Here's an article I wrote that I sometimes hand out to friends or potential clients who are thinking about getting a dog.
Before Training a New Puppy- Train Yourself First!
If you are a first time dog owner you're aware that you'll be training your puppy and making sure that he behaves himself. But have you thought about the need to train yourself before training your puppy? The truth of the matter is that you are going to be going through a period of adjustment, just like the new puppy, and the better you prepare yourself for it, the easier the transition is going to be! When you are thinking about what kind of training you need before you bring your puppy home, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.
The first thing that you have to be prepared for is the lifestyle adjustment. Puppies are a large responsibility and not only do you have to have the funds to take care of him, you also need to make sure that you are going to have the time to see to his needs. For instance, a new puppy that is not house trained or crate trained should be taken out at least once every one to three hours. Is there someone in your household who can see to that?
You also need to think about the level of activity that goes with getting the puppy that you are bring home. For instance, if you are bringing home a husky or a Labrador or especially a Jack Russell terrier, you should be ready for a very active lifestyle!
Another thing to consider is what adjustments have to be made in your household. Is there a place to keep the puppy when he first shows up? And how are you going to deal with the fact that he might have some accidents or that he might cry all night? Most people choose to have separate rooms set up for the new puppies in their lives, a place that is barricaded from the rest of the house to minimize any damage.
You may also find that you need to puppy-proof the house, including moving things that the cute little thing might want to chew on and taking valuables off the lower shelves.
When making sure that your puppy is going to get the training that he needs, keep in mind that this is going to be an ongoing thing. You really can't expect a brand new puppy to pick up all the rules and restrictions in a few days, or even a few weeks. You need to allocate time in order to make sure that he is going to get the point, and then you need to work on repeating these things to make sure that they are deeply imprinted in his mind. A well-trained dog is a dog that will listen to your commands and not put himself or others in danger, so make sure that you take your time with this and are as thorough as possible.
Before you even bring your pup home, think it through. You want the best training for your new bundle of fur and you want to do things right so you don't end up with a dog that constantly barks or chews up the leg of your couch.
What's your plan for training your puppy? If you don't have one yet, get it here: http://dogintraining.info
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Another Pet Sitting Issue For Pet Sitters
Sometimes it's hard to draw the line between being a compassionate friend and a pet sitting business owner.
This can become a problem when you've been petsitting a dog for years and he's become old and needs extra care and extra time. What do you do? I mean, you love that little guy and you want to do everything you can to help make his time left on earth comfortable, but on the otherhand... you are running a business.
When you find yourself doing more and more within your allotted time frame, that's perfectly okay. You are being paid for that half hour. The exception to this would be if you have to lift the dog and he's a big one. Obviously you have to look after your own health and draw the line.
If you find you're doing more and more for the dog and it is taking longer than the agreed upon time frame you have 2 options:
1. Have a talk with the owner and explain your time committment and figure out a solution within that time frame. Perhaps the owner will take back some of the duties, or ask you to make an additional (paid) daily visit.
2. Have a talk with the owner and lengthen the time of your visit along with additional payment. If your visit is taking your 45 minutes, you should be paid for 45 minutes, not 30 minutes.
Either way, communicate your concerns with the pet owner. You can both figure something out. This is better than letting resentment build up. Lots of times the owner has no idea of what's going on and how you feel about it unless you tell them.
This can become a problem when you've been petsitting a dog for years and he's become old and needs extra care and extra time. What do you do? I mean, you love that little guy and you want to do everything you can to help make his time left on earth comfortable, but on the otherhand... you are running a business.
When you find yourself doing more and more within your allotted time frame, that's perfectly okay. You are being paid for that half hour. The exception to this would be if you have to lift the dog and he's a big one. Obviously you have to look after your own health and draw the line.
If you find you're doing more and more for the dog and it is taking longer than the agreed upon time frame you have 2 options:
1. Have a talk with the owner and explain your time committment and figure out a solution within that time frame. Perhaps the owner will take back some of the duties, or ask you to make an additional (paid) daily visit.
2. Have a talk with the owner and lengthen the time of your visit along with additional payment. If your visit is taking your 45 minutes, you should be paid for 45 minutes, not 30 minutes.
Either way, communicate your concerns with the pet owner. You can both figure something out. This is better than letting resentment build up. Lots of times the owner has no idea of what's going on and how you feel about it unless you tell them.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Help Me Stop My Dog From Chewing Everything!
How to stop my dog from chewing? After all, dogs like to chew and it’s natural for them to chew, but they need to learn that some chewing isn’t appropriate, especially when it’s your slippers or your wallet.
Dogs chew for a variety of reasons:
lonely or bored
stressed/separation anxiety
teething
anticipation of you coming home
it’s fun
Stopping your dog from chewing your things involves training them plus using a few tricks. To start off, make sure all your valuable items are out of reach of your puppy. If your dog likes to climb up on the furniture or is a big dog and can take things off the kitchen counter, you’ll have to work a little harder at doggy-proofing your home.
If your dog is a cord chewer, the very best thing to do is eliminate all the cords you possibly can and hid the rest behind big furniture. Supervise your pet closely until he has been thoroughly trained not to chew.
Perhaps your dog likes to chew his tail or paws. Try spraying a chew-deterrent, such as Bitter Apple, on these areas. This stops most dogs because of the bitterness, but monitor your dog closely as a few dogs actually like this taste.
Provide appropriate chew toys for your dog and praise him when he chews the toy. Catch him in the act of chewing an inappropriate item and correct him. He will soon figure out that chewing toy = praise, and chewing anything else = reprimand.
When you are training your dog, teach him “leave it.” Getting him to immediately drop whatever is in his mouth is invaluable. You never know when he may have picked up something that could get stuck in his throat like a chicken bone or something disgusting like a dead bird. Once taught, “leave it” works like a charm.
Give your dog lots of physical and mental exercise so that he’s more likely to relax and stay out of mischief while you’re away. Take him for walks, play fetch, and work on training. When you can’t be with him make sure his environment is safe and keep him in a crate or kennel. Keep working on the training and redirecting him to his own chew toys and you will notice one day that you no longer wonder “how do I stop my dog from chewing?
For more helpful hints, visit www.dogintraining.info Sign up for your freeecourse as well!
Dogs chew for a variety of reasons:
lonely or bored
stressed/separation anxiety
teething
anticipation of you coming home
it’s fun
Stopping your dog from chewing your things involves training them plus using a few tricks. To start off, make sure all your valuable items are out of reach of your puppy. If your dog likes to climb up on the furniture or is a big dog and can take things off the kitchen counter, you’ll have to work a little harder at doggy-proofing your home.
If your dog is a cord chewer, the very best thing to do is eliminate all the cords you possibly can and hid the rest behind big furniture. Supervise your pet closely until he has been thoroughly trained not to chew.
Perhaps your dog likes to chew his tail or paws. Try spraying a chew-deterrent, such as Bitter Apple, on these areas. This stops most dogs because of the bitterness, but monitor your dog closely as a few dogs actually like this taste.
Provide appropriate chew toys for your dog and praise him when he chews the toy. Catch him in the act of chewing an inappropriate item and correct him. He will soon figure out that chewing toy = praise, and chewing anything else = reprimand.
When you are training your dog, teach him “leave it.” Getting him to immediately drop whatever is in his mouth is invaluable. You never know when he may have picked up something that could get stuck in his throat like a chicken bone or something disgusting like a dead bird. Once taught, “leave it” works like a charm.
Give your dog lots of physical and mental exercise so that he’s more likely to relax and stay out of mischief while you’re away. Take him for walks, play fetch, and work on training. When you can’t be with him make sure his environment is safe and keep him in a crate or kennel. Keep working on the training and redirecting him to his own chew toys and you will notice one day that you no longer wonder “how do I stop my dog from chewing?
For more helpful hints, visit www.dogintraining.info Sign up for your freeecourse as well!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Walking The Cat?
Do you want to spice up your cat's life? Do you want to allow your cat to enjoy the outdoors and use some of their built-in instinct to hunt without actually letting them capture any small birds? Do you want to be noticed by other people? Then take your cat for a walk!
1. Purchase a cat harness and leash from a pet supply store. Your cat might like rhinestones on her harness, or he might like a leopard print for the big hunts.
2. Your cat should be allowed to become acquainted with the harness and leash at his/her own pace. Leave them near your cat's bed or bowls and don't make a big deal about them.
3. After the cat has lost interest in the harness, try to put it on him/her. Keep at it with short attempts until the cat is okay with wearing the harness around the house.
4. Lead your cat outside on the leash for short trials at first, then for longer periods. It may take a week but eventually your cat will enjoy being walked and love being in the great big wild outdoors. Next thing you know, your cat will be waiting by the front door for his next walk.
Cats need exercise, and walking them can be a great way to exercise them as well as relieve boredom. Cat owners know that a happy cat causes fewer problems indoors. Maybe the furniture can yet be saved.
1. Purchase a cat harness and leash from a pet supply store. Your cat might like rhinestones on her harness, or he might like a leopard print for the big hunts.
2. Your cat should be allowed to become acquainted with the harness and leash at his/her own pace. Leave them near your cat's bed or bowls and don't make a big deal about them.
3. After the cat has lost interest in the harness, try to put it on him/her. Keep at it with short attempts until the cat is okay with wearing the harness around the house.
4. Lead your cat outside on the leash for short trials at first, then for longer periods. It may take a week but eventually your cat will enjoy being walked and love being in the great big wild outdoors. Next thing you know, your cat will be waiting by the front door for his next walk.
Cats need exercise, and walking them can be a great way to exercise them as well as relieve boredom. Cat owners know that a happy cat causes fewer problems indoors. Maybe the furniture can yet be saved.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Pet Sitting - Not Aways an Easy Job
In order to be a pet sitter, you really need to have a good understanding of what types of situations you can handle regarding the care of someone else's pet, and those that you cannot.
There are a variety of ways that pet sitters will care for someone else's pet. Sometimes they will visit a few times a day, staying about 30 minutes while they care for the pets basic needs. Other pet sitters will stay overnight.
Regardless of how the pets are cared for, it's important to be aware that pet sitting does not always go as well as planned.
Most people may think it's easy to be a pet sitter. After all, the only thing you have to do is make sure the dog or cat or other pets have fresh water and receive their daily food allotment and if needed take them outside to relieve themselves a few times during the day.
Yes, it's true, the life of the pet sitter does seem rather easy. Yet, there are situations that a pet sitter needs to be aware of that could actually become very dangerous.
Sometimes having to care for dogs, especially outside dogs, can become very dangerous because outside dogs can be very territorial. Most owners know their dogs well enough to know whether there is any danger for the person who may need to come into their home to take care of their pets when there away.
This is not where the problem is. The real problem comes in when the pet sitter is required to take care of the dogs by entering their yard to provide them with food and water. This is where the pet sitter needs to have extra caution. Before accepting a job where you must deal with outside dogs, you need to make sure they are well behaved and well socialized.
If there is more than one dog, and you enter their yard, the situation could become very dangerous. If you become fearful and the dogs sense that you don't belong there, they could see you as a threat and even decide to attack.
Trying to cope with a nervous dog, or worse, several nervous dogs can become a pretty scary situation.
Always stress to the owners that it is important for them to be honest with you and tell you how well socialized their dogs are. You may want to ask if any of their dogs have any tendency to be aggressive. Do they jump up on people? Do they get nervous when someone enters the yard? Do they have any problem with strangers coming into their territory?
With some of the larger breeds, you may want to have a test run when the owner is hidden away from the house, yet close enough to help out if needed. You can test to see how the dogs will react when you enter their territory while they think the owner is away.
Before you enter the yard, you need to take note of how the dogs behave. Do they seem nervous or anxious? Or are they thrilled to have a visitor? If your gut tells you it's not safe, you should not to accept that job.
It's better to be safe than sorry. Pet sitters really need to understand that it's not always a good idea to take every job. Before taking on any pet sitting job, make sure you meet with both the pets and the owners. Ask questions about how well the dogs behave, what types of problems the owner may have or have had in the past.
This is not only the time for the pet owners to interview you, it's your time to interview them as well. Never accept a pet sitting job if you do not feel comfortable with the pets or the owners.
Most times pet sitting is truly a great job to have. Just remember that all jobs are not for all pet sitters. Sometimes it's best to say no.
There are a variety of ways that pet sitters will care for someone else's pet. Sometimes they will visit a few times a day, staying about 30 minutes while they care for the pets basic needs. Other pet sitters will stay overnight.
Regardless of how the pets are cared for, it's important to be aware that pet sitting does not always go as well as planned.
Most people may think it's easy to be a pet sitter. After all, the only thing you have to do is make sure the dog or cat or other pets have fresh water and receive their daily food allotment and if needed take them outside to relieve themselves a few times during the day.
Yes, it's true, the life of the pet sitter does seem rather easy. Yet, there are situations that a pet sitter needs to be aware of that could actually become very dangerous.
Sometimes having to care for dogs, especially outside dogs, can become very dangerous because outside dogs can be very territorial. Most owners know their dogs well enough to know whether there is any danger for the person who may need to come into their home to take care of their pets when there away.
This is not where the problem is. The real problem comes in when the pet sitter is required to take care of the dogs by entering their yard to provide them with food and water. This is where the pet sitter needs to have extra caution. Before accepting a job where you must deal with outside dogs, you need to make sure they are well behaved and well socialized.
If there is more than one dog, and you enter their yard, the situation could become very dangerous. If you become fearful and the dogs sense that you don't belong there, they could see you as a threat and even decide to attack.
Trying to cope with a nervous dog, or worse, several nervous dogs can become a pretty scary situation.
Always stress to the owners that it is important for them to be honest with you and tell you how well socialized their dogs are. You may want to ask if any of their dogs have any tendency to be aggressive. Do they jump up on people? Do they get nervous when someone enters the yard? Do they have any problem with strangers coming into their territory?
With some of the larger breeds, you may want to have a test run when the owner is hidden away from the house, yet close enough to help out if needed. You can test to see how the dogs will react when you enter their territory while they think the owner is away.
Before you enter the yard, you need to take note of how the dogs behave. Do they seem nervous or anxious? Or are they thrilled to have a visitor? If your gut tells you it's not safe, you should not to accept that job.
It's better to be safe than sorry. Pet sitters really need to understand that it's not always a good idea to take every job. Before taking on any pet sitting job, make sure you meet with both the pets and the owners. Ask questions about how well the dogs behave, what types of problems the owner may have or have had in the past.
This is not only the time for the pet owners to interview you, it's your time to interview them as well. Never accept a pet sitting job if you do not feel comfortable with the pets or the owners.
Most times pet sitting is truly a great job to have. Just remember that all jobs are not for all pet sitters. Sometimes it's best to say no.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Designing Your Home Around Your Pets
As a petsitter, I like to be in the know about new technologies coming down the pike, pet-wise. Here's an article with some useful information:
Fabrics: In addition to fun and whimsical pet-inspired patterns, the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces has led to the development of new moisture-resistant and antimicrobial fabrics that are indistinguishable from traditional indoor fabrics. Whether you choose them to upholster your pieces or use them just as slipcovers, these fabrics are ideal for pet owners who like to share their favorite sofas and chairs with their furry friends. Check out Crypton Super Fabrics to see new fabrics created by photographer William Wegman and architect Michael Graves that appeal to pet-loving families. Perennials Fabrics carries an extensive line of products ranging from contemporary to traditional patterns and has recently teamed up with textile designers Galbraith & Paul® to create an exciting new line of durable and beautiful products.
Flooring Surfaces: If you have a family member (or members) who suffer from allergies and you don't enjoy heavy cleaning on a frequent basis, you should avoid deep pile carpets such as shag rugs. Hard surfaces enable you to control allergens better, but in the past many pet owners shied away from hardwood floors because of concerns about claw and scratch marks. Thanks to a new water-based, low VOC polymer floor finish called "Traffic" from Bona , pet owners can put those fears to rest and once again enjoy beautiful and easy-to-clean hardwood floors.
Pet Project
by Kaj Gam
Even though we like to think of our pets as important and treasured members of our families, we sometimes forget about ways we can include them in our home design and decorating plans.
Thanks to new products and technologies, it has never been easier to incorporate the needs of our four-legged (or in some cases, two-legged and gilled) friends into our home designs.
Thanks to new products and technologies, it has never been easier to incorporate the needs of our four-legged (or in some cases, two-legged and gilled) friends into our home designs.
Fabrics: In addition to fun and whimsical pet-inspired patterns, the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces has led to the development of new moisture-resistant and antimicrobial fabrics that are indistinguishable from traditional indoor fabrics. Whether you choose them to upholster your pieces or use them just as slipcovers, these fabrics are ideal for pet owners who like to share their favorite sofas and chairs with their furry friends. Check out Crypton Super Fabrics to see new fabrics created by photographer William Wegman and architect Michael Graves that appeal to pet-loving families. Perennials Fabrics carries an extensive line of products ranging from contemporary to traditional patterns and has recently teamed up with textile designers Galbraith & Paul® to create an exciting new line of durable and beautiful products.
Flooring Surfaces: If you have a family member (or members) who suffer from allergies and you don't enjoy heavy cleaning on a frequent basis, you should avoid deep pile carpets such as shag rugs. Hard surfaces enable you to control allergens better, but in the past many pet owners shied away from hardwood floors because of concerns about claw and scratch marks. Thanks to a new water-based, low VOC polymer floor finish called "Traffic" from Bona , pet owners can put those fears to rest and once again enjoy beautiful and easy-to-clean hardwood floors.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Sad, Sad Kitty Day
It's a sad, sad day when your client's pet has to be put down, but also very stressful when you, the pet sitter, are the one who has to do it. Are you prepared? And I don't mean mentally.
If the pet is in ill health or very old, you need to discuss the possibility with the owners before they leave on their trip.
1. Have something in writing, signed by your client, that you have the authority to have the animal put to sleep if it becomes necessary.
2. Make sure all vet information is up to date and that you have a Plan B if it becomes necessary to bring the pet in after regular hours. You need an animal hospital that's open 24/7.
3. Have the owners call the vet and/or the animal hospital before they leave to have them note in your pet's file that you have the authority to carry forth with the owner's wishes to have their pet euthanized.
4. As much as you can, discuss possible scenarios with the owners that could happen that would require the pet to be put down. Do they want heroic measures taken? Do they want the pet to just be medicated and kept at the hospital until they return? Where do they stand with their pet having a sudden seizure and can only turn right circles now and won't eat, or if their pet needs emergency surgery, or was hit by a car? Is there a nearby family member or very close friend who can make these decisions if the owners can't be reached?
5. The owners need to make sure their credit card information is on file with the vet or that the vet will bill them so that you aren't financially obligated to pay for the visit, the euthanasia, or an emergency surgery.
This is about communicating with the owners before something happens, and it really applies to each pet you sit, not just the old ones who are more likely to have problems. You never know if you're going to be able to reach your clients on their travels; they could be out of the country. Take the boy scout motto, "Always be prepared" and make it your pet sitting motto.
If the pet is in ill health or very old, you need to discuss the possibility with the owners before they leave on their trip.
1. Have something in writing, signed by your client, that you have the authority to have the animal put to sleep if it becomes necessary.
2. Make sure all vet information is up to date and that you have a Plan B if it becomes necessary to bring the pet in after regular hours. You need an animal hospital that's open 24/7.
3. Have the owners call the vet and/or the animal hospital before they leave to have them note in your pet's file that you have the authority to carry forth with the owner's wishes to have their pet euthanized.
4. As much as you can, discuss possible scenarios with the owners that could happen that would require the pet to be put down. Do they want heroic measures taken? Do they want the pet to just be medicated and kept at the hospital until they return? Where do they stand with their pet having a sudden seizure and can only turn right circles now and won't eat, or if their pet needs emergency surgery, or was hit by a car? Is there a nearby family member or very close friend who can make these decisions if the owners can't be reached?
5. The owners need to make sure their credit card information is on file with the vet or that the vet will bill them so that you aren't financially obligated to pay for the visit, the euthanasia, or an emergency surgery.
This is about communicating with the owners before something happens, and it really applies to each pet you sit, not just the old ones who are more likely to have problems. You never know if you're going to be able to reach your clients on their travels; they could be out of the country. Take the boy scout motto, "Always be prepared" and make it your pet sitting motto.
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