Ain't misbehavin'!

I have two dogs, and with few exceptions, they are both well mannered and well behaved. On occasion, I have been asked how it is that they are so well behaved. The short answer is...time. You must make the time to spend with your pet if you want them to be properly trained and socialized. Just as you make the time for your children. And while some may be offended by the comparison, it really isn't that far off in some ways. Here are a just a few examples of what I mean:

1. Toys - Like children, your pets will fight over toys or chewies, and need to be taught how to share. We teach our children not to hit or fight, and we should also teach our pets not to snarl & bite.

2. Food - Animals, like children, can be very picky eaters. The main difference is that while our kids may not especially like "people food", you can be sure the same is not the case most often with our pets. Is it possible to over-feed our pets? Yes. And just like we do for our kids, we should watch for those high-calorie, high fat foods that our four-legged children seem partial to. Just because it tastes good, doesn't mean it's good for them! In general, people food is too rich for our pets, and may contain some things that may be harmful for them, like garlic powder or onions.

3. Vaccinations - Just like we ensure our children have their shots for school, we need to make sure our pets have their shots too. If your pet goes outside at all, those shots may be the difference between them contracting a case of rabies or parvo, or staying healthy. Think of it like car insurance. You get it not so much because you think of yourself as a bad driver, but because you expect someone else might be. You get the shots for your pets not as much because you worry what they might get at home, but because of what they might be exposed to outside of the home...like other pets who are not vaccinated by their owners.

If you want the best out of your pet, here are four things you can do to help them make your life more enjoyable, and theirs too!

1. Exercise - Like people, pets need exercise. Some breeds of dogs need more than others, but a couch potato dog is not a good thing! A daily walk is a good start. Not only is it good exercise, but it also gives you and Fido a chance to work on proper leash etiquette. If you have a high energy breed, daily exercise is the best medicine for keeping them calm, and making it easier to turn them into a house dog, versus a yard dog.

Suggestion: Many dog websites sell bubbles that come in in flavors that dogs like. Most dogs love chasing bubbles, and it can be good exercise! NOTE: Don't use kids bubbles! They have a soapy residue that may cause vomiting and diarrhea in your pet!!!

2. Mental Stimulation - All dogs need mental stimulation. And some breeds, like border collies, shepherds and dalmations need even more. Toys that give dogs a chance to use problem solving skills are an excellent way to challenge them. Most pet stores and veternarians sell toys like Kongs. They come in different sizes, and are made of an almost indestructable material. They are hollowed out in the middle, and allow you to stuff them with Fidos favorite goodies, like a mixtures of kibble and peanut butter, or even half of a hot dog for the larger variety. Fido will spend hours trying to figure out how to get his goodies out, and most important, it gives you the chance to teach him that chewing on the Kong is good, and chewing on your favorite sneakers is not.

3. Toys - Start your puppy off early with the use of toys. Starting them off early will let them know what is ok to play with, and what is not. It is most important later, when you need to go off to work or Grandmas, and must leave Fido behind. When you are gone, your pet needs something to do. If you have not provided the proper entertainment for them, they will entertain themselves, often at your expense. Be sure the toys are sturdy, and that they don't have things Fido can bite off and swallow, like buttons or snaps. Also, rotate their toys every week, so they won't become bored with them and look for something a little more exciting. And remember, never play with Fido with things you DON'T want them to play with later on their own. That leather work glove or kitchen mitten makes for great fun at the time, but how is your pet supposed to know that when your gone, it is not ok to tear it up on their own? Think about that the next time you chase Fido with that vaccum cleaner hose!

4. Time - It's cheap, they won't choke on it, and it will pay many dividends later. Spending time with your pet not only strengthens your bond with it, but also allows you to learn more about them and their hidden talents. And, like our human children, they need to be taught what we expect of them. Remember, they are thinking creatures...not plants. Osmosis won't work! Your dogs WANT to please you! It really is what they live for. In a mere ten to fifteen minutes a day, you can teach your dog to shake hands, high-five or lay down on command. You'll be proud to show your neighbors their fancy tricks, and they will love the attention! Teaching them to scuba dive or ride a skateboard may take a little longer...but it could be well worth the effort!

The really good news? So far...I have not had one report of a dog trying to stuff a peanut butter and jelly sandwich into the slot on a VCR, or put a pop tart in the DVD player!

And one last pet tip. Our indoor pets get used to our lifestyles. If we have the TV on, or listen to the radio, they become accustomed to the sounds of those things. When you leave, and the house is totally quiet, they can become easily spooked by noises that are not familiar to them. Help curb pet separation anxiety by leaving the TV on, or the radio. The noise will help to drown out unfamiliar noises, and helps to relax them. Also, leave an old t-shirt or other clothing article in their bed. Your scent on the article will also help relax them, and will keep them from dragging out all your dirty laundry into the living room!

Dogs that need homes!

I have had several people in the Eureka area that have contacted me, requesting help in finding a home for their dogs. These dogs are not currently being housed at the pound, and the hope is that with your help, they will not need to be.

The dog breeds available range from shepherd mix, to rat terrier mix. Most are fairly young. In the case of the rat terrier dogs, one is male, one is female, and both have been spayed/neutered, have current city tags, and are current on their shots. The owners have sold their home and are moving soon, and really need to find these two pooches a good & loving home. If you think you can help, please contact me at (620)750-0302. I have posted a picture of them.

To find out what other dogs are available, just give me a call. Please help if you can!

Sites for everyone!

There is so much information available for animal lovers these days. Whether it's dogs, cats or whales, there is something for everyone. Here are a few sites I have culled from the listing of the Humane Society of the United States. If you have the time, why not take a peek. The HSUS is one of the best in the world for all they do for not only domestic pets, but all wild life. Whether you would like to find out more on how you can become more active in animal issues, or just how to get some flyers & brochures for your organization, these sites recommended by the HSUS can help.

www.hsus.org - The HSUS site provides information on animal-related topics, describes HSUS programs, and suggests ways to help animals. You can slo find information on how to order those flyers and/or brochures for your organization, or even a T-shirt showing your support for your favorite animal cause.

www.fundforanimals.org - The Fund For Animals and the HSUS have joined forces to make the work to protect animals even more effective. The Fund's website provides a wealth of information direct-care, hands-on efforts and more.

www.hsihsus.org - This is the Humane Society International's website. If you have a desire to help animals the world over, visit this site and see how you can help.

www.nahee.org - This is a HSUS affiliate website, designed for youth education. The National Association for Humane and Environmental Education, maintains this website to help parents and educators teach children to treat animals with kindness and respect.

www.humaneteen.org - This HSUS educational affiliate also has an interactive website to inspire middle and high school students to get involved in animal protection activities.

www.stoppuppymills.com - This website provides information on how you can help protect our best four-legged friends from the abuses of the mass commercial dog-breeding industry.

www.fund.org - The Humane Society Legislative Fund, a new political arm the HSUS created with The Fund For Animals, maintains this website to provides members with information on legislative and public policy actions you can take to make the world a better place for all animals.

www.protectseals.org - This website provides information on Canada'scommercial seal hunt - and what members can do to help end it.

www.furfreeaction.org - This website for activists features the latest work being done to protect animals from becoming victims of the fur industry, and ways everyone can help create a fur-free society.

www.savewhalesnotwhaling.org - This website offers informatiion on the threats whales still face from whalers, and how you can help protect them.

Please note: I have included these these sites as a matter of fairness to all sides of the effort to protect the animals of the world. This site in no way specifically endorses the individual sites mentioned, or their specific policies and procedures.