Marcia Lyons

Everyone loves to watch their dog run, and within the confines of electric dog fences they can do so safely.  There are few things as enjoyable as seeing your pet romp and play freely, but with no fencing surrounding your yard, those moments of fun can quickly turn into trouble.  If you live in townships that prohibit fences for aesthetic reasons and or one that has codes so complicated that installing any sort of visible fencing becomes daunting, electric dog fences can solve your problem.

Also known as underground or invisible fences, an electric dog fence uses radio technology to keep your pet safe within your yard.  Simple enough to do yourself, these systems come with a wire to bury and a collar to place upon your pet.  The collar delivers a small, harmless shock to your pet when they stray too near to your preset limit.  The level of shock is variable, so you can decide what is appropriate for training your pet just like dog training collars.

There are some negatives to electric dog fences though.  If the temptation is great enough, your dog will go ahead and cross the preset line.  Once on the other side of the wire, the shock could discourage him from returning.  Additionally, this fencing only keeps your pet inside the barrier and does nothing to keep intruders, in the form of other dogs or people, for example, from entering.

Electric dog fences are a visually pleasant way to train your dog to remain within a specific area.  If this is a good solution for you, you should be able to manage the task on your own.

Often when people go looking for trainers they ask a few questions before making their decision. Sometimes the questions asked involve pricing and scheduling and rarely go beyond that. Achieving the appropriate training goals for your dog can be a daunting process; however, if you find the right trainer for you and your dog it should help tremendously. If you and your dog do not feel comfortable with the format or the methodology behind the training then you will not likely to achieve the results you want. Try asking each of the below questions before making your final decision:

Q. What is your training philosophy?
A. Some trainers use positive reinforcement methods with supplements like clickers or other reward methods. Some prefer to study dogs and how they communicate in attempt to understand them and train around the way the dog thinks. Others may use corrective training methods that require some form of correction for unwanted behavior. Effective dog trainers often use a variety of philosophies to achieve the desired results. You should know the methods your trainer will use and be comfortable with them before you consider working with them.

Q. What is your educational or training background?
A. Some dog trainers complete a certification program and are ready to get started while others might have years of practical hands on experience and no certification. Ideally, you would look for someone with classroom and practical experience. Your dog also might need a specific type of training such as agility or herding so you might wish to find someone with a specialty in that particular reference. Do not feel uncomfortable asking for proof or referrals from previous clients. The dog care industry is booming and there are many unqualified people in the industry looking to make a quick buck!

Q. Can I bring my dog in for a free consultation?
A. This serves two purposes. One, it gives you the opportunity to evaluate your potential trainer as he handles your dog. Second, it allows your potential trainer to observe how you interact with your dog and his current level of behavior. If your dog is uncontrollable, aggressive or too timid then the trainer might recommend individual training, rather than placing you and your dog in a group class. If your dog isn’t ready for a group class he will not succeed and he will interfere with the success of other dogs. The consultation might also yield some items to practice at home before the group class begins. You can ask all of the scheduling and pricing questions you need to at the consultation if it goes well.

Q. How are classes structured?

A. This goes beyond the dates and times per week, it really refers to the pace of the class and the occupants of said class. Does your trainer group the dogs by age or by skill level? Are there several options to choose from? Is there a socialization period or is the class strictly training? These are important items to consider when selecting a trainer or a class.
Q. Can I come to observe a class?
A. Some people might think that an in person consultation in addition to sitting in on a class might be too much to ask, but most good trainers would be happy to accommodate. There is no better way to find out what a class is about than by observing it. Take notes and ask questions later.

Feel free to add other questions to this list, but please do not limit your decision regarding your dog’s training to questions regarding pricing and scheduling. If a dog has a traumatic experience in the initial training process it might be difficult for him to overcome in the future. Find someone who understands your goals for your dog and can match those goals with an action plan to achieve someone. Also remember to have fun during training, but don’t be misled by any trainer no matter how fun he seems; training requires work as well.

Article sent in by the authors from a site with invisible fence, wireless dog fence and dog crate

Not unlike humans, dogs experience waxy buildup and dirt in their ears. Unfortunately, they have to rely on their human caretakers to clean those ears for them. It’s not difficult to do and can be done at home with relatively little distress to dog and human.

Step 1: Help wanted. Enlist the help of your spouse or a friend. This person will be responsible for soothing and calming your pet throughout the cleaning process.

Step 2: Take a good look inside. Make sure that what you’re about to tackle is only waxy buildup and/or dirt. If you suspect your dog might have an infection or ear mites, or if you see discharge or redness or if there is an odor coming from your dog’s ears, it’s time to call your veterinarian.

Step 3: Get started. Once your dog is comfortable and calm, fold back his ear and apply about 10 drops of an ear cleaning solution directly into his ear canal. (If you want your dog to be organic, you can use olive oil or mineral oil instead.)

Step 4: That feels good! Fold his ear back and massage it gently for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Get out of the way. As soon as you let go of his ear, your dog will understandably shake his head back and forth.

Step 6: Be gentle. With a cotton ball, wipe in and around the ear canal, removing excess wax and dirt. Don’t be afraid to use several cotton balls, but do take care not to probe too deeply into his ear. A general rule is to clean only as far as you can see.

Step 7: Repeat. It’s time to repeat the same process with your pup’s other ear.

Keep an eye on your dog’s ears. How often you will have to clean his ears depends on breed of dog, length of hair around his ear and how much time he spends rolling around in the dirt.

This article was provided by authors from pet-super-store which is an online pet store carrying name brand products from PetSafe, Innotek and Dogtra.

Dental disease is one of the most preventable diseases that affect our canine population.  Just like humans, our pet companions are susceptible to cavities and can suffer from major dental problems. By including these habits in your dog’s life, you can avoid much of the misery that accompanies poor dental health.

Step 1: Feed your dog a dry, crunchy dog food. This food is less likely to get stuck between his teeth and remain there. Dry food is easily cleared away when your dog drinks water.

Step 2: Take a close look at the treats you are feeding your dog. There are many healthy treats on the market that have plaque-fighting ingredients in them. This is one of the easiest ways to care for your dog’s teeth, as he will usually welcome any treat.

Step 3: Purchase appropriate chew toys that will strengthen your dog’s teeth and keep him entertained at the same time. Your vet or the experts at the pet store can guide you towards a sensible purchase.

Step 4: Brush your dog’s teeth. This is the probably the most important thing you can do for the care of your dog’s teeth. Purchase a flavored toothpaste (beef toothpaste…yummy!) as well as a rubber finger cap toothbrush. Start at the back of his mouth on the top row and make gentle circles with your finger until you reach the other side of his mouth. Repeat this exercise along the bottom row. Be sure to get below the gum line, as this is where serious health concerns may begin.

Step 5: Make sure you aren’t feeding your dog any human food. He could easily bite into something and crack a tooth (which equals an expensive visit to vet). Keep him from digging through the trash and finding things he shouldn’t be chewing on.  And when he brings in acorns from the backyard like our pets enjoy doing, confiscate them immediately.
Step 6: Schedule a teeth cleaning with your veterinarian. If you’ve followed the steps above this won’t need to be a regular occurrence, but there will come a time when it’s necessary.

Doggy dental care is an essential part of a dog’s overall health.  Routine maintenance to your dog’s teeth and mouth will keep his breath fresh and his teeth free from plaque and tarter.

This article was written by authors from pet-super-store which is an online pet store that carriers dog gates, dog carriers and dog doors.

A parakeet makes an excellent pet for several reasons.  They are clever, intelligent, and playful creatures whose singing (and in some cases, talking) brings joy to a home. For these reasons, a parakeet can also be a great pet to give as a gift to a loved one.

Step 1: Make sure the recipient of the parakeet has expressed interest in owning one. Parakeets can live well beyond a decade and deserves to be welcomed into a home where he will be accepted with love.

Step 2: Decide where you will purchase the parakeet. The environment where the parakeet is living should be clean and should have plenty of fresh food and water. Pay special attention to the activity level of the parakeets that are for sale. Young parakeets should be very active and curious. If these criteria are present, you may have found the place to purchase your parakeet.

Step 3: Although it’s tempting, don’t choose a parakeet by its color. You want to present an alert, playful parakeet to its new owner. The parakeet you choose should be about 3 months of age and have clear, large, bright eyes. While you observe the parakeet, it should be interacting with other birds and willing to interact with you. Even an untrained parakeet should be able to perch on your finger for a few seconds.  The parakeet’s sex is irrelevant, and at this age it’s difficult to determine the sex anyway.

Step 4: Make all of the necessary purchases for the parakeet’s new owner.  A parakeet needs a large cage, food and water dispensers, a perch, swing, seed, cuttle bone, mineral block, toys, bells, etc. A parakeet also needs a blanket to cover the cage for sleeping at night.  Clean all of the materials prior to setting everything up.

Step 5: Set up an appointment with a veterinarian on the day that you purchase the parakeet. You want your parakeet’s recipient to have peace of mind that you’ve adopted a healthy pet on their behalf. (And because this is a gift, the recipient should not be subject to the cost of the first vet visit.)

Step 6: When you present your gift to your friend or family member, be sure to include a book about the proper care and feeding of parakeets. It’s also a nice touch to include a few “parakeet sitting coupons” so the family member knows you will help tend to the parakeet in case of vacations, etc.

This article was provided by pet-super-store.com which an online pet store that carriers the best dog houses, pet gates and dog doors.

Sometimes we bring home a pet and think that we will be his best friend.  But, as time progresses, we realize that we don’t spend near as much time with our companion as we thought we would be able to.  Often, the question may arise:  does my pooch need another friend?  The answer to this question has more to do with you than it does with your pet.  Before you rush out to the breeder to get a dog for your dog, there are a few things to consider.

Maybe you think your pet is lonely.  Or, perhaps you think your dog needs a friend because of the way he behaves when you are gone.  Dogs often experience boredom and resort to destructive behaviors to relieve their energy.  You may see this as a cry for a companion, when, in fact, it is a cry for something to do.  Bringing a new dog into your home may not necessarily stop the behavior.  In some cases, the new pooch may pick up on the existing pooch’s habits.  Then, instead of one bored dog, you have two bored dogs, resulting in double the trouble.  First, try working on obedience training with your existing pet.  Find ways to relieve his energy when you are at home and ways to keep him occupied when you are away from home.  Basically, try to figure out if your pooch is really in need of a companion or if he is merely bored.  He’s probably completely happy with you as long as you show him the time and attention he deserves!

In addition to behavioral issues, you need to take time and financial issues into consideration.  Two dogs are double everything:  food, toys, bedding, treats, veterinarian visits, vaccinations, training, exercising, grooming, and alone time with you.  If you think one pooch is expensive and time consuming, then double your thinking and make sure you have the time and money for two.  Remember what you went through with your first dog.  You had to house train him and train him in obedience.  The new dog will require the same amount of training.  He won’t learn not to do his business indoors from the other dog; that’s something you’ll have to teach.

Perhaps your first pooch is the best dog around.  He’s obedient, well-mannered, sweet and docile.  Because of this, you want a pet of the same breed.  Well don’t assume that just because the new dog is the same breed, he will act the same way.  There are many generalities that can be made across breeds; but, when it comes down to it, each dog is different no matter the breed.  What happens if you come home with an unruly pooch?  Will you be able to handle him and take the time to train him?

Now, take the rest of your family into consideration.  Do the other members in your household want a new pet?  Are they able to care for a new pet?  You may be so concerned with your pooch that you forget other people who live in your home.  A new dog will require help on everyone’s part, so each person’s wishes should be considered.

It seems like I am trying to give you a million reasons why you should not get a dog.  Don’t mistake my intentions; I’m just trying to put things into perspective.  If you have thought through all these ideas and still want a dog, then go for it!  Having two pets in the home can be a wonderful thing; your dog will have a friend, and you’ll have another loving companion.  As honest as your intentions may be, don’t expect your pooch to be overly excited about his new friend at first.  You will need to take precautions to make sure the two get adequately accustomed to each other!

Bringing a second pet into your home can mean that your existing pooch will have a new friend.  However, before you visit the breeder, make sure that you, your family members, and your pet are all ready for the new addition.  If you do not have excess time for your existing pet, then realize that you definitely won’t have time to train the new one.  But, if you are willing and able to handle a new dog, then go for it.  With a successful introduction, the whole family can benefit from the new companion.

This article was provided by pet-super-store a pet shop online that carries all your pets necessities including: aluminum dog crates, pet crates and orthopedic pet beds.

It seems a bit ridiculous: litter box training a dog. But, owners across the country have benefited from the extra training. Litter box training is not difficult, but it does take time. Following these steps can help you create a training program for your pooch. As with all training, remember that rewards are always a huge help!

If you have already started crate training, then you are one step ahead. If you have already completed or haven’t even started crate training, then it may take a little more time. However, using these tips with crate training (even if you have to start using the crate again) can help any owner in the litter box process.

At this point, you should already have all the supplies prepared. The box should be ready and in its proper location. Once you place the box in one location, then it’s not a good idea to move it. Your pet will be familiarizing himself with the box, moving it around will only slow the process. Give him a chance to check things out; you don’t want him to fear the box. It may sound strange, but collecting a small bit of his feces and placing it in the box will encourage him to use the box. Dogs like to “go” in the same places, so if the smell is familiar, then he will be more likely to “go” there again.

It’s a good idea to start with newspaper lining the box. Let your dog use the paper for awhile before you add the litter. Once you see that he is comfortable with the paper, then start slowly introducing the litter. He won’t like to suddenly be knee deep in litter, so each time you clean out the box, add a little more.

Make sure you set up a feeding schedule. If you are crate training, then you may already have a schedule in place. By feeding your pooch at the same times each day, you will be able to “plan” when it is time to take him to the box. You must also realize that dog’s tend to do their business when they wake up (in the morning or from a nap), after feeding (you’ll eventually be able to roughly time this), and before bedtime.

When your pet is telling you it’s time to go, then take him from his crate and place him directly in the litter box. If you have already established a “go” command, then use the command. If not, then start using one. If needed, gently hold your puppy in the box, but do not force him to stay there. You may even need to start with the box outside. In this case, you would take him outdoors and place him in the box; this is also a way to start a dog that already goes outdoors on a litter box program. Just like with outdoor training, stay there until he does his business, no matter how long it takes. Litter box training is based on repetitiveness. If you take your pup straight to the box every time he needs to go, then he will soon learn that the box is where he needs to go.

During the training, it is important to watch your pooch. If he starts circling an area, smelling of the area, or begins his ritual, then stop him immediately. Clap your hands and say “no” to startle him. Then, grab him and place him in the box. You must not allow him to use the area that he is checking out and then punish him. Stopping him in the act is much more effective than punishing after the fact.

Rewards are a huge training help! When your dog finally “goes” in the desired location, then give him a treat. Continue to do this until he gets the hang of things, then replace the treat with a belly rub or a head pat. Never get angry with your pet for not using the box, because it may deter him from using the box entirely. Remember that training requires time and patience on your part.

Litter training can be a great tool for many owners. Once you have the supplies and location picked out, let your pooch familiarize himself with things. You may have to slowly introduce the litter, so make sure you keep plenty of newspaper on hand in the beginning. When it’s time for your pet to “go,” simply take him from his crate to the box. Encourage him to use the box just like you would encourage him to use the lawn. And, don’t forget the treats!

Article provided by pet-super-store.com a site featuring dog crates, orthopedic dog beds and dog strollers.

A cat can provide companionship, humor and delight to your life. If you’ve made the decision to add a cat to your family, here are some suggestions for giving your cat a good start.

Step 1: Research the breeds of cats that exist. Most purebred cats fall into one of three categories based on physical characteristics; natural, semi-foreign and oriental. Determine whether it is important for you to have a purebred cat or if you will be happy rescuing a shelter cat.

Step 2: Think about what age cat will suit your lifestyle. If you work full time or have small children you might not be able to meet the needs of a kitten or cat less than 18 months of age.

Step 3: Purchase the supplies you will need for your new pet. A cat requires a collar, a litter box, a scratching post, and a carrier. He or she will also need grooming supplies, toys and treats. If this is the first cat you’ve welcomed home, it is also a good idea to purchase a book on cat care.

Step 4: Find an appropriate spot in the house for the litter box. The ideal environment for a litter box is quiet and easy to access; a bathroom or laundry room is usually perfect. Decide whose responsibility it will be to scoop the litter daily and who will dump, wash and refill the box once a week.

Step 5: Prepare a cozy place in the house for your cat to nap. Your cat should have its own comfortable bed. Plan to keep your cat indoors, as outside cats are susceptible to diseases, ticks, other animals, etc.

Step 6: Carefully observe the physical features and the social behaviors of the cat you are considering adopting. Look carefully at its eyes, ears, coat, feet and claws. You are looking for a friendly, social cat that responds to your attention. Ideally, the cat should nuzzle your outstretched finger and purr when snuggled against. You want the cat to be relaxed but not listless or lethargic.

Step 7: Take the cat to the veterinarian. Your veterinarian can perform an initial examination to determine the health of the cat and help you choose the appropriate food for your cat. If the cat isn’t already spayed or neutered, have that procedure done immediately (as long as the cat is over 6 months of age).

On average, the life span of a cat is 13-17 years, but some live as long as 20 years! Make sure you’re ready to commit to your feline friend for a long time!

This article was provided by pet-super-store.com an online pet store featuring dog doors, dog crates and dog carriers.

Once you’ve determined that you have the money, time and space for a horse, you’ll need to find a breed that fits your needs. Consider the following points when you set out to make this lifelong commitment.

Step 1: Consider the reasons why you’d like a horse. Do you want a show horse or a workhorse? Do you want a horse who will meander through your property or would you like to ride or race your horse competitively? Different disciplines of competition require different styles of horses. It’s imperative that you focus on the horse’s purpose and your lifestyle needs when choosing breed.

Step 2: Determine who will be the horse’s primary owner. A retired rancher, a competitor in his prime, and a family with small children should not all choose the same horse.

Step 3: Choosing the gender of the horse is an important step as well. It’s especially important if you’re considering breeding the horse. Stallions are male horses that have not been neutered and can be aggressive and hard to handle at times. Geldings are male horses that have been neutered and therefore would not be a good fit for a person wishing to breed a horse. A mare is a female horse who experiences a reproductive cycle that can sometimes cause her to be temperamental.

Step 4: Narrow your choices by thinking about the age of the horse. If you want a rodeo horse, then you’re looking for a younger horse. If you want a calm quiet riding horse, you may want a more mature horse. (Don’t be fooled into thinking a pony is a baby horse, it’s simply a smaller adult horse.)

Step 5: Unless you are strictly showing the horse, do not consider color. Believe it or not, many people put this consideration near the top of the list when it shouldn’t even make the list! With all of the factors to consider, a horse should not be chosen based on its looks.

Step 5: Look at and ride a lot of horses. Once you’ve narrowed your breed selections, you’ll want to spend time observing the temperament of the breeds you’re considering.

Step 6: Once you’ve analyzed your needs and determined it’s time to buy, consult Horse Rescue and Horse Adoption services in your area, as well as Horse Breeders/Sellers and classified ads. You might be surprised to find the many different avenues for obtaining a horse. Communicate your needs clearly in order to guarantee that you won’t waste anyone’s time and you’ll be matched up with the right breed for you.

This article was provided by pet-super-store.com an online pet shop carrying dog training collars from petsafe and innotek.

If you have ever witnessed a dog “play dead” on command, then you probably got a laugh out of it. Not only was it fun for you, but the dog probably enjoyed the attention, too. Trick training is a great addition to obedience training. Playing dead is not too difficult, but it does require that you pooch have an understanding of basic commands. Here’s a few, easy tips for teaching your pooch to play dead.

Trick training is not only entertaining for friends and family, but it is also a way to implement and reinforce obedience training. Training your pooch to perform tricks is often a nice break from training for obedience. Since training can become monotonous and cause your pooch to lose interest, your best bet is to mix in a little trick training with your regular obedience training. You can even use trick training as a way to treat your pet!

Before you start training, there are a handful of items you need to acquire and a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure you have a “handful” of treats on hand. You want to reward your dog for the good he is doing, and he will love the reward of a tasty treat! The first thing to keep in mind is the length of the training session. An appropriate session will last about 10 to 15 minutes, but you can conduct more than one session each day. Ten to fifteen minutes is enough time to get your pooch familiarized with the behavior but not so much time that he loses interest. Second, never get angry with your pet. Remember, trick training is fun…not necessary! If your pooch doesn’t get the hang of things, then keep trying. With patience and a few treats, he’ll learn. Lastly, you may not like entertaining the thought of your dog “playing dead.” So, come up with a command that you would like to use. Instead of “play dead,” how about using “take a nap,” “go to sleep,” or “sweet dreams.” You’ll also need a command to tell him that it’s okay to release the trick. A simple “okay” works and so does “good morning,” “rise and shine,” or “wake up.” It’s all up to you what you choose to use.

Now, onto the training. Grab the treats, your pooch, and find a quiet area in your home free of distractions. Your dog needs to at least understand “sit” just so you can get him to be calm and listen to you. If your dog can lie down on command, then this is also a plus, but it isn’t necessary. If your pooch doesn’t understand “lie down,” then you are in the perfect position to take care of two skills at one time!

Sit in a chair or beside your dog on the floor. Tell him to “sit” or “lie down” (whichever command he understands). If he does not understand the lie down command, then hold a treat at his nose and lower it to the floor. Say “down” as you do this; you may have to push his hind quarters down into the lying position. Give him a treat for completing the command, and repeat this a couple more times.

Once he understands that you want him to lie down, begin teaching the play dead trick. While he is lying on his stomach, manually turn him on his side as you say “play dead” (or whatever command you come up with). Hold him there for a couple of seconds, but do not force him to stay down. As you let him up, use the second command “wake up” or “good morning,” whichever you prefer. When he stands up, give him a treat. Repeat this several times, but try not to exceed the ten to fifteen minute time frame. Try to practice the trick several times each week, but try to mix things up a bit.

Trick training is a wonderful addition to obedience training. If you practice a few times each week, your pooch can learn to “play dead” and “wake up” in addition to his obedience skills. Don’t forget to let him show off his new talent to family members and friends. Everyone will enjoy watching your dog perform, and your dog will love the extra attention!

Article provided by pet-super-store.com an online pet site carrying aluminum dog crates, dog beds and dog carriers.