HAPPY PETS

2009-01-22T08:21:00.000-08:00

" It's exciting to find people who share passion for animals."

People really do love pets. I really admire and believe in. Now it's something
I want to share.

If you're thinking of getting a dog, don't automatically go for the cutest-looking
puppy. Certain breeds are clumsier than others with the chocolate Labrador
coming out as the most lumbering of all. The accident-prone pooch came top
of the of a list. The hardy Staffordshire bull terriers came a close second,
followed by the Cocker spaniel, the Labrador retriever and the German shepherd
cross. The least accident-prone dog is the prim poodle, followed by the Skye terrier.
The corgi came third in the least clumsy ratings, followed by the basset hound
and the Pyrenean mountain dog.

Teaching a Pup To Like a Leash...

Before you can teach a puppy to walk on a leash, it must first learn to wear a
collar. Begin with a soft rolled leather or nylon type that buckles around the neck.
Leave enough space so you can comfortably fit three fingers between the collar
and the animal's neck.
With the puppy in your lap, put the collar on it and pat the pup reassuringly. After
a few minute, gently place it on the floor. Most pups adapt readily, but some will try
to get rid of the collar by shaking their heads wildly or running around in circles. If
this happens, remove the collar immediately and try again later, offering a toy or a
game as a distraction. Do not leave the puppy alone with the collar on, even for a
minute...it could easily hurt itself.
Once it's comfortable wearing a collar, snap on a lightweight leash and let the pup
drag it around for a while. After a couple of days of this, the puppy is ready to learn
some restraint. Hook the leash to a doorknob, or anchor it under a chair leg, and
wait, sitting across the room. After a short struggle, the pup will usually just lie down.
As a reward, give it a favorite chew toy. Never leave it alone with the leash on.
Once it's older, introduce it to a training, or correction, collar; this control will enable
you to teach it to walk properly on the leash.