Saucy Pet

Archive for May, 2009

If you are new to keeping chickens, or you want to get more chickens, building your chicken coop yourself is an excellent way to make savings. Ready made chicken coops can cost several hundred pounds and building a chicken coop is easy if you have good plans.

It’s a great family project too. Depending on the ages of your children, they will be able to help building the chicken coop by doing something: fetching and organising the materials, telling you what to do next, assembling some of the pieces or even building the entire chicken coop.

You do need to establish what sort of design will suit you and your flock. If you only have, or are planning to get, a few hens, say around three, then a chicken ark could be a good solution.

Chicken arks can be static and the chickens let out each day, or you can move the ark and keep the chickens in. A chicken ark is a simple triangular shape with a nest box and roosting space at one end and a run at the other. Building a chicken ark is a simple project that would take a day.

For less than two days work you should be able to build the larger hen house – it is still easy. For five to seven hens this is ideal. You could even build both, so you have the chicken ark to move the hens around and to use if any of them are poorly.

More hens will need a larger chicken coop. A pitched roof design with external nest boxes would be perfect and you could site it within a run if you are not able to let your chickens free range.

To future-proof your investment, buy a set of plans that includes all three designs. Then you’re all set to really save money.

Caring for a rabbit is a lot different from traditional pets because they have a lot of special needs and requirements that other pets don’t have. So anyone who is thinking of getting a rabbit as a pet should learn proper rabbit care before making a decision. To get you started, here are some things you should learn:

Cage

As a rule of from, you need to make sure that the cage for your rabbit is a minimum of four times bigger than your rabbit. If you can make it bigger than do so, as bigger is always better especially if your rabbit is going to be spending a lot of time in the cage. The cage’s floor should be solid. Many people are still apt to use a rabbit cages that have wire floors in them as they are much easier to keep clean than solid floor type cages, but this can often lead to problems in sores on your rabbits feet. If the cage you have has a wire floor, cover it with sisal mats, grass or a piece of wood.

Diet

You need to make sure that you have a pretty much unlimited supply of grass hay for feed such as brome or timothy. This is a primary part of your rabbits diet, and it truly helps to keep your rabbit healthy by ensuring that it has a clean intestinal tract. You will also need to keep a supply of quality rabbit pellets on hand. You should feed younger rabbits (younger than six months) pellets that contain a minimum of 8% fiber and approximately 15 to 19% protein. As a third part of your rabbits diet, you’re going to need to feed it plenty of dark leafy green vegetables such as collard greens, carrots tops, lettuce, and turnip greens. At least 2 cups of leaves should be given for 6 pounds of rabbit. Give your rabbit a clean and fresh supply of water at all times.

Litter Box Training

Rabbits tend to litter in one portion of it’s cage. Once your pet makes up it’s mind, fill it with pelleted-newspaper litter or timothy hay. The litter box should be changed daily to keep the cage as clean and as odorless as possible.

Cleaning

Take the time to clean your rabbits cage a minimum of one time a week. When you are cleaning its cage you need to put your rabbit in a safe area. Make sure that you sweep the floor in the cage and remove anything that is solid waste. When you are scrubbing the cages for, use soap and warm water.

Handling Your Rabbit

Many rabbits are injured because they are not handled properly. Never pick up a rabbit by its ears. The way to pick up your rabbit safely, is to use one hand to give its front leg support and the other hand it to give its back legs support.

Rabbit Supply

The following items are a requirement if you want to own a rabbit: A cage or a hutch, litter for the litter box, a rabbit carrier or pet carrier, hay, a brush for grooming, rabbit pellets for food, chew toys that are safe, a box for digging, and any watering and food bowl which is preferably made out of ceramic.

This If you need to find a good place to buy these items, you can find them all at rabbit hutches for sale.

Boxers have a very long puppyhood and are most frequently called, the “Peter Pan” of the dog world. They are not considered fully mature until they are two to three years old. Therefore, Boxer puppy care is extremely important.  This is one of the longest puppyhoods in the dog kingdom. They need a lot of puppy training in their early months to keep their master from wearing out.  

Boxers are very friendly and make an exceptional family pet. They are very alert, intelligent and strong dogs. But these dogs need good socialization skills as puppies in order to tolerate other dogs later on in their lives. The boxer, by nature, is not an aggressive or vicious dog.  However, he can become over-protective and dominating, if socialization has not been developed in his young years. So, a major part of Boxer puppy care is socialization. Bringing another puppy or an older dog into his environment at an early age will help him socialize within the dog kingdom.

Dog Training

Since Boxers have such long puppy lives, it is very important in Boxer puppy care to bring training into their lives as soon as possible. After food, exercise and boundaries have been established, your puppy needs to start training.  The housebreaking of your Boxer puppy can be done very simply. Using the crate method is very successful with Boxers.

Actually, most housebreaking methods are successful with Boxers because of their intelligence. Your local pet store will have many books on the different ways to housebreak puppies. But your Boxer puppy care will become more successful if you use the ‘clicker’ method. It is proven that Boxers respond better to clickers than they do to voice commands.  Again, your pet store will help you in finding a good clicker training class or book.

Start very young with your Boxer dog training and the both of you will be much happier together. Learning all of the various commands at a young age can only be a winning combination. Boxers love to be obedient and they love to have respect from their owners. They are often used for service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs and police dogs in K9 units. The military use these dogs as messenger dogs, pack carriers, and attack and guard dogs.

After watching the versatility of these dogs in their later years, it is no wonder that Boxer puppy care is very important. The love and affection they give to their owners and their socialization with the world begins in their early puppy years. It seems obvious that Boxer puppy care, of the Peter Pan of dogs, is very important to our civilization.

Lab puppy care will make a significant difference in the life of a dog.  People usually get their dogs when they are little puppies so the training and care of this puppy can be important to the long life of the dog.  Lab puppy care should start from the choice of the breed.  Lab puppy care is quite easy compared to the care of these dogs grown to full size.  A Lab puppy is usually an adorable bundle of soft hair that eats a little bit from a bowl carefully placed on the kitchen floor.A full grown Lab can be a huge, monstrous dog that is filled with unbelievable energy.  Anyone looking for a new pet should check out the full grown animals.

Lab puppy care should start with choosing an expert breeder.  These people know how to produce great dogs, and they start training the dogs properly at a very young age.  This training could make a difference in the behavior of the dog from the very beginning until the dog ages gracefully.  Lab puppy care will be much easier if the breeder has done the proper dog training from the birth of the dog.  When the dog has grown completely, this proper training should make a huge difference when trying to control a huge, full-grown Lab.

Lab Puppy Care Includes Serious Training Methods And Proper Nutrition

Nothing is more important in Lab puppy care than proper healthcare.  Each puppy should have some shots before they are turned over to the new owner.  These shots should be followed up on a regular basis with periodic visits to a qualified veterinarian.  The proper shots from a doctor will help to avoid serious problems with each puppy.  Lab puppy care should include special attention to the eyes of the puppy.Labs are often susceptible to eye problems so this is very important. 

Lab puppy care includes a place for exercise because Labs are very frisky and energetic.  These puppies should be able to get enough exercise.A Lab puppy who gets some attention with a game of fetch will not get into other mischief.  Lab puppy care requires some basic puppy training including staying happily on a leash and sitting when commanded.  All the members of the family should take part in the training of the puppy or the puppy will respond to some members and not others.

When you decide to adopt a new puppy or purchase one from a breeder, you will probably go home with a puppy training sheet along with your dog. This paper will give you all of the essential information that you will need to care for your pup during the first few days that he is at home with you. It is even a good idea to locate one of these puppy care sheets prior to picking up your dog, so that you will be well equipped and prepared before your puppy sets one paw inside of his new environment. There are many resources where you can receive this information including veterinarian offices, breeders and kennels, and even from the Internet. Some of these puppy care sheets will be unique to the breed that you are getting, and others will simply offer good, basic information that is applicable to any type of dog.

What will you find on a Puppy Care Sheet?

These dog training sheets will provide plenty of information that you will find helpful as a new dog owner. For example, you will receive detailed instructions on how to feed your new pet, and the supplies that you should have on hand for feedings before your dog comes home with you. Keep in mind that no matter what food your puppy care sheet recommends, you are better off to wait to purchase food until you speak with the breeder about the dog food brand that your pup is currently eating. It is best to keep young dogs on the same food for as long as possible, and to switch their fare gradually if a change is indeed in order.

Another piece of vital information that you will probably find on your puppy care sheet is a schedule of necessary vaccinations. This is information that you should take with you to every visit to your dog trainer or veterinarian, so that you can keep track with your vet of the shots that your puppy has had and which ones are still to come. Your puppy care sheet may also provide information about having your dog spayed or neutered, and what to expect before and after the procedure.

Finally, your puppy care sheet will undoubtedly have advice and guidance on house breaking, since this is usually a major concern with new pet owners. Keep in mind that the more consistently that you follow the steps that will be outlined on your puppy care sheet for training, the quicker and easier the house breaking process will go for you and your puppy. If you have additional questions that are not answered on your puppy care sheet, you can contact your veterinarian or breeder for more information.

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are unique little dogs with a look that’s all their own. These little lap dogs with long fur tend make great pets, both outgoing and affectionate, craving plenty of attention from their owner. These dogs are fiercely territorial, but can still be good with other pets and with older children. Dog trainer who know how to care for a Yorkie puppy will find that they have a beautiful little pet that gives love and devotion. Learning the basics of how to care for and groom a Yorkie puppy will prove useful.

Long, Long Fur

One of the interesting features of these dogs is that instead of a fur coat, their coat is much closer to hair, constantly growing, which means they can develop long hair styles. Knowing how to do Yorkie puppy training and its hair will prevent you from having a dog with ugly tangles. Because the hair is constantly growing, this breed will need frequent trims to prevent its coat from getting too long.

For those who want a dog with a short coat or want an easy time of learning how to care for a Yorkie puppy and its fur, simply have the groomer clip the fur short. A short clip will prevent the fur from getting too long for a while. However, if you’re planning to show your Yorkie at dog shows or want to keep it long, frequent brushing and clipping will be necessary. And of course, one thing to remember in learning how to care for a Yorkie puppy is that the long fur on top of its head traditionally is tied with a bow, creating a topknot.

Strong Personalities

For such a little dog, Yorkies have very strong, willful personalities, and you should take this into account when learning how to care for a Yorkie puppy. Because they do have such strong personalities, these dogs will respond best to dog training with firmness. However, since they also love attention, this gives you an easy way to work with the dog, since attention and praise when they do respond to attention will be helpful.

On the other hand, since they hate to be ignored, the worst thing you can do when learning how to care for a Yorkie puppy is to ignore it. Dogs such as these will develop terrible personalities and more aggressive behavior if ignored, so take care to give your Yorkie plenty of attention. Those that do will find that they have a little dog that's great to have around.

Taking care of a new puppy can be quite a task. Not only must you ensure that your puppy is healthy, but you must teach it how to behave in your household. Luckily, you have natural help, since dogs already tend to be creatures that respond well to working out of habit. The way you can do this is to establish a regular schedule of puppy care and stick to it. The consistency will help you to train your pet faster.

Feeding

When you make your schedule of puppy training, regular feeding is important. Your puppy should be fed twice a day, once at breakfast and once at dinner time. By doing this, you establish a regular pattern of food so the dog doesn't beg for food at other times, and you also teach it to be eating its meal when you're having yours, preventing begging while at the dinner table. Keeping the dog elsewhere while you're having dinner also helps to train you not to give it scraps, which is a bad idea for your puppy.

Making water part of your schedule of puppy care is also important. Rather than simply leave a bowl out for your puppy, give it water at several set times in the day as well as after exercising your puppy. By regulating water as part of your schedule of puppy care, you will be better able to see patterns of when your new dog needs to use the bathroom, which will help in housebreaking.

Housebreaking Your Dog

Regulating water isn’t the only way that adherence to a schedule of dog training will help you to housebreak your dog. Each and every family member should learn when your puppy is to be taken out to use the bathroom and to what spot it should be taken to. By going at regular times and going to the same place, this schedule of puppy care will help teach your puppy to go when it is taken out and not to dawdle as much.

In your schedule of puppy care, keep play and walks for the bathroom separate. If you take the dog out so it can go to the bathroom and instead play with it, you will confuse it. Instead, wait until your puppy is done with its business before taking it inside and playing with it. This will help the puppy to separate bathroom activities from play, as well as give it a sort of positive reinforcement about housebreaking. By properly adhering to this schedule of puppy care, feeding times and bathroom times should go smoother much faster than without a schedule.

For those of you who are working on the best way to housebreak a puppy, barking can be tough. Whether you own a English Mastiff, a Sheepdog, or a Bischon, it can be challenging to get your dog to stop barking too much.  Different breeds are triggered by different things, from noises to movement.  Each breed seems to have its own nuisances for barking. Determining the reason your dog barks so much can be a key to learning to master out of control barking.

Some dog are just barkers.  It may seem like they live to bark.  Some people don’t mind a lot of dog barking, but it is annoying to many other people.  Try to remember that when dogs bark they are using vocal cues and signals to try to communicate with humans or other dogs.  Don’t try to stop your dog from barking completely, just try to narrow the barking down to when it is essential for their communication.  

If barking annoys you, don’t choose a dog breed that is known to bark a lot.  Because different dogs are bred for different reasons, some dogs are intended to bark more than others.  For example, dogs bred to be used as watch dogs or hunting dogs need to bark a lot.  Different dogs have different kinds of barks, from high pitched squeaking to low growls.  Learn about different breeds and their bard before you get a dog.  

Your dog may try to teach you to respond when she barks.  For example, she may drop a ball in your lap and expect you to jump up and come outside to play.  You can help control the barking by only getting up after she is quiet.  Train her to understand that you will not reward constant, unnecessary barking.  Consider this before you buy a citronella dog collar.  

When your dog starts to bark, give him a few seconds to get it out of his system.  If the barking persists clasp your hand firmly, but gently around your dog’s muzzle.  If the dog tries to escape your grasp and continue barking reach out with your other hand and hold her by the collar.  

Hopefully, you can figure out why your dog barks non-stop.  Sometimes, it is too difficult to figure out and you may need some outside help to stop annoying barking behavior.  A barking problem can be helped, with assistance I was able to stop my two dogs from barking at every little noise or movement.

A dog is a man’s best friend and the most faithful friend who keeps foes at bay. Current lifestyle patterns often affect pet dogs since proper care is not taken of them. Busy lifestyle and long working hours don’t allow you to take your dogs out for long walks on which it can eliminate. Since he needs to relieve himself at least three times a day, a dog litter box is a good option.

Do you desire something which will allow your dog use an indoor dog litter box?

Your quest is concluded as you are able to train your dog to eliminate in a dog litter box. They can be utilized inside as well as in a space like your balcony. Dogs of all sizes may be trained to use these systems which are convenient for you especially if you live in an apartment and there’s lack of time.

Potty training a dog using an Astroturf litter box is a workable option for dogs.Puppies as well as fully grown dogs can be trained to use litter in customised litter boxes. Potty training can be imparted to both pups as well as adult dogs.

A dog litter box is well-situated to use and keeps your dog’s feet clean. It is  a very easy process of training a dog or a pup to use litter boxes.

The Ugo dog litter boxes are made to hold a lot of weight and thereby making potty training really simple for your dog. They are trouble free and really easy to use. Dogs and even the small pups are quick learners so it will not take a long time to train your dog to use a litter box.

Purina has come up with a customized dog liter box especially to keep your dog clean from dog litter. Many brands are manufacturing dog potty systems to help your dog to potty train indoors. Dog potty systems are apt for urban families who do not have enough time but still are passionate about their pets. Dog litter boxes are easily useable and can be used for dog potty training.

There are few things in life that are cuter than a beagle puppy, with his floppy ears, inquisitive eyes and a tail that always seems to be in motion. Those cute pups can be quite a handful however, so it is important to arm yourself with information about proper beagle puppy training before you bring your new addition home. Fortunately, there are many great resources that can give you the basics of beagle puppy care, from your veterinarian to your local library, and even on the Internet.

Beagles originated somewhere around 200 AD, when they were bred in Great Britain for hunting small animals. They were brought over to the United States shortly after this nation was founded, and the first beagles to set paws in this country came from some of the finest hunting packs in England. These dogs come in a variety of shades and patterns, with black, tan and white being the most common color combination. However, you might also see beagles in shades of grey, red or even blue hues.

Beagle Puppy Care Basics

Beagles are natural born “chasers” so it is important as part of your beagle puppy care to have a fenced back yard that will keep your pup safely confined. When your dog is out of his yard, it is very important for him to be on a leash at all times so he does not take off on you. Beagles are social creatures by nature, so another part of your beagle puppy care will be to play with your pup frequently, and offer plenty of attention and affection. If you train your beagle pup right from the beginning, he will most likely become an excellent family dog that will get along with children and other dogs alike.

Beagles are fairly intelligent dogs, and will house train as easily as most other breeds. The key to successful dog training will mainly lie with you, and will require consistency and patience until your puppy gets the hang of knowing where to potty. Crate training is a good place to start with many dogs, since this tool will give your pup a secure place to sleep at night, as well as the opportunity for you to help him develop gradual bladder control.

Many veterinarians and breeders will recommend obedience classes as part of your beagle puppy care. These courses will teach you how to train your dog to be an obedient and acceptable member of your family. You can find obedience classes through your veterinarian, breeder or local pet store.