Bacon and chicken (but he’s allergic to chicken) anytime he gets around another dog’s food that has chicken in it, he tries desperately to get some of it.
What’s the cutest thing your dog does?
Watches TV and actually reacts if there is an animal that comes on the TV. He will either whine because he wants to play with it or barks at it!!
What’s the smartest thing your dog does?
He can find a tennis ball buried underground or hidden behind any object. He’s tennis ball obsessed!
Anything else you’d like to share about your dog?
Max has participated in agility classes and excelled at them. He is also very attached to me. If I take him somewhere with me, he rarely leaves my side.
Cat environment enrichment is about providing your cat with new smells, textures, tastes, sounds, toys and fun things to do. Some cats can be happy with a bit of attention, food and a sunny spot to lie down in. But most cats have a more adventurous side, they are cats that need a little more active entertainment. Here are a few ideas on how to enrich a cat’s life.
Free feeding from a bowl can get quite tedious for cats. Cats are hunters and while we are not suggesting you make your cat truly hunt down her meals, searching for food is a big part of their lives and when we take that away from them they can get pretty bored.
So instead of always placing a bowl of dry cat food in the same spot in the kitchen day in and day out, try to engage your cats by hiding the food. Start with spots where your cat can easily find the food and little by little make it harder. Place the food under the table, or behind the door, inside a big box, etc. Then move your cat into another room, set up a few feeding stations and then let her into the room to search! If you add a tiny bit of wet food to the harder hiding spots you’ll see your cat really get into this game. Make sure you don't use hiding spots where your cat is not allowed! Your cat will now use her sense of smell, sight and sometimes even her paws to get to the food.
You can also make an interactive food dispenser. Make some holes in a plastic bottle, fill it with cat kibble and let your cat roll it to get the food out.
Scratch posts are not only fun, they also help with cat nails, but you don’t have to go buy a scratch post. With a shower ring and a piece of carpet, or old bath mat you can hang a very fun scratch station in several spots in your home, best of all is you can use different colors and textures to go with your decor instead of the boring beige they use in kitty scratch posts. Another option for scratching is to cut some cardboard about 3 inches wide and make a long strip, attaching it with tape, then roll the cardboard to create a scratch platform. You can make different sizes and then stick them together to create a tower.
We know most cats get bored with toys after a few days and some even after a few minutes, so we love to make new toys and switch out the old ones. If all the toys are available at the same time, then they all become boring for our cats. By keeping only 2 or 3 out at one time you can prolong your cat’s interest in them, and after a few days switch them out for another 3 and so on.
Interactive cat toys can be made with all sorts of things already in your home. Cut some holes in a box and toss a few cat treats or rattle ball in there… instant toy!
Glue some toilet paper rolls together to create a little tower. Cardboard is easy to paint in any color you like and you finally have something to do with all those boxes in the garage. You can also use cork and ribbons.
Attach a piece of elastic (like the ones used in clothing) on a cat toy (feather, ball, etc.) then hang it from a door knob or tie it to the bottom of the couch and watch as your cat amuses herself watching it bounce every time she bats it. The elastic creates a little resistance and as the cat lets go of the toy it bounces.
Try new materials, with different textures and scents for toys, it will greatly improve your cat’s likelihood to engage with them. Click here for more ideas we found…
Bubbles? anyone? Yes! Cats can amuse themselves chasing regular bubbles for quite a while. Off course, if your cat is really into them you can buy her an automated bubble machine for extra fun, even when you are not home.
Many of our clients have indoor only cats and while this keeps their cats safe, it can also get quite tedious for the cats. These following suggestions have worked quite well to bring the fun of outdoor exploring to our indoor cats. Try a cat harness and see if she feels comfortable enough in it to go on a short walk with you, or use a cat stroller that you can take all the way to a park!
You can express your creativity even further by building outdoor enclosures or tunnels so your cats can enjoy the outdoors in a safe way. You can start with an already made vertical cat run, or go all out with complicated mazes that have ramps, tunnels, hammocks, etc. With these tunnels your cat will be able to see, smell, hear and touch new things while staying safe. Please remember to provide some shade and water while your cat explores outside.
Another great way to bring the outdoors in is by having some cat safe plants for your cat to sniff and even nibble on sometimes. Many of these your kitty can share with you too, like parsley, rosemary, mint, thyme, wheat grass, lemon grass, carrots and lavender. And of course no indoor herb garden could be complete without a bit of catnip.
Cat environment enrichment should engage all your cat’s senses: smelling, touching, seeing, hearing and tasting new things. Try new things often to keep your cat healthier and happier. Remember its supposed to be fun for the cat so if at any point she is showing signs of boredom or distress just try something else. Keep a sense of humor and enjoy your new adventures.
We know boarding your dog while you go on vacation can be stressful, but with help from our boarding pet experts, you can make your dog’s vacation fun too! The following tips have been very helpful for our customers. They make the process go smoothly and ensure your dog has a good time while he’s boarding with us.
1. Bring your pup for a day of daycamp at our pet resort so he can get used to the environment. Our pet friendly staff is ready to introduce your dog to new dog friends and human friends alike.
2. Visit our pet resort ahead of your trip so you can fill out paperwork and take a grand tour, this is the best time to bring vaccination records too so they can be entered in our system. By preparing everything in advance you will be able to dash to the airport without delays on the day you drop off your dog for boarding.
3. Make a reservation at our boarding facility in advance so that your dog’s room can be ensured. Our luxury rooms are limited and can fill up fast, especially during holidays.
4. Bring a towel or blanket that can be washed for your dog to sleep on. Our pet resort can provide one of our blankets and cots as well if you prefer.
5. Bring your dog’s food and medications, including at least one extra day’s worth, just in case. Don’t worry we feed really high end dog food at our pet resort in case your food runs out, but its best not to switch foods suddenly if it can be avoided.
6. Bring a large, safe chew toy. We can put it in your dog’s suite for comfort during his alone time. It is not necessary to bring his whole collection though, we don’t want to misplace a special toy.
7. Schedule extras like daycamp, cuddle time or dog training to fill in the time during your dog’s stay. We provide three walks during the day but these extras ensure even more one on one attention and play time.
8. Schedule a bath with our grooming department so your dog can be nice and clean on his way home. Playing and hanging out can get the dogs a bit dirty.
9. When you drop off your dog for boarding, make a swift exit. The more you hang out saying good bye to your pup the more nervous they tend to get. If you just hand them over they are usually quite happy to go in with their new friends.
10. Likewise, when you pick up, try to stay calm. If you act like it is no big deal your dog will go back to his normal self much faster than if you make a fuss. When you get home, let your dog rest and don’t feed him for a few hours, provide plenty of water and allow access to your yard.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Madison or Maddy
Dog’s birthday:
11-8-07
How did you obtain your dog?
Siberian Husky breeder in College Station
How old was your dog when you got him/her?
8 weeks old
How would you describe him/ her in 5 words?
Funny, happy, playful, curious, energetic
What’s your dog’s favorite food?
Anything but fruit! She loves Cheetos, carrots, peanut butter, crackers and cat food when she can sneak a bite!
What’s the cutest thing your dog does?
When I’m eating a snack and haven’t given her any, she will sit next to me and touch my leg gently like, “Mom, I’m here!”
What’s the smartest thing your dog does?
Ruth taught her to turn right and left. Now when you get a treat she starts turning in circles.
Anything else you’d like to share about your dog?
Her nickname is Mischka from “Mischka the talking Husky” video on YouTube
Many people keep rabbits as pets and it is no surprise since these furry fellows are great companions. It is important however to know that they are not small dogs or cats, and definitely not a practice pet for children. These beautiful animals have a life expectancy of about 10 years and can live into their teens when taken care of properly. They have distinctive personalities and can be funny and quite expressive.
Rabbits and young children tend not to mix well. Pet rabbits do much better in homes with older children and adults, they can also get along quite well with other family pets like dogs and cats when introduced properly. When meeting a new rabbit, make sure that you start by petting them on the head and back, don’t offer your hand for a sniff as you would with a dog because odds are the bunny will think your hand is something to chew on.
Most rabbits kept as pets can easily learn to respond to their name, they can also learn some simple cues and how to use a litter box. Rabbits love to get under, over around and through barriers, to the point that some owners are almost proud of their rabbit’s abilities. At first bunnies tend to explore the less exposed parts of a room, like under the sofa and close to the walls, some thumping is not unusual when they explore and as they feel comfortable in the space they will venture further out.
Rabbits kept in the busier parts of a home tend to adapt to family life much sooner than those kept in a separate room. It is important to bunny proof your home as they will chew on practically anything. It is a good idea for your rabbit to have his own space as well, a large crate or puppy pen, works well for times when you are not watching them. Their space should be at least 3ft long and have a smooth bottom to prevent injuries.
It is recommended to exercise your rabbit for several hours every day. Since rabbits are most active in the early mornings and evenings, they adapt quite well to working, busy families. They can play and hop around while you are home in the morning and evening, then rest in their space while you are at work or school.
Keeping your rabbit busy will keep him happy. Pet rabbit toys, rabbit chew toys, mazes and interactive treat toys are all great options to keep a bunny entertained. Many rabbit owners choose to build their own cardboard mazes which they can alter and add to throughout their bunnies lives. It is important to get those chew toys since rabbit’s teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. A great idea is to bunny proof an area of the living room where your bunny can romp around safely and have tons of fun with toys and mazes while you can’t watch him.
There are more than four dozen recognized breeds of domestic rabbits and plenty of mixed breeds. They vary in size between 2 and 20 lbs full grown. Their fur colors include black, white, tan, red, harlequin, sable and several others. That fur can then be a different texture like: normal, rex, satin or wool. Rabbits come in 5 distinct body types, fully arched, semi arched, compact, commercial or cylindrical. And their ears can be either upright or lopped (dropping by the sides of the head or sticking out like a helicopter).
A rabbit’s diet should be mostly unlimited fresh grass or hay. You should add dark leafy greens daily, about one cup of greens per two lbs. of rabbit. Those greens should be rotated so your bunny is eating different greens from meal to meal. You can occasionally feed other veggies in very small amounts as well as high fiber rabbit pellets. Fresh water should be available at all times for your rabbit.
A pet rabbit should be gently brushed regularly to help remove excess hair. They will also need nail trims regularly. It is important to note that not all small animal veterinarians have experience with rabbits so it is a great idea to find a rabbit expert for your bunny’s needs.
Spaying and neutering rabbits is a must since the males tend to spray and the females can get territorial when intact. Having more than one rabbit in a household can be tricky and it is only recommended for very experienced rabbit owners.
If you are interested in reading more about pet rabbits, please visit www.rabbit.org or www.raising-rabbits.com you will find all sorts of useful information. You can also find tips, information on behavior, health diet and housing in the “House Rabbit Handbook” by Marinell Harriman.
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
The Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are some of the most intelligent dogs you will ever meet. These feisty little guys were bred as hunters. Reverend Jack Russell of Devon, England created the breed in 1870. He was looking for an agile, fearless dog for hunting that was small enough to follow foxes when they “go to ground” or burrow.
Jack Russell Terriers are usually about 11 inches tall and weigh between 10 and 17 pounds. With proper care their life expectancy is about 15 years. This dog was initially bred to be almost completely white as a way to distinguish them from the game they were hunting. Today, most Jack Russells are still predominantly white with tan, or black markings on the head, muzzle and back. They come in two distinct coats, smooth and ruff or wire. The smooth coated Jack Russells will shed a bit more than the wire haired, but occasional brushing and bathing is all they really need. They have very expressive little faces with almond shaped eyes and v-shaped drop ears. Their bodies are sturdy and muscular, since they were bred to fit in small holes their shoulders shouldn’t be too broad.
This dog is hyper, with boundless energy and a fearless personality. After all, they were used to run amongst horses. They are charming and affectionate but also fiercely independent. Jack Russell Terriers do best with active families of adults and older children. These, like most terriers, are very rambunctious and can be quite overwhelming for inexperienced dog owners and younger children. They are very agile and can jump more than 5 times their height.
These dogs are highly trainable but have a mind of their own. Don’t be fooled by the Jack Russells seen on TV and the movies, those dogs have received vigorous training by dedicated professionals. Due to their superior intelligence, training needs to start early and be consistent and challenging for the dog. Jack Russells have been known to outsmart the average dog owner and can turn highly destructive and disruptive when bored.
Due to their high prey drive and burrowing abilities, expect barking and digging from this amazing hunter. Jack Russell Terriers will require a daily routine of at least one hour of running or other vigorous exercise to stay happy and healthy.
With proper exercise, a Jack Russell can adapt to almost any environment. They have a double coat that helps them stay cool in warmer climates and warm in the cooler, wet climates. Jack Russell Terriers are happiest when they have a large fenced in yard to run freely. They have a high prey drive and are naturally curious and independent which means that most Jack Russells will not be contained by an electronic fence. This breed needs to be walked on a secure leash. Since these terriers were bred to chase game, expect charging behind squirrels, cats, birds and any other small creature.
Jack Russells need engaging homes or they will find their own entertainment. Usually not in the most amusing manner for their pet parents.
So if you are an experienced dog owner with plenty of time for training and exercise, with a sense of humor and adventure, then this smart, feisty and quirky little fellow might be just the dog for you.
Thursday, August 4, 2016
House training tips
1. Stay ahead of the dog’s needs. Its better to take them out a little more often than necessary. But don’t over do it because then they won’t understand why you are out there.
2. About 20 minutes after eating, drinking, waking up or playing hard they should go outside.
3. Keep your dog in a small enclosure and as they are able to keep that area clean give them a little more space. Begin with a crate or small laundry room or bathroom, then the bathroom open to the hallway with gates that block off the rest of the house and so on. We suggest that you give dogs a little more space once they can keep the designated area clean for a week.
4. Make sure you clean with enzyme based cleaners following directions closely. These will break down the particles in the pee and poop so the spot no longer smells of it to the dog. If it smells like a spot where they have gone potty before they are likely to repeat the behavior, so these products avoid that.
5. If your dog has an accident while you are not around, just clean up and continue with the regular schedule. If you catch the pup in the act, rush them outside, if you get a single drop outside reward enthusiastically when they are done. Then move back inside and clean up the area. There is no need to reprimand the dog at any time, this actually causes more problems than it fixes. We want your dog to be comfortable going potty in front of you so house training can be successful.
6. Take your pup outside on a leash or out to a pen, this will reduce distractions. So potty first. Then go for a walk or play in the yard.
7. It is important to keep an eye on both water and food intake. Free feeding is not a good idea while your dog is being house trained. If they are on a schedule you will be able to predict when they need to go outside.
8. Exercise is also a factor when potty training. If you have had a long walk with your pup the first thing they do when you get back is gulp down a bowl of water right? This means that in about 20 minutes all that water will need to come out, so plan ahead considering this. Always leave your dog on an empty bladder, not a full one.
Good luck and if you need any help, give our trainer a call for a consultation.
