Don't Let Moving Traumatize Your Pet

We know how stressful and energy depriving moving can be for our children and us. What about our pets? They have grown up in a certain place that feels familiar and safe. Can they overcome the stress and adapt to their new home?

Picture it from their point of view. They had a yard they loved to play in where they could smell their scent all around and feel comfortable and they had a territory to protect. Maybe they had animal friends in the area that they were used to seeing. They even knew the mailman and were on friendly terms with them.

Take all that away, put them in a new place, with new smells and new animals, and a new mailman, can you see why they may feel a little distressed? All of this can give your dog stress and anxiety. This affects their health and their appetite.

You may begin to notice when your dog is feeling stressed if they have diarrhea, vomiting, or lose their appetite. This can start even before the move takes place when the structured schedule of the dog's life is turned upside down. There are things you can do to try to prevent this from happening.

Try to keep their meal times the same as always. Play with your dog every chance you get, it stresses them when they are ignored. Take them on outings to minimize the craziness of the house.

When you begin the move, keep your dog with you at all times. It can add to the stress if they constantly are being dropped off and see you leaving. Bring old toys and bedding with them to the new house so that the new place smells familiar to them. Play with them in the new house to encourage positive behavior and help ease the strange situation.

Make sure you initiate all the old rules again because sometimes a dog can think new place new rules, and accidents can happen because of this. Avoid extra stressors, like bathing or grooming, this only adds to their anxiousness. Give them time to adjust to the new place and new rules before throwing parties and gatherings.

If you notice your dog seems stressed, you can find things like calming tablets that are natural and effective. You can visit the vet and make sure they are just stressed and that it is nothing more than that. Always take precautions with your pet so as not to let them get loose in the neighborhood.

Sometimes we forget the impact our decisions have on our beloved little pets. But they are constantly watching us and looking to us for direction and stability. Be mindful when you move that it can be traumatizing to them and do your best to make the transition easy for them.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Dont-Let-Moving-Traumatize-Your-Pet&id=9097519

Give Your Dog Love, Discipline and Leadership!

Dog owners want their dogs to really love them. It may begin when you see a great, loyal pet as a child and you want one of your own. You want a dog that will always be with you and be devoted to you.

However, we can be mistaken sometimes about what will make our dogs love us. It's not simply a matter of spoiling our dogs. We also need to provide discipline and leadership. Once you are in charge, there are some tips that can make your relationship even better.

1. Discipline with Treats - Don't give your dog table scraps. When you give it table scraps it sends a confusing message about who is in charge. Table scraps can also make your dog unhealthy. However, occasional treats are fine and will make your dog love you more.

2. Play with Your Dog Every Day - If you're tired after a long day at work you may not feel like playing with your dog. But pet dog needs you to play with him every day. Play at least once a day for about an hour. Just throwing a ball for your dog or playing a game of fetch can keep your dog from getting bored and lonely.

3. Take Your Dog for Rides - If you are the unmistakable pack leader in your home, your pet will love to go on rides in the car with you. Try to take your dog with you to the store or on other short trips.

4. Get Down On Your Dog's Level - One of the best ways to get close to your dog is physically interact with your dog at his level. Get in the floor and talk to your dog. Play and give your dog some attention. This is especially important if your dog is never allowed to get on the furniture. He will feel left out if he isn't allowed to interact with you at the same level. You can share a special time for bonding if you will get down on the floor with your dog.

5. Take Walks - Taking a good walk with your dog is great for both of you. You may think that your pet is only interested in bushes and trees, but your dog loves to be outside with you. You should remind your dog that you're beside him from time to time.

6. Health and Grooming - Although your pet may fuss when it's time for grooming, the time you spend brushing and grooming your dog is bonding time. Bathing, grooming, and health care are very important ways to show your dog that you care about him. Your dog enjoys being clean and he thanks you for it.

When your dog is healthy, he is happy, and when your pet is happy, he can focus that energy on you. If your dog is grumpy it may be due to poor health or lack of exercise. You can take care of those things.

7. Show Your Good Feelings - Remember that dogs are experts at reading body language. They pay more attention to your movements and actions than to your language. It doesn't matter if you say, "I love you" to your pet unless you really show it.

Spend time with your dog and show your good feelings. Don't be annoyed or impatient. You can be the leader without being gruff. Show it that you care.

When you spend time with your dog, you and it both get something from the relationship. It's symbiotic. If you want your pet to love you, you must love him, too.

If you are willing to spend time with your dog and really love him, then your dog will give you the love and devotion that you have always dreamed of having.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Give-Your-Dog-Love,-Discipline-and-Leadership!&id=8955662