Training
Are you ready for a new dog?
Adopting a new pet requires a daily investment of your time, energy and patience. Careful consideration should be given when selecting the new member of your family as the commitment could last ten years or more. Here are some things to consider when choosing a new dog:
Breed
What breed best fits with your lifestyle and personality? If the dog will be around children, make sure the dog will be a good match. If you are on the go a lot, size may be a consideration for you as well as how much living space and exercise the dog will require.
Curing problem dog barking
Dogs bark for many reasons including to get their owner's attention. If your dog barks continuously when he's left alone, he's perhaps telling you - and the whole world - that he's bored, anxious, or frustrated. By providing appropriate outlets for his physical and emotional needs, you'll end up with a quieter house and a happier dog.
So your dog's a begger
It's dinnertime, and your dog's eyes may as well be glued to your plate. So, why not slip him a snack? It couldn't possibly do any harm, could it? Unfortunately, that one little transaction could be the start of something big. You may wind up with a dog that begs at every meal and won't give up until you give in.
Curing car chasing in your dog
Because canines are natural predators, many pets love the thrill of the chase. Unfortunately, cars, minivans and bicycles aren't exactly traditional prey items for canines. Your dog could easily get injured should he attempt to pursue a passing vehicle.
Destructive chewing and your dog
You like your new shoes, and so does your dog. But he doesn't want to wear them, he wants to chew them! Not only can your companion canine's destructive behavior be an expensive problem, it can mean that he is bored, anxious or teething.
Your dog keeps digging up trouble
Some dogs dig holes to bury their bones. Some dogs dig cool pits to lie in when it's hot outside. Many dogs dig because they're bored or frustrated when left alone.
Turn canine digging into exercise
Digging is an engaging activity that calls for concentration and dexterity, and it comes naturally for many canines. But when your dog has done his own kind of cultivating in your flowerbeds, or if he's working on an escape route under the fence, it's time to put a lid on this backyard destruction – and help channel your pet's anxiety elsewhere.
Dogs who eat feces
It's probably the most unpleasant behavior a dog can adopt. No, not howling, or inappropriate chewing, or even house-soiling. It's called coprophagia, and it is the technical term for the act of eating feces. No matter how many times you remind yourself that many dogs suffer from this problem at some point in their lives, nothing prepares you for discovering your dog in the midst of this nauseating behavior. Rest assured, though, there is hope for dogs who succumb to this age-old habit. The key is determining why your dog is doing it.
Introducing your dog to a new baby
Congratulations, you're going to have a baby! Not only must you prepare your home for the new arrival, it's essential that you prepare your dog for the many changes that a new family member will bring.
Dogs and mounting behavior
You know the scenario. The doorbell rings, and your dog instantly becomes overwhelmed with excitement. As you greet your guest, your dog grapples hold of his or her leg and begins thrusting his pelvis determinedly. For a moment both you and your guest look away, hoping that the gesture will be a fleeting one and that you won't have to acknowledge it. As it becomes apparent that your attempt at ignoring the display is fruitless, you both smile - perhaps even giggle - as you try to free the unwilling participant's appendage.
When dog scratching becomes a problem
Does your dog frantically scratch and chew on his skin? Are his nails wrecking havoc on your hardwood floors? Or perhaps he's unintentionally scratched your children in an innocent game of fetch-the-tennis ball. If any of these scenarios sounds familiar, your beloved Spot is a problem scratcher--and you're probably itching to find a solution.
Harness training your cat
Dogs aren't the only companion animals to head for the door when the leash comes out. Although it's easiest to harness-train cats when they are young, with patience and persistence, some adult felines can be acclimated, too. If you think that your pet might enjoy experiencing new sights and sounds on a supervised stroll, here are some tips to help get you started.
Cat litter box woes
If she's a typical domestic feline, your cat is the picture of cleanliness, and has always understood the where's, when's and how's of using a litter box. Lately, though, it seems she's been deliberately missing her target. To get out of this mess, you'll need to investigate the reasons for her soiling.
Is your cat scratching your furniture?
Animal behaviorists believe that cats inherently need to scratch-both to keep their nails in tip-top shape and to mark their territory. No problem there " until your cat decides to do what comes naturally by using your couch as his own personal scratching post. With patience and persistence, you can rechannel this inappropriate behavior and save your furniture.
Cat spraying & territorial marking
A new cat has recently moved into the apartment next to yours, and your resident feline seems to be heralding the newcomer in his own way. You've caught him standing near the front door, posed with his tail straight up in the air as he sends a stream of strong-smelling urine down the wall and into the carpet. What gives? Your cat is exhibiting a very common feline behavior known as spraying.
Solving your dog's house soiling behavior
Your perfectly housetrained pooch has suddenly lost his manners, or perhaps he uses them sporadically. There are various reasons why dogs sometimes do their business in inappropriate places. The trick is to determine what's causing these lapses. Only then can you implement an effective solution to the problem.
Hand taming your bird
Congratulations, you're the proud new parent of a beautiful, bright-eyed bird! You probably can't wait to get to know your pet – and he wants to know what you're all about, too. Hand taming is one of the first steps you'll take on your new adventure.
It's normal for your new pet to be wary of you for the first few days. You can help him settle in by moving slowly and talking calmly as you go about your business of changing food and water and cleaning the cage. Spend time sitting quietly with him.
Solving feather picking and plucking in birds
A happy, healthy bird will spend time each day grooming, or preening, to keep his plumage in tip-top condition. You've no doubt seen your bird draw his feathers through his beak to clean, condition and waterproof them. Preening also involves the removal of the sheaths at the base of the feathers, allowing new ones to grow in.
Solving problem bird biting
If you own a bird, chances are you have been bitten by your pet at least once. Let's face it, being on the receiving end of a bird bite is no fun, but it is often one aspect of owning a member of this very temperamental species. Birds, like children, act out when they are feeling frustrated. Some act aggressively in response to the weather or their own hormones. And some, as sadistic as it may seem, bite for fun. So how should owners deal with this virtually unavoidable part of aviculture?
Training your rabbit to use a litter box
What's one of the top-ten best things about your rabbit? She can be trained use a litter box (sometimes spelled "litterbox")! As a responsible owner, it's up to you to teach your pet where to go when she's gotta go.
First select the right litter box
The first step is selecting the right equipment for the job at hand. A kitten-sized litter box will work well for the average-sized bunny. If you have a diminutive three-pound rabbit, however, you'll need something a little smaller; some owners find that a nine-inch Pyrex baking dish will fit the bill.
Adolescent kitten behavior
Congratulations, you're going to be the new cat owner on the block! Your feline's first few days in the house can be very stressful, but with some careful planning, you can ease the transition.
Dog training basics
He lunges, he pulls on his leash, he digs, he barks at anything... he's your new dog! Whether he's in the throes of puppyhood or a former shelter resident who had never been trained properly, your dog can learn to be on his best behavior at home and outdoors.
Basic commands
A well-trained dog is one who understands basic commands such as:
Walking your dog with a leash
Fail to teach a Saint Bernard how to walk properly on a leash and you could end up with a dislocated shoulder. Walking a dog who pulls incessantly can also be exasperating no matter what the animal's size. First and foremost, a walk should be an enjoyable experience for both you and your pet.
The basics of house-breaking a puppy
You've just gotten a new puppy, and the two of you are about to set out on your most important adventure of all-housebreaking. It may take a few months, but with patience, consistency and praise, you and your pet will come back from the journey victorious.
Crate training a puppy
Many new dog owners balk at the mere mention of the training crate. However, crating a young dog on a humane schedule will teach him bladder and bowel control, and helps protect him from his normal puppy instincts to chew through everything in his path.
Clicker training basics for dogs and puppies
Although clicker training has been around for decades, to the uninitiated it may still seem like a rather complicated practice. Rest assured that this effective method of combining edible rewards with sound is an easy and fun way to train your canine pet. Once an owner has mastered the basics of this technique, training without a clicker may seem unthinkable. No matter what you wish to teach your dog, a clicker can almost certainly be integrated into his training.
Training deaf dogs
Deaf dogs can make wonderful pets
Far more resilient than most people, animals adjust amazingly well to all sorts of physical disabilities. By taking a few simple steps, though, owners can help make the lives of their hearing-impaired pets a little easier and a lot more fun.
Training deaf cats
Deaf cats can make wonderful pets
Far more resilient than most people, animals adjust amazingly well to all sorts of physical disabilities. By taking a few simple steps, though, owners can help make the lives of their hearing-impaired pets a little easier and a lot more fun.
Back to school: Fun, new tricks to teach your dog
It’s that time of year again. The kids are starting up at school and your dog, who had perhaps too much companionship in the summer months, is left alone with boring old adults during the day. Why not send your dog back to school too?
Most dogs already know how to sit, stay and lie down. But there are some pretty innovative tricks out there for those with the inclination and a bit of spare time. Here are 7 of the most interesting tricks you can teach your dog, now that the kids are doing some learning of their own: