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Knowing how to care for and train your pet is essential for a happy relationship! Although we want people to think of their pets as part of their family and treat them as such, it's also important to understand that they aren't just "little people", but part of another species. Dogs, cats and other critters have their own physical and medical needs, in addition to behaviors and instincts. To keep our pets healthy and happy, we must learn what their needs are and provide proper care for them. A good diet, regular veterinary visits, and opportunities for exercise and play are essential. But how do our pets become good companions and a joy to live with? That's up to us! Pet owners need to learn to effectively communicate with their pets and take the time to train them. A well-trained and socialized pet makes sharing your home a lot easier and a lot more fun. Millions of pets are taken to shelters or abandoned every year, with undesirable behavior being one of the leading causes. However, this is not a "dog problem" or a "cat problem"-- but a "people problem". It's our responsibility to first understand what is normal behavior for our pets. Dogs and cats do what is natural to them. Dogs like to chew, cats like to use their claws. Our job is to learn to communicate with our pets and teach them acceptable and appropriate behavior. Chewing a toy is acceptable; chewing our shoes is not. Scratching a cat post is good; scratching the couch is not.
Basic obedience training and socialization Teaching your dog good manners and how to interact well with your family, friends and strangers will benefit both you and your dog. Studies have shown that people who have done basic training with their dogs are much less likely to give them up. Dogs want to please us and they seek our attention and praise. Taking the time to train your dog not only makes for a well-behaved dog, but helps to create a happy and lasting relationship.
Pet Care & Behavior Tips and Info There are many excellent web sites with in-depth information on choosing and caring for pets. We've compiled an outline of some very basic things to consider before you get a pet and tips to keeping them (and you!) happy and healthy. Following that is a list of web sites that we recommend as excellent resources on a wide variety of pet care and behavior topics.
1. Choose wisely • Do your research. Make sure you know what is involved in caring for a particular type of pet and breed. Dogs especially have a wide variety of temperaments, activity levels, health and grooming needs, etc., depending on their breed. • Choose a pet and breed that matches your lifestyle. Choosing a pet on its looks alone can lead to a poor match and result in the pet being given up. • Make sure you're ready for a pet. Do you have the time, money, living situation and level of commitment to give an animal a happy home? • Remember, cute little puppies and kittens eventually become dogs and cats. Pets can live for 15 years or more.
2. Treat 'em well • Provide a good diet and take them to the vet regularly • Get them spayed or neutered. Besides reducing overpopulation, there are also health and behavioral benefits. • Make sure they get enough exercise and playtime. • Be consistent with housetraining and obedience training. Reward them for good behavior. • Socialize them with others • Always keep current ID on your pet, including your phone number • Spend time with them!
3. Make a lifetime commitment • Our pets count on us to care for them for their entire lives. Don't let them down. Having a pet is a lot of fun and extremely rewarding but it's also a responsibility. It's no coincidence that shelters are filled with young adult dogs and cats, given up shortly after the cute puppy or kitten grows up. • Plan ahead. If you are moving, make sure you can take your pet with you. If you're planning to have kids, socialize your pet with children ahead of time. • Don't ignore behavioral problems. Small problems
can easily become big problems. Seek professional help from your vet,
a trainer, or an animal behaviorist.
Great Links! Dr. Wayne Hunthausen (Westwood Animal Hospital) Nationally known, respected and published animal behaviorist, Dr. Hunthausen, is right here in our city! His web site gives tips for behavior problems and he does behaviour consultations. ASPCA Virtual Pet Behaviorist Get pet-behavior advice from ASPCA experts 24 hours a day, right from your computer. Their animal behaviorists offers possible solutions to a wide range of issues at no charge. Simply type your pet's behavior problem into the easy-to-use database, and you'll receive step-by-step advice. Pets And Kids (PetsAndKids.co.uk) Lots of great info and articles focused on kids and pets. Topics include choosing an appropriate pet for kids, introducing kids and pets, handling and interacting with pets, training, responsibilities, safety, preventing aggression in pets, and much more. From the UK. Humane Society Silicon Valley Excellent in-depth resource for dog, cat, and rabbit behavior and care. Includes choosing a pet, housetraining, behavioral problems, socialization of pets, recommended reading and more. Denver Dumb Friends League Excellent in-depth information on selecting a pet, dog and cat behavior and care, pet care for small animals (ferrets, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rabbits, rats). Also has a Behavior Helpline and recommended reading list. Cats International Excellent in-depth information on cat care, behavior, choosing a cat, training, common behavioral problems including litterbox problems, and much more. You can call their Behavior Hotline or write to them about feline problems at no charge. (They are located in Milwaukee so there would be a long-distance charge.) Beaks n Wings and The Bird Whisperer Two web sites with information on bird health, care, taming, and training. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Information on choosing a pet, health care, nutrition, behavior, responsible pet ownership and much more. You can also download brochures on basic dog care, cat care, spaying and neutering, and hot and cold weather tips. The Humane Society of the United States Tips on choosing a pet, basic pet care, spay/neuter info and how to choose a dog trainer, pet sitter, boarding kennel. American Humane Association Information on adopting a pet, pet behavior, pet care, safety, pets & kids. American Animal Hospital Association Their Pet Care Library includes behavior, common health problems, human/animal bond, nutrition, pet care tips (including fish, reptiles and small critters), preventive care including how to choose a vet. American Veterinary Medical Association The AVMA's web site has an "animated journey" which includes the following categories: Selecting a Pet, Ready to Adopt, Living with your Pet, Pet Health, Goodbye Good Friend, About Veterinarians. Good information for adults and children. ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435). An emergency hotline providing 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week telephone assistance to veterinarians and animal owners. The Center's hotline veterinarians can quickly answer questions about toxic substances found in our everyday surroundings that can be dangerous to animals. There is a $45 consultation fee. Alley Cat Allies are the foremost experts on feral cats. Their web site gives in-depth information on implementing trap-neuter-return, maintaining a feral cat colony, health care, kitten care including hand-raising orphaned kittens, socializing feral kittens and cats, finding homes for formerly feral cats.
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