Exercise and Training
What is puppy and kitten socialisation?
Socialisation means letting puppies or kittens getting used to people, animals, places and noises that they'll have to live with when they're older. It should start when they are still tiny babies and with the breeder.
Why can't I feed my cat dog food?
Cats can't make a certain amino acid, called taurine in their own bodies. Cat food contains extra taurine, found in meat. A cat will get very sick if it only eats dog food without extra taurine.
Why should we start training our dogs so early?
During the first weeks of life, puppies are developing very quickly. The environment they are in and their experiences influence how the brain develops and how they will behave. They learn how to react to people, animals and other things in their lives.
If they do not experience particular things, they are more likely to be worries about them later. For example, if a dog does not experience children as a puppy, he or she is likely to be more scared or aggressive when they first meet children later in life. If they have never been apart from mother and brother or sister, they are more likely to be upset when you take them home.
Puppies, especially, will be easier to train and better behaved if they are well socialised.
If they do not experience particular things, they are more likely to be worries about them later. For example, if a dog does not experience children as a puppy, he or she is likely to be more scared or aggressive when they first meet children later in life. If they have never been apart from mother and brother or sister, they are more likely to be upset when you take them home.
Puppies, especially, will be easier to train and better behaved if they are well socialised.
Are bones good for my pet?
NO! It is traditional to give dog bones. Many places sell bones for dogs to chew and dogs to enjoy it, but, bones actually damage your dogs teeth and may get stuck in their teeth, throat, chest and intestines.
Even ground up bones or boiled bones can be harmful. Bones can also cause constipation. Rather give them other things to chew, like rawhides.
Even ground up bones or boiled bones can be harmful. Bones can also cause constipation. Rather give them other things to chew, like rawhides.
How much exercise does my dog need?
Different dogs need different amounts of exercise. Most dogs need at least one walk a day. Some dogs are on the go all the time, and need toys, games and other activities. Other dogs are lazy and you'll have to encourage them to do more exercise.
Old dogs also need short walks, but you need to play more gently because their joints and heart may not be as healthy as when they were young.
Old dogs also need short walks, but you need to play more gently because their joints and heart may not be as healthy as when they were young.
Do cats need exercise?
YES, cats like to climb and jump. They will also play with toys. Kittens are the most active, but don't play too long, they also need their rest to grow. Adult cats tend to sleep A LOT. Don't disturb them needlessly. Just wait, there will be times that they will be more active and up for a game.
What are the DO's and DONT's of training my animal?
DO
Socialise your pet
Be PATIENT, kind and gentle
Talk in a firm, even voice
Be consistent: Always use the same word or sign for the same thing
Praise him / her lots for the right behaviour
DON'T
Shout at your pet
Get overexcited and run around
Hit, kick or pull ears and tails
Give up, or stop when they have grown up
Give unhealthy treats
Socialise your pet
Be PATIENT, kind and gentle
Talk in a firm, even voice
Be consistent: Always use the same word or sign for the same thing
Praise him / her lots for the right behaviour
DON'T
Shout at your pet
Get overexcited and run around
Hit, kick or pull ears and tails
Give up, or stop when they have grown up
Give unhealthy treats