Pets and Cold Weather

It's that time of year where it's getting a bit to chilly for you and your pets  to venture outside for too long of a period of time. Here are some tips:

1. Just stay inside! If it's 32 degrees or lower your best bet for you and your pets is to stay indoors as much as possible. Stay warm and comfty. Your pets will love you for it!

2. Never let your dog venture outside without a leash! They could slip on ice, get lost in the snow or worst yet fall into a icy body of water =(  As for kitties  keep a watchful eye on them and don't let them wander to far or teach them to walk on a leash.

3. If you have a short hair dog or a small toy breed of dog consider a doggy coat or sweater and maybe booties although most dogs detest those things. I usually don't condone dressing your pup up but if it's cold outside go ahead and bundle up. Better safe then sorry.

4. Dry your pets off and wash their feet off after a day of outside of play. That way they won't chill and you get all that outside gunk like road salt, deicer or antifreeze off their delicate paws.

5. Don't leave your pets out in the cold for long periods of time unless you have proper, adequate shelter. A well-insulated barn or enclosed shed with some hay/blankets and little to no draft should be fine for your outdoor kitties. Some sort of well-insulated dog house elevated off the cold ground but closed off will work. Just make sure there is a blanket or some hay to help keep your pet warm. Basically keep your pet dry and out of any cold drafts.

6. Keep your pets healthy and well-fed. If necessary feed your outdoor pets extra high-protein food. If you see that your pet is not doing so well outdoors please bring them indoors and warm them up or keep them inside on very cold nights and days.

7. Check under the hood of your car for stray cats. Sometimes they will crawl up into your engine for warmth. So bang on your hood before starting your car just to make sure.

8. Don't use electric blankets with your pets unattended! They could get burnt or chew through the electrical cords.

Responsible and Courteous Dog Owner Behavior

1. Clean up after your dog if he poo's in a public place. Yes even at the dog park! That is why they provide poop baggies otherwise bring your own for the sake of the people who like walking in the grass without stepping in yucky dog doo 0_o

2. Don't let your dog jump on strangers. It's dangerous for the elderly and children getting knocked over.

3. Pay attention to your dog at the dog park. If your pup is misbehaving or being overly aggressive in any way remove your dog immediately. Safer for you, your dog and everyone else around.  Nobody likes a dog fight =(

4. Don't let your dog bark constantly especially late at night -_- In which case usually this happens if a dog is left outside for hours on end without getting any attention or just maybe you have a talkative dog. Either way be courteous and respect your neighbors. Train your dog not to bark or bring your pet inside please. There is no excuse for a noisy, obnoxious pet!

5. Never hit your dog in the face or body period. This will just create a fearful dog and it is also animal abuse. If you must scold your dog do it in a fashion where your dog actually understands. If he has a accident in the house take him outside immediately. If you don't want your dog to get into something put it up or doggy proof it.  Use the word "No!" in a firm voice. Please don't yell at your dog he won't understand why your being loud.

6. Don't let your dog run lose in public areas excluding dog parks. A lose dog is a accident waiting to happen. Not to mention there are leash laws and you can get ticketed.

7. If your dog is sick take him/her to the veterinarian. No one likes seeing a animal suffer. If you can't afford it you should not have a pet. Sorry but that is the harsh reality. A animal is a commitment and so are the expenses that come with them. If you love animal so much you would care for them properly. Improper care for a animal is animal abuse Nuff' said.

8. Spay and neuter you pets please! There are to many shelter animals in need of homes. Why add to the overpopulation explosion? Not to mention do you really want issues with a roaming male dog  or a female in heat attracting every un-neutered male dog in a 5-10 mile radius?

9. If your going to breed your pet please breed responsibly. Breed only registered, full-blooded, healthy animals. Have good breeding practices i.e. please breed and produce a litter maybe once every other year if not just only a one time affair would be even better and make sure both parents get a full health checkup to make sure there will be no hereditary health issues. Always have good homes pre-planned before you even produce a litter! There is no such thing as a "designer" dog breed. These dogs are mutts plain and simple. I don't care if both parents are registered, purebred whatever once you mix to different breeds they are just that mixed breeds...mutts.

10. License and keep your dog's shots up to date. In other words keep your dog legal. Microchip, ear tattoo or name tag on the collar are important in case your pet ever gets lost or stolen.

Basic Commands Every Dog And Owner Should Know

So there are five commands which I think every dog and owner should know and practice routinely.

Sit

 This is one of the most easiest commands and even a puppy can catch on to it rather quickly. Tell your dog to "Sit". Hold a treat or hover your hand over his head and usually the dog will automatically sit from looking up. If not push his butt down gently till he is in sitting position. Praise your dog and tell him/her "Good Dog!" excitedly.

Lay Down

Yet another command that is easily taught. Tell your dog to "Lay Down" Use your hand to signal down or use a treat lowered to the ground until he is in laying position. You can also physically put him in the laying position gently. Praise your dog.

Drop It/Leave it/Give It

This command is a bit more difficult especially if you have a alpha dog. Play with your dog with a favorite toy of his. Avoid food or bones as they are highly prized items and your dog will be less likely to follow the command and these things can often create food/possession aggression . Hold out your hand and say the command of your choosing. If your dog immediately drops the toy on the floor or in your hand praise him. If he refuses to drop it take the toy from him gently and say the command and give it back to him repeat till he gets it. If you have a alpha dog on your hands your going to have to be a bit more careful but firmer with your command as well. Don't ever allow your dog to growl or snap at you! If this type of behavior starts tread carefully. If at anytime this occurs, as soon as you dog drops the toy pick up and tell him "No!" firmly.

If possession/guarding aggression behavior continues or worsens seek help from a professional dog trainer.

Come To Me/Bring It To Me

This command is a hit and miss. If you have a puppy this should be pretty easy since they follow you around and trip you over whenever they get a chance. If your inside your home/your fenced backyard just tell your dog to "Come, (dog's name!)". Every time your dog comes to you when called praise him/her excitedly or with a food reward. If you are outside at a park or something or other always have your dog on a leash. A lunge leash (super long leash) works great for recall. Never scold you dog when he comes to you! Never chase your dog he will just think your playing! If your pup is coming to you with no problems and knows the command "Drop it" you can kick it up a notch and add a ball or stick and teach him "Fetch."

Heel

All dogs should be taught how to properly walk on a leash. I gringe every time I see a dog dragging a person behind them from excessive pulling. A dog should be taught to walk beside you or slightly behind you for safety reasons. Never allow your dog to pull you around! Only use a retractable leash if you know how to use it properly, do not just let your dog wonder wherever he/she wants. They can get tangled or th leash can even snap if you don't have the right weight tension. It can be dangerous so I suggest sticking with a normal length nylon leash.When you go for a walk if your dog begins to pull you slightly tug the leash then release and say "Heel!" firmly. If your dog stops and looks at you praise him and continue to walk. Repeat as necessary till he learns to walk at a slower pace and in the position of being beside you or behind you. If you have a shy/fearful dog that refuses to walk on a leash please never drag the dog or scold the dog. Take things slower even if the dog walks a few steps praise and reward.