209 Pets Jul 2010 by Specialty Publications

Friday, July 30, 2010

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JULY 30, 2010 • 209PETS |

What’s the Best Dog for Your Lifestyle? With hundreds of breeds to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to pick the perfect dog. While many people may fall in love with a particular breed’s look, it’s also important to study behavior traits and take into consideration its needs as far as space, diet, exercise, training and grooming. One of the first decisions you need to make is whether you want a purebred dog or a mixed breed. If you are adopting a pet, mixed breeds are easy to find and often make wonderful pets. If a purebred pooch is more your style, take the time to talk with other owners and read up on the breed before making a commitment. You can find a lot of information on dogs at the library and through pet-related sites on the Internet. Make a list of breeds that appeal to you based on looks and behavior. Then try to narrow it down based on your lifestyle, the space you have available for the dog, how much time you’re willing to devote to grooming and whether you have children or other animals in the home. Your local animal shelter or pet store can offer advice on mixed breeds and types of dogs that may fit your needs. Knowing the personalities of different breeds can help you determine which dog best suits your lifestyle. If you obsess over a clean house and have to have everything in order, a Bichon Frise might be a good choice. They are small, require minimal exercise and their non-shedding coats can be maintained with a brush and trims. Other good choices for neat freaks are miniature poodles and Italian greyhounds. Single-coated breeds shed a little all year round while double-coated breeds (Huskies, Akitas) shed only twice a year. Families with children may want to consider a corgi, boxer, Shetland sheepdog or golden retriever. Retrievers are active enough to enjoy playing with children and sweet enough to tolerate prodding, tail pulling or other rough play. Retriever puppies need a lot of active playtime. Older adults and those with busy lifestyles may want to skip the puppy years and choose an older dog with a mellow nature.

By Amanda Knoles

Dogs over two years old are already housebroken, have some training and are generally better behaved. Just as people generally fall into Type A and Type B personalities, so do dogs. Type A’s are restless, need constant activity and can be temperamental. Type B’s are laid back, mellow and probably prefer a relaxing nap to a run. Type A personalities can be happy with Airedales, border collies, Dalmatians, fox terriers, Jack Russell or Cairn terriers, Siberian huskies, Belgian sheepdogs, Springer spaniels, whippets and Yorkshire terriers, all of which thrive in a more active environment. Type B’s can find happiness with basset hounds, bloodhounds, Boston terriers, bulldogs, Great Danes, Irish wolfhounds, Saint Bernards, Pomeranians, Pekinese, or pugs. On the other hand, if you’re a Type A with a busy lifestyle, you may be happier with a low maintenance Type B dog with a calmer personality. If your work requires you to be indoors all the time and you lead a fairly sedentary life, a Type A dog can be a good way to incorporate more activity into your life. Like people, some dogs have personality traits of both Type A and Type B. If you enjoy a 50/50 ratio of active and inactive pursuits, a Golden or Labrador retriever could be a good choice. They can be happy lounging around at home, but they also enjoy long walks and active play in the park. The American Kennel Club categorizes dogs into Breed Groups based on shared characteristics. For example, hounds are known for their speed, endurance and keen sense of smell. Some dog breeds are more dominant with their owners and other dogs. If you are passive, it will be easier for you to control a submissive dog. A family with children should think carefully before choosing a very aggressive, dominant breed. A large dog that needs a lot of exercise may become anxious and depressed or bark excessively if confined to a small apartment. Smaller indoor dogs can be happy with 30 minutes of outdoor exercise a day. Copyright © Publishers-Edge

| 209PETS • JULY 30, 2010

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Traveling with Your Pet So you’re taking a trip and you’re reluctant to leave your pet behind with a sitter or at a kennel, but you’re also uncertain if taking him along is such a good idea. What all will he need? And, if you’re flying, will the airline let you keep him with you in the cabin, or does he have to go with – shudder – cargo? If you and your little amigo are planning on staying at a hotel, or with friends for that matter, what’s the etiquette? Well, this article will answer at least some of these questions, while also showing where you can go for more answers. Will your pet travel well? That’s a great question. Put another way, will this be too hard on him? If he (or she) is very young, very old, pregnant, recovering from surgery, or in some other precarious state of health, it’s better to leave him with someone else. If you have any doubts, ask your vet. If you do decide to take him along, then your vet needs to see him anyway, to make sure his vaccinations and all are up to date. (You’ll need records to prove all this, just in case you do have to board him in a kennel along the way, or he requires medical assistance. Kennels won’t take animals without proof of recent shots. Anyway, you don’t want to run the risk of his being vaccinated twice for rabies, etc.) At that, if he hasn’t already had a “microchip” implant, this is a great time to get one. (Tattooing of, say, your social security number, is another possibility, though it may be too hard to detect because of the fur.) Micro chipping is easy, inexpensive, and a great backup for that nametag, should the latter become lost when Spike or Taffy gets away from you. This identifying chip can be read with a scanner at those shelters that have one, anyway and will provide the same data as the tag would have. Still, just as you should heavily mark your name, address, phone number and pet’s name on his carrying case, so he should be wearing a traditional nametag. When visiting the veterinarian let the doctor know where you’re going, how you’re traveling, what weather you’re expecting. The vet may have advice about what you should expect in the way of possible health problems (like fleas, ticks, motion sickness) and can provide prescriptions for the appropriate medications. And, if you’re considering sedating your pet, think again. When flying, for instance, the combination of drugs and altitude can result in respiratory or cardiovascular problems. At any rate, talk to your vet. When traveling with your pet there’s a full list of do’s and don’ts, along with a wealth of additional info, at www.takeyourpet. com, but here are some of the highlights regarding what your pet should have:

By Sally King

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JULY 30, 2010 • 209PETS |

Well, there’s more, but this gives you some idea of what’s required. A few general tips: • For both your sakes, research your trip first. Know exactly where you’re going and how, where you’ll be staying (and that your pet is allowed), and what your pet will need. • If this is a car trip and you’re uncertain how well he travels, take some short trips in advance. • Never allow the animal to roam around the inside of a moving vehicle, but keep him inside his securely latched carrier and the carrier securely belted in to place. • Because you want to keep him hydrated, you also want to stop every three hours, or so, to let him out, all leashed-up of course, so he can stretch, explore, and relieve himself. • There’s debate on how much you should feed your pet before putting him in that carrier. If you haven’t had the chance to find out

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how well his stomach will handle travel, then it may be best to give him about 1/3 of the usual amount of food, as well as the usual water. If that works, then you could increase the amount of food, which might make him feel yet more secure. The most fundamental point is, don’t take anything for granted. Your pet is relying on you to look out for him. At the same time, looking out for him is going to make this trip that much easier for you, too. There are so many sources of data (vet, library, online, friends, Humane Society), so don’t hesitate to ask questions. After all, you want to make this a trip to remember for all the right reasons. Copyright © Publishers-Edge

In-Home Pet Sitters Offer Peace of Mind Whether you travel for business or pleasure, you entrust care of your pets to someone else when you are away. More and more people are turning to professional pet sitters to do the job. Many pet owners feel that pets adjust better to their owner’s absence and experience less anxiety and stress when they can remain in their home environment. Pet sitters make this possible with daily visits to your home. In addition to meals, exercise, playtime and cleaning litter boxes or cages, pet sitters may also give medication, walk dogs and perform other pet care duties. That’s why in-home pet care is a growing choice for pet owners. It can provide peace of mind for everyone involved.

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• Current name tags (even if micro-chipped), and copies of same. Also have durable paper copies of tags with addresses of places you’re going to be staying. • A sturdy, secure, comfortable, sufficiently large carrying case (marked as suggested above). If flying, be sure to check with the airline to see if your pet meets their requirements, what size of case they will allow, and whether they’ll let you keep your pet with you. It’s much easier on your pet if they will. • In case you do get separated, have a recent photo as well as a thorough written description of your pet, including identifying marks, name, age, gender, breed, and microchip or tattoo numbers. • A reliable leash/harness. • When traveling by car, old bedding (sheets or blankets) to place under the carrier in case of messes, and also to cover the furniture at your destination. • Food and water bowls, plus the food your pet’s familiar with. Keeping your pet (and yourself, for that matter) hydrated makes it easier to feel well and remain calm, so also have distilled, bottled water at hand. • Bring those toys that will travel well • place a piece of your clothing that’s been worn and not washed (that still contains your scent) in your pet’s carrier. This, combined with familiar bedding, should help calm him. • First aid kit. • Baby wipes, as well as old towels and a proper, nontoxic disinfectant, for cleanups.

| 209PETS • JULY 30, 2010

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Join the Abandoned Cat Team! help fund spay and neuter in target areas of Stockton promises that the continuing problem of our above average, and historically everincreasing intake numbers and high euthanasia rates, will, for the first time in Stockton’s history, finally begin a significant decline and then at last end. This accomplishment will make Stockton and the surrounding Central Valley one of the safest places in the U.S. for dogs and cats to live in, and will be a true reflection of how the residents of our community feel about the animals they share their lives with. ACT and the staff of the ACT Clinic thank the residents of Stockton and the Central Valley for your enthusiastic support of our goal to end the euthanasia of healthy animals at our local shelters. With your continuing support, we can end this tragedy forever. ACT is seeking volunteers to help us achieve this goal. We need volunteers with experience in website and Facebook design, medical experience, marketing, grant writing, data entry and analysis or financial/ bookkeeping experience. Also, we are asking for donations to our low income assistance fund, which will significantly reduce the time needed to end the unnecessary euthanasia of unwanted cats and dogs in our community. Our website: www.acatteam.org ACT Spay Neuter Clinic 327 E. Alpine Avenue, Stockton 209 462-7729

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Humane Alliance

In July of 2009, members from The Abandoned Cat Team of Stockton opened a high quality, low cost, high volume spay and neuter clinic in Stockton. The clinic is mentored by The Humane Alliance, a national non-profit organization that has opened high quality, low cost, high volume clinics in 71 other U.S. cities. Humane Alliance provides training and support for the medical staff concerning current high quality, high volume surgery practices and provides training and operating support based on their experience with 71 other successful clinics. Initially, the clinic was funded by a grant from Petsmart Charities (a national non-profit organization that is specifically targeting the Central Valley because of the increasing high euthanasia rates of dogs and cats relative to the national average), by the Holly Pyle trust, and by concerned individuals and donors. In the past year, the ACT clinic has drawn low-income clients from Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, Modesto, as well as many other smaller cities such as Oakdale, Lathrop, Escalon, and Tracy. In addition, pet owners and rescue group volunteers have traveled from as far away as the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Sonora to take advantage of ACT’s low cost services. This month we will celebrate our first anniversary. At the end of our first year of operation, we will have spayed and neutered over 5000 animals from Stockton and the surrounding areas. Based on the results from other cities, the continuing high volume spay or neuter of low-income animals is expected to dramatically reduce euthanasia rates at local public shelters over the next few years. For instance, in Ashville, North Carolina, a city similar to Stockton in Dr. Michael Trapani performs one of the 100 to 125 spay economic status and and neuter procedures done at ACT each week. population density, a Humane Alliance clinic reduced the euthanasia rate at the local public shelter by 67% over a 10 year period by spay and neutering approximately 20,000 dogs and cats. No other program has demonstrated significant, lasting reduction of euthanasia at public shelters. The high volume of surgeries performed at our clinic, combined with a second Petsmart grant this year to the City of Stockton to

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JULY 30, 2010 • 209PETS |

Things You Need to Know About Exotic Pets Probably everyone’s thought, at one time or another, what it would be like to have a bobcat for a pet. Or maybe your taste runs more toward boa constrictors, or hedgehogs, or tropical fish. There is, as it happens, an enormous selection to choose from for those who want an “exotic” (as they’re known) pet. You can choose from: amphibians, big cats (including Bengal tigers, bitterroot bobcats, lynxes, caracals and Savannah tigers), birds, chinchillas, degus (small, brown Chilean rodents), ferrets, Fennec foxes, gerbils, goats, guinea pigs, hamsters, hedgehogs, hermit crabs, insects/spiders, llamas and alpacas, mice/rats, pot-bellied pigs, prairie dogs, primates (not recommended as pets by most experts), rabbits, raccoons,

reptiles-lizards, reptiles-snakes, reptiles-turtles, opossums, squirrels, skunks, sugar gliders, and wolfdogs. There is a final category, “rare species,” which includes fish, kinkajous, porcupines (said to be very affectionate), wallabies, and African dormice (which grow to only 3" or 4" in height). Now exciting as this all is, before you run out and get yourself one or more of the above, there are certain things you need to do first. Most importantly, go to your local library or bookstore, or go online, or call the nearest chapter of the Humane Society to become educated as to what this pet is like, and what he (or she) will need from you. Who wants to be one of those people who get a pet only

By Sally King

to have to give him away or, worse yet, turn him loose into the wilds? This happens all too often with ferrets, for instance. People get them, not realizing that because they’ve been domesticated they simply don’t have the skills to survive on their own. But when the uneducated owner sees them playing roughly with each other he’s too likely to misinterpret good clean ferret fun as something dangerous. Next thing you know, he mistakenly decides to take his pet for a ride to the nearest wooded area or drops him off at the animal shelter. Either outcome could have been avoided by the perspective owner’s taking the time to become educated about what to expect from this potential pet. What types of questions do you need to ask? For starters, there are the following: • Is this animal legal in my state? • Even if legal, does it seem in the animal’s best interest to be treated as a pet? Living in captivity can greatly shorten the life of many species. • How long might this animal live? The longer the life, the greater the commitment required on my part. • If the law states (or experts tell me that) this animal must be declawed, as in the case of bobcats, am I willing to strip this animal of a means of self-defense, while also risking the loss of his foot, leg, or even his life to the possible infection? (This practice is common to the US, and considered unacceptable almost everywhere else.) • What do I want from a pet? Do I want one that sleeps in my lap, or that I can run with, or that, like tropical fish, soothes me with its presence? • Are my expectations realistic? Reading about this animal, as well as talking to others who are familiar with his breed, will tell me what kind of behavior to expect. Cool as a scorpion may be, perhaps I’d be better of with an axolotl (a Mexican salamander). • Will my vet – whom I’ve already carefully selected – treat an exotic? Many won’t, while some specialize in them. • If I already have pets, will this one fit in? And will this new pet need company of his own kind? • If I’ve got kids, will this critter be safe around them, and they around him? • What behavioral problems might I expect, and how can I deal with – or ideally prevent – them? • How much should I handle this animal/insect/spider? Too much physical contact with humans can be deadly. Too little and you and your pet won’t bond. • How much attention will this pet need, and am I willing and able to give it? Most animals will want to spend time with you, as you are now their family. Just like humans, they can be made to feel abandoned and insecure, which can lead to serious problems. • What are the precise dietary needs of this pet? (And, just for the record, snakes do much better with dead food than live. Ask your vet or any snake-owner.) see Exotic, continued on page 13

| 209PETS • JULY 30, 2010

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Top Tips for Safely Bringing Home a Rescue or Shelter Dog

By Barbara Gazley

Congratulations on choosing to adopt a rescue dog! Rescues and shelters everywhere house wonderful dogs, each of them just waiting to become a member of your household. While shelter dogs come from various backgrounds and experiences, they all share one important fact: they are dogs, and the dog you choose needs to be understood and treated as such. Dogs need order and leadership. They seek pack structure, structure which you must provide. Your dog needs to know that you are the boss and that you have a set of house rules. This makes the transition from the shelter to your home easier, faster and more rewarding. If You Have Not Already Done So… Hold a family meeting to create rules about caring for the dog. Will he be allowed on the couch, the bed, and in all rooms of the house? Where will he sleep and eat? Who will walk him and clean up after him? As a family, you must all be consistent with your decisions or you will confuse the dog, usually resulting in the dog making his own rules and causing unnecessary tension. Have the necessary items your dog will need from the start: ID tags, a collar and a 6 foot leash, food and water bowls, food, dog toys, a crate and bedding, and basic grooming tools. Bring your new dog home when you can be there for a few days so you can get to know each other and establish rules. Just before you bring your dog into the home, take him for a walk to tire him out a little. Walks are not only good exercise, but they also serve as a training tool and an opportunity to establish the lines of communication that better educate him. Establish Ground Rules in the First Days At first, limit your dog to one room or area. Allow him time to become familiar with the smells and sounds of his new home. Try to limit your time away from home those first days; your spending time with him will help him to become more comfortable in his new, unfamiliar home. Keep your dog on leash for the first few weeks so you can immediately teach him what behaviors are and are not acceptable by showing and guiding him through the appropriate exercises. For safety’s sake, NEVER leave a leash on your dog when he is unsupervised. Your rescue dog should NOT be left alone in the house with your existing pets until you have carefully monitored and controlled their interactions for a period of time. Expect housetraining accidents. Your dog is in a new territory and is establishing a new routine, so accidents probably will happen.

Review housetraining information available from the shelter, your veterinarian or your local Bark Busters trainer. The key is to be consistent and maintain a routine. Dogs instinctively like to den, and a crate makes the ideal place for your dog to sleep and get away from household hubbub. While a crate also makes housetraining and training in general easier, limit the amount of time the dog is crated. The crate should be roomy enough to allow your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. An alternative to a crate is to confine him in a dog-proofed part of your home, such as a laundry room. You can use a baby gate or dog gate to block off the area from the rest of the house. For the first few days, limit guest visits to allow your dog to get comfortable with his new family. When you do have guests, ask their help in training your dog by instructing them not to pay attention to him until he has calmed down. One way to communicate this request is to post a sign on your front door informing visitors that you have a new dog in training. A Trained Dog Makes for a Happy Human-Canine Bond Get guidance for training your dog. A well-trained dog is a happier dog and a joy to have around. Your animal shelter may have performed a behavioral evaluation on your dog to help the adopter understand what, if any, potential behavioral issues the dog may have. Knowing this information ahead of time may be helpful when you begin training with your new dog. If you already have a dog, whether he was adopted from a shelter or not, a helpful tool (called the Behavioral Rating Quiz) to determine how he compares to other dogs is available at www.barkbusters.com. Dogs need consistent pack structure. If they don’t have a consistent set of rules to follow, then they try to become the leader, which can create numerous behavioral problems. Thus, you—and all humans in your home—need to be consistent. Practice obedience training, set rules and apply them calmly and consistently, and praise your dog’s good behavior. He will be much more comfortable in a pack with structure and will bond more quickly to you. It is amazing how quickly dogs learn what is acceptable and what is not. Dogs have a language of their own, and once we understand it, we can communicate better what we expect of them. A Bright Future Hats off to you for bringing home a rescue dog! Your patience and training will help to create a bond that will reward you both for years to come. With the right balance of discipline, understanding and affection, your rescue dog will become a loyal, grateful and loving companion. BARBARA GAZLEY is a dog behavioral therapist and trainer with Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company. Bark Busters trainers, who have trained more than 500,000 dogs worldwide, are renowned authorities in correcting dog behavior with all-natural, dog-friendly methods. Bark Busters training is the only service of its kind that offers guaranteed lifetime support. For more information, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.BarkBusters.com.

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JULY 30, 2010 • 209PETS |

Should You Buy Pet Health Insurance?

By Amanda Knoles

Pet lovers are so devoted to their furry friends, they will do anything to prolong their animals’ lives, but few people are prepared to cover expensive treatments for chemotherapy, kidney dialysis or major surgery. Even minor accidents and illnesses can add up when you add the cost of diagnostic tests, office visits and prescriptions. Today, as veterinary care expenses continue to escalate, more veterinarians are recommending pet insurance.

Fortunately, more companies than ever are offering pet insurance policies. Some offer basic accident and illness coverage while others offer coverage for preventive and routine care for a monthly fee based on the type of pet, age and other criteria. Most veterinary clinics participate in some type of insurance plan but it’s a good idea to compare different plans online or by visiting pet stores and other vet clinics. Be sure to read all the fine print to check for exclusions and limitations regarding pre-existing conditions. Many plans will not insure a dog over eight years old or a cat over age 10. see Insurance, continued on page 13

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| 209PETS • JULY 30, 2010

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Guide to Cat Breeds and Personalities Abyssinians Believed to have originated in Ethiopia or Egypt, this breed resembles the sacred cats in ancient Egyptian paintings and carvings. They are shorthaired, easy to groom and goodnatured with children. Very intelligent, active and affectionate, their fur color ranges from ruddy red to grey-blue. Almond-shaped eyes may be green or golden. American Shorthair This breed arrived in the 17th century with the early settlers on the Mayflower. They have medium to large powerful bodies, round, wide eyes and heavily muscled legs. Their short thick coats can be white, black, red, cream, tabby patterned, calico or tortoiseshell. They make terrific house pets and are quite friendly with children and other pets. They are loving, sociable and quite intelligent. Burmese Burmese cats are descendents of an Oriental female imported to the United States from Rangoon in 1930. Their short, glossy coats are usually deep brown, champagne, blue or platinum. The large expressive eyes are yellow or golden. They have a medium-sized muscular body with round heads and ears set well apart and slightly rounded at the tips. They love people and can be extremely affectionate. Very vocal like the Siamese, they are easy to groom and get along well with dogs. Himalayans The result of crossbreeding Persians and Siamese, the Himalayan got its name from its coat pattern, which resembles a Himalayan rabbit. This cat has a compact body that is broad across the shoulders and rump. The coat is long and thick and the head is round. Big round eyes and a short nose give it a sweet expression. Himalayans are known for being meticulously clean, intelligent and affectionate. Colors range from Seal Point, Chocolate Point, Blue Point, Lilac Point and Flame Point to Cream and Tortie. Maine Coon The Maine Coon has roots dating back to the early settlers. It has a heavy, shaggy coat that needs frequent grooming, and it is an excellent mouser. In size it can be medium or quite large with a broadchested body and muscular legs. Its paws are large, round and tufted giving a snowshoe-like appearance. Colors include solid white, black, blue, red, cream, tabby, tortoiseshell and calico. Maine Coons make gentle, devoted pets but they can be quite energetic. Manx This breed is best known for its missing tail, but is also distinctive for its powerful-looking round body and prominent cheeks. They have large round eyes, broad chests, longer hind legs and round paws. Their short, plush double coats are thick on top and cottony

underneath. Colors span the gamut from white to black, red, cream, tabby, tortoiseshell and calico. The Manx is intelligent, somewhat talkative and friendly with children. Ocicat Developed by crossing a chocolate point Siamese male with a part Abyssinian-part Siamese female, this cat has a long, well-muscled body and powerful legs. Its sleek, lustrous fur is patterned with exotic looking stripes and spots. Colors range from tawny to chocolate, cinnamon, blue and fawn to silver. They are easy to groom, trainable, people-oriented and admired for their “wild” appearance. Persians Descendents of longhairs from Persia and the Angoras from Turkey, Persians have round, massive heads with full cheeks, a snub nose and short, thick necks. In size they can be medium to large with short, thick legs and large round paws. They are quiet, excellent apartment pets and love to be pampered. Their longhaired, thick coats need regular grooming and they are prone to hairballs. Persians are available in more than 50 colors and coat patterns including blue smoke, cameo smoke, calico, shaded silver and golden.

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JULY 30, 2010 • 209PETS |

Feeding and Caring for Your Parrots

By Sarah Koch

Many people pick parrots for pets charmed by their beauty and individuality. Besides which, they can talk, as well as imitate doorbells, ringing phones, and beeping microwave ovens, among any number of other sounds. But they are also intelligent and loyal – sometimes to a fault, if not trained properly. While an exotic pet may seem exciting in and of itself, these birds can live for decades, so if you’re going to take one on (or any other pet for that matter), first of all become educated about what that parrot is going to need in the way of food, shelter, training, and companionship. Regardless, you don’t just put them in a cage and let them look pretty: there’s a lot of upkeep, and, if you’re the right person to own such a bird, you’ll enjoy doing it. What does your parrot need for their new home? Among other things, a cage of the right size and strength for everyday use as well as one for traveling, if needed. Remember, those beaks can be very strong and damaging. In addition, there’s the proper food, toys (especially something to chew on), and a good veterinarian. Also know that birds require a good deal of attention. They are, by nature, part of a flock, and you are now their flock. The one who takes principal care of the bird will be, to his mind, the flock leader, or parent figure. Keep in mind that parrots tend to be very territorial. Not only geographically speaking, but as regards their “people.” So, though it’s easy to flirt with a parrot, too much of this kind of behavior sends him the wrong message and can result in what he views as a “sexual” bond. After all, he was taken from his own flock before he finished weaning so that he will be able to be socialized by his handler. As such, his relationship with you, the handler, is crucial to him, and he can become jealous of anyone whom he regards as competing for your attention, be it another pet, a child or an adult. If this behavior goes too far, they’ll attack not only the “rival,” but eventually the loved one as well. Keep in mind that when he turns his head so that he’s pinpointing someone with one eye, he may simply be expressing interest, or he may be intending to bite. Make your parrot feel at home. It is important for them to feel comfortable in their surroundings.

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see Parrots, continued on page 15

Scottish Fold Known for its short ears that lie close to the head and fold forward, this cat has a mellow temperament and is very easy to groom. It has a round body, round paws and expressive round eyes set apart by a short, broad nose. Copyright © Publishers-Edge

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Siamese The Siamese remains one of the most popular breeds in the world. Highly intelligent, they are very people-oriented and the most talkative of all the cat breeds. They are shorthaired, easy to groom and have light-colored body fur accented with darker facial masks, ears, tail and feet. Their beautiful markings compliment their strikingly blue almond-shaped eyes. Colors include Seal Point, Chocolate Point, Blue Point and Lilac Point.

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| 209PETS • JULY 30, 2010

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Dealing With Pet Behavior Problems

By Amanda Knoles

Pets bring hours of enjoyment and companionship, but at times they behave in ways that are inappropriate or destructive. It’s important when training your animal to establish signals to use when your pet does something bad. Just as positive reinforcement works to get pets to do what we want, negative reinforcement can convince them to stop doing something. Cats are known for being independent and stubborn, but you can teach them to avoid certain behavior by using a stern tone of voice, making a loud noise they dislike, or squirting them with a spray of water. For example, if your cat jumps on the kitchen counter and you want him to stop, try placing pots and pans on the spot where he jumps up. The clatter of falling pots and pans may scare him enough to keep him away the next time. If that doesn’t work, fill a spray bottle with water and spray the cat at the moment he jumps on the counter. Say “No” or some other negative word in a loud voice, clap your hands loudly, or whistle. Trying to spank or hit a cat won’t work. His response will be to fight back or run away. In the case of a cat scratching furniture, you must provide an alternative surface like a scratching post. Each time the cat begins to scratch the furniture, take him to the scratching post and encourage him to use it. Catnip applied to the post can get him more interested. If you have a problem with your cat unrolling the toilet paper, try placing an empty soda can on top of the roll. The next time he tries to unroll the tissue a flying can’ll surprise him. Cats love to chew on plants, and the habit can be destructive as well as dangerous since many plants are poisonous. Try growing kitty grass or catnip in a special place for your cat to nibble. If she stills chews on other plants, you might try rubbing lemon juice or hot sauce on the leaves. With positive reinforcement such as treats, you can teach your cat to sit, stay or even do simple tricks like fetching a ball. Treats work best if they

are different from the cat’s regular food. For your safety and the safety of others it’s important to discourage aggressive dog behavior like snarling, growling, snapping, biting or lunging. It’s a good idea to have a vet examine the animal for any physical problems. If there is no medical cause, you may want to consult a specialist in dog behavior. Treating aggression may involve behavior modification techniques, drugs, neutering or spaying, and leash and halter management. Do not allow children to play unsupervised with an aggressive dog. Obedience training can help enormously when you are trying to discourage bad behavior in a dog. Teaching your dog to obey basic commands like sit, stay, lie down, heel and stop will make it possible for him to interact with your family and visitors in more social situations. Most pet stores offer inexpensive training classes teaching the basics. Barking is another problem that is best nipped in the bud. Dogs may bark at strangers walking by, or when they are lonely, anxious or bored. If you would like your dog to bark as a warning when people are on your property, you must teach him to stop when you tell him to. Just don’t yell “Shut Up!” from three rooms away and expect him to obey. Develop a command that he understands and spend time enforcing it. When a dog barks for your attention, try walking away and ignoring him when he barks. Then pet him and offer a treat when he’s quiet. Most dogs enjoy chewing on hands, and what can be charming for a puppy becomes a nuisance in an adult dog. To stop the chewing, place your first two fingers, palm down on the dog’s tongue and push them far enough back to cause a gag response. At this point the dog will spit your fingers out of his mouth. Say “Quit!” or another word of your choosing so he learns to stop when you use the word alone. Copyright © Publishers-Edge

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Insurance, continued from page 9

Some plans require deductibles and co-payments while others require a flat fee per illness. Most policies cover only cats and dogs. Chronic conditions and breed-specific genetic ailments are frequently excluded. Premiums may increase as the pet ages, and most policies have a maximum payout. Some insurance companies offer programs starting at less than $20 per month. Plans may include basic accident coverage and limited lifetime coverage for all diagnostic tests, surgeries, and medications if your pet becomes sick or injured. This includes hereditary and congenital disorders, and chronic or recurring conditions. Some pet health insurance plans pay claims based on a benefit allowance. The reimbursement amount you receive is based on the company’s allowance, not on your veterinarian’s charge. For example a $1000 surgery to remove a foreign object might have a company benefit allowance of $470. That means you would have to pay the deductible and the difference between the fee and the benefit allowance. A co-payment is when the insurance company and policyholder share the cost of covered expenses after the deductible. For example,

if the insurance reimburses 90 percent of payments to the vet, after an annual deductible of $100 has been met. If the vet bill is $100, the insurance company will pay $90 and the policyholder pays $10 if the deductible has already been met. Pet insurance policies generally cover medical treatments and surgeries for accidents and illnesses ranging from ear infections to fractures, diabetes and cancer. Routine care expenses and immunizations may or may not be covered depending on the plan you choose. However, most basic accident and illness plans offer supplemental routine care coverage for an additional fee. Pet insurance offers pet owner’s peace of mind, knowing their beloved animal will receive the best care should an accident or illness suddenly occur. It’s a good way to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for routine care and minor illnesses, and it provides more options should your pet need expensive and life-saving treatments.

Exotic, continued from page 7

• What kind of ailments will he be susceptible to? • How much space does he need, and, if indoors at all, will I need to childproof my cabinets (as in the case of ferrets and coatimundis)? • Is this critter especially active during the day or night, and will that fit my own schedule? • Finally, do I understand that, no matter how short-lived or inexpensive, no animal is a throwaway? Well, that’s a fair beginning. Once you’ve answered these questions, and then any others that are especially pertinent to your situation and lifestyle, you’re pretty much on your way. Thing is, we all want to do the right thing, and since there are so many sources of data these days, there’s no reason not to be fully prepped before taking on a pet. Of course, once you’ve looked into it, you may decide that a Chia pet looks pretty good, and heaven knows there’s nothing wrong with that. Copyright © Publishers-Edge

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Parrots, continued from page 11

• Your parrot needs mental stimulation. Games (often involving food) are good. Toys are also important. • The right perch serves several purposes. Tree branches with bark allow your bird to wear down his teeth and claws in a natural way, while also providing him with a comfortable seat from which to vie his world. (Branches can be bought that fit inside the cage as well as decorative and functional ones for outside.) Examine the branch carefully for bugs and beware of toxins. • Prevent behavioral problems by not allowing your parrot, even as a baby, to manipulate you. Once they learn that every time they ask you to pick them up you will, they won’t stop asking, and can become very screechy and generally difficult to deal with. • Be aware of lighting. Just like humans, different parrots require more or less light to feel well, to be happy. Bonding requires you to spend a good deal of time with him each day. Following are some tips to help you develop a closer relationship with your parrot. • Bathe with him (honestly -- they love the shower), eat with him, sing to him, watch TV or listen to the radio with him. Also, let him see you being affectionate. Letting him become familiar with you in your own natural habitat, so to speak, helps him to adapt to it, which should lead to his feeling secure enough to speak, a most desirable thing.

• Travel around the house with the bird on your shoulder. Discovering different territories with you aids the bonding process. It also works if he does this with someone whom he considers as his rival. • If your bird is a shy type and refuses to talk, then play little games with him to show that you’re even shyer, and help him to feel he can identify with you. For instance, place him above your eye level; this will help raise his self-esteem and may even induce speech. (Beware: a more confident bird could become overexcited and scream his head off.) Also, make yourself as small as you can (which automatically makes you less threatening), and be sure to keep your very unbirdlike hands hidden as much as possible. • If there are several people in the household, talk to each other in front of the bird; this will also help him to develop speech, as part of the flock. Well, there are many books out there that can help, as well as online sites and your vet. As for books, one of the most often recommended is from the well-regarded Barron series, Guide to the Well-behaved Parrot by Mattie Sue Athan. Athan’s book, rich with humor, offers advice on many things, as well as how to stop your bird’s tendency to scream, bite, and chew his feathers. Just remember, though, that as affectionate as a parrot can be, he can also become aggressive. (If a real problem develops, don’t panic and get rid of the bird. A few dollars and a little professional help can make all the difference.) There may not be any animal that can be more loyal or more entertaining. To insure the greatest chance of success, though, if you do decide to make a parrot part of your family, just do your research first. Copyright © Publishers-Edge

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