How To Get A Puppy To Stop Chewing On Everything By Ira Nelson

One of the most extensively searched puppy related areas on the Internet is how to get a puppy to stop chewing, probably because it is a very natural thing for a puppy to do… It is one of the ways he explores his world. Obviously though, you don’t want him exploring the leg of the dining room table, that new tube of toothpaste, or your expensive Italian shoes.

It only becomes a problem when he is allowed to chew on inappropriate items and is not redirected to the proper ones. Because it is natural and normal, it would be going down the wrong path to try to totally eliminate this behavior. It is much more realistic to try to channel the puppy’s chewing activities toward his chew toys which you provide.

It is an invitation for trouble to allow a puppy to wander around uncontrolled and unsupervised. He will just naturally get himself into hot water because he does not yet understand which activities are allowed and which are not. One thing I like to do as part of a puppy’s training routine is to tether him to my belt with a short length (perhaps 6’ or so to so) of light clothesline or rope. As he gets older you can increase it to 10 feet.

The purpose for this is get him used to being close to you and so you can be sure he is always under your observation. This is particularly helpful in preventing him from wandering off if you get distracted by another matter. If he tries to chew on something that’s off limits, give him a firm ‘NO’ and put his chew toy or bone directly in his mouth instead. The key to how to get a puppy to stop chewing is that you use redirection, behavior modification and be persistent, consistent, and patient at all times. Chewing on anything other the approved toys is not acceptable.

If you seriously want to stop puppy chewing don’t confuse him by giving him an old shoe or sock or anything that has the same texture, feel, or smell of items that are off limits.

It will also help to get down to the puppy’s eye level to see what he sees and discover things that may be irresistible to him to chew on. Are there exposed electrical cords, is you wallet or handbag on the coffee table, does he have access to the shoe closet? If you remove these types of things from his line of vision you will also remove the temptation to chew on them.

Something else I’m a strong believer in is the use of a crate as a ‘den’ for when the puppy is sleeping or otherwise unsupervised. By placing his chew toys with him in the crate he will further get the connection that these are his and it is ok to chew them.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=134444&ca=Pets

What Is That? It's A Ferret By Jim Worthington

Ferrets can be extremely lovable pets. They just have that adorable face that makes you smile. Ferrets are so lovable, people of the world have been making them their pets going as far back as the ancient Greeks. Perhaps Socrates even had one. Even better, ferrets make great gifts to love ones; Queen Elizabeth I of England thought so. The first things I think of when I imagine a new pet are chores and added responsibility, but ferrets are actually very easily manageable.

But let's get back to the real reason anybody is ever interested in a ferret. They're just really cool looking. I think of a ferret as an exotic pet, even though millions of people have them. A ferret is just something you don't see everyday. Dogs and cats are everywhere, hell it even rains cats and dogs at times. Ferrets are just cool, there is no doubt about it. When you're friends come over and see this animal their going to have one of maybe two responses. First, 'What is that?' or Second, 'Is that a ferret?' These questions will be quickly followed by adjectives describing the ferret, such as Cool, Awesome, Crazy, How Cute!

What's most important to learn about ferret's as a pet is this: They are like precious baby kittens that never grow up.

Like cats, ferrets are carnivores. However, ferrets need more protein in their diets, so substituting ferret food with cat food may not be a wise idea. Ferrets also enjoy the sweet tastes of fresh fruits, such as bananas, strawberries, raisins. These should be given as a treat and used sparingly. Even though ferrets are most active during dusk and dawn, they easily adapt to any owner's schedule. Cool thing about ferrets is they love to sleep. They can sleep all day. But watch out when they get up. They are just a bundle of energy and fun when they are wide awake. Ferrets enjoy games of hide and seek, tag, and playful wrestling. Ferrets get along great with children, as long as they are handled correctly. Young children should not be left alone with a ferret. Young children tend to squeeze small creatures to the point of discomfort. Many times a small dog, even ferret may bite as a response.

For some reason, ferrets have been given a bad reputation as nippers. Nipping is like biting, but much softer. Most ferrets lack the jaw power to break the skin of a human if bitten. However, this does not mean a neglected ferret will not become a biter. If given the proper attention and patience, a ferret will rarely, if ever, bite a human. I must over emphasize that neglected and mistreated ferrets make bad pets. They do not just sit back with the cat attitude of, 'Look at me.' Ferrets are very curious to their surroundings and are always on the prowl snooping around. With that said, many times ferrets' curiosity get the best of them. Electrical cords and reclining chairs are a ferrets worse enemies. The obvious would be that ferrets can be electricuted when they chew on electrical chords, but many ferrets have been known to climb into the inner workings of a reclining sofa, only to be squashed to death when a person sits down on the sofa. Common sense is the best way to keep your home ferret-proof.

Ferrets are also known for their exploratory and gathering skills. Like little detectives they scurring around seemlingly in search of something. If there's a hole in the wall, a ferret will definitely have to check it out. The temptation is too great for a poor lil' ferret. He's got to know what's in that hole. And what happens to the items a ferret deems colllectable? Only a ferret knows for sure.

Lastly, like all pets, proper health care is needed in order to ensure a happy, healthy ferret. Ferrets do not smell, but it's only common sense to know that if you fail to clean an animal's cage, odors may linger. Besides, ferrets love to take baths, and are so small that it takes only a couple of minutes to fully groom a ferret. So remember, if you clean your ferret's cage and bath him once in a while, your ferret will smell like peaches.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=121007&ca=Pets

The Best Definition Of A Typical Cat By Michael Haydon

How many times have you heard that the typical cat is a predator? More times than you can imagine. But when you are trying to come up with the definition of a typical cat surely it is better to study the overall habits of a cat and come up with the best summary. For starters, what does a cat do during a typical day? Here is my list of the things that acts do:

•They purr.

•They sleep.

•They chase moving objects.

•They eat.

•They sleep some more.

I think the most common activities are sleeping and purring. From kittens to senior cats, purring is the earliest most easily distinguishable hallmark of all cats.

All Cats Purr

Whilst purring is common to all cats, it is not always indicative of its being happy. Sometimes, cats purr when they are distressed or sick. Some scientists believe that cats use purring as a mechanism to calm itself down in much the same way humans do during meditation. When they purr they produce similar brainwaves to the human ‘alpha wave’ patterns, which induce a feeling of inner calm. There have been recent suggestions that having a purring act on your lap will have a calming effect on you as well. In other words, the benefits of purring can be transferred. Many nursing homes for the elderly are keeping cats as pets for their residents with beneficial effects being noted.

Cats can sleep for up to sixteen hours a day as well as taking catnaps of ten or fifteen minutes at a time during periods of activity. Many cats also love catnip plant and will munch at it and roll around in it and, to all appearances, appear to be addicted to it. Any change in behavior should be carefully observed and may require a visit to the vet if you become concerned.

Your cat might seem to be an unusually good climber. This is typical of al cats. It is here that the similarity to a predator role is seen most clearly. From a high vantage point, the cat can observe the movement and presence of possible prey. They do this from a position of safety as they have excellent all round vision and can stay out of the way of danger. I think the best way to think of a cat is not so much as a predator, but an independent animal keeping up its hunting skills so they will always be prepared for the possibility that they may be abandoned by their owners. They maintain their independence and their predator behavior is nothing more than this.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=119503&ca=Pets