Pet Tips

For Dog Owners

Make A Schedule

Making a schedule is one of the best tips I can give to dos owners, especially new owners. Schedules can help keep track of feeding times, outside time, and many more things.

Get Some Toys

Some dogs need to be feel as though they can claim something for themselves in new places. Giving them toys will give them this feeling, and give them something to do.

Introductions

Owners with other pets at home should slowly introduce the two animals, as to not make one freak out. This could take days to weeks depending on the animal.

Start Training Early

The key to a well-trained dog is consistent, early training. Although it may sound daunting, this doesn’t have to take long. Even a few commands such as “sit”, “lay down”, and “heel” would be a good start.

House train Immediately

This is vital to having a good relationship with your dog. This also requires consistency, and a reward for correct behavior. Make sure everybody in your household enforces this, otherwise the dog will not learn good behavior.

Take Walks

This is one of the most fundamental joys of having a dog. Taking walks with your dog not only helps with exercise levels, but also serves as a bonding time between the two of you, leading to a healthier relationship.

A dog names Cosmo shows off his new toy!
Cosmo is very happy with his new toy!

Photo Credit: Town and Country Humane Society

For Cat Owners

Socialize

Socializing with your cat is one of the best ways to build a strong relationship with it. While it may sound a little corny, talking to your cat actually builds a healthier relationship with it.

Get Toys

Toys can be only of the most exciting items to pick out with you cat. Take your cat to the local pet shop and let it pick out a toy or two to play with back at home. Playing with this toy also helps bonding

Introductions

Introductions to other animals can be one of the most stressful situations to go through. I would recommend going through this process slowly and not rushing either animal. The worst thing you can do is rush an animal and permanently damage a potential bond.

Hiding

Cats usually tend to be more self-sustaining than other domesticated animals, which means they might not always want to be around you. It is perfectly okay for a cat to leave your sight for a certain period. They might actually come back to you wanting to be around you if you let them be for a little while.

Litter Training

Litter Training is one of the most important things you can do with a new cat. If the cat feels like it can do its business wherever, it will. Make the cat understand that the litter box is the place to do its business, and you will soon have no problems with it trying to urinate/defecate wherever it wants.

Personalized Areas

Giving you cat a personalized area reflects back on the hiding tip. Sometimes your cat needs some alone time. This does not mean that you need to glamour up an entire room just for your cat, but just give it some space to feel safe and independent.

A cat named Charlie poses in front of the camera.
Charlie is looking for a low-traffic space where she can develop he own personal space!

Photo Credit: Nebraska Humane Society

For Small Critter Owners

Rabbits

Rabbits are a maintenance-required animal. One of the main problems associated with rabbits is proper diet. Hay should make up most of the rabbit’s daily intake. Many people also want to give them table scraps to munch on. This is not good for them and could cause them to get sick or hurt.

Turtles

Turtles are one of the only aquatic animals mentioned on this site, which means the water they live in is crucial. The water inside the tank should be around 86 degrees Fahrenheit and shouldn’t be too deep for the turtle compared to its overall size.

Horses

When thinking of horses, many think of horseback riding. Your can train your horse to trot around with you on its back, but I would suggest getting a trainer for it. You also should shoe their feet every 6-8 weeks to avoid injuring the horse.