Top Five DOs and DON’Ts of Crate Training

Crate Training Gone Wrong

Read my full Crate Training Guide on That Pet Place

Welcome back, Pet Blog Readers! I’ve missed you!

We’ve been spending a lot of time focused on crate training and how to crate train your dog recently. Why have we been so focused on it? Crate training, if that is the route you are planning to go, is a long process and you must have dedication and commitment and stick to the training in order for it to work properly. You don’t want your dog to dread the crate – you want them to love it and look forward to their alone time or a place for solace. The only way that will happen is if you follow our guide and only move at a pace that your dog is comfortable with.

To summarize and simplify our crate training series, I put together my list of the top 5 things you should do when you are crate training and the top 5 things to avoid while crate training. Good luck!

 

 

Top 5 “Dos” of Crate Training

  • DO exercise your pet before crating
  • DO place the crate in a quiet corner of a frequently used room
  • DO make their crate comfortable and inviting
  • DO provide appropriate toys and treats in the crate [only if your pup can be trusted with toys while unsupervised – use your judgement]
  • DO choose a crate that will be the appropriate size when your pup grows up

Top 5 “Don’ts” of Crate Training

  • DON’T use the crate for punishment
  • DON’T force your dog into the crate
  • DON’T leave dogs in the crate for a long periods of time
  • DON’T let children or adults tease your crated dog
  • DON’T rush the crate training process

If you’re looking for more information on how to crate train your dog, check out my full crate training guide on thatpetplace.com. You’ll find specific details on each step of the crate training process and some of the commonly encountered problems and how to deal with them.

If you’re just starting the crate training process be sure to leave us a comment and let us know if our guides have helped you. We’d also love to know what kinds of problems you’re running into while trying to crate train your dog. Leave us a comment and we will consult with our experts to try to come up with a solution to help.
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Dog Arthritis: Diagnosis & Treatment

Hi Pet Blog Readers,

Today we are joined by Animed, who has an informative post about dog arthritis.  A painful affliction that affects dogs young and old, arthritis can be a tedious and emotional problem to treat.  But as Animed describes, there are ways to help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and allow your dog to enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle.  If you have any questions, comments or personal experiences with dog arthritis that you would like to share, please let us know in the comments section below.  Thanks!

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If your dog has been limping and displaying restricted mobility, you may be concerned about the possibility of arthritis. Other symptoms of canine arthritis can include favoring particular limbs, expressing difficulty in getting into a standing position, joints that appear stiff and painful, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, a lack of interest in playtime and exercise and behavioral changes.

The chances of developing arthritis becomes more likely as your dog gets older (especially if they are also overweight) but younger dogs can also be affected by the condition after infection, injury or trauma to the joints. Inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia can also encourage arthritis. Here’s what to expect if you suspect that your dog may have developed arthritis.

 

Speak to Your Vet

 

If you’re worried that your dog may have developed arthritis, speak to your vet about any worrying signs. This will set the ball rolling on getting an official diagnosis and paves the way for putting together a treatment plan.

 

Diagnosing Your Dog’s Arthritis

 

A physical examination is likely to be conducted as the first part of diagnosing your dog. Depending on the outcome of this, X-rays may then be recommended to confirm an arthritis diagnosis. X-rays are particularly useful in diagnosing canine arthritis.

 

Living With Your Dog’s Arthritis

 

Generally speaking, canine arthritis is a degenerative condition. This means that it will usually get worse over time. Affected dogs can be in a lot of discomfort, which would have a big impact on their well-being as well as their physical health. This is difficult to deal with as a pet owner but there is some good news: treatment can help your dog to have an improved quality of life.

 

PG04401The first step is to find ways to manage arthritis pain. There are a number of options that can be tried to reduce your dog’s discomfort, including Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and non-prescription treatments containing glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids, which have also been shown to have some positive effects for arthritis. NSAIDs are commonly tried first, and can be combined later with over-the-counter supplements.

 

Your dog will also benefit from some health and lifestyle changes. A healthy, balanced diet is key, as is gentle exercise that will not put too much stress on your dog’s joints. While exercise will generally be uncomfortable, low impact options such swimming and walking will help your dog to maintain a healthy weight and will not add too much stress to the joints. Painful joints mean that weight gain is often a side effect of canine arthritis and this problem can make pain and discomfort worse by placing additional stress on the joints. If your dog is overweight, losing weight is strongly recommended.

Be Responsible – Pet Ownership & Pet Care Tips for Cats and Dogs

Hi Pet Blog Readers,

Today we have a post from guest blogger Mike Warner.  He takes a look at what it means to be a responsible pet owner and why our furry friends depend on us for love, companionship and proper care.  If you have any questions or comments, please let us know in the comments section below.  Thanks!

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Handling and dealing with pets is not an easy task as it might appear. Do you know how sensitive cats and dogs are when they are left unattended? It is absolutely not possible for you to render the care and attention to your four-legged friend 24*7, right? What should you do in such a situation? Have you thought about it?

How to offer high standard pet care?

Don’t let your canine friend suffer from anxiety, depression or behavioral changes. Work, business trips, and personal reasons often cause us to be away from home. It is during such occasions when you seriously require the advice of professional experts and you have to be extremely cautious and careful with the selection.

The market is full of such service providers claiming to provide the best performances. But in reality there are very few who can actually accomplish your desires and requirements. It is your responsibility to evaluate and inspect, only then investing money by hiring any one particular professional.

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Why is pet care so important?

Just because they are animals does not mean they are without emotions or feelings. They are, in fact, similar to human beings and many are considered as close as your own child or friend. Don’t you think he or she must get the best care and treatment regardless of any situation?

Moreover, it has been found that if these creatures are left alone on their own they show visible signs of depression, anxiety and some weird behavioral patterns. Therefore, it becomes mandatory that they are addressed with the best and optimal treatment. Let your canine companion enjoy and have a good time.

Don’t take pet care lightly

Being a responsible pet owner, you need to have the knowledge and the sincerity to take the complete responsibility of the animal in the best possible manner. It is advisable not to take things lightly but rather consider them seriously.

Therefore, before you take your new friend home, make sure you understand how you should treat him/her and the amount of love they require. Check these highlighting points:

  • Give proper housebreaking and crate training.
  • Make sure you visit the veterinarian so that shots and preventive vaccinations are given to your dog or cat.
  • Obedience training is one of the most important tips that must be followed by every pet owner.

These are some of the tips that you need to execute before you plan to bring your pet home.  Allow him or her to mix and adjust in the new environment with you and your family members.

How should you render the complete and proper tender?

  • He or she shouldn’t be handled roughly. Instead they should be given the complete attention in a very tender manner.
  • There should be a regular routine for the food time, play time and the sleeping time. Even these animals enjoy the daily maintenance of routine in life.
  • Proper and nutritional food must be provided to the animals.
  • Make sure the pet is not left unattended for long hours. If such a situation arises, hire a sitter or you can even leave them in a boarding care center.
  • Spend quality time with your four legged friend if you want to see him/her happy and healthy.
  • Try to render him/her comfort in every possible manner at optimal level.

Caring for pets is not as easy as it might appear. The animals like cats and dogs are extremely sensitive creatures and require extensive tending and attention. If you fail to do so, he or she might suffer from depression, anxiety and other behavioral changes and fall sick. Thus, it is very important that proper pet care and attention is rendered.

dogscats

Act responsibly with your pet dog or cat

Often you have to be away from your home for a variety of reasons. How do you handle and tender the canine in such a situation? Who will attend to them when you are away home? This is a serious issue because they cannot stay alone as they require constant care and attention.

Is there any solution to the problem? Don’t get distressed, rather give a big smile because there is an amazing solution and it lies with the pet sitters or the boarding care centers. Depending upon your tastes and preferences you can choose either of the one for proper guardianship of the animals in your absence.

You have to be a knowledgeable owner

Don’t forget that your new cat or dog relies or depends on you with all the necessities and requirements of life. This is a huge responsibility and you have to act in such a manner that you always render a happy, healthy and comfortable life to the canine friends.

It is important that you execute your research work and get in touch with other pet owners so that you can render some useful tips of handling such animals. With awareness and acting responsibly you can provide love and a happy home to your new companion.

Don’t let too many restrictions on your new companion

Animals like cats and dogs are similar to human beings in terms of emotional behavior. They too value freedom and enjoy spending their time moving around and playing. They are extremely energetic and enthusiastic and thereby it is advised not to restrict them to a small room or cage. Rather you should allow them complete freedom and independence.

Taking care of their diet is a part of the responsibility too

If you want to ensure that your friend is healthy and in the best of fitness, you have to ensure that he or she is given the proper diet that is full of nutrition values. There are certain kinds of items that are not advisable for pet animals like cats and dogs as they are dangerous and can be fatal too.

Author Bio:

This post has been contributed by Mike Warner. He loves to write about pet care. He recommends John’s Pampered Pooch for providing you the best dog and cat boarding services.

Top 3 Crate Training Questions, Answered

Continuing our series on crate training, this segment will answer some of the top questions we get when people are considering crate training their dogs or puppies. Our previous posts included why you should consider crate training and the three main steps for crate training your dog. Hopefully by now you know that crate trained dogs don’t view their crates as punishment, but as a refuge in a world that is constantly changing around them. You also know that crate training can be a slow process. That leads us to our first question:

How Long Will Crate Training Take?

The answer to this very common question is “It depends.” It depends on your dog’s age, temperament, personality, and any past experiences they may have had in a crate.

It is very important not to rush the process of crate training. Take your time and only proceed when your dog is comfortable with the last step in the training process. If you move too fast, your dog may become anxious or fearful of the crate. The purpose of your dog’s crate is to provide a safe, comfortable environment where your dog can retreat to if they are anxious, scared, or there is too much excitement in the house.

The crate should always be a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment, which is why you should never use the crate as a tool for punishing bad behavior. Make sure to provide plenty of treats, praise, fun toys, and love while you are crate training. Your dog will learn to enjoy time in the crate and will begin to use it on his own, without you asking him to go to his crate.

The second most common question we hear has to do with whining. Many puppies have this issue in particular and it can be heart wrenching to listen to. Lets talk about some steps to try if your dog is whining while they are inside their crate.

What do I do if my dog is whining?

You never want to let your dog out of the crate when they are whining. This only serves as a “reward” and they’ve now learned that whining will get them out of the crate. Consider first that your puppy may be whining because he needs to go to the bathroom. Calmly take him straight outside to do his business and return him to the crate without any stops along the way.
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3 Simple Steps to Crate Train Your Dog

3 easy steps for crate trainingCrate training your dog may seem like a daunting task. In our last post of this series we discussed the benefits associated with crate training. This time we’ll focus on simplifying the crate training process into three easy steps that anyone can follow. You, too can have a successfully crate trained dog who is happy to sleep in their crate and retreat there when life becomes hectic!

After you select your dog crate, the first step is to slowly introduce the new furniture to your dog.

Step 1: Introduce the crate

• Select your location and put a soft blanket or crate pad in the crate. Add a few favorite toys and chews. Please note: do not provide chews and toys if you dog is a heavy chewer or is not trusted with chews while unsupervised. Some dogs can destroy toys or chews and suffer from impactions or choke on the pieces.
• If your dog begins investigating the crate on his own, provide plenty of praise and treats for going near or in the crate on his own. You’ll want to stock up on training treats for this process!
• If he does not come to investigate on his own, sit by the crate and talk to him in soft, soothing tones. Call him over to you. Remember to give treats and praise each time he comes near the crate.
• Once he is comfortable being around the crate, begin to toss small treats just inside the door. Praise him each time he goes in to retrieve the treat.
• Eventually toss the treats farther back until he goes the whole way inside the crate. Lots of praise and love during this step. This is the part that may take the longest. Remember never to force him into the crate. You want him to choose to enter the crate on his own.

The key that many people disregard is that crate training does not happen overnight. Depending on your individual dog, this process could take weeks. You want to take it slow and only proceed once your dog is 100% comfortable with the previous step. If they begin to show reluctance or are clearly uncomfortable, slow your pace down and return to the previous step. Read More »

Why Should I Crate Train My Dog?

guideteaserCrate training can be a challenge for many pet parents. The first thing I often hear is that they feel bad leaving them in a crate while they are away instead of letting them have a place to roam and sleep on the couch. Crate training doesn’t have to be a negative thing, in fact, it should be your pet’s favorite place to be… that is if you’ve done your crate training the right way. This is the first of a series of posts about crate training, so lets start with the simplest question to answer: why should I crate train my puppy? P.S. if you can’t wait for the rest of the series of articles, I’ve written a comprehensive guide on crate training available on thatpetplace.com.

Does my dog need a crate?

Lets go back to a time before dogs evolved into, well, domesticated dogs. Wild dogs, foxes and wolves all have a den in the wild. They are all relatives and in the wild have many of the same behaviors. A den acts as a dog’s safe haven. It is a place to retreat to when they are frightened, feel threatened, where they go to eat, and where they raise their young.

In your home your pet’s crate becomes their den. If you follow the right steps the crate becomes your pet’s safe haven, retreat and home within their home.  Scared of thunderstorms? Lay in the crate and feel comforted. Too busy in the house with guests? Retreat to the crate for some rest and relaxation. Fearful that your sister is going to steal your bone? Take it into your crate and feel safe. You can see where I am going, right?
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Proper Pet Care 101: The Basic Necessities

Happy puppy

Hi Pet Blog Readers,

Please welcome Jordan with this comprehensive guide on pet care: its everything a new pet owner should know and research before bringing home your very first pet. Our pets are family and living creatures. They should be given the best care and attentiveness you have to offer. Good luck on your pet owning adventures and be sure to add anything you think needs to be added to this guide in the comments section!

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Owning a pet is a huge responsibility, especially if you think about pet health. However, this responsibility also comes with a huge reward in the form of the adoration and love that your pet will show towards you. Wouldn’t you see yourself smiling foolishly whenever you see your dogs wagging their tails at you or your cats dozing off on your lap peacefully? It is like the best feeling in the world that you have made such animals feel safe and happy even if they can only express it in their cute gestures.

First Aid Kit

First Aid Kit ContentsOne of the first things that you need to do in order to ensure the safety of your pets is to have a pet first aid kit at home. You never know when your clever yet naughty animals will get into trouble so you better be ready to handle any crisis that will come your way. The kit should have the following things:

  • Cotton swabs and balls
  • Bandages and sterile gauze pads
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • First aid tape
  • Scissors
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Leash
  • Muzzle
  • Splint
  • Gloves
  • Eye wash
  • Antibacterial ointment
  • Mineral oil
  • Ice pack and hot pack
  • Buffered aspirin
  • Thermometer
  • A bottle of water
  • Veterinary documents
  • Book on pet first aid
  • Other drugs

Cleaning Up After Pets

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No Monkey Business – Caring for a Pet Monkey

Marcel from FriendsIf you’re as old as I am, you’ll probably remember that Ross from the TV show Friends had a capuchin monkey named Marcel early in the show’s infancy. Despite what the few episodes he appeared in showed, caring for a pet monkey is no simple task!

If you’re considering the purchase of a pet monkey, the first thing you’ll want to do is check on your state and city/county laws on the possession of non-human primates. There are 19 states (including New York and Pennsylvania) that outlaw the possession of monkeys. There are many other states that have partial bans or other requirements for the possession of monkeys as pets. Check out Pet Monkey Info for more information on the laws in your state.

Please welcome Jamal, our guest poster for the rest of this basic care guide on pet monkeys, as pet monkeys are beyond the scope of the pets the experts at That Pet Place. No matter what kind of pet you decide on, you should do a lot of research and talk with other pet owners in your area for advice before making any decision; doubly so for any exotic, uncommon wild creature in the U.S.

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SQUIRREL MONKEYIt should be noted, that most of you are not cut out to be monkey owners. Now this is not slander on your ability as people, it is merely an observation that the average person does not have the time nor the commitment that is required to properly care for a monkey. A comparable example to a pet monkey is caring for a toddler an entire lifetime.

To the brave few who feel they are up to the task, I salute you and encourage that you read on.

Research

This short guide is a great start to obtaining the information that you would need to begin caring for your first pet monkey, but far from complete. You must do extensive research, scouring the internet and books, for all information you can gather. To take this one step further try reaching out to an actual monkey owner to see what methods they use which you feel will be transferable to your monkey. Do the majority of your research before obtaining your monkey as this could be as this could be the decision maker into whether or not you are up to caring for a monkey. Make sure to research the different breeds of monkeys before getting much farther into the process.
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Some cat grooming may be best left to the professionals

Hi Pet Blog Readers! I’m pleased to introduce a guest post by Rick Jacobsen in Phoenix, AZ. Rick has three grooming tasks in mind that might just be better left to the professionals. If you’re in the Lancaster, PA area, stop by grooming center, That Groom Room, for a consultation and meet our resident groomers who will pamper your pets with a day at the “spa”!
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Cat in lapEven cat lovers acknowledge that they can be fussy creatures and depending on the breed, it can take a lot of effort to properly groom your cat. For example, trying to groom a Persian feline can be a real challenge and in most cases, it is best to leave unwilling participants in the hands of experts! Many cat owners are guilty of delaying the grooming process and this only serves to make things worse, as their pets can suffer from matted hair and it may also be the case where certain medical conditions go unnoticed, because you did not recognize the symptoms. Below, we take a quick look at what a professional cat grooming service can do for you and your beloved pet. Here are my top 3 grooming tasks that should be left to the professionals.
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Is a ferret the right pet for your home?

ferretFerrets, they’re cute, mischievous, and small. If you’re looking for a pet and not up to the challenge of a cat or a dog, is a ferret the right pet for you? Like any pet, a ferret is going to mean extra money for food and care and requires time to care for the animal. Please welcome today’s guest poster, Catherine Daniels, with a few things to consider before heading to That Fish Place – That Pet Place to adopt your first ferret!

What to Consider Before Getting a Pet Ferret

One of the rookie mistakes all first time pet owners commit is not considering whether this pet is suitable for them, whether they will be able to take care of them, and whether they truly wish to enrich their life with a pet or if they’re just a novelty item. In such cases, people who thoroughly research their pet of choice and take the time to consider all angles of the decision often find that they aren’t ready for a pet. When new pet owners don’t take the time to make this important decision, unwanted animals often are neglected or given up by the family. With a more unusual pet, like a ferret, seriously considering whether you should adopt one or not is more important than ever. So, here are some things that you need to consider before you decide to get a pet ferret.
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