2010년 8월 6일 금요일

Are Dogs the Right Kind of Pet For YOU?

SO you might just be considering right now to adopt a dog or a puppy.
It is important now to also consider are dogs or puppies actually fit the way you live?
Many people just fall for their adorable puppy eyes and decide that they can work something out but end up realizing what they have gotten into and sadly having to get rid of the puppy.
So continue reading to find out whether dogs are the right pet for you.

There are levels of pet care.

1. Gold fishes- the most basic pet people can have. Not basic in cleaning, but basic in size. Anyone can raise gold fishes at any home. They just don't take up too much room. So people choose this pet to let the kids know what taking care of an animal is like. Also just to enjoy their pretty fins and colors.

2. (Rodents)Hamsters/mice/rat- Rodents are popular furry pets through out the US. They are small and cuddly and also take up little room. The food is minimum and you can feed it vegitables and just regular corn, and other human food. So people enjoy having these pets because the hardest part of taking care of rodents are cleaning out their cage.

3. Bunnies- Bunnies are the next large pet after rodents. They are also very popular but because of their size they definately take up more room than rodents. They require bigger houses, fencing, and playground. They also need more hay and food. That increases the things you have to clean. So even a bunny might be a harder step towards getting a dog.

4. Kittens/Cats- Cats are the next largest pet that are popular among people. Some people might not like cats but it is a good idea to take care of all these animals before getting a dog because the dog is at the top of the largest and most care needing pet of all. (Except horses) Cats are very intelligent so they might outsmart you sometimes and cause trouble but they still are great company and their curiosity will keep you entertained for a long time.

5. NOW the level ends here. Dogs. They are the most popular but needs the most care of all. They eat more food than any of the pets mentioned here, need more grooming since they shed, need vet checkups, need ALOT of attention, need more space, need more training, need more money, need more of everything. So consider all these things and RESEARCH before buying a dog. Buying a dog may not seem much but its like adding another family member to your family so its another mouth to feed.

Now dont get me wrong! I love dogs and I think its great to have one. I am considering one myself but its not an easy decision. If you are a kid, think about who will feed and give it walks and the exercise they need. Who will literally buy the food and the supplies necessary? Probably your parents. Having a dog has TONS of great sides but can also have a few down sides which may lead to abandoning your dog.

What if you move alot? Will the dog come with you everytime?

What if you might be expecting another family member? WIll the dog stay after that family member arrives?

What if you have a family member that doesnt like dogs or are alergic to them? WIll they stay even for a moment?

WHat if you are a very busy person? Will the dog truly be happy in their new home with no one home most of the time?

These are just a few questions you should ask yourself.
Now have fun and think.
It may be frustrating now to think about all these stuff but its way more frustrating having to give up a pet. Trust me, I would know.

2010년 8월 5일 목요일

How to become the "Alpha" or "Leader" of your dog

If you did some research on dogs, you would know they live in packs.
Ever pack has a firm leader that leads the dogs.
Most dogs have the instinct to lead (some might not) so they will at first try to act like the alpha dog and
drag YOU around.
By reading this article, you can turn that around and have a happy trustworthy dog by your side.

First you need to learn what the alpha dog gets for being an alpha dog.
Alphas get to eat first, get better food, gets to sleep in the best spot, and gets to do whatever they please. So basically you choose what to do. Not the dog.

Some people will start giving the alpha position to their cute looking puppies without realizing it. For example, they might let the puppy or dog sleep on the sofa, bed, and feed them whenever the dog demands. This is what the Alpha would do in a pack so this is not the kind of behavior you should accept.

To become an alpha dog you must think like an alpha dog.
Yes, exactly.
So that would mean standing tall and straight and not bending over for the dog. This will show the puppy or dog that you are bigger and stronger. Deep and strong tones will give the message to your dog that you are meaning business. And when you are requesting something, don't ask them and tell them. Order them.

Now if you come across a dog who doesnt give up his position....then train him.
Teach him basic commands and when he does it, give him treats and compliment with a deep firm voice and one "good boy" or "good girl".
Walk away if the dog wont sit and do as you want him to do.
If you think he just doesnt understand, teach him over and over again.
Becoming the alpha will take patience :)

When you feed him, dont let the food out.
Make a time schedule and feed him after you are finished eating.
Dont give him his food unless he sits. If he continues to not sit, walk away.

Here are some things now that you have to do to firmly let your dog know you are the alpha.

1. Never let him do things first. Such as letting him out the door first. Or feeding.

2. Never step over him when you are walking. Make HIM move. Thats what real alphas would do.

3. Never let him sleep on your bed.

4. Dont let him have everything he wants when he wants it. Do it when you want to. For example dont pet the dog when he wants it. Do it when you want to. Alphas will be groomed and pet whenever they please so by you treating your dog the same way, it will put him in the place of an alpha dog.

5. Always praise your dog standing taller than the dog. Never lower or at his level.

Keep up this training until he finally admits you.
How do you know he admits you?
When he comes walking towards you with head slightly lowered and ears back. If he comes with his head held high and ears up, keep training.

Good luck.