Reasons like the ones in this videos is why it is important not only to train your dog, but to consider everything before getting a dog or any kind of pet. Before you move into a new place check the to see what breeds are not allowed, what you weight limit is. Are you ready for a long hair dog, high energy, big, small, vet expenses, grooming? These are all important things to consider before getting a pet. Are you an active person or spend the night watching tv? There are dogs out there that need more to do than play in the yard or go for a potty walk. Make sure if you travel alot or work long hours – Can you afford boarding or a pet sitter?

Never get a dog for someone as a present. Not unless you have discussed it and know for sure. It’s better to take them with you and pick out the pet together. Make sure you are ready to housebreak your pet. Deal with chewing, jumping, play biting, barking, dogging, crate training and the many other things that must be done with each pet. Do you have pets already? Are you ready for another? Getting a second pet to keep the first one company is not always the answer. Sometimes your problems just multiply.

Most dogs require you to spend about $1,000 min each year of food, toys, vet bills, grooming. Then if you travel and work long hours there are more expenses. Please be responsible.

I hope people understand that Breed Specific Laws (BSL) affect more than “Pit Bull” Owner’s? Any dog that looks like a Pit Bull and the several breeds that are classified as Pit Bull’s will be included in this.  There are a great deal of other breeds that are now and will be affected by these.  Texas is one of the states that does not allow Breed Discrimination and bases everything on a per dog problem.  In other words as it stands now if your dog goes out and bites someone just your dog is affected by it’s actions.  They want to change it so that they can punish an entire breed because of bad people.  Is that really fair?

So, I am providing you with a list of breeds that are on other BSL lists across the country.

Akita Inu – Akita, American Akita, Japanese Akita
Alaskan Malamute
American Bulldog – Old Country Bulldog
American Pit Bull Terrier – Pit Bull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Belgian Malinois – Belgian Shepherd Malinois, Malinois
Boerboel – African Boerboel, South-African Boerboel
Boxer
Bull Terrier & Miniature Bull Terrier – English Bull Terrier
Bullmastiff
Cane Corso – Cane Corso Italiano, Italian Mastiff
Chinese Shar Pei – Shar Pei
Chow Chow
Doberman Pinscher
Dogo Argentino – Argentinian Mastiff, Argentine Dogo
Dogue De Bordeaux – French Mastiff, Bordeaux Mastiff
Fila Brasileiro – Brazilian Mastiff, Brazilian Molosser
German Shepherd Dog – Alsatian, Deutscher Schaferhund, German Shepherd
Great Dane – German Mastiff
Mastiff – English Mastiff
Perro de Presa Canario – Canary Dog, Presa Canario
Perro de Presa Mallorquin – Ca de Bou, Dogo Mallorquin, Mallorquin Bulldog
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rottweiler
Saint Bernard – Alpine Mastiff, Bernhardiner, Saint Barnhardshund
Siberian Husky
Staffordshire Bull Terrier – English Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Tosa Inu – Japanese/Tosa Fighting Dog, Japanese Mastiff, Japanese Tosa, Tosa Ken

and many more. If your dog EVEN looks like any of these dogs or a “Pit Bull” they can be taken from you.  Unless you have DNA proof that your dog is not one of these breeds you could be in trouble.  So those Old English Bulldogs are in danger too.

Here area few links as well.

http://stopbsl.com/

http://love-a-bull.org/resources/bsl/

http://stopbsl.deviantart.com/journal/16028763/

http://www.blessthebullys.com/id26.html

Introducing:

Dog’s Day Out

Everyone has heard of Mother’s Day Out?  Well we are introducing Dog’s Day Out.

There are several options that we are offering.  But the basics are simple. If you need your pet out of the house for a few hours while you are cleaning, preparing for visitors or just a day to let them get some exercise.

• We will Pick Up and Drop Off  your pet
• Take them to the park for 2 hours **
• Give them a basic bath and trim nails (for those that will allow us to)
• Proof of vaccinations must be given to us at the time we pick up your pet(s)
• Limit is 2 pets per person – With that in mind no more that 4 dogs at this time
  

**If your pet has been temperament tested for the Dog Parks or you have taken them in the past with no problems – Then their outings will be to the local Dog Park.

**If your pet is dog aggressive and can not go to the local dog parks we have an option for them too.  We will take them to a local park.  Using a 30 to 50 foot line they can still run around and play.  Just go for a walk or what ever is workable for them.  This does mean that we will choose a public park that has secluded areas that we can do this.

Rates start at $40.oo for one dog and $20.00 for each additional dog.

Schedule your Dog’s Day Out Soon!

Also see our ad in Texas Cats & Dogs Magazine http://www.texascatsanddogs.com/

Please keep in mind as you read this article that the items and information listed below are simply things to consider as the holidays are approaching and that every home, pet and family are different.

With the coming holidays of the hustle and bustle cooking, shopping and preparations can be overwhelming at times. During all the commotion so many people forget about their pets and the dangers that can be presented so be sure you stop and take a moment to make room for them in your preparations. My pet’s take part in our holidays and are always a part of everything we do so I have to keep a careful eye on everything, especially during this time of year. My lab mix is approaching 16 years old so I have to keep a few things in mind with regards to her safety. Can she handle the commotion of people coming and going? The doors opening and closing? People that she rarely sees being all over the house and kids wanting to pet her. Is it better for her to be in her room or out in the house with everything? Though I want her to be a part of everything I also have to consider how stressful all that might be for her too. Remember stick a close as possible to your pets “normal” schedule. The extra traffic in your home can also be upsetting to your pet.

So make sure you consider everything when making holiday plans for your families and pets. Are you leaving town? Are you taking your pet? Do they travel well and take to strange places well? Also make sure that if you are staying at a hotel do they accept pets? If you are staying with family, are they okay with your pet coming? Do they have pets and are they going to get along? These are all good questions to consider. If you do take your pet, make sure to take your pet’s kennel, bedding, food and a toy or two. If you question whether or not your pet can handle these things, then perhaps consider having a pet sitter or boarding facility take care of your pet.

No matter where your family and pet are spending the holidays – Make sure you also consider all the dangers that come with the holidays and your pets. If your pet is a “counter surfer”, make sure that hot pans, bowls, pots, plates and other hot items are kept further back on the counter. Hot liquids or foods can scald or burn your pet. The smell of food cooking may attract your pet to the kitchen and they may get under foot. Use caution as you move around. Best thing is to teach your pet that the kitchen is off limits. Many people feed their pets scraps, use caution in doing this. Some seasonings may upset your pet’s tummy. Poultry bones are very brittle and after being cooked they splinter easily and they become a chocking hazard. Everyone hates those sad puppy eyes that sit and stair at you, pleading for a bite. Don’t give in and encourage your guests to do the same. Our food is still very rich and not all pets can handle it. Some only having upset tummies, but some can have more serious issues. Many people do the same thing…Give into the begging eyes saying just this once. However, that one time turns into another time and so forth which can lead to constant begging, stealing food, health problems, overweight and refusal to eat their own food.

There are also those very curious cats and kittens.  I remember my daughter’s 1^st Christmas.  Our 6 month kitten climbed our tree – repeatedly.  Came home to the tree knocked over, ornaments on the floor.  Keep in mind that cats like to play with items that hang.  So ornaments close to the floor or even tinsel can lure them in to play with the tree.  Most of the same thing to watch for with dogs, you would watch for with cats.  What ornaments hang at the bottom of the tree, tinsel, lights, hooks, angel hair?  Like always just use caution as the holidays approach.

There are many things every pet owner can do to take caution with regards to plants, foods and medications. Not all human medications can be given to your pet. Unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to use over-the-counter products, please refrain from giving them the following medication. Here are a few: ACETOMINOPHEN (Tylenol), NAPROXEN (Aleve), and IBUPROPHEN (Advil) can cause kidney failure, stomach ulcers, and liver damage in as little as 1 tablet. Keep all medications (OTC/prescription), diet pills, and multivitamins (especially those containing iron) securely locked out of reach.

Foods and other items to use caution with are: Chocolate, Grapes, Raisins, Coffee & Coffee Grounds, Alcohol, Yeast Dough, Cigarettes, Macadamia Nuts, Onions, Onion Powder, Avocados, Garlic & foods sweetened with xylito. In small amounts some pets may be okay, just please use caution when feeding your pets human food.  Also keep in mind that trash cans are tempting too.  Make sure the lids are on tight or behind a door.  Poultry bones of any kind covered in left over food are very tempting.

Holiday Items to use caution with are: Bubbling Holiday Lights. (the fluid contained inside is Methylene Chloride), Angel Hair (which is made from spun glass), Fire Salts (used to give fires a pretty colors), Tinsel (not poisons, but can become an obstruction). Ornaments – Consider hanging glass & your more treasured ornaments higher and leave wood, plastic, resin-cast or metal ornaments closer to the bottom of the tree. Spray on snow or flocking in dried particles should be safe, but the aerosols directly inhaled can be a risk. Also consider replacing metal ornament hooks with cloth, fabric or twine to hang your ornaments.

Plants: There are a variety of plants out there to use caution with. Certain Ivies, Holly, Mistletoe, Balsam, Juniper, Cedar, Pine, Fir, Hibiscus, Poinsettias.

Many people want their pets to look festive. Many local pet stores and online stores sell pet safe or pet approved items to dress your pet in. Please try to refrain from tying ribbons on your pet. They can get hung on items or be pulled tighter. Instead of tying the ribbons on your pet put them on your pet’s collar instead.

There is also the New Year that comes shortly after. If your pet is unsure about the fireworks please make sure they are indoors, confined properly and leave the TV or lights on for them. If they are afraid of firecrackers then leaving them in the yard may not be the best place for them.

Keep in mind the following as the weather get colder. If there are cats that live outdoors around your home please take a moment to tap the hood of your car. Cats like to hide in the engine compartments, wheel wells and any other part of your vehicle they can fit in to keep warm. If you have a pet that lives outside, please consider the coming weather changes.  Make sure that your pet has adequate shelter from rain, wind and cold.  As well as the age of your pet as the winter months approach.  Older pets may not be able to with stand the colder temperatures like they used to and a young dog may not be ready for it either.

Many people get new puppies, kittens or other pets for Christmas. Please consider picking these pets out together as a family or couple instead of surprising someone with a new puppy. So many pets end up in shelters after the holidays. Not because they were a present, but because they may not have been the right color, breed, size, sex, or the person was not prepared for the responsibility of a new pet. If you are thinking of giving a pet as a present think about giving the person a collar or other supplies as a gift instead. Also, maybe think of saying something along the lines of “I will get you a dog or cat, but let’s pick it out together”. This should also apply even if the pet is an older dog or cat. Getting a pet is a wonderful thing and they come with responsibility.

As I said in the beginning the information and items are for your information and to teach people about the things in our world that could pose as a danger to your pets. All pets and families are different.

From K-9 Companion Pet Services and Our Family to Yours. We wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

There are a great deal of myths and facts out there concerning Pit Bulls and other Bully breeds.  Now in all honesty Pit Bull is a generic term that is being used for several breeds – American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and a few others. Do you know the difference?  Or do you assume when you see a dog that has a box head, short and built that it is a “Pit Bull?”  Would you know the difference?  There are other breeds of dogs out there that resemble them in looks.  Most people listen to the news and stories they have heard and make generalized assumptions about these dogs without ever knowing anything about them or the truth about them.

Over the centuries dogs have been used for a great deal of things – hunting, sports, fighting, protection, herding and so much more.  No dog is breed to be aggressive towards people or to be dog aggressive.  These are behaviors that develop and one of three things happen; 1) A responsible owner takes their dog to training and have it worked on 2) An owner allows the behavior to go unchecked and it gets worse 3) People prey on them and force them into a life of abuse and neglect. And encourage them or leave them no choice but to be that way.

History of the Breed – The belief is the extinct bulldog of old was crossed with the now extinct English White Terrier to create what we call the American Pit Bull Terrier. But as I have done research into this there is a lot of question about this, but all seem to agree that they started out in England, Ireland and Scotland. You can track them back to the Romans, Parts of Greece, Close to the boarders of China.  Dating from 50 A.D. to 1500’s and so forth, not only in written text but in paintings.  It is believed that the bulldogs were used wide and far being breeds to local dogs of the area.  With the Romans they brought what they found in England/Britain areas back and breed them with what they were already using in fights, arenas, and wars.  These dogs eventually found their way back to England.  I found a great deal of references to the Molossian family and the dogs they used and that this may be where they started out.  I do know that there is a lot of puzzle piecing on this.  Regardless most agree that they are Bulldog and Terrier Crosses that have come to be the American Pit Bull Terrier and the other cousins to them as well.

Theses dogs over the centuries were used for so many things.  Yes at a time they used them for fighting, bull and bear baiting.  Do remember as you read through history that many cultures where very cruel and enjoyed watching animals fight, even putting people and dogs in the rings to fight a large animal.  Our history is bloody and cruel.  As time went on people found other uses for them.  Guarding their herds, livestock, farms, families and homes.  After the AKC and UKC came about Pits began to compete for agility & obedience titles and winning.  Through out time people have continued to use them to fight and bait bulls & bears, but in No way does this mean that all of them are dog aggressive or even will be.  All dogs had a purpose and most still do.  Dogs were not always breed to be lazy lap dogs, to sit in the a/c and do nothing all day.  Dogs of all breeds were by people for different reasons.  Bringing “in” traits they wanted and breeding traits “out” they didn’t want.  Greyhounds and Whippets were designed to run a “course.”  To chase and kill small animals or prey, like rabbits and squirrels. This does not keep them from being family pets.  Labs well they are retrievers.  Yes most the time the birds are dead but they were also trained to go in and scare the birds out and at times they did kill the birds. But there are thousands living as pets today.  Standard Poodles once were used as guard dogs in England.  Rhodesian Ridgebacks were used to help hunt lions.

There will always be a debate over dogs and what is good or bad.  When it comes down to it – Dogs are NOT born bad or good.  They are born.  They come into this world as blank slates.  They learn what they are taught or in some cases not taught.  If you take any dog and toss it in the yard – Never play with it, never interact with it, and never introduce it to people or other animals.  What do you expect to happen? If you walk up to someone and they always hit you.  You start out flinching and then one day you fight back.  They same happens with dogs.  But if you introduce that dog into a loving situation and begin to teach it the way they should be – They learn.

By now many people have either stopped reading this article or mumbling what crap… I have been working with and for rescues, shelters, trainers, kennels, dog daycares, pet stores, groomers, pet sitters, and vets for nearly 15 years.  My first dog was a lab mix.  Because of her I found my love for all dogs.  For many years I was told she was lab and pit mix.  As my kids were born that did not change anything.  She loves my kids unconditionally.  Now nearly 16 years old I would never change anything.  I was never taught or told that this breed or that breed was bad.  And all these years later I still feel that THERE ARE NO BAD DOGS ONLY BAD PEOPLE.

Myths and Facts about Bully Breeds:

United Kennel Club’s Description: “The essential characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier are strength, confidence, and zest for life. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children. Because most APBTs exhibit some level of dog aggression and because of its powerful physique, the APBT requires an owner who will carefully socialize and obedience train the dog…The APBT is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers. Aggressive behavior toward humans is uncharacteristic of the breed and highly undesirable. This breed does very well in performance events because of its high level of intelligence and its willingness to work.”

The “Lock Jaw” myth:

The infamous locking jaw is a myth. The American Pit Bull Terrier and related breeds are physiologically no different from any other breed of dog. All dogs are from the same species and none have locking jaws. Dr. I Lehr Brisbin of the University of Georgia states, “To the best of our knowledge, there are no published scientific studies that would allow any meaningful comparison to be made of the biting power of various breeds of dogs. There are, moreover, compelling technical reasons why such data describing biting power in terms of ‘pounds per square inch’ can never be collected in a meaningful way. All figures describing biting power in such terms can be traced to either unfounded rumor or, in some cases, to newspaper articles with no foundation in factual data.” Furthermore, Dr. Brisbin states, “The few studies which have been conducted of the structure of the skulls, mandibles and teeth of pit bulls show that, in proportion to their size, their jaw structure and thus its inferred functional morphology, is no different than that of any breed of dog. There is absolutely no evidence for the existence of any kind of ‘locking mechanism’ unique to the structure of the jaw and/or teeth of the American Pit Bull Terrier.”

Do Pit Bulls turn on people?

No In fact, no breed of dog does. Dog aggression is nearly always preceded by some kind of warning, and there is always a reason behind the attack. However, many inexperienced owners do not recognize the dog’s behavior as aggression, or refuse to acknowledge it as a warning sign. The only exception I can think of is Springer Rage, a rare and controversial neurological condition that manifests itself as a spontaneous attack, followed by confusion, and then a return to normal behavior. Pit Bulls are NOT prone to this condition. There are individual dogs of any breed that may be more aggressive to others.

Pits in our history:

You would be surprised at how owned a pit bull.

In the early part of the 20th century, pit bulls were the most popular breed of dog. Think of the RCA dog, the Buster Brown dog, Tige, and Pete the Pup from the Li’l Rascals.  He spent countless hours a day with children.  He never hurt anyone.

Helen Keller, President Teddy Roosevelt, and General George Patton all owned pit bulls. Were these very smart people somehow unaware of the pit bull’s dangerous reputation? No, the pit bull’s bad reputation is a recent development.

There are quite a few celebrities who have Pit Bulls as members of their family including:  Rosie Perez, The Crocodile Hunter, Judd Nelson, Usher, Alicia Silverstone, Cassandra Creech, Sinbad, John Stuart, Amy Jo Johnson, Linda Blair, Vin Diesel, and Bernadette Peters.

Pit Bulls are heroes!  America’s first war dog was a Pit Bull named Stubby.  He earned several medals during World War I and was honored at the White House.  The Ken-L-Ration dog hero of 1993 was a Pit Bull named Weela.  She saved 30 people, 29 dogs, 13 horses and a cat during a flood in Southern California.  A Pit Bull named Bogart saved a four-year-old child from drowning in a swimming pool in Florida.  Dixie, the Pit Bull, was inducted into the Georgia Animal Hall of Fame after she saved some children from a Cottonmouth snake.

In fact, the highest obedience trial record of all time is held by an American Pit Bull Terrier named Maddy!

To all that do read this:  I hope that you will come way from this article and have learned something new.  These dogs are wonderful and loving pets.  They are great family dogs.  And yes I have 2, but I have had several other kinds of dogs.  After years of training dogs, it’s not the pits causing all the trouble.  My first pit was a stray that was skinny, sick and alone.  She was hanging out at a gas station looking for food.  She came over to us and when I opened the car door to get a leash – She jumped in and layed down.  Come to find out she is deaf and just a year old.  Turned out into the streets of Houston.  Over the years I have worked with lots of rescues and helping stray and lost dogs get home.  I have never had an issue with any of the bullies that I have picked up.  Including the ones dragging a chain that was nothing but skin and bones.

Please stop and think before condemning a breed you know little to nothing about.  A breed that you have never met.  As a parent I do understand wanting to protect your children, family and pets from harm, but not at the cost of whipping out an entire breed.  For those of you that are saying but your kid has never been hurt or bit by a dog.  Your wrong, my daughter was 5 when she was bit, in the face, by a Dalmatian.  I also remember our trip to the E.R.  There was another kid there over a dog bite too.  His was the family Chihuahua and he had just over 20 stitches in his face.

Be a responsible pet owner.  Have your pet spayed or neutered, keep their vaccinations current, heartworm and flea preventative current.  Take your pet to training.  Don’t allow unwanted behaviors to go unchecked.  Think before you get a pet.  Do you have the time and money, does where you live allow the type of pet you are getting?  Make sure you want a long haired dog, big or small.  Be responsible.

http://www.pedigree.com/dogsruleday/celebrate.aspx

Check this out!  For all those dogs lovers out there that want to help and don’t know where to start.

Pet Proofing Your Home – Can You Recognize Poisons & Hazards?

1.  Damaging Medications

Pain Killers such as ACETOMINOPHEN (Tylenol), NAPROXEN (Aleve), and IBUPROPHEN (Advil) can cause kidney failure, stomach ulcers, and liver damage in as little as 1 tablet.

• Flush medications down toilet instead of using trash.
• Never give your pet ANY medication not under the directions of a vet.
• Keep all medications (OTC/prescription),  diet pills, and multivitamins (especially those containing iron) securely locked out of reach.

2.  Dangerous Plants and Treatments

Ingestion of common house plants can be fatal!

• Remove azalea, oleander, mistletoe, sago palm, and yew plants    from home.  Remove all lilies from homes with cats.
• Consult with the manufacturer of fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides before use.
• Allow all chemicals to dry completely before allowing pets to enter.
• Store chemicals in secured area.

3.  Deadly Human Foods

CHOCOLATE, GRAPES, RAISINS, coffee grounds,     alcohol, BREAD DOUGH, cigarettes, macadamia nuts, and other human foods in small amounts can also be highly toxic and fatal to your pet.

• Do not feed human foods to pets without first consulting the poison control center or your veterinarian.
• Keep human foods in secured cabinets (child locks work well).

4.  Everyday Household Hazards

Many simple household items are toxic in very small quantities.

• Do not allow your pet to access pennies, mothballs, potpourri oils, fabric softener sheets, Lysol, dishwasher detergents, homemade play dough, or hand & foot warmers.
• Keep automobile chemicals in secure storage.  This especially includes gasoline, oil, fluids, antifreeze.
• Remove cleaning supplies from the reach of pets.
• Don’t allow pets to access areas containing rat & mouse baits, ant or roach traps, or snail and slug baits.  And NEVER allow pets to access animals that can contact these baits!
• Remove pets from areas of spillage before cleaning the area.

5.  Flea & Tick Treatment Dangers

Carefully read all directions on  insecticides.

• Be sure to follow all weight/age directions closely.
• NEVER apply household or human items to ANY animal.

Information Collected & Copyrighted by Professional United Pet Sitters, www.petsits.com. For distribution by members of P.U.P.S. and P.P.A.W. and K-9 Companion Pet Serivces.

INTRODUCING YOUR NEW CAT TO YOUR OTHER CATS

Cats that live in the same house may not become the best of friends, but usually learn to at least tolerate each other with a minimum of fighting. Commit today to taking the time it takes to properly introduce your cats to each other in order to prevent permanent fearful and aggressive problems from developing.   Some cats can be best friends in as little as 30 minutes, but don’t be anxious to “test” out how the cats will do together without first providing a proper introduction.  First impressions can be lasting impressions when it comes to cats

The range of relationships that can develop when a new cat is introduced to a household can run the full spectrum from best friends who share and do everything together to all out war. Cats are territorial, and some are clearly more territorial than others, so the time required for the introduction process varies greatly depending on the cats involved.

Introducing cats who are strangers to each other should be done in a gradual systematic fashion in which pleasurable experiences (food/attention/play) are associated with the other cat(s). The key is having patience with the process and knowing that the process takes time to accomplish and you may be required to repeat steps in the introduction process more than once.

Throughout the introduction process, speak quietly and calmly to the cats and move slowly. Praise them gently when they are tolerant of each other’s presence, using words, toys and food as positive reinforcement. Never scold or use harsh or loud tones when they are together, and avoid anything that may associate unpleasantness with being near each other. Give special attention to the resident cat(s) to reassure them of your loyalty and love and help minimize jealousy. Give the new cat loving attention only during the resident cat’s absence until such time as they become true friends.

Introducing A New Cat to Other Cats

1. It is often helpful to wash both your cat(s) and the new cat in the same shampoo so that they smell similar to each other (ok the idea of washing a cat sounds rather detrimental to me, but I read that on the internet). Also, applying a spray of Feliway to each cat & his/her bedding daily is also reported to help.  Some of my clients have feliway air fresheners to help prevent spraying.  It is cat pheromones – it’s sole purpose it to provide a calming feeling to cats and it helps with many different cat “issues”.
2. Add some scratching posts or cardboard with some cat nip to relax the cats and keep them entertained.  It’ll also help share their scent.
3. Confine the new cat to one room with its litter box, food, water, and a bed. Feed the present cats and the newcomer near either side of the door to this room. Don’t put the food so close to the door that the cats are too upset by each other to eat. This will help start things out right by associating something enjoyable (eating) with each other’s presence. Gradually move the dishes closer to the door until the cats can eat calmly directly on either side. Feed the cats in each area with wet food twice daily, and play with the cats in each area at least twice daily. Setting up a schedule of feeding treats of wet food and a play time routine minimizes anxiety and makes the cats feel more secure.
4. Playtime is a special time where you can cement a bond between you and the new cat. Many experts suggest using a feline flyer, fishing rod toy, toy on a string, or other similar toy which allows the new cat(s) to maintain a distance while getting to know you and, once the cats are introduced, also distracts their attention from each other while maintaining a distance from each other.  I’ve noticed that more playtime reduces most cat issues and is a great invitation for cats to get to know each other at a fun time.  I recommend trying lots of different toys – some cats are partial to feathers, others to big stuffed fluffy things, others to things that roll quickly, some to laser lights, and some just to fuzzy mice.   Usually a cat that shows little interest in one toy just hasn’t found the right toy yet.
5. Next, use two door stops to prop open the door just enough to allow the cats to see and smell each other.  Or use a tower of baby gate, plexiglass, or a large cage.  Repeat the whole process above.
6. Switch sleeping blankets between the new cat and resident cats after a couple of days so they have a chance to become accustomed to each other’s scent. Also put the scented blankets underneath the food dishes.
7. Once the new cat is using its box and eating regularly while confined, let it have free time in the house while confining the other cats. This switch provides another way for the cats to experience each other’s scent without a face to face meeting. It also allows the newcomer to become familiar with its new surroundings without being frightened by other animals.
8. Avoid any interactions between the cats which result in either fearful or aggressive behavior. If these responses are allowed to become habit, they can be difficult to change. It’s better to introduce the animals to each other so gradually that neither cat becomes afraid or aggressive. You can expect mild forms of these behaviors, but don’t give them the opportunity to intensify. If either cat becomes fearful or aggressive, separate the cats ( throw a blanket over each cat, wrapping the blanket around the cat before picking him up if necessary ) and start the process over.
9. Continue good habits even after the cats are getting along.  Play regularly, and give each cat individual attention.  Trim nails regularly to avoid accidental scratches.  Clean the litter boxes more frequently than before, and address any accidents immediately to avoid permanent new bad behaviors.  Make sure that none of the cats is being “ambushed” by another while trying to use the box.  If the cats are picky about their litters be sure to provide the right type for each (clay vs scoopable vs crystals, etc).  Provide cat grass & catnip periodically.
10. Successful cohabitations require patience and time. Don’t push or expect things to be perfect overnight!   Be patient and remember your cats will pick up on your patience and positive attitude.

There are a great deal of methods to dog training.  Every trainer has a method that works for them and they tend to stick to it.  On the other hand our trainers know that one method may not work for every dog out there.  So they work with your pet trying to find what will work best for your pet and you.

Though we do try to stay away from “treat” based training, we do know that some dogs need them to get started. Though when you are done you want them to do as you asked and not do it for a treat only.  Pets that are strictly “treat” trained, eventually you become a “human peez dispenser” and then your pet doesn’t listen when you really need them to.  If our trainers start your pet out on treats they will not need them when they are done.

Keep in mind that everyone has to start some where and nothing is done overnight.  There is no magic wand that can be waved and your pet instantly be “perfect”.