How to Crate Train Your PuppyWritten by Cass Hope
One of most difficult hurdles that any new puppy owner faces is housebreaking or as it is sometimes also referred to; potty training or doing business. Although there is no tactic that comes with a 100% guarantee, one of most successful methods is crate training. Crate training can drastically reduce amount of stress on owner and puppy that often comes with training new four-legged member of your family. So what is a crate? It is a cage that is usually made of plastic or wire. Wire ones are collapsible and puppy has a great view of his surroundings. The plastic crates are lightweight and easy to clean and tend to be most commonly used. Either can be purchased at a department or pet store. When purchasing a crate you must make sure there is enough room for puppy to stretch right out and to stand erect. Make sure crate is not too big though or all your potty training efforts in vain because puppy will be able to do her business in one end and sleep in other. Crates can also be used for a variety of other things than just potty training. It provides “den” security that can be traced back to their ancestors. It provides a place that is safe and cozy for puppy. Putting puppy in crate when there is company or a lot of activity going on it saves her from all reprimands from getting in way. It is great for travelling. When you have to leave puppy home putting her in her crate will save you from coming home to a disaster. It is also great for your puppy to sleep in through night without owner having to worry about her roaming around and possibly injuring herself. Puppies however, should NEVER be left alone in their crate for extended periods of time. What makes crate method of potty training so effective is because a puppy will not soil where it sleeps. However if you leave puppy in crate for too long it will have to do business and you will set your potty training efforts back to beginning. The most important things you need to remember about crate training are consistency and routine and lots and lots of rewards. A crate is used differently to potty train then if you have to go out and you are leaving her home alone. When you are leaving your puppy home you have to put crate in a small area, for example a bathroom and leave crate door open with newspapers down for puppy to do her business. Once puppy
| | Clipping Your Birds WingsWritten by Lee Dobbins
Clipping a pet birds wings is a common grooming procedure and is necessary for training as well as for your pets safety. You might feel like you are being mean to bird, but fact is that it does not hurt bird and can help to keep him from flying out of an open window or door and becoming lost. Most pet birds would not be able to survive in wild, especially if your climate is not one that is natural for bird.You can clip your birds wings yourself at home, but it is best if you take him into vet or pet shop and ask if they can show you proper way to do it before trying it yourself! Do not try to clip your birds wing until he is very tame and used to you holding him, otherwise procedure will be very traumatic for you both. You need to make sure that your bird trusts you enough to hold him and open up his wings. Until your relationship has reached this stage, it is best to have this done by a professional. Once your have your birds trust and are ready to clip wings yourself, take your bird out of cage and hold him for a while. You may need 2 people for this as it can be kind of awkward with only 2 hands. Spread birds wing out and hold it out with one hand, have your scissors ready with other hand.
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