Connect with us

Blog

Top 6 Tips for Teaching Pet Care to Kids

Published

on

Whether you’re getting your toddler acquainted with the family dog or your teenager is taking responsibility for walking and feeding the dog when they get home from school, it’s a great idea to encourage kids to take care of pets. It helps teach them responsibility, and they learn how to interact respectfully and responsibly with our furry friends. To get started, encourage your kids to understand better pet care and age-appropriate responsibilities — like grooming the cat for young children and bringing the dog to the dog park for older kids — with any of these six tips.

  • Encourage Kids to Ask for Permission Before Petting — One of the most important rules for children to learn about pets or animals, in general, is to assume that not all animals are friendly. If you’re walking in the park and your child sees a cute dog they’d like to pet, even if the animal seems friendly, do not teach your child to walk up to the dog and pet them. Instead, they should ask the pet’s handler if it’s okay for them to pet the dog. Kids should always ask for permission before petting any pet. This rule is especially true if they see a dog out in public and there’s no owner in sight. In that case, it’s best for your child not to touch the dog at all.
  • Set and Explain the Reasons Behind Rules — Just like you have rules at home of what your kids can or cannot do under your roof, it’s important to set rules when it comes to pets. Besides setting those boundaries, you also need to explain why the rules are important, such as not bothering the family pet when they’re eating or not touching the litter box when the kitty is doing their business there. You may also encourage rules for teaching responsibility, like giving your teenager the responsibility of giving the dog a bath every month or letting your middle schooler groom the cat every other day with the Uproot Cleaner Pro™

Source: Robert Kneschke/Shutterstock.com

  • Oversee Your Child’s Interactions with Pets — If you have a young child, they may be scared or overexcited when they’re around pets. They might not realize their own strength if they pull too hard on the cat’s tail or pet the dog too aggressively. Pets may also not know how to interact with children, especially if they’re newly adopted pets. If your child is around an animal they’ve never met before, it’s especially important to oversee your child’s interaction with any animal, including your own. One great way to get your child to bond with a pet is to encourage them to groom the family pet with a pet hair remover brush. Not only will your child be spending quality time with your fur baby, but your child will also be helping with removing any excess pet fur from your pet.
  • Praise Children’s Good Behavior Around Pets — Encourage your child to exhibit good behavior around pets. Whenever they do a good job of petting a dog or helping feed the cat, reward them for good behavior through positive reinforcement and high praise. They’ll feel appreciated for a job well done, and you’ll feel better knowing you’re encouraging your child to behave appropriately around pets.
  • Give Age-Appropriate Pet Care Responsibilities — While you’re certainly not going to send out your newborn to go walk the dog, there are plenty of age-appropriate pet care responsibilities you can give to any child across different age groups. For example, you might teach your elementary school child the importance of grooming your dog with a dog hair remover brush, and they’ll enjoy bonding with the family dog.
  •  Understanding a Dog’s Natural Instincts — There are a few important things to remember about a dog’s instincts. If you run away from your dog, their predator instinct might kick in, so don’t teach your child to run away from a dog if they’re scared. Don’t run and scream but, instead, walk away calmly. A child shouldn’t approach a dog when they’re eating, either. The dog may be food-territorial and may accidentally snap at or even bite a child if they bother them while they’re eating.

Source: Happy monkey/Shutterstock.com

Our children aren’t perfect, and an animal is still an animal. Even the sweetest dog or gentlest kitty can lose their patience if they’re in pain or if they feel overwhelmed when they’re around a child. According to Devon Veterinary Hospital, one of the best things you can do to teach a child about pet care is to set a great example yourself. Children will mimic what they see. However you want to teach your children to behave around the family pet or when they meet new animals, be sure to lead by example. By teaching your children safety tips around animals and age-appropriate pet care from a young age, they’ll be better prepared to become future pet parents and less afraid of animals once they know how to act around them.

Continue Reading

Blog

The Ultimate Guide to Adopting a Bernedoodle Puppy

Published

on

Bernedoodles require a lot of care and attention. They need to be potty trained and taken on daily walks. They also need regular grooming.

Most rescues have an adoption process that involves a phone interview to ensure you are prepared for dog ownership. They will only approve a home that can provide the dog with the necessary care.

Adopting a Bernedoodle

You should start your Bernedoodle adoption search by contacting local rescue organizations.

Foster-based organizations work to save all types of dogs, including Bernedoodles. They may accept dogs from shelters with euthanasia rules, reclaim strays, or rescue dogs from owners who cannot care for them due to death, illness, or a lifestyle change.

Do Your Research

Most rescues have an extensive application process to ensure future fur parents are ready for a dog. They’ll ask about your daily schedule and whether you have the time to give proper attention to Bernedoodle puppies Castle Rock CO. Some organizations may even conduct a phone interview to ensure you can commit to taking care of a dog.

Bernese Mountain-Poodle mixes often end up in shelters and rescues because their original families either moved or suffered from personal issues that made them unable to care for them. Adopting one from a shelter or rescue saves money on puppy vaccinations and spaying or neutering. You’ll also get a more mature dog that is already full-grown. Unlike purebred dogs, Bernedoodles have no breed standard, and their size and appearance will vary.

Visit the Breeder

If you’re considering adopting a Bernedoodle, you must visit the breeder before making your final decision. They can give you insight into the puppy’s temperament and answer any questions.

Usually, you must fill out an application and provide references before being approved for adoption. Some rescues also have a waitlist, so contacting several organizations in your area is a good idea.

Generally, rescues have dogs of all sizes; some may even be Bernedoodles. Often, these dogs are rescued from puppy mills, so they have been well-cared for. They might already be trained or at least partially housetrained. Ask the rescue if the dog suits children and other pets in your home is also a good idea.

Pick Your Pup

Whether purchasing a Bernedoodle from a breeder or adopting one through a rescue, picking the right pup is essential. Make sure you choose a puppy that loves being around people and is socialized early in life. A shy or aloof puppy may develop separation anxiety later in life.

If you’re adopting a dog through a shelter or other nonprofit, test the puppies’ reactivity by standing a few feet away and calling them with a “cluck” sound. They should come to you eagerly and be curious about your scent.

Bring Your Pup Home

Bernedoodles have a quick learning curve and are easy to train. They are more active than some other dog breeds, so you’ll want to ensure they have adequate space for exercise and playtime. They may also have a natural herding instinct inherited from their Bernese mountain dog parent, so you’ll want to teach them proper boundaries and avoid herding younger members of the family or smaller pets.

If you’re considering adopting a Bernedoodle from a rescue organization, speak with their staff and let them know that you’re looking for one. This will help them watch for a Bernedoodle that enters their shelter or organization, and they can assist you in matching you with the perfect dog for your household.

Continue Reading

Blog

Unleashing Happiness – The Emotional Benefits of Puppies

Published

on

Pets have long been a comfort for people, and studies show they can boost mood, ease anxiety, reduce loneliness and encourage exercise. The simple act of petting an animal can trigger the release of oxytocin, a feel-good hormone that creates a bond between owner and animal. They also teach children about responsibility and compassion, which can increase their emotional intelligence. Plus, pets help you socialize because they are great conversation starters during walks or at the dog park.

Boosts Your Mood

Petting a dog, cat or other animal causes a chemical interaction in your brain that makes you feel good—petting a creature that loves you unconditionally and wants nothing more than your attention releases the hormone oxytocin, also released during bonding between mothers and infants. A pet also gives you a sense of responsibility and purpose. Most animals require a regular schedule of feeding, exercise and cleaning. This helps to boost your mood and mental health by giving you a feeling of accomplishment. Having a pet can increase your socialization by encouraging you to go on walks and meet other people’s pets at the park or pet-friendly stores and restaurants.

Many pet owners report making new friends with neighbors and community members by taking their dogs for a walk or attending local pet events. Special needs children and adults can benefit from interacting with pets because these creatures don’t judge them based on their behavior or academic performance.

Increases Self-Esteem

Having a puppy, or any pet, helps you feel needed. Walking your dog, for example, stimulates a release of the hormone oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone.” It produces a feeling of connection and makes you feel loved and wanted.

Being responsible for a pet provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment that can help bolster self-esteem in people suffering from mental health issues. It is also a great way to teach children responsibility.

If you are considering adding a puppy to your family, we recommend choosing one from a puppies Houston TX breeder who treats the mother and puppies with respect and care. Puppy mills churn out puppies for profit while disregarding the mother’s and her babies needs. On the other hand, buying from a responsible breeder will give you and your pet a sense of joy and happiness that can only come from true love and compassion.

Reduces Anxiety

Pets are a great way to boost your mood and help you stay healthy. They increase the feel-good hormone oxytocin, reduce cortisol levels and blood pressure, and boost dopamine and serotonin. Daily walks and playtime with a dog are great excuses for exercising! A study found that pets can boost self-esteem in teens. This is because dogs and cats love their owners unconditionally. This type of love is similar to the unconditional love parents give their children.

Having puppies is a great way to teach kids about responsibility and routines. Taking care of them daily gives a sense of stability and control that can be helpful for people dealing with anxiety or depression. Also, the bonding between pet owner and puppy can help decrease feelings of loneliness for people who live alone or work from home. A furry friend can inspire people to get outside and socialize with friends and neighbors.

Increases Socialization

The unconditional love of a dog or cat is a mood booster, as it stimulates the brain to release dopamine. This is true for people of all ages and can even help teens feel better about their performance in school tests or sports. This kind of emotional support is vital and can help improve human socialization. Puppies and kittens need positive human interactions early to become balanced, confident adults. It is recommended that a puppy attend at least four puppy socials to meet many people of different genders, races and ages. It should also be exposed to people wearing hats, carrying umbrellas, briefcases or backpacks so that they learn not to fear these items and the people who have them.

Caring for pets increases feelings of responsibility and stability in people’s lives. In one study, people who owned dogs reported having greater overall well-being than those who own cats or don’t have pets.

Continue Reading

Blog

Top Ten Benefits of Grooming Your Furry Friend

Published

on

Grooming is a fun and relaxing activity for both you and your pet. It promotes bonding and helps your pet become more comfortable with being handled. It also lets you notice any lumps, bumps, or parasitic infections that may need veterinary attention before they worsen.

While some owners think grooming is only for making your furry friend look good, it has many health benefits! Here are some of them:

Prevents Skin Problems

Aside from reducing shedding (which keeps your house cleaner) and eliminating bad smells, grooming pets helps to detect issues early on. This can save you money on vet bills and prevent serious health problems.

Groomers at a pet grooming near me can spot rashes, lumps, and other conditions you may not have noticed – the earlier an issue is caught, the easier it is to treat.

Prevents Hairballs

The hairball-prevention benefit of dog grooming is obvious. Brushing reduces shedding and prevents your dog from swallowing loose fur while self-grooming, which leads to the formation of hairballs.

Grooming also helps you notice any lumps, bumps or other abnormalities on your pet’s skin. This allows you to treat them quickly before they become serious health problems. It also stops the long-term buildup of eye gunk that can irritate your pet.

Prevents Ear Issues

Grooming often involves touching a pet’s skin and ears. This allows groomers to spot any ear or skin problems early, making them easier to treat and less likely to have lasting effects on the pet.

Ear infections can cause deafness in dogs if not treated. A professional groomer can remove any discharge from the ear and help keep it clean and healthy.

Prevents Infections

Pet grooming helps prevent ear infections and other problems by keeping their ears and eyes clean. It also reduces shedding, helps keep their skin and coat healthy and distributes natural oils.

Grooming sessions allow for a quick inspection of the skin and coat, which can help spot any lumps, bumps or other issues early on. This allows for prompt treatment, preventing further health complications.

Prevents Dental Issues

Grooming your pet regularly prevents a variety of problems. It can help you spot skin issues like rashes or hot spots, and it enables you to identify parasites such as fleas or ticks that can cause harm to your pets.

Additionally, grooming sessions can be a great bonding time for you and your pet as they enjoy brushing their hair. It can also help them get used to being handled and make them less anxious during veterinary visits or encounters with people in general.

Prevents Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks can cause itchiness and skin irritation in pets. They can also transmit typhus, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.

During grooming, you can easily check your pet’s ears, nails and undercarriage for signs of irritation, infections or parasites. This enables you to treat them quickly. It also reduces excessive shedding. This, in turn, reduces allergens in your home.

Prevents Bad Breath

Grooming keeps your pet’s coat healthy, preventing matting and tangles. Regular grooming also stimulates the skin to produce natural oils, minimizing itching and helping keep the fur hydrated.

Brushing helps reduce shedding, making it easier to clean up after your furry friend is around the house. It also allows you to check for ear infections and other health problems. Grooming can also be a great bonding experience for you and your pet.

Prevents Ear Infections

Grooming your pet regularly allows you to spot odd lumps, bumps or wounds on their skin or ears. This helps you to track any symptoms early and prevent them from becoming more severe or fatal.

Detecting health problems early can save your pet from stress, pain and discomfort. It also improves the bond between you and your pet.

Prevents Bad Behavior

As a groomer, I often see pet owners reluctant to bring their dogs in for a grooming appointment. Grooming is a displacement activity that helps defuse stress.

It allows us to spot rashes, dry patches, lumps, and parasites early, preventing future health issues. Regular brushing also reduces shedding and minimizes allergens in your home. It even helps with those pesky loose hairs all over your furniture!

Keeps Your Home Clean

Pet owners often consider grooming a way to make their pets look great, but it can also have significant health benefits. For example, regular grooming can help prevent ear infections, sores and other severe health conditions from developing.

Grooming helps you monitor any health problems your pet may be experiencing because it’s easier to see, touch or feel anything that isn’t normal. This allows you to treat the pain quickly before it gets worse.

Continue Reading

Trending