Posts Tagged ‘Should’

Many parents buy rabbits for their children at Easter, due to the traditional association of the Easter Bunny and the fact that spring is coming up and people are spending more time in their gardens. This gift may bring happiness to your child, at least for a while, but do you know what you are letting yourself in for? Assuming you care about the rabbit's happiness also, ask yourself these questions before you buy.

Can I afford to spend ?200 to ?300 on a decent hutch and attached exercise run?

The minimum RSPCA recommended hutch size for one rabbit is 6ft x 2ft x 2ft and rabbits need a great deal of exercise in a large enclosed, predator proof run in order to maintain a healthy bone structure. An alternative is to keep your rabbit indoors free range as a house rabbit, for which you will only need a litter tray but you must rabbit proof your house by protecting all cables, plants etc and your furniture and carpets may get damaged.

Can I afford to have the rabbit neutered / spayed and vaccinated?

Neutering (males) costs approx. ?60 to ?70 and spaying (females) costs approx. ?80 to ?100. 85% of unspayed females will die from uterine cancer before the age of 5. Vaccinations cost approx. ?25 and must be done yearly for VHD and twice yearly for myxomatosis. VHD is widespread in the wild rabbit population, easily transmitted and causes death by bleeding from the mouth and bottom; the rabbit is in so much pain it may scream or cry - something no child should have to witness.

Can I provide a lifetime of healthcare to a sick rabbit?

By far the most common rabbit problem these days is dental disease, a condition where the teeth are overgrown or have spikes on them which cause the rabbit to stop eating. Dwarf and lop breeds are more prone to this disease genetically. A typical case of dental disease may involve teeth trimming under anaesthetic every 2 to 3 months at a cost of approx. ?100 per treatment. Rabbits can live for up to 12 years and pet insurance policies will not cover dental disease. Therefore, a rabbit could end up costing you literally thousands of pounds.

To reduce the risk of dental disease, rabbits need to be fed a hay based diet to grind their teeth down and only small amounts of concentrate food (approx. 1 eggcup full daily) and a variety of fresh vegetables.

Can I ensure the rabbit is not suffering from loneliness?

Rabbits need almost constant companionship, from you or another rabbit (not a guinea pig, they will bully this). Ideally they should be kept in pairs of neutered male and spayed female and the easiest option is to adopt a bonded pair from a rescue centre. Lonely rabbits suffer from self mutilation, where they over groom themselves, pull fur out or pull at the bars on their hutch and damage their teeth. A single rabbit needs to be kept indoors so they can follow you around and bond with you.

Rabbits do make wonderful, rewarding pets. They are highly social, playful, loving and entertaining to watch. However, this comes at a price - a big commitment from their owners. It is true that you can simply buy a hutch and stick a rabbit in it but what's the point? The rabbit will be suffering and you are gaining no pleasure from it as a pet. Rabbits don't like being picked up and held, they like to play and explore at their own pace, at ground level. No wonder children lose interest in their rabbits - the question is, will you care for the rabbit when they do?

Copyright 2011 Hannah Davis / Bunnyhugga.com. All Rights Reserved.

Hannah Davis is the author of http://www.bunnyhugga.com, a UK based website of rabbit information from A to Z. Featuring a guide for beginners, in-depth articles on health, diet, behaviour, housing, breeds and more, plus some fun articles on house rabbits.

Read more about the campaign against impulse buying rabbits at Easter here http://www.makeminechocolate.org.uk/

One of the most important aspects of properly caring for a pet rabbit is providing him with a healthy, satisfying, and well-balanced diet.

Fortunately, doing so is relatively easy, since there is general consensus about what is good for rabbits and a wide range of great food pellet options. Rabbits can also eat many of the fruits and veggies that you probably have on your dinner table every night (see below for recommendations and portions).

Pellets

Rabbit pellets, available at your local pet store, on the internet, or through mail-order, can be a backbone of your pet's diet. They provide many nutrients in a dense fashion, and they make your job as a feeder so easy. However, you don't need pellets to keep your rabbit healthy. Hay, veggies and the occasional treat of fruits can be an equally or even more effective diet. After all, rabbits in the wild subsist on hay, grass, and veggies ... why should domestic rabbits be any different? On the other hand, pellets are easy and widely available. The choice is really up to you.

If you do decide to feed your rabbit pellets, alfalfa pellets are recommended, as are the excellent rabbit pellets offered by Oxbow (Bunny Basics), Purina or Manna Pro. Feed your rabbit a small amount twice daily (morning and night).

Purchase in small bags if possible (not jumbo size) to ensure that they are as fresh as possible by the time your bunny actually gets to eat them. Pet rabbits are widely known as picky eaters who respond badly to sudden changes in diet, and they may balk if you try to feed them pellets that are spoiled or that have gone rancid or stale.

Veggies

Pellets are a great starting point, but they are only a portion of an overall balanced diet. Rabbits also love to consume vegetables, and many vets recommend giving pet bunnies a small amount of a variety of veggies each day.

Here are some veggies rabbits love:

Alfalfa sprouts

Basil

Brussels sprouts

Carrots

Celery

Clover

Green peppers

Mint

Parsley

Peppermint leaves

Radish tops

Wheat grass

While you may have seen bunnies crunching down on carrot sticks in the cartoons, it's important not to give only carrots or to overfeed too many carrots to your pet. Carrots contain vitamin A, and too much of it can cause problems. On the other hands, vitamin A is essential to good nutrition, so aim for one item that contains it per day. Besides carrots, some veggies that contain vitamin A are:

Beet tops

Broccoli

Endive

Romaine leaves

Dandelion greens

Be careful not to give your rabbit too many vegetables, as they are high in water content and can cause diarrhea or loose stools. If this happens, reduce or eliminate veggies from the diet.

Moreover, don't give your bunny rabbit so many veggies that he starts to eat them only and neglect his pellets. Veggies should be a supplement, not a main dietary staple.

Fruits

While you should give your rabbit more veggies than fruits, some fruits can be a nice treat for your pet. Only give him fresh fruit, never canned (which often has added sugar). Again, give only small amounts, as too much can cause watery stools.

Rabbits tend to like apples, bananas, kiwi, and strawberry. Papaya and pineapple are also great choices, as they both contain papain, which is an enzyme that helps to keep rabbit hairballs at bay.

Be Consistant!

Rabbits tend to be quite sensitive when it comes to changes in their diet or feeding schedule. In fact, if there is a sudden change or interruption, a rabbit may lose his appetite or become ill.

Therefore, it's important to maintain consistency. Establish a feeding routine that is easy for you to stick to each and every day. Set your timer and fix the feeding schedule into your own everyday routine. Make sure you have enough rabbit food (whether hay, pellets, veggies, etc.) on hand so that you don't run out unexpectedly.

Feeding your rabbit a consistent, balanced and healthy diet is one of the best ways to ensure that your pet rabbit has a long and happy life as your prized companion.

by Andrea Austin,

http://www.rabbits-n-bunnies.com

We hope you enjoyed this article. If you would like more information on pet rabbit care, click on this link to get your FREE Rabbit Care Guide: Bunny Rabbits

Rabbits have become popular pets. These gentle, cute animals are easy to take care of and make fine pets for young children and adults alike. Taking care of a rabbit may seem simple at first. Like any pet, though, you must know how to properly nurture your bunny. This includes giving him proper exercise and feeding him a healthy diet. So, what exactly should you be feeding your rabbit? Read on to find out...

Rabbit Food 101

Many people think that bunnies only need one kind of food - rabbit pellets. This could not be further from the truth. Rabbits need a diverse diet that focuses on fibre. A high fibre diet can help keep them healthy by allowing food to properly pass through their bodies. Because bunnies like to groom themselves, high fibre diets also help them avoid getting hairballs. Make sure your bunny's diet includes the following:

? High Quality Rabbit Food - The pellets that you feed your rabbit needs to have as much as 18% fibre in them. Popular brand name rabbit food will provide your rabbit with the nutrition that he needs. Go to your local pet store and ask questions about the best rabbit food for your pet. Animal experts in the store will be able to guide you in the brand of rabbit food that will be the most nutritious.

? Raw Vegetables and Fruit - In addition to rabbit pellets, your rabbit will need a diet that consists of raw vegetables and fruit. Raw vegetables give added roughage and nutrition for your animal. Rabbits love carrots but they should be kept to an occasional treat! The list of raw veggies and fruit that your bunny can eat goes on and on. If you like it, chances are that your rabbit will like it.

? Hay and Grasses - Contrary to what you may think, hay should be the number one source of food for your rabbit. Hay provides fibre, nutrition, warmth, and many other benefits. It is very good for their teeth. Keep your rabbit's cage loaded with hay 24 hours a day.

? Treats - Small treats are okay for rabbit's diet. Dried fruit with lots of sugar should be given in moderation. If given the choice between unhealthy sugary foods and healthy food, your rabbit is going to choose the sweet tasting treats. If you give them too many treats, you will find that the rabbit is choosing to eat the sugary treats over the healthier options.

Rabbits are fun to own. Like most animals, they require proper nutrition to keep them growing. If you want your rabbit to live the longest life possible, follow the dietary guidelines above. Choose rabbit food that is going to be healthy for your rabbit. Avoid giving too many treats! Rabbits have a sweet tooth and this could be dangerous to their health. Focus on high fibre found in hay, rabbit pellets, and raw vegetables and fruit as the key nutrition components of your rabbit's diet. Healthy food will produce a happy, healthy rabbit!

Burgess Excel is the UK's Number One Vet Approved Rabbit Food brand. Ensure your rabbit eats the correct, fibre filled diet by following the Excel Five Step Feeding Plan. For more info please visit http://www.burgesspetcare.co.uk/products/rabbit.html today.

So, you've decided to get a rabbit. You've done all your research. You've rabbit-proofed your home. You've got a cage, food, and lots of toys. You've even decided on a name. But perhaps the most important decision is yet to come: where do you get your rabbit?

Many pet stores offer rabbits for sale. Upon seeing a crate full of adorably helpless baby bunnies, many folks can't resist the urge to take one home right there and then. Pet stores count on the appeal of the immature rabbit to stimulate impulse buying. Frequently, the rabbit is bought as a child's pet by an adult who does not realize that rabbits make poor pets for small children. There are no reliable figures as to how many of these rabbits are abandoned, given up to shelters, or die from improper care, but it seems likely that many suffer such a fate. One animal rescue organization reports that in 2007, they received requests for sheltering for 380 rabbits- while in the same year, they placed only two rabbits in new homes. Most people think of rabbits as a kind of rodent, and on par with a rat or gerbil in terms of care and commitment required. This misconception has terrible consequences for the unlucky rabbit. With an average lifespan of around 10 years, the baby rabbit you bought for your child when he was 8 should still be alive when he's getting ready to graduate from high school.

This is only one of the many reasons that adopting a rabbit from an animal shelter is preferable to buying one from a pet store or breeder. Most rabbits sold in pet stores are less than a year old, and if the store is not particularly scrupulous, they may even be younger than 6 weeks- the minimum age at which a rabbit can be removed from its mother. Rabbits found in animal shelters run the gamut of ages, from a few months to old age. By choosing a rabbit whose age aligns with the length of commitment you are willing to make, you will save yourself and the rabbit a great deal of hardship. Also, mature rabbits are often better choices for first-time rabbit owners. Their behavioral patterns have become more predictable, and they have already passed through their "rebellious teen" period. Shelter volunteers are much more likely to be familiar with the unique personalities of the individual rabbits they offer than a pet store employee. This will go a long way toward avoiding disaster down the line, when that bunny that was so cute and appealing as a kit becomes an unholy terror in maturity.

Also, adoption is a far more economical option than purchasing a rabbit. You save the price of the rabbit itself- typically between $20-50. Much more significantly, however, you save the cost of spaying/neutering the animal. This is an essentially non-optional procedure for most people interested in owning a rabbit as a pet. Rabbits that have not been fixed will be more aggressive and temperamental, will frequently spray objects with its scent glands, and are more prone to various health problems, such as uterine cancer. Prices for the procedure vary greatly from one veterinarian to another, but it will cost at least $100. Rabbits adopted from shelters are almost always fixed beforehand, so the adoption fee (usually about $30) is a terrific bargain.

Finally, adopting a rabbit is a humane and ethical way to own a pet without contributing to cruelty and neglect. Although many rabbit breeders do maintain high standards of care, many others operate as "rabbit mills" where most rabbits lead short, brutal existences. Pet stores often keep rabbits in substandard conditions, with little knowledge of the needs of the animal, and sometimes euthanize the animal once they reach maturity. Given the substantial excess of rabbits held in shelters, there is no reason to support industries that contribute to the problems of rabbit overpopulation and neglect. By adopting a rabbit, you not only save that animal from euthanization, but also evade taking part in a morally dubious industry.

If you are considering purchasing a rabbit from a store or breeder simply because you've heard that a given breed is "the best breed for pet rabbits", you may want to reconsider. While breeders and owners do report some very general trends in the behavior of specific breeds, rabbits are far too individualistic in their personalities for these trends to be reliable. Any breed can produce a first-rate pet, or a total basket case. If you want to be sure that the rabbit you are getting will make a good pet, speaking to a knowledgeable shelter employee about a specific rabbit is a much better bet. When all these factors are considered, there is very little reason not to adopt a rabbit. Doing so will save you money, stress and uncertainty, and most importantly of all, the life of a rabbit.

When it comes to the health and happiness of your pet rabbit, choosing a quality living environment should be on the top of your list. Whether you choose quality Rabbit Cages or opt for larger Rabbit Hutches, the quality of the materials and the construction of the dwelling will determine how well it works for your particular furry friend.

Either you have a dog or cat as your pet, or another type of pet, like birds or exotic pets, your pet is parts of your life. Our pets are our friends. We live, play and travel with our pets. But we do something more: we care them. We feed them, bath them, provide a custom environment and take them to the vet when they get ill or hurt.

Having a pet will cost you money if you want to have a happy and healthy pet. Many pet owners do not know that they can lower their expenses by having their pets insured. Pet insurance is also referred to as pet health insurance, pet care insurance or veterinary pet insurance (VPI).

The main reason why pet owners choose to insure their pets is to lower their vet bills, and to have healthy pets the same time. Pet insurance policies will pay a significant amount of the cost of your vet bills. Think your dog or cat get ill a few times during a year, contracts a disease, or gets hurt and you need to pay a few hundred dollars almost every year. If you have your pet insured, you will pay just a small amount of the sum. The rest will be paid by the insurance company.

A good reason why you should insure your pet is that it is not expensive. Compared to your vet bills you will see that it is very cheap and it worth having health insurance for your pet.

It is better to insure your pet when he is young than to wait to get older. If it happens to get hurt or something else, it is for your own good to have him insured already. Note that old pets are slightly accepted to be insured buy most insurance companies, so you better insure your pet as soon as you can.

You probably ask: But my pet is a guinea pig. Can I buy guinea pig insurance? The answer is yes. Pet insurance is available to almost any type of pets: from cats and dogs, to guinea pigs, hamsters, chinchillas, lizards, birds, rabbits and more. It is true that not all companies provide insurance for other pets but only cats and dogs, but there are big and reputable pet insurance companies that will accept it.

When you look to buy insurance for your pet, you must first think if the company is a reputable one and provide you with all the information about the policy you wish to buy. If you do not know where to find a good insurance provider, ask your veterinarian, or you can search the internet for some reviews on insurance companies. Do not hesitate to find someone who already bought insurance and ask his advice.

You can buy insurance for your pet from various companies and you also can find them online. You can find free insurance quotes online very easy. Just search the internet for pet insurance quotes and voila, here they are. Choosing to buy pet insurance online can bring you the cheapest and best insurance policy available for your pet.

Learn more about your pet care and pet insurance guide.

Getting a pet for a child is a great idea because it gives them responsibility and a buddy. Hamsters are a popular choice, but are they a good choice?

Hamsters are a type of rodent that belongs to the order Cricetinae which consists of about eighteen species. They come from the Middle East and Southeastern Europe and have become very popular as pets and lab animals because it is very easy to breed them in captivity. The most popular type in the pet store is known as the Syrian or Golden Hamster. They are smaller than Guinea Pigs which make them more suited for smaller homes, but they are equally as sociable.

There are several advantages of a hamster as a pet. The hamster is inexpensive, and does not cost much to feed or maintain. They do not require the care nor can they cause the problems of larger pets such as cats and dogs. It is quite possible to turn the complete responsibility of the hamster over to your little one. The pet can be kept in the child's room and is not likely to roam the house, bark at night, or chew the furniture. If it barks, you certainly don't have a hamster!

Although the hamster does not require much maintenance, it does need some. Like any living thing, it needs water and food. Its living area needs to be cleaned on a regular schedule. This is being mentioned as an advantage because one of the best things about pets and children is the opportunity to teach responsibility to the child by making them the pets care giver. It is a good idea to oversee this responsibility carefully though. The lesson you want to teach is not necessarily how to deal with grief and loss.

There are some disadvantages to the hamster as a pet. They are cute and they can be funny to watch when they are active, but they are also nocturnal. They are going to be on a totally different time schedule than your child. They are going to be running around their home late at night, playing and being cute while the child is sleeping. When the child is awake and wants to play with his hamster, the hamster will be curled up under his bedding and not much in a playing mood.

Although the hamster is somewhat social, it is not usually going to be up to the standards that the child was hoping for in a pet. Instead of playing, or even sitting still the hamster is going to run for cover most of the time, and once they get loose and hide they are not easy to find. The bottom line is that they are not dogs and cats, and with their shorter life spans and nocturnal habits they will never be that kind of long term pet. However, they are not expensive, can teach responsibility, and kids do love them. On a final note, keep them out of hot areas. They can die if it gets to hot, which is not going to make your little one very happy at all.

Hal Storm is with www.PetStoreYeti.com - your free resource for pet tips and advice.

If you have kids, you should seriously consider getting them pets. That being said, which ones should you choose?

So you've finally broken down and decided to get your kids a pet! Before you welcome Rover or Spot into your house, you need to decide what pet is best for your children. Not all pets are created equal and in fact, many animals which are commonly bought for children do not make good pets at all. Here is a look at some of the better pets for kids.

Dogs can be playful and affectionate. They come in all sizes so you should be able to find one that fits your space limitations. Dogs can be quite different in temperament and you need to research the different breeds before selecting your pet. Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog in America. They are great with children and are easily trained. Golden Retrievers are very devoted dogs. They are good for people of all ages and are great if your family likes to hunt. German Shepherds are wonderful family dogs. They adore children and love to be active. Beagles are smart and gentle dogs. You will need to give them a lot of exercise though. Any of these dogs make a great choice for kids. Cats are also a good choice, although you will want to spend a little time with the cat to see how it reacts to children.

Want something smaller? Forget about the hamster or gerbil. A rat makes a much better pet because they love to be held. If rats are not your thing, try a guinea pig. They are one of the top pets for kids. They are easy to take care of and they love to be picked up. They will let your children hold them and they even purr! You will rarely have problems with them scratching or biting.

You will often see iguanas or turtles in pet stores and often someone will try to convince you that they make good pets for kids. The reality is that they are not good pets for kids at all. Iguanas can grow quite large and become aggressive as they get older. Turtles are hard to take care of and they are pretty boring for kids. The better choice is a leopard gecko. They like to be held and they are not hard to look after.

There are many other pets that are good for children as well. The thing to keep in mind is that you want to find the pet that fits your particular children. You will want to consider their personalities and what they hope to gain from pet ownership. Some kids will be happy just looking at a goldfish while others want a pony. You will just have to figure out what works for your family.

Hal Storm is with www.petstoreyeti.com - your free resource for local pet stores, services and pet information.

If you have a dog, or dogs, and children you know how important it is to teach them the proper ways to deal with each other. You will need to teach your child how to correctly and gently pet the dog, and to not pull on or hit the dog. You will need to teach your dog how to deal with your children and the things that they can do. You need to teach both child and dog what is acceptable behavior.

Babies and children tend to pull on the dog's extremities, such as ears and tails, and hit the dog. Do teach your dog to accept your baby's gentle touch on all areas of her body. On the same note, teach your child that every dog has sensitive areas that he or she should not touch.

Teach your baby not to use his or her hands, toys or bottles to hit or swing at the dog. This can hurt the dog or make the dog defensive of the baby, increasing the chances of your dog nipping at or biting your baby. Also, do not allow your child to kick, kick at or step on the dog. This can lead to a dog that becomes fearful of feet, and could start biting at them when she sees a foot coming near her.

Teach Your Child the Proper Way to Treat Your Dog

Teach your child not to yell at the dog, but talk in a quiet, easy voice. Dogs can become very frightened when a little, unpredictable "thing" is around them. Teach your dog to relax and be calm when, and if, the baby or child does scream in her face.

Do not allow your child to chase the dog, as again, your dog can become scared of the child and become wary of being around him or her. Some dogs will not flee, but instead turn around and defend themselves, which could be as severe as biting.

Be very careful about your baby climbing on, or jumping on, your dog. Many dogs do not like this - would you? It is unfair to expect your dog to accept this behavior from your dog. If it does happen, keep your dog calm and take your child off the dog. Praise your dog if she behaved appropriately.

Teach Your Dog to Respect Your Child

Your dog needs to respect your child, as he respects you (hopefully!). Having your child interact with your dog in different situations will allow this to happen.

Have your child work basic obedience with your dog

This will help your dog to learn to listen and respect your child. Even if your child speaks baby gibberish, you can teach your dog to understand.

Reinforce the commands by saying them as you have your child give the same command. Surprisingly, your dog will soon be able to understand the baby talk! When my children started speaking, I had them give my dogs commands daily. At first my dogs looked at me as though I had three heads because they did not understand what my babies were trying to tell them. As I reinforced the commands, my dogs learned the baby talk and soon were listening to my children! My children thought it was great, and the dogs learned to respect and listen to them. To this day I still have my kids practice obedience with my dogs so that neither my dogs or kids lose those skills.

Teach your Child how to give treats to your dog

Teach your baby how to give treats to your dog the right way, and in turn teach your dog the proper way to take treats from your child. Make sure that you are always present when doing this. Hold the hand of your child that has the treat in it to ensure the safe and gentle taking of the treat by your dog. Make sure that your child has the treat in his or her open hand and make the dog lick the treat off the hand versus using teeth to take the treat. Now is the time to bring the "gentle" command into play. As with everything that your dog does well, praise him when he does take the treat gently, so that he will continue to do so in the future because he knows what is expected.

Dogs and Children Need to Learn to Play Together and Become Friends

Teaching your dog and child to play together is another important piece of the puzzle. Most children delight in playing with a dog, and dogs inherently love to play! Fetch is probably the easiest game to have the two play together, especially if your dog already fetches. Even if the ball, or toy, only goes a foot, your dog will happily retrieve and bring it back. This makes the child happy too! If you teach your child how to work basic commands into the game it becomes easier for your dog to accept direction from your child. Do not allow your child to play tug with your dog as children are generally not strong enough to control the game and could very easily get hurt. Fetch, hide and seek, and "find it" games (where you hide treats and have the dog search for them - with help at first) are great games for children to play with dogs.

Your Child Should Have Responsibilities Relating to Your Dog

Allowing your children to share the responsibilities of caring for the dog creates respect in both parties. The dog learns to care for and appreciate the children for taking care of him. The children learn responsibility and all that goes into having a pet. Taking walks with you and your dog (even allowing the child to hold onto part of the leash - with you really controlling the leash), feeding, and playing with the dog are duties your children can take part in and can enjoy very much. My children fight over who gets to hold the leashes on walks, who gets to throw the ball during fetch, and who gets to feed the dogs. They are learning to take turns with all of the activities, and to care for the dogs, so it is a win-win situation in my household!

A WARNING...

The Dreaded Doggie Dish

You can teach your dog to accept your child near her food bowl by having your child give high value treats in her empty dish. Make sure that you are supervising and right in between the dog and child to avoid any potential problems. This does not mean, however, that you should allow your children too close while your dog is eating. It can be very stressful for your dog to have to worry about the child stealing her food! She could become protective over her bowl and possibly bite or nip if the child gets too close. After awhile, your dog should come to accept your child around while she is eating if you follow the above steps, but I cannot stress enough how potentially dangerous this situation can be!

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

It is very important to let your dog eat and sleep in peace, away from the child. Teach your child not to torment or get too close to the dog when she is eating or sleeping.

The old saying, "let sleeping dogs lie" is very important, and oh so true! A sleeping dog that is startled awake could accidentally bite or jump on a child. Teach your child to leave your dog alone when she is sleeping so that your dog is allowed peace and quiet, and your child remains unharmed. Dogs need down-time just like people do. You can also give your dog a favorite chew toy or special bone to chew somewhere out of reach of the child. This will ensure that the dog does not have to stress that the child will take it and bite or nip at the child.

Be kind to your dog!

A Final Word...

Always remember that no matter how well-behaved your dog is, he or she is still a dog. Dogs are animals and can be unpredictable at times. They have teeth and can bite, but hopefully they never will. They can jump and scratch, whether it is on purpose or not. Please do not leave your baby or child alone with your dog - EVER! Things can unexpectedly happen that could cause injury and heartache, so please always be careful and mindful when it comes to your dog and child. It is always best to err on the side of caution!

Our lives can be enriched by our dogs beyond belief, just as they can be with raising children. It is a challenging task to have babies and dogs, but it is well worth it. If you follow this article, you should have a smooth transition and life will be wonderful. If you choose to ignore the advice I have given, I cannot say what will happen in your house. You may never have any problems, but chances are, sooner or later, something will crop up.

Good luck, and I hope that your life can be as rich and fulfilling as mine has been and continues to be!

Mandy Makein is an author and dog trainer. For free dog training report visit http://www.stopdogjump.com/

(c) Copyright Mandy Makein 2010. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.