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by Rachel Baum - TimesUnion.com
Of all the distractions inherent in driving a car – phone calls, text messages, road rage, bicyclists, the burrito on your lap, smudged mascara, screaming children - there is your dog.
She is not a happy camper.
Its not really an issue when the car is in motion. But should you need to stop, say, at an intersection, or slow down, as in turning left, let the yipping, huffing, and ear-piercing barking begin.
This particular dog is a Havanese named Miss Eliza. Every time Miss E is in the car and the brakes are applied, she mistakes that sensory experience as an indication of a potential stop. Stopping to her implies a brisk walk, a bit of social networking, and a tasty biscuit. So as the car slows, as it inevitably must, she has frequent opportunities to get all worked up in anticipation of this imaginary interlude. Her anxiety/excitement builds until she is frantically howling and pacing from window to window. This, at a mere traffic light. Understandably, Miss E’s behavior makes city driving a tad nerve-racking.
Shane, a Beagle mix, is a different story. He is a perfect gentleman in the car, that is, until he spies another dog, one that has dared to appear in his line of vision.
Never mind that Shane and his owner are whizzing past in their Honda Fit, and the dog is in its own damn yard. Shane is incensed. He continues to seethe and snort long after said fiendish dog is a mere blip on Shane’s radar screen. Often Shane’s owner drives out of his way to avoid known dog sightings.
Then there is Guiness, a Golden Retriever, who lolls in the car during the ride, yawns through stoplights, and snores past other dogs. Guiness’ owner, however must not, under any condition, get OUT of the car.
If Guiness is left in the car alone for even a second, he becomes frantic. His cries are so piteous and heartfelt that bystanders stomp resolutely into the Stewart’s shop to inform Guiness’ owner that they are about to call the police and have a warrant issued on the charge of animal cruelty.
When Guiness spies his owner coming through the door of the store, the noise miraculously and instanteously ceases, his tail wags, and he wears his ”Who, me?” expression.
What to do?
Teach your dog that the manners you expect in the house apply in the car, too.
1. Pick a warm day - the January thaw for example – and take your Academy Award hopeful out to the car. Hop in, sit for a while, serve a wholesome treat or two, provide honest praise for a solid Sit and blissful Quiet. Go back inside the house.
2. Repeat as above, but this time, turn the car on, let it run for a bit, don’t go anywhere, then turn it off. Did that go well? If so, give a silent cheer and do it again just to test the waters.
3. Expand on the notion of Car Sit and Car Quiet with a brisk turn around the block. If all goes well, progress to Stewart’s. If your dog has issues with that - back to square one – the driveway.
4. Consider seating arrangements, too. Options include the floor of the back seat area, a portable crate, or a seatbelt/harness. Changing things up can sometimes change a bad backseat driver habit into a good one.
by Melissa Noble - YourTango.com
How his pet preference affects his personality
Psychologists, mothers and everyone in between have been making all sorts of crude assumptions for as long as we can remember about what makes for a dog or a cat person. Dog Training Techniques That Apply To Men
Cat people, the wisdom of yesteryear goes, are sleek, independent and elusive. Not too unlike their standoffish feline friends. On the flip side, dog people are sloppy and friendly... a cheerful golden retriever on two legs. And, lest we forget, there is the ever-present, tiresome "men are dogs and women are cats" theory. If we have to roll our eyes through one more well-meaning (but annoying) diatribe by a guy who claims that women remind him of cats, we'll have to draw the shades and spiral into a cat lady-type of isolation. Don't make that happen. Catfight: Kristin Cavallari Vs Audrina Patridge
As luck would have it, we ran across a study called the Gosling-Potter Internet Personality Project on CNN today that polled 4,500 participants and analyzed their personality traits in relation to their pets. The researchers looked at five traits: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism.
The results? More of what you've already heard, but they still may give you some inner intelligence into what secret quirks your latest dating prospect is hiding.
If he's a dog person, it's likely he's off the charts in terms of conscientiousness, agreeableness and extraversion. Sunny outlook? Probably. Will he call back in a timely manner? Absolutely. Wants to go snowboarding on a whim? Sure! Dog people scored significantly lower than cat people on openness, however. Openness, by these psychologists' standards, is a willingness to be less traditional and more experimental and creative, which certainly could do a body good in bed. Sex Does A Body Good
Along with openness, cat people scored high on neuroticism. Neat freak? Mood swings? A weekly appointment with a therapist? All of these are likely, but you don't have to let them be deal breakers. Hey, at least your cat-loving partner will talk to you about all of the aforementioned quirks. Try that with your tight-lipped, Frisbee-chasing dog lover...
As with astrology, one can easily get lost putting people in restrictive little boxes. But, as with astrology, don't say we didn't warn you if these test on the true side.
AssociatedContent.com
Pet owners hear plenty of advice about food you should never feed a dog. Most of us have been warned that you should never feed a dog onions or chocolate. Why are these unsafe foods for dogs? What other unhealthy foods are forbidden for dogs?
Humans have an endearing phrase that proposes that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. While the occasional treat may not be harmful to a human's health, dogs are well, another species. Even the smallest amounts of some forbidden foods can be fatal for dogs. Follow these ABCs and DEFGs to keep your dog safe and healthy.
A is for Always Keep Away: Avocadoes & Alcohol
Avocados and dishes such as guacamole are unhealthy for dogs. Avocados contain persin, which is harmless to non-allergic humans but toxic for dogs. A small amount of avocado will induce vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
Alcohol is very unsafe for dogs. It can cause not only intoxication but also coma or death. Dogs generally weigh a fraction of an adult human weight so it doesn't take a lot for dogs to get alcohol poisoning.
B is for Barricade These Unsafe Foods: Baby Foods, Baking Goods & Bones
Baby food seems harmless enough but baby food is not only nutritionally inadequate for dogs, but is dangerous because it commonly contains onion powder. Onions in any form are unsafe foods for dogs. They can destroy a dog's red blood cells and cause anemia. Symptoms of onion poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite and trouble breathing.
Baking goods including baking soda, baking powder and nutmeg are highly toxic foods for dogs.
Bones seem like a natural treat for dogs but bones can cause obstructions or lacerations in the digestive system as well as putting your pooch at risk for choking.
C is for Canines Can't Eat: Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine & Cat Food
For humans a box of chocolates may say I love you but chocolate is unloving and unsafe for dogs. The toxic ingredient, theobromine, is in all kinds of chocolates. Even a small amount of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea and excessive thirst in dogs. It can also lead to abnormal heart rhythm, seizures and even death. Just say no to cocoa for dogs.
Caffeine in high quantities can be fatal for dogs. Caffeine is in coffee, tea, soda and chocolate but can also be found in cold medicines and painkillers. Be careful of coffee grounds in the trash, compost pile or garden too. Caffeine poisoning in dogs can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors and even internal bleeding.
Cat food isn't fatal for dogs of course but cat food is usually too high in protein and fats, which puts cat food on the unhealthy foods for dogs list.
D is Don't Feed a Dog: Dairy Products and Drugs
Dairy products and milk are unsafe foods for dogs. Adult dogs and cats often don't have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase to break down the lactose in milk. Dairy products can cause severe diarrhea in dogs, which can leave them dehydrated.
Your prescription or over the counter drugs are dangerous for dogs. They are the number cause of poison cases in dogs. Pet proofing is just as important as baby proofing.
E is for Don't Ever Let Your Dogs Eat: Raw Eggs
It may seem helpful at the time to let your pooch clean up the raw egg that just dropped on the floor but raw eggs put canines at risk for bacterial infections.
F is for Faithfully Keeping Away from Dogs: Fat, Fish & some Fruits
The fat you trim for your meat may look like a nice treat for your dog but fat can cause pancreatitis in dogs.
Raw fish can contain a parasite that causes "fish disease" in dogs, which untreated can be fatal in less than two weeks. Signs of fish disease include vomiting, fever and enlarged lymph nodes. Avoid giving dogs raw fish or meats of any kind.
Some fruits are unsafe foods for dogs as well. The seeds of persimmons, peaches, and plums can cause inflammation and obstruction in dogs. Additionally, peach and plum pits contain cyanide that is poisonous for both dogs and humans. Grapes, as well as raisins, contain a toxin that can cause kidney damage in dogs.
Unfortunately dogs don't know what foods are unsafe and since they explore with their mouths, it is easy for dogs to ingest unsafe foods. To protect your dog, always keep the phone number to your vet, a nearby emergency clinic and Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) handy at home. Also keep these numbers in your car and wallet for when you're traveling or out with your dog.
Sources:
pets.webmd.com/dogs/slideshow-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat -
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1659&aid=1030
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Posted by: Pet Blogger SmallPetAdvice.com
Yorkie’s, by their nature are an awesome dog breed. They are full of energy, are smart, and quickly learn right from wrong. I am going to share with you three tips to help you training a yorkie.
Because your dog is full of energy, you need to be careful with how you interact with your dog. If your dog is a puppy, this can be especially difficult and frustrating. Please read this information carefully.
Tip #1: Positive rewards. Your dog simply wants to make you happy. Care must be taken to encourage positive actions. If you are an encourager to them, they will reward you with great behavior. Simple actions such as petting, and brushing their backs can do the trick. Dog treats also come in handy.
Tip#2: Stay focused. It is easy to have a lapse in your training. Yorkie’s thrive on constant companionship. During those moments together, stay focused on your task at hand, which is to help your dog be the best that it can be. We oftentimes become very consumed in our own on-goings, that we forget dogs need constant reinforcement of the positive actions we want them to take.
Tip#3: Terrier’s make great guard dogs. Encourage that aspect, but ensure they are not abusing their rights by helping them to make correct decisions as to when they should bark. Dog barking training is an absolute must.
Also, a couple more tips on: how to train a yorkshire terrier
Training a Yorkshire terrier, as with all dogs, takes persistence and a willingness from the owner to lead your dog in the right direction, and not get led by the dog.
This article is going to review 3 quick tips to make sure you are maintaining control of your dog training.
Tip#1: Maintain your position that you are the Alpha dog. This is fairly easy to do, being that your Yorkie is only a few pounds. They already have a sense of being inferior, but sometimes, their attitude is much larger than their physical being.
Tip#2: Do not overly praise the dog. I know this sounds contradictory to the praise your dog and love them theory, and to an extent, that is true. However, Yorkie’s have a tendency to wrap their owners around their little paws and manipulate them to “take it easy” on them, so to speak. Please, reward your dog, but know when to stop.
Tip#3: Make sure your family is all following the same dog training guidelines. If you do not have any, you better learn some. Otherwise, what typically happens is the dog is so confused over what is right or wrong, or how it should learn a patterned behavior that it doesn’t know exactly what you want it to do.
In summary, knowing your dog takes time. Proper training doesn’t normally happen overnight, but you can definitely do some things to quickly come up to speed. My first recommendation would be to not reinvent the wheel. Try to learn from somebody who has trained dogs before and get you up to speed quickly.
Find out vital things to know about the topic of house train dog – please make sure to study this site. The time has come when concise information is truly within your reach, use this opportunity.
SouthCoastToday.com
Does your cat have good manners?
If Tabby delights in jumping on the dinner table and stealing a morsel or two from the nearest plate, or finds great joy in shredding the furniture, it's time for some training.
Whether your cat is a young kitten or an older feline, noted author and pet columnist Amy Shojai says it's never too late to change negative behaviors.
Shojai, a certified animal behavior consultant, is the author of 23 best-selling books including "The First-Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats" and "Petiquette," which instructs owners how to train cats and dogs to become well behaved members of society and treasured family members.
The Texas-based writer and frequent television guest reveals that she grew up with dogs, but admits that she's learned a great deal about felines from Seren — short for serendipity — a stray Siamese-mix that she adopted 12 years ago.
During a recent telephone interview, Shojai offered some practical tips to solve common problems faced by many cat owners.
Using my own cat Mickey as an example, I asked about cats that like to sample from their owner's dinner plate.
"If you don't want him pestering, put him in another room," the respected consultant advises, adding that when a feline that has been sequestered in the bedroom or living room during mealtime starts to fuss, the worst thing an owner can do is to submit to the animal's pleas for attention and allow the creature to return to the kitchen. This reinforces negative behavior by sending the animal the message that by meowing incessantly, it will get its own way.
"You want to extinguish that behavior and present a better alternative," Shojai says. For example, she suggests covering the table with a knobbed plastic runner that the cat won't like, and creating a comfortable perch in another room where the feline can rest.
To avoid the problem of a hefty feline running off with a slice of turkey or some other delectable treat stolen from a dinner plate, cats should never be fed on the table, especially while humans are eating. Tidbits should always be offered in the cat's food dish.
When a feline bites or attempts to bite a human, for whatever reason, Shojai recommends that the victim take immediate action to teach the animal that this behavior is not acceptable.
"Squeal in a high-pitched voice and dump him off your lap," she suggests.
"Do a cat hiss," Shojai continues, adding that the feline perpetrator will eventually associate the human's negative reaction with its own poor behavior and stop the misdeeds.
The prolific author tells owners introducing a new feline into a multi-cat household to initially separate the animals and to be patient.
"Cats take a long time to accept each other," she says, recommending that the animals be kept apart for seven to 10 days.
"Keep the new cat in a room by himself and set up a proper introduction," she advises. Shojai says it's important to place the new pet's food and water dishes, as well a litter box if it's an indoor cat, in the isolated room, and to allow the resident cats to have full access to other parts of the home.
"Introduce the cats through a closed door," she urges. "Reduce the amount of stimulation; take away one of the senses, such as sight. This can be very helpful."
After a week or longer, owners should feed the cats at the same time on different sides of the closed door, then allow them to comingle under supervision.
"Hissing, in cat language, means 'back off,'" Shojai discloses. "Hissing is a perfectly acceptable cat communication."
She warns owners that when hisses turn into growls, a potential fight may develop and steps must be taken to prevent further negative behavior.
All cats love to scratch — it's instinctual — and felines with intact claws can sometimes get into trouble when the creatures shred upholstery, carpeting or a favorite garment.
"That's a normal cat behavior," she discloses, telling owners to purchase a scratching post or cat tree to prevent lots of headaches.
"With cats, it's location, location, location," Shojai emphasizes, suggesting that the best place to place a scratching post is right in front of the chair or near the spot on the carpet where the cat likes to scratch.
"Cats are not human," Shojai concludes. "Learn to think from their viewpoint."
Written by Barry Wolfe - Alameda Sun
Pet owners love their animals and want to do the best for them, sometimes to the point of babying them and anthropomorphizing human characteristics onto them. Most of this doting and pampering is harmless...
Pet owners love their animals and want to do the best for them, sometimes to the point of babying them and anthropomorphizing human characteristics onto them.
Most of this doting and pampering is harmless, like dressing them up for Halloween or including them in family portraits. The latter is fine, because they are a beloved part of the family. The kind of unhealthy pampering that concerns pet experts is feeding pets foods that are unhealthy, makes them fat, diabetic or ill with other chronic diseases that plague our pet population. A little over a year ago, I reviewed an important book here written by feline expert, Dr. Elizabeth Hodgkins, DVM, called "Your Cat."
In it, she outlined the research that she had done to help her diabetic cat. After extensive investigation into what non-domestic cats feed on, she found that they lived on high protein diets of strictly meat. They're carnivores from birth to old age. When she examined dry cat foods, she found that they were all formulated with a high percentage of corn and wheat. If you've been paying attention to recent obesity studies in humans, high-fructose corn syrup has found it's way into much of our foods and beverages, especially those aimed at children, because it's an inexpensive sweetener. Corn, in itself is not as bad as HFCS, but it is a high-glycemic grain, converting to sucrose when consumed, and, when allowed to be grazed on 24 hours a day in a food bowl, will cause obesity in both dogs and cats.
Many pet owners say their pets don't like canned food, but the fact is, they're addicted to the sweeter dry foods. It's like leaving potato chips or candy out for your family to eat all the time. It's junk food. Dry food is less expensive because it's produced with inexpensive grains and canned costs more because they are produced with more expensive protein sources. Good protein is expensive, one of the leading problems in poorer regions of the world, affordable protein. Dr. Hogkins has concluded in her research that cats fed an all meat diet, could live to be 20 to 30 years old. A high carbohydrate diet only leads to obesity, diabetes and renal failure after years of consumption.
One drawback to serving canned pet foods or cooking your own from scratch, is what to leave for your pet when you're gone all day or overnight. Wet food will get nasty if too much is left out, and dry food would be convenient for those instances. I recently discovered two dry foods that are high protein, contain no corn or wheat, plus have the added bonus of added probiotics.
For cats, I recommend all natural CORE by Wellness. It's turkey, chicken and fish proteins, salmon oil Omega 3, flaxseed and vegetable fiber. For dogs, try the brand called Chicken Soup For The Pet Lover's Soul. It has most of the same ingredients as CORE, including the probiotics, which I've always fed my pets. They have a similar cat formula, but it has more fruits, vegetables and odd things than I see as necessary for a cat's diet, so I'd stick with CORE.
These are the only two corn-free products that I know of. Lastly, whenever changing a pet's diet, do it gradually over several days, slowly adding the new in with the old, until the older food is eliminated and they can adjust. Both of these products can be purchased at pet food stores. So, check your dry food ingredients and make the switch. Your pet will thank you by living a longer and healthier life!
Barry Wolfe is the owner of Cat Daddy Pet Care.
By Daily Mail Reporter
Hollywood's pampered pooches are no strangers to being dressed up by their famous owners.
But in the case of Kelly Osbourne's new dog, she actually has a practical reason for her pet's latest fashion statement.
The reality TV star has bought a tiny doggy life jacket for her beloved pet Sid after he struggled to swim after falling in the swimming pool.
After buying him the XXS life jacket, Kelly posted a picture of the dog modelling it on her Twitter micro-blogging page.
She said: 'Luke and I just bought a fish and a life jacket for Sid for when he goes to my mum's house because he always tries to jump in the pool.
'The dog weighs 1lb. If he fell in the pool he would not be able to get out.'
Kelly was given the black Pomeranian for her 25th birthday in October by parents Ozzy and Sharon.
Over the last few months, Kelly has regularly been spotted carrying Sid and even brought him for her appearance on Larry King Live.
Last month, she also got Sid into the Christmas spirit by dressing him as a Santa dog.
When she first got Sid, Kelly admitted she had to keep him in a playpen because he was so small.
She said: 'If I want to put it on the floor, I have to put it in the playpen because the dog is that small.
'It’s the size of a one dollar bill! I’m so excited.'
As well as Sid, Kelly and her model fiancé Luke Worrall, 20, also have a Shiba Inu named Sandy.
Kelly recently returned to LA after holidaying in Hawaii over New Years.
She also enjoyed a pre-Christmas break in Miami with Luke and her Dancing With The Stars partner Louis Van Amstel.
Click on banner to visit Lucy's Dog House
By Joanne Clements - MonstersandCritics.com
Celebrity Big Brother contestant Heidi Fleiss is so fond of her pet parrots that she lets them play in her bed.
An incredible home video of the former Hollywood Madam shows her laughing and smiling at the exotic birds as they try to crawl under her sheets.
At one point, she even goes as far as to kiss one of her feathered friends on the beak.
“Three years ago, I got 20 exotic birds. They were from a lady who died – she was a former Madam,” she said. “I’ve never bonded to anything in my life, but I fell in love with these birds. I like them more than people.”
The home video of Fleiss, 44, and her birds was shown during American show Celebrity Rehab.
The former sex business owner completed a stint in the treatment centre in order to kick her crystal meth drug addiction.
Fleiss explained that the parrots were the closest thing to a relationship she could get.
“I don’t get high with anyone and you can’t be in a relationship because of my drug problem,” she said. “I’m so lonely. I’m such a lonely person because of my addiction.”
Fleiss, who lives in Death Valley, Nevada, has even threatened to quit Celebrity Big Brother because she misses her pets too much.
Fleiss, who once served 21 months in prison for tax evasion, told fellow housemates Nicola T and Lady Sovereign she was thinking of leaving because she missed the birds. “I have to see them tomorrow,” she said just five days after entering the Celebrity Big Brother house. “I can’t do it any more.”
By Bella Thomas - Insight-Rabbit.blogspot.com
When purchasing a outdoor rabbit hutch, here are some tips to take into consideration:
1. One thing that will help you make your decision about buying a hutch or a rabbit cage is by surfing the internet. You can get a pretty good idea about what is best for you and your bunny. You will be able to find outdoor rabbit hutch prices and find the one you need.
2. When buying your outdoor rabbit hutch you need to make sure it has a wire mesh floor. This will make it easier for cleaning. You also need to check and see if the hutch has a solid floor, this will give your rabbit a good place to sleep.
3. A outdoor rabbit hutch will provide a lot of room for your pet while making it easier on you to take care of it. Your hutch should be at least 4 times bigger than your bunny rabbit. Also you need to make sure that the rabbit hutch comes withe the basics like a feeder and a water bottle. Also an outdoor rabbit hutch should have plenty of room for your bunny rabbit to hop around.
4. An important part of buying a outdoor rabbit hutch the size of the cage. It is recommended by experts that you purchase the largest hutch you can afford. For smaller breeds of rabbit, bunnies that weigh 8 lbs the cage should be at least 24 inches by 36 inches.
5. Also it is good to find a outdoor rabbit hutch with two levels. You can add a rabbit run to the lower level so your rabbit will have room to run.
6. It is a lot better for your rabbit to live in a hutch than inside your home. There are a lot of different sizes to choose from and your rabbit will love you for it and so will your spouse.
7. One thing that you can do to your outdoor hutch is to put wheels on it so you can move it around easily. Another idea is to buy a rabbit hutch that is high off the ground so you can put storage supplies underneath it.
8. Your hutch should have a tray that is easy to remove for their droppings. Be sure that the hole to your rabbits sleeping area is large enough for your rabbit. You also want to purchase a hutch with a covered top to protect your animal from wind and rain.
9. It is really important to keep your outdoor hutch off the ground so wild predators won't get to your rabbit. Having it raised gives you access to the hutch without bending over thus making it easier for feeding and cleaning.
10. Security is also very important. Rabbits are prey for predators, whose survival depends on their natural born instincts to run from predators. The fear and anxiety can be so strong that they can die from the stress of the ordeal.
When it comes to the health and happiness of your pet rabbit, choosing a quality living environment is very important. When deciding on a Outdoor Rabbit Hutch, the quality of the dwelling will determine how it will work out for your furry little friend.
http://outdoorrabbithutches.blogspot.com/
Bella Thomas has been involved with animals in one way or another since she was a little girl. She knows a lot about rabbits, dogs, cats, birds, fish, and reptiles. She lives in Sunny Pensacola, Florida with 2 dogs, a horse, 3 rabbits, and 1 cat.
ArticlesBase.com
The question is often asked - can ferrets really be pets? The short answer is - yes -just the same as owning a cat or a dog. Of course you'll need to give a pet ferret the same kind of attention that you would to any pet. And, with the correct diet and proper care, your pet ferret should be part of your family for a long time to come.
Frequently ferrets can be referred to as "unusual" or "exotic" pets. That's because most people like to own the more traditional type of pets like cats, dogs, birds, fish or hamsters. Also, you might not know this, but in some places it's actually illegal to own a pet ferret.
Laws against having pet ferrets usually stem from safety concerns. Ferrets do have very sharp teeth and, even if they are domesticated, they can bite if they are provoked. You will need to keep this in mind if you have small children in your family. You might want to wait until your children are older before you get a ferret, or, at the very least, make sure they are never left unattended with a pet ferret.
You'll need to treat a ferret bite seriously. Because, just like dogs, they can carry rabies. Because of this possibility, you need to be absolutely sure to have your pet vaccinated against rabies. Neutering, which is always a good idea, may help to reduce any aggressive behavior.
Any ferret is going to want to explore when they are outside of their cage. If you don't want your house getting messed up, or have your ferret getting into places he shouldn't, then you need to ferret-proof your home. This means doing things like sealing off small spaces, protecting any electrical wires and securing any air ducts or dryer vents.
Ferret Tips
Here are a few ferret tips that you should know:
1. They will sleep 18 hours or more everyday. But, when they're awake, that's the time to feed them and play with them.
2. They need to get out of their cage at least twice a day, so give them a secure area to roam and play in.
3. Ferrets like to take naps in the most unusual places. If you've given them the run of the house, and you don't want to squish them, look under any cushions before you sit down!
4. Male ferrets (hobs) are heavier and grow much longer than female ferrets (jills).
5. Ferrets can live, on average, for about 7 to 10 years and with proper care, may even live as long as 12 years.
6. Ferrets have relatively poor eyesight but they make up for that with a heightened senses of hearing and smell.
7. Much like a cat or a dog, ferrets can be trained to do tricks and follow simple commands. Rewarding good behavior with praise and treats is the best way to train your ferret.
8. Ferrets are usually pretty quiet. They don't bark like dogs do. So, you won't need to worry about any noisy behavior annoying your household or your neighbors.
You can find pet ferrets at pet stores, breeders or animal shelters. However, before you commit to owning a ferret, be sure you're ready for the commitment and responsibility.
The-Parenting-Magazine.com
What happens when most women see a mouse in their home? They climb up on a chair and scream. At least that’s what most cartoons would have you believe. It might surprise you that many people choose a pet rodent when they decide it’s time to get pets for kids.
There are a number of rodents which are kept as pets: gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, and rats. Pet stores are a great place to find these pets but you may also find individuals who have them to sell or give away. Here is some information on each type that may help you decide which rodent to have as a pet:
* Gerbils are about 4 inches long and can live as long as 5 years; 2-3 years is the most common. They have a furry tail, are active, and do better in groups rather than being kept alone. It is best to get gerbils while they are young so they get used to being handled. They need a cage about 12×24x12 so they have plenty of room to run and play.
* Hamsters generally live 2-3 years and can range in size depending upon the species. Golden and Dwarf hamsters are the most common. They need a 12×24x12 cage. How social they are depends upon how much they are handled as young. Dwarf hamsters are more social with their own kind than the Golden hamsters.
* Guinea pigs may or may not be rodents depending upon who you listen to. They’re larger than most pet rodents, weighing as much as 2-3 pounds. They live between 5-7 years but some have been reported to live as long as 10 years. They rarely bite and prefer to be kept with others of their kind. Because of their larger size they will need a cage about 4 feet square or larger.
* Mice are very easy to keep but they are also known to be escape artists. They live 1-3 years and are generally about 3 inches long. They can live in a cage 12×18x12. If you end up with a breeding pair, you could very easily be overrun with little pinkies. They can be tame if handled often, but may not be the best choice for families with small children.
* Rats are larger than their mouse cousins, coming in at nearly 8 inches. They live 2-4 years and prefer to live in pairs of the same sex. As with mice, a breeding pair can soon have many babies. They require a cage about 24×36 inches which is very tall. They can be tamed and rarely bite.
As a general rule, rodents need a large enough cage they can’t escape from, bedding to nest in, safe chewing material, food, and water. It is also important to provide some type of exercise wheel for smaller varieties of rodents.
Don’t expect your children, especially younger children, to completely care for pet rodents. They’ll likely forget to take care of them so it’s best if you resign yourself to that before you bring the pet home. You’ll also want to have a veterinarian check out a pet rodent within two days of purchasing it. They will be able to verify the animal’s health and ensure you know how to care for it properly.
