Characteristics of Reputable Breeders

The first challenge that you will face if you are planning of obtaining a golden retriever pup is its source. As a matter of fact, it is somewhat impossible to determine whether or not the golden retriever pup will grow healthy, no matter what you do. In order to assume that your golden retriever pup will grow up healthy, the breeder that your pup came from must have good reputation.

There are few factors that you must consider in choosing the right breeder of golden retrievers. It is essential that you must thoroughly think each of your choices. Below are some of the few factors that must take into consideration. These will help you choose the right breeder.

Backyard Golden Retriever Breeder

These types of golden retriever breeders are regarded as a poor option in selecting a puppy. Mostly, these types of breeder are people who possess few golden retrievers. These types of breeders realized that it is fun breeding their female golden retriever because of its puppies while some of them breed their canine pet once or twice before opting to spay their canine. They mostly do not care on the quality of litters and care for them. They mostly mind the money that they would get in selling the litters.

Basically, most of these types of breeders have either little or no knowledge on the basics of breeding golden retrievers. Even a few of them have less knowledge on how to properly care their canine pet. Mostly, they have no knowledge regarding the problems in breeding golden retriever and would mostly care even less. All they want is to make their canines produce litters for additional income. They would usually sell the litters as soon as the puppies are bred.

Dealers or Pet Shops

Pet shops or pet dealers are the in fact considered as the worst place to obtain a golden retriever puppy, that is because the puppies that they sell are bred or brought up poorly and are mostly bred on poor environments. Pet shops consider the golden retriever puppies as merchandises that must be profited. Pet shops mostly do not care on the quality of the puppy; they usually care about the quantity.

And because of the way the golden retriever puppies are bred and brought up, they usually make quite bit of income. Mostly, they spend small amount on the breeding and the caring of the litters. Basically, pet shops rely on “impulse buying”. This is done by simply not giving the buyer a sufficient amount of time to assess the golden retrievers that they sell. So if you are looking for a golden retriever pup this is not a good place to get one.

Hobby Breeders

This is probably the best way to obtain a golden retriever pup, mostly because hobby breeders of golden retrievers are trustworthy and committed in caring and quality of the golden retriever litters. And because of that, hobby breeders care more on the quality side and nothing else. Mostly, they will assist you in raising the best golden retriever pup because they dedicate themselves in raising the best one.

So if you want to have the best golden retriever pup, all you need is to visit a hobby breeder, because hobby golden retriever breeders understand their responsibility in each and every one of their puppies. Hobby breeders seldom breed poor quality pups. If you obtained your golden retriever pup from these types of source, then you are guaranteed that you have a healthy pup.

Travelling With Your Cat

Whether it be by car, by train, by airplane or boat, it’s not always easy to travel with your cat. It is necessary to always arrange certain things in advance – the tickets, an adequate kennel, tranquilizers, and water – in order to assure him maximum comfort and avoid any irregular meowing during the many hours of travel…

Cat shows, week ends in the family cabin, or big vacations… For a civilized chat, the opportunities to travel are seldom missed. A worthy master who deserves to be called such will always plan ahead so that his animal experiences the transportation in the best of conditions. Certain animals are familiarized at a young age with transportation from one place to another, and they accept the situation perfectly, however others struggle with being moved around so much.

If the owner of the cat intends on staying in a hotel, he mustn’t forget to find out if his feline travelling companion will be admitted (only 1 hotel out of 6 accept clients with their pets). In all cases, always remember this precaution: to always attach an identification tag to your cat’s collar. A nervous and anxious animal will always run away quickly!

By Car

Even for a short trip, it is always preferred to use a kennel or cage. Nevertheless, is the cat is calm and reliable, you can always make an exception to the rule: the can will always be able to sit on the knees of the passengers, but the kennel must always be within reach.

If used, the kennel must be placed so that even sudden breaking, stopping or starting will not make it fall. Above all, never put the cat in neither in the trunk nor should he be left in a vehicle without sufficient air circulation or to much sun exposure, which could put him at risk for heat exhaustion. If the trip lasts several hours, give him water and let him out to relieve himself from time to time when nature calls. It’s better to not feed him too much before leaving, which could cause car sickness. Certain cats are subject to this, so it is always prudent to consult your veterinarian, who will prescribe a medicine that prevents noxiousness and that won’t cause drowsiness. If your cat is really irritated, seems uncomfortable or bothered, but is not vomiting, your cat will need a tranquilizer.

By Train or By Bus

Train and bus companies generally do not accept cat unless they are in there kennels. Certain ones, however, allow passengers to keep their cat on leash. The fees are usually minimal, consult the companies before hand.

By Plane

For cats weighing less than 5 kilograms, (a little more than 10 pounds), staying in the cabin is allowed if they are in a kennel. But each airline has it’s own rules, and can not exceed a certain number of animals allowed on the plane. It is thus necessary to plan ahead to assure oneself a spot on board. In the cargo, cats travel in kennels that can be reserved or bought from the airline. The cargo is heated and pressurized so your cat will travel in good conditions. Nevertheless, he will suffer slightly without the presence of his master. In this case, it is better to give him tranquilizers to ease his anguish.

For fees included with the ticket price consult your airline.

By Boat

Ships are not usually well equipped for animal transportation. Usually, animals would travel in cages. In certain boats, animals are tolerated in the cabins. For a small sea voyage, by ferry for example, you can generally use a portable kennel. Once again, there are not rules, it is best to consult the company. Generally, the advantage of taking a boat instead of the others is the extra space. Your cat will be able to walk on the deck with his master. The inconvenience however is a longer voyage and seasickness, which most cats are prone to.

Foreign Travel

Whether it be Rome, Vienna or Athens, before taking your cat to a foreign country, it is necessary to know what vaccinations and documents are demanded by the country.

It’s good to know that Air France has a database of information that indicates the formalities to comply with in whatever country. If not, you can always consult the embassy or consulate of the concerned country.

Most of the time, your cat will need to have a recent certificate of health, given by a qualified veterinarian. Some documents proving that your cat does not have rabies might also be necessary.

Fido's Fortress: Puppy Proofing Your Home

It’s safe to say, my dog has me well trained. My “best friend” since she was six weeks old, my precious pup is now a fourteen year old peke-a-poo, missing teeth, missing vision, and missing manners. She growls at me whenever she wants MY dinner, she awakes me at three a.m. so I can give her a drink from my glass and free her from having to walk the ten steps to her water bowl, and she bites me whenever I accidentally touch her as she sleeps in our bed (90 percent of the bed, she has decided, belongs to her ten pound frame). Yes, it’s fair to say, when it comes to my dog, I am nothing if not obedient.

I’d like to say it hasn’t always been like this; I’d like to claim that I once had the upper hand and behaved like, well, the superior species. But, the truth is, I never did. Even before I brought her home, I found myself running around and getting things ready for her arrival. I bought her everything she needed, stopping just short of getting her a diamond studded collar from Tiffany’s, and I puppy proofed my house; I puppy proofed my house like a maniac: there was no way my dog was going to get hurt in my, oh I’m sorry, her, home.

This brings me to the topic of puppy proofing. As essential as it is, it’s not that hard to overlook; new dog owners might find themselves forgetting to make a safe environment as they become so wrapped up simply in loving their puppy. Still, puppy proofing your house helps you assure that you will have a puppy to love. So, before you bring home your new bundle of joy, try to engage in the following:

Secure your cords: Like moths to flames, puppies have been known to flock towards electrical cords, placing them in their mouths, and chewing away. Not only does this ruin your cord, but it can give your puppy quite a shock. To avoid this, keep cords out of the area where your puppy will be. If it’s impossible to keep cords out completely – if your puppy is in the TV room, it might be hard to not have a cord for your plasma television – place them out of your puppy’s reach: hang them from something high, tape them to the wall, or purchase a wire cover.

Guard your Balcony: All puppies have some Christopher Columbus in them: they like to explore. While this is often harmless, when a puppy starts to explore high areas, such as a deck or upstairs balcony, they run the risk of falling. Since you probably won’t be able to keep an eye on your puppy twenty four hours a day, buying a balcony guard is your best bet. A balcony guard allows your puppy to explore higher areas all while assuring that he or she won’t suddenly be thrown off course.

Latch Your Cabinets: If there’s one thing puppies know how to do, it’s get into things they shouldn’t. Cabinets, particularly ones that house kitchen or bathroom trash, are prime goals for puppy pursuing. If successful in their venture, puppies can find things in cabinets that could harm them: household cleaners, chicken bones, mouse traps, bleach. Simply putting latches on your cabinets can assure your puppy won’t be able to open the door on this danger.

Hang Your Plants: I remember my dog, as a puppy, had an affinity for getting into plants. Sometimes she would dig them up, sometimes she would pee on them, and sometimes – mistaking them for a salad bar – she would eat them. This, turns out, wasn't a good idea: some plants are edible, but others can be poisonous. Your veterinarian can provide you with a list of plants that are harmful to pets, including Aloe Vera, tomato plants, rhododendron, English Ivy, and mistletoe. Instead of leaving these, or any plants, on ground level, hang them from the ceiling. Chances are your puppy won’t figure out how to use a ladder.

Puppy proofing your home can take time and money. But, it’s worth it all in the end. It helps us keep our best friend safe, which speaks to those of us who know that there is no such thing as “just a dog.”