Shout About Pets

Christmas time is upon us and I have been busy with my Christmas preparations.  The decorations and tree were purchased at the beginning of December and I had much fun decorating and adorning its branches with shiny, glittery baubles and dancing Christmas tree lights.  Tikka my cat looked on with what could be mistaken as badly concealed boredom but as this is my fourth Christmas with him I know not to be fooled by his apparent lack of interest! Read more…

The recent cold spell with snow and ice and hale has really got me in the festive mood.  The tree is up already and I’m enjoying cosy nights in front of the fire.  It can be easy to forget how the cold affects your trusty feline friend at times like this.  You need to ensure that your cat can get into the warmth when temperatures drop dramatically particularly if he likes to wander outside.

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The Doberman has consistently increased in popularity over the past few years but unfortunately all too often the people who buy them have failed to research the breed and its characteristics.  As a result many Dobermans end up at rescue homes ad these handsome and noble dogs are falsely labeled as being aggressive simply due to the ignorance of their previous owner.

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It has long been accepted that microchipping your dog or cat is one of the best ways of ensuring your pet is permanently identifiable.  It is inexpensive and is of benefit as it cannot be lost as a tag can be on a collar. 

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There is so much to think about when you get a new puppy that you may forget about or decide against puppy training classes.  Although many people successfully train their own puppies without the aid of a class or trainer there is one important benefit that you will most certainly miss out on if your don’t register with a class.  Classes provide you with a safe environment within which to socialize you puppy with other dogs and other humans outside of the family circle. 

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It is a well known saying that a dog is not just for Christmas but for life.  It’s that time of year again when all the dog charities start sending out this message to dog owners everywhere.  However, year after year this simple message seems to fall on deaf ears and thousands of dogs land in rescue centres homeless and unwanted.  Across the UK there endless dogs in desperate need of a loving home and if you feel you can offer the right environment and can commit to the responsibility of dog ownership Christmas is a good time to take one.

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As soon as you can when you get a puppy you need to start training to create good walking behaviour on the lead.  It can happen rapidly that you become one of the many harassed and harangued dog owners who get dragged along down the street by their naughty and unruly pet dog – but if you do unfortunately you only have your self to blame!

A puppy can very quickly connect the command ‘heel’ with walking well at your side in the very same way they will quickly connect that the sound of a tin being opened means its dinner time!  Here are some guidelines to making training easier:

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Most children will covet the idea of owning a pet of some sort at some time.  If you decide to introduce an animal friend to your home not only will your children be delighted but they will experience the many benefits that animal ownership can bring.  Children absorb information rapidly and will enjoy learning how to care for their pet and in the long term grow to appreciate and respect all living creatures.  It is a great gift to develop this nurturing behaviour in children as it has been found in studies to promote good social behaviour and a general responsible attitude to other in later years.

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It can be very rewarding to give a home to a rescue dog.   When settling a rescue dog in the general advice is to view them in the same light you would a foster child.  They often have formed certain associations and attachments with a previous owner and are likely to feel insecure as a result.  It is perfectly understandable that your new dog is unsure and nervous in his new home initially.

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If you’re in Knightsbridge on 29th November 2008 you’re in for a treat as the world of Diamond Dogs and pampered pooches showcases at the Harrods Pet a Porter Fashion Show.  It is a must-see for all canine fashionistas as the catwalk transforms into a dogwalk for the evening. 

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