How to Love Your Pets - Be a Great Pet Parent

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By Desula
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (5 Ratings)

In writing articles about hurricanes, chocolate, doggy recipes - usually I type in reminders such as:

Make arrangements for your pets
Chocolate is dangerous to dogs
Raisins are poisonous to dogs

In our home, we love our pets. They are a part of the family - and a substitute for children we do not have.

Like children, we set limits for our pups - we take care of them and try to teach them right from wrong (as far as they will comprehend.)

This article will help you love your pets and treat them safely and consistently.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Common Sense
Consistent behavior
Time
Money

Step 1

Who needs rules?

How to Love Your Pets - BASIC RULES

When you introduce your pets into your home, make sure you are clear on the rules.

If you do NOT want your cat on the counter, keep a consistent eye on the cat and counter. Make sure they do not jump up, if do, quickly push them off or spray with a bottle.

If you do NOT want your dogs on the couch, don't let them stay on the couch, and make sure they have a comfortable resting place.

Dogs can be taught simple rules - sit and stay at a young age. Don't let them come in the house and not begin teaching them the rules. It will only take a couple of weeks to learn bad habits and that will take much more time to correct.

Make sure your household is consistent in the rules - if every person except for one. Your pet will get "confused".

The rules are up to you to relay to your pets.

If you love your pets, you will teach them the RULES so you can all be happy.
Step 2

How to Love Your Pets - SOCIALIZE YOUR PETS

Dogs are social animals, cats can be (if they want to).

When a puppy is around 3 weeks old, it is ready to play, play, play and make friends. A kitten around 2 weeks old. This stage of free exploration lasts until they are 12 weeks old.

Dogs and cats who are not around other people or environments can display anti-social behavior and become aggressive or become anxious.

**Consider doggy day care for your dogs. Even old dogs. Many people worry that their dog will "freak out" or "hurt someone". Your local doggy day care provider should be informed of the tendencies of your dogs, and be equipped to handle that issue. Also, if they don't play well - they will have the capability to protect the other dogs. This will also be a benefit if you have to board your pets.

Would you isolate a child who didn't play well?

** Take your pets for a ride. Cats in a carrier - unless you can wrangle them easily and dogs, however is safe for you. Not only to the vet or groomer, but just a ride. This will give your pet security.

** Invite other people to pet your pets, especially when they are young and agreeable. We have allowed children to play with our dogs since we brought them home. While they are still animals, we feel safe allowing our dogs around babies to senior citizens.

If you love your pets, look for creative ways to help them learn about the world and other people and creatures in it. Help them get SOCIALIZED to whatever degree you (or they) can.
Step 3

How to Love Your Pets - PROTECT YOUR PETS

** Make sure your pets are up to date on all vaccinations.
** Make sure your pets have ID tags and collars, micro chipping is expensive, but can be money well spent if an animal is missing.
** Make sure your home is safe for animals. Are there any pretty, dangling cords? Avoid having some plants as they are tempting and dangerous for our four legged friends. Pets cannot eat everything people eat. Check on the internet if you are unsure.
** Feed your pets the proper amount of food, and keep water out for them.
** Consider fencing, invisible fencing, or leashing dogs when they go out. For their protection.
** Give them a bath, or have them groomed regularly.
** Make an emergency family plan, INCLUDE YOUR PETS!!!
** If you have to leave your home in an emergency or unexpected hospital visit, have a trusted neighbor, family member, or friend who you can call (and that has a house key) and will take care of your pet(s).
** We keep our pups in a kennel during the day, for their safety.
** Keep an up to date photo of your pet in case they do get lost.
** Take your pets for their yearly checkups. Average cost is $150 per animal.
** Don't skimp on their food.

If you love your pets, you will PROTECT them.
Step 4

What?

How to Love Your Pets - BE IN CHARGE

** Do not be afraid to discipline, but do not be feared.
** Do be safe, you do not want your pet to be afraid to come to you. So, if your pup jumps happily for your attention at the end of a busy work day, say, "No jump" or "Sit" and turn around until they calm down.
** Do be consistent and praise good behavior.
** Do teach an old dog new tricks, keep that dog has brains, they'll get less bored if you challenge them.
** Do snuggle those pets of yours

If you love your pets, you will BE IN CHARGE. A guardian, protector, surrogate parent, lifelong companion - always be a FRIEND to your pet, and cherish the memories you and your four legged friends create.

Comments

mrsmac said

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on 10/13/2009 great article wonderful advice

tomandjami said

on 8/3/2009 Again Love it, we have 4 dogs so I agree everyone should love their animals like they are family because like babies and small children they are innocent and can't tell you when they need things so you must be their "pack leader" as our trainer calls it. Thanks for your responsiblity. Good job another 5 star performance (i love your articles)