How to Choose a Pet

Did you know that pets outnumber people in the United States? Recent statistics have shown that 62% of homes have a pet, and that 46% of homes have more than one pet. That adds up to 380 million pets in a nation with a human population of 290 million people.

The first three categories are cats (78 million), dogs (65 million), and birds (18 million). Also popular are fish and small animals but their number is far behind the numbers of cats and dogs.

More and more people are buying pets because they realise the great advantages of having a pet, a pet is a great companion, a loyal friend and a part of the family. Since a pet has such an important role to play in your life it is important thinking hard to pick the right pet for you.

Carefully considering what pet you will get before getting it will pay off in the long run, that way you wont pick a pet you are incompatible with, you will get on well with your pet and you wont have problems with it in future. A poorly chosen pet may eventually have to leave, and the blame for the imcompatibility will be with you.

If you are choosing a pet the real choice you are probably making is whether to get a dog or a cat, perhaps you are considering a pet that requires less effort such as a fish or bird also. If you decide to opt for a dog you must then choose what breed of dog toget, with over 150 breeds you are spoiled for choice!

A dog will probably prove to be a better companion than a cat - it will be more of a friend, however a dog will also need more care than a cat. Dogs like to be around people whereas cats are more autonomous, they will generally spend their day off by themselves. Cats are more attracted to their home then to their owners generally.

You will need to carefully consider how much space you have, cats and dogd reuire quite a bit of space, so if you live in a small apartment then even a small breed of dog or a cat will feel restricted. If you have very little space perhaps you should go for a bird or fish, or may be a hamster?

Bear in mind that a dog cannot be left alone for very long, they need feeding, walking and attention. This may be a problem if you are away often and there is no one else around to mind the dog. Perhaps a kennel or neighbour would be available to care for the dog while you are away. Cats, though independent, do not like being left alone either although they can cope better than a dog.

Dogs need a lot of attention, they must be walked at least once or twice a day, on top of that they are full of energy and need space in which to live and play. Obviously the larger the breed of dog the more space it needs, large dogs such as shepherd dogs and Saint Bernards need a lot of space. Also consider how much your dog will eat - big dogs eat big meals!

Big dogs have the advantage that if trained properly, they can protect their owner and home, while small dogs (like
poodles) are more like a joyful toy at home. Small dogs are also suitable for children or for elderly people, who do not have the energy to walk a dog for miles and miles.

No matter what pet you decide on, ensure you have thought your desision through properly, a badly chosen pet will be unhappy if it doesn't suit you, so pick carefully.

Alyssa Hallam is the webmaster and operator of AH Pet [http://www.ahpet.com] Her site has a great collection of information on all different kinds of pets, including a free newsletter, pet resources and articles. For great pet information, go to: [http://www.ahpet.com]

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

If You Need Massive Traffic For Your Website. Click Here  http://www.webfire.com/a/?id=21344

Pet Training Tips

If you have found this article, obviously you are searching for help with your pet. You have found the right article, I have studied primitive behavior of animals all my life to better understand my own pets. Most dogs still have instincts from when their ancestors were wild and free. Cats still have carnivore instincts even though they have been domesticated for hundreds of years and have become smaller in stature to there cousins, the big cats. Horses, even domesticated ones still have the same fears that their wild family members do.

Horses:

Have you ever wondered why horses seem to be jumpy around humans?
Well the answer is actually simple,You are a predator and have the ability to eat them. Predators have certain characteristics that mark them as predators and all prey animals know these characteristics. For example: You never want to look your animal directly in the eye and you never want to approach it head on. All natural predators (that includes humans) have eyes that are set close together, this is important because horses and other prey animals see this characteristic and assume that you are a predator and become jumpy and cautious.

The best way to counteract this is to look slightly down when you are approaching them, this signals that you are not in hunting mode and their flight or fight instincts don't go off. Always use calming voices and sounds when talking with your pet and never approach fast or aggressively. If you are having trouble catching your horse, walk up to its side then slightly turn and begin to walk away, you may have to repeat this over a few times, but your pet should begin to follow you. You can even use clicking noises or a piece of apple or carrot to help entice them to follow. The objective is to eventually get them to follow you with out bribery and make it easier for you to catch them.

Cats:

Have you ever got up in the morning and stepped outside on your front deck only to feel something cold and squishy under your foot, you look down and see a died mouse, and as you hop into the house to wash it's guts off your foot, you silently swear to yourself to kill your cat?

This is a behavior that can not be controlled really, but maybe I can shed some light on it so you can better understand why your beloved pet feels it necessary to leave these dead things on your front door mat. No, they are not trying to get back at you because you went away for a few hours and left them alone. It is actually the opposite.

If you watch wild cat behavior you will see that the mother feline will often bring back a kill (live/dead) to its cubs after hunting. This is to insure that her little family eats and if it's alive she is trying to teach them hunting skills for when they are older. Of course this is typically a female response but male cats can exhibit this behavior as well.

Your pet is trying to take care of you, they love you and consider you one of their little ones. This is not an act of revenge or punishment, but one of love. The best advice I have for you is to do what I do, I look down at my precious baby and say "Mystic, mommy doesn't eat mice." Then I bend down and pick it up and throw it in the outside garbage.

Dogs:

One of the most serious behavioral problems with dogs that I have run across is dominance issues. All dogs run off a hierarchical system, which means that the one highest on the totem poll wins. In a typical pack, there are the alphas (owner), Beta (this is usually the baby sitter), then the pups (very young children), and the omega (any other animal) this is the lowest position on the totem pole.

More often with male dogs and especially dogs that are highly intelligent or prey driven, the pup status meshes with the omega position. The omega's always get the worst of the worst, even if they haven't done anything wrong, they are there to take it because the others say so. In cases like this, there is really nothing you can do but separate the animals and only allow contact under supervision.

If you are having problems with your pet trying to press dominance issues over you or your child(ren), there is a simple trick that you can do. You need to be careful when implementing it, but it is what the alphas do to hold position in their packs. If your dog makes an aggressive move towards you or your children, knock him down a peg by putting him physically on his back and holding the palm of your hand over his throat. This is were the careful part comes in, you don't want to choke your animal, you only want to put slight pressure, enough that your animal knows you're there. Say 'NO' in a very deep tone (you don't have to yell) then stand up and walk away. It may take a few times, but your pet will get the idea. Also, if your dog comes up to you after wards or after getting in trouble and licks you, it is their way of apologizing.

I recommend watching some wildlife videos, you would be surprised at how much you can learn about animal behavior. Once you understand the core causes of certain behaviors and instincts of your animal, you will find training them simple and easy. Remember, patience and repetitiveness is a trainers best friend.

My own experience and techniques I have tested and tried and have been proven to work for me. These methods may or may not work for you and any methods that you try are of your own risk. These methods are some of many that can be found on the internet and should be used at your risk.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

If You Need Massive Traffic For Your Website. Click Here  http://www.webfire.com/a/?id=21344

Training a Dog around Horses | HorseandRider UK

Starting a Pet Business in SA

There is a great deal of opportunity in the pet industry, however, as with many entrepreneurial ventures, it is essential that you obtain the relevant knowledge and expertise before starting out.

Dealing with pets brings with it much joy but of paramount importance for any pet related business is the ethos of responsible pet ownership and care. It is important that you consult with a veterinarian on any important issues to ensure the pets' wellbeing is always a priority.

Whilst the economic downturn has affected many industries, the pet industry has proven to be remarkably resilient to the global recession. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA) the pet industry has seen unprecedented growth in the last ten years in the USA, with spending up by an estimated $2.49 billion in 2011, despite the recession.

In South Africa there is a growing middle class who can afford to own pets and offer them the best care. In July 2011, a staggering 18,384 people attended the World of Dogs and Cats Pet Expo (WODAC) in Johannesburg during the two day show. The Expo had a record 123 exhibitor stalls and exceeded all expectations.

Within the pet industry, pet services would appear to be the fastest growing area both locally and internationally. While pet training, boarding and grooming remain popular and necessary, services such as pet photography, portrait artists, hydrotherapy and even pet spa treatments are offered as more and more owners are splashing out on their beloved pets. Innovative new products are constantly being developed for pets, from bacon scented bubbles to DNA tests that determine the heritage of your "pavement special".

There are a wide range of pet services and products you could offer the pet-loving public and we will highlight just a few;

Boarding Kennels and/or Cattery

Due to the growing demand for accommodation for pets whilst their owners are away on business or holiday, there has been a steady increase in the number of kennels and catteries available and there are even places that will look after more exotic pets. Taking care of a loved companion animal is a serious business and a huge responsibility, and a number of factors should be considered.

Most animals create noise so you would need to ascertain whether your neighbours would object, whether you comply with your local bylaws and what permissions need to be sought. Your facilities would also need to be secure enough to prevent the escape of an animal and large enough for dogs to have space to run and be exercised.

Animals are also more likely to pick up diseases when in high density, stressful conditions and a lenient intake protocol could result in disaster. It is therefore imperative that you receive proof that all animals admitted for boarding have had the relevant vaccinations, a schedule of which can be provided by your veterinarian or by consulting the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA).

You should also have a signed release form that allows you to take any pets to the vet should the need arise. Simple things, like a sudden change in diet for example, can result in diarrhoea and illness so care must be exercised when considering the dietary requirements of your lodgers.

Cats in particular are prone to stress and need to be kept in a quiet area far away from any barking dogs. There are some establishments that have gone the extra mile and included televisions and music to both soothe and entertain the pets in their temporary care.

Ensuring that your customers receive individual attention, exercise and mental stimulation in addition to a comfortable environment during their stay will result in happy pets, happy owners and return visits.

Pet Sitting

Professional pet sitting has become very popular and whilst there are a number of companies and individuals who offer these services, many are localised so it might be useful to check if there are any operating in your area.

Many owners prefer to have their pets stay at home whilst they are away and would rather have somebody come to their house. Your duties would include feeding the pets and giving them water and may also include walking, grooming, administering medications and even playing with the animals. You could be asked to stay at the property or to visit daily.

Dog Training

In recent times much progress has been made on the psychology of pet behaviour and a number of organisations in South Africa offer accredited behaviourist and training courses. These days it's not only horses that are "whispered to" and many a nervous kitty and misbehaving pooch have benefitted from seeing a professional who can provide guidance to both them and their owners!

It would be imperative to research which method of training appeals to you and to enrol in the recommended course before you attempt to offer classes or assistance.

A website to look at is: http://www.thinkingpets.co.za

Pet Foods

Pet foods makes up the bulk of spending within the pet industry but it requires a great deal of research and expertise and as a result would require a fair amount of capital expenditure and product development before the actual marketing of the product.

Anyone interested in food production would certainly benefit from consulting the Pet Food Industry (PFI) Association which is a non-profit body formed by manufacturers, dedicated to upholding quality standards that ensure the nutritional well-being of household pets.

Bedding and Housing

One only needs to visit your local veterinary store or pet shop to see the great number of different products available for your pets to sleep on or in. From adapted tractor tyres to custom made homes complete with lighting and under-floor heating, sponge cushions to memory foam mattresses and everything in-between, there are always unique new products entering the market and with some innovation and the right market research there are certainly opportunities in this area.

Animal Shelters

Starting a shelter requires much in the way of initial set up and administration, and possibly more good could be done channelling your energy into helping an existing shelter. Running a shelter is both physically and emotionally draining. In most cases it will deplete your financial resources rather than add to them.

Every animal that is admitted needs to be vaccinated, sterilised, treated for parasites and, ideally, micro-chipped. Even at reduced veterinary rates these essentials cost more than the adoption fee the public is willing to pay for a rescue animal and most shelters make a loss on each and every animal they home. Organisations that focus on fundraising for animal charities provide a tremendous boost to existing charities.

Emerging Trends

New moves within the pet industry according to the American Pet Products Association include;

Eco-friendly Pet Products
High-tech Pet Products
Monogrammed Pet Products
Pet-Friendly Hotels
Human Product Manufacturers now offering Pet Products (e.g. Paul Mitchell, Harley Davidson etc.)

Advertising your pet business

There are many pet owners out there just waiting to hear from you and there are number of platforms available to promote your pet related business. SA Pet Pages Magazine is a pet products and services directory that provides an extremely effective way of reaching your target market as it is distributed FREE into the hands of pet owners. Each quarter 55,000 copies are distributed through veterinary clinics throughout Gauteng, KZN and the Eastern & Western Cape.

The old adage goes: "Doing business without advertising is like winking at someone in a dark room. You know you're doing it but nobody else does." It is important for any business and especially for any new enterprise to advertise. Ensure that you make the most of your advertising investment by asking consumers how they found your product.

This will enable you to calculate the return on investment (ROI) that you are getting from the various advertising media you employ. Additional advertising platforms to consider include the annual WODAC Pet Expo, dog and cat shows, dog parks and the internet. Social media is of course another important tool that must not be overlooked.

For more on franchise, small business opportunities and business advice visit www.BizAssist.co.za

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

If You Need Massive Traffic For Your Website. Click Here  http://www.webfire.com/a/?id=21344

Dog fence as a Pet Barrier to the horses