Pets

Dogs are often called man’s best friend. This may be partially true; however, that doesn’t mean they are a child’s best friend. In fact, some children are afraid of them. If this describes a child you know, you can use these smart ways of helping children overcome the fear of dogs.

Despite the fact they’re animals, dogs can be very similar to humans. You can tell when a dog is being playful or when they want to be left alone. Some dogs even smile at you because they’re happy to see you. When it comes to helping your child overcome the fear of dogs, it’s a good idea to begin by teaching them to read dog behavior.

If your child is afraid of dogs, take them to a pet store. They will have puppies and dogs for the child to look at but they stay behind a glass where the child and animal are safe. This will allow your child to see the animal without fear of being hurt.

Don’t try to force your child to pet an animal. They may have good reason for their fears. Let them watch dogs from a distance. This will allow them to see how dogs interact with other children and adults. It will help them to recognize when there is danger and when there is not.

After they become comfortable seeing the animal from behind the glass, ask if you can see one of the calmer animals. The sales person will bring dog into an enclosed room where you can get to know the animal. They will remain with you and will be able to help protect your child. They may also have some more ideas for helping your child overcome their fear of dogs.

Teach your child that when a dog is wagging its tail or its whole body, there usually is nothing to fear except if the dog inadvertently knocks the child down. Explain to the child that the dog is being friendly and that it means them no harm. This can be especially important if your child has been bitten or nipped at before.

On the other hand, if a dog comes running toward them with their ears back and barking, the child is fully justified in being scared. The child needs to know to stand still rather than run, however. Running may be an automatic response, but running will only encourage the dog to chase the child. Helping your child recognize the difference between a dog that’s friendly and one that’s not can make all the difference in the world as to how they respond to them.

When being introduced to a new dog, have your children follow these steps:

* Stand still; let the dog sniff at them.
* Let them look to you for cues as to whether the dog is friendly or not.
* After they become comfortable, or at least less uneasy with the dog being near them, teach them to hold out the back of their hand for the dog to smell.
* Finally, when they’re ready, tell them to move slowly and then gently pet the dog on the back of the neck or the head.

It is possible to help a child overcome their fear of dogs. These smart ways may give you information you need to help your child. If you’re still unsure about introducing your child to dogs, ask a veterinarian or your child’s pediatrician for more ideas.

What happens when most women see a mouse in their home? They climb up on a chair and scream. At least that’s what most cartoons would have you believe. It might surprise you that many people choose a pet rodent when they decide it’s time to get a pet.

There are a number of rodents which are kept as pets: gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, and rats. Pet stores are a great place to find these pets but you may also find individuals who have them to sell or give away. Here is some information on each type that may help you decide which rodent to have as a pet:

* Gerbils are about 4 inches long and can live as long as 5 years; 2-3 years is the most common. They have a furry tail, are active, and do better in groups rather than being kept alone. It is best to get gerbils while they are young so they get used to being handled. They need a cage about 12x24x12 so they have plenty of room to run and play.

* Hamsters generally live 2-3 years and can range in size depending upon the species. Golden and Dwarf hamsters are the most common. They need a 12x24x12 cage. How social they are depends upon how much they are handled as young. Dwarf hamsters are more social with their own kind than the Golden hamsters.

* Guinea pigs may or may not be rodents depending upon who you listen to. They’re larger than most pet rodents, weighing as much as 2-3 pounds. They live between 5-7 years but some have been reported to live as long as 10 years. They rarely bite and prefer to be kept with others of their kind. Because of their larger size they will need a cage about 4 feet square or larger.

* Mice are very easy to keep but they are also known to be escape artists. They live 1-3 years and are generally about 3 inches long. They can live in a cage 12x18x12. If you end up with a breeding pair, you could very easily be overrun with little pinkies. They can be tame if handled often, but may not be the best choice for families with small children.

* Rats are larger than their mouse cousins, coming in at nearly 8 inches. They live 2-4 years and prefer to live in pairs of the same sex. As with mice, a breeding pair can soon have many babies. They require a cage about 24×36 inches which is very tall. They can be tamed and rarely bite.

As a general rule, rodents need a large enough cage they can’t escape from, bedding to nest in, safe chewing material, food, and water. It is also important to provide some type of exercise wheel for smaller varieties of rodents.

Don’t expect your children, especially younger children, to completely care for pet rodents. They’ll likely forget to take care of them so it’s best if you resign yourself to that before you bring the pet home. You’ll also want to have a veterinarian check out a pet rodent within two days of purchasing it. They will be able to verify the animal’s health and ensure you know how to care for it properly.

Choosing a pet rodent isn’t always easy. Consider the amount of time you have to devote to the animal, how much space you have for it in your home, and make an informed decision. Remember, when you get a pet, any pet, you are agreeing to care for it for the rest of its life. Choose wisely.

Millions of families around the world enjoy the love of a pet. No matter what type of animal they have, pets add so much to their lives. Unconditional love is only one reason to choose a pet. Learn how to adopt a pet so you will be prepared when it comes time to add your own to your family. And when you feel ready to look for a pet, adoption is one the options you have.

Obviously you can find breeders and purchase an animal from them. But, why not save the life of an animal that is no longer wanted but still has plenty of love to share? There are animal shelters, humane societies, and rescue groups around the country who would love to offer one of their pets for your consideration.

Look in your local telephone book to see if there is a shelter where you live. You may want to find pet nearby, but you can also look in larger cities; they will most likely have a larger variety of animals to choose from. Another place to look is at pet stores, Freecycle groups, Craigslist, or local newspapers. There’s no limit to the number of advertisements you’ll find.

Think about the commitment you can make. Dogs require someone to walk and play with them as well as feed and love them. Cats are more solitary but they do need someone to feed them, change their litter, and love them – on their own terms, of course! Fish, reptiles, and rodents require less care, so consider this when you decide which animal is best for your family.

Know which type of animal you prefer – dog, cat, hamster, gerbil, or bird. If you or your family have a preference, call around to see who has that type of animal available. There’s no need to visit a shelter or pet store if they don’t have the type of animal you want.

Take time to visit each shelter or rescue area during business hours. You don’t have to make a decision on an animal during your first visit. Choosing a pet is serious business; there’s no need to rush into a relationship which could last many years depending upon the pet you want.

Depending upon the animal you decide to get and where you get them, they will most likely have a thorough veterinarian examination prior to their adoption. The shelter, pound, or pet store may also give you a certificate toward a first-time veterinarian visit after you take them home. You may have to sign an agreement to have cats or dogs spayed or neutered if you get them while they’re young or they haven’t already been altered.

When you look at the animals which are available, you want to find one that is lively, eager for attention, and playful. If you choose a dog, you may want to pay close attention to how they respond to members of each sex and see if they shy away from one or another.

Now that you know how to adopt a pet, what are you waiting for? There are many animals looking for a forever family. They need someone to love them – are you ready for the job?