Helpful Ways to Help Your Dog Overcome Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a common problem among dogs and it can show itself in a myriad of ways including barking relentlessly, frequent whining, escaping whenever he has the chance (you can't leave if you have to chase him), or your dog may indulge in destructive behavior because he thinks negative attention from you is better than none at all. Each of these ways is how your dog expresses anxiety over your absence.

Fortunately, you don't have to quit your job and spend every waking moment with your dog; however what you need to do is work with dog on a schedule of correcting his behavior through gentle reinforcement and rewarding good behavior with both praise and treats.

When you have some time off work or during even a long weekend, start training your dog. First spend all of a Friday afternoon and evening playing with your dog and giving him lots of positive attention. Then on Saturday morning, take your keys and jingle them and tell your dog you're leaving for just a bit. Walk outside and lock your door. Stand outside your door and listen for your dog to bark, whine or otherwise engage in negative behavior. After 10-15 minutes jingle your keys in front of the door. Greet and praise your dog. This is also a good time to offer a treat.

Later that day, repeat the exercise. The following day stay gone a little longer. Always jingle your keys before you leave and when you return so your dog will become accustomed to the jingling sound meaning that yes you are leaving but you are also coming back.

It is also helpful to use a crate or pen if you're only going to be away for a very short time as this will cut down on destructive behavior. Many dogs enjoy the safety and comfort of their "own" space. Remember that a dog crate or pen is only designed for limited use and is not meant as a place your dog is to spend an extended amount of time.

Using these tips and items training items such as crates and treats will help your dog overcome his separation anxiety and become a loving and dependable canine companion for many years to come.
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Items to Help the New Puppy or Kitten Feel at Home

During the summer months, many people make additions to their family in the form of a puppy or a kitten. A lot of parents think adding a young puppy or kitten is a great way to teach children responsibility. In the long run it is, but you need to be sure your child is ready for the responsibility or your young pet may suffer irreversible damage or even death. If your child is responsible enough to remember tasks like checking food and water and in the case of a kitten, keeping the litter box clean; and has a gentle nature with animals, your child is ready for a pet.

Up until adoption, your puppy or kitten had the warmth and companionship of both their mother and their littermates. Some young animals adjust quickly to being removed to a new environment and others need some help making the transition. One very helpful item is found in the form of Comfort Pals. A Comfort Pal comes as either a dog or cat and is meant to be a warm cuddly transition item to help your new one adjust to being away from familiar surroundings. The Comfort Pal even has a simulated heartbeat that will comfort nearly any anxious puppy or kitten.

Another great item to calm a little one down is the Microwavable Puppy Pal. Filled with buckwheat, the Puppy Pal will provide warmth and a sense of cuddling to a puppy that may be feeling lonely during the night and if the puppy feels the need to chew - the tail is made for just that!

The transition from their litter to a new home can be made even easier when you employ the services of a Cuddle or Comfort Pal.
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The Mattress Matters

Getting a good night's sleep is important to both your health and general well being. Making sure that you have a comfortable mattress to sleep on should be of paramount importance to you.

Futons have come a long way towards being very comfortable to sleep on. A futon mattress used to be little more than thick padding covered in fabric. Now the futon mattresses are made to be very comfortable and many have inner coil mattresses that result in more back support and a very restful sleep. If you opt for a foam-padded mattress instead of an innerspring for your futon, invest in an 8-inch thickness for the foam. This will hold up to frequent use and will deliver the most comfort possible.

As far as mattresses for beds; you can opt for the foam that will support your body from head to toe or a more traditional innerspring mattress. There is also a combination of the two, where an innerspring mattress is combined with memory foam. This results in a mattress that will almost completely stop energy transference, meaning if one person is a tossing and turning sleeper, the other person won't get jostled around. This type of mattress is also perfect for children. When the child is young use the firm inner spring mattress side and as they grow, flip the mattress over and use the memory foam side to allow your child's bed to conform to the unique contours of his or her body and offer 100% support while keeping their spine in perfect alignment as they grow.
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Is It Time to Get Your Pet a New Bed?

Much like the bed you sleep in, the bed your pet sleeps in will eventually wear out. If your pet has had the same sleeping quarters for years, it may be time for a change, not only for looks but for his health as well.

If you want something stylish and chic in your room, try one of the Ultra-Chic Pet Bed designs. The Petticoat is a perfect place for your small dog or cat to snooze in the in the comfort of a retro styled lime green and hot pink polka dot cushy bed complete with dangle balls. If you love the modern style of décor, you will love the Vertigo Designer bed for dogs or cats. This take on a modern couch is dazzling with its large polka dots and lines that make for a cool look. Even better, this mini-sofa is overstuffed and is extra comfortable for your favorite furry companion to sleep on.

Should your dog or cat enjoy sleeping in the same room you do, why not get them a classically styled bed of their own. The Argelia Sleigh Design Bed is an awesome addition to your bedroom. This bed comes in two different sizes to accommodate almost any cat or dog from a small to a medium size. You can customize this pet bed to match your décor by choosing a wood finish in a color that matches your room and also you may choose the fabric style of the cushion to further make this bed individual to your pet.

Take a good look at the bed your furry friend sleeps in, if it is showing signs of wear or you've had a flea infestation, best to upgrade to new bedding for your pet so they can get a good night's sleep too!
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Choosing the Best Cat Furniture for Your Feline

An indoor cat will have an urge to scratch and an urge to climb. Cats naturally feel safer when they can be at a higher level than most of their surroundings and a climbing tower will fit the bill for most cats.

Getting your cat a place to call their own will also save your drapes and upholstered furnishings from the nails of a bored indoor cat. The Kitty Kradle Cat Climbing Tower is great for a house with multiple cats and comes in three sizes to fit any space requirements. The Kitty Cat Hollow Climbing Tree looks like for the entire world a tree with a hole in the top for your cat to climb through and also perch on top of. The Cat's Meow Furniture Tree comes in custom colors to match your décor and is a wonderful addition for your cats to play on. There are 3 levels of perches and a hiding spot in the middle where your cats can look out but not be seen. All three choices have a light catnip scent that will drive your cats eagerness to play on these towers and climbing trees.

Another type of furniture for your cat to enjoy comes in the form of a scratching post that will relieve the urge to scratch and provide some much needed exercise and also the Kitty Circus Cat Jungle Gym that has a multitude of items to keep your cat active and fit.

Your indoor cat doesn't have to give up scratching, climbing and playing; he just needs his own place to do it. Look into adding a fun and functional piece of cat furniture for the benefit of your favorite feline.
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Positive Ways to Resolve Behavior Problems in Dogs

If your dog has some behavior problems such as running away when people approach, barking when nervous, urination when anxious or other small quirks. Much like behavior problems in children, a dog can "unlearn" undesirable behavior through a process of correction, praise and rewards.

First of all, you don't have a stubborn, bad dog and you're not a bad dog owner. You just need to work a little harder with your dog to overcome the issues that are causing the unwanted behaviors. First of all narrow down the cause of the issue. Is your dog upset at the presence of certain people? Has there been a change in the environment such as the addition of a new pet or new baby? Any of these can make a dog act out in very unwanted ways.

Next, when your dog begins barking uncontrollably or attempts to run at the approach of someone new, gently correct your dog and let him know that no one is going to hurt him and reassure him that he is okay. When your dog responds by stopping barking or staying with you, praise him and reward him. Repeat this process whenever your dog acts up. He will quickly learn that unwanted behavior results in a scolding and that the desired behavior results in much wanted praise and a yummy treat.

Treats can come in any form that your dog likes best; a great treat almost all dogs love comes in the form of Freeze Dried Liver Dog Treats made by Pooch Passions. These have a scent that dogs love and they are bite sized so they make perfect reward treats when training.
 by www.pawshop.com - Your pet gift headquarters