Funny Pets

If you have a dog, it is almost inevitable that you will get a gate at some point.  When using pet gates indoor or out, there are some basic considerations such as  the type of gate, the size of the dog, and the size of the opening.  With these points in mind you will be ready to look at gates.

Gate Styles
There are three basic gate styles.  Tension gates use springs to create sufficient pressure against a wall in order to keep the gate upright.  Typically these gates are made of metal poles and a mesh barricade.  This makes it easy to put in any space, but may mark the walls if it is pushed too hard.  A tension gate also needs to be set up and removed each time someone walks through the area that is blocked off.

A hardware mounted gate uses screws and mollies to attach to a wall in a more permanent fashion.  These gates are usually made of wood or metal slats and can span a longer distance.  A clip is used to attach the gate to the wall mounted hardware.  Because these gates are stronger, they often include a hinged door that can be used one-handed. allowing owners to move in and out of the blocked area with some ease.

Free standing gates have long feet that are covered with a non-slip material.  Some are extendable, meaning they can be used for multiple openings in your home.  They have no impact on the walls, a benefit, but they can be pushed aside by a determined dog.

Any of these can work well indoors; you just need to select a gate that is strong enough to resist your dog and has small enough openings not to endanger them.

Taking it Outside
Gates used outside are generally placed at the top or bottom of a staircase.  These are often combination gates, using hardware on one side and a tension system on the other while suspended on a hinge.  You want to make sure that the gate can stand up to some pressure if your dog is inclined to lean against it, and some models come with wall mounted cups to hold the tension mounted side better.

The goal with an outside gate is to keep your dog safely on a terrace or deck so you really want to be certain that it will hold under pressure.  These gates are very similar to baby gates, since the intent is identical.

Try One Out
Before you commit to purchasing a gate that may not suit your needs, see if you can try one out.  If your friends have a gate for their dog, see how convenient it is to get through when you need to.  Give them a light tug or push to see how stable they are, with your friend’s permission, of course.

If you go to a store, take measurements of the opening you wish to seal so you don’t buy a gate that is too large or too small.  Take the gate out and inspect it.  If it is a tension mounted or free standing gate, set it up and try it out.  Finally, check the return policy of the store so you know you can return it if it doesn’t fit or work properly.

Remember, using pet gates, indoors or out, is designed to keep your pet safe so make sure to get the best choice for both of you.

This article was posted by a site carrying dog doors, pet stairs, and dog training collars.

Tags: gates, outdoors, usage

Not all dogs can sleep on the floor or in a simple bed.  Special needs require special bedding and there is a dog bed available for every need.  If you keep your dog’s needs in mind, you will find the right sleeping surface.

Older Dogs
Older dogs have many of the same problems as older people.  Arthritis, sore muscles and joints, and overall aches are common in senior pooches.  One of the nicest beds you can get your older dog is orthopedic dog beds.  These beds are made from the same Swedish foam that human beds are made from, and they provide cushioning and additional distance from the floor.

Hairy Dogs
Granted, most dogs have fur, but some have FUR.  For them it is always hard to get cool enough to sleep well.  Elevated beds made of mesh can be a real blessing to these hirsute hounds, by providing extra air circulating underneath their bodies.  In warmer climates, it also helps get them up off the floor and away from the creepy crawlies that might be scurrying by.

Skinny Dogs
Some skinny dogs, like Greyhounds and Whippets, have a hard time staying warm in cool climates.  A heated bed may be just the thing to provide that extra bit of heat during colder months.  Rather than packing them down with blankets or putting them near a drying heat vent, get a bed that has a built in electric heating element and watch your dog sigh in delight.

There are so many bedding options for dogs these days, that a little searching will help you find the perfect one for your beloved pet.

Tags: beds, breeds, comfort, variety

If you have a dog and want to give them secure time outside but don’t have a fence, you have other choices.  Dog kennels allow you to set up a temporary enclosed area, without the expense and time involved in fencing the whole yard.  Available in a variety of sizes and heights, dog kennels protect your animal and keep your neighbors happy.

Dog kennels come in several shapes.  A hexagonal kennel is better for giving your pet some space, while a longer, rectangular unit is good if you want to minimize the footprint, but still let your dog run.  Some kennels are available with a sunshade to keep your pet cooler and out of direct sunlight.  If you breed dogs, than setting up a series of kennels in a specific part of your yard is a practical way to give each do their own space without having to chain every animal up.

Adding a kennel deck is a wise idea if you plan to have your dog in the kennel for long periods of time.  This raises the dog off the floor and makes for much easier cleaning.  A quick rinse with the hose after you picked up any waste and the area is clean and fresh.  Dogs kept on kennel deck have fewer problems with joints and remain cleaner.

Many dog kennels are easy to set up and take down making them a great accessory to take along when you travel.  If you are the kind of person who likes to take their dog along on vacation then having a portable kennel allows you to keep your dog safe even in a new environment, and you don’t have to worry about people bothering your precious pet either. Keep in mind, though, a kennel should not be for indoor use. Use a fancy wood dog crate. There are so many benefits to having your own kennel; it just makes sense to take a serious look.

Tags: containment, dogs, kennels, unfenced yards

Pets do some crazy things. Whether they are just playing around or they are just naturally goofy. Some people teach there dogs to do funny things and some pets just learn on there own. What’s funnier than hearing your dog say “I Love You,” or your cat to attack the cat wall because of a rainbow.

If you catch your animal doing somthing funny, try to catch him on camera. Not only will it be funny to play in for everyone but it will be twice as funny to watch it down the road.

Tags: funny, pets

Not all dog crates are created equal, some are better than others.  Wood dog crates take something functional and turn it into a piece of art.  Easily mistaken for furniture, manufacturers of wood dog crates have made a necessity into something beautiful.  A number of styles are available standard, but you can get a custom made version if you so desire.

Unlike their plastic or metal cousins, wood dog crates are visually appealing.   Made from a variety of woods, rattan or a combination of materials, these crates are designed to give your pet a special place of their own, while still blending in with your furniture.  There are few things as visually jarring as a beautifully decorated home with a large plastic dog crate sitting in the living room.  Wood dog crates eliminate that problem while still meeting all the needs of a standard crate.

Just like any other crate a wood dog crate provides a safe haven, a den if you will, for you pet.  The crate can be used to restrict a pet if needed, for example when you are out, or when a dog shy person has entered the house.  The real difference is that this dog crate will not be noticed most of the time.  Your new wood crate can be accessorized with a dog bed, a bowl and an underlying tray to prevent damage and make it more comforting.  If rattan fits your décor better than wood, you can get that too.  You can get a hybrid design by having wood supporting members connected by wire or wrought iron slats.  With a little imagination you can have someone make pretty much anything you desire.

Many wood dog crates come with an option that leaves the door off when unneeded.  This increases the den like feel of the crate.  When you don’t need to use the door your dog can still go in and out of their own special place freely.  When you do need to enclose them within the crate, you just slide in the door panel and you are ready to go; the best of both worlds in one unit.

Made from a variety of woods and in a number of decorator styles, wood dog crates offer many more options than plastic crates do.  There really is no way to disguise a standard dog crate, and if you have a large dog your crate will be proportionally sized. A wood crate can be made to accommodate any sized animal, without compromising beauty.  If your dog is small, the crate will resemble an end table; if large, a break front.  You will know it is a dog crate, but it won’t look much like one.

All dogs need a crate for safety, security, comfort, and control. Add a dog crate pad to make your dog more comfortable and makes it a little bit more enjoyable. There is no reason for the crate to be an eyesore.  When you decide on a wood dog crate you make a necessity into a pleasure.  Take a look at wood dog crates before you purchase any crate, you are sure to like what you see.

You can’t help but love those big ears flapping in the wind and the slobber from their tongue smeared down the passenger side of the car. We love to take our dogs with us in the car but there can be some safety concerns and precautions we need to take when it comes to riding around town with our four legged friends. Follow the steps below and you wont have to worry about your dog’s safety.

Step 1: Make your dog a backseat driver. The safest place for your dog is in the backseat of your car. In the front seat your dog will be tempted to jump into your lap or distract you in some other fashion, which is obviously not safe. If you have a hatchback or large sport utility vehicle, the very rear of the vehicle is not the safest option because there is usually no way to harness the dog in this open space. For larger dogs, you can purchase a dog seat belt in order to restrain him in the back seat. For smaller dogs, you can purchase a car seat carrier to keep them elevated in the back seat.

Step 2: Make your dog enjoy the view from the inside. Many dog owners think it’s fun or cute to allow their dogs to hang their heads outside of the window. While the dogs might enjoy having their ears flap in the wind, it’s not a safe practice. There is a lot of debris out on the road that can fly into your dog’s eyes and ears. If you don’t have it in your heart to keep the window rolled up, invest in some doggles (dog goggles) at the very least.

Step 3: Don’t be afraid to engage the child locks. Many cars are equipped with the ability to engage child locks on their rear doors. This handy feature means that the door can only be opened from the outside. While most dogs don’t have the dexterity in their paws to open doors on purpose, it’s possible for the dog to accidentally open the door by placing his paw on the handle.

Step 4: Don’t be afraid to engage your dog in activities. A bored dog and a moving vehicle are not a good combination. Always have a few chew toys in the car in order to keep your dog entertained. Another way to keep your dog entertained is by providing him with a treat that he can busily chew during the ride.

Step 5: Know where you’re going and for how long. If your ride in the car is going to be a lengthy one, make sure you’ve brought enough food and water for your dog. You also need to make sure you’ve thought of a place to stop and allow your dog to relieve himself. In order to keep him safe while outside of the vehicle, make sure you’ve brought his leash along with you. Also be sure to pack waste disposal bags for the dirty job of cleaning up after your dog.

Step 6: Know your dog’s personality and plan accordingly. If your dog gets nervous or anxious during car rides, make an appointment with your veterinarian to see if there is any medication you can administer to your dog before taking the car ride.

These steps are intended to be a guideline for keeping your dog safe during a car ride. Hopefully you’ve chosen a dog friendly destination, as you need to keep in mind that it is never safe for him or her to be left alone in the car.

This article was posted by a site carrying any kind of dog crate, dog bowl, and pet bed.

Most of us are guilty of sharing our beds with our pets. It’s too hard to resist their pleading faces! However, there are many reasons why we probably shouldn’t. Some suggest it’s not safe, it disrupts our sleep and might even undermine our place as pack leader. If you want your pup to relocate to his own bed, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Think about Goldilocks: You want to choose just the right size bed for your pooch. It can’t be too big or too small or too soft or too hard; it has to be just right. It should be comfortable enough that you wouldn’t mind cuddling in it for hours on end. When making this purchase, it is not the time to be cheap – you might have to spend a little more than you thought, but it will be worth it.

Step 2: Location is the name of the game: Think about where you want your dog’s bed to be located. If he’s used to sleeping with you at night, then your best bet for him using his bed at nighttime is to put it in the bedroom. If you’re using it as a deterrent from lying on your couch, place his bed in the living room.

Step 3: Encourage his curiosity: Without a doubt, your dog is going to wonder what this new piece of “furniture” is. Coax him over to the bed by lying down beside it, calling his name and patting the bad. Use treats and affection as needed!

Step 4: Use what he knows. Once he approaches the bed, have him sit and lie down on it, using the “sit” and “down” commands. Encourage him to “stay” and pet him until he relaxes into the bed.

Step 5: Put a name to it: It will be easier to ask your dog to go to bed if you attach a command to it. For instance, you can teach him that when you say, “Bedtime!” it means he needs to get to his bed.

Step 6: Last resort: If your dog is having difficult grasping the concept of his bed, you can put the bed in a crate and put the dog in the crate. In time, he should adapt to the idea that from now on you’ll require him to sleep on a dog bed.

This article was posted by a site carrying hidden fences, bark collars, and PetSafe training collars.

If you have ever said a word or phrase like “let’s go outside” or “do you want a treat” only to watch your dog tremble with excitement, wag his tail or leap in the air with joy then you might think that your dog can understand English. Some people are so convinced that their dog understands English that they begin to spell words like treat and potty when using them out loud to prevent over excitement in their dogs. Often, your dog will even begin to get excited when they hear the spelled out words further reinforcing people’s belief that dogs do understand English.

While most dogs do understand certain words, it is likely that they do because of word association. If you hold up an object like a bone, ball or treat and identify the object in front of your dog before giving it to him enough times; he will learn those words. Some owners have taken this word association to another level by teaching dogs the names for a variety of objects by giving a specific name to each of his toys. These dogs can be told to go get their red ball and they will leave the room and come back with just that. This works very similarly to teaching commands.

If dogs can understand sit, come, lie down, heel and stay then it stands to reason that they can understand English. This is not a good indicator of their verbal comprehension because these commands are repetitive and consistently rewarded. Dogs learn to sit because we say sit, place them in a sit and then praise them by saying good sit or by giving them a treat. Dogs can tell the difference between short, one syllable command words by their context as well. The heel command is given when walking and we will often tug the leash signaling a heal request. Some people might disagree with this assessment because their dog has been taught more complicated demands that almost certainly require English comprehension to complete.

If your dog can follow complex commands like go and get my slippers or go, get into your crate or a variety of others then you might argue that your dog can understand whole phrases and therefore is not using word association to understand what you say. While your dog might respond to these phrases, you might be inadvertently giving him clues without realizing it. If you tell him to go get your slippers you might look towards your room for a split second without realizing it. Your dog will pick up on those non-verbal cues more quickly than he will the words you say. Say his crate is in one room and your slippers are in the other. Try glancing at the room with the crate, but telling him to get something in the room with your closet and see what happens. Dogs will often go retrieve something in the direction you look or point to rather than where you tell him to go.

Some studies have concluded that certain dogs have a vocabulary of between 200 and 250 words, but have not proven that they understand the meaning of the English language. They are basically able to pick out the words they recognize while the rest is just noise. Dogs have sophisticated social cognition skills and can associate human or animal behavioral cues with abstract meanings. It is this ability combined with reward and encouragement that elicits a desired response from our dogs. While it might be disappointing to some that dogs don’t understand English they can rest assured knowing that dogs have their own form of ESP based on the unconscious cues we provide!

Article sent by pet sites with invisible fences, dog door and pet ramps.

The Lavender Ball Python is a product of a crossbreeding technique using a Punnett Square to track genes (this type is a color mutation with a recessive gene). The Lavender Ball Python was named such since a lavender hue is in place of the white base color of an Albino Ball Python. The Lavender Ball Python has a brighter tinge of yellow, close to being florescent, and the bright orange outlining the yellow pattern is solid. This particular mutation of the ball python is said to fetch a big price for exotic pet collectors. Some have turned pet owning to an enterprise by morphing their collections and selling them.
Handling a Lavender Ball Python is easy since ball python species are docile. They are the perfect reptile pet since they grow just under 5 feet and live for 20- 40 years. Being able to care for one does not follow the regular pet acquiring routine.

In purchasing the Lavender ball Python (actually in all reptile species), a prospective owner must decide what kind of equipment and cages you’d prefer to have for your Lavender Ball Python and purchase these first. These reptiles stay in terrariums. This must have a substrate that is best for your ball python and easy for you to clean up. The terrarium needs a hide box for your snake since it likes hiding most of the time. Your ball python should have a piece of wood to brush up against during shedding. Remember to sterilize and dry this piece of terrarium “furniture” to prevent parasites from invading its space.

Proper heat and lighting are needed for your Lavender ball Python. The best way to install a heat source would be under the terrarium itself. Be careful to put a ply board in between the heat source and the terrarium though to stave off possible burning of “furnishings”. Some first-time owners think of saving on heating by situating their terrarium at the path of sunlight. Unless you’d like to see your pricey Lavender Ball Python die in front of you, it is best to invest in proper heating and lighting equipment. A water basin is also needed for your snake to take a dip or drink. Regular checking of the water should be done to prevent bacteria from breeding and spreading into sickness.

Choosing a healthy Lavender Ball Python is the same in all snakes. Make sure at first glance the snakes skin does not droop or hang on itself. Do not choose a snake that has its backbone sticking out. These signs indicate nutritional problems or that the snake is not eating well. If you decide to get a closer look at the prospective snakes, check for mites around the eyes and ticks along the length of the body.

Avoid choosing snakes that scabbed areas on its body, it may have wounds due to manhandling if its wild caught. Snakes that gag, wheeze or gurgle at close inspection have respiratory difficulties, thus crossing it out from your list. For Ball Pythons, like the Lavender type, choose one that is round in appearance and not triangular. Ball Pythons are known to heap itself into a ball, thus the rounded appearance. Experienced breeders advise choosing from captive born snakes. Captive born snakes have feeding records that are available for you to see how often it is fed and what it prefers. For a better choice of lavender Ball Pythons, captive bred are available early summer through late fall.

Continue the feeding record your breeder started, you can add to the information needed in the record. Indicate its established eating schedule, its diet, and the amount it eats. You can also start a fact sheet for your ball python, record its name, gender, age and date of acquisition, its shedding dates. The purpose of these records are for reference for trips to the vet, potential breeders who’d like a strain from your snake or for a buyer if you plan to sell your Lavender Ball Python in the future.

Feeding your Lavender Ball Python depends on its age. A hatchling eats hopper mice or any furry rodent once a week. Feeding a hatchling twice a week is also advisable to help it gain weight. Be sure your snakes’ meal is bought from sterile mice breeders. Sub-adults and adults eat once a week with bigger food items of course. DO NOT attempt to feed your ball python by holding the food with your hand.

Refusal to eat or anorexia is a common problem during shedding periods. Aside from this, it may indicate an on-set of sickness. Experts advice to force feed your ball python. Be careful to get instructions or assistance from experienced snake handlers.

Dehydration- the outward signs of probable dehydration is wrinkly eyes or your Lavender ball Python is shedding in pieces. This is the best time to check on the heating system of the temperature in the terrarium. There may be a need to transfer or amend set-up.

Proper handling, housing and caring for all pets is prime in any pet owners guidebook. Having an exotic pet like the Lavender Ball Python requires attention to detail. You’ve just taken a step towards a long and loving relationship with a pet that retains its alertness and activeness in its old age.

This article was brought to you by Discount Pet Mall, your first stop for pet crates and pet carriers

Tags: ball, exotic, lavender, python, rare, weird