Archive for February, 2008

Tips On Moving Pets

Wednesday, February 20th, 2008

A pet like a child is a great responsibility and the animal or bird is dependant on you to care for it and protect it. And if a move is stressful for children the pressure is ten -fold for a pet that cannot quite comprehend what is happening. Often a house filled with strangers, boxes, and din is not just frightening for a pet it can be quite intimidating.

Before you move you must:

  • Take the pet to the vet and check whether his health will stand the move. Ask the vet about preventive health care and whether the pet will require any vaccinations.
  • Make a file containing the pet’s health records and registration details.
  • Pack all personal possessions belonging to the pet in an easily identifiable box.
  • Set aside things the pet will need while traveling and when you reach your destination.
  • Find out what the law regarding pets is in your new town or area. Ask about whether dogs or pets are allowed in your new home or apartment block and whether you need to apply for new registrations or permits.
  • Do a bit of research and locate a new vet in your new home. Choose one recommended by your old vet but make sure he suits your needs.
  • If you are moving fairly close then consider driving down with your pet and kids. Otherwise you will need to take care of details like flying with pets and the rules that apply.
  • While the movers are in the home packing or unpacking either keep the pet close to you or in a separate room in a crate with a few toys and plenty of water. Of course if you crate the pet you will need to remember to release him and take him for a walk ever so often.
  • If the move requires an overnight stop then choose a hotel that welcomes pets. This makes the move much easier on the pet as dealing with wary strangers can add to the stress.
  • Always carry an old sheet, a few toys, medicines, medical files, water for drinking, a little food, a sponge, plenty of plastic bags, paper towels, and a crate, cage, or leash. If it is fish you are transporting then you will need special containers sold by aquariums.
  • Get the pet a new Id tag and microchip in case he gets lost.
  • If you are nervous about transporting your pet there are professionals who will undertake to do the job for you.
  • In case you are moving to a new country and the climate is not suitable for your pet then consider finding the pet a new home. It is kinder than killing the pet.

While transporting pets remember that you cannot ship them in moving vans. And, except for “seeing eye” dogs pets are not allowed on buses and trains. So, you will either have to take your pet by plane or by car. If your pet appears agitated ask the vet to prescribe a sedative. Check carefully about interstate health certificates and vaccination requirements. Be a vigilant pet-parent and find out all the pros and cons of moving a pet well before the actual moving date. Author Bio
Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for www.1888MovingCompanies.com, the premier website to find help on Moving including topics on moving companies search, compare movers, moving insurance, auto transport, moving tips and more. He also freelances for the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Pet Site www.1888Discuss.com/pet/

Puppy Care Tips

Wednesday, February 20th, 2008

Puppies try to jump at anything and everything during their first year of life. It is worth knowing that this behavior will remain the same when the puppy grows into am adult dog. If you want your dog to keep on jumping on guests, then it is fine to let the puppy jump at you on every occasion. Better way is to reward the puppy and punish for desired behavior. When the puppy is jumping at you, neglect this behavior. Make the puppy sit on the floor and offer a reward. Over a period of time puppy will realize the benefit of sitting in front of you and therefore will forget the tendency of jumping at people. This will be to your great advantage when the puppy grows and becomes a sort of serious dog.

Punishment to the puppy should not be treated as punishment, but correction in behavior. It is important to correct puppy’s behavior at the time of any offence committed by the puppy. Never correct him after a time gap. Fir example, if you don’t want your puppy to start barking the moment doorbell rings, correct him immediately. If you try to correct him after the guests are gone, he may get confused. Once this unwanted behavior is corrected, never forget to reward the puppy for the correct behavior. This reward may not necessarily in the form of food only. You may show your happiness over the behavior and your dog is intelligent enough to know your good mood.

Get a good number of toys for your puppy to chew. Never allow him to bite or chew your hand. If the puppy bites your hand, make a huge noise to make puppy understand his mistake. Don’t try to punish the puppy for this behavior. Walk away from the place and don’t let him near you for some time. Puppy will understand this clearly and never try to repeat that mistake. Handful of chewable toys will do this trick easily.

Try not to leave the puppies unattended in a room. Puppies because of their natural tendency of chewing, will mess up with valuable articles in the room. If you scold him for this, he may not understand the reasons of your behavior. Leave it there itself, and then never ever leave him unattended.

Puppies may feel sick when taken on a long drive. Start training your puppy in the car for shorter distances first and then keep on increasing the trip time and miles. Puppy will get adjusted to long hours in the car.

Author Bio
Dave is the owner of www.dog-behaviors.info and www.dog-obedience-classes.info websites providing information on car auctions.

Looking For A Good Dog Breeder

Wednesday, February 20th, 2008

If you are interested in getting a dog, you should be interested in dog breeders.

The safest place to get a new dog would be from a dog breeder. That gives you a history or insight of the prospective dog you are interested in. You can find dog breeders in the newspaper or online. If you see a great looking dog in public, you could strike up a conversation with the owner and ask where they got their dog. Try to verify the breeders reputation. There are several methods you can use to make sure the breeder is professional, reliable and can be trusted.

Ask the Dog Breeder for References.

A good, experienced dog breeder can provide you with references to some of his or her clients. Most people who have purchased a puppy from them would be glad to share their experiences with you. Of course, it would be even better if you locate past clients without being directed by the breeder. Not that easy, but word gets around, good or bad. Maybe some of your freinds or family have dealt with this breeder in the past.

Be Ready to Ask Questions and Expect to Answer Many Questions Yourself.

Good breeders are very interested in screening prospective buyers themselves. They want the puppies to go to good homes. Questions such as whether you have small children, size of your home and yard. Is the yard fenced? Have you ever owned a dog before? Do you already have a veterinarian? Can you or someone else spend the neccessary time with a very young puppy until the puppy is older? If a breeder fails to ask questions such as these, he may not care about the welfare of his puppies. Or, he may be having a hard time selling…a possible sign of other problems.

Is Price Important?

Of course! Price is important with anything you invest in. With some breeds, such as Yorkies, the price will range from a few hundred to many thousands of dollars. But, more money doesn’t always mean better dog. If you are getting into the dog show scene, you would need more expensive dogs. Most of us are not interested in showing our dogs. Compare prices to decide what your needs are.

Health Guarantees

You should get some sort of health guarantee before you buy. In writing. Most breeders give only a short guarantee for health due to the many deseases a puppy faces. That is why you should take your puppy to a good vet as soon as possible. Do this before your health guarantee runs out. You will want to get your new puppy any shots he needs. Choose a vet that keeps up with the latest information involving puppy innoculations. Some of the shots given in the past are not needed today and may even be harmful.

Good breeders will take all the time you need to answer your questions. Get everything in writing when you buy and follow your dog breeders suggestions. Remember, they have the experience.

Author Bio
Alton Hargrave offers advice and resources for those interested in dogs. His website, Dog-Daze.net contains honest information regarding all breeds of dogs, deseases of dogs and how to maintain your dog.