With the cold winter nights and short days, winter’s hold is still apparent, not just for us, but for our pets, too. More than just inconvenient, outdoor winters for our four-legged friends can be more than just uncomfortable: they can be downright dangerous.

Jackets and blankets purchased with your pooch in mind can help stave off the cold in some instances, but most pet experts recommend that Fido and Fluffy be allowed to sleep inside until spring’s rays start to warm the earth again. If your pet must sleep outside, inexpensive blankets can be found at any local thrift store, but be careful as blankets have a tendency to trap moisture. No one wants to sleep in a wet bed! Also, for pets left outside for more than a few minutes, be sure that they have adequate shelter with lots of clean, thick bedding and clean drinking water (not frozen) at all times.

Dog houses can be warmed with hot water bottles, special heat-radiating pads or cedar chips. Some dog houses even come with their own electric heaters, though the risks should not be taken lightly. Also, if the doghouse is wooden, be sure to raise it up off the ground several inches to prevent rotting and keep out rain, and cover the door of the dog house with a mat, piece of plastic carpet runner or carpet to provide an adequate door.

Remember, too, that dogs lose most of their heat through their paws, ears and skin, so extended exposure to cold will have an effect on them. Long-haired dogs like Elkhounds and Huskies fare better than smooth-coated dogs, Boxers and Greyhounds, for example. All breeds, however, including cats, are susceptible to de-icing products, including salt. Be sure to wash their paws with warm water when they come inside after walking on any of these substances.

Speaking of substances, be sure to monitor your car for any anti-freeze leaks and wipe them up immediately, as these can prove lethal for both cats and dogs. Also be sure to give a good tap to the hood before you start your car in the morning if you have kitties in your neighborhood who enjoy the warmth of your car motor. (Or if your own kitty sleeps in the garage at night.)

Since the groundhog saw his shadow this year, spring is coming, but isn’t here yet. Be sure to protect your pets from the cold nights that are still upon us.

Posted by Pets Best on 4/12/2006 in Training Tips Articles

A new puppy can be a fun addition to a household, but is a decision that should be thoroughly thought through before making the commitment for the next ten to twenty years. Puppies while being cute and entertaining require a great deal of time, patience and supervision. A young dog is not fully mature until the age of three or four meaning a good number of years before that puppy settles into a quiet adult dog and all puppies even if well supervised will wreck some havoc on a home and yard. If a new puppy is going to join your household or already has the first steps to take are potty training and puppy proofing.

…The key to potty training is setting your dog up for success by creating a daily routine of pattern behaviors…

Potty training is an absolute must for a canine companion in order to allow them in the house and in public environments. The key to potty training is setting your dog up for success by creating a daily routine of pattern behaviors. To start a new puppy off give them a safe and comfortable doggy space such as a crate where they can eat, sleep and are unable to exhibit any bad choices. The area should be small enough that your puppy cannot go potty on one end and sleep on the other. Dogs do not like to eliminate any place they sleep or eat so go ahead and feed meals in the crate or small space and in addition this will keep the space positive.

During the day set your pet up with a set schedule. Regular feeding times and regular potty breaks are essential, keep in mind a puppy will need to defecate approximately twenty to thirty minutes after a meal. Before allowing your puppy play time in the yard or quiet time in the house, always make sure they eliminate in the appropriate location. Anything is more fun then going potty, therefore it is typically necessary to take your puppy outside on leash, be patient, walk back and forth in the designated location and verbally state to your puppy a cue to go potty. Watch closely for sniffing, walking quick in circles and holding the tail up, all good signs we are about to go potty. Once we have gone potty reward with lots of praise, remember dogs are mans best friend and want to please us. After going potty then your puppy can enjoy playtime or activities in the home.

Inside your home set your puppy up for success by keeping them on a leash until potty training is complete and you can trust that the puppy will not be destructive, endangering your home or your pet’s health. Homes are generally too large is size for a new puppy that will have no problem going into another room for potty breaks. If you keep your puppy in sight they will be less likely to have an accident since dogs do not like to eliminate in lived in spaces, and you can watch for signs of having to go potty such as sniffing or acting restless. If you notice these signs head to the appropriate location and remember to reward.

It is also recommended to keep the water bowl outside. A water bowl in a crate can be quit a mess and you will be unable to keep track of how much water is consumed. A puppy given regular potty breaks with a water bowl on the way to that designated location will get plenty of water and you the owner can keep a mental track of water intake. If a puppy has drank a lot of water a potty break will be needed shortly. Since your puppy will be on leash in the house a water bowl in the house will not be easily accessible, also many puppies love to put there feet in the bowl and even splash water.

All dogs including puppies should be proofed, meaning anyone can manipulate any part of your their body without the pet becoming defensive or upset. The reason this must be done is so that you the owner can handle your pet, if a child runs up and grabs your pet the child does not get bit and for visits to your veterinarian and groomer. These exercises not only make life easier and less stressful for both you and your pet but make the veterinary visits and groomer visits a simple task.

…As you touch the dog’s tail, feet, ears, and belly reward with verbal praise, food rewards, and a calm soothing voice…

To begin this exercise start slow and reward often. Practice by touching areas you would normally pat and move to other body parts such as the toes, ears and tail. Keep the first few sessions short and positive however try to have a few sessions each day. As you touch the dog’s tail, feet, ears, and belly reward with verbal praise, food rewards, and a calm soothing voice. As your pet gets used to these body parts being touched start to be a little rougher, without hurting your pet. We want your pet prepared for an ear cleaning at the veterinarian’s office as well as being tackled by a neighborhood kid. If you get some resistance or nipping go ahead and say the word ‘no’ but continue with the exercise until your pet calms down and allows that body part to be touched. If your dog is nippy you can hold the pet under the chin to prevent being nipped or keep a plush toy available to keep the mouth busy. Remember to reward often when the puppy is still and allows their body parts to be manipulated.

In addition to dog proofing you need to teach your pet that it is ok to be restrained by a person. The best way to do this is to sit on the floor and roll your pet unto their back into what is called a settle position. The owner can hold onto the dogs front legs and place their legs on either side of the dog to provide support. If the puppy is a small breed this exercise can be done on your lap while sitting on the floor or while sitting on a sofa. Reward by providing praise when successful and keep the first few settles short. If your pet resists and try’s to get up continue to hold until still and then let your pet up. The exercise of proofing needs to be continued through maturity and ideally for the rest of your pet’s life.

Keep in mind any new pet needs a great deal of time, attention, and structured exercise. Any further questions regarding potty training and proofing should be directed towards your local veterinarian who may refer you to a professional dog trainer. It is always recommended for inexperienced dog owners to seek the assistance of a professional trainer to get your pet off to the right start and all dogs should be trained basic obedience and taught proper social skills in addition to potty training and puppy proofing.

Posted by Pets Best on 4/7/2006 in General Articles

Companion animals have evolved over the last hundred years into a huge component of the human household and in many cases are considered a family member. Over half a million households in the United States share a home with a pet. The change in human perception of animals and their relationships has created a mutual necessity for domesticated pets in society. Animals are amazing creatures that have unique bonds between one another as well as with their human caretakers. They can provide us daily assistance in ways man can not and can positively benefit our health and longevity.

Many humans today would not choose to live without a companion cat or dog. In addition to serving as loyal family members some animals are able to assist us in our daily lives, even providing services another human could not perform. We have all heard of guide dogs for the blind and police dogs, but today dogs are used to detect seizures to allow an owner time to prepare before one strikes, such as pulling the car over. Canines are also being used to assist people suffering from Parkinson’s disease, in the course of the disease feet can freeze in place, while the rest of the body maintains motion causing a person to fall, a trained canine can either detect the feet are about to freeze or counterbalance the person until they regain use of their feet. It is also amazing that a canine can detect hypoglycemia, low blood sugar, allowing the owner to alleviate the condition before it becomes life threatening. Currently it is also being discovered that canines are capable of detecting cancer, a service that surely will be used a great deal in the future.

In addition to trained canines providing amazing services to their owners, companions pets that never work a day in their life can also greatly benefit their owners. Many humans find their pet is a fundamental reason for them to continue with this life, and many find having a pet combats loneliness. Furthermore many individuals feel much safer with a pet in the house and carry no worries when walking or running a pet on city streets. Pets are able to offer their owners an impressive array of traits such as loyalty, enjoyment, company, and safety.

…Studies are showing the presence of an animal can positively affect blood pressure, heart rates, and cholesterol…

The health benefits being discovered that pets offer their caretakers as well as the sick or elderly is absolutely astounding. Studies are showing the presence of an animal can positively affect blood pressure, heart rates, and cholesterol. Many elderly respond to animals in ways they would not respond to a person, they may exhibit higher degrees of alertness, attentions and even reach out to touch the animal. Pets have even proven an ability to eliminate depression, and decrease feelings of fear and anxiety. Horses for many years now have been able to aid those with physical disabilities by influencing the patient’s posture, bodily movements, balance and physical functions.

Due to the huge role pets play in our lives and the correlation with a pet’s shorter lifespan can make loss and bereavement overwhelming for anyone that has lost a faithful animal companion. It can be even more devastating when that pet also provided a much needed service. Approximately sixty percent of dogs sleep in our bedrooms, even a greater number greet us at the door and when times are bad they are always a reliable friend. When a pet passes there are defiantly stages of grief we must pass through, such as anger, depression and acceptance. One thing pets do teach people is how to deal with grief and letting go. Once we have accepted the loss we can freely move on with our lives and hold on to a cherished memory.

The same feelings of lose a human feels are being discovered as being felt by animals as well. Animals that have a close bond with another animal friend show physical signs of loss. Research on horses has shown they appear to feel devastated, eating less, acting withdrawn and at times this can adversely affect a healthy animal’s health. PET scans that show neurological activity have found that humans and animals show similar changes in brain activity when experiencing grief. Some even say that when one animal passes, if there is a close companion to let the other animal spend time with the remains. This can allow the living friend a chance to say goodbye and realize that the other has passed away. Once the animal no longer shows interest in the deceased companion than it should be removed. However be prepared for the grieving animal to display strange actions, some may be fearful, show no interest while others may seem to desire a good amount of time with the deceased.

Certain unique animals have been able to form some very unusual bonds that cross beyond the lines of normal behavior but aid to exhibit the importance of needed a friend. In a Kenyan sanctuary a rescued baby hippopotamus has taken to a one hundred and twenty year old tortoise. They can be caught sleeping and even swimming together. In a Tokyo zoo a live hamster labeled as snake food as become the best buddy to that snake. The snake has now overcome a dislike for frozen rodents and the staff has named and provides care for the hamster. These unique bonds represent the need for animals as well as humans to bond with other living beings and by doing so we can gain the wealth of talents only certain species hold, enriching everyone’s life.

Sources: dvmnews.org; msnbc.com; peteducation.com; vetpurdue.edu

Posted by Pets Best on 3/13/2006 in Training Tips Articles

If it’s true that 80% of communication is non-verbal, it stands to reason that we could learn quite a bit from our canine friends. Since the beginning of the man-dog relationship, dogs and wolves have proven to be expert communicators through their use of body language, facial expressions and vocalizations. Turid Rugaas, a Norwegian dog trainer with over fifteen years experience studying wolves, has discovered over thirty calming signals that can easily be recognized and used by humans to directly communicate with our canine companions.

In her book On Talking Terms with Dogs, Rugaas shares her insights on the fascinating world of communication between dogs, as well as between dogs and their owners. “We need to learn to understand the language of dogs so that we can understand what our dogs are telling us,” Rugaas says. “That is the secret of having a good life together.”

One signal that is commonly misunderstood in the human-canine connection is the dog’s use of the yawn. Rather than signifying that he is tired or bored, the yawn is a coping mechanism used when the dog feels threatened. When a threat is received, according to Rugaas, the dog will always respond with a calming signal such as yawning, licking his nose or turning away, among others.

Unfortunately, she says, a large majority of dog owners ignore these signals, creating stress, anxiety and even aggression in their pets. Rather than help the situation, correction and punishment only further complicate the human-canine relationship, so understanding is key.

“The dog may yawn when someone bends over him, when you sound angry, when there’s yelling and quarreling in the family, when the dog is at the vet’s office, when someone is walking directly at the dog, when you ask the dog to do something he doesn’t feel like doing, when your training sessions are too long and the dog gets tired, and in many other situations,” Rugaas says. What he’s really telling us is, “Please understand me.”

“These signals are international and universal. Dogs all over the world have the same language. A dog from Japan would be understood by an Elkhound who lives in an isolated valley in Norway. They will have no communication problems!”

The trouble then is not so much dog to dog, but dog to human. With our sweeping gestures and loud voices, too often we send our dogs into a state of panic where they struggle to communicate with us through calming signals. Even young puppies will display the use of calming signals in the hopes of communicating uncertainty or fear. And we thought that all that sniffing at the vet’s office was just out of curiosity!

Strengthening the animal-human relationship is not easy, but it is most certainly possible, especially with a little patience and a better understanding of what our four-legged friends are trying to say.

Source: HSUS.org; healthypet.com; geocities.com; newsday.com; cavolark.com; canis.no/rugaas/index; clickertraining.com