Five tips for getting a new pet!
1.) Research: While you are considering adding a pet to your family, do a little research! You can find plenty of info online, so that you can make an educated decision and know that you are getting a pet that will fit into your lifestyle.
2.) Your Living Situation: Make sure you know what breed would best suit your personal lifestyle. Consider your living situation: do you rent, is there enough yard available, is it a big enough place for a large breed or would you be better off with a small breed to ensure that your pet is comfortable and happy..these are extremely important questions that MUST be answered before you bring your new pet home.
3.) Your Other Pets: Are you forgetting anyone?! Often, people get so excited about a new pet to play with that they forget to consider their other pets. You need to think about if your pet can even handle a new addition, let alone if it is a different type of animal. Most animals are pretty touchy at first no matter what you do, but you really need to ensure that you aren’t making your other pet miserable, and that you are protecting both pets safety.
4.) Be Prepared: Make absolutely sure that you are ready for your new pet! Have the food ready, treats ready, toys, litter etc. The last thing you want is an uncomfortable and very confused pet (they of course will need time to adapt, but you really want to make sure that they have what they need). Also, have a vet picked out, have the appointment already made for your new pet to make sure they are healthy, have had their immunizations or at least have an appointment to do so.
5.) Check out your adoption options! I am all about rescuing pets, especially with the foreclosure pets issue that is hitting our community. You can always get a pet from a breeder, a friend, but I will always recommend getting a pet from the pound, SPCA, or the many rescues that are available to you. You will no doubt gather a lot of info regarding your pet from a rescue, and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you rescued your pet!
You CAN teach an old dog new tricks!
Come on, we don’t still believe that old line, right?! Thats right there along with “we walked uphill both ways in a snowstorm without shoes!” Of course, you can’t change your dogs personality, but at any age you can teach your pet how to react to certain situations that may seem threatening to them, and you can also teach your pet to adapt to a new routine. Ruby, my new adult pet, had a totally different routine with her old owner, compared to her new routine with me. Since I don’t really know what the key words for her to go potty were, or if her owner had her do any tricks before she got a treat, I just had to start anew. And guess what, she’s adapting! I have already gotten her used to sitting for a treat, and she already goes potty in a designated area in our back yard. Since she has never been in our backyard, I would say its pretty awesome that in less than a week she knows exactly where to go, and sits patiently to receive a treat after doing so (to reinforce that positive behavior that we are learning!) If your pet displays a problematic behavior that you just feel will never be fixed, think again! All you need is patience, and a trainer to teach you how to interact with your pet in such a way to illicit this new behavior you are seeking.
Swimming made fun AND safe!
Ok, so I know I am a broken record with the whole exercise with your pet thing. I assure you, its for good reason!! With as hot as it is lately, swimming with your pet is a great option to burn calories, and tire them out for the day. Of course, you can get involved as well and play a lively game of catch from one end to the next-you’ll be huffing and puffing before you know it! I always have fun throwing Dude’s tennis ball into the deep end-he’ll burn so many calories to get that ball!! Talk about a workout! And, if you are enjoying swimming in a lake with your pet, its always important to keep an eye on them to make sure they aren’t getting too tired, or short of breath. Also to keep it safe, you can also have your pet wear a doggie lifevest, or whats called Ruff Wear K-9 float coat. And, of course, make sure your pet is vaccinated before taking them to an area like a lake with a lot of pet traffic. This way, you ensure that your pet is getting a great workout, safely! Enjoy the heat while we have it, and make sure your pet does too!
Easy Exercise for you, fun for your pet!
Alright you active people!! Get your bikes, get your dogs, get set………….GO!!! Now, I am one for ensuring that your pet has enough exercise each day to get tired…the kind of tired that makes them sleep and not bug you throughout the night!! One way to do this is to go biking with your dog. Of course, this goes for the well trained dogs, and I really recommend using a harness in replacement of a leash for this exercise to lessen the chances of your dog getting choked or hurt during the bike ride. As long as you are comfortable on a bike, your dog is comfortable with a harness and a lead, you both are in for a fun healthy afternoon!….or morning, with this heat! Of course, don’t try this if your dog has not been properly leash trained, and of course, make sure that you are bike trained!! I find, with any workout, variety is the spice!!
any other suggestions you have, tried and true?Let me know!! Comment me!
Doggersize is on myspace and mydogspace!!
Hey guys! I’m excited to tell you that I now have a myspace for doggersize at http://www.myspace.com/doggersize, its a fun little site. I also have a mydogspace, which is great because you can talk to other local dog owners. To reach that, go to http://www.mydogspace.com/me/doggersize. Feel free to check ‘em both out; if you have an account with either one, I would love to be your friend!!! Kids and teens will love it! Enjoy this great weather!
