Dogs love being outdoors, Ill tell you that for nothing. But when the weather is hot and youre out sunbathing, their fur coat makes them too hot and theyll search for somewhere cool and shady to lie down.
An outdoor dog house or kennel is the ideal place for a dog to cool down and relax when all that running around gets too much and not only that but theyre great for house training in the summer. Both owner and dog can relax in the garden and whenever the dog does his business, he is rewarded and learns from the experience. An effortless investment! Dog houses are typically wooden structures in the shape of small houses with a large entrance, and although there is a vast array of designs available for any canine, this stereotypical snoopy style dog house remains prevalent. Even ancient Egyptian nobility kept their dogs in kennels and they are still in a high level of production today. Some dog houses are designed to compliment their surroundings. For example, if you live in a log cabin style house then you can buy a log cabin style dog house to match!
Dog houses are not limited to being a permanent structure. There has been a dramatic rise in plastic houses that can be collapsed and transported, including a pop-up doggy tent or an igloo style cabin with an external water bowl. The list is endless. In fact, there is almost no limit. Whatever the size, shape or need of your dog, there is guaranteed to be a kennel made of each material to fit the bill.
However, wood is the most desirable material used in the crafting of dog houses due to its natural insulation, durability and availability. Red cedar wood is often used in making dog houses as its own resins protect the wood from precipitation damage (rotting and mould) and repel insects such as fleas, ticks and mites. Such structures are also often specially treated to give the wood extra protection against extreme elements for them to last longer. Also, cedar wood has low temperature conducting properties meaning that it doesnt lose or gain heat easily and will keep a dog cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
For the winter months, modern dog kennels can be insulated, particularly in the roof if it is peaked and some are fitted with a self-closing door to keep in the heat. Often these doors have an UV ray filter and are removable. Also, a kennel that is raised above the ground is further away from damp and insects so that a pet is kept dry and safe whatever the weather. Many houses are fitted with a porch and awning so that the pooch can relax whilst watching whatever is going on outside his kennel.
Dogs adore the outdoors and they could explore for hours, but at the end of the day the little guys need their rest, and what better way to relax than in their own perfectly sized canine palace!
Who Says You Can’t Teach An Old Dog New Tricks?
To quote the rock band Chicago, they say it’s a hard habit to break. Perpetually stereotyping employment, marriage, and singularity: Age is but a hindrance but not for long. With approximately 15 minutes of training daily for 2 weeks straight, according to The Animal Planet, even the most stubborn dogs will give in. These enduring canines will sit, roll over, and do whatever your heart desires. All you need is a strong sense of consistency, and a mouthful of patience under your sleeve.
In order to make this a quick fix, the trainers (or owners) should develop a positive attitude. To feel frustrated and angry will not help at all. As a matter of fact, pets somehow feel how their owners experience; and that would not speed up the progress for even a bit. As for the owner’s side, unreasonable expectations should not be made for their pets. Unlike children sent to school for a 12-year formal education to get the basics, it is quite irrational to invest an uptight 12-week course for your dog to acquire the desired behavior, and earn the respect and discipline needed. Remember: all relationships require a bit of work.
It also involves recognizing the dog’s previous training, then deciding on what certain applicable and viable changes are needed for a greater effect. You highlight the dog after a day’s work with plenty of rewards such as treats, and verbal praises such as patting him on the head for doing a good job. Take it nice and easy, as not to shock and confuse the pet. It is necessary to change the behavior in small steps rather than a complete change all at one time.
However, there is a difference. One has to put in mind that training an older dog is remembering that this dog has, most expected, to having been trained once. This means that it has an established thinking as to what acceptable behaviors are, and what behaviors are most not welcomed. It takes a great deal of endurance to train an older dog, and should be at the very least regular to receive the best outcome.
But do keep in mind that although the owner is the master, the dog still is an individual, as in it has its own personality; so a little give-and-take affiliation will not hurt. The key is to enjoy the whole teaching-an-old-dog-new-tricks activity, as you build a better relationship with him. That is the sole purpose of dog obedience training.
What you give is what you get; therefore being the educator, you are responsible for the way your pet responds. Dogs are social creatures, and are among of the most loyal. If you have a senior dog around who needs a bit of a push, do not fret; all you need is give your little furry friend some feisty motivation. Who ever said you can’t teach old dogs new tricks?
That saying is meant to be taken more literally to humans, for we’ve got a lot of habits that are harder to break.
When given the right care and affection, every dog is a good friend and the time and investment on them will be repaid several folds over. More than that, a dog’s life spans more than fourteen years that they invariably become members of the family. Outside of marriage, adopting a dog is your only chance to choose a family member. Because of our strong attachment to dogs, it is not enough to have just another dog. It is too easy to fall into that kind of trap. It is so easy to fall in love with a puppy that is giving you its puppy eyes and begging for adoption. People have different personalities, so have dogs. Since dogs change your lifestyle and will stay with you for a very long while, it is best to have a list of dog traits that will best compliment your personality because when adopting a dog, love at first sight may not be very good enough.
Before going out to find a dog for adoption, consider a list of characteristics that you would want in a dog. Generally dog breed helps. There are two kinds of dogs, the mixed, and the purebreds. Dog breeds have characteristics and traits different from other dogs although remember that even a purebred will display characteristics entirely their own and which will only be recognized later as the pup is growing up. No matter, there is no negative dog characteristic that is not corrected by training.
Whether the choice is to go for the pure or the mixed bred, find a dog that matches your energy level, one that approximates your characteristic or one the one trait that you value most. If you have a family, consider the one that will generally match theirs too.
Love All dogs love, but some dogs have the tendency to display their affection better than others do.
Gregariousness There are dogs that are extra sociable that they are best suited for walks outside of the house.
Friendly Dogs in general are friendly except sometimes with other dogs. There are dog breeds however that are more patient and do not get easily threatened by other dogs making them ideal for walks, hunting and the outdoors.
Fiercely loyal This dog characteristic is best for people who need the calming assurance of loyalty around them.
Playful Playful dogs are for people who want excitement and fun. Boxers and Retrievers are fine examples of very playful animals. If you do not mind a lot of running around and tail wagging, playful dogs should be on the top of your list.
Athletic – Dogs are almost similar in temperament to playful dogs although they are bred to be sturdier but not necessarily be as playful.
Docile Dogs are typically obedient dogs.
Quiet Dogs are dog breeds that rarely bark and are good for people who live in apartments and places where noise has to be kept low.
While these traits or at least a good mix of them are found in most dogs, the characteristics are dominant to particular breeds. Good sources for profiling a dog are pet shops, the Yellow Pages, and the internet.
There are dog breeds that are more placid than other breeds. They would rather stay at home and be comfortable sitting in zones that are comfortable to them. The dog would love a walk outside but sometimes it would refuse. Larger dog breeds tend to be so. There are also moments when a supposedly active breed will refuse walks outside. On the other hand, there are dogs that are shy and would occasionally refuse. Either way, dogs need regular exercise. When dogs refuse to walk for reasons that are not obvious to you at the moment, the following tips might help.
Release the dog from the leash and let him walk alone in the yard. Sometimes without our knowing it, dogs may not necessarily be ill but just the same, the dog is not feeling very well. When released from the leash and let to roam the yard the dog will look for particular herbs and plants to chew. This is his way to heal himself or at least to revitalize whatever lethargy that the dog is suffering from. The plant will later be vomited and after a while, the dog will start feeling better. This is not only true to dogs; all animals do this as well. It is nature’s way of healing ailments.
When there is nothing wrong with the dog, the dog may just be developing shyness. If so motivate the dog by building his confidence or allaying his fears. Treats usually do this. Comforting words, your presence, and assurances does it too. See, dogs more the most part are like children. They could suffer from associating with other animals and people. Negative interaction could reduce their confidence, or result to aggressiveness, sometimes in ways that we could not see or predict.
If your dog suddenly becomes afraid of walking it is not good to let the dog have its way. Less exercise will do the dog greater damage. If you would take him for walks, rebuild his comfort level by taking him outside for short walks. Places less frequented by other animals and people are better choices. Make the walk as pleasant an experience as possible and stay close to the dog. Reward the dog with treats to encourage better behavior.
Bring treats with you and make the treats visible to the dog. Use the treats to pull the dog towards you and to walk with you. There is a good analogy to this. People are motivated in the work place by the sticks and carrots approach. Even when employees do not feel up to doing a particular job, when the reward far outweighs the risk, people respond. This is true for most dogs, most creatures for that matter. For the meantime though dispense with the stick.
If the dog is being belligerent, use a harness instead of the leash. This way you can pull the dog along. Use teats just the same to make it easier on the dog to tag along.
If the dog is truly refuses to walk outside, let him run and play in the yard. There is always another day for exercising.
Pet health insurance is an old concept that has been gaining popularity through the years. Insurance companies may have seen the potential as pets are becoming part of the family in many households these days. But with the tough economic conditions, are people still willing to spend extra amount in order to insure their beloved pets?
The trend is still in the process of development. But the idea can be compared with the insurance policies of humans. There are deductibles, annual premiums and the owner can choose from various coverage plans. If you have just learned about this, here are some important notes that might fill in your curiosity.
1. The average amount that can be deducted annually to the insurance is around $100. But the costs of policies vary depending on the kind of plan that the owner will get for their pets. There are even packages that you can choose to acquire.
If you are willing to spend more, the following can be covered with your pets insurance: routine care, preventive medications, annual checkups, periodic vaccinations and surgeries like spay or neuter. Simpler plans will only cover the basic, like illnesses and accidents.
There are plans, especially on new policies that will cover accident claims and will allot 30 days for claims with regards to illnesses. There are companies that will insure additional pets at reduced rates when youve already availed one for another pet.
2. The coverage of the plans will be based on the species of your pets. It will also look into pre-existing conditions and may also consider the lifestyle of your pet whether they are indoor or outdoor and the likes.
3. Most insurance companies begin the policies for pets when they are about 6 to 8 weeks old. But other companies have no requirements regarding the age. And the length of the policy also varies depending on the company. Others have a limit of over 20 years, while some offers an age limit of 10 or 8 years.
4. The most common pre-existing condition among these insurance companies is that the animal has to be in stable and great condition and is not suffering from any terminal illnesses by the time the insurance is availed. There are companies that choose the breeds of the animals. They wont accept those that are prone to certain kinds of diseases.
If your pet is refused by the insurance companies, you can ask your trusted veterinarian for advice. They will refer you to the wellness packages that are being offered by some hospitals. Such packages can give you discounts on certain programs like vaccinations, spay or neuter and a lot more. Other hospitals offer checkup packages intended for geriatric health.
You may also want to look into a national program called Pet Assure. This offers discount programs such as 25% on veterinary services and 50% on pet supplies and related services. This is not an insurance policy. You can ask the owners of pet stores and veterinarians on how can you avail of such program.
If you cannot afford a good pet health insurance for your beloved pets, there are some non-profit organizations that can help you financially when your pet encounters some sickness or accidents. There are also veterinary offices that can support you at such instances through an emergency fund that they allocate for such situation.
Shopping may be a breeze for most people. But it really depends on what you are buying. For pet owners who want to find the suitable pet health insurance company, there are a lot of factors to consider. You will be surprised at how the policies for pets are similar to what humans have. Such policies have annual premiums. The deductibles depend on age and condition of the animals. And there are coverage plans that you can choose for the benefit of your pet.
With so many factors that you must zero into, this kind of shopping will prove harder as it seems to be. Your goal is to give your pet the best plan. Here are some suggestions on how you must go about your policy hunting venture.
1. Ask the vets. You can solicit advices and recommendations from your trusted veterinarians. They can explain to you complicated things better so that you may feel enlightened. And you will also feel more secure when you know that your choice is being used by many people and that there is someone who is professional who can guarantee for the policys effectiveness.
2. Choose a stable company. The business of pet insurance has been around in the United States for over 25 years. The strength of the company will also depend on their length of stay in the industry they belong to. As you ask about the available policies, you can also do a simple background check about the companys stability. You need to make sure that your money will be handed onto the right hands.
3. Look deep into the coverage of the plan. The broader it is, the better. Choose the one that offers coverage for some chronic conditions like diabetes and other forms of allergies, dental situations and prescription drugs.
4. The company must know what they are talking about. If they are to insure your pets, they must have veterinary professionals on board their staff. This way, they will understand your concerns and needs regarding your pet. You wouldnt want to entrust them to people who dont know what theyll be going through as they grow old.
5. The insurance provider must give you leeway in terms of your choice for veterinary professionals. The policy must not limit your choices of hospitals or veterinarians where you can turn your pets into when certain situation happens.
6. You must be sure that the insurance will be ready for use upon the effective date from its approval and issuance. Do not choose insurance providers that will make you wait a certain time before you can start using the policy that you have already paid for.
7. All transactions must be transparent. Make sure that the company provides you with the important information about every transaction that you have to deal with them. Ask them about everything that you want to know, the coverage, the benefits, the payment schedules and other things that you want to be clear about.
8. Choose the company that will reimburse your payments in cases when you have to cancel the policy. All your unearned premium must be given back to you in any instances wherein you have to cancel the insurance.
And these are only some of the concerns that you must take into consideration when you are in search for the pet health insurance company. Do not be shy to raise other issues as you go about the process.
In any business, one thing that you must not forget about is the importance of advertising. This holds true even if you are running a pet health insurance business. The idea here is to let as many people know about you.
You must take extra care to come up with marketing tools periodically. Once you started to advertise, you should not stop all of a sudden. If the financial aspect is your biggest dilemma, you must know that you have a lot of options when it comes to marketing and not all those have a price tag of gold.
In fact, as the business of pet health insurance is booming, so does the industry of printing. The print medium has become the popular choice for business people in order to come up with marketing tools that can help them carry out their goals while staying within a specified budget. You actually have a lot of options when it comes to this. You can settle for direct mailing pieces like postcards, catalogs and brochures. You can also have flyers or company newsletters.
But if you want to try the large format route in terms of print ads, one of the most popular choice among the materials available are posters. The vast space of posters can be filled with everything that you want to tell your audience in a manner that they will be interested with what you are saying.
If you think that this can help you carry out your marketing goals, you must remember the following steps in order to come up with effective posters.
1. Your poster must be focused. What does this mean? Given the fact that you have a lot to say, you must choose what’s the most important for you at the moment. Highlight that factor on your poster’s design and the delivery of your message. You can have this done after a time and choose another message. But do not commit the mistake of saying everything all at once. People may not understand what you are trying to tell them. As a result, instead of capturing their attention, they might get easily turned off.
2. Use graphics on your materials. Take advantage of the poster’s size to come up with the kind of design that will appeal to your target market. You can hire a professional to accomplish this for you. But you must tell them what it is that you want to impart to your audience. What do you want them to feel upon seeing your poster? From such ideas, your graphic designer can create variations of designs that you can choose from.
Do not get lost with the process though. You must not forget to include the vital elements about you on your posters. These are your contact details, your company name and your company logo. These three must be uniform with all the other tools that you have used before or that you are planning to use in the future.
3. Use colors. This will add more life to your posters. You must aim for the eyes of your target market. And once you’ve got them, those eyes must linger on your materials until they have understood what you are trying to say.
After doing the abovementioned for your posters printing venture, you must seek out the services of the right printing company to process your materials. With all the right elements well taken cared of, your posters will surely help boost your pet health insurance business.
Okay, so you just bought that cute female puppy that you’ve been eyeing on for months. Now, what are you planning to do with her? Are you thinking about teaching her new tricks? If you are, then as early as now, you must accustom her to being handled for grooming and veterinary care so she’ll respond nicely. Whenever you have free time, take her in your lap and gently brush her.
Speak to her softly and say words like, “That feels good, doggie, right?” Then, stroke her paws and simply run your fingers through her. That way she will learn that touch is pleasant and not something that is frightening. Once you are able to handle her well, it will not be that difficult to start teaching her new tricks like making her obey your “sit”, “wait or stay”, and “do not jump” commands. Anyway, here are some useful dog obedience training tips for you.
For the “Sit” Command
This is actually one of the easiest tricks to teach and often the most useful. Since your pet is still a puppy, as early as now, you must teach her how to obey the sit command because it is a great way to reinforce your status as her leader. How to do it? First, you have to get her attention. Start by showing her a treat and then slowly move it upward in a way that she has to raise her head for her to see it further. You’ll notice that in order to do this, she will move into a sitting position, just like most dogs do. If she doesn’t do this, slowly push down on her rump while you move your hand back over the head to give her the idea. And once she’s on that sitting position, give her the treat.
For the “Stay or Wait” Command
This one can be more difficult than the sit command as dogs tend to move a lot. To teach your dog to wait or stay, simply place her in a sitting position. Then, hold up your hand, on which the flat of your palm is towards her face, and tell her to wait or stay. Now, move a few steps backward. If she stays where she is, give her words of praise, like “Good girl or good doggie!” But if she moves towards you or away, do not shout at her or punish her. Just put her back in position and start all over again.
For the “Do not jump” Command
A jumping puppy is very cute to look at, but when her size has doubled and she still does a lot of jumping, it will not be too fun at all. So, you must replace that jumping behavior with the sit command. Instead of pushing her away, simply pivot so that she misses you and then tell her to sit. When she obeys, give her praise or a simple treat.
These are just some useful dog obedience training tips that you can keep in mind. Take note, your puppy will be more lovable if she learns how to obey your simple commands.
Pet health insurance, like any form of insurance, is a risk. You are dead sure that your pet will need it. But, nowadays, because of the limitations and caps on the policy that a company is selling you, you’re actually wishing that your pet wouldn’t.
Many people say it’s really hard to understand in a moment’s notice what goes into your pet’s insurance policy. So, before you finally decide if you are getting a pet health insurance, it is beast to scrutinize all its details, contents, benefits and other “charge” that are initially hidden from you. Being knowledgeable and meticulous in getting a pet health insurance will not only help you save up some money but can also ensure that you have something that will take care of your beloved pet companion.
To help you understand what are the underlying principles contained in most pet health insurance offers, here are some points that you should look into:
- A network or provider list. Asking if the pet health insurance is one of the best ways in knowing if the insurance will work. If you’re looking to remain with your vet, tough luck, most of the insurance companies have their own list of providers that they approve. This is provider’s list is given to you so you have a clear-cut idea of who you can go to for pet care. But if your vet is already accredited then it’s much better.
- Exclusions. The next question that would probably come to mind is, “Are there exclusions?”. Asking if there are is a wise move because all kinds of health insurance policies have exclusionswhich are part of the pre-enrollment conditionsor as insurers describe it, “injuries, medical conditions, hereditary diseases and other symptoms prior to enrollment.” These conditions are usually part of the exclusions and should be covered. This is why it is a must that owners of a pet with a pre-existing medical condition should be aware that their cat, dog, bird or other pet may not be eligible for coverage. In addition, pets who have previously suffered a medical problem or been involved in an accident may not be eligible for reimbursement on future costs if the future problem is found to be directly related to the original incidentproviding that original incident occurred before the insurance policy became effective.
- Deductibles and the co-pay. Some companies have deductibles that are on a flat rate. These deductibles are usually for claims that are caused by excessive visits to the vet or other incidentals.
- A “one size fits all” policy. You can’t really say that there is a one size fits all policy. Most of the time the terms and conditions of policies are greatly dependent on the need of the pet owner and the pet, there are plans that include services that are exclusive for dogs or cats or vice versa. Some policies cover some situations that other policies don’t. Some companies have higher premium prices than others. That is one of the reason why the pet owner should be aware of the different needs to their pet so they could get the most out of their policies.
- The coverage of the said policy. When choosing pet insurance coverage, first consider what kind of insurance customer you are. This decision will lay the groundwork for your final choice. Make sure to check for coverage of pre-existing conditions as well as breed-specific genetic ailments, such as hip dysplasia for large dogs. Some plans refuse to cover these conditions while other place limits on annual, per-incident, per-illness or lifetime costs.