If Your Cat Made A Mess

If your cat made a mess, don't be mad about it. There might be a reason why your cat urinates on the floor instead of using the litter box. Actually there will be a reason for sure because cats might "spray" at your furniture to mark their territory but they will certainly not do this on your carpet or floor. Cats spray vertically, similar to dogs...

In order to find out what might be the reason for this behavior of your cat, you need to observe your cat and find out what could be wrong. Here are some ideas of what to look for:

- Make sure the litter box is clean. Your cat does not like a dirty or stinky litter box.

- Is the litter box in the right environment? Where did you place the litter box? Hopefully at a silent place like the basement of your house.

- Is the litter box big enough? Your cat need some space to perform his ritual. The cat needs to be able to turn around without touching the litter box walls.

- If you 2 or more cats, then you might need more than one litter box. Some cats don't like to share their own place with other cats.

- Your cat might be stressed. Most cats react very sensible when confronted with to much stress. Make sure your cat has a silent place to "hide".

- Is your cat sick? Sometimes these accidents can be a signal for a disease. Take your cat to the doctor if necessary.

However, make sure your cat likes his home and his "bath-room". If there is still an unnatural behavior, go to the doctor with your cat. Make sure it gets professional treatment, an expert is always better than a friend who knows a lot about cats...

Here are some tips on how you can make your and your cat's life easier:

There are certain things that you can take care of in order to provide your cat a clean place to go. Use these advises and your cat will thank you for the good care by loving you.

- You should put at least 3 sheets of newspaper at the bottom of the litter box. then fill the litter box with enough litter, at least 3 inches.

- Change the litter at least every 3 days

- Clean the whole litter box at least every 2 weeks

- Use a mild soap and a lot of water to clean the litter box, don't use ammonia or chemical cleaners. They might hurt your cat's nose because the smell very strong.

- Don't put the litter box on a carpet, it might feel for your cat as if it was litter...

- get the "big" mess out the litter box every day.

- If you use clumping litter, scoop it at least once a day.

If your cat has made the mess, you need to clean it up. To get rid of the odor and stains completely get a professional cat urine cleaner. Home made cleaning products or average urine eliminator products won't work. Here is some more information about that: http://www.caturine-cleaner.com

Guido Nussbaum, a 28 year old cat-friend from Germany. I have 2 cats (brother and sister) that are 13 years old. My website cat urine cleaner deals with cat urine cleaning products and cats in general.

Creating Dog Friendly Yards

People who love gardening are often at a loss as to how to maintain pet friendly yards. Fortunately, with a little thought and compromise, it is not a difficult task to achieve. Pets and their owners can both enjoy their pet friendly yards with no major mishap to the pets or the gardens.

One of the first things that are needed in pet friendly yards is a high and sturdy fence all around. This will not only prevent pets from running out, it will deter stray dogs from coming in. The fence should be equipped with wire meshing at the edges to block off any gaps. Do not grow plants near the fence, as dogs like to establish their territorial rights. This may lead to unsightly dog paths being created here. Dogs need places to run around, so pet friendly yards should have stone paved areas or paths.

Take care not to leave any area with loose mud in the garden- it is an invitation to start digging! It may be a good idea to fence off an area that is exclusively for the dog to romp around. A dog house is also essential to protect the pets from excessive heat or wind. It should not be too close to the outer fence as dogs can climb on the house and jump out. The dogs should also have a bath room area that they are trained to use, to prevent the lawn from being messed up. Make sure there is water available for them to drink.

What to Grow In Pet Friendly Yards

Grass and plans cannot tolerate the nitrates in dog urine, so train them to keep off the grass. Some varieties of grass are sturdier than others, such as Bermuda grass and can with stand treading. Clover is perhaps the ideal choice, as it does not stain the way grass does after being subjected to dog urine. Delicate plants can be protected with wooden picket fences or wire cages around them. This prevents dog urine from reaching their trunks and roots, and damaging them. While there are numerous plants to choose from to grow in gardens, pet friendly yards should not have poisonous plants. Check out lists of plants that are suitable to have around with pets before planning the garden.

Pet friendly yards should have secure places for storing herbicides and other chemicals. Pets should be allowed to play only after 24 hours of fertilizing a yard. It is also a good idea to have pet toys and chews to keep them entertained while they are out.

Caroline Bourke is a full time beauty therapist in Florida. Check out these great Dogs Advice resources and articles or the more general Pets advice.

Stop the Dog From Digging

By John S. Rhodes

You've probably taken great care in grooming your front or back yard lawn and garden. You finally have a chance to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the smell of the many varieties of flowers you've planted. Suddenly, you come upon a deep hole in your flower bed. Upon further inspection, you notice more holes in your back yard! Who is the culprit? You're recently acquired dog. Now what do you do? How do you stop the dog from digging?

If you've never owned a dog, you will need to understand that certain dogs react in different ways to change. To stop the dog from digging, it is essential to understand why they dig. There could be a myriad of reasons. Either they smell something interesting and wish to investigate; or if they come from an animal shelter they may want to protect their toys or even certain types of food from other dogs; or it is inherent in their breed. When you bring home a dog for the first time, their natural curiosity is to smell everything; especially in a yard or flower bed. Sometimes they are looking for scents from other dogs as well. In some cases, they may sense a smell deep in the ground; consequently, they dig.

In addition, dogs tend to dig out of boredom. It is important to stop the dog from digging by taking him or her on daily walks. Exercise is a key factor in alleviating any type of misbehavior. Keeping your dog occupied with other activities will certainly help you to stop the dog from digging. Again, depending upon the dog's breed, you need to research their habits and then act accordingly. You can also purchase books on the dog's breed, as well as their behavioral aspects.

Overall, however, to stop the dog from digging will take a certain amount of time and effort to understand the dog and the breed. More importantly, do not scold your dog. Changing a dog's behavior requires you to be kind, patient and loving. If you've ever seen the show, the Dog Whisperer, the method that always seems to work is to fully engage the dog in an exercise program and, at the same time, letting the dog know you are the pack leader. Once this type of training is establish, you will never have to stop the dog from digging again.

Do you really need to stop the dog from digging? Get FREE dog obedience training secrets at http://www.pet-comfort-products.com/sitstayfetch.html

 

Dealing With a Dirty Dog

By Eric Hartwell

One of the more abiding mysteries in human existence is how a habitually-ordered neat freak – one who insists on having his surroundings clean, neat and sterile, with everything in its place and a place for everything, with a car that is lovingly washed and beautifully detailed once a month – suddenly finds himself or herself living with the ultimate slob who thinks nothing of tracking muddy feet into the living room, shedding hair everywhere from bedroom to sofa, to say nothing of spreading slobber all over the place.

Welcome to the wonderful world of people and their dogs.

Some people have said that taking on a pet, especially a dog, is like taking on a partner – you have to put up with each others' quirks, adjust to each other's follies and learn to adapt to each other's moods. Although, to be honest, most of the adjusting seems to be one way – you learn to adjust! A dog is still a dog and can't be expected to learn to wipe his feet before entering the house, pick up his toys after he's done with them or stop shedding fur all over the place, which leads to the problem: How do you reconcile a dog lover and a neat freak who loves a clean house and a cleaner car?

A Chow Named Chan and A Blue Chow Called Keisha

For marketing executive Judie Dahl, her first dog – a chow named Chan – was a match made in heaven. An admitted neat freak, she found Chan to be a dog with similar leanings to her. Chan, at six years old, wasn't big on mud puddles or beaches, wasn't one for slobbering all over her and doesn't mind when she wiped his feet off before entering her home. In other words, Chan was a freak for cleanliness, just like she was.

And then, after nine years together, Chan went on to doggie heaven. Two months after, Judie Dahl found herself missing her doggy pal and was generally miserable. Seeing an ad in the paper for "Blue Chow Puppies," she took a look – and walked away with a girl named Keisha.

The only problem was that Keisha was the opposite of Chan. The new Chow was no clean freak – unable to resist mud puddles, rolled around in the sand, ran on the beach and then, tired and dirty, would simply flop down in her car – dirtying the newly-detailed car seats.

Given the choice of letting Keisha go or just simply accepting dirty car seats, Judie Dahl took a third route: Start a business manufacturing doggie-proof car seats.

Practical Pet Car Covers

Judie Dahl manufactures Practical Pet car seat covers that are doggie-proof and actually work. The car covers are made of denim in three colors (beige, blue or black), which work with almost all car interiors so that you won't even realize there's a car cover in place. The denim fabric means that you can shake dog hairs off as well as ensuring that your dog's nails won't rip it, and they have a rubber non-slip backing that holds the cover in place.

The covers are machine-washable, which allows for convenience in cleaning and can easily remove doggie odors. They are also easy to remove in the event you have to take on human passengers. It comes in four sizes which cover all car seat types, from sedans to oversized SUVs.

Practical Pet is also coming up with new products to include non-toxic odor discs, cleaning fluids and other items for pet owners.

You can find out more about dog care here or you can share your opinions at the world's best homepage.

 

Abused Cats

Abused cats can be terribly maimed and damaged on the outside. They can even appear quite normal on the outside and all the damage might be emotional.

The emotional damage is harder to repair. A physically damaged cat will still respond positively to a soft voice and touch. They seem to know that the abuse will not continue anymore.

With an emotionally abused cat, you will need to let the cat come to you. Feed and care for it conscientiously. If you have another, more loving cat, the example to the abused cat will be good for it and will serve to draw the cat out.

Screaming, yelling, startling, and indiscriminate use of disciplinary tools, such as a water pistol can cause emotional damaged. Prolonged exposure to this treatment produces a cat that is slow to trust. The cat may turn mean or become lethargic.

If the cat becomes mean, it is actually a good sign. A lethargic cat is harder to reach. The angry cat still cares what happens to it, while the lethargic cat could care less.

The lethargic cat will not play, respond to treats, pats, or a soft voice. Your best bet with the lethargic cat is a companion cat to draw the poor thing out. Eventually, the damaged kitty will ask for a pat or scratch while you are most vulnerable - usually lying in bed or on the toilet. Give confident, gentle snuggling and use a soft voice. Do not make too much of a fuss - but let the cat know you like the new behavior. Move slowly because the cat is still quite traumatized. Once this behavior begins, you are well on your way to a friendly, but still stand-off-ish house cat. It may take a long time, and consistency is the key. Never raise your voice around the cat. It will run. Every instance of veterinary care will be traumatic to it. Try to minimize visits and combine the purposes. Your cat will hide after each visit for as long as it feels upset. Continue to speak softly and care for the cat. It will come out and be friendly eventually. This type of cat has the longest memory for past hurts. If you take on a cat like this, be prepared for a long, intensive period of healing.

The angry or mean cat will run away, fight and scratch. Consistent, gentle treatment and a soft voice are your best bets. If you tame the cat as if it were Feral, you will have the best results. Never trick the cat into a situation where it feels trapped. It will instantly revert.

Black cats face a serious risk around Halloween. Never leave the cat unattended outside during this time of year. It seems that all the sickos in the world come looking for black cats at this time of year. The unsuspecting and trusting pet black cat may be cat-napped and tortured or killed.

Morgen Marshall, a cat lover and trainer, invites you into her world of cats. She created a website dedicated to making the relationship between cats and people harmonious and healthy, For the Love of Cats. It is a place for people facing difficulties in their relationships with cats to come and find the answers they need from someone they can trust.

 

Ouch! My Puppy Dog is Biting My Hands and Clothes

This article explains in plain English the fastest way to stop your puppy dog biting at your clothing, hands or other body parts. If you have "tried everything" or simply have no idea what to do, the answers are all here and made easy. Methods are humane and pet-friendly, utilizing positive reinforcement and 'time-outs' instead of spanking or scolding.

All puppies will bite and chew your body parts or clothing. It is just what puppies do. Their sharp, needle-like teeth can cause quite a lot of pain, and clothing can easily be damaged. It makes sense that we want to teach puppy that this is unacceptable as quickly as possible. What's more, if puppies are allowed to continue this behavior, by the time they are adolescents or adults they could cause some serious damage!

That's not to say that having a puppy's mouth on you is necessarily a 'bad' thing. Puppies need to learn what we call 'bite inhibition', which is a soft, inhibited bite. Why? All dogs will bite under certain circumstances, particularly if taken by surprise. The dog that learns bite inhibition can bite without causing any real damage.

First, some theory. Don't worry, it's not long and boring!

If you have read my earlier article "Secrets of Dog Training Professionals - Operant Conditioning" then you will be familiar with the term 'Negative Punishment'. Sounds awful, doesn't it? But don't worry, Negative Punishment simply means that behavior is decreased because we took something away as a consequence of that behavior.

A 'time out' is a Negative Punisher when the target behavior is decreased. Time outs are one of the most humane and pet-friendly punishments we can use, when used with thought and care.

Puppies bite at our hands and clothing because that is the way that puppies like to play. It is fun, and they enjoy our attention. They particularly like it if we try to fight them off of us. Have you ever seen two or more puppies playing? They like to fight each other with their mouths and paws.

Normally, other puppies teach our puppy not to bite too hard by squealing in pain. When we take our puppy from the litter, these other puppies aren't around to teach proper bite inhibition any more. Some people advise trying to emulate a 'puppy squeal' to discourage biting too hard.

I don't know why, but people just don't seem to be very convincing with their squeals, so I don't recommend it as a training technique. What's more, some puppies seem to enjoy it when their human squeals and will get more excited, resulting in more biting. This is obviously not what we want puppy to do! If you can squeal and your puppy immediately stops biting, then this is an acceptable technique. Monitor the behavior long-term, though, to make sure biting too hard is decreasing.

A different, yet highly effective aproach is to say 'ouch' in a neutral tone of voice (not loud, not high-pitched and not angry) then walk out of the room, shutting the door behind you for 30 seconds. This marks the exact behavior you are trying to punish, then gives a time-out as a consequence.

It may take puppy a little while to figure out the link between his biting and the time-out, but the marker will make it clearer. It is important to say 'ouch' in a neutral tone of voice, and say it exactly at the moment that puppy bites too hard.

Notice that I said "exactly at the moment that puppy bites too hard"? We don't want to discourage young puppies from biting altogether, this would be bite prohibition. We want to teach puppies to inhibit their bite.

Time-outs should not be excessive. A long time-out can be stressful and lead to other unwanted behaviors. 30 seconds is more than enough and seems to be quite effective. Don't look back at puppy or try to push puppy away when you say 'ouch'. Simply get up and leave, closing the door behind you.

If you have family or friends in the room then it might be easier to lead puppy out of the room and shut him out for his time-out. However, this doesn't seem to be as effective to me.

Remember, it is only punishment if the behavior decreases. Continuing with a punishment which is unclear or ineffective is a waste of time and borders on abuse (although, it would be hard to do damage with a 30 second time-out). Consider your timing, consistency and whether or not there is anyone else in puppy's life who is not following through with this protocol consistently. It is important that you explain the rules to anyone who plays with puppy.

If all else fails, seek professional advice. Most vet clinics are now offering puppy kinder classes using humane and pet-friendly techniques.

Aidan Bindoff is Editor of http://www.positivepetzine.com your helpful on-line resource for free positive dog training advice that works fast and that anyone can apply today!

Boxer Dog Training Tips - Diet Advice For Boxer Dogs

Giving your Boxer a raw, natural diet (as opposed to commercially prepared one) makes the feeding task flexible and you get to control the quality of the food your Boxer is getting.

The Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or "BARF" diet is easy to prepare. You are basically feeding him "bones and raw food", adding in or taking out supplement as needed.

It is better to first understand the principles behind this feeding method. And there are excellent reference books available on this subject matter.

Basically, the BARF diet is made up of raw meat and raw meaty bones, raw processed vegetables plus dairy products, eggs, fish, offal, muscle meats, fruit and maybe some supplements. It is a very balanced diet and you get to control the ingredients as well as the quality. Some people leave out dairy products or grains.

On the other hand, an owner suggests that you keep a Boxer healthy with occasional yogurt treats.

Boxers tend to have lots of food allergies. One owner put an ailing and lethargic Boxer on a strictly venison diet and the dog finally thrived, gained weight and became very active.

There is also a recent concern about eating a large amount of grapes or raisins, since they can be toxic to dogs, leading to acute kidney failure.

The reports concerning this grape/raisin poisoning have only just surfaced and the information is still sketchy at best. The Animal Poison Control Center in the US is investigating this new medical development.

Some questions remaining to be answered are:

• How much grapes or raisins eaten could become toxic to your dog?
• What is the toxic substance?
• How does it affect the kidney?

To be safe, have your veterinarian check your Boxer if he has eaten a large amount of grapes or raisins because a healthy kidney is key to its survival.

John Samuels is the proud owner of two beautiful boxers called Napoleon and Buck. If you found this tip useful and would like some more tips on boxer care please visit my Boxer Dog Trainings site at http://boxerdogtraining.evenpick.com

 

You've got to love pets

Do you have a K-9? That is super-scientifically advanced talk for "dog." If you are a dog owner, where do you keep him/her? Is it an indoor pet, or does he have to stay outside? This will certainly have some effect on your pet's personality. In fact, indoor pets are likely to be happier than ones who're always forced to stay outdoors.

 

They just can't receive the same level of love and affection if kept outside. Now, another concern when owning a dog is dog obedience training. What have you taught your K-9? Does he/she know how to sit, stay, roll over, and stay out of trouble? These are definitely some of the basics, but dog obedience training goes much further than this if you're interested.

 

You've got to love pets. No matter how rough they have it or how much you're gone at work; they tend to still love you more than anything. Okay, so I'm really just talking about dogs here. If you've ever owned a cat, then you must know that they can be quite bitter if neglected. Just try leaving your feline alone for a week with just food, water and a litter box. He/she may just pee in your shoe or poop on your couch out of mere spite. This is common in the cat community.

 

They want revenge on those who neglect them. Dogs on the other hand aren't typically so bitter. Even with out a few dog obedience training classes, your K-9 will still probably do alright. However, if you have what's considered a vicious dog, who may attack someone at random when you're walking them, you may want to acquire dog obedience training. This is for your own protection and the protection of your dog. Hey you don't want your loving pet attacking some child who just happens to look them in the eye. This would be a catastrophe.

 

I recall one man back where I used to live, who had a young daughter that was attacked by a pit bull, while the owner was out walking him. The aggressive dog leaped forward at the child and bit her face. Later that day the man showed up at the owner's home and proceeded to beat the pit bull to death with a bat in his kennel. There were no charges brought against him. This is just something to consider when owning a dog. Although you assume your K-9 is perfectly harmless, he/she may need some special attention or dog obedience training. It's worth looking into.

 

http://www.puppytrainingidea.com/  

 

About the Author

Aldwin owns blogs on http://www.golfidea.org/  http://www.homeworkidee.com/ http://www.puppytrainingidea.com/   

 

Dog Behavior Training For Your New Pet

By: Tim Lee 

Some of us might remember that old song, "How Much Is That Puppy In The Window?" Even those that don't recollect this once popular tune can certainly relate to the experience of simply falling in love with every cute little puppy you encounter.

It doesn't take long to figure out where the phrase "puppy dog eyes" comes from. Unfortunately our animal shelters, swollen with older relinquished pets, are a sad testimonial to the fact that too many instances of "puppy seduction" end up in a household disaster because well intending folks simply do not understand the basics of dog behavior training.

Dog behavior training should the first concern of new puppy parents. Put the crates, bedding, leashes and food aside for a moment. Your dog behavior training resources must be in order if you are to effectively transform that sweet little puppy into a functional member of your household.

Responsible breeders and pet shop owners should take the time to instill this requirement in the minds of new dog owners before you leave their facility. Too often, the excitement of a new pet and the completion of sale or adoption formalities distracts both parties from addressing dog behavior training as the highest priority of pet ownership.

On the surface one might conclude that dog behavior training is a process which benefits the new dog owner. While this is most definitely true from the perspective of owning a well disciplined, controllable pet, one ultimately comes to learn that it is the dog which benefits more from proper training than the owner. Simply put, an untrained dog quickly becomes a nuisance rather than a welcome addition to the home.

Owners unfamiliar with the basics of canine behavior and who have not pursued a path of effective dog behavior training quickly become frustrated with their newly acquired animal. This stresses the dog and seriously compromises the pet's future potential for learning what is expected of him. The relationship of owner and pet quickly becomes a relentless downward spiral and eventually the animal ends up in a shelter.

Quality dog behavior training is the ultimate gift you can give to your dog. It ensures the dog's experience will be positive and catalyze a long lasting, irreversible bond between your family and their new pet.

About the Author:

My site (http://www.1st-in-dog-training.info/) provides information on solving your dog's behavior problems

Training Dogs: Tips On Breaking Bad Pet Habits

By: Ashish Jain

 

You want a nice, disciplined dog, who doesn't chew on anything and everything in the sight and doesn't deafen you with his needless barks. These are one of the most common dog problems and can be really irritating at times. They can, however, be corrected by proper training. Here are a few effective ways of bringing in correction in your dog's habits:

 

Barking
Barking come naturally to them, and what use is a dog that doesn't even bark. However, at time dogs overdo it and keep barking without a reason and sometimes even after their barks have been taken cognizance of and the offending element removed. Then, it is high time he had his lessons in "barking habits."

 

Most often dogs bark to tell the owner what they feel he must know, like an intruder, any unusual moving object, any unusual activity or sound. They feel that it is important for them to inform you at the earliest. This kind of warning bark is perfectly alright, but if your dog keep barking even after having been told not to, he needs to be trained about it.

 

In such situations take a squirt bottle filled with water, and every time the dog barks unnecessarily squirt the liquid right in his face after telling him not to bark in a loud "No". The liquid or the squirt wouldn't harm the creature but he wouldn't like it and would get the message eventually. This is disciplinary action and must be adopted only when the dog doesn't respond to your verbal commands. Keep it as a second option and not the first.

 

Chewing
Chewing is not only destructive but is potentially dangerous to the dog as well, because they might ingest pieces of plastic or wood or any other harmful object that could block their intestines, which could be life threatening. Puppies' chewing is acceptable because that's part of teething, but if the habit is retained into adulthood, it needs to be corrected.

 

It is better to start early. So, you need not wait till the dog grows up to teach him not to chew on things that are not meant for his chewing. The strategy for the pup as well as for the dog remain the same. Get some toys for the dog to chew on, and train him to restrict his chewing to them. Watch him carefully and if he chews on things other than his chew toys, look into his eyes at close quarters and say in a loud voice, "No!" and then offer one of his chew toys. He would get the message as to what has to be chewed on and what not.

 

Begging for food
Never give the dog to eat from your dinner table or your plate. Make him learn that he gets nothing by begging for food but gets to eat at the proper time. And if, unfortunately you already have a dog who has such a habit lock him up in another room while you eat.

 

You want dogs to behave well, but good behaviour is not something one is born with. One-- be it a human or a dog-- has to learn to behave. So, right training is the key.

 

About the Author:

 

To get more information on pet dogs, dog breeds and dog training and care visit http://www.thepetdogs.com/

How to Solve Common Housecat Problems

rare sight to see a furry little cat all curled up across your lap. Seeing this often leads people to believe that their beloved pet is all innocent and does nothing wrong. Well when there are claw marks in the furniture and scratches up their arm they tend to change their minds. All pets even cats have their behavioral problems. The good news is all those behavioral problems can be remedied with a little knowledge together with a little patience and consistency.

Before putting forth any disciplinary action or training programs you cat should first be taken to the veterinarian to check for any health issues that may be causing the behavioral problem. At times your beloved pet could be in pain and that could lead to personality issues. Also if something new such as a new baby comes in their lives it can cause stress and in turn they will lash out. If your cat is sick it may be difficult for them to make it to their litter box in time.

Not Using the Litter Box

When it comes to their litter box cats are quite particular. They are not willing to use a dirty litter box anymore than we're willing to use a dirty toilet. If you can clean their litter box twice a day it's highly recommended. Also if you could scrub out the litter box and let it air dry about once a week then you'll see a remarkable difference. If that doesn't seem to help, the type of litter your using may be the problem. Certain types of litter or the scent of it may be a huge turn off to your cat. The clumping, and unscented litter is most recommended.

Litter Box Pickiness

Then in some instances cats don't like to urinate and defecate in the same litter box. So this would call for multiple boxes. This may also be the problem if you have multiple cats. Some cats don't like using the same box as other cats. Cats are just a little fussy of wear they do their business.

Cat Urine

When a cat isn't using their litter box and instead is using a piece of your furniture, the carpet, or curtains it becomes a real nuisance. When you clean these areas be sure to use an enzymatic cleaner. This cleaner will assist in removing smells and the stains. If you go down to a local pet store you can find these cleaners and even a combination that will repel a cat as well. (If you want to try the internet first it's recommended. Sometimes they have a discount price).

Spaying and Neutering

Spaying or neutering your pet is always a safe and healthier idea. It helps prevent spraying up to 90% but not only that it helps with over poplulation and helps aggression in male cats.

Reduce Clawing

Some cats are natural clawers, which makes it important to keep their nails trimmed with the use of a claw clipper. The proper way to trim their nails is to gently press on the footpad to extend the claw. The tip of the nail should be snipped without cutting into the pink portion of the nail. When the pink part becomes compromised, the nail will bleed, often spooking your cat into running away. To satisfy the clawing in your cat, you may give them a designated place to do so, such as a scratching post or tree trunk. Rubbing catnip on the place you have selected is a good way to encourage them to accept your suggestion.

Cats Don't Like Foul Smells

When you want your cat to avoid a space or piece of furniture simply spray an unpleasant smell. Cats are smell sensitive.

About the Author

Julia Camden - Have a cat behavior problem that needs solving? If so, you'll want to visit www.secretsofcats.com today to get expert information on how to train your cat and eliminate cat problems quickly.

 

6 Dog Training Tips For A Well Trained, Well Behaved Pet

By: Shannon Lueck

Dogs are considered man's best friend. Throughout the ages and of all animals, dogs have been man's companion. More than companions, dogs serve a variety of functions. There are working dogs (e.g., police dogs) and dogs that are used as guides for the disabled. Farmers and livestock owners use dogs for herding, and some home owners get dogs specifically to guard their property.

Whatever the primary purpose of a particular breed of dog is, it's important that it receive proper training. Many dog training professionals will attest to the importance of having a well-trained dog. You don't have to be a professional dog trainer to train your dog. You can do simple activities to teach your pet how to behave.

Dog training tip #1: Curbing your dog's digging behavior

As a dog owner, you need to understand that dogs are social animals. When they are lonely or alone, dogs resort to digging. Loneliness isn't the only reason dogs dig, though. In some instances, dogs that dig are experiencing some sort of nutrient deficiency. To make up for this condition, dogs oftentimes would eat the dirt they dig. If your dog tends to dig a lot, spend more time with him. It also pays to have your dog checked up to make sure that his health is in good condition.

Dog training tip #2: Potty training your dog

A reward-based method works best when potty training your dog. To use this method, give your dog a treat after it potties in the right place. Following up good behavior with a reward will make it easier for your dog to remember doing good behavior.

Dog training tip #3: Repetition is key

Whenever you are trying to teach your dog something -- whether it's a trick or making your dog obey a command -- repetition is important. Repetition and consistency are keys that will help your dog understand a command. To test if your dog knows a command after so many repetitions, test him without any assistance. Do this at least three consecutive times to make sure that your dog's grasp of a command is not simply a fluke.

Dog training tip #4: Communicating with your dog

When training your dog to follow a certain command or do a certain thing, it's vital that you not just issue the command out. It's also important that you direct your dog how to perform a command or drill as well as correct your dog if he doesn't follow the command properly. Be consistent when you are issuing out commands and trying to teach your dog to develop certain behaviors. For instance, if you are trying to teach your dog not to chew on slippers or shoes, do not praise him one day when you see him chewing on a slipper.

Dog training tip #5: Proper timing in training your dog

It's always best -- and professional dog trainers will recommend this -- to train your dog when it is still a puppy. When it comes to training dogs, it is indeed true that old dogs can't learn new tricks. So start training your dog early.

Dog training tip #6: Let your dog know you're the boss

Dogs are pack animals, which means they follow a hierarchy. Thus, when training your dog, it's important that you establish yourself as the alpha dog (the leader). Your dog needs to understand that he is the submissive being. Avoid showing any fear when your dog snaps back. Doing so will break the established hierarchy you have with your dog. When your dog is doing his exercises, never allow your dog to stop mid-way or not complete the exercise. Firmly let your dog know that it should do what you, the alpha dog, wants him to do.

Dog training tip #6: Act around your dog

Your puppy will naturally want to chew on things so give your puppy an outlet for his chewing urges. You can give your puppy a chew bone to chew. If your puppy tries to chew on you, yelp loudly, fold your arms and ignore your puppy for about ten minutes. When a puppy becomes too rough on other puppies, the others yelp and tend to ignore the puppy. However, you may need to assess your puppy's personality because he may react to the yelping by biting more and even harder. If this happens, you may need to apply a more aggressive approach.

About the Author:

I have owned dogs for most of my life and can't imagine living without them. I've put together a site with free information about dogs for dog owners. Please visit: Dog Obedience Training Review

 

A Guide To Buying Good Dog Toys That Can Teach Your Dog Good Behavior

By Moses Wright
With the increasing variety and choices available in the market, choosing and buying dog toys can be a daunting task. There are so many types, sizes and shapes to choose from, one, would not know where and how to start from.

Safety apart, when choosing a dog toy, dog owners have to keep in mind that dogs and puppies love anything they can tug, toss, shake, pull and cuddle with. There are good dog toys that promote good behavior, and bad dog toys that encourage bad behavior. The dog toy itself is a simple concept; it is what you allow your dog to do with it and how your dog uses it shape the outcome of your dog's behavior.

Understanding how dog toys can shape your dog's behavior is vital in getting a good dog toy. The advantages and benefits to buying good dog toys is that when used appropriately, they can be used to redirect destructive behavior and encourage exercise. Good dog toys and games are not based on rough play or biting. Balls, Frisbees, Nylabones, rope toys and stuffed animals are the best dog toys. When used properly, these types of toys allow your dog to relate to them as play things.

When selecting a dog toy, take into account the size, breed and temperament of the dog. A large ball may be suitable for a large breed of dog, but is not be suitable for a smaller breed of dog. A dog that is very active and yearns for a day in the field may enjoy a Frisbee or the toss of a ball.

Some breeds get bored easily and this leads them into mischief, digging and chewing behavior. These types will need a dog toy that keeps them occupied, such as a Kong. Other types may just enjoy being lazy around the house and enjoying the companionship of the family. This type of dog may be content chewing on a stuffed squeaker toy.

A properly made dog toy will be safe, non-toxic and virtually indestructible. Purchasing a high quality dog toy will yield the most fun. There are even dog toys that clean teeth and gums and are even flavored with peppermint.

Good dog toys, apart from being safe, meaning they do not splinter or pose as a choking hazard to your dog, should promote good dog behavior also. They should not teach the dog bad behavior like aggressiveness and possessiveness towards its owner, children or even other dogs. If you realize that your dog toy is teaching your dog the wrong stuff, change it immediately.

Moses Wright is the founder of Dog Carriers and Grooming. He provides more useful information on Dog Toy and Dog Clothes on his website. Webmasters are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.