Posts Tagged ‘Consider’

Choosing a dog or -- adopting a puppy -- is a major life changing event for a family. Your cute little puppy will very quickly grow into a dog -- small or large -- with his or her own unique personality that will be a big part of your family many, many years to come.

Every dog is different and how you treat him or her will go a long way in determining his or her personality. However there are several things that can be known about the kind of dog a young puppy will become -- based upon the breed you choose. Before you pick a puppy you should educate yourself about the breed of dog you are considering and its personality.

1. Consider your home and environment. Someone who lives in a small apartment on the 30th floor in a large city center should probably be looking for a very different dog than someone who lives on a farm. That's not to say that the city-dweller should not consider a large dog or the farmer a small one but just be aware of these conditions -- for you and the dog. His or her happiness and even health will be determined by the environment. For instance, a very small dog will be perfectly happy -- and get plenty of exercise -- running between 3 small rooms and taking short walks. A Doberman on the other hand could become fat and lazy if he or she only get to take small, short steps in the house and doesn't get frequent long walks.

2. Consider the "average day" the dog will have. Will a dog who loves to run and chase things be happy cooped up in a small space all day while you work? Will a small fragile dog enjoy visits to the barn and running in the fields? Learn all you can about the different breeds and make you choice based upon what the dog will be doing in an average day.

3. Consider the life-style you lead. Do you have small children? Do you travel a lot? Do you take long walks everyday? Here's a good example of why you need to consider your lifestyle -- Terriers are a favorite choice of many families. This breed comes in many sizes and they are known to a great deal of personality. For city dwellers the Cairn Terrier may be a good choice. This breed is wire-haired and sheds very little. However, this dog was bred to be a "ratter" and loves to dig and burrow -- so it may not be right for someone who lives in a house and loves to garden. It's also prone to barking. Know everything before you pick your dog and you will be much happier.

4. Consider the dogs natural instincts. Many dogs have been bred for certain characteristics and personalities. For instance, you do not want a dog with herding instincts around small children as they will naturally try to "round up" the kids and many nip at their heels during play. Likewise dogs with the hunting instinct may not work well in homes where there are other small animals -- such as cats, hamsters, and birds. Long haired dogs that require constant grooming may not work well on a farm or even living outside at all.

There are hundreds of breeds, sizes and personalities of dogs -- and it can seem intimidating at first. But do your research and you will find the right dog for you.

An excellent place to start is the Dog Owner's Handbook.

On our Site, Best Home Courses , we have a Free 71-Page Ebook called The Dog Owner's Handbook you can download right now that will give you plenty of good tips and information about your buddy. It's got all kinds of good information from puppies to old age.

It's totally free to download. No purchase required. Just click and get.

Have a healthier, happier best friend -- Get your Free Dog Owner's Handbook today.

Herbert "Red" Roberts

Just like other domestic pets, your dear rabbits need to have a proper place to live in. This is so important as this is one factor for their survival. When you plan to raise a rabbit at home, rabbit housing is a thing that you must not take for granted.

When making a shelter or hutch for your dear pet rabbit, there are some essential things that you need to take into account.

These are the following you need to consider when you are going to build a rabbit hutch.

*When designing a rabbit hutch ( or when you buy one) you need to consider the size, it should be at least 5 times the length ( not height) of your pet rabbit. This is important as your rabbits need to have enough space to roam inside the hutch - remember, rabbits love to play around. The wider the area the better for them

*Another thing is, you have to consider its durability or the quality of the materials needed for building most especially when you are going to place you hutch outdoor. This will help your dear pet safe from predators that might be just roaming around. Actually, for outdoor rabbit hutch, most rabbit raisers prefer the combination of wooden and wire materials.

*You also need to take into consideration the proper ventilation when designing. You have to see to it that your rabbit hutch is well ventilated so that you can avoid your rabbits from exhaustion that might lead to more problems. Extreme temperature can really harm them compared to cold so make sure that you give your rabbit the hutch that is ideal for them to take enough air, and avoid extreme temperature that could be lethal to them.

*Location outdoor is also important in rabbit housing. You may want to put your rabbit hutch at a certain distance that can easily be accessed when in times your pet rabbits need you. A place that does not hinder the flow of your domestic tasks or home daily house chores.

*Another essential point when building a rabbit hutch is that you do not need to purchase all the raw materials when you think you have these things in your storage room. Reuse them if possible to economize - just buy the lacking ones.

So, above are just few tips for rabbit housing. Just always remember, be innovative, be creative, and be pro-rabbit when designing your rabbit hutch.

P.S. David Troy is a rabbit enthusiast who has successfully raised pet rabbit in years. He is also running an online resource which is aimed to give important information about effective pet rabbit raising at home through his website http://rabbit-center.com

Are you wondering about the most important items to consider when choosing a new pet? Thinking about a new pet is exciting but there are a lot of things to keep in mind, especially if this is your first one.

Allergies are a key concern for you and your family when deciding on your new pet. If someone in your household is allergic to an animal, trying to keep one of that type as a pet can create problems, especially if the symptoms cannot be controlled by medication. However, don't let allergies automatically stop you from pursuing a pet. The person affected will likely not be allergic to all animals. Also, contemplate a less traditional type of pet such as a lizard or rat.

Initial investment budgets are another piece to think about. The price of the animal is the first thing that comes to mind. A rodent or reptile will be far less costly than a dog. Second to consider is the equipment such as a cage or kennels, leash and collar. Third, and sometimes forgotten, is whether veterinary care will be necessary. A puppy or kitten will need several visits for immunizations in their first year, but a rodent will likely never need vet service.

Continuing costs will also need reflection. Ask yourself how much you can afford to spend on a monthly basis to feed and care for an animal. A large animal will obviously be much more expensive to feed than a tank of fish. Also, small critters, like hamsters or parakeets do not require veterinary check-ups or shots, so there will be little or no future expenses for those types of animals.

The current pet supplies market is enormous. Do not feel overwhelmed by all of the choices. When you first get your new family pet, buy only the items you initially need. For instance, if you're getting a cat, a month's supply of food, one or two toys, a collar and a litter box is enough to get started. You can later purchase extra toys, a scratching post, or other accessories. That way your initial purchasing budget will be more manageable.

Take into account how much space you need for the pet you are considering. An animal that lives in a tank or cage will be terrific in any size home. If you live in a an apartment, this type of pet may be the best choice for your family. Perhaps you have a large yard. In that case, you could accommodate even the largest dog. In this situation, the amount of room you have does not need to be a key factor in your decision process.

Before you finally decide on a pet, think about how much love and friendship you want to give and receive from your animal. If you are hoping to find a companion, dogs, cats and even birds make an excellent choice. These types of animals will form a bond of camaraderie with you and your family. However, if you are away from home frequently or do not have the desire for connection with your pet, a better choice may be a hamster, guinea pig or other small creature. These types of animals do not need relationships to be happy.

You are making an exciting decision, so think carefully and keep these things in mind as you proceed.

Everybody loves puppies. In Toronto puppies are the a popular 1st pet for couples, families and singles. Living in the city can be tough on a dog so as an owner. Make sure you visit Toronto pet stores or a pet supplies store in Totonto to help care for your pet.

The Robo dwarf hamster is an adorable pocket pet but don't think that because of their cuteness and size that they will tolerate long periods of holding and petting. If you enjoy more watching this animals curiosity and behaviour then this hamster can be fun entertainment. Care of a hamster is relatively minimal, however as a responsible pet owner there is commitment and expense involved with ownership.

Consider these 9 factors to help you decide if owning a hamster is for you:

1. Your daily life will require a routine time commitment to the care and maintenance of the hamster

2. Expense-Buying the hamster is often the smallest cost compared to the expense of pet ownership. Research the costs of food, supplies and toys.

3. Your lifestyle and other family members. Do any of your family members have allergies? Are you ready for a new pet?

4. Initial set up costs to provide a safe habitat for your pet and toys

5. An appropriate location for hamster's cage and possibly cages, if you decide to have more than one dwarf hamster. A location that is out of sunlight, draft free and easy for you to access your pet.

6. Consider other household pets you may currently already own and potential danger for your hamster. The hamsters home should be secure and out of reach from dogs, cats, birds and other pets.

7. Other Family members, such as young children should be supervised in the handling of dwarf hamsters.

8. Hamsters are most active at night and may become startled and irritated when being picked up while sleeping during the daytime.

9. If your robo hamster becomes injured or sick, they may require veterinary care and medications.

Research and find out all you can before buying any pet, as it will enable you to make the best informed choice and decision for yourself, family and your potential pet!

Kym Sutherland is an Author and pet hobbyist who enjoys raising and caring for pets. For more Robo Dwarf Hamster information, go to the website, http://www.DwarfHamsterGuide.com Sign up for the Dwarf hamster free mini ecourse and see you soon!

This is a question you need to ask yourself before you buy a Shih Tzu, as you will be spending a lot of time in each other's company. Making the wrong choice can lead to years of unhappiness so make sure you get this right.

A few things to consider include the following.

1. Companionship

Shih Tzu were bred for no other reason than companionship. Most have very social personalities and there are few things a Tzu would enjoy more than to sit on your lap while you watch the television.

However, if you and your family work and must leave the dog at home the whole day, a Shih Tzu may not be the dog for you. They require more attention than most other dogs and your presence is an important part of their well being.

2. Grooming

This breed has a double coat and long hair. The hair requires frequent brushing to avoid matting. The nails also require frequent clipping as a Shih Tzu does not spend a lot of time outside.  This result in nails that are not filed away naturally by gravel and similar surfaces. 

3. Other animals

Most Shih Tzu get along well with other animals. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said off some other dog breeds. If you own an aggressive dog like a Pit-bull, it is best to think twice before you bring a Tzu home, especially if the other dog is an alpha male. Big dogs like Great Danes may also unknowingly hurt a small dog while playing. 

Most dogs don't like cats and you must be particularly careful with a Shih Tzu, as the cat's long nails can easily do some serious damage to their protruding eyes.

4. Exercise

If you are looking for a buddy to join you on your five mile run in the morning, please do not consider this breed as an option. Shih Tzu have flat, short noses with the result that they have difficulty breathing properly. A short walk around the block is all they require - nothing more.

5. Space and Indoor living

If you stay in an apartment with limited space this breed is a good option. A Shih Tzu is your typical indoor dog and nothing will make him happier than to hear your voice the whole day and to spend some time with you on the couch.

They do not tolerate heat very well and that is another reason why they should stay inside. This is especially true if you stay in a warm area.

6. Children

Shih Tzu are very popular with children. Their adorable expressions make them one of the most popular family pets. They are small and fragile so think about getting one if you have very young children who may not differentiate between a living animal and a stuffed toy!

7. Snuffle and snoreThe up turned nose and small mouth, close together on a short face, cause some Shih Tzu to have problems drinking and they should only be given water in shallow small bowls or through a drinking bottle similar to those used by hamsters and guinea pigs. Their squashed nasal passages make them more likely to snuffle and snore. 

If you decide that the Shih Tzu is the dog for you, the next step is to make sure you know how to buy Shih Tzu puppies of quality. You can discover how and get a lot of other information free of charge by visiting http://www.shihtzuparadise.com

Bringing a pet into your home is a major decision. Unlike purchasing a new Wii, or Xbox game, which will require the occasional replacement of batteries, a new pet means a new member to your family. Now I do not for a moment suggest that it is on a par with a new baby! But in reality, there are probably a few similarities. This new pet, especially if it is of the 4-legged variety, will have an impact on everyone in your household -- adults, children and even your other pets. Choosing the right pet is vitally important. It is time to do your homework. Ask yourself the following questions:

What are my reasons for wanting one? Be honest.

-Have you fallen for the sad little faces peering out of pet shop kennels?

- Do you feel the need to replace a pet that you lost?

- Are you looking for a companion to make your home feel less empty?

- Do you want a pet to cuddle with during TV hours?

- Do you want a pet that can return your love?

If your answer was yes to the above, you can rule out aquarium pets and exotic pets. If the "love and cuddle" factor is not involved, then the horizon is still fairly broad.

Am I ready to take care of an animal's needs?

- Ready to get up early to walk a dog?

- Prepared for daily scooping of cat litter?

- Okay to handle dog or cat baths and grooming, regularly?

- Able to handle cost of food, medicines, vet bills?

What will the affects be on family members?

- Are there any allergies to consider?

- Is everyone prepared to share the care of the pet?

- Is everyone able to agree on the same variety of animal?

Is your home environment suitable for a pet?

- How much space do you have for a pet?

- Do you live in a small apartment or a big house?

- Is there a fenced backyard?

- If you rent, will the landlord okay your choice?

- Will there be any negative affect on neighbors - like a barking dog?

- Is there nearby access for walking a dog?

- Are your premises safe - no 10th floor balcony that a cat could fall from?

If all is well so far, then choosing the best variety of pet is next. Consider the amount of time required for daily maintenance and decide which fits.

Aquarium pets are the lowest maintenance pets and include:

- Fish

- Snakes

- Lizards

- Turtles

Your time commitment to these animals will probably be about 15 minutes a day for feeding and about an hour a week to clean tanks or cages.

Caged pets are probably next lowest in maintenance:

- Smaller birds

- Rabbits

- Rodents (guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, mice, and rats)

These pets require 15 to 30 minutes a day of feeding and about an hour a week for cage cleaning.

Cats are relatively low maintenance, requiring 15 minutes a day for feeding and litter box cleaning.

They can be left alone for several days at a time, with sufficient food and water. Keep in mind that their personalities can vary greatly and while some don't mind being left alone, others will be very lonely and demonstrate it by their activity when you return.

Dogs are medium maintenance pets. They require much more attention and time than cats. They need to be exercised and fed daily, and groomed regularly. Dogs may also have to get training or obedience lessons, and need way more human interaction than other animals. Expect to spend an hour or two every day taking care of your canine pal.

High Maintenance Pets include:

Horses

Large birds like parrots

Exotic animals like chimpanzees, llamas, or pot-belly pigs

These animals require a lot more care, attention, time, and money. They also need a lot of space, so unless you live in a zoo or on a large farm, high maintenance pets probably aren't for you!

Something you should also consider. If you start out with a baby, a kitten or puppy for example, the bond you develop will probably be stronger, but not always. However the extra effort required to train the young animal, will require considerably more time and frustration. If that is not for you, then think about adopting an adult animal where the hard work has already been done. You need to be more cautious on your choice of animal, to ensure you don't get traits that are undesirable. But often your new pet will soon become your best buddy, for the remainder of his life.

For more excellent articles on Pet Care and Pet Products, see http://www.pointers4pets.com