Unusual Pets - The Capuchin Monkey

Capuchin monkeys got their name from the Franciscan Capuchin whose cowl is similar to the colouration of the monkeys. The Capuchin monkey belongs to the Cebinae family and Cebus genus. Wild versions of these monkeys are found in Central and South America. Also known as Sapajou, they are considered to be the most intelligent of all species of monkeys.

The face, neck and chest of Capuchins are white in colour and the rest of the body is either brown or black. A full grown Capuchin can range from twelve to twenty-two inches in height. These monkeys have hairy tails which are usually the same length as their body. Their average weight is two pounds, although the males usually weigh more than the females. When they live in captivity, they can live up to forty-five years, but in the wild they only live for fifteen to twenty-five years. They stay awake during the day, except for a midday nap, and sleep at night. During the day, they spend most of their time searching for food. At night they sleep on the branches of trees.

Capuchins are social animals and live in groups ranging from eight to forty animals. These groups consist of a mixture of males, females and youngsters. The areas where groups live are marked with urine and smell terrible. Intruders are not welcomed. A strong male controls the whole group and mates with all the females in the group to produce offspring. Male and female Capuchins smell each other to know whether the other is sexually mature or not. A female Capuchin monkey is capable of reproducing every two years. A female's pregnancy lasts from five to six months.

When they are small, the offspring cling to the chest of the mother and when they grow bigger, they switch to the mother’s back. Baby Capuchins rely on their mothers to look after them until they are three months old. Male Capuchins are not involved in raising their young.

The whole group enjoys grooming, both themselves and each other. They also use grooming as a means of expressing their feelings. Capuchins tear millipedes to pieces and then rub the pieces on their body to repel mosquitoes and other insects.

Capuchins are very intelligent animals which on occasion use tools to assist them in their daily life. They drink the juice of palm nuts from the tip and then let them dry. After the palm nuts dry, they will gather them and break them open with a rock and then eat the contents. They have the ability to walk upright on their hind feet and carry food and tools in their front feet. In this endeavour, they look like little people walking on their feet and carrying things in their hands. As well as finding fruit and nuts in trees, they are also clever enough to find food on the ground. Unlike other monkeys, Capuchin monkeys are omnivorous. As well as eating food like flowers, seeds, nuts and fruits, they also eat bird's eggs, small birds, insects, reptiles, bats and even small mammals. Capuchins who live near water also feed on crabs and other shellfish, which they crack open using stones.

Capuchins aren’t fussy about their surroundings, so it is easy to have them as pets. As well as making Capuchins into pets, they are also used as organ grinders and service animals. They have also been trained by many service organizations to help quadriplegics around the house. After they are trained, they can open bottles, microwave food and even wash the face of the patient. They are also safe around children as they are very gentle animals. They can also be taught tricks and some have even starred in movies.

As Capuchins reach sexual maturity they can become troublesome. If you decide to get one as a pet, keep this in mind and also consider neutering the animal before it reaches maturity. Because Capuchins are wild animals, many jurisdictions have regulations about keeping them. Before considering them for a pet, check with local authorities to ascertain what rules apply to your area. You may also find that taking them on holidays with you could be a problem because some of the jurisdictions you pass through or stop in may have restrictions against possessing these animals.

Until next time,

Teia

What Every GOOD Dog Breeder Will Tell You

Before I start today's entry, I'd like to tell you a little story about a dog breeder that my mom and dad dealt with years before I was born. Mom and dad decided that they would like to get a new puppy to replace a Poodle who had recently passed away. They looked in a book about dog breeds and decided that a Bichon Frise would be the dog that they should get. They checked the local pet stores and none had a Bichon for sale. A check of the pet section of the local paper revealed one breeder with puppies for sale. Mom and dad phoned the telephone number listed in the advertisement and were told that there was only one puppy available, a female. The rest of the litter had been sold. Mom and dad found out that the breeder lived hundreds of miles away, but that she would be in the city mom and dad lived in visiting a relative. An appointment was arranged and mom and dad went to look at the puppy. It was white, cute and had a good personality. Mom and dad asked if it had any genetic defects and the breeder said that it didn't.

They agreed to purchase the puppy and paid the breeder the requested fee. Several weeks later, they noticed that “Brandy” was limping a bit on her left hind leg. They kept an eye on her and as the days passed, the limp became more noticeable. They took “Brandy” to the veterinarian and he advised that she had hip dysplasia. Mom and dad contacted the breeder to advise her of this problem. The breeder replied, “You bought a dog, not a car or an appliance, they come as is, so she's all yours,” and slammed down the phone. Mom and dad didn't want a refund, they just wanted to let the breeder know that her bitch or stud had genetic problems. Needless to say, they informed all the pet stores, veterinarians and people they knew that this breeder was selling dogs with genetic defects. This lady was not a GOOD breeder; she was only interested in making money from her dogs. Now, on to today's post.

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So you have decided you want a puppy? You have done all your homework to decide the breed you want and you know you have the finances, time and energy to take care of it. Next step is to find a breeder and purchase a puppy.

Be warned, purchasing a puppy from a breeder can be fraught with risks. As in any business there are those breeders who are genuine, who care for their animals and whose reputation is important to them. Others, often known as backyard breeders or puppy mill owners, are only interested in making a fast buck. It is now up to you to find a reliable and honest breeder. Fortunately, because of the Internet, it is much easier today to conduct this research than it was prior to the introduction of this electronic marvel.

Do some research before contacting any breeders. Contact the kennel club of the breeds you are interested in and request a list of their breeders. The Internet can also be a good source to find and research breeding kennels. Ask friends who have dogs of that breed where they purchased them from and if they are happy with their chosen dog.

Shows are another place where you can meet breeders and see their animals, both in a show environment and in kennels before and after the show. Just remember this is a busy time for the breeder and they may not have a lot of time to chat. Get their details, observe their animals and contact them at a less busy time.

Visit the breeder’s facilities before choosing a puppy to see how the animals are cared for. Do not buy the first puppy you see. A good breeder will want to ensure you are a suitable owner just as much as you want to ensure they breed quality animals. Look for clean facilities with healthy, clean dogs that are free of parasites. The dogs should behave in a manner you would wish your future dog to exhibit, e.g., if the majority of the dogs appear to be timid and afraid it is a safe bet any pups will be of a similar disposition.

Ask the breeder questions such as:

- How long have they been breeding dogs?
- What is the pedigree of the animal you are considering purchasing?
- Are both parents at the kennel?
- Are there veterinary certificates available for both parents and offspring?
- What screening has been done for any common health issues for the particular breed?
- What guarantee will they offer if the pup proves to have any major health issues within a short time of purchase?

The breeder should also ask you questions like:

- Do you have a house/yard suitable for the animal?
- Do you have the time to care for a dog?
- Are you fully aware of what is required to care for the animal?
- Will the dog be a pet or for breeding/showing?
- Do you have children and if so, what are their ages?
Breeders are well within their rights to refuse to sell a pup to anyone they consider not suitable as an owner of their dogs.

A sales agreement should be signed by both parties outlining the obligations of both purchaser and seller.

The good breeder will usually offer advice on feeding, grooming, health care and list any equipment you may need, as well as a schedule for all necessary immunizations.

A reputable breeder will also ensure you do not take your puppy home too early, to ensure it gets early socialization with its siblings. A puppy removed from its litter too early may fear other dogs for the rest of its life. While six weeks is the time many puppies are taken to new homes, many breeders prefer to retain the pup until they are around nine weeks old.

Once you have collected your puppy keep in touch with the breeder as they will be a fountain of knowledge for you regarding your new dog and they often like to keep track of their animals.

If you do all your homework and purchase from a reputable breeder, you will have a dog that will be a wonderful part of your family for the next 12 to 15 years.

Until next time,

Teia

Unusual Pets: Bobcats

Bobcats are small wild cats found in North America. They range from southern Canada throughout the United States and into Mexico. With a gray to brown coat, whiskered face and black-tufted ears, the Bobcat resembles other species in the mid-sized Lynx genus. It is smaller than the Canadian Lynx, with whom it shares parts of its range, but about twice as large as a domestic cat. It has distinctive black bars on its forelegs and a black-tipped, stubby tail, from which it derives its name. A Bobcat's weight ranges from twenty-four to thirty-five pounds.

Owners of Bobcats compare their pet to a tabby cat, but a Bobcat's requirements are much more demanding than those of a domestic cat. Bobcats require special care and extra attention. Similar to Servels, Bobcats also have the habit of spraying their urine to mark their territory. Bobcats are very hyper and they have an aggressive nature. Bobcats need to be brought up in an outdoor enclosure where they have plenty of space to play, similar to life in the wild. If they don’t get adequate space and exercise outside, they will run around the house destroying things. Some owners are very content with their pets and others find them very time consuming and troublesome, so it is recommended that potential owners do their homework before making up their mind about having a Bobcat for a pet.

Because a Bobcat is a wild animal it is illegal to have them as a pet in a lot of locations. Before considering a Bobcat as a pet make sure that you check with local wildlife authorities and get all the necessary permits, licences and other paperwork showing you have the right to keep this animal as a pet.

Their diet shouldn’t be like any other domestic pet. Since they are exotic pets and come from the wild, they have different nutritional requirements than domestic cats. A meal for a Bobcat would consist of a whole chicken, which should be presented intact, feathers and all. They can also be given fresh killed squirrels and rabbits. They can eat raw beef, but they fair better on small wild animals and birds. They do not eat as much during the summer, but make up for it during the winter. They also require special medicine and vaccine doses. A normal dose of sedative given to other domestic pets can kill a Bobcat. They should be left with their claws and teeth so they remain healthy and able to protect themselves and eat their meals. If an owner decides to remove the claws of his pet Bobcat, then only the front claws should be removed.

Other than their playtime, they can be kept in a two-cage home which overall is fourteen feet tall and twenty-four feet wide. The two twelve by fourteen cages should be connected by a six-foot wide by six foot high walkway. The cages in which they are kept should have ramps, platforms and toys to keep them occupied. Some Bobcats are really affectionate and like to lick the face of their owner, but be ready for their tongue, which feels like sandpaper. Well trained Bobcats even sleep with their owners, but the owners that allow this need to get used to their loud purring. Bobcats get up early, around five o’clock in the morning and start playing, which means that they will start playing in the bed itself. They play really hard, putting all their energy into it, so be prepared for a damaged bed or bedding if you allow them to sleep with you.

Bobcats enjoy water and they especially like it when it rains. If there are puddles nearby, there is a good chance of the entire house getting messed up. Keep the toilet seat down and do not leave an unattended container of water around or it will be splashed all over the place. While they roam around in the house, it is a really bad idea to do the dishes or mop the floor.

Bobcats are good with people that they are familiar with. However they get very anxious when guests drop in. At such times, it is better if they are kept in their cage. When strangers are near, Bobcats become motionless. They hide and remain scared until the stranger leaves their territory. When the guests leave the Bobcat(s) will come out and sniff all around until they are sure that everything is all right and no “danger” remains.

Owners of Bobcats cannot go on long vacations or even go away for a weekend and leave the animals alone at home. If a babysitter is appointed, care must be taken that it is someone the pet(s) are familiar with. It should never be a stranger because the Bobcat(s) could be permanently traumatized by the experience. When owners start to realize that they have gotten more responsibility than they asked for, they start thinking of giving up the pet by either releasing it in the wild, which is extremely dangerous, or giving it to someone else. In the latter situation, Bobcats find it extremely difficult to trust and bond with the new owner. When you are dealing with a wild animal like a Bobcat, there are many responsibilities associated with it that never come into play when you are dealing with a domestic pet. And, as stated above, many jurisdictions have laws preventing you from keeping a wild animal as a pet. One of the most important reasons for this is that if you give up the wild pet, it will most likely have to be destroyed because it cannot be returned to the wild and going to a new owner very seldom works.

Until next time,

Teia

Walking Your Cat

There's nothing strange about taking a dog for a walk, but taking a cat, well that's a whole new game. However, taking a cat for a walk is not as difficult as it may seem. With a little patience and a very secure cat harness, it is possible.

Many people believe that cats should be kept indoor at all times, so that precious wildlife is protected. Cats can be notorious killers of small animals and birds and keeping them indoors is a great way to keep them under control. But do cats miss being outdoors? Are they being deprived of some inbuilt instinct to hunt and capture their prey?

An easy way to overcome this is to let your cat outdoors, but only if he is fully under control. There are a few steps to take that will eventually allow you to take your cat outdoors, in a safe and secure manner.

Start by purchasing a cat harness and lead. These are available from your local veterinarian or pet supply store. If they don't have any in stock, you can also use a very small dog harness, the size that is appropriate for a Chihuahua.

Introduce the harness to your cat slowly, leaving it near his bed and food bowls on a regular basis, over a period of days. Attempt to put the harness on your cat when he no longer appears interested in it. Continue putting the harness on for a two-week period, until your cat accepts the harness as part of his daily routine.

The final step is to lead your cat outside, for a small period of time. Each day, increase the amount of time spent outside. After a week or two of this, your cat should be very comfortable with the harness and with being outside.

If you have reached this step, congratulations. You can now start to slowly walk your cat for short distances. Fairly soon your cat will be sitting at the front door waiting for you to take it for a walk.

Walking your cat is a great way to relieve his boredom and give him some exercise at the same time. It can stimulate his senses, exercise his body and hopefully save some of your household furniture from scratches. Give it a go. Your cat will thank you for it. Just remember to keep your cat away from dogs because some dogs are not friendly to cats. You don’t want anything to happen to “Kitty” do you?

Until next time,

Teia

Cat Breeds - Bengal Cats

Bengal cats are a hybrid variety of cats which are friendly, very intelligent and alert, but they have a very wild appearance. Their distinct features include markings such as spots and rosettes. This type of cat closely resembles the Asian Leopard Cat and from its taxonomic name the word “Bengal” was derived. Although breeders around the world are attempting to make them look like little tigers, they have no actual relationship with the Bengal Tiger.

Bengals have an average build. Males weigh up to fifteen pounds and females weigh up to ten pounds. The two horizontal lines on the sides of their face, which start from above and below the end of their eyes and go up to the back of their neck, are known as mascara. Their bodies have spotting which is usually rosette in shape, although some have a marbled pattern. Bengals with spots and with more than one colour are the ones which are in greater demand. The colour of spots varies from rust to chocolate brown to cocoa to gray and to black. Their tail, hind legs and fore limbs have symmetrical stripes. Bengal cats win championships in most of the competitions held to award the most exotic pet, because of their looks, intelligence and friendly nature.

Bengals are the result of years of selective crossbreeding techniques. Jean Mill of the United States developed Bengals in the 1970s. They originated by crossing the small Asian Leopard cat with several different types of domestic cats. This gives them the wild and exotic look and the friendly nature. Breeders are still working to develop more qualities in this breed. They are attempting to do this by crossing them with other breeds of domestic cats like the American short-hair, Egyptian maus, Ocicat, Abyssinian and other short-haired cats.

The foundation generations of the filial are the first three generations of Bengals. Most of the males of these generations didn’t have the ability to reproduce. However, the females were able to. The fourth generation produced fertile males and after the fifth generation, they was no need to crossbreed. Instead, breeding was done between two Bengal cats.

Currently there are three kinds of Bengal cats available as pets, the Cheetoh, the Toyger and the Serengeti cat. The Cheetoh is a hybrid cat derived by crossing Ocicat and Bengal, to get a breed of spotted cats. The Toyger is a hybrid cat which is produced by crossing Bengals with domestic cats that have stripes. (The hope here is to develop a cat that resembles a tiger in its markings). The Serengeti cat has been produced by crossing Siamese or Oriental cats to get a cat that looks like an African Serval.

Based on their patterns, Bengals can be named as brown-marbled tabby, brown-spotted tabby, seal mink-marbled tabby, seal mink-spotted tabby, seal sepia-marbled tabby, seal sepia-spotted tabby, seal marbled lynx point and seal spotted lynx point. Other than the aforementioned colours, Bengals also come in blue, grey and black, but these colours are still awaiting worldwide recognition.

Unlike other domestic cats, Bengals are fascinated by running water and are easy to bathe. They are attracted to showers and will instantly jump inside bathtubs.

Bengals are quite vocal so they can “converse” with their owners. They are good at sports and play hide and seek and also learn other games easily. Young ones need human attention and can become bonded to you if you spend at least an hour each morning and evening playing with them. Bengals are attention seekers and always try to be involved in human activities. They will follow you around, but do not like to be placed on laps.

People who have decided to keep Bengals as pets should be aware that they have to spend lots of time with this cat, otherwise it will get bored. And, if the cat gets bored, it can get into a lot of trouble. Bengals have a very high energy level so they need a lot of activity to burn this energy off. Owners who do not have a lot of time to spare should certainly keep Bengals in pairs, so that they can play with each other.

If you do have two Bengals, then ensure that both of them are given equal attention, otherwise the neglected one tends to become jealous of the other and fights can develop.

Until next time,

Teia

Using Dog Toys to Stop Boredom

Many people complain about their new dog chewing everything in sight and tearing up their gardens and admit that they don't know how to stop the dog from doing this. Here are some solutions which may help to stop this problem, although the first one didn't work very well for mom and dad.

A dog usually chews and digs when it's bored. This is often the result of the owners working long hours away from the home, leaving the dog to entertain itself. One solution is to purchase a second dog, which will keep the first dog company. But this can also lead to two dogs chewing and digging, especially if they are only pups. A number of years ago, mom and dad got two pups at the same time. They were German Shepard/Keeshond crosses. Mom and dad had to go away for a while and the pups were left in the care of a working daughter who lived at home. While she was out, the two pups, who had outgrown the kennel, were restricted to the kitchen and the family room. Over a period of just under two weeks, they nearly destroyed these two rooms. They chewed the carpet off the stairs separating the sunken family room from the kitchen. They chewed the corner off the coffee table and a seat off a kitchen chair. They ripped the upholstery off the bottom of a loveseat, knocked over a floor lamp which hit the console television gouging the cabinet. They then chewed up the flattened lampshade. They also got their claws caught in the Berber carpet and pulled long strings out of the carpet. Mom and dad came home to thousands of dollars of damage. Fortunately their insurance policy had a one time pet damage clause, so they got everything fixed or replaced and only had to pay the deductible. Two bored pups “egged each other on” to find ways to make things less boring. Mom and dad said afterwards that the only thing worse than one bored puppy is two bored puppies.

A better solution is to keep the dog entertained by giving it something to do. This can be achieved by hiding treats in the yard, designating a play area (like a small sandbox) or by giving the dog special toys. If your dog is a house dog, you can hide treats or special toys around the area of the house that the dog is restricted to.

Dog toys are readily available from most stores and are relatively inexpensive to buy. The only concerns are the size of the toy. It mustn't be so small that the dog will be able to swallow it whole. The material the toy is made from should be hard rubber or plastic that is difficult to bite into small pieces.

Essentially you want a toy that will stand up to the dog's sharp teeth without falling apart too quickly and without small pieces being chewed off and swallowed by the dog. These small pieces can get lodged in the dog's throat or stomach and cause all sorts of health problems, including death.

There are a large variety of toys available which should keep the dog amused. Some are capable of hiding treats inside them, making the dog work for its reward by rolling the toy around until a treat falls out. Others can be placed into the freezer overnight and given to the dog on a hot day, letting the dog lick the cool treat over a period of time as the toy defrosts.

Many other variations can be found or can even be made out of existing household items, just be sure to make them safe for the dog.

An extra step that involves dog toys is to alternate or swap toys on different days, so the dog thinks it is getting a new toy to play with. Yet another option is to smear some edible paste onto the toy, like vegemite, marmite or promite. This is a method used by many animal shelters to give dogs something to do whilst confined to their kennels.

With a little ingenuity and planning, you can entertain your dog with a vast assortment of treats and toys that will keep them amused for hours.

Until next time,

Teia

Teaching Your Cat Proper Manners

Establishing the relationship between you and your cat can either fall into place smoothly or take patience and time.

This article is not about how to train your kitten to roll over, jump through a hoop or sit. It's about setting boundaries for him. You do not want him jumping on the table during mealtime or swinging on the curtains. Nor do you want him using your speakers or that beautiful sofa you have as a scratching post. It's about getting him to use the litter box, instead of your closet, your best cozy comforter or Grandma Lil's beautiful hand made bedspread covering your bed!

Your job as an owner is to make the cat understand what you will and won't accept. With setting boundaries, you are showing him that you rank #1 when it comes to hierarchy.

So how are you going to do that? It is common sense really. Make all experiences rewarding for your cat when he does something you want him to do. When he is doing something he should not do, tell him no and stop him from doing the offending habit. Do not strike your cat or you will make him afraid of you. If your cat is afraid of you, it will be very difficult to establish a loving relationship with him. Even when you catch him in the act of doing something wrong, he will not associate the punishment with his actions. Reward based training works far better than punishment-based training.

Here are some basic troubleshooting tips:

LITTER BOX TRAINING

When the majority of people see a wet spot on the floor, carpet or wherever it may be, their initial reaction is to go and get their cat, take him to the litter box and hold him down. Some people even rub the cat's nose in it! This is not acceptable and most likely will have a bad impact on the cat's psyche. If punished like this, he will associate the punishment with his litter box and avoid using it altogether. He also could get angry or anxious and lash out in some erratic behaviour.

The best way to deal with litter box training is containing him in an area of the house or apartment that does not have carpet on the floor. Set up his litter box a little away from his bed and food. Frequently place him into the litter box and stir the litter a bit with his front paws. Do this gently so you do not hurt him or frighten him. Continue doing this until he gets the idea that this is where he needs to do his business! It is best to put him in his litter box about 10 - 20 minutes after he eats. Again, you may want to stir the litter to give him something to mimic. Although this usually comes naturally to most cats, there are the occasional few that need a bit of help.

If he simply jumps out of the box, that's OK. It's just a reminder to let him know it's there. When you see him using the litter box, praise him by petting him a lot, talking to him and giving him a little piece of his favourite treat. After a number of times of getting this kind of treatment when he uses the litter box he should get the idea. However, if he has an accident on your carpet, don't yell at him, just ignore him. Clean it up thoroughly to remove any remnants of urine or feces odour so that he won’t be attracted to do it there again. With patience and use of the reward system it won't take him long to master the concept of using his litter box. Cats are fastidious creatures and the learn to use the litter box fairly quickly. One note of caution though, cats, like most people, do not like smelly litter boxes, so make sure that you clean the litter box daily or the cat could stop using it.

SCRATCHING FURNITURE

For cats, scratching is a natural thing to do and necessary too. It not only feels good on their claws, but it helps to keep their claws filed down and marks the territory with their scent. You should always provide your cat with an outlet for scratching. Most pet stores sell scratching posts and many have a place to put a bit of catnip to make the post even more appealing.

Sometimes your cat will favour an object such as your couch, speakers or a favourite rug. Usually, it's just one or two objects that he will pick to get his claws into. It's up to you then to make this an unacceptable scratching object and less appealing to him.

All cats are different. Some do not like the feel of two-sided sticky tape and a citrus or menthol scent repels others. You could also try covering his selected scratching spot with some sort of netting or loosely knitted fabric. Although this may not be the most attractive decor in your house, remember that it's only temporary. Cats do not like to get their nails snagged on anything and this could deter him.

If you are trying to get your cat to use that scratching post you bought him, make it attractive for him. Place it in a location where he feels comfortable. Then either rub it down with some catnip, or buy a catnip spray to make it more appealing.

AGGRESSION

It may be cute when you and your new kitten are playing and at eight weeks old he's biting and scratching your hand and tearing up anything he can get his little claws on. As time goes by though and your cute little kitten turns into a 10-pound cat, things could seem a whole lot different! So, it is important to deter any bad behaviour as early as possible.

When it comes to cat aggression, there is most definitely a difference between normal behaviour and behaviour that you want to curb. For example, it is perfectly normal and acceptable that a cat will bite and scratch out of self-defence, when attacked or forced to do something he fears.

However, when you're walking through the comfort of your own home and all of a sudden your cat leaps out from behind a door and scratches or bites your ankles hard, this is not acceptable. This kind of attack can have a number of reasons. The cat could be playing out his predatory hunting instincts, or he could be frustrated and angry because of something as simple as having no food in his dish. He may simply be feeling bored or left out and this is his way to ask for your attention. Never allow your cat to play with you in an aggressive way!

While pouncing and biting softly are normal actions when a cat is playing, vicious attacks are not. They are the kind of attack that could send somebody to an emergency room. In some cases, vicious outbursts can be seen in cats that weren't socialized properly when they were kittens. Your cat could also have a painful condition you may be unaware of, or an undetected neurological problem, so if your cat suddenly starts to exhibit an unexplained outburst of aggression, it is important that you have him examined by a veterinarian to make sure there's actually nothing physically or mentally wrong with him.

In the majority of healthy cats, biting is an action that is developed by miscommunication, or a learned habit. With a little persistence and patience though, this habit can easily be broken over time.

Cats are intelligent animals and can learn fast. Remember, they learn by praise and reward. Stick to this method of dealing with your cat and the two of you will have many years of happiness together.

Until next time,

Teia

Unusual Pets – Alligators

When my mom was a young girl living in Watrous, Saskatchewan, Canada, she had a pet alligator which she called “Alli.” “Alli” was quite affectionate and loved to have his soft throat and tummy rubbed by my mom's nose. However, he was a creature of strict habit and did not like change of time or routine. One night mom went to the movies, I believe that it was the movie “The 10 Commandments” which started at 7:00 PM. Because of the early start time, mom didn't clean “Alli's” tank or feed him. When she got home just after 10:00 PM, she picked up “Alli” and rubbed her nose on his throat and tummy as usual, while her mother cleaned “Alli's” tank and put his food and fresh water in. After mom put “Alli” back in his tank so he could eat, she turned toward her mother who asked her why she had blood all over her nose. Mom went to look in the bathroom mirror and discovered a circle of fine holes in the end of her nose. Because his routine had been upset, “Alli” bit her with his razor sharp teeth. Since his teeth were so sharp, she didn't even feel them going into her nose. Mom had “Alli” for several years, but he became too big for the tank he was in. Since her family didn't have enough money to buy a bigger tank, she had to find a new home for “Alli.” The University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon offered to give him a home in their Biology Department. “Alli” didn't like his new home because he did not get personal attention, so he stopped eating. Within a month of moving to the University, “Alli” died. The professor in charge of the Biology Department said that it was the first time that he had ever seen a reptile die of home sickness and that as a result, it gave him a whole new perspective on the personalities of reptiles.

Alligators are one of the most dangerous of the unusual pets. It is a crocodilian, which comes from the family of Alligatoridae. The name was derived from Anglicization of a Spanish word, “el lagarto” (the lizard) which was used by Spanish explorers who settled in Florida, U.S.A. Alligators are found mostly in America and China.

There are two species of alligators, Alligator Mississippienis or the American Alligator and Alligator Sinensis or the Chinese Alligator. The American alligator weights around eight hundred pounds and is up to thirteen feet long. The record for the longest alligator, which was found in Louisiana, is nineteen feet two inches. In comparison, Chinese alligators rarely grow more than seven feet and their average size is five feet. Alligators can live for more than fifty years. The oldest known alligator, housed at the Belgrade Zoo, Serbia, was seventy years old when it died.

There are many features of alligators that distinguish them from crocodiles and both of them belong to different taxonomic families. Alligators have a broader snout and their eyes are located near the upper side of their head. When light is flashed over the eyes, bigger alligators have a red glow and smaller alligators have a green glow. This can be of help, when searching for alligators in the dark. When looking in daylight, alligators have brown eyes and crocodiles have green eyes.

When alligators close their jaws, only the upper teeth are visible, however, when crocodiles, close their jaws, the upper as well as the lower teeth are visible. The shape of an alligator’s mouth is rounded like a “U” and that of the crocodile is more pointed, like a “V.” Although both of the animals have a dark hide, almost black, the color of individual animals depends on their habitat. Alligators living in water with a heavy algae growth are greenish black. Alligators living in waters with high tannic acid, released from hanging trees, have a darker hide.

Alligators can eat anything they can find, because of the gastroliths (stomach stones) present in their stomach. Young alligators feed on crustaceans, fish, snails, and insects. As they grow, so does their need for larger prey. Bigger alligators feed on turtles, larger fish, birds and other reptiles and mammals. They even eat deer, razorbacks, small alligators and the carcasses of dead animals when they are extremely hungry. A few attacks on humans have also been reported, but the number is on the rise. People get overconfident about this fact and enter alligator habitats without much care, resulting in provoking their aggression. In spite of their aggressive nature, alligators do not immediately attack humans, like crocodiles do. In the last couple of decades, the American Alligator has battled with a new, non native predator, the Burmese Python. Numerous alligator carcasses have been discovered in the stomachs of these invaders. It is not yet known what impact these new predators will have on the wild alligator population, as the alligators also dine on python when they win these deadly battles.

The alligator farming industry is rapidly rising in Florida, Louisiana and Texas. The purpose of such farms is to get alligator hides and nearly forty-five thousand hides are obtained annually from these farms. The hides are very expensive and a seven-foot hide sells for as much as $300, but the prices vary every year, depending on the demand. Alligator meat is also increasing in demand, with approximately three hundred thousand pounds consumed every year.

Alligators are now protected and regulated animals. Special procedures and permits are required to get legal custody of an alligator. Usually baby alligators can be bought in Florida. Owners are given a special license and must be aware of their responsibilities. It’s against the law in many states to remove an alligator from its natural habitat. Alligator pets should be provided with a large and wet habitat to live in, similar to the subtropical climate they come from.

Alligators occasionally get aggressive and dangerous at times, usually during breading season, which can prove fatal to people if proper precautions are not taken. Owners of pet alligators should be prepared as their pet can grow to more than twelve feet in length. Unfortunately, some owners panic when their pet alligator starts getting bigger and decide to set it free in an area near their home. This can be extremely dangerous to residents of that locality, because the animal has lost its natural fear of humans and will frequently attack. A few years ago, near the end of a warm summer, the police in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan received a call from a citizen that there was a six-foot alligator chasing joggers on the path along the South Saskatchewan River near the Mendel Art Gallery. A patrol car was dispatched, even though the dispatcher thought the call was a hoax, because alligators usually don’t exist in Saskatchewan. When the police officer walked into the area, he saw the alligator basking in the sun on the lawn of the Art Gallery. He walked up to it and poked it with his baton. The alligator spun around quickly and bit the baton in half. The officer jumped back and called for assistance. The alligator was eventually captured and shipped to a zoo. Authorities surmised that someone had released a pet alligator into the river in the Spring and it had grown much larger over the summer from a good diet of fish, ducks, geese and the occasional wandering pet. So, when a decision is made to adopt an alligator as a pet, the owner should realize that it is a lifetime commitment. Turning alligators loose in areas where they are not expected can result in serious and often tragic results.

Until next time,

Teia

Unusual Pets - Goats

Could I have your attention please? If you will allow me to butt in, I would like to clear up some of the tales, myths and rumors about goats and goat milk.

Goats are friendly, intelligent, full of personality and they can be a lot of fun. If you get to interact with a goat, every rumor you've heard about goats will be blown away. You'd probably want to keep a few goats yourself, if you don't already do so.

Goats are easier to handle than cows because they require less work, feed and housing space. As a matter of fact, you can transport a doe (a female goat) for breeding, in the trunk of your car. Try doing that with a one ton heifer.

There is no in between with goats. You either love them or hate them. However, the hate is hard to understand, unless it stems from the mass of tales, myths and rumors that abound concerning goats.

Many people have never even seen a live goat and yet they seem to have opinions about them. Perhaps it comes from the myths and tales that originated in cartoons, comic strips and ill-informed story books. One of the tales many people believe about goats is that they smell terrible. This tale probably originated from the aroma of the buck (a male goat) during mating season. And you really don’t want to know why they smell so foul at that time of year.

However, this should be of little concern since most people do not keep their own buck. The does do not smell. As a matter of fact, if given the opportunity to keep themselves clean, does are less smelly than a lot of dogs.

Another tale that needs to be clipped is "goats will eat anything, including tin cans." One of the problems here is that goats are unlike most other animals folks are used to. Not only are they not carnivorous like dogs and cats, they aren't really grazers like cattle and sheep either. They are more closely related to deer.

This means that not only do goats prefer trees and bushes to grass, but they also take a bite here and a nibble there. And yes, that will include your shirttail or anything else that looks interesting. But as far as tin cans go, they may eat the labels off them, but I have never met anyone that has actually seen them eat or attempt to eat a tin can. And, after all, paper is made from trees and goats do like trees.

Now let's talk about goat milk. Many people have a false impression that goat milk tastes strong, or goaty. While it is true that some goats have off-flavored milk, just like some cows do (usually due to diet), most goat milk is quite mild flavored, especially when it is cold. Goat milk is very healthy for you. When Dad was a child, he suffered from bronchitis. His family doctor recommended that his mother get a goat and feed him plenty of goat milk. Within six months his bronchitis was cured and he has never had an attack since. However, you must remember that goat milk is a very healthy food, not a medicine.

Goat milk is very similar to homogenized cow milk. Raw cow milk has a heavy layer of cream (fat) on the top. To mix the cream into the cow milk it is homogenized (thoroughly mixed together). Most people can't tell the difference between goat milk and homogenized cow milk, unless they're told. However, goat milk is more easily digested than cow milk. This is very important in cases where infants, especially, are allergic to cow milk. But for all practical purposes the two types of milk are the same.

Another myth that needs to be blown away is the myth surrounding the richness of goat milk. In actual fact, goat milk is no richer than cow milk. Just as there is a wide difference in butterfat content among individual cows, between breeds and at different seasons of the year, it's the same for goats. One reason that this myth seems to continue is that cow milk sold in stores as well as being homogenized also has had most of its butterfat removed. Most cow milk is 1 or 2 percent butterfat. Goat milk on the other hand seldom has its butterfat, which is traditionally less than that in cow milk, removed.

Now here's a fact, not a tale. More people in the world drink goat milk regularly than cow milk. Only in the United States and Canada and to some extent Great Britain and Australia, is the less efficient cow favored.

Goat dairying as a commercial enterprise has never taken off in the United States or Canada mainly because there has not been a great demand for goats or goat milk. However, that seems to be changing as our population changes and grows.

No one knows how many goats there are in the United States because most of the goats are on homesteads rather than large farms and homesteaders aren't invited to participate in the agricultural census. Similarly, large herds of goats in Canada are few and far between. However, herds of four to ten exist on farms all over the country. As a result, instead of classifying goats as dairy animals, in North America they are treated more like pets.

The interest in goats and goat milk continues to slowly climb because more folks are becoming intent on doing more with less. Also, as the population becomes more health conscious, people are learning the advantages of drinking goat milk.

In summary, the dairy goat is coming into the respect and appreciation that it so truly deserves. Try some cold goat milk and learn how enjoyable a beverage it is.

Until next time,

Teia

Why You Should Train Your Golden Retriever to Stay

Most of the problems you will have with your Golden Retriever will be caused by a combination of his intelligence, energy and desire to please. It is important to train your Golden to stay because his excess energy can cause him to run off in an instant if he gets loose. It's not that he wants to escape, it's just that his desire to romp overcomes his desire to stay with you.

One of the first steps in training your Golden is to establish you as the "alpha dog" or "pack leader.” Because the Golden Retriever is a fairly large dog, having him properly trained is especially important as many people are afraid of large dogs and will shy away from an uncontrollable over exuberant dog. It doesn't matter that Goldens are not aggressive dogs. Good training will make your dog more welcome wherever you go.

Pay attention to your dog and make eye contact often. When your dog does something right, look him in the eye, give him verbal praise and offer a treat, in that order. For example, when your dog sits (whether by command or not), make eye contact, say "good sit" and give him a treat.

Goldens are very sensitive dogs. They do not do well with scolding or punishment. It's better to identify the good behavior and reward that, rather than use negativity.

Your dog can learn to stay from any position, lying down, sitting or standing. Eventually you will want to train him to stay from all of these positions.

With your dog on a leash, stand to his right, place your hand in front of his face, palm toward him and say "stay.” Step away from your dog with your right foot first as stepping with the left foot encourages the dog to move too. Take two steps, turn and face him.

Give him the hand signal again, hand right in front of his face with the fingers pointing up and repeat "stay.” Return to his side and say "ok." Then say "good stay" and give him a treat.

Over time, increase the length of time you hold up your hand and increase the distance you walk away from him. Eventually, walk the full length of the leash away, hold up your hand and repeat "stay.”

Always return to his side. Reward him if he continues to do as he is told.

Starting with “little baby steps” that you can reward with a "good stay" and a treat are much more valuable at first than trying unsuccessfully for a longer time or distance.

Are you worried about spoiling your dog with too many rewards? Are you concerned that he won't obey without them? As long as you never show the treat to your dog before he exhibits the desired behavior, you don't need to worry. A rule of thumb with Goldens, since they are so sensitive and so eager to please, is pick your battles and bribe shamelessly.

You can overdo training, so keep each session fairly short. If you can, repeat training sessions several times a day. Use reward-based training or, if you prefer, clicker-based training, rather than discipline training for your Golden. As previously mentioned Golden Retrievers do not respond well to discipline based training.

It is very important that your Golden Retriever learn the sit and stay commands thoroughly. A Golden Retriever is a fairly large dog and it is much better if they sit rather than jump up and try to lick the face of a child. Young children are easily knocked over by happy Goldens!

When you feel that your dog has learned to stay well, vary the circumstances. Make sure he can stay from a sitting, laying, or standing position. Practice inside and outside, around other dogs and other people. Try to distract him with a rolling ball or have someone else call him. You aren't being mean and you are not trying to trick him. You are simply helping him to understand better what you mean by "stay” and he will be deliriously happy when he knows he's got it right.

Here's a bonus tip specific to Golden Retrievers, but you be the judge if it's appropriate for your dog, retriever or not. Retrievers like carrying things in their mouths; many of them have favorite toys they don't like to be without. If your dog is having trouble concentrating during a training session, you can try letting him hold his favorite stuffed toy in his mouth. If he thinks it's playtime, it won't work, but often it calms him and gives him a focus. A friend, Rick, lets his Golden, “Emma,” carry one of his gloves. This keeps his smell close and makes her more responsive to his commands.

With these few tips and techniques under your belt, your training sessions with your sunny-tempered Golden can be quite fun and pleasurable for both of you.

Until next time,

Teia

Caring for Your Chihuahua

Well, you have just returned from the pet store with your Chihuahua puppy. You sit down and start looking around for the owner's manual . . . What no owner's manual?

Unfortunately your cute little puppy, like a human baby, doesn't come with an owner's manual. So, it is up to YOU to learn how to care for this charming creature. However, until you get up to speed with your learning program, this article will help you on your way.

Chihuahuas, are a good breed for small homes, apartments or city dwellers, because they are very small dogs and are mainly house pets. You should NEVER let them outdoors by themselves. They do not know they are tiny and will challenge the biggest dog on the block because they are very protective and extremely self confident. If you take your pet outside, make sure he is on a harness and leash and do not leave him unattended. There have been unconfirmed reports of these little dogs being carried off by large birds of prey and coyotes.

Care and feeding.

You should consult your veterinarian about the nutritional needs of your puppy but after weaning (up to six weeks), puppies should be fed four small meals a day until three months old; from three months to six months they should be fed three meals a day and from six months to a year they should be fed twice a day. After one year, once a day is fine, however, Chihuahuas prefer several small meals as opposed to one big meal per day with regular adult dog food. Sometimes, canned food is difficult for this breed to digest, resulting in diarrhea, so you may want to avoid the use of canned food.

Bathing your puppy should be done about once a month. Bathing too often may remove the natural oils from the coat and result in dandruff. Shampooing on a monthly basis can actually enhance the sheen of the coat. Be careful not to get water into your dog`s ears, as an infection could develop.

Technically speaking, Chihuahuas remain puppies for about two years. This is the training period and you should begin training as soon as you get him settled in your home (about two days). To assist you in raising your puppy please refer to the following entries:
April 3, 2009, "When Should You Start Training a Puppy"
April 28, 2009,"An Overview of Dog Training"
May 10, 2009, "How to Stop Your Puppy From Jumping Up"
May 15, 2009, "How to Potty Train Your New Puppy"
May 27, 2009, "Teach Your Child to be Safe With a Puppy"
May 28, 2009, "10 Foods You Should NEVER Feed Your Dog"
May 30, 2009, "A Guide to House Training Your Puppy"
June 1, 2009, "Dog Ownership Resonsibilities"
June 2, 2009, "The Rewards of Training Your Dog"
June 9, 2009, "Training Your Dog to Sit."

Puppies and adults should have access to fresh clean water at all times. His bowls should be scrubbed, at least once every couple of days, with very hot water, but avoid using dish soap as the odor and residue may cause him to shy away.

Trimming your puppy's nails should be a monthly event. You can use a cat claw trimmer and it is best to start this nail-trimming routine early-on so that your dog becomes accustomed to the clipping of the nails and to the use of the trimmer. If you feel that you are unable to trim your dog`s nails, you can get your dog`s groomer to do it, or you can have it done by your veterinarian.

Consult your veterinarian on the periodic cleaning of your Chihuahua's ears and teeth and regular vaccinations.

It is best to visit a local veterinarian when your puppy is eight or nine weeks of age. Your puppy will probably need additional vaccinations. You should bring the puppy's vaccination record that you received when you purchased him. If you did not get a vaccination record, return to the location where you purchased your puppy and see if they have the record. If they do not, find out the name of the veterinarian who administered the first vaccinations to your puppy and request a vaccination record from that vet.

At your first visit to the veterinarian with your puppy, he should either be de-wormed or given a fecal test for worms or other parasites. The de-worming is less hassle and expense than the test and will not harm your pup.

The veterinarian may suggest that you brush your pet’s teeth. The small breeds like the Chihuahua have more dental problems than the standard and larger breeds. Obviously the anatomies of the smaller breeds have left the teeth more crowded in the jaw and, with little space between the teeth, enable more harmful bacteria to remain in the mouth, hence the need for brushing.

Also, you should be aware of the fact Chihuahuas are prone to weak knees. This problem may occur as your pet gets older. If your Chihuahua has trouble walking, take him to the vet immediately.

Try to stay with the same veterinarian or treatment facility and keep good records. It is important for your pet's health.

You must remember that this is just an introductory part of your "owner's manual" to start you off on the right path to giving quality care to your puppy. You should learn more from books and other Chihuahua owners.

More importantly, your Chihuahua needs much tender loving care with human contact, touching, petting and general attention.

Chihuahuas are by nature gentle, loyal and sweet-tempered and they will give a lot of love and affection to you in return for your care. You will never be alone with a Chihuahua in your household.

Until next time,

Teia

PS. Refer to an entry made March 24, 2009, titled “Dog Breeds – The Chihuahua” for more information on these marvelous little dogs. Also learn about "Frank," my hero.

Unusual Pets – Gerbils

When manufacturers of pet supplies came out with fantastic houses, tunnels, wheels and other devices for Gerbils, Guinea Pigs, Hampsters, mice and rats, these rodents began to appear as pets in houses around the world. What were considered as rarities a number of years ago are now available in just about every pet store. This posting features the behavior of Gerbils and how to understand what they are doing.

Gerbils are popular pets and can provide hours of fun as you watch their antics. Part of this comes from the fact that they are inquisitive creatures, almost to the point of being recklessly foolish. A new smell or object entering their cage will bring them out of their houses or tunnels. Often if there is a strange noise a Gerbil is more likely to come out of hiding for a look than cower in a safe place.

Gerbils communicate via high-pitched squeaking sounds, often when they are playing or frightened. These are usually inaudible to humans, but very young or old Gerbils tend to squeak louder and more in the range of human hearing.

Gerbils also communicate by many nonverbal signals. By observing their body language you should be able to determine what your pet is trying to “say”.

When Gerbils meet, they often put their noses together and it looks like they are rubbing noses. However, if you look very closely at this greeting action, you will see that they are actually licking each other's mouths. The reason for this, is that Gerbils recognize each other by the taste of the other's saliva.

Another common Gerbal action is called 'drumming'. During this action, the Gerbil stands up and quickly thumps the ground with its hind legs. Drumming can either be a warning signal to other members of the group when danger approaches, or a courting behavior between males and females. Drumming is a learned action and you will sometimes see young gerbils imitating their parents even when there is no danger around.

An excited Gerbil will often leap into the air with all four feet off the ground. Boxing like swings of the front paws sometimes accompany this leap. These boxing movements are usually playful, but sometimes they lead to something more serious. When Gerbils fight they usually start out boxing each other and then switch to head butting before starting to wrestle.

Frequently your Gerbil will sit upright. While sitting, if it sniffs and moves its head up and down, it is just being curious. However, if it stands in a frozen position, with its paws folded as if praying, then the Gerbil is frightened.

When a Gerbil rolls in front of another Gerbil and offers its throat, it is asking for a cleaning session. The recipient of this action usually finds this an irresistible request and a thorough cleaning session ensues. If you see a Gerbil thoroughly grooming itself, it is a sign that it is relaxed and happy.

Gerbils are usually sociable animals, however, they can become irritated and want to be left alone. This will usually result in the Gerbil pushing others away with its head. When in this “mood,” it will even push your hand away in this fashion.

An understanding of your pet gGerbils' body language will add to your enjoyment of these friendly creatures and assist you in taking care of their well being.

Until next time,

Teia

Unusual Pets – Turtles

Turtles have fascinated people for a long time. Unfortunately, this interest has lead to many turtles becoming targets of unscrupulous individuals who attempt to smuggle them into countries where demand is high. Not only does this lead to the unnecessary dealth of many turtles, but it endangers the population and health of native turtles. That is because turtles from other countries carry diseases and parasites that native turtles have never previously been exposed to. As a result, many native species are now in serious trouble.

If you have a genuine interest in owning a turtle as a pet, there are things you should know about the situation turtles face and how you can protect them from extinction and harm.

IS OWNING A TURTLE ILLEGAL?

Owning a turtle in Canada or the United States is legal unless you obtained it illegally. If you live in a country other than Canada or the United States, check with your local authorities to find out what the laws are regarding possession of a turtle. Laws to restrict the selling of turtles have two purposes.

1. Baby turtles once commonly sold as pets were identified as a health risk because of the Salmonella bacteria that is present on their shells and bodies. Because of this, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States banned the selling of turtles with a shell less than 4 inches in size. This obviously includes eggs and hatchlings of all species.

2. Many turtle species are endangered and most states have laws regarding the selling of turtles captured in the wild.

If you do own or purchase a turtle you may have to obtain a permit. Not having the proper permits can be considered a crime. So, if you live in the United States, check with your state officials to learn the rules applicable to your particular state.

WHERE SHOULD YOU GO TO FIND A TURTLE FOR A PET?

Never buy a turtle when you are in a foreign country. Dealers are not concerned with how you will get your turtle home. When you get to the airport in your home country you could be held responsible for illegally importing a turtle from another country.

At times the turtles available for sale have been illegally captured in the wild. These turtles have undergone extreme stress by being captured, held captive in small, crowded spaces with other turtles and often neglected, subsisting on meager food and unclean water.

These turtles, who may have enjoyed decades of life in the wild, may live no longer than two years in captivity due to the ill health caused by their capture and lack of care. Individuals who buy from these commercial sellers are inadequately informed on the care and cost of owning a turtle. Serious health problems arise, which are often undetected until expensive treatment is required, or in extreme situations, treatment is ineffective and the turtle dies.

In Canada, there are several breeders who breed and raise turtles for the pet store trade. If you buy your turtle at a pet store, be sure to keep the receipt so that you can prove that you got the turtle from a legitimate source. Other countries may have specific laws covering turtles so before considering one for a pet, check with your local authorities to see if you can legally own a turtle in your country.

Joining local or online groups that are interested in the proper care of turtles can put you in touch with hobbyists and placement agencies which find homes for captive turtles and hatchlings that are in need of a home with a loving owner. It will also put you in contact with individuals knowledgeable about the care required by your unique pet.

Until next time,

Teia

Training Your Dog to Sit

Mom and dad were talking to a neigbour the other day and she asked them how to train her new puppy to sit. Dad told me about it and I thought that it would be a good article to do for the blog since training your dog to "sit" is probably the first thing you will train your puppy to do. In fact it was the first thing I learned and mom and dad started teaching me as soon as I got settled in my new home. You might think that training a dog to sit isn't that important because they do it all on their own quite frequently. However, learning to sit on command is very important. Read on and you will find out why it is important and how to train your dog to do it.

1. This first step in this training program is easy. You just start by saying "sit" every time the puppy sits itself. He learns to associate the word sit with the action. This is a tip you can use in all training.

2. Take out a treat, his favorite treat if you know what it is and keep it in your hand. Anything that is tasty and won’t make a mess in your pocket usually works well but remember to cut it in small pieces so the puppy can swallow it fast. Mom and dad found that “Chicken Tenders,” dehydrated chicken breast, cut into little pieces was a great puppy treat for all occasions. It's healthy for me and I really enjoy it.

3. Sit down on the floor so you get to nearly the same level as your puppy. You are less threatening when you sit. More important is that you are closer to him so you can reward him more quickly. More about that in a moment.

4. Slowly move the treat over your puppy's head. The intention is to get the puppy to smell the treat (he will) and follow it with his nose. He has two options. Either back up while standing or sit down. It's easier to sit down.

5. Immediately as he sits you say "sit" and give him the piece of treat. This is the key factor to all training. The reward has to be given to him in exactly the same moment as the dog does the right thing.

6. Praise the dog. Show your happiness with your voice as well as your body language.

7. Repeat these steps 3-5 times and then take a break. You want this training to be fun for your puppy and if you keep doing it over and over for a long period of time, the puppy will get tired, lose interest and rebel against the training. However, you can repeat the steps several times during the day, as long as you only do it 3 to 5 times and then take a lengthy break.

8. Once your puppy does this repeatedly, you can try to see if the dog reacts only to the word "sit" without your hand and the treat. If he sits down you obviously should praise him and give him a treat. Once he does this repeatedly, see if he will continue doing it with only the praise, but without the treat. If he doesn't, don't show disappointment. Just go back a step or two in the training and start over. You should never show your disappointment to your dog when you are training. Once your puppy will sit on command, stand up and try it again. Once he responds to the sit command with you standing you can go onto the next step.

Now you can try to make him sit down beside you. This is actually a preparation for the heel training. There you want him to sit as soon as you stop walking.

The next level is to strengthen the word so you get the dog to sit in every situation no matter what's going on around him. This is an ongoing process and you should never stop training. Use every new situation to train him. Make him sit with new people, new dogs and new surroundings.

It's quite easy to train your dog to sit. If you consider not training your dog, my advice is think again. When you start training with your new puppy you get much more than the sitting part. The puppy loves to do things with you. He learns to listen to his name. He gets used to training and doing things with you and on your initiative. This strengthens your position as the leader and the puppy feels secure. When the puppy falls asleep in the evening his last thoughts should be: "This is a really great pack!"

Until next time,

Teia

Training Your Cat to Use the Toilet

Cats are wonderful pets, but cleaning the litter box can be a real drag. But what if you could train kitty to use the toilet? Instead of dealing with messy, smelly litter, you could get rid of your cat’s elimination with just one flush.

When training your cat to use the toilet, it's best if you have two toilets in the house. Using one just for the cat and one for yourself during the training period will make things much more convenient, although you can train your cat with only one toilet.

For toilet training your cat, you will need an aluminum tray that fits into the toilet and an aluminum tray as a replacement for his litter box. The idea is to get him used to the aluminum tray in the same spot his box is usually in and then the tray in the toilet won't seem so foreign.

Keep the litter box in its original spot but replace the box with the aluminum tray instead. Use the same litter and keep everything else the same. Once the cat is used to this new arrangement, start gradually switching the litter to flushable litter. Once the cat is used to the flushable litter, you are ready for the next step.

Gradually move the litter box closer to the toilet. Don't move it too far each time and make sure your cat knows where it is by taking her over to it and scratching her paws in it. If your cat stops using the box, you are probably going too fast for her, so slow down. Training a cat to use a litter box is a process that takes a long time, so patience is key.

Once the cat is using the litter box next to the toilet, raise it an inch off the floor. Make sure you use something that will keep the box stable and that the box will not slide off. Gradually, every third or fourth day, raise the box an inch higher, until it is level with the toilet. As it gets higher the cat will have to jump up into it, so it is critical that the box is stable, if it tips over this will scare your cat and she might not want to use it again.

At this point, you should have the tray ready in the toilet. You can use a cooking tray that is wide enough to fit the toilet. Put the tray in between that seat ring and the toilet base - make sure this holds it in place. Put some of the flushable litter the cat is used to in the tray.

Leave the litter box level with the tray in the toilet for a couple of weeks, gradually taking away the litter in the box. Eventually, the cat should just jump up and use the tray on the toilet. Once this is happening regularly, take the litter box away.

The next step is to gradually reduce the amount of litter that is in the tray on the toilet. Also, make a little hole in the tray. Each day, reduce the litter more and make the hole a bit bigger. Do not move too fast on this or your cat might not feel comfortable using it. Eventually, you can remove the tray altogether and your cat will be toilet trained!

Since your cat needs to balance on the toilet seat eventually, it is not recommended that you train cats that are too young. Wait until your cat is about six months old so that she is big enough to balance on the toilet seat. One important point that should be obvious, is that once your cat starts using the toilet - you MUST leave the toilet lid open at all times - the cat can't open it herself.

Be patient as this training process can take several months, but when your cat is trained you will have eliminated the smell and mess of a litter box. Now the only problem you will have is remembering to knock next time you want to use the bathroom as your cat may be using the toilet.

My mom and dad have never personally trained a cat to use the bathroom, but they have known people who have been successful at doing this. They also have a friend that trained her rabbits to use the toilet. If you decide to try training your cat to use the toilet, you may want to consider putting a child’s toilet seat into the regular seat before putting the tray on the toilet under the seat. The hole in a child’s seat is smaller than an adult toilet seat so there will be less chance of your cat falling into the toilet. Having a bigger landing area for the cat when it jumps up is also a benefit as the cat will feel safer.

Until next time,

Teia

To Breed or Not to Breed Your Dog?

It is very tempting to think about having a litter of small cuddly puppies from your beautiful bitch, but before even thinking about it, there are important factors to consider.

First of all, you may think your dog is the best in the world, but is it really? Look at her dispassionately. Is she of sound construction and reliable temperament? Is she free from any genetic defects? If she is a pedigree dog, is she a good example of the breed, coming from a good lineage?

Do not be tempted to breed a dog that has serious defects and do not contemplate breeding as a means of trying to compensate for any signs of nervousness or distress in your bitch. Your dog should be mature enough to physically cope with a litter (in a large breed this will be when the bitch is at least two years old.)

If you are happy so far that breeding is the right thing to do, then you should turn your attention to the pups. Have you the room for a whelping box and then perhaps 12 pups running around? Have you the time to sit with your bitch while she is birthing, perhaps more than 12 hours? Then there is the cleaning, weaning, feeding routine for the next eight to 12 weeks. What about money? The cost of the feed can be expensive and you must remember to budget for any veterinary costs that are caused by complications in the birth. Finally, what will you do with the pups? You must be in a position to look after them all. If it is a pedigree dog then you will be looking at registering the pups before they are sold. If your bitch is not a dog with a pedigree, you will be either giving the pups away or selling them for the going rate, in your area, for that type of dog. Either way, you should be checking very carefully where your pups are going, possibly including a home visit; this again takes time and money. Remember that the breeder is usually responsible for ensuring that the puppies have their first set of vaccinations before they are sold or given away. Remember also, that you are responsible for the birth of the pups and you should always be prepared to take them back, for whatever reason, as they are ultimately your responsibility for life.

If you still think breeding is for you, then your final consideration will be the stud dog. If attempting to breed a pedigree dog, then your ultimate aim will be to produce sound, quality dogs of both structure and temperament, that are ideally as near the Breed Standard as possible. Therefore, you should look at your bitch against the Breed Standard, identifying strengths and weaknesses and then look for a stud dog that will complement your bitch, building on her strengths and compensating for her weaknesses. If your bitch has poor pigmentation then do not use a dog that also has poor pigmentation. Study the dog’s pedigree and antecedents. Do whatever research you can to try to ensure you breed healthy well-developed dogs.

Remember you are breeding living animals. Their quality of life should come first and not your own interests, especially money.

Until next time,

Teia

Anal Sac Problems in Dogs

The Apricot Poodle in the picture with me is Koko, who passed away on December 19, 2007. He had anal sac problems most of his life. Dad learned how to express the anal sacs and he did it for Koko on a regular basis. When he did this, Koko's problems disappeared. It is quite smelly when expressing these glands, but not very difficult to do after you learn how to do it. Dad learned how from the family veterinarian.

It is a common misconception that a dog needs worming when he is seen to be biting his rear end, or scooting past on his bum the moment you have friends over for coffee. The probable cause for this discomfort (and embarrassment on your part) is that the dog needs his anal glands expressed.

Dogs have two pea-sized anal sacs situated on either side of the anus, approximately at the five and seven o'clock positions. These sacs contain a very strong smelling liquid, which is usually secreted when the dog has a bowel movement. The feces, when passing through the anus, pushes against the anal sacs squeezing a little liquid out. This liquid is thought to be a dog's “calling card”. This is why most dogs tend to say “hello” to each other by sniffing each other’s rear-ends. Sometimes, however, the bowel movement can be too soft to push against the sacs and a build-up of liquid occurs. The anal sacs can become over full and cause discomfort. Alternatively, the sacs can become blocked and impossible to empty. If these problems are ignored, they do not go away. Abscesses can form, infections can set in and self-inflicted wounds occur due to severe biting. Hair loss, coat discoloration and enormous discomfort and pain for the dog also occur.

Sometimes, all that is needed is a slight increase in dietary fiber to harden the stool. However, there are other factors that may contribute to the problem. The consistency of the liquid produced by the glands may make it difficult to pass, or the actual conformation of the anus, or even obesity can prevent the sacs from emptying properly. Therefore, sometimes a helping hand is required!

Many groomers empty the dog's anal glands as a matter of form during the bathing process. However, it is now believed that unless requested by the owners, who have learned from the veterinarian that it is necessary, it is best to leave the anal glands untouched, for once the dog gets into a routine of having them emptied periodically, they will always need manual emptying. It is important to note the color and texture of the secretion to report to the owner so that they may seek veterinary attention if they feel it is necessary. Anal sac fluid that looks like black paste, or that contains pus or blood, is not normal. Soreness when touched and an inability to empty with ease is a sign of blockage. This should be mentioned to the owner. Any lumps around the anus should also be mentioned to the owner.

Usually, expressing the sacs externally is enough to relieve the discomfort. This should not cause any pain to the dog and it takes seconds to do. Excessive squeezing and prodding must be avoided as damage to the glands could occur. The vet may empty the sacs internally while examining the dog. This is NOT for the groomer or owner to do.

If the problems persist, the veterinarian may advise removal of the glands, as a last resort. They do not like undertaking this operation as the muscles around the anus can weaken and sometimes become permanently damaged. After the operation the dog usually feels great discomfort for a considerable length of time.

Until next time,

Teia

Your Dog's Eyes

Unless you were born blind, you already know how valuable your eyes and vision are in coping with life. Helping you to process information on the world around you, your eyes constantly work to help you enjoy life and avoid danger.

Dogs also use their eyes in similar ways, but with a few minor important differences. People see far and near fine detail in a wide range of colors and shades. Dogs however, even sight hounds which have good vision, have a poorer color range and they are much better at detecting movement than detail. This gives them an advantage with night vision, but they are poorer at seeing fine or close detail. The main advantage dogs have is that they don't have to rely purely on vision for information on their world. An acute sense of smell and excellent hearing, along with good motion sensing vision, means that dogs sense much more of their surroundings than mere humans. This extended sensory ability made them ideal companions to early man, when danger lurked around every corner.

Dog's eyes even look remarkably similar to human eyes. Like people, dogs have a range of eye colors although their predominant color is brown. One important difference between dogs and humans is that dogs have a third eyelid called a nictitating membrane. Although this membrane is not easily seen, certain diseases and eye irritation can make it stand out. The third eyelid sits in the inside corner of a dog’s eye and helps to protect it from irritation by cleansing and lubricating the eye.

Most of the eye diseases and problems seen in dogs are the same as those found in humans. One of the most common problems seen in dogs is due to simple eye irritation. The same environmental irritants that affect people also affect dogs. Dust, smoke and chemical pollution are the common causes of watery, irritable eyes in your favorite pets. Apart from seeing red, teary eyes which are often swollen, you will likely observe your dog rubbing or scratching at his eyes. Look carefully at whether both or only one eye is irritated. Symptoms occurring in only one eye usually mean a foreign body or injury in the eye involved.

Blocked tear ducts can also produce excessively watery eyes in dogs as well as humans. In some dog breeds, such as older Poodles and Shih Tzu's, you will often see damp and matted fur around their eyes and that signals possible tear duct blockage. An expert opinion from a veterinarian is often needed to tell the difference between the various causes of watery eyes.

Another trait that elderly dogs share with elderly humans is the development of cataracts. Most long term dog owners have seen the cloudy, milky haze that spreads in the center of each pupil as the cataracts form. This milky haze is the lens inside your dog’s eye becoming opaque and the dog slowly going blind. It's important to distinguish cataracts from another change called Lenticular Sclerosis. Lenticular Sclerosis is a condition which looks similar to cataracts but where only the center of the dog’s lens hardens and vision remains unaffected. Both problems are seen in elderly dogs.

One significant advantage that aging dogs have compared to humans is that eye damage and blindness does not incapacitate them to the same extent as human blindness. Good hearing and an acute sense of smell compensate well. There are many stories of blind dogs managing wonderfully well in life and it's a pity aging humans are unable to see through the "eyes" of their beloved dogs at times!

Until next time,

Teia

The Relationship Between Man and Cats

Cats have been with man throughout history, but not always as beloved companions.

In ancient times, the cat earned its keep by helping to reduce the population of rats and mice that raided precious grain stores. In ancient Egypt, cats were adored and celebrated - even mummified along with their human companions.

Up until Medieval times, the cat had been elevated to a high status. She was even worshiped in some places, like the German states, where cats were associated with Freya the goddess of love and fertility. Medieval man, however, had an entirely different opinion of the cat.

Medieval man was superstitious, believing that witches and demons walked the earth doing evil deeds. The church became a central part of medieval life and in its quest for power, preached that the old ways of worship were evil.

The church took a dislike to the old Freya rites and in 1484, Pope Innocent VIII instructed the Inquisition to burn the Freya heretics as witches - along with their cats.

During the 16th and 17th centuries more than 175,000 supposed witches were executed in Germany and France. Along with them went thousands of cats.

Medieval man thought the cat had supernatural powers and any misfortune was blamed on them. Anything from sour milk to an outbreak of disease was blamed on our furry friends. Cats were even thought to be witches in disguise, running in the darkness of night to perform evil acts. Cats were burned, boiled, stoned, flayed, stabbed, gutted, dropped from high places, hanged, impaled and buried alive with an almost religious fervor.

To own a cat during these times was risking one’s life as many an old lady was accused of witchcraft simply because she kept a cat as a companion. Throughout these bleak times, however, some did remain loyal to the furry feline.

Millers and Sailors still saw great uses for the cats to rid their respective areas of vermin. Others kept their fondness for cats as well. As time went on, more people of influence began to keep cats (even Cardinals Wolsey and Richelieu kept cats as pets) and the tide began to turn in the cat’s favor.

Finally, by the 18th century, cats were no longer persecuted and cats as companions began to make a comeback. Today, of course, cats are widely accepted as loving companions and, while they don't typically enjoy the status they did in ancient Egypt, they are adored and cared for as loving pets.

Until next time,

Teia

The Thoroughbred Horse

Picture 1 shows Thoroughbreds racing in Europe. Picture 2 shows the Darley Arabian. Picture 3 shows a current Thoroughbred from Australia.

The Thoroughbred horse is the most popular, or at least one of the most popular horse breeds in the racing world. Thoroughbreds are synonymous with horse racing and lots of money. Some people refer to any purebred horse as a Thoroughbred, however, this is not accurate as the Thoroughbred is a distinctive breed of horse.

The Thoroughbred horse originated in the 17th century when horses were brought from the Middle East to England. Three stallions, the Darley Arabian, the Godophin Arabian and the Byerly Turk, along with a number of Arabian or Barb mares were brought to England. There, these mares and some English mares formed a foundation of 74 horses which were bred by these stallions to form the horse we know today. Approximately ninety-five percent of today's Thoroughbred pedigrees trace back to the Darley Arabian.

The most agile and swift offsprings were allowed to breed to ensure that the fastest possible horse would result from the union. Often Thorougbred owners refused to name their horses until they had proven themselves on the race track.

The first Thoroughbred horse imported into the United States in 1730, was named Bulle Rock. In those days, Maryland and Virginia became the centers for breeding Thoroughbreds. Thoroughbred horses are listed in the group of horses known as "hot blooded" horses. This term refers to any horse breed that is bred for speed and agility.

Thoroughbred horses are among the most expensive horses to buy. A colt in Florida sold for 16 million dollars before it even ran a race. It fetched this high price because it's a descendant of two Kentucky Derby winners.

One of the main reasons for the high price of Thoroughbred horses is that owners of stallions cannot use artificial insemination of mares, like other breeds can. Each mating between a stallion and mare must be witnessed by a person. This means stallions can only service, at most, a couple of hundred mares a year, versus several thousand that would be possible through artificial insemination.

Thoroughbred horses aren't only used for racing; their speed and agility make them valuable in other horse events as well. These horses are frequently used in jumping contests, dressage and polo games.

Many of the most famous horses in history have been Thoroughbreds. Man O' War and Secretariat are considered to be among the greatest race horses of all time because they each won so many races during their lives.

So, the next time you tune in to watch the Kentucky Derby, you'll have a better understanding of the type of horses taking part in the race. You will also realize why their price keeps rising.

Until next time,

Teia