Protection Dog Training Videos Aren't Always a Good Idea

There's nothing intrinsically wrong about a protection dog training video. However, these training techniques aren't for amateurs. If you don't know what you're doing, you're more than likely to turn your dog into a ferocious beast.

Guard dogs and police dogs can be trained to attack only certain people as commanded. However, this is due to concentrated, focused training that they undergo each day by a professional trainer. If you try to undertake this task yourself, your pet is likely to get less than optimal training.

An aggressive pet dog is a hazard to you, other people and the dog itself. Violent behavior is one of the major causes of dog abandonment by pet owners numbering in the millions annually. It is true that some animal shelters find out that some of these abandoned dogs don't really have a problem with aggression. However, many of them do, and the problem frequently stems from an inexperienced owner trying to follow the program on a protection dog training video.

Countless numbers of unwanted pets are put to sleep because they don't have a home. This is in spite of the upsurge in no-kill shelters. Most often the dogs that undergo immediate euthanasia are either very sick or very violent. They don't even have a chance to be adopted. This is what happens when you train your dog using the techniques in protection dog training videos, but don't know what you're doing. It's almost certain that if your dog escapes, it will be put down right away.

Don’t depend on your dog do be a weapon for your protection. In spite of the declarations of some of these dog training videos, dogs aren't cut out to be your personal bodyguard. Your dog won't be much of an impediment to a criminal who plans to rob or harm you. You might undergo the traumatic experience of seeing your dog killed right in front of you, and you'll still get mugged or injured. A dog is no match for a gun. This is something you probably won't see in any protection dog training video.

In dog hierarchy, attacking intruders is the job of the pack leader. The other dogs in the pack protect the vulnerable members and finish up the job. If you train your pet to be the attacker, you will forfeit your position as the pack leader. You won't be in charge, and your dog will have no cause to follow your commands.

Consider Getting an Adult Dog Instead of a Puppy

If you're looking to add a canine member to your family, you might want to think about getting a full grown dog rather than a puppy. There are clear advantages to getting an adult dog. Let’s take a look at some of them.

* Adopting an adult dog from an animal shelter means you can be certain they have been spayed or neutered, and are likely to be in good health.

* They don't need as much time and attention as a puppy, and don't need to be taken outside as often.

* Most adult dogs have some sort of training, making it easier for them to adapt to a new environment. They will also understand many commands.

* There's not much concern about an adult dog wreaking havoc in your house. You can leave the dog alone, especially if you work outside the home.

* Most adult dogs will adapt well to a new schedule.

* Depending on the breed, an adult dog may be more suitable if you have children in the house.

* An adult dog will bond more quickly with its owner.

* One of the greatest benefits of getting an adult dog is that they have an established personality, so you can find one that suits your style.

There are more adult dogs without homes than ever these days. Therefore, adopting one from a shelter means saving a life. Although first time pet owners might long for a puppy, they're harder to come by than adult dogs.

Think about it from a dog’s perspective. Maybe they were neglected by their previous owners, or they were no longer able to take care of them, and so they ended up in a shelter. These living quarters aren't usually ideal, and can cause a dog to experience emotional distress and depression.

If you’ve ever visited a shelter, you probably noticed that some dogs become excited when you pass by their cage, reaching out with their paws and pressing their noses to the cage. Others might simply sit in a corner and look up with sad eyes. Both of these dogs are longing for someone to take them home and care for them.

The rewards in adopting an adult dog are immense. The advantages to you are considerable, but the real benefit is that you are providing a living creature with a safe and loving home.

Tips for Grooming Your Cat

Cats are known to be self reliant when it comes to their grooming needs. But sometimes you still have to give them a hand in order to maintain peak cleanliness and health. You can help to maintain your cat’s good looks by keeping her hair clean and neat. Frequent trimming, brushing and combing of your cat's hair are the ways to achieve this.

Proper cat grooming helps to ensure that your pet remains free from ticks and fleas. This is also a good opportunity to check for any skin irregularities, injuries or bald patches. Here are some simple grooming tips that will help your cat look her best at all times.

To get the best results from your cat grooming endeavors you'll need to buy some cat grooming tools. Some of the items you're looking at are a brush, comb, scissors and grooming glove, all of which should be made specifically for this purpose.

Choose a brush with many small pinheads for grooming your cat's hair. It should also have a small head to ensure easier brushing. It's important that you brush your cat in the same direction as her hair grows. If you don't, you may end up with a very angry kitty.

Bathing your cat is another important aspect of good grooming. To make the job easier, bathe her while in a carrier and use a towel to keep her as calm as possible. Choose a shampoo formulated for cats that will lather well. The shampoo should also be effective at relieving dryness and flaking on your cat's skin.

An important aspect of cat grooming involves ensuring that your cat’s hair doesn't become matted and tangled. If you own a long haired cat, you must trim it on a regular basis. This means using a good set of scissors and a comb that are specifically designed for cat grooming. Use caution so you don't prick or scratch the skin that lies at the base of your cat's coat.

The use of cat grooming gloves will help to reduce shedding. They also make brushing easier and gentler. Find a pair that can be easily laundered. You should also be able to use them to remove cat hair from your upholstery and carpet.

Pet grooming tools can actually be a source of pleasure for your cat if you use them properly. The right cat grooming tools can make the difference between a clean and healthy cat and one whose hair is knotted and mangy.

Is a Pet Bunny Right for Your Child?

A rabbit has been a traditional symbol of Easter. It is at this time that you readily see them almost anywhere. These cute, huggable bunnies are being sold at the road side, parking lots, and in those pet shops. Putting them on display and making them look interesting is never a problem for merchants. The soft fur, twitchy nose, and pretty eyes are definitely hard to miss. In fact, any child who would look at them could never resist the rabbits’ charm. Because of this kids will not cease from bugging their parents to buy one for them and parents will have difficulty saying no since they themselves are besotted. Rabbits are truly adorable and their endearing nature makes them a perfect pet for kids.

These furry, little animals could be found in most regions of the world. They are able to survive in almost any sort of habitat. The domesticated rabbits we commonly see these days are descendants of wild ones coming from Europe. However, they are originally from the lands near the Mediterranean Sea.

During the ancient times, Romans raise rabbits not as pets but as food. They are a favorite because they are a good source of meat. They were kept outdoors in pens for them to proliferate and increase in number. In those times, wars were waging anywhere and since they were favored, Roman warriors and colonizers took rabbits with them to various parts of Europe. It has been that way until the coming of the Middle Ages during which French monks tamed wild rabbits and that started their domestication. It was in the sixteenth century when people began developing different breeds and kinds of domestic rabbits. To this day, the existing number of rabbit breeds is approximately fifty.

What makes rabbits as interesting and exceptional as pets is that they remind people of the essence of kindness, patience, and gentleness. All these are wonderful values most parents want their children to imbibe. Having them as pets would bring a child closer to nature. Through them, kids would learn to take the time in appreciating even the most miniature things in life.

They may seem to be cumbersome animals but don’t be tricked by their charming appearance. Rabbits are much wiser that one think of them. Wild rabbits are being hunted by several numbers of predators which is mainly the reason why an evolution of traits occurred in order for them to survive. Even domestic rabbits possess this knack for survival. According to studies of animal behavior, rabbits in general have a 360 degree vision which allows them to see everything around them without even turning their heads. Sounds coming from various directions are picked up by the long ears that they have while the constantly wiggling nose are used in detecting and determining scents of both whom they see as enemies and friends.

Taking care of pet rabbits is quite easy and they are also trainable in the use of a litter box. Allow them some time to get used to the environment of your home and let them feel safe. After some time, they will have no qualms of playing with you. Be forewarned that they actually like to chew almost everything in sight. Be sure to keep those electrical wires from them. Feed them with carrots, apples, lettuce, and similar feeds.

For those who are fond of gardening, having rabbits around would come handy. Their droppings actually make a good fertilizer. This might be reason enough for you to consider them as the perfect pet for your kids.

Tips for Entertaining Your Cat

A bored cat can do a lot of damage. But how do you entertain a cat? First you start by spending time with your cat on a regular basis and see what amuses him.

Spending time isn’t the same as simply being in the same room - arriving home, getting on the computer and chatting on the phone. Your cat isn’t amused by watching you and may do some irritating things, like spin the paper off the toilet roll.

Or he might eat paper - perhaps your notes for tomorrow’s client proposal. Put away your work and clear a play space. Get down on the floor at your cat’s level as you interact with him.

Pick two small cat toys and bring out one at a time for your play session. Start with a small rolling toy or hold a toy fish on a pole and dangle it for your cat to swat. Does he keep playing until you stop or does he walk away on his own? If the toy doesn’t hold his interest, put it away and try another toy tomorrow.

Be careful to choose only toys suited for cats. Children’s toys are not pet toys, no matter how cute you think the idea is. So forget the wind-up mouse your kid got in a Happy Meal. Unless it’s made for a cat, there are small parts or mechanisms that could be harmful to your pet.

Look at pet shops online or in local pet stores for movable toys if your cat favors something to chase down and catch. That’s a natural hunting behavior for your cat, so make sure he has a way to act on his urge to conquer.

Once you know what type of toy your cat favors, look for two similar toys. Take a cue for the way parents alternate toys for children and rotate your cat’s toys after a few weeks. Keep the toys that you use for interactive play apart from toys that you leave for his solo play. That way the toys you enjoy together are special.

While you’re at work or out during the day, leave some interesting toys for your cat. You can even buy small plastic balls that can be refilled with dry cat food. Your cat can roll the ball then discover the food treat inside.

That also satisfies his hunting instinct and provides a snack. If your cat is happier when busy, be sure you provide enough stimulation for playtime and most of all, enough time with you - his favorite playmate.