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Dog Care - Housebreaking Your Puppy
by Michelle Johnson
Housebreaking is the most important thing your puppy must learn to do for your sanity as the dog owner and for having a happy dog.
The ideal age to housebreak your puppy is between eight and twelve weeks of age. The best way to housebreak a puppy is to crate train them. This method is highly recommended by dog trainers as well as veterinarians. When choosing a crate make sure it is big enough for the puppy to move around in but make sure it is not too big. You may also buy crate pads to make your puppy comfortable. The reason for the crate, it will be their sleeping quaters. A dog does not like to soil in their areas. Do not keep them in a crate all day. A puppy can hold it in for two to three hours. Make sure you take him out of the crate and straight outside every two hours. Therefore, they will also get into a routine. When housebreaking, routine is of vital importants. Try and take the puppy outside the same time every day, this way he will learn to hold it in until you are able to let him out. Important rule: *Do Not use the crate as punishment or they will associate the crate as a bad thing.* This will turn into bigger problems. They will not want to return to their crates and housebreaking will be more difficult.
When the puppy is out of the crate and roaming around the house be sure to look for signs that he has to go outside. All dogs are different some may circle in one spot, stare at the door, or he may be sniffing around, as the dog owner you must learn to recognize the signs. Observe his behavior carefully and you will be able to recognize the signs fairly quickly. If you catch him in the act take him outside immediately saying "No" in a firm matter, and let him finish his business outside. When he is done be sure to praise him with a dog treat or dry dog food along with saying "good dog". Dogs love to please their owners so praising is of vital importance. Accidents will happen. It is up to you as the dog owner to keep your patience and be consistant.
Following these training tips will make it easier for you as the dog owner and for the dog. Remember a good dog is a happy and healthy dog.
Michelle Johnson is highly respected in her community for her knowledge about dog care. She also owns http://www.tailwaggingprices.com . Pet supply store at discounted prices. While your at the website be sure to join her free newsletter for vital information on dog care. Also, you will be automatically entered into the monthly prize drawing.
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Cat Anxiety and Cat Litter Box Problems
By Nancy E. Wigal
Frazzled felines will sometimes relieve their anxiety by
urinating, or marking (spraying) outside the cat litter box. Here are a few of
the causes and the solutions to calm your kitty down.
Like humans, cats like their routines and daily habits. When
something changes in their home, one way their anxiety may manifest itself
is by urinating outside the cat litter box. With a little bit of work
and patience, your kitty can be calmed down and get back to her good
litter box habits.
Here are just a few situations that can make cats anxious:
- A new person or pet comes to live in your household
- You change jobs and your daily schedule
- A trip to the vet
There are many more situations, but these can be fairly common
stressors for felines.
A new person or pet comes to live in your household:
If you're introducing a roommate of the human kind, be sure this
individual understands that cats are different from dogs. They don't play
the same, and cats may be viewed as being cold or aloof. Tell your new
roommate about your cat's personality, likes, and dislikes. Then introduce
them to one another. It may take a couple weeks for everybody to get adjusted
to one
another.
One thing you may want to do during this transition period is to
either confine your cat to her favorite room with her food, water, clean
cat litter box, and toys, or keep the roommate's bedroom shut to prevent
your cat from marking the new housemate's clothes, furniture, and possessions.
Supervisor your cat's forays into this person's space. Your new roommate may
opt to keep the door shut permanently. This won't be a problem unless
your kitty is constantly curious about what's behind the closed door.
You change jobs and your daily schedule:
Cats like to know when their big cat mom and/or dad are coming
and going, so they can adjust their schedules accordingly. If you or your
partner takes a new job that drastically changes your household routine and
lifestyle, your cat may get upset. She might react by refusing to use the cat
litter box.
Observe your cat carefully. If you find cat urine puddles outside
the litter box once the new routine has been established, you'll need to
confine your cat to limit the damage to one area of your home and retrain her
to back to good litter box habits. For the first week or so, spend more time
with your cat and reassure her that everything is OK, and her life is going
to be just fine.
On the other hand, she may adjust with no reaction whatsoever,
because she realizes you're still coming home at night, and she's getting
love and delicious cat food from you.
A trip to the vet:
This ranks high on any kitty's list of terrors! The loud noises,
the strange smells, and unknown people handling her can be very stressful.
Once you get kitty home from the awful place where she's been stuck with
things in unmentionable places, you may want to confine her to a quiet
location in your home for a few hours. Give her food, water, a clean cat
litter box, and her toys. She'll generally be just fine in less than half a
day.
What are the solutions for these situational anxiety problems?
Many feline owners have discovered natural flowering essences and
synthetic feline pheronomes are very effective in alleviating cat anxiety.
Some of the more popular ones are Bach's Rescue Remedy, Nerve Ease, Calm
Supplement, and the Feliway Comfort Zone Plug in modules.
Bach's, Nerve Ease, and Calm are liquid compounds that can be
administered directly into your cat's food or water. A few drops twice a day
make a big difference for most anxious cats.
The Feliway Comfort Zone Plug in modules are synthetic feline
pheronomes that calm cats down. The Feliway module plugs directly in your
electrical wall socket. The pheronomes are then diffused, or transmitted
throughout the room. Many cat owners buy several of these of these plug in
modules, and install them in kitty's favorite rooms throughout their house.
Each bottle lasts approximately 30 days.
All of these solutions are effective within several hours of administration.
You can use them singly, or combine them. My cat Scout, improved
noticeably within 24 hours of getting the natural flowering essences in her
food, and the installation of the Feliway modules.
For any feline anxiety based on situations, try either the natural flowering
essences or the Feliway Plug in modules. One or the other work
very well for most cats.
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report "Four Important Litter Box Basics
For Your New Kitten."
Choosing The Right Cat Litter Box
by Morgan Hamilton
Cats are primarily clean animals, but the cat litter box they use is usually a different story altogether. Pet owners have a wide variety of cat litter boxes to choose from. Scoop litters are a big help for those who want to keep a clean household. If owners can remember to scoop a few times every day, they wouldn’t have to worry about odors in their homes. Some people may find scoop litters impractical though, and a brand that prevents unpleasant odors can help people who can't scoop their box as often as they want.
Fortunately, they can buy a cat litter box that can do the scooping for them. This is perfect for busy persons who often forget to scoop the box. These litter boxes come with mechanical attachments that will push the clump of litter into a tray after the cat is done with it. The owners would only need to empty the tray every few days. If their house has multiple stories, it would be good if they can have a box on every floor. They should also keep a box for every cat they have.
Size is an important factor to consider when purchasing a cat litter box. Some cats can be large and may feel cramped in a small, enclosed litter box. They may find it difficult to keep themselves clean if they have to squeeze in. This may discourage them from using the box and cause some problems for their owners. The location of the cat litter box is also an important factor. If the box is located in a noisy area, the cats may not be inclined to use the it. Pet owners should place the boxes in quiet and secluded areas in their homes.
Some people may feel uncomfortable at the sight of the cat litter box, but there are models that will hide the box entirely. These resemble furniture, and most people will not notice the cat litter box unless the owners inform them. These are also effective for keeping stray litter in the box rather than on hardwood floors and carpets. Cats are trainable and will not cause major problems as long as their owners provide a big box located in an easy to reach yet quiet spot.
article by Morgan Hamilton
How to Housebreak Your Dog or Puppy
by Kathy Burns-Millyard
Dogs are creatures of habit; and once they develop a habit,
breaking it can be a long, frustrating process. Your dog needs
guidance and encouragement from you to develop a toilet habit you
can live with. Animal behaviorists have learned a lot about dogs
over the last couple of decades, and there are many tips
available that will make housebreaking your dog or puppy a less
frustrating task.
When you consider some of the things your dog or puppy is willing
to roll in, or put in their mouth, it's a bit hard to believe
they're picky and specific about their toilet areas. Dogs will go
to great lengths to avoid soiling near where they eat and/or
sleep. That means any accidents an un-housebroken dog has will be
far from its food dish and bed. To a dog, however, "far" can mean
about 6-10 feet. This leaves lots of "fair game" space in your
home, unless you guide the dog to suitable spots.
Whether your dog is a puppy, or an adult dog new to your home,
the process is the same:
- Every few hours, take the dog outside to a place you designate
as a "bathroom" area.
- 30 minutes after the dog or puppy eats, do the same.
- Stay in this bathroom area, and praise the dog lavishly when
they relieve themselves.
- If the dog doesn't use the bathroom when you've taken them
outside to the appropriate spot, try again 15 minutes later.
Continue doing this until they've actually used the bathroom
spot.
- When the dog is inside, watch closely for any signs of needing
to "go". A dog will circle and sniff areas when they're about to
relieve themselves.
How quickly your dog becomes housebroken depends partly on their
personality, but mostly on your diligence in taking them outside
at the right time. If your puppy is less than four months old,
you should plan on getting up during the night to take it
outside. Puppies over four months of age can usually "hold it"
through the night, but if your dog cries to be let out, it is
best to get up and let them tend to the urge. It is vital that
you give your dog every chance to succeed during this time.
Positive reinforcement of the proper behavior is the fastest way
to teach your dog anything.
Accidents happen, and when they do, your response will affect how
quickly your dog learns to "go" outside. If you catch your dog in
mid-squat, clap your hands or call their name loudly to distract
them. Once you have their attention, quietly and calmly take them
outside. Be sure to praise your dog or puppy well when they
finish relieving themselves outside properly.
If you find a wet spot or droppings on the floor when your dog is
not around, simply clean it up. If your dog approaches to
investigate what you are doing, ignore them. Don't talk to or pet
the dog at this moment, because it could be interpreted as
praise. Above all else, avoid yelling or physically punishing the
dog, because they won't make the connection between their mess,
and your anger.
Additional information and resources related to this article can
be found at:
http://www.mypetanimals.com/articles/200506/housebreaking-your-dog/
© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard
This article is provided courtesy of The My Pet Animals Shopping
Portal
At Last! Cat Litter Boxes Don't Have To Be Evil
By Niall Kennedy
There is nothing worse for cat or cat owner than a smelly litter box.
For many people, the litter box is the worst of part of owning a cat. Not only is it something people dread to clean but it is also dusty and dirty. And, those who have to clean it can find themselves more susceptible to cat diseases that are present there. Sure, it's a bad job but it doesn't have to be too hard either.
There are many new litter boxes being designed to make the job, well, easier. One of them is the hooded litter box. These give the privacy to cats who are more sensitive and they also keep dust down considerably. They are idea of a single cat owner as long as they are cleaned regularly. Those who do not want to handle the litter can use removable liners for these boxes. They can lift out the whole liner and throw it out. All you need to do is put in a new liner and add the fresh litter to it.
Self Cleaning Boxes
Another option is the self cleaning box. These are idea for families that have many cats. Or they can be a good choice for anyone who doesn't want to have to deal with it. A rake removes the soiled litter into a removable receptacle which leaves the box clean. All you need to do is to discard the contents of the receptacle right into the trash.
To teach your kitten to use the litter box, all you need to do is to position it in the right place and keep it very clean. The litter box should never be located next to where the cat sleeps or near where his food is.
Once in the right place, you'll need to tell him what the box is used for. To do this, place the cat in the box and rake your fingers through the litter. The cat may decide to start using the box right away. When he does, praise him greatly. If he just wants out, play with him a few minutes and then put him back in. Repeat this several times but don't push it. You don't want to make him frustrated.
When to use the Box?
About ten to fifteen minutes after your cat eats, put him back into the litter box. When he uses it, praise him for doing so. When he is napping, watch him so that you can take him to the litter box as he wakes up.
Remember that cats respond better to praise than to scolding. If he becomes angry or frustrated, you will not accomplish anything. Place the box in the spot where he most frequently has accidents and encourage him to use it.
A cat may stop using his litter box if you don't keep it clean. Most cats will continue to use the litter box once he has done so several times, but you need to keep it clean. Also, a dirty litter box can lead to cat health problems so make sure to keep it clean.
These are some quick and easy tips to keeping your cat's litter box clean. If you use them your cat will be your best friend.
About the Author: Best Pet Health Information is a resource that brings you information and news, tips and reviews to help ensure cat health and happiness. http://www.Best-Pet-Health.info
Copyright http://Best-Pet-Health.info All rights reserved.
Source: www.isnare.com
How To Make Sure That The Cat Litter Box Gets UsedBy Andrew Manifield
It's a wonderful thing to have a cat as a pet, but there's no getting away from the chores that come with it, other than feeding and giving your best friend attention, you also have to make sure that the cat litter boxes in your home are taken care of. This can be an easy task or a difficult one, depending on your feline friend, some take to using the cat litter box quite easily, while others take a little longer and may have to be coaxed.
No one is happy with their pet using the floor or plant pots as their bathroom, so it's in your interest to get them using the cat litter box as soon as possible. If this becomes problematic there are a few things that check and do to make sure that your cat becomes more comfortable using it's bathroom area.
Cats Need Room
Cats want space when they use the bathroom, we need to make sure that they have the space they need to do it in. Some cat litter boxes come with hoods, they are great for hiding whats inside the box and they provide the cat with some privacy at the same time. They are a problem though if you have a big cat that can hardly turn around in it, in which case they won't want to go inside. If you make sure that they have more space so that they can get in and out more easily then you'll have a happier cat.
Cats Are Naturally Clean Creatures
Cats are very fastidious, and just like you they don't want a messy bathroom, they respond a lot better when they have clean cat litter boxes. It's important that you clean the litter every day, the longer it sits there, the more likely that it will develop unpleasant odours, and because cats have much more sensitive noses than us, it will be put off by this. Further to this make sure that you clean out the cat litter and disinfect the cat litter box at least once a month to help keep control of bacteria that is building up.
Location, location, location.
If you have a cat litter box that is out in the open, and your cat isn't using it, it's likely that your cat needs a little more privacy. Some cats need to be totally alone when they use the bathroom. If you have a multistorey house then place a cat litter box on each of the floors. Finally, get a box for each of your cats, then plus one. With a little care and attention to the purchase, placement, and maintenance of your cat litter boxes, you can help to ensure that your feline friend stays happy and goes to the bathroom where it should.
About the Author: Andy Manifield is the owner of On Cat Litter, THE best source on the internet for learning all about the messy aspect of our feline friends.
Source: www.isnare.com
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