Finding strays and Rescuing New Friends
By: En Ni Hsiao Finding stray Like many pet owners may be some time in their lives say that they will not have another pet after their beloved pet passes away, I ended up having five more cats. How is that possible, though? Well, maybe the love for animals or the compassion one feels towards a poor animal made that possible. After my old cat passed away, the vet offered me to adopt an abandoned kitten outside her clinic. I accepted, and that is where the first cat came from. A little Carey cat, called Han Ah, from the word ‘’Hana’’ in Japanese, which means flower, since its patterns remind me of a flower. At that moment, I was moving, so we scheduled the adoption for two months later. Who knows that during that two months, one day, a stray came in wandering at my family café and stayed. We brought that stray home and called her Kitty. Kitty took a bit of time to adapt to living in an apartment. Until she got spayed, she kept wanting to go out and party. Spaying helped Kitty to calm down and adjust to the new life. Unlike Han Ah, Kitty was already an adult cat by the time it became a part of our family. Kitty took care of Han Ah as a kitten and bonded very quickly. Kitty would let Han Ah sleep by its side, and they ate from the same bowl. About five months later, I met another homeless cat begging for food. I remember it was on a December night. My friends and I were dining at an outdoor restaurant when the cat came close. I fed the cat and noticed that it had an injured eye. I decided to take it to the vet the next day morning. At the clinic, we came up with the surprise that it was a mother who had recently given birth because it was storing milk. It was a hard decision whether to let it go or stay, but I decided to keep it and called it Rengarina. Rengarina is such a sweet girl, and I guess its previous owner abandoned it because you can see that it has no fear of humans. Timid, submissive, and shy is the personality that describes Rengarina. Although its injured eye never recovered, and now she can only see with one eye, that does not stop Rengarina from being a cuddly cat. Its eyeball remained in the eye socket, but the third eyelid was damaged and could not go back to place. After Rengarina, I thought that the next time adopting a cat was very far away, but I was wrong. Only one year later, I encountered another cat with a severe injury. It looked like some dogs had attacked it. Sadly, its back left leg had to be amputated. After its amputation surgery, I thought things would get better for this poor cat, which I called Shinpat. Day by day, Shinpat was getting better, eating more. It even started to wander around and play with the other cats. At some moment, Shinpat began to have a terrible eye allergy. I took it to various doctors and professionals but none of them with a clue about what was the leading main cause. Finally, one doctor managed to help Shinpat, by giving Shinpat an eyelid surgery. The cause of all that discomfort and pain turns out to be something called ‘’entropion’’, which happens when the outer edge of the eyelid turns inwards resulting in the eyelashes, skin, and fur of the outer surface of the eyelid constantly rubbing on the surface of the eye. After its second surgery, it seemed that Shinpat’s personality bloomed and it became more open, willing to socialize with other cats and play hide and seek. The funny thing about all this is that Shinpat was the only male pet at home until Lazlo came. Lazlo is a little black stray kitten I found on the streets. At first, Lazlo was very scared of everything, especially the dogs I own besides the cats. But, about two days later, it started to play alone in the room with its toy and never seemed bothered by anyone or anything. When they got to know each other, at first, the female cats Han Ah, Rengarina, and Kitty did not like Lazlo. Shinpat was the only one willing to play with Lazlo. Nowadays, they even sleep together; Shinpat helps Lazlo to groom. Lazlo is very different from other cats. I don’t know if it is because I found it very little and it grew up with dogs or what. You can’t leave anything at its sight or it will rob it. For me it is somehow related to their natural survival tactics as a stray, you have to rob food to survive. As a pet, Lazlo can now only use those abilities to rob things like rubber bands, socks, and paper balls, no more needing to rob food. In conclusion, I currently own two dogs and five cats. People often ask me how I can live with so many animals in an apartment. I don’t know either, but I somehow manage it. It is true that sometimes when we are sick or tired, we don’t have the same energy to take care of our pets, but after seeing their smiley faces and other signs of them showing affection towards us, it feels like the energy is coming back. Watching them grow from little ugly hair missing stray kittens and others returning to joy after being given a second chance at life makes me feel happy. A vast difference in their life was made. Han Ah will not survive if it has not been found on time by the doctor. Kitty may have died in a car accident since she used to live near a gas station located on a highway. Rengarina might have starved to death if she did not find enough food for
Overcome Your Puppy’s Loss Of Appetite: A Complete Guide
By: Liaba Tariq Nothing makes a pet parent happier than seeing their puppy thriving, happy and healthy. It causes an emotional strain on us when we notice our puppy retreating from food and experiencing a loss of appetite. In most cases, a loss of appetite can be a sign of an underlying health condition so if you’re struggling with this problem, read this blog till the end to learn how to overcome your puppy’s loss of appetite. What Causes A Loss Of Appetite 1. Underlying health problem Dogs refuse food if they are feeling unwell. This can point to dental disease or any other illness. Pushing away food in such circumstances is very detrimental to their health because they won’t have the energy to fight back or keep their immune system strong enough. If you think your dog might be battling a sickness, you should immediately head to a licensed vet and get your puppy a full checkup. 2. Behavior issues Dogs can go through phases that make them picky eaters, refusing to eat the food you put before them. Their picky nature is a strong contender as to why your dog refuses to eat and now that we know the main reasons why your dog won’t eat, let’s get to solutions! How To Overcome A Loss Of Appetite 1. Get them physically active with rewards A way to trigger appetite is to physically exert a dog. When your dog is active, he will become tired and feel hungry so he can gain back all the energy lost. It is very simple to do so. You should plan an hour-long walk before feeding hour or play with them using toys such as the flirt pole. Once your dog successfully engages in such activities and proceeds to eat, you should reward it with some of its favorite dog treats. That helps your dog feel appreciated and encourages such behavior. 2. Change the food brand or type Experimenting with food types and brands can be a good idea if your dog doesn’t like the food being offered. As you do so, avoid food toppers as they cause more harm to your dog’s health than benefit. What you can do is work towards changing the flavor of the food, moving to a portion of better quality food, or alternate between wet food and biscuits. 3. Emphasize on comfort A comfortable environment can make all the difference for your puppy. Animals tend to eat only when they feel safe in their surroundings so if there is another animal or element such as loud noises, it can be a reason why your puppy is not ok with eating in that place. Secondly, you should make sure he has access to clean water and food, with a bowl that he can easily reach into without straining himself in the process. You can experiment with the size of the bowl as well as a quieter location to notice any positive changes. Simultaneously you can try feeding your puppy by hand as it encourages stimulation and some dogs prefer their owner’s intimacy during feeding sessions. Conclusion If you have a puppy who is refusing to eat, we know just how stressful it can become for you. But the good news is that you can get your puppy back on track by using the tips mentioned in this guide!
Stopping Puppies From Jumping
By: Liaba Tariq Puppies tend to jump on people, furniture, and other animals because it is a natural instinct for them. Jumping is a way for dogs to express their playfulness and excitement towards playmates, including people! However, letting your dog continue this behavior can be dangerous in the long run. Here is a guide curated to help you train your puppy to stop jumping. It is quite easy to teach puppies at a young age because they adapt quickly and are fast learners. So let’s get you started on how to stop your puppy from jumping! How to stop your puppy from jumping 1. Use the leash to your advantage Leashes can make up a great training session as they allow you to be in true control. Leashes can help teach your dog what submissions mean because when your dog leaps up, you should tug the leash very lightly, enough to send a message that what they did was not appreciated or encouraged by you. When you are using an instrument such as a leash, always remember that puppies are very delicate and you do not want to cause harm to them. If you tug strongly, it can seriously damage your dog’s neck and breathing. So be very careful and give them a small tug. 2. Follow through with verbal commands Verbal commands can make every training session so much easier because, in a sense, it allows you to verbally communicate with your dog. These commands can be used in public to tame your dog quickly when needed. If your dog jumps on you or other people, tugging the leash might not be the most effective way to get them to stop. But the stop command is! Follow up with commands such as “no” or “stop” and convey the message effectively. Repeatedly doing so with a small tug of the leash can help them remember and understand their actions better! 3. Reward your dog well Reward systems are your best friend if you are trying to encourage behaviors. It makes sense for puppies to get something in return when they do something you want them to do. If your puppy is a fan of food, give him its favorite treats when it listens to your commands and stops jumping. Similarly, if your dog likes to cuddle and play, you can offer extended playtimes and affection to your puppy so they can form a connection with their actions. You should reward your dog as soon as he listens to your command. Once this is done, it will make training easier for you as well as your dog! Conclusion Jumping can be cute when puppies do it, but when they grow up to be muscled and strong dogs, things can become scarier. That is when correctional training comes in handy. If you don’t wish your dog to grow up and have behavioral problems, follow this guide that we have curated for you and train your puppy to stop jumping before it is too late! Just make sure to get your hands on some treats, a durable leash as well as a lot of patience!
How To Properly Socialize Your Puppy
By: Liaba Tariq Every puppy has to build their life around many social moments. Socialization can mean everyday walks, a run to the grocery store, and welcoming family members to their territory. Their ability to manage these social queues lays a great impact on their obedience and that is why you must learn the proper ways to socialize your dog! In this blog, we will equip you with all the necessary information you need when you expose your dog to minimal social settings. So when you train them to be more obedient in front of social obstacles, it is a successful session! With that said, let’s get to the dos and don’ts. Socializing Your Puppy The Right Way 1. Playdates Can Be Productive Playdates can be fun ways for you and your dog to socialize with new people and puppies, especially if there are well-behaved dogs. It makes for a strong socializing foundation for your dog as it can learn skills faster in a safe and healthy environment. Arranging for playdates can be made easier if you have friends, family, or colleagues who are also pet parents. Ask them if they would be interested in coming over for tea and biscuits while your dog socializes in front of your eyes. It is worth mentioning that playdates let your dog learn the right behaviors when it comes to humans and dogs! 2. Practice Commands Before you begin socializing your puppy, it should be able to pick up on basic commands. That will help you prepare for any horrible scenario where you are required to take control of your dog’s actions. For instance, if your puppy starts barking at passerby children, you should be able to make them stop by using the stop and sit commands. It keeps your dog from becoming a danger to other people and animals. So you should always make sure that your dog knows all the basic commands that are needed to keep him in control! 3. Take Them Out To New Settings Once your dog knows the basic commands and does well at home, it is time to take him out to different settings. This can be a morning jog companion or even running errands with your dog by your side. What this does is normalize different conditions, weather, sensations, and people to your dog’s mind and he is better able to behave himself! Make sure you invest in a good quality leash and that your dog is encouraged every time he socializes correctly. Whenever your dog misbehaves in any scenario, do not misunderstand the root cause of that reaction. Once you can identify whether your dog is acting out of fear or aggression, it will make for a smoother recovery to obedience! Conclusion As a puppy owner, training can become a tiring routine, especially if you don’t know what to do. Socialization training is one of those but we hope this article has proven to be a helpful and easy-to-follow guide to training your dog in the correct manners of behavior. We wish you a happy training session!
How To Perfect The Leave It Command In One Training Session
By: Liaba Tariq Leave it commands are essential when you are raising your puppy. There are many situations where you will have to use this command to teach your dog to leave things he picks up. It can be somebody’s belonging, a dead animal, or even poisonous objects that he sees on his daily walks. What this command focuses on is your dog’s ability to control impulses and allow you to be in control of such situations. Our blog will help you teach your puppy the “leave it” command in the first training sessions. Get ready and read on! Train your puppy the “leave it” command 1. Bring out a reward system Rewards can create an incentive for your dog to participate. It helps them focus on your activity and polishes their skills in training sessions faster than any other way. So show your puppy that you have a prize for cooperating with you. Begin by placing a favorite treat on the ground for your dog as bait and then continue with step number 2. 2. Put on a sturdy leash Sturdy leashes come in as a great help when you are teaching impulse control to your puppy. Strap a leash correctly on your puppy and toss a treat on the floor as an attraction. The second your puppy rushes towards it, tug the leash slightly so your dog is taken away from eating the treat. Combine this with the verbal cue of “leave it” so your dog can learn the signal that their action was discouraged. It creates a connection in your dog’s mind and they will be able to learn faster than picking up items from the ground is a no-go when they are told to leave them. 3. Reward good behavior To solidify these concepts, make sure you are communicating with your dog. This can be done in terms of behavior. When your dog does as you want it to, you should reward that good and obedient behavior by feeding them a treat from your hand. 4. Repeat the pattern Repeat these steps to get the right grasp on impulse control for your dog. When your dog obeys you by discarding a treat on the ground, verbally praise him, and give him a treat. Repeat this process multiple times so that your dog learns this behavior once and for all. Once your dog listens to you without breaking position many times, it is time to slowly reduce tugging on their leash because the goal is to train them to listen to a vocal command rather than physical restraint. When you notice your dog redirecting his attention to your verbal commands, congratulations on a successful training session! Conclusion Leave it command is a basic training command that comes in use many times throughout your dog’s life. We combined many techniques and came up with the most effective ones in this blog post so you can teach your puppy the leave it command in simply 1 easy session! Get your hands on a double-duty leash which is a perfect tool for training sessions. Have a happy training session!
Housebreak Your Puppy: The Latest Guide
By: Liaba Tariq Training comes with the addition of a new puppy. These training sessions are important as they teach your puppy the essential manners of a well-behaved pet. Restraint, verbal commands, and potty training all fall under the umbrella of training sessions. When it comes to potty training, don’t be fooled by using pee pads, because if you’re trying to housebreak your puppy, it is going to hinder all progress. Using a pee pad means that you encourage your dog to go inside the house and create a toxic and impure environment in your living space. So this blog tackles the steps you can follow to successfully housebreak your puppy. 4 steps to housebreak your puppy 1. Show them the spot where they can relieve themselves The first step to housebreaking your puppy s to show them a designated spot where they can relieve themselves. It should be an open space such as part of your backyard which is accessible for you and your dog. This will be important when you want them to follow a routine when it comes to housebreaking as they will know where to go. 2. Set schedules to go Puppies can generally hold their bladder for 7 hours. But you should note how long it is taking your puppy to hold its bladder. That way you can create a schedule for them to go at specific times when they have to relieve themselves. Ensure that you are taking them to their designated spot so they don’t stray from that habit. Consistency is key when you set schedules so make sure that you are sticking to the schedule. This will confirm the schedule for your dog as well! 3. Discourage them by catching them in the act Despite sticking to schedules, you will notice that it doesn’t automatically cure your dog’s behavior. Instead, you will find pee spots and accidents around the house. The way to deal with this is to catch them in the act and create a loud disapproving noise to startle them. This will make them feel reprimanded and they will be discouraged from doing it, When you find pee spots around the house, use an enzymatic cleaner to clean the place so there is no trace of scent that your dog can follow back and repeat his mistake. 4. Encourage good behavior Good behaviors must also be rewarded just like bad behaviors are being punished. The best way to encourage good behavior is by giving dog treats to your puppy every time he goes outside to relieve himself in the designated spot. You can also give him his favorite chew toy extra verbal affection. Conclusion Housebreaking your puppy can become a nightmare if you don’t have the right technique to follow. It can create toxic home environments and that is why we have curated this blog to help you deal with your puppy’s bad behavior. Get an obedient pet at your hand by following the steps mentioned in this blog post and we wish you happy training!
Most Interesting ways to play with your dog this Summer
By: Olamaid Nasir Are you looking for a fun and easy way to keep your dog occupied and out of mischief? Or maybe you’re sick of seeing your dog sighing continuously on your sofa since it has nothing to play with. If you belong to this category, you might want to incorporate a few enjoyable games into your dog’s daily routine. Playing games with your dog keeps them active, occupied, and out of danger. Most importantly, it’s a lot of fun for you and your dog. Don’t know where to begin? No worries, we’ve compiled a collection of fun dog games for you to enjoy. But, of course, playing is just as vital to them as going for a regular stroll, so keep reading to discover some fun ways you can engage your dog! Hide and seek. We all loved playing hide and seek as kids, so why not do it with your dog and let your inner child out? Dogs love this game, and they never get tired of it. The hide and seek game is a fun and stimulating method for your dog to exercise some of their natural smell tracking talents. You can start the game by telling your dog to stay first while finding somewhere to hide. Then, once you’ve found a good spot, call your dog and give it a treat when it locates you. Tug of war A tug of war is a frequent game to play with your dog. It gets even more interesting when you get it a new toy to pull on as it makes the game more enjoyable and exciting for him. The tug is a dog’s favorite game by far. It’s an entertaining, engaging, healthy physical exercise and a fantastic method for dogs to work on their manners. The game is a way to make your dog understand some boundaries around playing with people. For example, while playing the rig of war and your dog’s fangs come into contact with your skin, call the game off. This helps them realize that biting the wrong person is terrible. Most dogs, especially puppies, get fired up during this game and may struggle with keeping up with the rules compared to others. Frisbee and the game of Fetch Dogs have long loved the game of fetch for years, and they still do. It is a great way to move your dog’s muscles and brain. It can improve your dog’s behavior while strengthening your bond with him. Frisbee is another enjoyable game to do with your dog. It is an advanced version of fetch since it encourages your dog to chase after an object(a ball) over long distances. Frisbee is a fantastic way for dogs who naturally want to exercise and have fun doing so. The game involves throwing a disc over a long distance for your dog to retrieve and rewarding it afterward. You can start with a soft disc if your dog is utterly new to Frisbee. This is because traditional plastic frisbees are rough and may hit your dog in the face while it’s trying to catch it. This could make your dog completely lose interest in the game. To get your dog’s full attention in the game of Frisbee, practice tossing it short distances first, and when they begin to chase it and follow it around, encourage them with a little treat. Then, increase the distance and start tossing it after your dog is excited to chase it. Water Games If your dog enjoys being in the water, then you guys will make the finest beach buddies. You can spend hours playing catch on land and in the water. You don’t necessarily have to go to the beach to play water games; you can also use a small pool or sprinkler to have as much water fun as possible. Using Stuffed Kong & Food-Dispensing Toys One of the simplest activities to play with your dog is to use a stuffed Kong or some food dispensing toys. It’s entertaining and encourages them to use some natural scavenging abilities. Give your dog a plush Kong if they become a little stressed as you leave for work in the morning. Food dispensing toys, such as the Bob-A-Lot, are excellent for providing additional mental activity to your dog during mealtime. They have to bang it about to get the food out once you load it up. If your dog has never used a food-dispensing toy before, you may need to give them some practice. Encourage them to play with it once you’ve filled it up so they can see how ‘oh look, food comes out when I move it around. Chasing Bubbles Teaching your dog to chase bubbles is one of the most entertaining games you can play with it. You can start the game by blowing a few bubbles at a time if your dog is new to the game. Next, encourage it to chase after each bubble by pointing them out. Then, catch a few yourself to demonstrate to your dog that there’s no need to be concerned and that the game’s goal is to catch them before they fall to the ground. Wrapping Up Dogs, like humans, are prone to boredom. It’s even worse if you’re a pet parent who has to leave them at home while you go to work. Playing games with your dog is not only enjoyable for your dog but also enjoyable for you. Being completely focused on your dog can help you engage your mind and relieve tension. And, of course, the connection you create with your dog during playing will remain for the rest of their lives and yours. It’s a nice approach to let go of anything unpleasant that happened or to relieve any tension your dog may have accumulated after a long day. To live a healthy lifestyle, everyone requires some form of exercise. It aids in maintaining a healthy body, and dogs are no exception, as they also need exercise
The Best Dogs for Kids and Families
By: Nelson Ansah Wondering about the best dogs for kids and families? Well, you’re in the right place. Adding a dog as a pet to your family is an excellent option for people of every age. Dogs are extraordinary companions. They’re responsible, loyal, and patient, making them excellent pets for your kids and family. Moreover, getting a new dog is an exciting decision to make as a family. Yet it can be challenging too. Why? There are many options as far as perfect breeds for families or kids, each with its own qualities. You need to choose one that the whole family can identify with; that’s no easy task. In this article, we’ll highlight the different dog breeds you can choose for your kids and family. We’ll also identify some pros and cons of each breed so you can make an informed decision for your home. Let’s get to it. The Best Dogs for Kids and Families Though choosing a dog breed for your family or kids entirely depends on your home lifestyle and budget, here is a comprehensive list of the best dogs for kids and families: Labrador Retriever Labrador retrievers love to be around literally everyone, including kids, adults, and other pets. This quality makes them the most popular dog breed for families and kids. They have a constant urge to play, making them suitable for kids with high energy levels who love to play. They weigh about 55 to 80 pounds, and their life expectancy ranges from 10 to 12 years. Pros Friendly and can be around everyone Easy to train Cons High shedders Require intensive exercise Bulldog Bulldogs are another famous breed among the best dogs for kids and families. They possess a straight and smooth coat in red, white, or pale brown color and weigh around 50 pounds. Some bulldogs have a patterned coat, like brindle, piebald, ticking, black masks, or tipping. If patterns are your family style, these are options as well. Bulldogs are an excellent fit for smaller homes with not-so-active lifestyles. Like the Retrievers, bulldogs are energetic dogs. However, they become inactive as they age. If you have a quiet home and want to keep it that way, the bulldog is an option. Pros They don’t bark unnecessarily. They require moderate exercise. Cons They aren’t suitable for families with an active lifestyle. They can be destructive when bored. Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers possess glossy double coats, weigh about 75 pounds, and generally live for 10 to 12 years. They are a perfect fit for a family with an active lifestyle and are loving towards kids. They provide you with the most pleasing companionship you can ever demand. Pros They’re quick learners. They are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. You can effortlessly fit them into any size house. Cons They can be destructive. They require higher levels of exercise. Beagle Beagles possess every characteristic to be among the best dogs for kids and families. They have short coats in all dog colors, including black and white but are not limited to only these colors. They weigh about 25 pounds and live for 10 to 15 years. They are cute, loving, and goofy. Beagles are among the best dogs for kids or families because they ideally thrive on friendship. Pros They love to be around people and other animals. They are easy to care for. Cons They can be destructive when alone. They howl unnecessarily when alone. Pugs Pugs love to eat and sleep like humans. They possess a smooth double coat in black or fawn color. They are almost everyone’s favorite since they bring a cuddle factor with them. However, you have to provide them with a lot of food and require plenty of exercises. They weigh about 18 pounds and live for 13 to 15 years. They love to be around people and are quite joyful. They were bred to be lap dogs, making them a perfect family dog. Pros They’re gentle towards kids. They have an urge for socialization. They are easy to groom. Just brush these animals, and they are done. Cons They snore because of their short snouts. They are not good guards because of their friendly nature. Conclusion Dogs are the most enthusiastic playmates you could ever ask for. But with so many breeds to choose from, it can become challenging quickly. We hope this article has made your decision easier. Remember, there is a breed for everyone; all you have to do is choose.
Using Grass or AstroTurf for Potty Training a Puppy
By: Aldrin Shu Picture this. You live alone in an apartment building. Life is enjoyable most days, but you need that something (or someone) to add some excitement to it. To make your days seem less lonely and have someone (or something) to talk to. A pet seems like a good idea: a puppy, an even better one. However, you live in an apartment swarming with other tenants that would more than love to tell on you, to the landlord, if you cross any lines. Thankfully, the landlord is a bit of a pet lover and decides to make an exception for you because you’re generally a stand-up building resident. He says that one of the main concerns that he would have is the prospect of the pup being poorly potty trained. He also suggests a brilliant way to introduce the dog to a designated area of your flat. Success in this regard could be the key to ensuring that you achieve and keep the status of ‘dog father’ (or mother). Fake Grass, or AstroTurf as it could be more commonly referred to, is synthetic grass generally used for sporting purposes and landscaping. Company giants such as AstroTurf and SynLawn mass manufacture artificial grass to be used in place of its natural counterpart when the need for consistency in color, length, and durability is high. In the case of your under-potty-trained pup, it is also an excellent substitute for the real thing in a few ways. It can be a great training tool to direct your furry companion to the correct place to relieve him or herself. Unlike natural grass, the synthetic nature of Astroturf allows it to withstand your pet’s bodily fluids. Fake grass is also porous enough to allow urine to pass, making it easier to clean without staining. This grass substitute is straightforward to use. Place a large enough piece that your pup can comfortably stand on and keep it on the balcony or any other designated area of your apartment. The part of the grass should also be set inside a similar-sized rubber insert to collect whatever urine is expelled once it passes through the grass. There are also several pet products like the ones in the image that come with a piece of fake grass built into a tray or stand with easy-to-remove trays or compartments that allow for easier cleanup. All dogs respond differently to different training applications. So now that you’ve given your pup a designated ‘Go’ place, how do you communicate this to them. Suppose your dog is used to being negatively reinforced. To learn to obey a command, wait for them to urinate somewhere within your abode and once they do, cover the puddle with newspaper and allow it to absorb. In that case, the newspaper dries up quickly, so once this happens, place the newspaper onto the designated Astroturf area and indicate to your pup that that should be where the pee needs to be. You may have to do this a few more times before they get it, but once they do, ensure to reward their good behavior, and before you know it, your dog will only do their business on their designated spot. By using this method, you can guarantee that your well-kept apartment will continue to be kept. Other lodgings like houses could also employ this form of training to ensure that the pets maintain discipline. Homes with gardens could also benefit from a fake grass ‘bathroom’ as the chemicals in dog urine could sometimes diminish the growth or even discolor or harm its natural greenery. Conversely, the AstroTurf method may not be as effective a solution to in-house pooping as it is peeing. The pups could use it for either job, but cleanup would be quite a hassle, and the smells accompanying the doggy feces cannot be avoided. But all in all, provided that the pup is trained well and can understand that they have been given their spot, you could be well on your way to securing your apartment as a pet-friendly one, and maybe have a few more days, where life is enjoyable, all thanks to your furry four-legged friend. End it
My first pet
By: En Ni Hsiao This story took place about sixteen years ago. I do not know if having a chick as a pet is common in other countries, but in my country, it wasn’t back then. At that time, people often had pets like dogs or cats; for small pets, they had hamsters but no chicks. As I used to watch animal planet all day, the crocodile hunter and his adventures in the jungle were fascinating to me. Then, I became the little young girl, eager to have a pet animal. Although I wanted an exotic pet, something like a tiger or a panda, I would have been happy too if I received a dog or a cat. Who knows that I received a chick. I can still recall how it all happened. We went to an event called San Juan at the school I was attending; it was mid-June. San Juan is a typical event made annually in June-July, where people gather to enjoy delicious food and play games. At that time, my family and I moved to this country for about a year. San Juan was a whole new thing for us; as a kid, amazed by new things, I tried all the food and played all the available games. In my last game, which consisted of choosing a balloon in a pool of balloons, if the balloon had a red flag inside, you would win a prize; if not, you gained nothing but also lost nothing. As someone who had never won anything, I wasn’t expecting to win. I was even less hoping to win a chick. The chance to have an animal at home had come closer, but at first, I was not going to accept it because chicks weren’t on my list of possible pets. But, as soon as the man hosting the game showed me the prizes, I felt heartbroken. The little chicks were dyed in colors, and I wanted to give at least one of them a better life. I chose the pink chick as most girls would do and named it Tata. My parents agreed, and we took Tata home. I had to search for information on how to take care of a chick because I was a newbie to keeping pets, even more chicks. What was I going to feed it? Did it need special care? Tata adapted fast to its new environment, as most chicks stick to their mother until a certain age and need to sleep under their wings to feel safe. Tata slept on a little box with its plushie. It did look for mom the first night, but it soon ceased. I kept Tata in our backyard and would usually feed it in the morning and afternoon. I usually fed Tata some grains; sometimes, I gave her little treats of fruit and other nuts. Tata would come running towards me whenever she saw me passing by the backyard as if greeting me. When the sun was about to set was the time we played together. I would throw a little ball, and Tata would run after it. Having Tata as a pet made me realize that chicks are very smart. They learn very fast and can also be very daring. Tata once fought the neighbor dog that entered our house when we were having a nap. Tata was also very picky about who to be friends with; no matter the times my uncle fed her strawberries, which were her favorite, Tata did not like my uncle. Tata would only come when my mother or I called her, and in some rare cases, she would go near you if you had something that called her attention. When left alone, Tata would rest under the warming sun and sometimes catch some bugs to snack on. Six months passed by, and Tata grew as I grew. I started to attend school for a longer time and had less time to spend with Tata. Since Tata was pink when we got her, we thought she would indeed someday become a beautiful hen. For me, Tata was coming close to her mature age, so I wanted to find a mate for her. What I didn’t know was that she wasn’t mature yet. The She we thought Tata was, was actually a He. We had a big surprise because I thought Tata would like to be with a rooster, so we got a rooster to make her company. It turned out that they hated each other and fought every so, not nasty fights because Tata was not very aggressive and would often let things go before it got too serious. With my doubt in mind, I took both of them to the vet, coming to know that Tata was a rooster, not a hen. That discovery explained why they did not enjoy each other’s company very much. That made me learn that some roosters don’t have a comb until a certain age, and Tata was still young to reach that age, which made us confuse it with a hen. Our small backyard was not big enough for another hen to join the family. We wanted Tata and Peko to live happy lives as roosters do, so farewell was a must. It was hard for me, especially to let Tata go, but I am glad I made the right choice for both of them back then. Luckily, one of our family friends had a little farm not too far from our home. We sent Tata and Peko there, where they had more space to run and wander and even got to know some real hens. By looking at how they ran through the meadows, I realized that they enjoyed their lives there as mother nature tailored them to do. We often visited Tata and Peko on the weekends, as the farm was only a five-minute drive from home. My first experience of having a pet ended like that. Tata and Peko will always