Tips For Adopting a Dog
The decision to adopt a dog is not one that should be taken lightly. This is a very important step in your life and in the dog's and it's important that you are certain about what you plan to do before you do it. If you're thinking of getting a new dog, it's important to consider all of the options that are available to you. This is when you should consider adoption. There are a great number of homeless puppies and dogs today. They are often housed in animal shelters and humane societies who work hard to try to find homes for these animals. In some cases, the dog was abandoned or it could be that the owner has passed away or become incapable of taking care of them. It's not their fault that they are...
Learn About Search and Rescue Dogs
Rescue dogs are normally classified as either being tracking and trailing animals or air scenting animals. Each will have their unique advantages (and specific search and rescue dog training) based on the rescue situation at hand. For instance, a tracking and trailing dog is scent discriminating, meaning they need an article with a specific human scent on it to find a subject. An air scenting dog is non-scent discriminating and will follow any airborne scent that's in the air. When you decide to give a dog search and rescue dog training you first need to identify if they're tracking and trailing (scent discriminating) or air scenting (non-scent discriminating), then move them into the appropriate...
Behavior Problems in Rescue Animals
isit the nearby animal shelters and see all of those adorable canines with the puppy dog eyes and pleading expressions and what can you do? Maybe you only came to volunteer or leave some dog toys for the animals there, but once there you are hooked like the proverbial fish. Well, many people can’t say “No” and they find that they are soon leading a new pet home before they realize what’s happened. I certainly don’t blame them because I am a pushover for those rescue animals that long for a forever home and family of their own. Although I began as a part time volunteer at a local animal rescue shelter, it didn’t take me long to fall in love with each animal I came...
Choosing and Rehoming a Rescue Dog
Choosing a Rescue Dog There is something immensely satisfying in taking in a rescue dog, in many cases someone else has either been unable to cope or it had became a burden or a nuisance, in some cases it is because of a marriage breakup, bereavement or for allergy or medical reasons. What does amaze and anger me is that some people take on dogs almost as a fashion accessory and then discard it when it is either no longer cool or convenient. See my poem "Do I go back home today" The decision to take on a dog should never ever be taken lightly the whole family must buy into the idea or the problems it can cause can be terminal for a relationship that may already be creaking. I have had clients that...
Take Precautions Before Adopting a Dog in India
In a country like India where stray dogs are a common problem, adopting such dogs is also a common practice. However, most people don't consider all aspects when adopting a domestic dog from the shelter. The main questions to ask are do you have any idea about the background, where he came from, how he reacts and how to understand him. Here are some typical questions which will help you in adoption of a dog: - First find the information about the dog that whether he is a stray dog or a shelter dog. This will help you in understanding his background. - Puppy is the better choice. But if you are going for a rescue dog then the age should be between 8 weeks -15 years. - Check the medical and behavioral...
Golden Retriever Rescue Dogs Are Fun to Own
When you adopt or foster a dog from a Golden Retriever rescue you can expect the dog to be no younger than two years old. The dog makes for a loving and playful pet. Golden Retrievers tend to shed a lot and require access to shade and free moving air and water if the weather is quite hot. A great idea for a hot day is to be near a pool with a Golden Retriever, as they love the water and swimming! Golden Retrievers require a lot of exercise as they are a sporting breed and make good hunting dogs. They usually reach full maturity at the age of three years. Although some Golden Retrievers who have ended up in a rescue or shelter is likely to be short on manners due to its unstable life, this situation...
Pet Adoption Options
When it comes to adopting pets, there are many options. People have different reasons for adopting a pet, and often this reason influences where they look for their new friend. For some people, whether the animal is a purebred or not is important, so they will pursue breeders. Others are interested in saving an animal from the fate of a life without a loving family. These people will typically search animal rescue organizations or animal shelters. Both purebred and mixed breed animals can be found at these organizations, as well as older animals and animals that need special care. This guide will help you explore your options when considering the adoption of a new family pet. Choosing a Breeder You...
Pet Overpopulation - What Are the Statistics?
Pet overpopulation is a big problem all over the country. Every day there are several puppies and kittens that end up in shelters that are former strays or unwanted. Not spaying or neutering an animal can only lead to low pet health and overpopulation. Nowhere is a better example of this than at local animal shelters. For example, counties across the state and across the nation euthanize three to four million animals a year, because of poor pet health or lack of adoptive homes. It is amazing how quickly pets can multiply. Female dogs can have two litters a year and on average have six to ten puppies per litter. Female cats on the other hand can have three litters a year and usually produce four to...
So You've Adopted a Rescue Dog and He Isn't Housebroken - Options For Housebreaking an Adult Dog
When you think of house training a dog, it's usually a puppy that comes to mind. It makes sense to consider house training a part of a puppy's "growing up stage". Unfortunately for some dogs, that just isn't the case. If you adopt a dog or get a rescue dog, you really don't know how they were trained as a puppy. Some dogs may have been outdoor dogs and house training never was an issue for them. For the previous owner, the accidents the dog had in the house may have been treated as "just part of owning a dog". Perhaps that was the straw that broke the camels back and made the previous owners get rid of the dog. Whatever the reason, now you're faced with house training your new adult dog. Older dogs...
Dog Pounds - Myth and Reality
When you think of dog pounds, you think of a lot of unwanted dogs, strays, unruly animals, that will be there for a week or two until the policy of the pound establishes that it's time to kill the animal. Local media, movies, and even cartoons all show a similar vision of the dark and gloomy Dog Pound, usually staffed with goons whose mission is to find all the animals and get rid of them. The problem with that is that's not really the case. There is a lot of time, energy, and care behind a dog pound, and just because it's run by the local town doesn't make it any different than if it were managed by volunteers. Many dog pounds shelter unwanted animals. You can find dogs that are there because the...
Dog Adoption and the Days That Follow
Being at the dog adoption center can be pure madness, particularly after the loss of another pet. Expectations are low, because the grieving period has just begun yet a family member insists that a new puppy is just the medicine for the recent heartbreak. The inextinguishable hurting does not allow for any positive emotions that may come from staring into the eyes of the first Pit Bull or Pomeranian. Shuffling through six kennels, hope seems completely lost... until at last life presents the "miracle dog." He's a twenty-pound mutt with big sad eyes and an innocent whine. He looks up as if to say, "Please take me home, I'll be your best friend." What he really means is, "It works every time..." The...
Dog Rescues
If there is one group of organizations that need support and applause it is dog rescues. Many of these rescues rely solely on donations in order for them to run effectively and often they have to turn away dogs that they otherwise could have kept simply because there is no room. Since dog rescues are no-kill, there is no room until they adopt a dog out. There are two types of dog rescues, those that are breed specific and those that are open to any dog regardless of the breed. Both types of rescues are needed and they work together to place these dogs that would have been destroyed. Breed Specific Rescues There are several breed specific dog rescues such as the Greyhound Rescue Organization...
Persian Cat Rescue - Adopt a New Family Member
A Persian cat is a beautiful addition to any family. There is a beautiful and regal quality to these cats. Their long hair makes them quite distinctive and beautiful. Their long hair also makes them need more maintenance than many other cat breeds. The level of maintenance required for Persian cats can lead to some owners to neglecting or even abandoning these beautiful animals. As any animal lover would tell you it is always sad to find a neglected or abandoned animal. They need our help in giving them a loving home. The current economic crisis has resulted in many more pets becoming neglected or abandoned. This includes cats, dogs and exotic pets. It is more important than ever before to consider...
Help Homeless Pets Without Spending a Dime
With the economic downturn, animal welfare organizations have suffered tremendously as fewer people have the resources to donate financially. At the same time, they have seen a huge increase in the number of animals turned in as families lose jobs and homes. Here are a few ways you can help homeless animals that won't cost you a dime! One of the easiest things you can do involves a few clicks on your computer! Websites such as raise funds via advertisers, and you can click a button daily to generate a donation to help feed shelter animals. In conjunction with petfinder.com, the Animal Rescue Site is also sponsoring a $100,000 shelter challenge, featuring both weekly winners and the grand award of...
Animal Rescue Car Donation - How to Help Save Homeless Pets
There are many people who recognize the problem of negligent pet owners and want to help save more animals. Although some people take in as many stray dogs and cats as they can, they are also aware that a bigger effort is needed to save more lives. Animal shelters, rescue organizations, and the Humane Society, do a lot toward protecting pets and finding them new homes, but what can you do to contribute to the cause? Have you ever considered car donation? There are several ways you can help animal rescue efforts by donating your used car. Why You Should Donate To Animal Shelters As disturbing as it is, a lot of people are very short sighted. And when this short sighted nature comes to acquiring a pet...
Rescue Dogs - The Doggie Super Heroes!
Heroes have always been a part of our life, but how many times have you had something other than a person being your hero?? Mostly it's just someone who is your hero. Have you ever had a dog be your hero?? Rescue dogs that are specially trained have for a very long time been the only way to reach to survivors in earthquakes, fires, floods and other major disasters. Their keen sense of smell has made them very useful. Rescue dogs are hard working and coupled with their keen sense of smell have proven to be very useful. They are very loyal and obedient as well and expect very little In terms of returns. Mostly it is just a special treat, a hug or even just a little play session that keeps them going...
Labrador Rescue Dogs - The Dos and Don'ts of Training
While dogs are typically known as playful companions and man's best friends, dogs also have a number of roles that are not as widely acknowledged. When law enforcement is called in to find a missing person, or a natural disaster strikes, dogs are often part of the first line of defense when the time comes to respond. Burmese mountain dogs, Saint Bernards and Labrador Retrievers are among the most common breeds favored for search-and-rescue training. Their roles may include all or some of the following: wilderness rescue, avalanche searches, drowning searches, natural disasters, and in some cases, corpse retrieval. Labrador rescue dogs in particular, being one of the more common breeds, are generally...
Things to Think About During Dog Adoption
Unlike what most folks think, dog adoption is no trivial matter. A single has got to do a thorough analysis of her or his reasons for adopting the dog just before contacting the breeders or rescue facilities. Some with the critical details that individuals overlook or take lightly include the truth that a dog comes with its fair share of responsibilities. Because of this being sympathetic with dogs that haven't found loving homes to live in just isn't sufficient reason to assume that just one can handle an adopted dog. First, 1 requirements to look at just how several hours they plan to invest with the pet after the dog adoption course of action is complete. Just like humans, dogs are social beings...
Things to Take into account During Dog Adoption
ign="center"> Unlike what most individuals feel, dog adoption is no trivial matter. One particular has got to accomplish a thorough analysis of his or her factors for adopting the dog ahead of contacting the breeders or rescue facilities. Some of the crucial details that persons overlook or bring lightly consist of the reality that a dog comes with its fair share of responsibilities. This indicates that getting sympathetic with dogs that haven't found loving houses to reside in is just not adequate motive to assume that 1 can manage an adopted dog. Very first, just one requires to consider just how many several hours they prepare to invest with the pet following the dog adoption course of action is...
The Use of Labrador Retrievers As Search and Rescue Dogs
The Labrador Retriever is a loyal, intelligent breed with a reputation for bravery and initiative. Whether they are putting their friendly and social nature to work as therapy dogs, using their intelligence to help the visually impaired navigate busy streets as a guide dog or putting their nose to work for the police as a cadaver dog, the Labrador can be found helping people all over the world. Arguably one of the bravest and most noble jobs this breed has been known to perform is the work of a search and rescue dog. The work of a search and rescue dog, also known as a disaster dog, is a long, exhausting and often very dangerous process. It requires intense concentration and a keen sense of smell...
How to Make Your Rescue Dog Comfortable in Your Home
You have done your research and found the perfect dog for your home. He or she is a shy but sweet little or big bundle of fur. You have brought your dog home. The first thing you do is to let your dog sniff around and get used to you, your family and your house. Now comes the fun part. How do you acclimate your rescue dog to your home and your family? Hopefully, you found something out about your dog's situation before you picked the little girl or boy out. A good rescue society should tell you if your dog was just neglected or abused or both. They may not tell you exactly what the situation was that your dog faced or for how long, but they should let you know how traumatized the dog was. Depending...
Search-and-Rescue Dog Training
We've all seen the search-and-rescue dogs on TV and in the movies. And we have all been impressed, as we should be, because search-and-rescue (SAR) dogs are amazing and they are very, very well-trained working animals. Most search-and-rescue dogs are the larger breeds of dogs, although size is not a requirement. German shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, giant Schnauzers, and Labradors are some of the breeds found on SAR unit rosters. Formal training for a dog to be certified as a search and rescue dog usually takes about a year of twice weekly training. Candidates to become SAR certified must demonstrate trainability, agility, endurance, and the ability to get along with other...
Rescue Dog Behavior
Often a dog may end up in a shelter or pound because he was unwanted by his first family. This can happen because the dog already had some behavior issues. This doesn't mean he was a "bad" dog. It just means that he had some issues that the family didn't know how to handle so they turned him into a shelter. When you adopt a dog from a shelter you should try to find out all you can about why the dog is there. Before you adopt you need to know if you will be able to handle a particular dog's behavior. For instance, does he have house training problems? Does he jump on people? Does he bark constantly? There are ways to solve all of these problems but you have to ask yourself whether you have the...
Should You Adopt a Pet Rabbit?
Rabbits are wonderful pets that are growing in popularity. Whereas these gentle creatures were once found primarily at farms in outdoor enclosures, a growing number of people are deciding to keep pet rabbits as indoor pets. But, why have rabbits grown in popularity and how can you determine if a rabbit is the right pet for you? Reasons to Own a Rabbit as a Pet Rabbits have grown in popularity as household pets for many reasons. One of the primary reasons is the fact that they tend to be very social creatures and are usually very tame. Therefore, most rabbits can be regularly handled without issue and often form close bonds with their owners. In addition, they tend to be very playful and can be fun...
Should You Get A Rescue Dog?
I have had a dog in my life for as long as I can remember, some good, some bad, and some indifferent! As a child, we always had our dogs from puppies, always really cute and in a way, you can determine their personality to a certain extent. It is easier to train a puppy, start the training early and you have a faithful, well-behaved companion for life. Dogs are fantastic company, my husband goes away on business quite a lot, and it is nice to come home to a soppy pet who is always pleased to see you and will listen to you no matter what rubbish you are talking about (I swear my dogs understand every word I am saying)! It wasn't until I left home I really thought about getting a rescue dog. I had...
The Facts You Need To Know About Adopting A Dog
-- End Ad Box ---> Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea that may parents will know only too well. How do you go about adopting a dog to make suure that the dog is happy and there isn't too much upheaval in your home? If you are thinking of adding a dog to your family, consider adopting your new best friend from an animal shelter or humane society. You'll not only get a good feeling from helping a homeless pet, you'll get an outstanding companion. The staff at these organizations carefully check the animals for sound health and good temperament. In addition, some shelter animals have had the benefit of training to develop good manners while they waited for a new home. Through no fault of their...
Rescued Dogs And Anxiety
u have never heard of separation anxiety in dogs, you should know that it's very real and dogs will experience intense anxiety when they are left alone for extended periods of time. This affects dogs which are rescued from animal shelters very commonly. Although it is a very wonderful and noble thing to rescue a dog, he or she may easily develop this condition due to abandonment feelings, lack of attention at the shelter or just because of their own unique personality. In order to help your dog overcome it, they will need a lot of love, attention and care. Dogs are very much the social animal. Of course, they travel in packs in the wild, and when they are domestic animals, they consider their human...
Rescue Dog Training - Obedience Training Will Make Your Rescue Dog a Welcome Family Addition
Contrary to that old adage, old dogs certainly can learn new tricks. I know from where I speak. You see, I love dogs. I mean I REALLY love dogs. All kinds. Any kind. In fact my wife says I love them too much. And to be honest, I've proven her right - twice. You see, I'm very partial to rescue dogs. The more needy the better. My first rescue dog became my very best friend. A mixed terrier who was loyal, affectionate and protective. Towards me anyway. I was the ever-doting dog owner. Catering to her every need and even some I think I made up. But she never got close to my wife and our young daughter because I served her every need. When Rosie passed away prematurely at the age of 10, from an overdose...
Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Adopt a Pet
A pet is an animal that brings many benefits to the owner. Being a pet owner will give you a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that is why having a pet around you at home can be a wonderful addition to one's life. If you do not own a pet yet and is contemplating to have one, then you may want to consider the following reasons why you should adopt a pet. Below are the top 5 reasons why owning a pet will positively affect your life. 1. Pets can give you unconditional love and companionship. Pets make you always feel accepted and loved. Just like genuine love; they offer constant companionship and friendship. Your favorite animals give you one thing better than respect and loyalty. They can give...
Adopt A Pet Game
We all love with pets, which is why 'adopt a pet game' websites have become extremely popular. These are virtual pets that you create from scratch, after which you care for them their entire lives. Along the way you'll find a number of free, fun games for you and your pet to play together. The easiest way to get started with your virtual pet is by using a website service. There are many of these free services available, all you need to do is register with your email address then follow the website instructions. They will guide you on the process of creating your first virtual pet, from choosing its name to the type of animal you want and even the color of its fur! Once you have created your pet you...
International Exotic Animal Sanctuary
The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary was formed as a non profit organization to look after the welfare of abused felines and other exotic animals and also to educate the public on their importance in the eco system. Inhabitants at the International Exotic Feline Sanctuary in Dallas include bobcats, jaguars, leopards, tigers, lions and bears as well as several other feline species. Animals at the sanctuary are given proper food and offered expert veterinary care. The big cats are given their food mixed with essential minerals and vitamins so that they get a balanced diet, also animals are kept in large open enclosures that mimic their natural habitat as much as possible. A popular animal at the...
safety way to buy pets in online
ign="center">safety way to buy pets in online Most all pet owners want the best for their pets, which is why like them, you may be nervous about buying something as important as your pet meds from an online store. Learning the facts about buying from online product coupons can help show you that it is a very safe option that can save you time and money. You will learn that when you buy from the right online source, you will receive your pet meds and their refills on time each month. When it comes to buying pet meds online products, there are a few things you need to know. First, it is very important to know where you are buying from. You don't want to get pet meds from just anyplace online. You...
Don't Buy Pets This Christmas
Please don't buy pets as presents this Christmas unless you are sure the pet will be properly cared for as long as it lives. Pets bought on a whim as presents usually end up dumped and dead. The purchase needs careful and humane consideration because a creature's life can be at stake. Sure a pretty kitten or playful puppy is initially a big hit with a family but they can also become a nuisance when it comes to cleaning up after them or repairing the damage they can cause in a home. Who is actually going to care for the pet – clean it, clean it's mess, walk it, feed it, tolerate its howling and most of all love it? Who is going to be its carer for all the years it lives? I mention...
Names of Rescue Dogs
Dogs which are smart and brave are a big part of search and rescue units. Their heroic acts were recognized in museums, paintings, monuments, statues, memorials, and awards. Here are their heroic stories and names. The good rescue dog with names and breed are Apollo (German Shepherd), Balto (Husky), Barry (Saint Bernard), Dakota (Pitbull), Dusty (Airedale Terrier), Gandalf (Shiloh Shepherd), Swansea Jack (Newfoundland), Togo (Siberian Husky), and Velvet (Labrador Retriever). Apollo served on a K-9 search and rescue mission unit. The New York Police Department deploys the K-9 unit for search and rescue mission on September 11 attacks. The twin towers of World Trade Center collapsed after the...
Rescue Cats
Do you want to give a cat a new home? Then you may be interested in a "rescue cat". Many cats are abandoned by their owners or are left roaming the streets. These cats not only have a poor standard of life but they also are vulnerable to illness and disease. This is no good for any cat. Besides, we all deserve to be loved! Rescue cats are cats that have been saved from a life of scavenging or even saved from death because of their cruel and cowardly owners. Unfortunately, other owners cannot keep a cat because of lack of space, lack of funds or through illness. Rescue cats are cats that may have found a brighter future. There are organisations that are specifically dedicated to saving and rehoming...
Adopt a Pet and Change Your Life
It is only natural to get caught up in the daily routines that make up our lives, and we tend to forget about the little creatures that can bring sunshine to the day. Anyone that owns a pet, though, can tell you that the little fellows bring joy to any household. Imagine coming home from work and finding your dog waiting at the door, and so excited to see you! If you are thinking about adopting a pet for the family, you can certainly go the traditional route by finding breeders and getting a pedigreed puppy or kitten. If you really want to make a difference in an animal's life, however, you should consider checking out the precious pets that are waiting for new homes at your local animal shelter...
Adopting a Dog From an Animal Shelter
Visiting an animal shelter can be an emotional experience for an animal lover. It's difficult to see all the animals in their pens and not want to take them all home. Such feelings are understandable and commendable; however, just be sure that prior to adoption you consider all of the ramifications. And remember, your best friend is waiting for you at your local animal shelter. Why are animal shelters always filled with animals waiting to be adopted? Well, lack of neutering dogs is a major contributor. Shockingly, it has been calculated that over a six year period, one female dog and her offspring will, if allowed access to male dogs at the relevant times, produce 67,000 puppies! Small wonder...
Why Spay and Neuter?
Can you imagine working at a Humane Society where literally thousands of dogs and cats are euthanized because of the volume of animals coming through the doors? Statistically, a female cat can give birth to 20,000 kittens in five years. The lions share of these are brought into a Humane Society by the public, or picked up by Animal Control and then taken to a Humane Society. The numbers for dogs aren't quite as staggering but are still excessive. One Humane Society in East Texas reports 9,003 dogs and cats were brought to them in 2007. Of those, 6,708 were euthanized and 2,904 were adopted. Since 1988 their records show a total of 193,363 animals have gone through their doors; 145,000 were...
Choosing a Puppy or an Adult Dog For Adoption
ing home a new dog always provides the grounds for celebration. Known by many as man’s best friend, you are able to rely on dogs to be a good companion, a playmate, or even a guard dog. However, for a successful match between you and your new pet, there are some factors you need to consider in regards to your lifestyle and habitat. When adopting a dog, deciding whether to go with a puppy or adult dog is crucial, each having its own particular outcome. Puppies * The most obvious advantage of bringing a puppy home, is the fact that you will be able to guide and mould him from an early stage. Puppies are more receptive, and susceptible to being trained by their owner than older dogs. Another...
Rescue Pets Swim to Me Puppy Are a Lot of Fun For Your Kids
Toddler Christmas Toys If you're stuck trying to think about gifts for your toddler this year, you have many options when it comes to unique, fun, interactive toys. Instead of buying a stationary gift, you might think about something that moves, makes sounds and makes for hours of fun playtime. Rescue Pets Swim to me Puppy is one of these really fun, interactive toys that your children are sure to love. His big, cartoonish eyes, floppy ears and pert tail make this little puppy simply irresistible to both boys and girls. Not only does this puppy look cute, but he can also move both on land and water! Your child is sure to enjoy endless hours of fun whether playing outside or in the bathtub at home...
Cat Rescue - Hope For Feral Cats
Every town and city has a feral cat colony. Cat lovers immediately think of their own much-loved cats with their cosy quarters and square meals. World-wide, dedicated volunteers have thrown their efforts into helping these domestic cats living wild, assisting with programs ranging from sterilisation to re-homing. Ferals and strays - what's the difference? Stray cats are cats that have grown up with humans but because they have wandered or been abandoned are living wild and homeless. At least to some degree, they have usually been socialised to accept humans as benevolent. Feral cats may not have been fully domesticated for generations. They establish colonies where they breed speedily. It is...
Adopting a Dog and Bringing Him Home For the First Time
Whenever you take it upon yourself to get a new dog, one of the first things you need to do is make sure you have considered all your options. A common route for many people to visit a professional dog breeder. Animals available through a dog breeder are supposed to be checked for hereditary diseases and born under a controlled environment. In some cases they might also be able to offer documentation in the form of a pedigree, which avails the good traits of your specimen. Dog breeders are a good choice when selecting a dog, a trained eye will be looking after your best interest during selection and care of the newborn creature. However, all this comes at a price. Other less expensive options exist...
Beagle Dog Breeds - Used As Detection Dogs Or Rescue Dogs
Beagle is a small breed and appears similar to Foxhound. Beagles have shorter legs and soft ears. Beagles are trained to catch hair, rabbits and play games. The power to smell is very good in Beagles and thus they are used as detection dogs or rescue dogs. They are good in detecting food. The health issues are less in beagle. Because of their size, less health issues and temper they are popular then other pets. The existence of Beagle is over 2000 years; however the breed available today is a modern breed and was developed in1830's in Britain. Beagle was first used for hunting, people used to import the dog from US. The modern beagle is straight legged, weak heads. Beagle resembles to Foxhound in...
How to Work Out the Age of Your Rescue Dog
How to Tell the Age of a Rescue Dog Unfortunately this is not an exact science and there can be many variables. However this will tell you what you can look for and can give some indication within a couple of years of the actual age of your dog. I am often asked to give an indication of age and the breed of the dogs that my clients have rescued. Some I have seen from rescue centres bear no resemblance to what that centre have assessed as the breed or the age. Unfortunately assessing a dog that is mixed breed takes many years of practice and I cannot write any indicators that would help the inexperienced eye. Fortunately age does leave indicators that do not need lots of experience and practice for...
Components of a Standard Rescue Dog Training Program
Men have been keeping dogs as pets for centuries and the relationship between the two species has definitely developed considerably over the years. Today, not only do they provide companionship, but they can also be very helpful in rescue and survival operations with the right rescue dog training. Obedience In order to be considered a rescue dog, one of the requirements is for the animal to show the capability and skills for obeying simple commands such as sit, stay, fetch etc. This is essential in ensuring that rescue missions go as smoothly and as efficiently as possible. Agility A slow-moving animal may be more of a liability than an asset during crucial life and death situations. It is very...
"> Rescue dog separation anxiety is common in pets that have been abandoned or mistreated by their former owners. Having faced violence and trauma, such dogs simply cannot embrace new shelters and new masters with complete trust and confidence. Hence, abandonment and attachment issues are common in rescues dogs. One effective way of solving this predicament is through desensitization, or a behavioral conditioning scheme that is geared towards making a pet dog less vulnerable to anxiety. This is done through gradual exposure to whatever triggers the fear. This process needs a new stimulus (the treat) that will be presented as a reward or as a positive distraction. The treat distraction is used to...
How to Potty Train an Adult Rescue Dog
Attempting to potty train an adult rescue dog yourself can be a challenging task. Imagine the nightmare of coming home to find one or more messes on the floor. Perhaps on your new carpet. The last thing you feel like doing after coming home from a day at work or night out is getting the cleaning materials out and having to clean the mess up and make everywhere smell nice again. The problem is carpets don't easily recover from this kind of soiling too easily. We had this problem with our rescue dog, a great Dane. The difficulty we had is that this dog was used to being outside. Well after a bit of head scratching we came up with a solution of our own. Crate training. The basics are that you buy a...
Pros and Cons of Ferret Adoption
Congratulations! An option to adopt ferrets is the single most wonderful way of bringing a little ferret in your life when it badly needs you the most. There is a difference between adoption and foster care. When you take a ferret for foster care, you can expect that the shelter will cover veterinary costs for you, and you can also expect to be returning the ferret to the shelter and providing information about what you have observed of the ferret behavior that will enhance its chances of finding a suitable permanent home. If this is your first time in caring/adopting a ferret - Mingle with ferret owners, to the shelter operator, and to a recommended veterinarian. Look for books or online articles...
Give a Homeless Cat or Dog a Gift of Good Cheer
The holidays are a wonderful time of year, full of excitement, expectation, and celebration. But for many it's also a difficult time. This is especially true for anyone not blessed with a close, supportive family, or those physically separated from loved ones. Consider, among these unlucky souls, the four legged ones who have to spend their holidays--all of their days, in fact--at the local ASPCA or animal shelter. These poor creatures have little to look forward to besides hoping that some nice family will adopt them some day. Pets need new games, new toys, new smells and experiences, and above all, exercise to be happy. Dogs and cats in shelters can get depressed, lose their appetites, and become...
Volunteer For Your Local Dog Shelter
Animal shelters and animal welfare agencies always need volunteers. They need money too! But besides donating money there are a ton of other ways you can help. Did you know you can foster a dog? Yep, many shelters don't have enough room for all the animals brought to them so they need people to house these animals until they can be placed in a permanent home. Or sometimes a dog may be ill or too young to be adopted. How fun to care for one of these dogs until they are ready for adoption. Some shelter dogs could use obedience training and you can be the one to take him there. You can volunteer your time at the shelter where you can walk the dogs, or clean the kennels, or work in the office. If you...
Adopt a Dog - Its Free
Simply seeing that furry little bundle in front of a grocery store for free doesn't mean that is the puppy you need to take home. Adopting a dog is an important decision, and you need to do your research to make sure that you are finding the right breed and tempered dog for your family. Understanding the differences in the breeds will help you make a good choice so that your new family member can give you joy for years to come. The first thing to be aware of is that the American Kennel Club classes dogs by group. There are seven different categories of dogs: sporting, non-sporting, toy, terrier, hound, working and a miscellaneous class. Matching your family with the right group will give you a good...