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How To Stop A Dog From Rolling In Poop

Nearly all dog owners have experienced watching (in horror) their beloved pet roll around in a pile of poop. How can you stop your dog from rolling around in the icky things they find on their walk with you?

Why do dogs roll in poop?

Before you try to stop this behavior, it is a good idea to know why dogs do this. While poop smells awful to us humans, to a dog, it does not smell bad. And this is interesting because dogs are believed to have a sense of smell that is one thousand times better than ours.

The root of this behavior comes from a domesticated dog’s wild ancestors. In the wild, dogs would roll in poop in order to hide their scent from their predators as well as hiding their scent from their prey as they are closing in on a kill.

Dogs will roll around in anything that they feel will disguise their actual scent, from animal poop to dead animals. But a study conducted in 1986 found that dogs are least interested in rolling around in the poop of herbivores and would much rather roll around in a carnivore’s poop, such as the droppings of cougars or bears.

Also, to a dog, it just feels good to roll around in poop! It is just something that they enjoy and get a kick out of. And even though we do not understand this behavior, it releases a rush of dopamine (the happiness hormone) in your dog’s brain when they do this.

How can I stop my dog from rolling in poop?

Teaching your dog to not roll in poop is good for both the health of you and your dog, as well as everyone in your family. It will also help to cut down on the number of baths that your dog receives, which is better for the health of your dog’s skin.

Training your dog not to roll around in poop is a difficult skill. This is because you may not even be able to see the poop that your dog smells and by the time you realize what your dog is doing, they could already be rolling around in it.

It is even harder to train your dog to not roll in poop if they are allowed off-leash or in your big yard. With that being said, it is still possible if you are willing to put the work into it with your dog.

The first step to getting your dog to stop this nasty behavior is to get to know the signs that your dog is going to roll in poop. Next time you take your dog out for a walk, observe their behaviors so that you can learn to recognize the signs that your dog is going to start rolling in poop. Every individual dog will have subtle telltale signs that will clue you in that your dog is getting ready to roll around in something they have found.

Next, you need to decide what the command will be for your dog to tell them not to roll in poop. Make it short and easy, such as “leave it” or “no poop.” Once you have your command figured out you are ready to start with the training. The two most important things you will need to teach your dog not to roll in poop are plenty of treats and loads of patience.

Training Your Dog to Not Roll In Poop

Teaching the Command

The first step in training your dog to not roll in poop is to train your dog to know the command that you have selected (“leave it,” “no poop,” etc.).

1.   Take one of your dog’s favorite treats and put it in your hand and make a fist. Show your closed fist to your dog so they can smell the treat and know that it is there but not be able to get to it. Your dog will probably try to lick your hand or bark to try to get you to release the treat but do not give it to them.

2.   When your dog backs away from your hand, say “yes!” (or click the clicker if you use clicker training). Then give your dog a treat from the other hand. Make sure to give your dog the treat from the opposite hand because you are rewarding your dog for leaving it, so you do not want to reward them with what they are leaving.

3.   Keep doing this until your dog is consistently backing away from your closed hand and then add the command you selected as soon as your dog begins moving away. Repeat this exercise with the command until your dog knows that the command that you chose means to back away.

Practicing the Command

Once your dog knows the command that you have chosen, you should practice it with different items.

1.   In your yard or another safe place, place a collection of items that may interest your dog, such as a food wrapper, a favorite toy, socks or shoes, etc.

2.   Walk with your dog around the objects you placed in the yard and as your dog starts to go to check out one of the items, use your command.

3.   When your dog leaves the item and comes to you, give them a treat and lots of praise.

Putting the Command into Action

Once your dog knows the command to leave the poop, it is time to use it when there is actually poop somewhere.

1.   Take your dog for a walk in an area where your dog usually finds and rolls in poop.

2.   When your dog begins to approach poop or is showing the signs that they may start to roll around in something, distract your dog and say the command.

3.   If your dog leaves the poop alone, give them a treat as a reward.

4.   Continue to practice these steps until your dog can consistently leave poop alone when you give them the command.

Have patience with your dog and remember that to them, rolling around in poop is fun and rewarding, so it will take time to break this habit.

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How to Stop a Dog from Being Aggressive Towards Cats

There is no doubt that dogs are one of the most wonderful pets as far as human beings are concerned. However, we need to bear a few things in mind while keeping dogs along with cats. There are many homes where both dogs and cats are reared as pets. However, there is a common problem that could be bugging many pet owners who have both dogs and cats in their homes. Dogs and cats have been known to be at loggerheads for thousands of years. It also is a fact that dogs are bigger in build and stronger and therefore they tend to be aggressive and even bullying in their behavior towards cats.

Hence, in this article we will try and answer the question as to how to stop a dog from being aggressive towards cats. The next few tips could also come in handy for all those who also are finding it tough to handle their pet dogs while taking them out for a stroll. It is likely that dogs may often exhibit aggressive behavior towards other cats and this could often become a big problem. However, we firmly believe that the few tips that are being mentioned below could be helpful in stopping dogs from being aggressive towards pet cats or even cats of strangers.

Identify the Symptoms

Before offering treatment to the patients, it is important to identify the symptoms. This is what all doctors believe. The same thing also applies to dogs that tend to be aggressive towards cats. Dogs do not suddenly start becoming aggressive towards cats. They exhibit some common symptoms. There could be many such symptoms and we are happening to list down a few of them for the benefit of our readers.

Dogs often stop eating when he or she sees a cat near its vicinity.

Dogs refuse to share sleep territory with pet cats

They often get between the master and the cat.

They often barge through the door whenever they come across a cat.

Excessive barking when a cat is around is another symptom to look out for.

Growling and staring continuously at the cat.

Chasing cats and other moving objects could also be a symptom worth being careful about.

First steps to defuse the situation

The first step is to find out ways and means to defuse the situation. You should not allow the initial symptoms to develop into a full-fledged fight between the dog and the cat. Look for the first signs of a dog that may be aggressive towards a pet cat. Instead of trying to handle the task on your own, it would always be better to contact a professional as soon as possible.

They are equipped with the right skill and experience to find out the reasons for the dominant behavior of the dogs and take remedial action accordingly. Look for confirmation from a professional because this will allow you, as a pet owner, to start training a dog that is overly aggressive towards cats.

Some ways to treat aggressive behaviours towards dogs

It is the duty of the pet owners to take complete responsibility for their pets. This becomes even more critical when pet dogs start behaving aggressively with cats and perhaps even with other members of the family. If you find that your dog does not stop chasing your pet cat, the following few steps could be useful in finding a solution to the problem.

Introduce them to one another

Quite a few times dogs tend to become aggressive towards their cat because the pet owners did not give them both the right introduction. You can bring peace between these two endemically hostile pets. Dogs have strong smell sense and they find a new scent from a cat, they often consider it to be an intruder. This is all the more true when you bring a new pet cat home. Proper introduction helps the dog to get some time to adjust to the new reality.

Create Tall Barriers

Initially, it would be a good idea to create a tall barrier between the dogs and cats. Ensure that the barrier is tall enough so that the cats do not climb over it easily. Gates can be used for separating the two pets. It will allow the dog to see the cat and also get used to its scent. This may reduce the chance of fighting between the two. Let this happen for a few days so that their animosity levels come down.

Identify the cause of aggression

Changing the behavior pattern of pet cats and dogs is much easier said than done. The best way to reduce friction between these two pets is to find out the reason for aggression. In most cases, the dogs could be at fault but at times, cats are also known to be quite aggressive when they see dogs. While some dogs prefer a defensive approach, dominant dogs are known to be aggressive to pet cats if they are sharing the same home and the same territories.

Both of them believe that their territories could be under threat. Some dogs could be simply jealous because they are not getting the right attention from their owners. Identify those classic symptoms that often leads to aggression. Be aware of the simple fact that dogs and cats have never been friends. Having said this, dogs certainly will have a reason for being aggressive in their behavior towards cats.

Be alert for those warning signs

At times cats and dogs could be seen playing together. However, as a pet owner, never take their bonhomie for granted, especially when you have a dominant dog. Be alert and all eyes and ears. Look for those classic signs and symptoms. We have listed down the most important ones above.

This will prevent the dog from suddenly pouncing on the cat and hurting the feline. There have been instances where small kittens have been brutally killed by dominant dogs. Being aware of the classic symptoms and signs could prevent a disaster from happening.

Conclusion

Apart from the above tips, also understand the importance of training your dog properly. It would be better to start the training when the dog arrives in your home as a puppy. Training young puppies is always a much easier job compared to training adult dogs. Also train your pet cat and teach them a few lessons. This will help him or her to understand that the dog is not her enemy but a friend.

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The Top Benefits of Going on a Dog Friendly Holiday

Dogs are extremely loyal and affectionate animals, earning them the unofficial title of man’s best friend. They have been at our side for over 15,000 years, guarding our safety and alleviating our anxieties without fail. 

During this time of the global pandemic, your fur baby is all the more important to your overall well-being. It can be a great source of comfort for you and your family amid all the uncertainty that the virus brings.  

However, just as you need the occasional break, so does your pet. It is not meant to be cooped up indoors, helpless against the stresses of health protocols and social distancing. A dog friendly holiday will do wonders for you and your four-legged friend today and may just be what you need to recharge. 

Spend a Carefree Time as a Family

As the world learns to live with the virus, governments are starting to relax health protocols and allow travelling. At this point, nothing can revitalise your family better than a trip or a holiday. 

To those who cannot relate to devoted pet owners, the term “family” in this situation includes the ever-loyal dog. 

With every family member present, you will have the best time possible, reminding your family of better days and giving you hope that things will be back to normal soon. At a time when mental, emotional, and physical health is very vulnerable, this is very important.  

Help Your Pet Stay in Shape

Dogs need time outdoors for exercise and recreation, and it is something that a dog friendly holiday can give. A simple trip to the beach where your pet can run freely and stretch those long-confined legs would be highly appreciated. 

Besides the physical exercise, going on a pet-friendly holiday destination can help your dog release all its pent-up energy accumulated over several months’ quarantine. As an added bonus, running alongside your dog would also be a good chance for you to get your own exercise. It is good for your health and your pet’s and can be a great bonding experience.

More Motivation to Explore

Dogs can get restless sometimes, especially if they see a new place or meet someone new. While this may sound like a problem to others, this could be viewed as added motivation to get you up and about, exploring the environment with your family and making the most of your trip. 

If you are tempted to sit back and get lazy, remember that you would most likely be doing the same at home once the trip is over. For now, the best thing to do is have your dog by your side and enjoy the fresh outdoor air. 

No Worries About Who Will Take Care of Your Dog

If you do not bring your pet along for a trip or vacation, being apart for days can be challenging in and of itself. Having to worry about who will take care of it is another source of concern. It is difficult for pet parents to find someone else who will be equally devoted to their fur babies and prove to be up to the task of caring for them and keeping them safe. This is one less thing to worry about if you take your pet along on a dog-friendly vacation.   

It Is More Fun

It is easier to enjoy your vacation if you do not have to worry about your pet’s safety back home or at a dog hotel. As most pet owners would agree, worrying about your pet is something that could not be helped. But with your pet at your side during the trip, it will leave you free to enjoy the moment and just have fun with your family. 

What is more, your pet being there with you at a dog friendly holiday destination would make the experience more fun. Dogs are extremely friendly and can be a conversation starter as you meet new people during your trip. This is important as social interaction is an essential component of a good quality of life. Of course, you would have to observe a safe distance as you interact with others to reduce the risk of infection. 

On the flip side, being with you and your kids would be beneficial to your pet also. Dogs are extremely devoted to their owners, such that being apart for even a short time could be a stressful experience for them. Ultimately, it will be healthier for your pet’s emotional and physical well-being to be with you during the trip. 

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Top 7 Popular Dog Training Methods

Here’s the truth, dogs can be trained to do simple commands, fun tricks, and habits that’ll fit perfectly into your home. But your furry buddy isn’t going to learn anything on their own. They need you to put in the time and effort, too. Thus, it’s a joint project where both of you get to know more about each other’s learning and teaching styles, and coming to a middle ground that works for you and your dog. 

Think of it this way, people learn in different ways–some are visual learners, while others might be auditory learners. The same goes with dog training, some dogs might respond to one method better than others, so it’s best to find the right combination of method that works well for your dog.

Here are seven popular methods to train your dog:

1. Getting A Trainer

You might have heard of Obedience Classes for dogs. It’s not only great for learning tricks and basic commands, you and your pet can also benefit from the socialization with other dogs and their owners. 

There are also other services such as getting a private trainer. Depending on the trainer and their scope, your dog might be able to learn basic to advanced tricks, commands, and even correct problematic behavior. 

But the important thing to remember when finding a trainer is to research and don’t forget to check the feedback on their services just to make sure your dog is in safe hands. There are many companies, such as H&H Dog Training and Delaware K9 Academy, that can provide one-on-one training or you can opt for residential training where they train your dog in their home for a minimum stay of three weeks.

2. Positive Reinforcement

This is one of the most popular training styles. Also, plenty of trainers and pet owners use this style because of how easy it is. It’s pretty simple: reward good behavior. For bad behaviors, the treat, reward, or a favorite toy can be taken away. 

Rewards need to be given immediately. For instance, you’re training a puppy to use potty pads. After the puppy successfully uses potty pads, you can reward them with a treat and praise. If the puppy doesn’t use the potty pads, you don’t need to punish or reprimand harshly. The key is to focus on the correct behavior. 

Keep in mind that your dog will need some time to get a hang of it, so be patient. Most importantly, be consistent. So, it would be good for all family members or housemates to remember to reward the dog for good behavior. In this way, even if you aren’t around, the dog recognizes that their actions will be rewarded. 

Remember, when giving them treats, make sure that you give very small portions to avoid overfeeding them.

3. Alpha Dog

In a way, this is a biological trait for dogs. In a pack, the alpha dog leads, and the others follow. So, when training your dog, you need to be the alpha.  

Here’s how you can show dominance to your dog:

• When serving food, have them wait before they eat.
• Command your dog to sit before going out for a walk. 
• Don’t allow your dog on the furniture, including your bed. 
• Don’t get down to your dog’s eye level.

4. Clicker Training

Clicker training is very similar to positive reinforcement. Sometimes, it’s used simultaneously with positive reinforcement. 

In this method, the trainer uses a whistle or a clicker to make a sharp noise. This noise, which is a signal for a reward, is made when the dog is able to do a command. So, step one is to help your dog remember that when they hear the clicker, a reward is coming. 

To do this, use the clicker and reward them several times. After they’re accustomed to it, you can now add the commands. If they successfully do the command, use the clicker, and then provide the reward. 

This is a fantastic method for learning new tricks but it isn’t the best for fixing problematic behavior. 

5. Electric Collar

Before deciding to use an electric collar, it’s important to note that this is best used by professional trainers. If you want to use it, you should talk to a professional first as it can cause unnecessary pain or stress to your dog.

Basically, an electric collar will spray or shock your dog if they misbehave or fail to do a command. Usually, an electric collar is used when you’re training a dog at a distance and you aren’t using a leash.

But this method is limited because it can help your dog learn what not to do but it doesn’t teach them what they should do instead. Many owners also find this method to be problematic as it can stress out the dog and cause anxiety. 

6. Mirror Training

Mirror training is also known as the model-rival method. To do this, the trainer must have another human being to act out the commands. The trainer will reward the other for any completed commands, and then reprimand them for bad behavior. When the dog sees the process, they can easily recognize what they should and shouldn’t do.

In rival training, the same human acting out the commands will act as a rival to the dog. The person has to compete with the dog and try to get the command done faster, in order to get the treat. 

7. Relationship-based training

This method should be used alongside other methods that work well for you and your dog. No one else knows their dog better than their owners, and dogs definitely know their owners very well, too. Using this bond will help your dog because they know how you behave. For example, when you’re cross or when you’re pleased, they’ll be familiar with the change of the tone in your voice. 

In addition, as a dog owner, you’ll also know the body language of your dog, as well as what motivates them and what they don’t like. But along the way, you’ll find out more about your pet. For instance, there might be an area in your garden that your dog just loves to dig up, you can find out more about why they do this and what you can do to stop it.

Conclusion

Overall, training dogs is a task that requires patience. When doing so, you can always use a combination of training methods that works for you and your pet. But remember to always ask for professional advice or take advantage of the resources that are available to you.

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Service Dog or Emotional Support Animal: Which is Which?

You’ve probably noticed someone with a seeing eye dog, or seen the signs on the doors of businesses, “Service Animals Only”. These aren’t the only types of animals that can help their human friends, though; emotional support dogs, or ESDs, can be recommended by mental health practitioners to help with an array of mental or psychological conditions. Both service dogs and ESDs are used for specific purposes; the differences lie not only in their functions, but in their training and legal statuses as well. 

Service Dogs

Function

A typical service dog will be trained to help with physical or neurological conditions. They often assist people who are blind, deaf, unable to walk unassisted, diabetic, prone to severe epilepsy, or those who suffer from certain obsessive-compulsive disorders. If the service dog was trained to guide someone who’s blind or deaf, then their most important work would be done out of the house, as they’re responsible for interpreting the world for their owners. For other conditions, such as diabetes or epilepsy, the dog would be trained to sense when there’s a severe drop in blood sugar, or when a seizure is about to happen. In these cases, the dog would know to bring the medication that could prevent a medical emergency. Service dogs can even be trained to bring a phone when it sees certain things happen, like if their owner is conscious but unable to get up. 

Training Process

Each service dog has been trained for a specific purpose, in compliance with set certification procedures. If someone needs a service dog for a condition that’s not severe, then they could train a dog themselves, but most service dogs are trained by an agency. They go through a selection process that determines their aptitude for the job, and then go on to work closely with their handlers for at least a year. The length of the training depends on what skill the dog is learning. In the case of guiding a deaf person, for example, the dog has to be trained to see the world almost as a human would, and then to alert their owner with the appropriate cues. This kind of training involves filtering massive amounts of information in a way that’s foreign to its instincts, which would take quite some time to learn. Just one missed signal could put the owner in a life-threatening situation, so it’s important for the handlers to be thorough.

In some cases, someone might be able to get their service dog early, before it’s been fully trained. For people who have used service dogs their whole life, it can be better to skip some of the wait time and finish the training themselves. While this could make the first year or so with the new animal a little trickier, it can also strengthen the bond between the two. 

Legal Recognition

Service dogs are all certified according to the ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act. According to the ADA, if the person with the service dog is allowed to enter a public or private area, then so can the dog. This means that they can go into restaurants, houses or apartments with no-pet policies, and even accompany their owners onto planes. For the people who got their service animal through an agency, the certification is already taken care of; if someone did the training themselves, then it’s up to them to apply for certification. 

Emotional Support Dogs

Function

Make no mistake – emotional support dogs do a lot more than just help you when you’re feeling “emotional”. They’re like the yin to service dogs’ yang. Instead of helping with primarily physical disabilities, ESDs support people who have psychological or cognitive conditions. Anyone who’s been diagnosed with autism, PTSD, anxiety disorders, bipolar or personality disorders, learning disorders, or depression might benefit from an emotional support dog. For some people, it’s as simple as needing something to love and take care of – a dog with the right characteristics could be responsible for lifting someone out of deep depression. Or, an ESD could be the calming influence that consistently pulls someone out of their flashbacks or nightmares. Some people are actually debilitated by their mood disorders, and their emotional support dog is the only thing that pulls them back to the life that they want. Maybe someone could just have a lot of generalized anxiety, and they choose to manage it with a dog instead of medication. 

Training Process

Emotional service dogs are generally trained by their owners. Since they have to match personalities as well as their responses to their owners’ issues, it’s more common for someone to choose their own dog when it’s young, and train it as it grows. Most of the training is just house-training, but to a fairly high standard; most ESDs are also taught to respond when their owner’s condition worsens in any way. Some dogs will place their paw on the person’s chest, or get them to sit down and lay their head on the person’s shoulder. They may simply snuggle up next to their owner to show empathy. Beyond house-training, the way in which the ESDs respond to their owners is up to the individual.

Legal Recognition

The ADA doesn’t recognize emotional support dogs in the same way as service dogs. Any establishment can refuse entry to ESDs, unless the owner is using an airline, or applying for a house or apartment. Even though very few businesses are legally obligated to let your emotional support dog enter, some of them still will. The key here is to make sure that you have proof of your dog being an ESD, and not just a pet. All you need is a letter from your mental health practitioner, stating what your diagnosis is, and how the dog helps you. 

Sometimes when modern medicine falls short, dogs can step in to fill the gap. Next time you see a service dog or ESD, you’ll know just how much they do for the person who takes care of them. 

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The National Service Animal Registry has been helping animals help people since 1995. They provide information and services related to emotional support animals and service dogs.

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Don’t make these six silly pet owners’ mistakes

“A man’s perfect companion never has fewer than four feet!” is a universal truth which no one can deny. Having a canine companion can be one of the best life experiences if the owner knows how to be a good pet parent in the first place. You have to understand that the pet isn’t just a recreational object you brought home for “fun” and that being responsible while looking after your furr-iend is of utmost importance. 

While getting home a beloved pet, you should take care of a few basic affairs in order to give your newest family member a happy and fulfilling life. It is your responsibility to get the best of everything the pet requires. Pets are considered amongst the most precious possessions, so getting insurance for your pet which covers the medical care it needs should seem as important as getting your diamond necklace insured. You can easily check pet insurance cost on the internet and choose the deal which suits you best. While a lot of new pet owners end up making few mistakes while raising their pets due to lack of knowledge, it is understandable that the mistakes were unintentional. Here’s a list of silly mistakes you should avoid if you’re about to get home a pawed member: 

1. Visiting the vet only when your pet is having an ailment – You need to understand that your dog or cat cannot talk, hence it will not be able to tell you if it feels under the weather one fine morning. Just like us, pets too need regular check-ups. Only visiting the vet when your pet is ill can cause a lot of health related troubles. Always remember, prevention is better than cure. 

2. Feeding the pet more than it can digest – We understand that you love your pet, but that doesn’t mean you’ll cause trouble to its health! A lot of time, pet owners don’t know where to draw the line and over-feed the pet out of “love”. A responsible pet owner should not be tempted by the idea of treats every now and then, just like the pet. Maintaining a healthy diet is important because you don’t want your pet to suffer from obesity and other health issues. 

3. Neglecting vaccination and ligation – Vaccines play the key role in ensuring a long pet life. Pet owners often underestimate the requirement of vaccination and that only ends up reducing the lifespan of the pet. They are prone to various bacteria, viruses, etc and vaccines help prevent them from contracting such disease causing germs. Similarly, neutering the pet is also important because it reduces the chance of genital cancer. If you don’t want to become a pet grandparent, get your pawed buddy neutered ASAP! 

4. Not going out on walks – It isn’t only you who needs to be in good shape, your pet needs it too. Not taking out your pet for regular walks only end up causing a lot of health problems. The pet becomes fat, the hind-legs get affected, and it gradually becomes difficult for the pet to even move around in the house if it doesn’t go on regular walks. Further, it also leads to mood swings and bad temper because staying indoor all day long can make the pet feel claustrophobic.

5. Not having a set of rules – Who doesn’t love a well-behaved pet? Someone who won’t shout at guests, someone who would know where to pee, someone who would not go around tearing all the slippers around the house! Having a set of rules and training/disciplining your dog in a home environment is as easy as it sounds. No, you won’t need a professional trainer for this. Since domestic pets are fast learners, they can easily pick up the set of rules if you are patient enough to train them by luring them with small treats. It will not only help you earn a good reputation as a pet parent, your house will also seem welcoming and friendly to visitors. 

6. Neglecting pet-proof housing – A household preparing for a new pet should also know how to make the pet feel safe in it. Forgetting to pet-proof the house before getting a tailed member can wreak havoc. Many first time pet owners forget to take precautionary steps like keeping small, easily swallowed objects out of reach, having a proper lock in the front door, removing objects like shoe-polish, detergents, etc. from easily accessible places. Neglecting the process of pet-proofing can lead to poisoning, choking, etc. and even destruction of household items. 

These are few of the most common mistakes made by pet owners, causing a lot of health issues to the pet and you definitely don’t want to commit one. In the end, a pet owner should always remember what will be best for the pet and give them a happy and wholesome life.

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5 Ways To Take Great Selfies With Your Pets

Every year, the average person takes hundreds of selfies on their phones. They are taken with friends, with family members and even with pets. With the USA being home to tens of millions of pets, there is no shortage of pet selfies being taken and shared throughout the internet.

There are even online sites that can help you turn these pet selfies into great pieces of art. For example, Instapainting might be a great choice to consider. Of course, before any of that, you need to capture the photo. Unfortunately, getting them to sit still for a photo is never simple, so getting the perfect photo is easier said than done.

Thankfully, there are some ways to ensure they turn out good. With that in mind, here are 5 great ways to take awesome selfies with your pets.

Don’t Be Afraid to Use Treats

When in doubt, using treats to get a pet to do what you want is a tried and true method. While it shouldn’t be solely relied on (as proper training is often preferred), it can work in a pinch, especially when you want to get some selfies. Simply showing your pet that you have a treat should get them to come right to you and do what you want.

In addition to treats, you could also consider using toys. For example, if you (or someone else) holds up a toy behind the camera, you can often better control the gaze of your pet. This can be a double-edged sword, however, as they also might want to go and play instead of sit and take pictures. Either way, it is worth a try if you are struggling to keep the focus of your pet.

Do it When They Are Calm or Tired

We have all been around calm pets, and we have all been around ones that are going a little wild. There is a good chance that 10 out of 10 times you will choose trying to take a picture with the calm one. A pet that is all over the place and full of energy will be next to impossible to get a good selfie with.

If your pet is hardly ever calm or relaxed, consider tiring it out first. A nice little bit of playing or a long walk is often the perfect recipe for a tired dog. When the dog is tired out, it will generally be more willing to work with you on taking a few pictures. Of course, be sure to do it quickly to ensure they can get back to resting after all of the playing they just did.

Make Sure They Are Comfortable

When taking pictures with your pet, it will be far easier to do it when they are comfortable. If you try and force them into a certain pose or position, it could make them less than excited and could agitate them. In addition to being simply a good thing to do, if your pet is comfortable, they will likely put up less resistance to getting their picture taken.

If you do what the pet does, instead of forcing it to do what you do, it becomes much easier to get the best photo possible. If they are laying down, go take a picture with them there rather than picking them up and trying to get one of your holding them. Make it as easy as possible for them, and you will often be rewarded with a fantastic selfie.

Be Patient

Patience is important when trying to get a good photo. It takes time to focus the camera and to make sure both you and the pet are in the frame. Also, ensuring your pet is looking at the camera and looking presentable can be a journey in and of itself. Patience isn’t always easy, but it is a key when it comes to getting that perfect shot.

The attention span of your dog or cat is likely much less than you, so they will be unable to focus as long as you will. Because of this, you need to be patient. Don’t get upset or frustrated at your pet simply because they want to play. Of course, if your pet simply isn’t in the mood and isn’t willing to work with you even after trying for some time, it’s best to simply try again in a few hours or another day.

Consider Using Natural Light

One of the most important things of taking a great selfie, whether with your pet or not, is the lighting. You want lighting that is flattering, but still bright enough to illuminate the subjects of the photo. While artificial light has gotten pretty good, nothing beats natural light. It is soft, not distracting and can often make you look much better.

In addition to making sure the photo looks good, using natural light is better for your pet. If you use a ton of artificial lighting, or a bright and jarring flash, it can hurt your pet’s eyes, as well as scare or startle them.

In conclusion, the tips included in this blog post will help make sure that the selfies you take with your pet are high-quality and come out just the way you want them.

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What’s A Good Lazy Dog To Buy?

Are you a dog-lover who is longing for the companionship of a dog, but you don’t have a huge garden for a dog to run around in, and you know that you will not have enough time to take your dog out for lots of exercise? Then you may be wondering what’s a good lazy dog to buy. 

There is nothing to beat that tongue hanging out, tail wagging furiously, to greet you as you walk through the door after a long, hard day. Your dog will not be all sulky and grumpy because you left him alone at home all day while you went out to work. Dogs are the most forgiving creatures.

So what do you do if you are longing for that furry friend, but you can’t spend hours walking him every day? There is a simple solution – a lazy dog!

On PerfectDogBreeds.com, you can read about the many different breeds of dogs, but let us try to narrow this down for those of you who are looking for that perfect, but lazy pooch.

What’s a good lazy dog to buy?

Many big breeds are extremely calm and docile, and are happy with only a short walk around the block two or three times a day.

1. The English BullDog may look fierce and angry, but nothing could be further from the truth. They love nothing more than lying around and doing absolutely nothing. They have a squashed up, flattened muzzle, a condition known as Brachycephaly. This often restricts their oxygen intake, resulting in a lack of energy and a need for lots of rest. 

2. The Saint Bernard is the epitome of a gentle giant. They were originally bred for helping and guiding people through the Swiss Alps, making them highly energetic. But the breed has evolved over the years, and you are now more likely to find them curled up in front of the fire in your living room than frolicking in the snow outside. 

3. The Great Dane, like the Saint Bernard, is really just an over-sized marshmallow. They are the most adorable, friendly dogs. Because of their enormous size, they can be prone to back problems, and sometimes develop painful bone deformities in their spinal column. Therefore they will often prefer a quiet, lazy life. 

4. The Greyhound is a racing dog, so you may be wondering why he is considered to be a lazy dog. Well, precisely because a Greyhound is such a fast runner, he can only run short distances. Because they are so lean, and have very short, thin coats, they cannot tolerate very cold temperatures for long and need to be taken out only for short walks. 

5. The Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent choice if you are looking for a lazy dog. They are highly intelligent, and have a very faithful and loyal nature. They only need to be taken out for two or three walks a day. 

Of course there are also many smaller breeds of dogs. Let us look at a few lazy dogs that are smaller and therefore easier to manage if you live in a small apartment.

1. The Maltese Poodle can occasionally be quite a frisky little pooch, but will usually love nothing better than to laze on the couch and doze the day away. Maltese poodles are easy to train, and only need a few short walks a day.

2. The Shih Tzu adores being curled up on a lap. They are very quiet, calm dogs and don’t need much attention. Two short walks a day will be enough for them.

3. The Pug, like the English Bulldog, is brachycephalic, with its little squished up face. Therefore it also has limited energy, due to restricted breathing, and will be a perfect lazy dog.

4. The Chow Chow is an ideal family dog. They have a very loving and quiet nature, and are real ‘home bodies’. They will be quite happy indoors, with minimal exercise.

5. The Pomeranian is a perfect example of a dog whose bark is worse than his bite. These little dogs are known for their loud yapping, but they don’t need to run around very much and will be quite content with a lazy, indoor lifestyle.

These are a few of the most popular breeds of lazy dogs. Any of these will be your ideal pet if you don’t have much time to devote to looking after it. However, it is important to remember that even the laziest dogs still need daily walks and a certain amount of exercise.

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How To Become A Veterinarian

Becoming a vet requires a passion for animals and the determination to see it through. The process of becoming a vet is quite simple as long as you take some research to know how to go about it effortlessly.

In this article, we’ve compiled a simple guide on how you can become a vet.

1. Research

Just as you would research any project that you wish to begin, you must research what it entails to become a vet. Researching a field of interest entails knowing the processes and passing expectations required.

By researching, you can also read widely about the different career paths that a vet can venture into. For example, food animal vets tackle illnesses in animals, while companion animal vets work to keep animals healthy in a private hospital setting. Food safety and inspection vets research to find animal diseases and prevention between humans and animals. Equine vets specialize in the medical treatment of horses, while research vets theoretically work to find new diagnoses and surgical techniques that can be operated on animals.

Researching these different paths will guide you regarding the steps you’ll need to become a vet.

2. Obtain The Necessary Education

The path to education is neither uniform nor set. There are different educational paths you can take to becoming a vet such as veterinary continuing education. Such education provides the relevant courses that you need to pass and the practical assessments required.

For you to become a qualified vet, you need to pass the necessary academic courses. To help you out, find study methods that’ll increase your chances of passing, such as test and exam revision papers, extra classes enrolment, tutoring platforms, forming study groups with your colleagues, downloading study apps, and being attentive in your courses.

3. Seek Additional Certifications

One can never get to a point where one believes that they learned all there is about a certain field. Fortunately, with information at our digital fingertips, you can find e-learning certifications to complement the necessary and additional education. By enrolling in these, you become more knowledgeable about animal care.

E-learning has the convenience of being able to choose courses that’ll fit into your schedule, and you can also learn at your own pace. Thus, you can choose courses that focus on the type of vet you wish to become.

4. Interact With A Vet

Interacting with professionals can give you first-hand information about the field. While you obtain your education, you can discuss what you learn with a practicing vet. This way, you get to understand how the theory you’ve learned applies in real life.

You can write questions that you may ask and schedule a session with a vet. A professional can also provide information that isn’t found in the theoretic aspect of becoming a vet. For one, you can take into consideration the positive guidance that you may receive from a professional and include this in your journey to becoming a vet.

5. Shadow A Vet

Having interacted with a vet, you can request a day that you can shadow them. Shadowing entails spending some time observing how the vet handles their animal patients.

This is important since practical observation can complement the theory and insight that you received, giving you an all-around take of what becoming a vet entails.

6. Study Animals around You

If you keep animals in your home or have people who do, you can observe them and put what you’ve learned to practice. For example, if an animal is not feeling well, you can try diagnosing and measure what a professional vet would’ve diagnosed.

The advantage of having information at the tips of your fingers is that even if you don’t have animals around you to study, you can study them online. You simply have to search on a particular animal or breed, discover the various illnesses that they experience, the symptoms, and ways to diagnose these. You can also take animal quizzes that indicate the different types of animal behavior and its corresponding explanation.

7. Enroll In Public Speaking Classes

Public speaking classes may help you flourish your career as a vet. The field entails having to interact with pet owners in an efficient, professional, and friendly manner. You also have to communicate with the animals in question since you have to calm them down and make them feel at ease as you tend to them.

Public speaking classes will help you sharpen skills of relaying appropriate messages in set tones and linguistic gesture. If you display characteristics of someone lacking in confidence when interacting with your clients, they may doubt your expertise regardless of how qualified and skilled you may be.

8. Study a Business and Management Course

If you decide to take the path of becoming a private vet, you may need to understand how to run your business. You may be a skilled and qualified vet, but this doesn’t automatically mean you have the expertise to successfully run a business. You have to develop an interest in figuring out how a vet system efficiently works for quality services.

9. Volunteer At An Animal Shelter

Volunteering at an animal shelter may give you the exposure you need to become comfortable with different types of animals. Spending an ample amount of time with animals may help you practice communicating with them and identifying a health issue.

Also, you should try to volunteer at different shelters rather than stick to a shelter that houses animals you’re already familiar with. For example, if you’re comfortable and knowledgeable about dogs, you should spend time with cats or reptiles. This is because, as a vet, you won’t only interact with animals that you’re used to and prefer. Thus, this pre-exposure may help your confidence when dealing with clients and their different pets.

Conclusion

Becoming a vet requires creativity and dedication. Other than obtaining the education and specifications required, you can read widely about the field, register for further certification with online-based courses, interact and shadow vets, as well as study animals around you.

Taking public speaking courses may also help you in terms of communicating with clients, and business management courses will be handy if you decide to start your own clinic.

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Bringing Your Puppy Home- How To Make It A Welcoming Experience

Bringing your puppy home can be an exciting and unnerving experience. You can expect to feel apprehensive if it is your first time. The experience is often stressful for the dog as well. You will probably have to struggle with some challenges, though these are usually easy to resolve with the right approach and preparation. Everything boils down to making it a welcoming experience for the animal so that it feels comfortable and connected right from day one. Here are some useful tips that can help.

Prepare your family 

Raising a dog is a big commitment and requires several adjustments. Since your family is a part of the deal, make sure that they are just as prepared as you are. Prepare everyone before bringing the dog home. The most significant decision at this stage is about the choice of the primary caretaker because this member would be responsible for looking after all the needs of the animal, from feeding to walking, grooming, training, and more. If you want to train the pup professionally, seeing a professional in advance makes sense.  

Know the breed 

When you pick a dog, you decide to live with its imperfections. So it becomes important to know the breed and choose with care. For example, you may want to opt for a kid-friendly breed like GoldenDoodles if you have young children at home. Careful research about the prospective pet can make you comfortable and also ensures that you pick an animal that would blend with your family and lifestyle. You may also seek recommendations and advice from someone who owns the same breed. 

Stock up on supplies

Welcoming a dog home is as good as having a guest, though this one will be a part of your family for a lifetime. Before you get it home, stock up on supplies so that the dog gets everything it needs. Moreover, it would save you from frantic dashes to the store. The essential include food and water bowls, collar and leash, a crate, a bed, and some chew toys. You will also need dog food and some treats for training, but make sure that you get your vet’s advice before stocking it. Consider investing in dog gates if you want to block certain sections of your living space. Also, pick some odor-removing cleaners as you will need them till the pet is potty-trained.

Keep the first day pleasant yet low-key

When it comes to welcoming the dog home, the first interactions build the foundation of your relationship with the pet. Do not expect too much because a shy puppy or dog can be easily overwhelmed by a group of loud and excited strangers. The first few days should be pleasant yet low-key. Instruct the kids to maintain a distance and avoid inviting guests over until the pet settles in the new environment. Once things are sorted, you can start working on the animal’s routine and go ahead with training as well.

Your pet’s first experience at your home should be pleasant and comforting. It will make them bond easily with your family and ensure happy days ahead.