Do you ever wonder how much a dog can really taste? Does it really matter whether you get him the beef liver treats or the turkey liver treats? Isn’t it all just the same in the end anyway? How much can the dog really tell the difference?
Anyone who has a dog knows they will eat just about everything, save the occasional vegetable. I am sure most of you either have or know at least one dog that sits at your feet when you eat. He/she either stares with that adorable slightly pathetic face, hoping you take pity on them and give them a bite, or the more tenacious ones whimper, yelp, and beg. It doesn’t seem to matter what you are eating, the ferocious desire for some of the food is the same. Why should the dog training treats be any different?
I understand some dogs have allergies, some have certain diet requirements for their health, and in those cases it is important which treats you buy the dog, however in the mass number of cases I am sure it doesn’t really matter in the end.
There are however, those people that will insist on only the best for their dog and spend tons of money on the best dog training treats money can buy, the whole time going on and on about how Foofoo doesn’t like the turkey and how she only eats the veal treats-which are probably made out of actual veal. I don’t know about you but this strikes me as being slightly ridiculous.
Treats come in very handing when training dogs and I am sure are a valuable resource, however I am convinced one treat probably works just as well as the next. And maybe Foofoo really does prefer the veal, but the question remains as to why Foofoo was even given the veal in the first place. Dogs may decide they like one treat better than the next but making that decision requires options. I am pretty sure that if simply presented with a treat most dogs would not decline.
2008年9月16日星期二
2008年9月4日星期四
snakes Definition
The snakes is suborder Serpentes one elongates the reptile. Looks like all reptile, the snakes in the scale quilt. All snakes are the meat, and may be remarkable from the non-leg’s lizard by theirs deficient eyelid, the body, the foreleg external ear and the trace. Spread-eagle except in size scope from small, 10 cm long thread snakes to Python and water python’s South Pole state’s each mainland snakes 2,700+ types which disseminates in 9 m long-term. In order to hold snakes The narrow body, the organ which pairs is appeared in front of other, but is not side-by-side. As a result of poisonous snakes ordinary, the snakes is a frightened animal. The poisonous snakes is their danger does not consider the size, and the biggest constriction is potential man-eater . All snakess force the carnivores.
When poisonous snakes including minority type, some have the powerful venom to be able to cause the painful the injury or the death to the human. However, is mainly to kill in snakes venom with the uniform fall guy, but is not the self-defense. Perhaps the snakes dug a hole from the adaptation in the Cretaceous Period period lizard evolved , although a some scientist supposition aquatic origin.The modern snakes change appears in the ancient new period .
A snakes’s literary word is the snakes . In modern usage, deadline ” serpent” Usually mentions a myth or the mark snakes. The snakes is also the medical skill symbol.
The snakes is a big group reptile; Today live snakes’s 2,000 different types. snakes in various housing land and aquatic institute. The most snakes and the biggest snakes is found in the tropical rain forest. The snakes in is found except South Pole state’s each mainland. Does not have the snakes locality to Hawaii, Iceland, Ireland or New Zealand.
Anatomy: The snakes has is long, narrow body and squamose skin. They do not have the eyelid, the external ear opening and the leg (, although some snakes, look like python and Python, has trace hind leg). When they grow, the snakes sheds their old skin and covers their eye’s movie. Other reptile, the snakes is likely the cold blooded.
Diet: The snakes is the carnivore (meat). They eat the rodents animal and other mammal, the bird, the reptile, the fish, the amphibian, the insect and the egg. Some snakes (cobra, viper and cobra are virulent likely), and kills (or paralysis) through the injection poison their fall guy passes the hollow canine. Some snakes (likely python and water python) through squeeze it to kill them the fall guy to the death. The snakes does not chew their food even not to bite it to enter the piece; The snakes swallows down the entire their food. Other snakes seize their food, and swallows down it.
Reproduction: Some snakes through under egg reproduction; Other snakes birth life young people.
Evolution: The snakes first appears before late Cretaceous Period period (about 95,000,000), (dinosaur before about 225 to 65,000,000 lives) toward dinosaur’s time’s ending. Therefore did the late dinosaur, when look like T. rex and the triangle dinosaur is neighbor evolves in the first snakes.
for:http://www.snakes-house.com
When poisonous snakes including minority type, some have the powerful venom to be able to cause the painful the injury or the death to the human. However, is mainly to kill in snakes venom with the uniform fall guy, but is not the self-defense. Perhaps the snakes dug a hole from the adaptation in the Cretaceous Period period lizard evolved , although a some scientist supposition aquatic origin.The modern snakes change appears in the ancient new period .
A snakes’s literary word is the snakes . In modern usage, deadline ” serpent” Usually mentions a myth or the mark snakes. The snakes is also the medical skill symbol.
The snakes is a big group reptile; Today live snakes’s 2,000 different types. snakes in various housing land and aquatic institute. The most snakes and the biggest snakes is found in the tropical rain forest. The snakes in is found except South Pole state’s each mainland. Does not have the snakes locality to Hawaii, Iceland, Ireland or New Zealand.
Anatomy: The snakes has is long, narrow body and squamose skin. They do not have the eyelid, the external ear opening and the leg (, although some snakes, look like python and Python, has trace hind leg). When they grow, the snakes sheds their old skin and covers their eye’s movie. Other reptile, the snakes is likely the cold blooded.
Diet: The snakes is the carnivore (meat). They eat the rodents animal and other mammal, the bird, the reptile, the fish, the amphibian, the insect and the egg. Some snakes (cobra, viper and cobra are virulent likely), and kills (or paralysis) through the injection poison their fall guy passes the hollow canine. Some snakes (likely python and water python) through squeeze it to kill them the fall guy to the death. The snakes does not chew their food even not to bite it to enter the piece; The snakes swallows down the entire their food. Other snakes seize their food, and swallows down it.
Reproduction: Some snakes through under egg reproduction; Other snakes birth life young people.
Evolution: The snakes first appears before late Cretaceous Period period (about 95,000,000), (dinosaur before about 225 to 65,000,000 lives) toward dinosaur’s time’s ending. Therefore did the late dinosaur, when look like T. rex and the triangle dinosaur is neighbor evolves in the first snakes.
for:http://www.snakes-house.com
2008年8月28日星期四
Ear Infection In Dogs - Symptoms and Causes
Brian Kilcommons relates a terrible story about a beautiful golden retriever dog who was usually very gentle and kind with children. It's owners had a girl aged 3 1/2, and they normally got along very well. Then one day the little girl grabbed the dog's ear. It snarled and bit her face. She needed 47 stitches in her face, and they put the dog down. The parents had the dog euthanized without bothering to find out what had caused this sudden change in their dog's behaviour. The vet, however, did an autopsy, and found our that this dog was suffering not one but two severe ear infections that were incredibly painful.
Ear infections usually start out mild, and in the outer ear. This dog's health was effectively neglected by it's owners. And when their toddler grabbed the infected ear, the dog, already in constant pain anyway, reacted out of instinct. By not taking the time to properly care for their pet, these owners were in fact responsible for what happened to their child. And then blamed the dog. And probably out of ignorance or anger, or both, they had it killed. Their emotional response to what happened to their child as a result of their own neglect aside, I find this absolutely reprehensible. And the tragedy that happened to their dog when they chose to kill it instead of investigating further, as well as their child, was totally avoidable.
Unlike these owners, show your dog the same level of care and love you'd show your children. Become aware of the signs of ear infections, what causes them, and how to avoid them, taking dogs to get treatment when it seems like they have one.
Ear infections can be caused by any number of things. Wet ears not dried after swimming or bathing, a build up of ear wax, grass seeds and fox tails, untreated ear mites, using cotton tips to clean ears (which pushes things further into the ear), and growths in the ear canal, can all lead to ear infections. If your dog is scratching at his ears, rubbing them, holding his head to one side, or down, shaking his head, or if they look bloody or waxy or swollen, they should be checked out. And if he cries when his ears are touched, this is another sign of a potential ear infection.
When untreated ear infections progress deeper into the ear, the pain the dog is in increases sharply. The dog may hold his head as still as possible, and to one side. And opening his mouth, or touching his head, will cause him pain. Dogs can also become dizzy, with poor balance and coordination, when the infection progresses to the inner ear. Dogs may walk around in circles, and vomit.
Ear infections are also related to skin allergies, especially food hypersensitivity dermatitis and canine atopy. Dogs with these conditions often develop inflamed ears. The dog's ears become very itchy, which creates an 'itch-scratch-itch' cycle that in turn creates scabs around the ear, hair loss, crustiness, and raw skin. The ear canals become filled with a brown wax.
Some dogs are also allergic to some ear medications. A common one is an antibiotic called neomycin, but can be any ear treatment products including cortisone, nystatin, chloramphenicol, thiabendazole, gentamicin, miconazole, and clortrimazole.
One thing of concern in dogs that are professionally groomed is the practice of plucking the hairs out of the dog's ear. The serum which then comes out of their pores is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria, which is a common cause of ear infection. Vets generally don't recommend you allow your dog's ears to be plucked unless their is a good medical reason to do so. An example of a good medical reason is if there is a large mat of hair that is blocking air flow.
If the mats of hair are in the ear canal, they should be removed by a vet only. If they're not, first soak the hair in a coat conditioner for a few minutes to soften it. Then, with your fingers, separate as much of the mat as possible. You may be able to untangle the rest of the mat with a comb, but more likely you'll need scissors or a mat splitter. Be very careful if you're using scissors. Using a comb, position it under the mat to protect the skin. Hold the scissors at right angles to the comb, and cut into the matted fur in narrow strips. Very gently, tease the mat out, and then comb out any snarls that are left. Regular grooming, with the right tools, will avoid mats forming in the first place.
Always check your dog's ears after he's been playing in long grasses. If you think there is a foxtail in his ear, take him to the vet's and don't try and get it out yourself. Fox tails can really damage the ear. If when you press gently on the ear canal he cries out in pain, there's a good chance there's a fox tail in there.
References:
1. Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson, Good Owners, Great Dogs
2. Richard Pitcairn, Natural Health for Dogs and Cats
3. James Griffin and Liisa Carlson, Dog Owners Home Veterinary Handbook
Ear infections usually start out mild, and in the outer ear. This dog's health was effectively neglected by it's owners. And when their toddler grabbed the infected ear, the dog, already in constant pain anyway, reacted out of instinct. By not taking the time to properly care for their pet, these owners were in fact responsible for what happened to their child. And then blamed the dog. And probably out of ignorance or anger, or both, they had it killed. Their emotional response to what happened to their child as a result of their own neglect aside, I find this absolutely reprehensible. And the tragedy that happened to their dog when they chose to kill it instead of investigating further, as well as their child, was totally avoidable.
Unlike these owners, show your dog the same level of care and love you'd show your children. Become aware of the signs of ear infections, what causes them, and how to avoid them, taking dogs to get treatment when it seems like they have one.
Ear infections can be caused by any number of things. Wet ears not dried after swimming or bathing, a build up of ear wax, grass seeds and fox tails, untreated ear mites, using cotton tips to clean ears (which pushes things further into the ear), and growths in the ear canal, can all lead to ear infections. If your dog is scratching at his ears, rubbing them, holding his head to one side, or down, shaking his head, or if they look bloody or waxy or swollen, they should be checked out. And if he cries when his ears are touched, this is another sign of a potential ear infection.
When untreated ear infections progress deeper into the ear, the pain the dog is in increases sharply. The dog may hold his head as still as possible, and to one side. And opening his mouth, or touching his head, will cause him pain. Dogs can also become dizzy, with poor balance and coordination, when the infection progresses to the inner ear. Dogs may walk around in circles, and vomit.
Ear infections are also related to skin allergies, especially food hypersensitivity dermatitis and canine atopy. Dogs with these conditions often develop inflamed ears. The dog's ears become very itchy, which creates an 'itch-scratch-itch' cycle that in turn creates scabs around the ear, hair loss, crustiness, and raw skin. The ear canals become filled with a brown wax.
Some dogs are also allergic to some ear medications. A common one is an antibiotic called neomycin, but can be any ear treatment products including cortisone, nystatin, chloramphenicol, thiabendazole, gentamicin, miconazole, and clortrimazole.
One thing of concern in dogs that are professionally groomed is the practice of plucking the hairs out of the dog's ear. The serum which then comes out of their pores is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria, which is a common cause of ear infection. Vets generally don't recommend you allow your dog's ears to be plucked unless their is a good medical reason to do so. An example of a good medical reason is if there is a large mat of hair that is blocking air flow.
If the mats of hair are in the ear canal, they should be removed by a vet only. If they're not, first soak the hair in a coat conditioner for a few minutes to soften it. Then, with your fingers, separate as much of the mat as possible. You may be able to untangle the rest of the mat with a comb, but more likely you'll need scissors or a mat splitter. Be very careful if you're using scissors. Using a comb, position it under the mat to protect the skin. Hold the scissors at right angles to the comb, and cut into the matted fur in narrow strips. Very gently, tease the mat out, and then comb out any snarls that are left. Regular grooming, with the right tools, will avoid mats forming in the first place.
Always check your dog's ears after he's been playing in long grasses. If you think there is a foxtail in his ear, take him to the vet's and don't try and get it out yourself. Fox tails can really damage the ear. If when you press gently on the ear canal he cries out in pain, there's a good chance there's a fox tail in there.
References:
1. Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson, Good Owners, Great Dogs
2. Richard Pitcairn, Natural Health for Dogs and Cats
3. James Griffin and Liisa Carlson, Dog Owners Home Veterinary Handbook
2008年8月23日星期六
Indoor Cat Versus Outdoor Cat: What Do You Do?
Should your cat be an indoor cat or an outdoor cat? This is one of the more debatable and critical choices you must resolve as a cat person. How do you juggle the desires, security, and safety of a Happy Healthy Cat versus its needs? Will your cat be happy with cat climbing furniture or cat climbing trees for activity? Will it be fulfilled in cat condos houses or cat condos with stairs for that extra exercise?
Outdoor Cats
It is not always remembered that our cats are wild animals with a bit of domestication thrown in. They are created to the same characteristics as a wild cat is. They have the desire to hunt and catch their quarries. They live to stalk the local wildlife. If you present any opportunity, they'll happily bring you back prey, adroitness made obvious. They will want your praise and approval of course, so don't freak out, since you will only confuse them!
The problem, to be sure, is that it's an unsafe world out there. They will not be the ultimate predators, and wolves / coyotes / dogs would be glad to harm them. There are illness and natural germs they can catch. Vehicles are extremely threatening to creatures of all types. Often the deadliest predator can be other people with malice in mind. We do no favors by assuming the best intentions out of a populace that runs the entire gamut.
Indoor Cats
Indoor cats lose adventure for assurance. They have an assured meal time. The threatening traffic they endure will be clumsy humans, which are far softer and less dangerous than a steel vehicle. Plus, they're fun to play with! A great selection of toys exists for their "playing with prey" enjoyment.
It is more difficult for an indoor cat to remain active, but methods abound to help them exercise. A simple corollary to this is not letting your cat overeat, certainly. They will obviously be disappointed not to be out in the world, hunting down dinner.
Your cat can always perch on cat climbing furniture or cat climbing trees and look out through glass at the world. They can repose in their cat condos houses or cat condos with stairs to climb. There's a huge selection but you can usually find cheap cat condos on the net. These concerns will be vital to mull over to ensure your cat remains a happy healthy cat.
Outdoor Cats
It is not always remembered that our cats are wild animals with a bit of domestication thrown in. They are created to the same characteristics as a wild cat is. They have the desire to hunt and catch their quarries. They live to stalk the local wildlife. If you present any opportunity, they'll happily bring you back prey, adroitness made obvious. They will want your praise and approval of course, so don't freak out, since you will only confuse them!
The problem, to be sure, is that it's an unsafe world out there. They will not be the ultimate predators, and wolves / coyotes / dogs would be glad to harm them. There are illness and natural germs they can catch. Vehicles are extremely threatening to creatures of all types. Often the deadliest predator can be other people with malice in mind. We do no favors by assuming the best intentions out of a populace that runs the entire gamut.
Indoor Cats
Indoor cats lose adventure for assurance. They have an assured meal time. The threatening traffic they endure will be clumsy humans, which are far softer and less dangerous than a steel vehicle. Plus, they're fun to play with! A great selection of toys exists for their "playing with prey" enjoyment.
It is more difficult for an indoor cat to remain active, but methods abound to help them exercise. A simple corollary to this is not letting your cat overeat, certainly. They will obviously be disappointed not to be out in the world, hunting down dinner.
Your cat can always perch on cat climbing furniture or cat climbing trees and look out through glass at the world. They can repose in their cat condos houses or cat condos with stairs to climb. There's a huge selection but you can usually find cheap cat condos on the net. These concerns will be vital to mull over to ensure your cat remains a happy healthy cat.
2008年8月9日星期六
All The Amazing Secrets About Pomeranians
The Pomeranian is one of the most lovable toy dogs on the planet and have become hugely popular in America. The Pomeranian belongs to the family of dogs known as the Spitz who were first bred in the Pomerania region of Germany. This article will discuss everything there is to know about the Pomeranian so you can get to know this wonderful breed of dog more intimately.
The Origin of The Pomeranian
Believe it or not the Pomeranian actually originated from the sled dogs of Iceland. These dogs were eventually brought into Germany. Of course they were much larger dogs back then and were often used for work purposes like most animals in that day.
So when did the Pomeranian start taking the shape of the dogs we know so well today. Well, it was Queen Charlotte who first brought the Pomeranian into England and through trial and error, English breeders were able to bring this 20 pound dog down to the size of a healthy toy dog. It wasn't until the 19th century that the Pomeranian was first declared a modern breed of dog.
The Appearance of The Pomeranian
The average size of a typical Pomeranian is around 3 to 7lbs. The face of a Pomeranian closely resembles a fox, with a typical pointy snout and cat-like ears. Their tails are generally thick coated and usually only become this way once they reach maturity. The coat is orange with shades of black, white and grey. There are different types of Pomeranians such as the black and white Pomeranian whose color, like its name is only black and white in appearance.
Temperament
The Pomeranian is a very active dog that enjoys a lot of action. This comes from the days when they were first used as sled dogs when being fit and active was highly necessary. As you might also suspect, they are very loyal and are one of the best companion dogs around. Due to their tiny framed bodies, they are usually not the best dogs to have with small children. There is a possibility when playing too hard with a Pomeranian, may cause it to snap and bite on occasions. Because of this many people like to compare them to the Chihuahua, but the only time a Pomeranian will become aggressive is when it feels it is being threatened. They are generally friendly dogs that enjoy as much play as possible as long as it doesn't become too rough!
The Origin of The Pomeranian
Believe it or not the Pomeranian actually originated from the sled dogs of Iceland. These dogs were eventually brought into Germany. Of course they were much larger dogs back then and were often used for work purposes like most animals in that day.
So when did the Pomeranian start taking the shape of the dogs we know so well today. Well, it was Queen Charlotte who first brought the Pomeranian into England and through trial and error, English breeders were able to bring this 20 pound dog down to the size of a healthy toy dog. It wasn't until the 19th century that the Pomeranian was first declared a modern breed of dog.
The Appearance of The Pomeranian
The average size of a typical Pomeranian is around 3 to 7lbs. The face of a Pomeranian closely resembles a fox, with a typical pointy snout and cat-like ears. Their tails are generally thick coated and usually only become this way once they reach maturity. The coat is orange with shades of black, white and grey. There are different types of Pomeranians such as the black and white Pomeranian whose color, like its name is only black and white in appearance.
Temperament
The Pomeranian is a very active dog that enjoys a lot of action. This comes from the days when they were first used as sled dogs when being fit and active was highly necessary. As you might also suspect, they are very loyal and are one of the best companion dogs around. Due to their tiny framed bodies, they are usually not the best dogs to have with small children. There is a possibility when playing too hard with a Pomeranian, may cause it to snap and bite on occasions. Because of this many people like to compare them to the Chihuahua, but the only time a Pomeranian will become aggressive is when it feels it is being threatened. They are generally friendly dogs that enjoy as much play as possible as long as it doesn't become too rough!
2008年8月3日星期日
A Label On Designer Dog Beds
Many dog beds claim to be a designer dog bed. Many distributors claim they offer designer dog beds. Do we really know what a designer dog bed is, and are they really designer?Well the definition of designer according to Webster's is;Designer;noun 1. a person who devises or executes designs, esp. one who creates forms, structures, and patterns, as for works of art or machines. 2. a schemer, intriguer, or plotter. adjective 3. designed or created by or carrying a label or identification of a designer, esp. a fashion designer, but often mass-produced: designer jeansAre designer dog beds really good for your dog? Perhaps, but not all are created equal. You must remember that the dog bed in question is meant for your loving companion and not necessarily made to fit in with your decor. Most people make the mistake of purchasing something that will fit into a given space and look fabulous in a modern setting but do nothing for the dog's comfort. Who is the designer dog beds for again?Yup, your dog. Before purchasing a designer dog bed, you should be asking yourself these 6 questions. 1)Where does my dog sleep now?The proper way of choosing a designer dog bed is to observe your dog's habits. If he sleeps on the floor in the kitchen, will you place a huge sofa bed or dog couch that is made of Chanel. No, you need to get something comfortable that is functional.2)How old is my dog again?If your dog is aging, you will need an orthopedic dog bed. Most designer dog beds do not offer any orthopedic qualities for your dog.3)How long do I want this bed to last?If you look around, beds that cost a fortune, generally don't offer durable fabrics.4)Does my dog have any ailments? If your dog has any issues at all with hip dysplasia, or abnormal formation, then this type of bed will not work for you. 5)How much can I really afford to spend?Most designer beds cost much more then are necessary.6)Think of your dog?Finally, think of your dog first. Designer is a broad term for a person who designs any of a variety of things. That usually implies the task of creating or of being creative in a particular area of expertise. It is frequently used to reference someone who draws or in some ways uses visual cues to organize their work. Designer is also the title for a person practicing in one of the design fields, such as architecture or engineering, but who is not licensed or does not possess a four year degree in that field. Designer is especially used in reference to a fashion designer, usually one who has his/her own line, such as Givenchy and Versace.A good synonym for designer is "architect". An architect is a builder, creator, draftsman, engineer, inventor, maker, and originator. That means that anyone who manufactures dog beds can technically by considered a designer of designer dog beds. Something to think about next time you are shopping around for a dog bed. One particular brand of dog beds stand out in my mind. With over hundreds of durable designer fabrics, Mammoth Dog Beds combines fashion with orthopedic qualities.
2008年7月27日星期日
Dog Grooming - Brushing and Bathing
Dog grooming is the basis for preventive health care for your dog and puppy. It gives you a chance to see small changes in and on your dog's body that could lead to health concerns such as a lump or problems in his ears or with his teeth. Dog grooming can be a time of further bonding with your dog. This is some serious one on one time when he gets loads of your attention. So what do you do and when do you start grooming your dog and puppy? As with most things with your puppy, you need to introduce him to dog grooming slowly and help him be comfortable with it. Start with short sessions of about five minutes and work up to the whole routine as he adjusts. Begin with brushing and combing. There are several different grooming tools used for brushing and which you use depends upon the breed of your dog and the type of coat he has. Ask the breeder you got your puppy from for the proper techniques.Brushing should be done before you bathe your dog or puppy. Bathing your puppy should begin when he is about 14 weeks old or sooner if he is a very dirty dog. Most dogs should need bathing only once a month unless he gets dirty. Wherever you decide to bathe your dog, bathtub, sink or some type of tub, place a rubber mat within to give him something secure to stand on so he won't slip around. Soak down his body but not his face. Keep water out of his ears. You may wish to block his ear canals with cotton balls to prevent the water from getting into his ears. Lather up your wet dog with a dog shampoo. Rinse well. Any leftover shampoo in his coat is likely to cause dryness or skin irritation. Wipe his face off with a damp cloth. Squeeze off the excess water and then towel dry your dog. Complete the drying process with either a hair dryer set on warm, not hot, or by leaving him in a warm room until dry. Be aware that a dog will shake just as soon as you release him. This is why some people want to run their dog outside quickly after a bath on a leash to prevent him from rolling and getting dirty again. If this is not an option, such as in winter, you may wish to consider a professional groomer.A professional groomer may be a consideration for some of the more difficult haircuts and dog grooming considerations such as the stripping required by some wire-haired breeds. This depends upon your ability to do the required tasks and your desire to do them as well.
Adopting A Dog - Are You Ready?
When considering the birth rates among animals, it's not hard to understand why animal shelters are always filled with animals waiting to be adopted. Shockingly, it has been calculated that over a seven year period, one female cat and her offspring will produce approximately 420,000 kittens. Likewise, one female dog and her offspring will produce 67,000 puppies during a six year period. Since there are more animals looking for homes than there are people who want to adopt them, some 6.5 million animals are euthanized each year.Given the statistics cited above, adopting an animal can be a kind and loving thing to do. However, before making the final decision to adopt, there are a number of things to consider.Many of the animals awaiting adoption in shelters have had very rough beginnings. Some were abused, some abandoned and some were "turned in" because the owners didn't have time for them. Many were left alone for long periods and some were never properly potty trained. In short, when adopting an animal you must be prepared to work with them. They may come to you cowed or with feelings of trepidation and may be overly sensitive to your tone of voice or to any commands you might give them. You will need to be patient and by all means, loving. When they finally realize that they can trust you they will reward you with more affection and loyalty than you can imagine.Adopting a dog as a means of entertaining a small child is not recommended. A dog is not a toy and should not be treated as one. Small children should be trained to understand "animal etiquette". In other words, animals are not to be hit, dragged, ridden or teased. They should understand that being overly aggressive with a new dog, especially one recently adopted, could cause the dog to react by biting or running away. If feeding and exercising the dog is to be the responsibility of a child, an adult should follow up to be sure these things are getting done. It isn't the dog's fault if a child fails to meet his or her obligations and the dog shouldn't have to suffer for the child's failure.Many adopted dogs will come to the new surroundings filled with fears based upon earlier mistreatment or the harsh rules of their previous owners. Some dogs will be reluctant to go from one room to another, will shy away when corrected and hide upon hearing a loud noise. New owners must be patient with them and speak to them softly and affectionately. Dogs are not stupid and they will gradually come to understand their new environment and show their appreciation for your loving care.When contemplating adoption, prospective new owners should be prepared to deal with the fact that their new adoptee may not be completely housebroken. Previous owners may have been irresponsible in their approach to this training; furthermore, when the dog was placed in the shelter it continued to do its "business" right in its pen. Housebreaking is not a complex chore and should not deter someone from adopting a pet. Some owners will use a cage to assist in this training, while others will just take the dog out for a walk several times a day. Fenced yards and doggie doors are minimal expenses that pay extra dividends on cold or rainy days.Adopted dogs are subject to all of the behavioral problems commonly associated to dogs in general. These would include digging, jumping up on people, jumping fences, barking and nipping. There are proven solutions to all of these "offenses." If your dog is prone to digging, and always digs in one area, there are a number of effective repellent sprays that work well. If he digs under your fence, a little buried chicken wire works wonders in breaking that habit. Spray bottles filled with water should be kept at hand to break a dog from jumping up and to combat incessant barking. A quick spritz in the face immediately following, or during, the offensive behavior will usually bring about a quick behavior modification.Visiting an animal shelter can be an emotional experience for an animal lover. It's difficult to see all the animals in their pens and not want to take them all home. Such feelings are understandable and commendable; however, just be sure that prior to adoption you consider all of the ramifications. And remember, your best friend is waiting for you at your local animal shelter.
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