When are puppies ready to be introduced to a leash?

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atrocioust

I recently bought a yellow lab puppy which will be 8 weeks on 6-3. I was wondering if it is too early to introduce him to walking on a leash around the block. I tried yesterday and kind of pulled him down the road a few feet and then he seemed to walk alittle bit. I just don't know if this is too early. I also wanted to find out when my puppy should be introduced to crate training. We have put him in his crate real late at night and he still has accidents, which is expected, but when will he be able to use his crate and not have accidents? Any input would be great especially people who also have a Lab.

Answer
We started to put a leash on our dogs, I have 3 shih tzus, at a few months of age just to get them used to it. We have taken them to Petsmart and Petco hundreds of times to socialize them. They love it. Everyong love to pet them and in turn they are extremely friendly. We also have take them to various dog functions around Houston and they love the interaction with other dogs. As soon as they see their leashes, they go balistic. They can't wait to get them on and go in the car. You have to be patient as a leash and collar is new and takes time getting used to it.

How do you ship a horse across the world? How much would it cost to ship a horse from California to England?

blahblahbl

Just wondering. Is it like dangerous to ship horses?? Are they on an airplane or boat?

Answer
From the U.S., horses are usually flown from Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Lexington, New York or sent via trailer to Canada and flown from there. They are loaded into an aluminum crate that is very similar to a straight load horse trailer or a semi-trailer. Each crate can hold three horses so shipping three at a time is the most economical method. A handler usually travels in the crate with them in the area in front that would be the manger in a walk-through two-horse trailer or the space between rows in a semi-trailer. Once they're loaded the crate is placed in the cargo area of a plane using a fork-lift. The previous poster is totally wrong about quarantine in the UK - even dogs no longer do 6 months under the PETS scheme. The horse usually does about a month's quarantine at an approved facility in the US prior to shipping, documents are then issued and the horse is transported to the UK. The horse has to have a passport to enter the UK which is a recent thing. Post transport quarantine in the UK is for up to a month at an approved facility. The total cost just for transportation, quarantine, paperwork etc is around $10,000 plus the cost of the horse.

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Anyone flown to Israel with a dog in Cargo?

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Get your t

We'll be flying in July from Texas. He's a good dog, but easily frightened. Suggestions for natural ways to calm him during the flight? We have a 1 day layover at a family's house in NJ so this is a two day trip. Thanks!!!

Answer
Though I've never flown to Israel -

It will be hard to comfort him if he is in the luggage hold. I know you asked for natural ideas - but all I can think of is talking to your vet about a mild sedative, just to put him at ease. It's not ideal, but it might be best for such a long flight.

I wonder if there is a way to sound proof (or reduce the noise)his crate at all? Just pondering. And extra padding might be nice!

How do I buy a dog that isn't within my state? How to I get it to where I live? 10 POINTS!?

Q. I saw a gorgeous Golden Retriever, but it doesn't live in my state. We want to buy it, but we don't know how to get it to our home. Do we fly it? "Mail it"? How? Best answer gets 10 points!
We can't drive there; its halfway across the country...

Answer
you can try air transportation. it costs a fee but you can afford it. what they do is they take the dog and feed/water/bathe him, and put him and a crate. they ship him from (ex:NY to NJ) and you have to go and put up the dog, and when your outside you can go and interact with him =) hope this helped. and yes you want to fly him.

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Where is the best place to buy a cheap Large Crate for a dog?

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JustWonder

Im looking at dogs and I was just wondering where to buy a cheap dog crate.

Answer
Large crates become available on craigslist often. You could post that you are looking for one. You'll probably get a few responses. Just be careful. Don't go to a stranger's home alone, make sure if the person brings it to your home you aren't alone. There are some dangerous characters on CL - as there are everywhere.

is there anywhere that you can buy CHEAP dog crates?

carststr

We are going to be getting an Australian Shepherd Puppy in the next couple of months and are looking to find a dog crate- pref. used- that is on the cheaper side. Does anyone have any or anything that they are selling, reduced price?

Answer
Try http://www.craigslist.com - usually there are people on there selling unneeded and even new crates for reasonable prices.

You can also try browsing your local newspaper in the classifieds, surely one day you'll come across someone selling an inexpensive crate.

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How do I find out about shipping a dog on an airplane?

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Q. I need to ship a puppy from Chicago to California (San Fran specifically). I haven't even taken a plane myself and have nooooooo idea what to do!

Answer
You could, perhaps, duh, call the airlines?

KNOW ITALL, only dogs that fit in a crate, UNDER your seat, can fly in the cabin, and then there is a limit of how many, which, I believe, is only one, per flight. Get your facts straight before giving out bad info.

What is the most cost efficient way to heat my garage?

miller_tim

Our old home has a basement for our dog kennels. We have just bought a new townhouse to move closer to our jobs and we must now move the kennels into the 2 car garage. The garage ceiling is insulated and sits below our kitchen. Both walls that we share with our neighbors in the townhouse are insulated. It was 18F today and the garage was just too cold for me to feel comfortable leaving the animals for a few hours a day.

I want to add a heater for their comfort but don't want to pay insane electric bills or kill em with fumes.

What is the best way to keep these guys comfortable through the winter without breaking the bank?

Answer
You can install a wall heater. My cousin put one in their garage, set up some chairs and a T.V., its thier smoking room. The dog hangs out there, it's really comfortable. We live in Chicago. I wouldn't use space heaters, they are not safe.
Also, you can get heated crate pads, check your local pet store.

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About how much does a yorkie puppy cost?

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Hasmik

I'm 15 years old and I've been convincing my parents to get a dog for about 2 years now! They finally said it's a maybe and i'm 90% sure it's going to be my christmas present. Please tell me about how much it is to buy a yorkie puppy, white or brown it doesn't matter. How much for the food? Shots? I need to be prepared with the correct information to tell my parents so i can finally get a dog!

Thanks so much. I appreciate it :)

Answer
From a reputable breeder and not a puppy mill yorkie at a pet store/kijiji... probably 1200 or so...Make sure all the proper health testing has been done, and that you've done your research...

Yorkies are prone to: Early dental disease, retained deciduous teeth, liver shunts, heart murmurs, luxating patellas, and collapsing trachea.

The chances of an unhealthy puppy goes up when it comes from a pet store or backyard breeder.

Vaccines are about 80$ each and you need at least 3 distemper.parvo combo shots, as well as 1 rabies shot... for the first year.
Deworming should be done multiple times, and is usually around 30$ per round.
Food varies greatly on brand, and quality.
Then you need supplies.. leash, collar, bowls, crate, combs, brush, shampoo, nail clippers, toys, bed, etc.
Pet Insurance- depends on which plan you go with and what you want for a deductible

Locking my Dog in the bathroom while IM gone?

xXStarterX

Im just about to take him form the shelter.
Now I dont have the money to buy a big crate for crate training, so can I buy him a cushion and lock him in the bathroom while Im gone in my job ???

Answer
Crates generally go for $100. If you can't afford a crate, I'm just wondering, how are you going to afford the upkeep of this dog?
Why don't you try a site like Kijiji or Craigslist and find one second-hand. I got mine used for $30.

You can leave your dog in the bathroom if you need to - just make sure you remove EVERYTHING that the dog can chew - so pretty much everything in the bathroom.

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what is the best way of taking a small dog overseas on a 14-15 hour flight?

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freddieman

i'm moving overseas for a couple years and will be taking my dog (maltese) with me. what i'm worried about is the 15 hour flight time. i have no experience of transporting a dog on such a long flight. i'm worried that the dog will be terrified during flight. is sedating the dog ok? anybody with experience with dogs on flights will be greatly appreciated.

Answer
I've traveled by air with my dogs on short flights, but never anything close to what you are going to do. I hope to god this is a non-stop flight? The cargo area may become too warm if you have to sit on the tarmac during stopovers, especially in the summer. Give a cute photo of your dog to the pilot, along with a friendly letter reminding the crew that your little pal is flying in there. Also, take extra photos of the dog in case he is lost and you have to make up posters to get him back.

Make sure the crate is secure - add extra flat nylon straps around it to keep it closed. If it has bolts, like a vari-kennel, put a drop of elmer's glue on each nut to keep it from vibrating off. Put your name, address and contact information (including your complete itinerary and flight numbers) securely taped in at least two places on the crate and a buckle collar and tags on the dog as well. Be sure to include a local emergency number where someone reliable can be reached at all times.

If he has to fly in cargo, get a bigger crate than you would normally use. Cover the bottom with newspaper that will absorb any accidents he is bound to have. Then add a layer of shredded newspaper on top of that to keep him as clean as you can. Make sure there are at least two or three water bowls securely bolted on. And you can add an extra bottle of water like they use for hamsters and guinea pigs. Do NOT tranquilize a dog traveling in cargo - he can overheat and die, and when it wears off he can go ballistic.

If he's going to be under your seat, get some tranquilizers from the vet and give them as often as prescribed to keep him calm and quiet, so he doesn't disturb the other passengers. Don't feed him before you go and don't give him too much water. You can use a doggy diaper to absorb any accidents.

Also, check for any health certificate or quarantine requirements.

How much will it cost to get my pets to Hawaii?

nawnndawn

Hello. My husband and I are moving to Hawaii at the end of this year. We have two cats and a dog-a Dashound. We are really concerned about what it's going to cost us to bring our babies with us. We know about the quarintine laws that they have. Now we need to know costs for getting them to their new home. We live in Washington state and will be flying into Honolulu. Does anyone know where I can find some really good info with prices so that we can start saving. Thanks in advance, we really appreciate it!

Answer
Hi there...according to Hawaii's Dept of Agriculture cats and dogs will have to be quaranteed for 120 days and the costs have to be incurred by the owner. Hybrid cats or dogs are prohibited. You will need to check with the DOA to determine the related costs for boarding and care.

http://www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/ai_aqs_info.htm

Please see the following brochure which contains important information about pre- and post-arrival requirements, quarantine station procedures, policrules, operations and fees:
http://www.hawaiiag.org/AQS/aqsbrochure.PDF

The USDA and IATA have restrictions for pet animals who are transported, therefre be certain to contact air carriers several months in advance as each also has their own restrictions on how and when pet animals can be transported and the transportation fees for each animal. All pets will be required to be up to date with vaccines including rabies and provide a veterinary signed health certificate 10 days prior to departure indicating your pets are in good health. Please note that airlines no longer allow tranqualization due to complications resulting in deaths of pets.

http://www.avma.org/careforanimals/animatedjourneys/livingwithpets/sedate.asp
Many pet owners may decide to take the family pet along on their trips. A well-planned trip with the family pet can be fun; however, if air travel is involved, leaving pets at home with a good pet sitter may be a much better option.

Pets are just like people who sometimes become anxious when they don't travel frequently. This leads some owners and veterinarians to question whether administering sedatives or tranquilizers to dogs or cats prior to flight is a good idea. According to national and international air transport organizations, as well as the American Humane Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association, in most cases the answer is "no"!

"An animal's natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation," noted Dr. Patricia Olson, DVM, Ph.D., director of veterinary affairs and studies for the American Humane Association. "When the kennel is moved, a sedated animal may not be able to brace and prevent injury."

Whether flying in the cabin or with cargo, animals are exposed to increased altitude pressures of approximately 8,000 feet. Increased altitude, according to Olson, can create respiratory and cardiovascular problems for dogs and cats who are sedated or tranquilized.

"Brachycephalic (short-faced) dogs and cats are especially affected," noted Olson. "Although thousands of pets are transported uneventfully by air, airline officials believe that when deaths do occur they often result from the use of sedation."

The American Humane Association cautions veterinarians to carefully consider the use of tranquilizers or sedatives for their clients who are considering air transportation for their family pet.

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How to choose a dog and what it entails?

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PraneethYR

Guys, I am 30+ guy with 2 yrs 7 months old boy. I am averagely sedentary. My son is a very hyper types. Loves to play around the house destroy each and every part of the house if we allow. I would like to ask if it would help to buy a little pet ( dog preferably) that would become a good companion to my son. My Wife hates dogs and says.. I need to take care of it completely. So please kindly share your advice and your experiences. I have the following questions for a starter:

1. How difficult is it to take care of a pet in USA.
2. Which breed would be good for me.
3. How many hours a week we need to spend with the dog ( taking care of it like walking, bathing).
4. How much will be the average cost of a dog.

If I buy one or not, I love dogs.. If I dont buy a dog in my life, then it would be one dream of my life that is not fulfilled.

Answer
SInce you have a younger child that is hyper, I would suggest you refrain from getting a smaller breed (chihuahua, yorkie, etc) these dogs have fragile bone structures and could easily get hurt if a child is accidentally too rough with them.
I would recommend a medium-sized durable breed. (a bigger breed may overpower your small child.)
My entire life we have had a beagle as a pet (multiple beagles at times) and I think they are great! They are smaller than a Bassett hound, which another answer suggested.
Beagles are smart, loyal and make great family pets. And their big eyes and floppy ears can melt anybody's heart. And since they are a hound/sporting breed, they are a very durable dog.
Also, beagle puppies are very playful (which your hyper sound would love!) and with age, they tend become a little more lazy (which means less work for you!)
Also saw that another answer stated the dog would need bathed once a week, this isn't true. Frequent bathing can actually cause problems like dry, irritated skin for your dog. I would suggest a bath once a month or whenever they get too dirty for your liking.
A puppy will need more interaction than an older dog. At least a few hours of playing and exercising. A dog will also need to be walked many times outdoors to use the restroom unless you plan to train them to use newspapers or dogpads. They also need a decently sized crate or place to stay while you are not home. We just lock our dogs in the mud room so they can move around.
The cost of a dog will vary by where you buy it and the breed. I would suggest you check out your local animal shelter. (even the pricier shelters are usually cheaper than buying from a breeder, and you are able to give a dog a home that may not otherwise have the opportunity to have a loving family/home.)
It is not too difficult to take care of a dog. I am in college and have a dog that lives with me at school. You need to be prepared for accidents though. Dogs will make mistakes. (pottying where they shouldnt and sometimes chewing things they shouldn't.) also be prepared to go to vet appointments and the cost of going to the vet.
Also note the fur/hair of the dog you get, it may need trips to a groomer often (example, Yorkie's hair will grow to where you can't even see their eyes, however beagles do not need to have their fur cut or trimmed.)
Overall, a dog is a great pet to have and could become your sons best friend and playmate, but they do require some work (walking, playtime, training/teaching them what they can and can't do). Just make sure you're ready for a pet before you rush into getting one.

Has anyone ever flown with a big dog in the airplane?

Nelly

Hi everyone :) I have question.My boyfriend has to come to the USA from Germany by plane and he has to take his dog/about 100 pounds,7 years old boxer/ with him.Does anyone have an experience traveling with a dog .He is concerned if the dog survive the fly.Thank you.

Answer
The dog must be crated for the flight and travel in a separate compartment.
He will be as warm and comfortable as the passengers.
Do look into quarantine restrictions.
Live animal imports/visits are carefully watched.
Vaccination certificates etc. may be rquired.

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How to crate train a maltese puppy?

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Miss.Under

I will have a new puppy next month, and I have to make sure I know how to do this properly (I live in an apartment). With my first dog, I used these disposable mats and a solution that was supposed to mimick urine. That worked well for the most part, but I don't know if that works with all puppies....

Thanks for any advice/tips!

Answer
Crate training your dog may take some time and effort, but can be useful in a variety of situations. If you have a new dog or puppy, you can use the crate to limit his access to the house until he learns all the house rules -- like what he can and can't chew on and where he can and can't eliminate. A crate is also a safe way of transporting your dog in the car, as well as a way of taking him places where he may not be welcome to run freely. If you properly train your dog to use the crate, he'll think of it as his safe place and will be happy to spend time there when needed.

Selecting A Crate
Crates may be plastic (often called "flight kennels") or collapsible, metal pens. They come in different sizes and can be purchased at most pet supply stores. Your dog's crate should be just large enough for him to stand up and turn around in.

The Crate Training Process
Crate training can take days or weeks, depending on your dog's age, temperament and past experiences. It's important to keep two things in mind while crate training. The crate should always be associated with something pleasant, and training should take place in a series of small steps - don't go too fast.

Step 1: Introducing Your Dog To The Crate
Put the crate in an area of your house where the family spends a lot of time, such as the family room. Put a soft blanket or towel in the crate. Bring your dog over to the crate and talk to him in a happy tone of voice. Make sure the crate door is securely fastened opened so it won't hit your dog and frighten him.
To encourage your dog to enter the crate, drop some small food treats near it, then just inside the door, and finally, all the way inside the crate. If he refuses to go all the way in at first, that's okay -- don't force him to enter. Continue tossing treats into the crate until your dog will walk calmly all the way into the crate to get the food. If he isn't interested in treats, try tossing a favorite toy in the crate. This step may take a few minutes or as long as several days.
Step 2: Feeding Your Dog His Meals In The Crate
After introducing your dog to the crate, begin feeding him his regular meals near the crate. This will create a pleasant association with the crate. If your dog is readily entering the crate when you begin Step 2, put the food dish all the way at the back of the crate. If your dog is still reluctant to enter the crate, put the dish only as far inside as he will readily go without becoming fearful or anxious. Each time you feed him, place the dish a little further back in the crate.
Once your dog is standing comfortably in the crate to eat his meal, you can close the door while he's eating. At first, open the door as soon as he finishes his meal. With each successive feeding, leave the door closed a few minutes longer, until he's staying in the crate for ten minutes or so after eating. If he begins to whine to be let out, you may have increased the length of time too quickly. Next time, try leaving him in the crate for a shorter time period. If he does whine or cry in the crate, it's imperative that you not let him out until he stops. Otherwise, he'll learn that the way to get out of the crate is to whine, so he'll keep doing it.
Step 3: Conditioning Your Dog To The Crate For Longer Time Periods
After your dog is eating his regular meals in the crate with no sign of fear or anxiety, you can confine him there for short time periods while you're home. Call him over to the crate and give him a treat. Give him a command to enter such as, "kennel up." Encourage him by pointing to the inside of the crate with a treat in your hand. After your dog enters the crate, praise him, give him the treat and close the door. Sit quietly near the crate for five to ten minutes and then go into another room for a few minutes. Return, sit quietly again for a short time, then let him out of the crate. Repeat this process several times a day. With each repetition, gradually increase the length of time you leave him in the crate and the length of time you're out of his sight. Once your dog will stay quietly in the crate for about 30 minutes with you out of sight the majority of the time, you can begin leaving him crated when you're gone for short time periods and/or letting him sleep there at night. This may take several days or several weeks.
Step 4: Part A/Crating Your Dog When Left Alone
After your dog is spending about 30 minutes in the crate without becoming anxious or afraid, you can begin leaving him crated for short periods when you leave the house. Put him in the crate using your regular command and a treat. You might also want to leave him with a few safe toys in the crate (see our handout: "Dog Toys and How to Use Them"). You'll want to vary at what point in your "getting ready to leave" routine you put your dog in the crate. Although he shouldn't be crated for a long time before you leave, you can crate him anywhere from five to 20 minutes prior to leaving. Don't make your departures emotional and prolonged, but matter-of-fact. Praise your dog briefly, give him a treat for entering the crate and then leave quietly. When you return home, don't reward your dog for excited behavior by responding to him in an excited, enthusiastic way. Keep arrivals low key. Continue to crate your dog for short periods from time to time when you're home so he doesn't associate crating with being left alone.

Crating Your Dog At Night
Put your dog in the crate using your regular command and a treat. Initially, it may be a good idea to put the crate in your bedroom or nearby in a hallway, especially if you have a puppy. Puppies often need to go outside to eliminate during the night, and you'll want to be able to hear your puppy when he whines to be let outside. Older dogs, too, should initially be kept nearby so that crating doesn't become associated with social isolation. Once your dog is sleeping comfortably through the night with his crate near you, you can begin to gradually move it to the location you prefer.

Should I leave my dog in the crate when I'm at school?

Christine

I am trying to crate train my dachshund, Coco. She is already 10 months old and she's not housebroken yet. If I let her run around in a room, she'll pee and poop at least once when I'm at school. If I keep her in the crate, she might not go potty. I've read articles on crate training and house training, and that I shouldn't leave my dog in he crate for too long, but I have to go to school and both my parents have jobs. I want her to be housebroken once and for all.

Answer
Selecting a Crate

Crates may be plastic (often called "flight kennels") or collapsible, metal pens. They come in different sizes and can be purchased at most pet supply stores. Your dog's crate should be just large enough for him to stand up and turn around in. If your dog is still growing, choose a crate size that will accommodate his adult size. Block off the excess crate space so your dog can't eliminate at one end and retreat to the other.

The Crate Training Process

Crate training can take days or weeks, depending on your dog's age, temperament, and past experiences. It's important to keep two things in mind while crate training: The crate should always be associated with something pleasant, and training should take place in a series of small steps. Don't go too fast.

Step 1: Introducing Your Dog to the Crate

Place the crate in an area of your house where the family spends a lot of time, such as the family room. Put a soft blanket or towel in the crate. Bring your dog over to the crate and talk to him in a happy tone of voice. Make sure the crate door is open and secured so that it won't hit your dog and frighten him.
To encourage your dog to enter the crate, drop some small food treats nearby, then just inside the door, and finally, all the way inside the crate. If he refuses to go all the way in at first, that's okay; don't force him to enter. Continue tossing treats into the crate until your dog will walk calmly all the way into the crate to get the food. If he isn't interested in treats, try tossing a favorite toy in the crate. This step may take a few minutes or as long as several days.
Step 2: Feeding Your Dog His Meals in the Crate
After introducing your dog to the crate, begin feeding him his regular meals near the crate. This will create a pleasant association with the crate. If your dog is readily entering the crate when you begin Step 2, place the food dish all the way at the back of the crate. If instead your dog remains reluctant to enter the crate, put the dish only as far inside as he will readily go without becoming fearful or anxious. Each time you feed him, place the dish a little further back in the crate.
Once your dog is standing comfortably in the crate to eat his meal, you can close the door while he's eating. The first time you do this, open the door as soon as he finishes his meal. With each successive feeding, leave the door closed a few minutes longer, until he's staying in the crate for ten minutes or so after eating. If he begins to whine to be let out, you may have increased the length of time too quickly. Next time, try leaving him in the crate for a shorter time period. If he does whine or cry in the crate, it's imperative that you not let him out until he stops. Otherwise, he'll learn that the way to get out of the crate is to whine, so he'll keep doing it.
Step 3: Conditioning Your Dog to the Crate for Longer Time Periods

After your dog is eating his regular meals in the crate with no sign of fear or anxiety, you can confine him there for short time periods while you're home. Call him over to the crate and give him a treat. Give him a command to enter, such as "kennel." Encourage him by pointing to the inside of the crate with a treat in your hand. After your dog enters the crate, praise him, give him the treat, and close the door. Sit quietly near the crate for five to ten minutes and then go into another room for a few minutes. Return, sit quietly again for a short time, then let him out of the crate.
Repeat this process several times a day. With each repetition, gradually increase the length of time you leave him in the crate and the length of time you're out of his sight. Once your dog will stay quietly in the crate for about 30 minutes with you out of sight the majority of the time, you can begin leaving him crated when you're gone for short time periods and/or letting him sleep there at night. This may take several days or several weeks.
Step 4, Part A: Crating Your Dog When Left Alone
After your dog can spend about 30 minutes in the crate without becoming anxious or afraid, you can begin leaving him crated for short periods when you leave the house. Put him in the crate using your regular command and a treat. You might also want to leave him with a few safe toys in the crate. You'll want to vary at what point in your "getting ready to leave" routine you put your dog in the crate. Although he shouldn't be crated for a long time before you leave, you can crate him anywhere from five to 20 minutes prior to leaving.
Don't make your departures emotional and prolonged, but matter-of-fact. Praise your dog briefly, give him a treat for entering the crate, and then leave quietly. When you return home, don't reward your dog for excited behavior by responding to him in an excited, enthusiastic way. Keep arrivals low key to avoid increasing his anxiety over when you will return. Continue to crate your dog for short periods from time to time when you're home so he doesn't associate crating with being left alone.
Step 4, Part B: Crating Your Dog at Night

Put your dog in the crate using your regular command and a treat. Initially, it may be a good idea to put the crate in your bedroom or nearby in a hallway, especially if you have a puppy. Puppies often need to go outside to eliminate during the night, and you'll want to be able to hear your puppy when he whines to be let outside.
Older dogs, too, should initially be kept nearby so that they don't associate the crate with social isolation. Once your dog is sleeping comfortably through the night with his crate near you, you can begin to gradually move it to the location you prefer, although time spent with your dogâeven sleep timeâis a chance to strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
Potential Problems

Too Much Time In The Crate. A crate isn't a magical solution. If not used correctly, a dog can feel trapped and frustrated. For example, if your dog is crated all day while you're at work and then crated again all night, he's spending too much time in too small a space. Other arrangements should be made to meet his physical and emotional needs. Also remember that puppies under six months of age shouldn't stay in a crate for more than three or four hours at a time. They can't control their bladders and bowels for longer periods.
Whining. If your dog whines or cries while in the crate at night, it may be difficult to decide whether he's whining to be let out of the crate, or whether he needs to be let outside to eliminate. If you've followed the training procedures outlined above, then your dog hasn't been rewarded for whining in the past by being released from his crate. If that is the case, try to ignore the whining. If your dog is just testing you, he'll probably stop whining soon. Yelling at him or pounding on the crate will only make things worse.
If the whining continues after you've ignored him for several minutes, use the phrase he associates with going outside to eliminate. If he responds and becomes excited, take him outside. This should be a trip with a purpose, not play time. If you're convinced that your dog doesn't need to eliminate, the best response is to ignore him until he stops whining. Don't give in; if you do, you'll teach your dog to whine loud and long to get what he wants. If you've progressed gradually through the training steps and haven't done too much too fast, you'll be less likely to encounter this problem. If the problem becomes unmanageable, you may need to start the crate training process over again.

Separation Anxiety. Attempting to use the crate as a remedy for separation anxiety won't solve the problem. A crate may prevent your dog from being destructive, but he may injure himself in an attempt to escape from the crate. Separation anxiety problems can only be resolved with counter-conditioning and desensitization procedures. You may want to consult a professional animal-behavior specialist for help.

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Male Westy will not house train?

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Mary S

I have a little Westy who will turn 2 years old in December. To this day he is not fully house trained. He does not poop in the house - he will only urinate. He does it constantly. Does anyone know if I get him fixed if it will solve this problem??? I have tried crate training, consistency with letting him out every hour, walking, rewarding with treats, firmly telling him he has done wrong when he is actually doing it...........etc. He is always lifting his leg on the corner of things - I find dried pee all the time - especially because I cannot always catch him in the act.

I have two rooms that are carpeted and it is tough to get the smell out if I don't clean it up right away and since I don't always see him doing it, it's hard to know that he has done it until I smell it..................

P.S. For anyone looking for a good product out there for pet odor and stain - Pureayre is great!!! It's totally chemical free and does work! You can spray it directly on your dog and it will not harm him. Also, for hints of getting smells out of carpets - go to a Bed, Bath & Beyond and buy a metal liquid meat injector. It's like a giant syringe. The end is pointy enough that you can stick it into your carpet and dispurse the liquid underneath the carpet. This helps in removing the odor underneath the carpet when you cannot literally lift it to clean underneath!

Thanks!!

Answer
If you find puddles on the floor it is more likely to be pee - with marking the dog deposits a smaller amount of urine usually done to upright surfaces such as a doorway, table leg or piece of furniture. D
Neutering male dogs helps in 50% of marking behavior cases, so yes definitely have it done and hope he is in that half that it works for.
To cure it - Confine your dog to one area of the house where you can watch him. Shut doors to other areas of the house or barricade them off with baby gates or improvise with whatever is at hand. Make yourself a Shaker Bottle, simply an empty cola can with a several coins inside it Watch your dog for any signs (such as sniffing and circling) that he is even thinking about marking. The moment he begins to lift his leg shake the can once only to get his attention. The loud noise should startle him and interrupt what he is doing. As he looks towards where the noise has come from. Give him the command in a stern voice 'NO PEE'. Sometimes throwing the can in his general direction works well too but be careful not to hit him with it as you only want to startle him not harm him. If he then turns around and resumes what he was doing, repeat the process. Try to divert his attention with something fun like a game or throw him a ball. You can deter your dog peeing on the furniture by attaching strips of aluminum foil to his favorite spots. The urine will make a noise when hitting the foil and may splash back on him.

Why does this dog do this?

Amber

Our new foster will get off his bed, walk 5 feet, shake as if he just got a bath, and then lay back down. He does this almost hourly and it's beyond annoying because it wakes me up due to his ears and all his tags. There are 5 beds to choose from and he always picks this one so I don't believe it's uncomfortable. I don't even know how to or if you can stop this...can you? Or why he does this.

Answer
Mine will do this when they are first let out of their crates in the morning. Without fail. I think it's about settling their fur down so it feels comfortable. For the tag noise, take his collar off over night? Can't help re the ear noise lol.

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Is it expensive to take a dog on an airplane?

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Gringo

Does the dog get drugged or is it just left in a cage with some food and water in the cargo area of the plane?

Answer
Most airlines do accept dogs onboard the aircraft in the cabin and checked as cargo. For transport in the cabin, they must be in an approved pet kennel that fits underneath the seat. If your kennel carrier is too large, your pet may be checked as cargo.

The costs and restrictions vary by the airline but generally the charge is between $50-80 each way to bring your pet with you.

However, if you are flying Southwest, you cannot bring your pet as they do not accept animals for transport unless they are a companion/guide dog for the disabled.

Go to the website of the airline you are interested in flying with and read their charges and guidelines for traveling with pets.

The airlines do not drug animals. Some owners choose to do that, but it isn't that great of an idea. Some will feed and water them if they have too (long haul flights), while other will not. Again, you need to check the policies of your intended airline.

How much does it cost to fly dogs over to Germany?

mommybubba

My husband got orders to Germany and we are going to take our 35lb dog with us does anyone know how much it costs? I also have a friend with a 75lb dog going with her husband to germany. How much will it cost for our dogs if our husbands are in the army?

Answer
It's not just the cost of the flight. Rates are not published online as they are subject to change. You can call American Airlines at 1-800-CARGOAA (800-227-4622) for the most current rates. Below are other things that you must have and take into consideration before traveling with a pet. Since you are facing a PCS move you will also have to contact the consulate for more specific information on licensing your pet, selecting a vet, etc. while living in Germany.

Most airlines will ship your dog as cargo.

To fly into Germany, you'll need at a minimum:

Dogs and Cats:
â¢The original and 1 copy of a health certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian stating that the animal is healthy enough to travel by air and is free of injury and disease. The certificate must be dated 10 days or less from the date your animal will be shipped.

*A rabies vaccination certificate issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian.

Collar or harness and leash, a muzzle, a kennel not to exceed these dimensions:
Weight of dog and kennel cannot exceed 100 lbs (45 kgs) and kennel has to fit these dimensions Length+Width+Height cannot exceed 90 in (228 cm). Kennels must be metal and cannot have top loading doors. No straw, wood or hay can be used in the kennel, but must contain an absorbent material. The kennel must be leak proof. The kennel must be clean and cannot be odorous. The kennel cannot have wheels. If it does, they must be removed or securely taped so that the kennel will not roll. It must have a sticker on the top and two sides in letters at least one inch high stating "live animal." The kennel must have attached labels with the shipper and consignee's name, street address and phone number. It must hve attached labels with food and watering instructions, the last time the animal was offered food and water, along with a supply of packaged food attached to the outside of the container or attach written instructions from an accredited veterinarian to not feed or water the animal. The animal must have been offered food or water within four hours before drop off at the pick up site. The kennel must be marked with "this end up" or directional arrows on at least 2 sides.

The dog must have ID tags with owner's name and contact information and appropriate licensing tags (e.g., for rabies).

Specific instructions for the European Union are found at http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/index_en.htm

Dogs will only be shipped if the temperature at point of departure, along the route, and at the destination is between 45 and 85 degrees outside temperature. In other words, don't try to transport in the winter to Germany. If the dog is snub nosed (pug, for example) it cannot be shipped if the temperature is higher than 75 degrees.


You cannot have a stop in the United Kingdom. They do not allow dogs or cats into the country, however this is subject to change.

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how cheap can i get a dog crate and dog bed?

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MAYDAY!par

my dog is a fox terrier, a small to medium sized dog, (about 15 pounds?) and he needs a new dog crate and bed because he out grew his old ones. how much could these cost me at my local pet store?

Answer
Have you tried Craigslist.com or Ebay.com? second hand shops might have them..but a small crate can be about $15-20 at walmart about the same for a dog bed too.

Where is the best place to buy a dog crate?

shakeyour@

I've been looking for a dog crate for my beagle/ basset hound but everywhere is so expensive! I bought a mesh one from walmart but she ripped that right up. Even Walmart for a cheap one is min 50 dollars for crappy quality! I keep looking on ebay but they are all too expensive too. If anyone knows of any place to buy a good quality dog crate for less money please let me know. Thanks!

Answer
You could try posting it as a need on freecycle.org...you could post a "want to buy" on craigslist.com, or you could try local rummage sales. Do any of your local radio stations have a program to buy/sell/trade items?

A crate is going to cost in the $50-$100 range for that size. I bought a nice one at Sportsman's Warehouse for my toy dog that was reasonably priced. Tractor Supply used to have the best prices on crates. Check out farm stores/hunting supply stores in your area for crates...they often have lower prices on pet supplies (and they are often much higher quality, as well).

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What to do on a First date?

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Jaimie

im 17 and im going on a date with a guy that i really like and yes i am a guy to.
but i don't know what to do or where to go. i want this to be special. can someone help me?

Answer
1. A day at the beach or park.
Get sand between your toes or roast some dogs at the beach or park. Surprise your date with a picnic for two. Most home stores like Bed, Bath and Beyond or Crate & Barrel sell those nifty old school picnic baskets. Fill it with your favorite wine, a few sandwiches and some chocolate covered strawberries. If your date is more of a man's man, take along a small portable grill and some steaks or fish. Then let him show you how to grill it to perfection.

2. A roller coaster ride.
I'm not talking about the emotional roller coaster many relationships become, but an actual roller coaster ride to get it started. Visit a nearby Six Flags or Disney park. You can learn a lot about your date by the type of ride he enjoys. Test his skill level, too, by making him win you one of those big teddy bears.

3. Rollerskating or bowling.
Redefine striking out at the bowling lane or let him talk you in circles around the roller rink. Even though there are other people around, sharing a lane or skating side by side is a fun way to keep a conversation going. Roller or bowling dates are a great way to determine if your date is easygoing, adventurous, or a prude.

4. Live like the rich and famous.
Plan an overnight or daytime stay at a remote town or resort community. Can't afford to visit Club Med? Book a higher end downtown hotel room and live like a rich and famous couple for the day. Wine and dine in the restaurant, enjoy the pool and the nighttime entertainment. If things go well, plan to stay. If not, walk out the revolving doors like nothing happened.

5. Taste some wine.
Learn about wine and your dates fruity flavors at a wine tasting event. These events are relaxing and enjoyable. Sit for a while and talk about what you both enjoy in life while tasting some of the world's best wines. You don't have to live near a vineyard to enjoy a good tasting. LocalWineEvents.com is a great directory of wine events in your city. Prices can range from the less intimidating $5 a person to the exclusive upper hundreds.

6. Any book signing.
Most smaller and big chain bookstores hold book signings quite frequently. Visit the bookstore before your date and ask for their calendar. Even if you've never heard of the author, take your date. You don't have to buy a book, but it will give you an opportunity to spend quality time with your date. Roam the aisles and talk about what genre of books you like or make fun of the crazy book covers.

7. Cafe poetry readings.
Those cool dark cafes you see in the movies with the poets singing their sultry lyrics actually exist. Ask your local coffee shop about their events and the artists. They may feature a poet, a band or a poet with a band on any given night. Grab a cup of joe for you and your date, take in some poetry or an indie band and comment on how cool you both feel.

8. Horseback riding.
You and your date can relive Brokeback Mountain on horseback. Recreation.gov offers a list of camp sites that allow horseback riding. You don't even have to ride the horse to have a good time. Walk him, then tie him down and sit in the grass with your date like an old western love story.

9. Pick your own.
It pays to get a little dirty with your date. Most states have farms where you can pick your own fruit. Pick pumpkins, watermelon, strawberries or corn. You'll both enjoy this activity together. Stay on the farm and enjoy the scenery or take your picks home and make smoothies together. Pickyourown.com is a good place to start your search for pick-your-own farms.

10. See a musical.
Seeing a movie at the theater is dated. Go see live theater or a musical. Get tickets to a traveling group or see a local production. Most cities have community theater groups that have year-round performances. You'll be surprised by the local talent. Who knows, your date may surprise you with a few talents of his own.

Male Westy will not house train?

Mary S

I have a little Westy who will turn 2 years old in December. To this day he is not fully house trained. He does not poop in the house - he will only urinate. He does it constantly. Does anyone know if I get him fixed if it will solve this problem??? I have tried crate training, consistency with letting him out every hour, walking, rewarding with treats, firmly telling him he has done wrong when he is actually doing it...........etc. He is always lifting his leg on the corner of things - I find dried pee all the time - especially because I cannot always catch him in the act.

I have two rooms that are carpeted and it is tough to get the smell out if I don't clean it up right away and since I don't always see him doing it, it's hard to know that he has done it until I smell it..................

P.S. For anyone looking for a good product out there for pet odor and stain - Pureayre is great!!! It's totally chemical free and does work! You can spray it directly on your dog and it will not harm him. Also, for hints of getting smells out of carpets - go to a Bed, Bath & Beyond and buy a metal liquid meat injector. It's like a giant syringe. The end is pointy enough that you can stick it into your carpet and dispurse the liquid underneath the carpet. This helps in removing the odor underneath the carpet when you cannot literally lift it to clean underneath!

Thanks!!

Answer
If you find puddles on the floor it is more likely to be pee - with marking the dog deposits a smaller amount of urine usually done to upright surfaces such as a doorway, table leg or piece of furniture. D
Neutering male dogs helps in 50% of marking behavior cases, so yes definitely have it done and hope he is in that half that it works for.
To cure it - Confine your dog to one area of the house where you can watch him. Shut doors to other areas of the house or barricade them off with baby gates or improvise with whatever is at hand. Make yourself a Shaker Bottle, simply an empty cola can with a several coins inside it Watch your dog for any signs (such as sniffing and circling) that he is even thinking about marking. The moment he begins to lift his leg shake the can once only to get his attention. The loud noise should startle him and interrupt what he is doing. As he looks towards where the noise has come from. Give him the command in a stern voice 'NO PEE'. Sometimes throwing the can in his general direction works well too but be careful not to hit him with it as you only want to startle him not harm him. If he then turns around and resumes what he was doing, repeat the process. Try to divert his attention with something fun like a game or throw him a ball. You can deter your dog peeing on the furniture by attaching strips of aluminum foil to his favorite spots. The urine will make a noise when hitting the foil and may splash back on him.

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Can i use a wire dog crate cage for a bunny?

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Tick

I was looking on ebay and i typed in rabbit cages and there expensive so then i typed in dog kennels and the cages look the same and the dog ones are cheaper.
It wasnt wire on the bottom of the cage they had a tray that you can take out.

Answer
Dog crates and exercise pens are good for rabbits...
Make sure they can't get out or get caught between the bars...
another great alternative is NIC panels...
that is what we use to make our hutches...
I believe in the US they are available at Target...at a fairly decent price.
The nice thing about NIC's is that you can change their size/shape and add to them as needed!
Our bunny playroom with NIC hutches:
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p68/runestonez/Stormhaven%20Kids/BackBunnyRoom.jpg

What is the best ways to potty train a dog?

Rose

We have the training pads and have them in three different rooms. For some reason even if we take the dog out bout 10 minutes after we bring him back in he pees or poops on the floor. How can we get him potty trained so he won't pee all over our house?

Answer
Take the pads away, it only confuses the dog, they do not understand that a pad is ok to pee on but the floor isn't, to them a pad is the same as a rug.

First choose a toilet spot for your dog outside. If your dog has an accident inside, clean it up and take the poop and if urine paper toweling outside and put in your toilet spot. Leave it for 2 days, sometimes giving it a hose down will help trap the smell into the ground. Dogs are attracted to their smell, so try to get the smell where he should be going.
If your dog has an accident inside, the best way to clean it is to clean the area with an enzymatic, low-perfume laundry detergent such as Bio Zet or a product specifically designed for this purpose such as X-Tract. This product contains natural enzymes to break down the waste residue.
Next close the doors to target rooms and if necessary cover the rugs or carpets with black plastic or a painter's plastic drop sheet until the problem is fully resolved.
the last step is to re-toilet train your dog, Your dog is more likely to need to soil after eating, drinking, sleeping or exercising and of course, when it hasn't 'done one' for a while. When home every hour, go to your toilet area and say the command "Go Potty", if your dog does something, make a big fuss and give your dog a really nice treat, cheese and small pieces of sausage are good. You have to teach your dog that doing something in front of you is a big reward situation. Once he starts to catch on you can slowly increase the length of time before going outside, but expect some accidents for a while.
It would be a good idea to restrict his movements when you are not there, so a crate is a good idea.

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How do I stop my dogs chewing the wall?

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Lyn F

I have two dogs, one lakeland terrier and the other a staffy, they have loads of toys and play together, they go our for an hour long walk in the morning and when I go out for a couple of hours they have both been chewing the wall in the same place all the time, we are desparately trying to get the decorating finished but having to keep plastering the wall, any suggestions as to what we can put on it to stop them.

Answer
You can try spraying the spot with something called Bitter Apple Spray, it's a chew deterrent that tastes nasty to doggies. Also, provide more suitable chews for them - rawhide bones, cow hooves (they smell terrible, but the dogs love them...). If all else fails, you may have to crate them when you're gone. Check out craigslist - you could probably get 2 free or discounted crates just by posting an ad.

Good luck!

What do I need for a Siberian Husky?

Malzy

I have never had a dog before and I'm very excited. An acquaintance is selling me his dog and I wanna know what I should get for him. He has his dog crate and feeding bowls and a shedding brush thing. He is a Siberian Husky and is 1 year old. What do I need? A collar, a leash, shew toys, a kong, whatever it is please list what you give your husky. Also, what kind of food should I give him. I know it should be 2 cups a day one in the morning and one in the evening but what kind of food brands do you suggest. When should I take him out for exercise and when do your dogs normally poop? Right after food? Half an hour after food? I need some beginner help.

Answer
Huskies certainly are not good first time dogs and I recommend not even THINKING about taking this dog unless you can put 4-5 hours aside of your day to run with it. These, along with Border Collies and German Shepherds, are some of the most active breeds out there. You can't just walk them an hour and be done. They need LOTS of mental stimulation and physical exercise.

They need about three 1 hour walks a day along with other activities like swimming, fetch, agility, obedience, and many other activities. They are VERY good escape artists and you usually can't trust them off-leash. Most Huskies will take off whenever they have a chance and usually do not have a very good recall.

They need to be brushed every single day for about an hour. They DO howl when they're lonely and your neighbors won't be very keen on that. Don't get it if you don't plan on keeping it for the rest of its life. You can't just lock them in a cage when they are excited and need exercise.

They need lots of training and rules for them to be stable.

Some things you will need are:
Collar
Leash
ID Tag
Crate
Bed
Grooming Supplies
Harness

For food, really, the best food you could feed your dog would be a Prey-Model-Raw (PMR) diet. No veggies, no fruit, no grains, and no dairy products. Just 80% meat, 10% bone, 5% liver, and 5% other organs. It's fresh, healthy, natural, and species appropriate. Much better than preservative filled processed kibble from a plastic bag. The meat and organs has all the nutrients and the bone provides calcium and strengthens the stomach wall. If you're resourceful, feeding a raw diet is cheap and very affordable. I used to spend $200 a month on premium kibble and now I only spend $30 or less on PMR. The key is to find cheap meat from sales, scraps from hunters, culls and stillborns from farmers, old and freezer-burnt meat from friends, and you could post an ad on craigslist for unwanted raw meat. Any wild meat should be frozen for 3-4 weeks before feeding. Be sure to research this diet before feeding it! Good luck!!!!

https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/22532â¦
http://rawfed.com/
http://preymodelraw.com/


For exercise, you need to walk them in the morning, afternoon, and evening. He is a bit older so you can take him outside about 1 hour after eating to poop/pee.

Good luck with your dog!!

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How do I convince my wife to get a second dog?

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jay

We have a great lab mix right now, he is crate trained, housebroken great dog.

Answer
As the man of the house, just inform her you are getting another dog.

Seriously if you need her permission there is a lot more going on here then a disagreement about a dog.

I have a great book suggestion for her as well called "The Proper Care and Feeding of Husnbads" By Dr. Laura available on Amazon.

As I said the dog thing is just the tip of the iceburg here.

How can I train and play with my 2 month old puppy?

Sara

So I got a puppy today and I have never had a puppy before. Youngest dog I have ever had was 3 years old. He is a mini schnauzer poodle mix. How can I train and play with him? I know only the very basic of puppy knowledge.

Answer
this will sound odd, but it works.
First, always talk to your puppy in a ridiculously happy party voice when you are traininng, and insist that he look at your when you speak.
Wait for him to look up before you ask him anything, and at that split second, say his name and the command.
The second he does it, say YES, good (whatever the command was)
It's sort of the same as people talking to foreigners who don't speak the same language, but they have to explain something with charades - and they're SO happy when they understand just a fragment of it.

Train your puppy as if he is a dog, but you're really playing with a dollhouse size dog.
And train him for very short stints, but constantly while you are living with him.
They're sponges, just like any other little kid. I talk to any puppy I'm handling constantly.

One great trick is to keep a plain squeaker in your pocket, and use it if you need this guy to follow you and he's sniffing daisies. You can either buy a plain one at the nearest pet supply place, or take one out of a small toy. This isn't the same as clicker training - and don't use a clicker until YOU are trained to use it.
Just use the squeaker when you need him to look at you.

He needs to go to the vet in the next day or so, so once you get there, ask for a referral to a good puppy kindergarten. That trainer can show you the rest - but the person who sold you this puppy should really have prepared you for all of this with the right information. Your vet can help you with that.

Here is an excellent, easy and funny book you'll actually read:
http://www.amazon.com/What-Good-Dogs-Should-Know/dp/0470146796

Make sure you crate train him, and crate him always even when he's a big dog:
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?A=1129

And puppy proof your kitchen, and keep him in either a puppy pen there, or at least put up a metal baby gate.

Your baby puppy will only be good for playing and doing everything else for about 20 minu7tes now, and then will sleep for a long time. Don't keep him up too long, or take him out into the world for too long now- he'll be overwhelmed, and be a nervous dog. Out his crate in a quiet place, just off where the action is in your house, and crate him next to your bed at night. He needs to be with you - his pack, or he'll be very lonely and panic.

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