We had recently moved into our new house, taking with us one young retriever and two cats, Chloe and Mia. It was a quiet neighborhood, with little access to native wildlife, except for a booming field mouse population. We decided that the cats could stay outside during the day, so long as they came in at night. We couldn't decide on a suitable location for a cat door, and, truth be told, we had more pressing things to spend the money on.
Skills for Every Day
Why In-Home Training Works So Well—Plus a Free Management Tool!
By Terri P. Tepper on 11/01/2008It is so worthwhile, and so easy, to customize clicker training lessons for a family when the training takes place in their home. In that environment, I can see behaviors of both the family members and the dog that wouldn't show up in a class situation. I can keep the training consistent for the dog by helping each family member stay on track.
Click and Laugh: Fun Cat Tricks!
By Joan Orr on 09/01/2008The idea of training cats is often met with a reaction of disbelief. Cats are prized for their independence and for their determination to do exactly as they please when they please. Surely cats do not want to be trained—and, if they did, they would insist on setting their own agenda. (They do, of course.)
How to Prepare Your Pet for Health Care and Grooming
By Joan Orr on 08/01/2008Pets have to tolerate not-so-pleasant procedures during grooming or veterinary care. But it's hard to convince a feisty Fido that it's great fun to be held down while the vet puts drops in his ears! On your own at home, without the benefit of practiced technique and extra pairs of hands, a task like that can be more of a wrestling match than a calm medical procedure.
Teaching Your Dog to Love the Water
By KPCT on 07/01/2008The majority of gundogs are natural swimmers and love nothing better than doing it for pure pleasure. There is a skill to it, and experience alongside confidence is also required. Some dogs find the paddling action difficult to master at first, causing them to lift out the water at the front end whilst the rear end sinks—lots of splashing but no movement. This is one of those skills where practice does make perfect.
