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

How to Buy a Dog From a Breeder

The first thing to decide before buying a dog is what type and size you want. Many factors are important when buying, but be sure to consider what breed is suitable for you and your family. Some breeds require a lot of daily exercise and others require daily grooming. Remember also that different breeds may have genetic health issues to watch out for.

Larger dog breeds can be susceptible to hip dysplasia. This is a degenerative disease that affects the hip joint. When a dog with hip dysplasia matures, the hip joint and socket lose their ability to bear the animal’s body weight. They will have a hard time running or walking and even standing may become difficult. The only cure for this condition is surgery and even that is not very successful. My mom and dad had two dogs with hip dysplasia. The first one was a female Bichon Frise. She was operated on and it changed her whole personality. She went from an energetic puppy with a limp to a dog that only moved when it had to. Their second dog with hip dysplasia was a German Shepard cross. He did well until he was eight, with the help of an Aspirin on days when his hips were sore.

Smaller breeds of dogs can have genetic concerns of their own. Dogs that are in the "Toy" breed category, like the Pug, the Pekinese and the Lassa Apso are susceptible to breathing problems. These dogs have a short muzzle (or nose), which does not leave much room for sinus and nasal development. This is a condition that is often not evident in early development.

So, what should you look for when buying a dog? INFORMATION is the key word! After you decide what type of dog you want, seek out people who already own this type of dog. Maybe somebody you know already owns one? Get the word out that you are looking to buy a dog. Talk to people and gather as much information about the breed as you can. If you go to a pet store, talk with people. Pet owners love to talk about their pets.

Do research on the internet about your dog breed and print out whatever information you can find. Buy books and read about the bread you are interested in. Know that it is extremely important to become an educated consumer BEFORE you buy your dog from a breeder.

Finally, when you talk with dog breeders, ask any questions that come to mind. Honest dog breeders will be more than happy to talk with you and answer every question. Note the condition of the dog’s environment. Are the dog pens clean? Are the puppies well cared for? Can you see the mother and father? What type of puppy food are they being feed? Have the puppies had their shots? Reputable breeders love their animals and go to great lengths to provide a proper "home like" environment. Puppies are products of their surroundings. A good, clean environment will surely be reflected in a dog's playfulness.

Beware of breeders who are interested only in making money. They generally don't pay much attention to their dog’s emotional needs and health concerns. Also, they may inbreed their dogs and this can trigger severe health issues. AVOID THESE BREEDERS!

Some breeders may offer a 72-hour guarantee. This allows you time to take your puppy to a vet for inspection. If any health issues are identified, contact the breeder and get your questions answered.

Good, honest breeders care for their dogs and it shows in their surroundings. There are no guarantees that you will always have a normal, perfect puppy, but you greatly increase the odds when you do your homework first!

Mom and dad have gotten dogs from breeders, pet stores and the Humane Society. They have loved them all, but each source has produced both good dogs and dogs with problems. Sometimes, in spite of all your research, your heart takes over from your head and you just have to get that cute one that bounded over and licked your hand. In those cases, your affection for the dog overcomes any short comings that it may have.

Until next time,

Teia

Feeding Your New Horse

After paying stabling fees for your horse, feeding him is probably your next greatest cost. It is important to feed a balanced ration to keep your horse healthy and happy. Many companies try to sell fancy supplements, but it all comes down to the basics.

Horses are hind gut fermenters, meaning their basic need is for forages. Forages are provided to horses in the form of hay. As a general guideline, horses should be fed one to two pounds of hay for every 100 pounds of body weight. This amount can vary greatly depending on the activity level of your horse. The hay should be of high quality, free of mold and other debris. If your horse is involved in sporting events such as barrel racing, harness racing, steeplechase or flat track racing, you may want to feed a high protein supplement, but before doing so, check with your veterinarian.

Pastures can be another source of forage for your horse. A high quality pasture could provide for almost all of your horse's nutritional needs. About one to two acres of pasture is required for each horse.

Additional grain is necessary for growing horses and horses who exercise or perform, as stated above. Grain is usually provided in the form of crushed oats or corn with molasses. Grain is usually fed twice daily. The amount of grain should be carefully regulated so you don't upset the digestive tract of your horse. This is particularly important if your horse has not been eating a grain diet for a while. For example if your horse was in a pasture for the summer and is now being moved into the stables for the winter be careful about the amount of grain you feed him. A call to a veterinarian that is familiar with your horse should elicit the information you need.

Nutritional supplements can be offered in the form of free choice mineral blocks and salt blocks placed in the stall or pasture. Many companies try to sell fancy supplements for horses. The majority of these are not necessary and are a waste of money. Most horses can receive all the nutrition they need through a high quality forage diet. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian.

As with all animals, horses require access to fresh clean water at all times. The source of water should not be next to the hay feeder or it could become full of hay, which would prevent your horse from gaining access to the drinking water.

Some horses can have certain medical problems and need to be fed in a certain way. Also, some horses have allergies, similar to people, to hay or dust. These horses cannot have hay or be exposed to dust. So to provide forage to these horses, they need to eat fresh grass. Other horses may suffer from colic when given grain or other treats. These horses should be kept on a strict diet of forages.

By taking the time to provide your horse with a nutritious diet, you are ensuring that he will have a healthy life. Also, by providing a complete diet, you will save money by having fewer medical and veterinary bills.

Until next time,

Teia

When Should You Start Training a Puppy?

It is never too soon to start training a puppy. Other than teaching her about paper, piddle pad or outdoor bathroom behavior, you may want to give your puppy as much freedom as possible until she is about four to six months of age. That does not include letting her run amok in public places. Always keep a lead and collar on your puppy in public places where there is danger from road traffic, children or other dogs. In many countries it is against the law to allow a dog to run free, so be careful if that applies in your country.

Also be careful in off leash parks if there are older dogs loose as they may attack a rambunctious pup they think is infringing on their territory. A boisterous young pup of a larger breed can also harm young children or frail elderly people by jumping on them excitedly. Always keep your pup in sight when she's off her leash.

Plenty of exercise and fresh air are essential for a fast growing young puppy. She needs the exercise to strengthen her bones and fresh air for the development of strong lungs. Being in public places also allows her to interact with people and get used to the noises of traffic and life in general. She should be exercised daily if possible. A side benefit of this is that she will sleep well and not get bored, which is the main cause of bad habits and destructive behavior seen in so many young dogs today. Another thing it prevents is shyness, which is primarily caused by isolation as a pup, although shyness is also a trait that can be inherited.

Starting Basic Puppy Training

You can start training a puppy from about four to six months of age. It is possible to train older dogs, but it's a lot harder. Don’t overdo these exercises. Twenty to 30 minutes a day is adequate. You'll find that your puppy tires fairly quickly and a tired pup won't learn anything. Be regular in your training sessions, taking her out about the same time each day. Dress in the same shoes or jacket each training session and the pup will soon associate those shoes or that jacket with training.

Teaching a Puppy to Heel

Walk at a steady pace with your puppy on a lead attached to a firm fitting collar. Have her on your left side, occasionally saying the command HEEL. Each time you say HEEL, slap your thigh or the side of your leg. If your pup pulls away or gets distracted, just keep walking, she'll soon get the message and follow along. If you don't stop, she'll have to follow. As she follows you after a distraction, pat her saying GOOD DOG or GOOD GIRL. If she tries to run or pull against the lead, say a very firm HEEL! When she obeys, give her a pat and praise her and she'll soon get the message. In place of a pat you may want to try a small treat. Take it from me, the way to a dog’s heart is through its stomach. Praise and a small treat work wonders when training your puppy.

Teaching a Puppy to Sit

Once your puppy is heeling properly, it's time to teach her to sit. With her walking at your left side, stop, transfer the lead to your right hand and while pulling up on the collar, press down on her back end with your left hand. She will have no choice but to sit. While lifting with the collar takes weight off her front legs the motion causes the pup to want to sit, especially with your hand pressing her down. Firmly say the command SIT as you press down. Repeat this several times, praising her each time she sits. Now walk further along and repeat this exercise several more times during your walk.

Once puppy has learned these basic commands, register her for an obedience class. Check with your veterinarian to find out where they are held in your area. If the veterinarian does not know, check the yellow pages in your phone book or the pet section of the classified advertisements in your local paper.

Until next time,

Teia

Dog Breeds – The Chihuahua

The most likely origin of this breed of dog is that it is the progeny of the mating of the native Mexican Techichi and a minature Chinese dog such as the Chinese Crested dog. Over the years, it has been selectively bred to become the smallest dog breed in the world.

The remains of a progenitor of the breed was found in ancient ruins in the Mexican state of Chihuahua so this is the name that was given to this minature dog.

Believe it or not, I am one-eighth Chihuahua. The other seven-eighths is Shih Tzu. My half-sister, Jemma, is half Chihuahua and half Shih Tzu.

If you are considering whether or not to buy a Chihuahua, regardless of whether it is as a pet or as a show dog, there are four important things to consider.

Hype - Don't be drawn to the Chihuahua simply because it is so small. You may have heard of phrases like: teacup Chihuahua, pocket Chihuahua and miniature Chihuahua, among others. These phrases are sometimes used by breeders and pet shops as a marketing ploy to increase their sales. These phrases really do not apply to the Chihuahua as they do not exist in the breed standard. Therefore, implying that a Chihuahua pup is a teacup Chihuahua is simply a device to entice you to purchase the pup in the hope of getting a very small Chihuahua. In actuality, Chihuahuas range from about 4 pounds to just over 10 pounds and their individual size is determined by the genetics of their parents and grandparents.

Fragility - Chihuahuas are not usually suited to small children because they tend to be quite aggressive and can bite if provoked and they are quite fragile when young. I have heard that for the first few weeks of their life, some Chihuahuas require leg splints because their legs are too fagile to support their weight. They can actually be killed or badly injured if they are accidently stepped on or dropped. They can even be crushed in a well-meaning cuddle. Being such a small dog, the Chihuahua needs constant supervision and should always be kept on a leash when taken outdoors.

Behavior - It's not often that you will come across a docile Chihuahua. This dog is very protective of its territory and as a result it can become quite belligerent if it feels that its area is being threatened. Most are loud and dominant. They try to run the entire household, your other pets included. That is why my half-sister and I fight so often. We both want to be the alfa female. It's quite common for a Chihuahua to boss around a Boxer or even a Rottweiler, without any concern for its own safety. What they lack in size, they make up for in spirit. It truly is a tiny dog with a great big heart. You need to be firm and apply consistent training to gain the upper hand. This is also necessary if the Chihuahua has developed the bad habit of 'yapping'. They tend to bark at almost anything that moves or frightens them and can sometimes become quite aggressive toward strangers. This behavior could lead to biting and therefore needs to be constantly controlled.

Housebreaking - Of all the dog breeds, the Chihuahua is one of the hardest to train. This is especially true if the Chihuahua suffers from shyness. Raising your voice and/or losing your temper will not help the matter as sometimes the deed is done on the carpet before they even get to the paper, training pad, or litter tray. Patience and easy access to facilities are the only avenues and even then, this task may never be completely accomplished. As I previously mentioned, I have a problem when there is no snow on the ground.

Although there are a few down sides to owning a Chihuahua, there are many more upsides. You will have a friend for life as Chihuahuas can live well into their teens. They make great travelling companions as they travel light. They love to snuggle with no expectations. Chihuahuas don’t need much exercise or space and they will gladly give their life for you. What more could you ask for?

Until next time,

Teia

PS. Frank! My Hero! I just have to tell you about Frank. He was a very proud Chihuahua whose "mom" was connected to a dog agility training group in Calgary, Canada. He was raised with big dogs, a Great Dane and a Labrador. He swaggered when he walked, his chest all puffed out. Oh, he was a grand sight to see. His "mom" put him through the agility course between rounds of the competition. He raced through the course, bypassing the stations that were too physically large for him to complete as though they didn't exist. The crowd went wild, whistling and clapping loudly. He even bowed to the crowd when he completed the course. When he was walked on his leash, he would prance up to the biggest dogs he saw and say, "Hello" to them. Oh he was grand....he just stole my heart away.