Dog Toys Reduce Boredom and the Associated Problems

A bored dog is often not a well behaved dog. Leaving a dog without any stimulation, nothing to play with, may lead to boredom and destructive behavior and extremely bad habits. Dog toys are essential items to keep your dog engaged and active.

Barkers and dogs with problems are frequently dogs whose needs are not fulfilled, barking,misbehaviour and disobiedience are their ways of showing you they need your attention.

Fleece dog toys are a favorite because your dog will love the feel, and be comforted by your scent now being apart of their toy after you handle it. Fleece dog toys are made for chewing, fetching, shaking or just cuddling up with. If you have a puppy, be sure to purchase a smaller toy that will be easier to handle.

Discard all toys that shows signs of the stuffing coming out, or just a bit better for wear.

If your dog is a big chewer then fleece or plush toys are not a good choice as they will be destroyed quickly and then could become potentionally harmful to your dog.

Find a stronger option like Kong toys or a durable Nylabone. Dog chew toys should be chosen based upon safety and quality as well as geared to suit the chewing habits of your dog.

For aggressive chewers, it is best to choose dog chew toys made from strong materials to handle this manner of chewing. Always look for toys that state they are 100% non toxic to animals.

While bite sized treats that are quick to munch are ideal for training and instant rewards, pig ears, cow hooves and raw hides are also excellent dog toys as well.

A Dog's health does not start at digestion; many of the biscuits/chews available have special shapes and hardness to help clean your dog’s teeth and gums.

Rawhides provide a flossing action,

Training is a vital part of dog care, and most pets will respond to an enthusiastic “Good Boy/Girl”

and a titbits from your hand.

Reward your dog for simple commands to start with as a puppy then as time progresses give them for more difficult commands.

There are also toys available that allow you to put treats or dog food inside of them, giving your pet stimulation and exercise as he tries to puzzle out how to retrieve his/his prize.

Remember that no treat can take the place

of your love and attention these can be

given bountifully and whenever possible.

Cage Training Your Puppy

Familiarize your puppy with its Cage as soon as possible. Put a few treats inside, and a blanket with the door open to make your puppy want to go in on its own. This is to be a positive experience for your puppy, never try to force your puppy inside or it will believe this is a punishment and will never settle for you.

When your puppy appears to be ready to nap, place it or entice him/her into the cage and close the door.

Always praise your puppy when he/she enters the Cage of his/her own accord.

Gradually increase the time your puppy remains in the Cage, but be carefull not to exceed the time just in case they need to go outside to relieve themselves.

If you need to be gone for a long period of time, place the Cage in a secure and warm room with the cage door securely open, but the main door of the room closed. Place newspapers outside of the Cage, so he/she may relieve themselves on them. The kitchen is an ideal space for this, especially when you come home from work as this is the place you will most likely be for a while getting dinner ready. On your return take puppy outstide and give him/her loads of praise telling them how good they have been and how happy you are to see them.

The Cage can be used to prevent many behavior problems in a positive way. Remember your dog wants to please you.

Never feed your puppy in their Cage, or before placing your puppy inside.

Cage training takes time, and patience during the early stages of your puppy’s life, but it also creates very positive results, and a great relationship between you and your pet.

CRUELITY AND LAWS

Being cruel to an animal is a criminal offence, but laws set out by DEFRA mean pet owners must also ensure that the welfare needs of your animal are met.

Here's a brief rundown of how the law affects you and your pet From 6 April 2007 (and 27 March in Wales), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) brought in laws to improve the welfare of animals in the UK.

These laws apply to a variety of animals, including livestock and working animals, but importantly, also affect how you must treat your pets.

As a cat or dog owner, your main welfare responsibilities with regard to your pet are as follows:

1. You provide them with a suitable place to live

2. Nutritious diet

3. You make sure they exhibit normal behaviour patterns

4. You ensure they are housed You give them a suitable and with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable)

5. You protect them from pain, injury, suffering and disease The law also states that you must be a minimum of 16 years of age to own a pet. This means, for example, that pets cannot be given as prizes to unaccompanied children. There are also laws on dangerous animals, including dogs. This is a major and welcome change to the law and since the new ruling, if you are cruel to an animal or do not provide for its welfare needs you could be banned from owning animals again, fined up to £20,000 or even sent to prison.

YOUR PETS MOVING & HOLIDAY

Your pet has to fulfil certain criteria, which includes:

Pet fitted with a microchip, be vaccinated against rabies, have a blood test, be issued with an official PET certificate, have treatment for tapeworm and ticks - and be issued with an official certificate to prove it has been treated and you must sign a declaration of residency

Planning ahead is the key as no animal can re-enter the UK within six months of having a blood test. As the blood test has to be done at least a month after the rabies vaccination, you need to ensure you've allowed a minimum of seven months before your planned trip. Altogether, the microchip, vaccinations, blood test and documents can cost approximately £200.

The vaccination then lasts two years - after that time you'll need to renew the passport.

As for the pet, there is lots you can do to make the journey and the holiday itself more pleasant for them.

Here are a few simple tips:

If you're flying, your pet will have to be in a Strong Pet carrier.

Make sure it is big enough that they can stand or lie down, and turn around and let them get used to the carrier they will be travelling in for some time before the trip

If you're driving, cats should still travel in a carrier, for their safety and yours. Stop regularly for water and exercise

Put a favourite blanket or cushion in the carrier and leave it open for them to wander in and out of. Before you start your journey, give them food and water and let them go to the toilet. At least 3-4 hours before to prevent accidents on the way.

When you arrive at your destination let them have a good look round make it a priority to take them for a walk. Even your cat should be on a lead or harnessed for the 1st day at least when outside and always with you or a responsible adult. NEVER LET A CHILD TAKE THEM.

1. It may be best for your pet if it is confined to one room during the packing stage.Allowing it the run of your home when there is so much distraction will amkle them even more anxious.

2. Make sure your pet has all its favourite toys and bedding, don't wash its bedding for a little while, so that it has some familiar smells that they know and are comfortable with

3. One of your pet's fears will be that it isn't coming with you, so give it plenty of attention and reassurance before, during and after the move.

4. Knowing your pet and whether or not it will not be comfortable with the journey may result in a visit to the vets for guidance.

5. Dogs and cats (in particular) are territorial animals and moving into a new home will require your cat to mark out its territory.

6. The last but most important - Pets like their routines, so try to stick to their normal routine for as long as possible in the lead-up to the move and then get back into it as quickly as you can in your new home.

Choosing your Kitten

When choosing your kitten, you should also take into consideration the type of home it comes from and it's mother's state of health.

Do not buy a kitten from a breeder that will not let you see the mother cat.

In pedigree cats, the mother cat should also be a true representative of the breed.

A healthy kitten will have bright and shiny eyes, glossy coat, clean bottom and an alert demeanour.

Ears should also be clean, nose cool and damp without any nasal discharge with pale pink mouth and gums.

Cat Toileting

With any kitten irrespective of breed to avoid accidents it is absolutely vital that for the early days and weeks in a new home, the kitten is aware at all times where the litter tray is.

It is important that the kitten is restricted to one area for the first few weeks and only allowed into other areas of your home under your supervision.

Once your kitten has been allowed to roam freely, always keep a watchful eye and keep taking your new kitten back to it's litter tray at regular intervals.

If you live in a large house on different floors, it is advisable to have a litter tray on every floor.

When your new kitten first arrives home, it is also advisable to use the same cat litter as your breeder while your kitten settles in. The litter tray should also be kept clean at all times. Changing of the litter tray contents daily is recommended to avoid accidents.

Cats will quickly find an alternative site to use as a toilet if the tray is not cleaned daily.

Settling In

On arrival home with your new kitten, place the kitten while still in the carrier in a suitable warm room where the kitten can be safely kept for a few days. Let the kitten come out to explore in it's own time. Make sure there is a litter tray in the room and that the kitten knows exactly where it is. Let your new kitten come to you in it's own time.

Getting to know your Kitten

For the first few weeks, your kitten shouldn't be allowed to roam your home without you with them. When you are not there you should put your kitten back in their own room with their litter tray, food and water.

Make sure your new kitten also has a comfortable bed or basket to sleep in with some toys to play with.

Please remember that your new kitten should be kept indoors at all times and shouldn't be allowed outdoors until they are old enough to cope with outdoor life.

Feeding Guidelines

Kittens like adult cats require wholesome, high-protein food and a constant supply of water. Food is served more frequently with kittens than with adult cats.

• Age 3-5 Months: 5 to 4 meals daily

• Age 6-8 Months: 3 to 4 meals daily

• Age 9-12 Months: 3 meals daily

Kittens should be feed tinned or fresh food as part of a balanced diet with quality kitten dry cat food from a reputable manufacturer left down at all times to graze on.

Your reward for feeding your kitten a well-balanced diet is a healthy beautiful adult cat.

Basic Care of your Cat

Before you bring your new cat home, it is essential that you prepare for the new arrival. A cat must be provided with a litter tray, separate food and water bowls, a comfortable basket or bed, a carrier, and a comb or brush. It is also a good idea to provide toys as a cat will bond quickly with you through quality time spend playing with your cat. You can also provide your cat with other useful items such as a scratching post or cat flap.

If you are allowing your cat outdoors, it is also very important to provide your cat with a collar and name tag. Start training your cat at an early age to wear the collar by putting it on for a short period of time each day until the cat is used to wearing it.

A Cat collar must have an elasticated section so a cat can slip out of it should it get caught. The name tag should contain the cat's name and your address and telephone number. An identity microchip can also be injected under the skin of your cat's neck. This is the best way of tracing your cat should it get lost. Consult your vet for advice.

One of the biggest responsibilities of caring for your cat involves taking it to the vet for regular check-ups, vaccinations and boosters.

Choose a reputable vet in your neighbourhood and register your cat with the vet as soon as you bring it home.

If your cat becomes unwell, never try to treat the cat yourself at home always seek professional veterinary advice early to avoid your cat's condition worsing by delayed treatments.

Unless you are planning on breeding from your cat, responsible cat owners must have their pets neutered at the appropriate age.

This is ideally carried out when the kitten is six months old. The procedures for both male and female cats are routine and usually without complications.

   Small animals make super pets because they are so much fun, generally very playful and can be so lovable.

All small animals are not the same, however. Some are calmer and easier for a small child to hold, while others are frisky and take more attention.  

The housing and feeding requirements are unique to each animal, just as each animal is unique.

Some small animals, such as ferrets, sugar gliders and rats like to climb on limbs. Climbing branches, bird perches and bird swings work well. They may get chewed up, but that's part of your pet's play, too!