Taking the Anxiety Out of Separation
April 23, 2009
As social animals, it's normal for puppies to form attachments to their pet parent. Attachment implies a trusting relationship and is the foundation of a good, healthy bond between pet and Pet Parent. However, when a dog becomes overly dependent on its pet parent, problem behaviors may result.
Causes of separation anxiety in dogs include early separation from the mom, …Read more »
Controlling Unwanted Jumping
April 23, 2009
When dogs greet each other, they usually sniff muzzles; dogs that jump up on people to greet them wish to make contact with the person's face. Dogs may also jump up on people and grab their clothes or limbs in an effort to play. When teaching a dog not to jump, it's important to teach him an acceptable alternative behavior …Read more »
Saving Your Yard from a Digger
April 23, 2009
Dogs dig for a lot of reasons, some breeds are naturally inclined to dig, some dig because they're hot and like to lay in the cool dirt, others dig because they're bored. If you have a digging problem, here are some helpful ways to have your dog and a beautiful yard coexist.
Divide the Yard in Two
If you …Read more »
Introducing Your Puppy to Your Other Pets
April 23, 2009
Do you have another dog? A cat or two? If you do, this makes your new puppy's arrival very stressful. Remember that your puppy has just left its mother, its siblings, and its home, so it's already stressed out and scared.
Avoid a nasty confrontation between your pets and your puppy whenever possible. (You know how hard it is to …Read more »
Introducing Your New Kitten to Other Pets
April 23, 2009
Welcoming a new kitten or cat into your home is difficult if you have other Pets. To avoid a nasty confrontation between your Pets and your kitten, follow these steps.
Prepare a room for the kitten in a quiet area of your house. Put the kitten's food and water in the room, as well as its scratching post and litter …Read more »
Prevent Your Cat from Shredding the House to Pieces
April 23, 2009
All cats need to scratch to detach the outer shell on their nails so the new growth is exposed. If your cat doesn't scratch, the outer layer of its nails will continue to grow into its footpad, which is very painful. Cats also scratch to mark their territories and stretch their muscles and tendons. But, as some pet parents may …Read more »
Easy Does It - A Gentle Welcome
April 23, 2009
Kittens and cats adapt slowly to change, so the initial homecoming may be stressful for your new friend. It's best to bring your new kitty into your home when it's quiet and calm; then, gradually introduce her to family and friends. Follow these steps when bringing your cat home:
Prepare in advance a quiet room for her that includes food, …Read more »
Litter Box Lowdown
April 22, 2009
Cats and kittens are naturally very clean animals, and most kittens are litter box trained by around 12 weeks old. However, the stress of moving to a new home may cause kittens and adult cats to forget their littler box habits. Following are some hints to make sure they practice what they've learned.
Place the litter box in a quiet …Read more »
Get the Scoop on Litter Box Solutions
April 22, 2009
Whether you're a new cat owner or a seasoned cat owner in need of a new litter box, choosing the right litter box for Fluffy can be confusing. How big should it be? Should I buy one with a cover or not?
Here are some tips to help you think inside the litter box:
The Basics
Ensure you have the appropriate number of …Read more »
The Skinny on Scratching
April 22, 2009
It's just a fact of life that cats scratch - in fact, it's a very healthy behavior. It helps to keep the nails clean and helps your cat shed the nail sheath periodically. The tricky part is training her to use something other than furniture or door frames. The best choice is to offer a sturdy scratching post or other …Read more »
