate that you mean serious business. Initially, he might get a little raucous and yowl until the early hours of the morning. This is more evident especially if they have lived a very free lifestyle. Force yourself to play deaf to this kind of pain. Sooner than you can say “silence”, they will realize that all their whimpering will have no effect on you. This will instill the fact that you are the chief and he is the mere subordinate who must follow orders. It won’t be long before they get used to this situation and will look forward to your arrival.

Second, teach him a simple trick followed by a treat. The treat could come in the form of a small chewable bone or a piece meat. Just like the classic conditioning method by renowned psychologist Ivan Pavlov, they will learn to associate the new trick with food. This will stroke their interest and whet their appetite for more food.

Third, you can turn 180 degrees and let your dog learn through the negative conditioning method. Utilize this method by saying the words no, stop and don’t in a loud and commanding tone. They will make a distinction that it is something important in relation to your voice.

Fourth, you have to be unswerving in your reward or punishment. When you either of the two, make sure that it is appropriate to the excellent job or the awful deed. Variety should be avoided at all cost or else your dog will develop some kind of a crisis. The same premise applies to all the people in your household.

Lastly, give choices. If there are tricks or tasks that he can’t easily act upon like not digging the front lawn or backyard, then provide another alternative like another digging space beside the dog house yard.

The author is a specialist on all animals and has recent written a wonderful text piece on the controversial topic of locating a cheap pet insurance. 99% of pet owners pay too much for the pet animal insurances and Moto can help. He has just assisted a group of struggling cat owners cheap cat insurance online.

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