How to Pick Out a Dog Pen

Anyone who owns dogs is aware that even if you keep them indoors, they need to have a dog pen outside to stretch their legs, vent some energy, or just relieve themselves. To do this, and maintain their safety, it is a good idea to have an exercise cage set up for them. If you are traveling, you are going to want something light and portable, but still large enough to allow your pet enough room to get some exercise

If you are looking for something for your home, exercise pens for dogs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. What you chose will depend in large part on what you’ll use it for, and how large your pet is. You’ll also need to assess how destructive your pet is. Some of the larger breeds will require all wire construction because that will be the only material that can contain them. Dog runs and kennels can be purchased at reputable dog supplies stores for anywhere from $90.00 to $2,500.00. (Most are made out of 9 or 11 gauge wire. Wire gauge is the thickness of the wire. For example, insulin needles are made of hollowed 32 gauge wire, and most bird cages use 11 to 12 gauge wire. The smaller the gauge, the larger the wire size.  Stakes can be used to secure the fencing to the ground so that only you can move it, not your pet.

For smaller breeds, that are primarily indoor animals, an 8ft x 8ft wire dog pen would probably serve their needs. Keep in mind that these kinds of kennels need to be cleaned out frequently. You can pick from different materials such as all wire, wire and wood, wire and mesh, or wood and mesh. It is important to keep in mind that none of these wire style cages are designed to be permanent lodging for your dog. These kinds of pens are designed to be moved periodically.

Chihuahua’s Aren’t All That Bad

photo credit: wsilver

The Chihuahua has had a bad rap lately. Ever since Paris Hilton starting prancing around with one of these little dogs in her pink purse, people have started to regard them as being really bad fashion statements (except for those who blindly follow everything that people like Paris do).

The fact is, if you can get over this stigma, you will find that the Chihuahua can be a great family pet. They are loyal and playful, and are great especially for children. Although the history of this dog is a little sketchy, they were first introduced to America in the late 1800’s, after some travellers discovered this breed in Mexico and bought some home with them. They have continued to be a favourite amongst pet owners right up to present day.

With all the hype surrounding them, thanks to Paris, you may be hard pressed to find Chihuahua puppies for free, but if you do a little bit of research, you should have no trouble finding one at a decent price.

Finding the perfect trailer for your horse!

As far as horse trailers go, the safety of your animals should always be the first priority. When looking for a horse trailer, there are a few important things to check out. First, on the trailer you’re looking at, inspect the floor. Make sure that there is no rust or deterioration to the floor. This is very important. Your horse(s) need a secure floor, and you can’t risk your animal falling through the floor. Also, observe all mechanical aspects of the trailer. Everything should operate smoothly and easily. Also, check lights, wheels, and the hitch to be sure nothing is out of order. Although this is a very basic list of what needs to be looked at and considered, the internet is a great resource for telling you everything you’ll need to know when shopping for a horse trailer. Proper research will only get you a better unit if and when you make your purchase. Good luck!

Daisy the Kitten VS the Blue Jay

Cats are natural climbers. You will be amazed to see a cat, or even a kitten for that matter, easily jump up on a tree and claw their way up to the top.

I have a fenced in backyard with a large oak tree dead in the center. This past weekend it was a beautiful 80 degree summer day and I decided it would be fun to let me one year old kitten Daisy outside to play. The first thing my cute kitten decided to do, of course, was climb the big oak tree.

She was barely half way to the first branch when a mother blue jay came swooping down and almost knocked Daisy right off the tree. Daisy jumped down and quickly ran back inside, she was completely unharmed but will think twice before she ever tries to climb another tree. What did I learn? Never mess with a mother blue jay , they are vicious!

Submission Issues in Dogs

Submission issues in dogs can be much more difficult to train out than aggression is, and if your dog is really shy your work will never be done.  I work my submissive dogs young, and often, and make sure they pick up on my confidence.  Once they trust that I am the boss, they start to pick up on my positive energy.  Gently support them through things they might be fearful of.  This won’t garter an immediate result, and don’t be frustrated if it doesn’t.  It will take a long time but you must persist, if you don’t put their mind someplace else, they will continue to spiral further into fear and fearful dogs are very dangerous.  I try to find a small success for us to build on as a team.  And if your dog is afraid all the time, you aren’t really getting to enjoy it’s company, and he certainly can’t enjoy yours.  You’ll be telling your friends you’re allergic to dogs.