National Pet Memorial Day, September 11, 2005Written by Lee Guttentag
National Pet Memorial Day, September 11, 2005What Is National Pet Memorial Day? The International Association of Pet Cemeteries (IAPC) has designated second Sunday in September as National Pet Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember our departed animal friends. Special events such as open houses and remembrance ceremonies are held at many pet cemeteries. A national listing of events can be found at http://www.stonesofglass.com. Your cherished pet will always have a special place in your heart, no matter how you choose to remember your departed friend. Below we list several ideas: •Participate in online memorials and ceremonies or have one by your pet’s favorite place. •Immortalize your pet in glass by artist’s at Stones of Glass http://www.stonesofglass.com •Put a paw print in clay that will harden with your pets name and date as a keepsake.
| | How to Housebreak Your Dog or PuppyWritten by Kathy Burns-Millyard
Dogs are creatures of habit; and once they develop a habit, breaking it can be a long, frustrating process. Your dog needs guidance and encouragement from you to develop a toilet habit you can live with. Animal behaviorists have learned a lot about dogs over last couple of decades, and there are many tips available that will make housebreaking your dog or puppy a less frustrating task.When you consider some of things your dog or puppy is willing to roll in, or put in their mouth, it's a bit hard to believe they're picky and specific about their toilet areas. Dogs will go to great lengths to avoid soiling near where they eat and/or sleep. That means any accidents an un-housebroken dog has will be far from its food dish and bed. To a dog, however, "far" can mean about 6-10 feet. This leaves lots of "fair game" space in your home, unless you guide dog to suitable spots. Whether your dog is a puppy, or an adult dog new to your home, process is same: - Every few hours, take dog outside to a place you designate as a "bathroom" area. - 30 minutes after dog or puppy eats, do same. - Stay in this bathroom area, and praise dog lavishly when they relieve themselves. - If dog doesn't use bathroom when you've taken them outside to appropriate spot, try again 15 minutes later. Continue doing this until they've actually used bathroom spot. - When dog is inside, watch closely for any signs of needing to "go". A dog will circle and sniff areas when they're about to relieve themselves. How quickly your dog becomes housebroken depends partly on their personality, but mostly on your diligence in taking them outside at right time. If your puppy is less than four months old, you should plan on getting up during night to take it outside. Puppies over four months of age can usually "hold it" through night, but if your dog cries to be let out, it is best to get up and let them tend to urge. It is vital that you give your dog every chance to succeed during this time. Positive reinforcement of proper behavior is fastest way to teach your dog anything.
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