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Training Your Cat to Walk With a Leash
By CS Swarens
One advantage that dog owners have long had over cat owners is the ability to take their pets out for a walk on a leash. If you envy those dog owners and you would like to take your precious kitty for a walk outside, just follow these simple steps to train your cat to use a leash.
Choosing the Right Leash
The first step toward training your cat to use a leash is to choose the right type of leash. While dogs may be satisfied with using a collared leash, the same is not true with cats. In fact, cats will often slip right out of a collar. Therefore, it is better to obtain a harness that fits around the cat's chest instead. Another option is a walking jacket, which is very difficult for a cat to get out of and can be quite comfortable for your pet.
Getting Your Cat Used to the Harness
Before you even attempt to put the harness on your cat, simply place it where your pet likes to take naps and let it stay there for a few days. That way, your cat can get used to its smell and appearance.
Once your cat has been sufficiently exposed to the harness and leash, put it on him right before mealtime. Make sure there is enough room for you to place two fingers between the harness and your pet's skin. Once the harness is in place, feed your pet its favorite meal and give it plenty of praise. Allow your pet to wear the harness for a little while and try to make him as comfortable as possible. If he seems to be bothered by the harness, try to distract him by encouraging him to play with his favorite toy.
After your cat seems to be comfortable with the harness, take it off. Repeat this process or several days and leave the harness on for a little longer each time.
Introducing the Leash
Now that your cat is comfortable with the harness, go ahead and attach the leash. Don't try to lead your kitty at this point. Rather, allow him to walk around the house with the leash attached. Be sure to keep a close eye on your feline friend so you can make certain he doesn't get the leash tangled up. Repeat this process for several days.
After your cat has had the opportunity to explore on his own with the leash in tow, go ahead and pick up your end of the leash. Don't try to move your cat in any direction. Rather, continue to allow him to lead the way and keep the tension slack. Repeat this step for several days before you start encouraging your cat to follow you.
When encouraging your cat to follow you, you should simply talk to him and lightly pull on the leash. Be sure you aren't fighting your cat. Rather, try to make the training process as pleasurable as possible.
Once your cat seems comfortable with this process, you can move it outdoors. Keep your outdoor excursions short at first and gradually increase the time you spend outdoors and the places you visit. Before you know it, you will be enjoying long outdoor walks with your feline companion.
CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065
For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's pet resource including pet classifieds at http://www.findapetonline.com
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CS_Swarens
Siberian Husky - Expect the Best
By Andrew A Preston
Siberian Huskies are active and outgoing and they can play an important role in their new life amongst humans. Their most prized asset is without a doubt their temperament that is gregarious when amongst other dogs and friendly towards humans. The Siberian Husky also sheds quite a bit which means that he will require brushing regularly, and there should also be enough space for him in the home if you want to keep this active creature happy.
As far as Siberian Husky training goes, the first thing that its owner needs to do is to let the Husky know that he is the boss and also the alpha dog and his pack leader. Furthermore, before embarking on Siberian Husky obedience training, you need to understand that the best way to teach your Siberian Husky new tricks would be by imparting the training in a way that he can easily understand, because as a puppy, he won't know what human behavior is all about.
Furthermore, proper Siberian Husky obedience training implies that you use the same command for each different type of behavior that you are teaching him. Also supplement the teaching with food rewards and praise whenever he does something right because that will help reinforce the learning. After that, once your Husky is able to connect with what you are telling him, he will then find motivation and try to repeat the desired behavior every time he hears the key commands.
Remember also that the Siberian Husky, just like other dogs, can only be taught in the present tense, and it is thus necessary, when imparting Siberian Husky training to catch him while he is doing something wrong or right and then discipline or reward him as the case may be. In fact, after more than five seconds of having done something, he won't be able to connect with what he has just done. Which means that consistency and timing are vital to proper Siberian Husky obedience training.
You can only be assured of success in your Siberian Husky training endeavors, and more particularly Siberian Husky obedience training when you teach your dog just simple commands that should not be longer than a single word and to also give the command just once. Also try to avoid correcting your Husky well after he has committed a mistake or done something wrong, because he will not know what you are trying to teach him.
Also, you should not ask him to come to you and then try and correct his mistakes because it will make him confused as to what you are trying to get across. Furthermore, striking your Husky is a strict no-no in Siberian Husky training since it will only create fear and confusion in the mind of the Husky, which is most undesirable.
Another aspect of good Siberian Husky obedience training is to lavish praise when your Husky does a good thing and to also use your best doggie voice when praising him. Also, don't be fooled by the powerful and imposing appearance of your Husky, because he is a soft creature underneath and so does not merit using harsh obedience training methods, mostly because he won't respond to such methods. However, you need to start him off with Siberian Husky training while he is still in kindergarten and then consistently train him so that he does not show stubbornness, aggressiveness or other undesirable traits.
The extreme fondness and love that the Andrew Preston has for different dog breeds has led to considerable success in owning and breeding and also rearing various such dogs. Given the fun loving nature of the Siberian Husky, you can be sure of getting a lot of pleasure from Siberian Husky training and it can become even more fun for you if you also try new methods that some dog training books will show you . If you need information regarding proper Siberian Husky obedience training, then many dog training books contain what you are looking for.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_A_Preston
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