Pet Haven

A feral cat's average life expectancy is not even 2 years. So please, if you have the chance, take the time and patience and have a heart for a feral kitten or cat.

There are three different levels of feral cats. Nearly every feral cat can be tamed with enough time and patience.

Level 1

Are the real feral kitten and feral cat. These are the cats that are very scared of humans and will run from you. If cornered they will hiss and spit, scratch and bite. These animals appear almost impossible to be domesticated. They will run from you or if cornered, they probably will hiss, growl, scratch, and even bite you. Don't give up; it IS possible to tame them!

Level 2

Are the kittens and cats that lost their home or owners and ended up living on the streets. They will appear shy and take off once you get close, but usually they won't run far. They seem to be always on guard and very nervous. Try to bribe them with a piece of food and you will see that the cat will slowly change her demeanor and soon will come running when you come around.

Level 3

Are the kittens and cats that left home on their own due to abuse. All they have learned is to be scared of humans, but have no experience to survive by themselves. There is a good chance that these cats can be tamed, depending on the severity of the abuse. They might display some odd behavior for the rest of their lives.

Every year millions of people seek medical treatment for dog bites. Here are some simple techniques on how to avoid to get bitten by a dog:

• Never approach a dog you do not know.
• Never run from a dog, leave alone screaming.
• Stand still when a dog you don't know comes close to you.
• Do not look the in the eyes.
• Never approach a dog that is sleeping, eating, or nursing.
• Never touch a dog without letting him sniff you first.
• If you get knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie perfectly still.
• Teach your children how to be safe around a dog.
• Never leave an infant or child unsupervised with any animal.
• Never trust an excited dog. Excitement means often that the dog is not controllable.

1. Take your time. Do not stress. Remember: you are stressed = your dog is stressed
   
2. Dogs are not nocturnal; they are awake during the day, not at night. So walk him at daytime.
3. Do not put the leash on an excited dog. Wait until he has calmed down. An excited dog is an out of control dog.
4. Step through the door first. Do not allow your dog to run outside first.
5. Take over the lead by making sure your dog is behind or next to you during the walk. If you let the dog walk in front of you, you allow him to be your leader. That’s how the dogs see it.
6. Keep the leash short but not tight for more control.
7. Allow your dog to explore. After he has been good and did what you wanted him to do you can reward him and give you time to do his business.
8. When you get back home, make sure you enter the property first to “claim your territory” before he does.
9. Keep an “invisible leash” in the back of your mind and continue be the leader at home as well.
10. Feed your dog after the walk, never before a walk. In nature, dogs have to follow their pack leaders in order to eat. No walking and following equals no food. And by feeding him after the walk, you allow him to be true to his nature.

People experience the world first with their eyes, ears, and nose. For a dog it's a little bit different. He uses his nose first, then his eyes, and then his ears. Most people use talk to communicate with a dog first, some even with this silly baby talk voice. To the dog this makes no sense and might scare or confuse him.

If you meet a dog you have never seen before, allow him to sniff you first before you say or even look at him. The majority of dog owners claim that their dog does this and that because of his breed. This is as incorrect as saying that all French are great lovers or everybody in Florida Is old.

However, specific dog breeds have been known to display certain characteristics, but all dogs share the same abilities. So it would be wise to choose a dog with an energy level that suits your lifestyle and not go by breed.

Dogs need and even want to be told what to do. Sounds crazy? That's because you are humanizing the dog again and reflect your own emotions that you would feel in his place, onto him. This is where most dog owners go wrong and confuse the dog. The dog needs a stable and stern leader or they will develop insecurity, which is the root of all behavior problems. Walking your dog every day in the correct way is a good start!

Dogs are not Human. They do not need the same things we do and they see the world very differently from us. Dogs do not care about fancy clothes, hundreds of toys, giant houses, or  if you are the President of the United States or a homeless person.

They need regular exercise, a pack leader, and earned affection.

Praising or cuddling with your dog at the wrong time will teach him the wrong things.

If you give your dog praises and affection when he is scared, excited, or aggressive, then these are the behaviors you are supporting. Comforting a scared dog is not how it goes down in their natural habitat. This is exclusively human behavior.

Instead, show your dog that there is nothing to be scared of by confronting him with whatever he is scared of. Lead him! Mentally and Physically.

Brushing Your Dog's Teeth

Use a toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs. Human toothpaste is NOT safe for dogs.

Open your dog’s mouth by lifting his lips at the sides of his mouth. Brush his teeth. Most dogs love the yummy flavored toothpastes; however some dogs are not very fond of the procedure. If that is the case, give your dog a few dental bones to chew on.

Regular checkups at the vet’s should include a dental examination and regular cleanings.

Cleaning Your Dog's Ears

You can use a Q-Tip, but be careful. Moisten it first with some water. Carefully wipe the exterior areas of your dog's ears. Never insert the Q-Tip directly into the ears; the eardrum is very sensitive and easily destroyed.

You can use a table spoon of Peroxide and let it drip into the ear. I suggest you do this outside, because your dog will shake his head and most of the gunk will go flying everywhere.