Grooming is an essential part of pet care and it needs to be done for the maintenance of our little canines. Some breeds may have long manes whereas the others would have no manes at all. So where there may be some pet who will require a lot of maintenance whereas there are others would. The benefits of grooming would be better health, hygiene, reduces the chances of ailments and also makes the bond between owners and the pets. The first time pet owners always have this haunting question as to how to take care of their little pooches. Do not fret; here is all you need to know how to groom your pets the right way!

The first thing that comes to our mind when referred to grooming is brushing and combing. Shedding of the fur occurs naturally and their coat is replaced with new hair follicles. Brushing enables the loose hair to be caught in the brush than lying down on your floor or sticking to your dresses! Also when the dogs shed their hair they also shed the dead skin. There are various kinds of brushes and you should buy one according to the breed you have.  There are slicker brushes that come is different sizes. They are used for the dogs with dense and furry coats. Also a softer slicker is used for the puppies or small canines with little hair. The pin brush is used for canines with long hair and it prevents from the hair breaking halfway. For dogs with fine hair a rubber comb is preferred. If you want you can also stick to the plain old-fashioned comb but make sure the edges are round so that the skin of your canines won’t be scraped off.

Bathing is another task when it comes to our little furry friends.  So many question as to where should you apply the shampoo, cover the ears, et al. some dogs enjoy bathing while others don’t.  Bathing your pets weekly once is a must. Other than summer time, warm water should be usually preferred for bathing. Always start from the tail and slowly proceed towards the head.  Some shampoos need to be diluted while others don’t and this shampoo should be chosen according to the skin of your dog.  Massage the follicle and leave the shampoo for about 5 minutes before rinsing it off. Make sure you don’t let water go inside the dog’s ears as they are highly sensitive and can lead to fungus growth. So covering your dog’s ears with cotton balls and dabbing water with diluted shampoo should do for the ears. Use a clean towel to wipe them dry and pay attention to the joints and paws. Blow drying is an optional part. My dog goes berserk if I hold the blow dryer to his face. But some pooches don’t mind the hot blast of hair. It will prevent your pooches from catching cold also make sure that the temperature is minimum.

Another daunting episode first time owners have is when your pooch loving jumps on you and a chunk of your skin is scratched off due to long nails. And some dog owners will agree that trimming the paw nails is one of the trickiest jobs. If you get the nip wrong it would lead to blood trickling down and your dog to be forever scared of cutting nails. Overgrown nails affect the mobility of your pets and also leads them to crack or split at the tips. If your dog runs around in the park regularly that will keep hid nails from curling however it should be regularly checked.  Pliers kind of nail trimmers is usually used as they can be used for all kinds of dogs.  Make sure the trimmer is not blunt as it may be relatively painful.  And cut exactly where you see the nail is white. If you go any higher that would lead in a blood shed.  Nail files are also available for dogs these days. They are used when the nail usually splits at the end. This would make the sharp ends fine and you wouldn’t have to run for the hills every time your pooch jumps on you playfully!

Ear cleaning is also a major thing. A pink and clean shiny skin is the secret to a healthy ear. The usual problems would be bad odor, ear wax and red inflammation. Water is usually the culprit for most of this so avoid getting water in the ear. Just swab the ear with an antiseptic cleaner and check the inside for any problems. Do not stick an ear bud inside because it can be harmful to the ears. Dogs who have folded ears have a higher probability of getting ear infection as the folded ear can lead to moisture being trapped inside. Also it’s advisable to cut the extra hair growing in and around the ears for better air circulation. Ear hairs should be plucked from with the ear canal. You can use ear powder too to ensure no moistening affects the ear canal. This will ensure your canine has a healthy ear.

The eye of your dog can also show you signs of his health.  Many dogs like the Lhasa Apso have hair that covers the eyes. Make sure that the hair around the eyes is trimmed and it has proper visibility. This also ensures no bacterial infection and ulcer formation. Mucus around the corner of the eyes is usually signs that the pet is sick or has some kind of infection; this should be treated properly under the guidance of a vet. Tear stains are also a normal sight in dogs. This usually happens with dogs having a lot of fur around the eyes. The tear strains should be cleaned so that it doesn’t serve as a breeding ground for eye infections due to the moisture.

Hopefully with these steps and practice will help you get a grip on grooming your pet right. It will definitely make you grow closer to your pet and you will understand when something is wrong without having a common language!!

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When your puppy first comes home little do you fathom that one day he will become old.. The key to their long life is the little care we have to take as they are small and playful in the puppy stage. Canines are considered to be going towards old age when they enter their seventh year.  They usually have a life span of 12 to 15 years or longer. The minute details and care along the journey of your little puppy towards his old age can help him survive his old age with much ease.

When the canines are young they can be molded and taken care of rather than treating canines in their old age. They are more responsive and sharp as young puppies than in their old age when their sharpness is deteriorating and their senses are less accurate. So it is the job of the owners to pay heed to the minute details that could help your canine in the long run.

It’s always advisable to have a complete checkup of your dog from the local vet and get a heads up on how healthy your dog is. Usually the major tension is about your canine having an ailment. Similar to us humans, dogs too in their old age are more susceptible to contradicting diseases. Even the common cold and fever affect them due to their low immunity. The most common problems are arthritis, heart failure, kidney failure, cancer of various forms and dental diseases.

Arthritis and other joint problems are very common. Smaller breed dogs are not prone to these types of diseases as compared to the larger breed dogs. The large breed dogs are more volatile to weakening of bones and joint problems. It is necessary to give them calcium supplements along with their regular food. It is better to consult the doctor before providing these supplements. This will ensure them healthy bones in their old age.

One more important factor is the diet taken by the older dogs. Their digestive system also tends to break down the food at a much lower rate than that in usual dogs. Hence like puppies require a special food to suit their growing bodies. The older dogs also require special food for their kind of body. The food should be easily digestible but also provide the necessary nutrition for the canines. These food also have low fat and calories since obesity is also an issue with the older dogs. They become less active and more lethargic leading to them gaining a few extra pounds.

Keeping your dog active is another key point in making their shelf life longer and their old age healthier. However expecting them to be as active as a puppy would be expecting a camel to pass through a needle hole! Walks should be a part of the daily routine. If they get tired, it’s alright to give them a few minutes to catch up on their breath. You can also throw a ball or Frisbee because dogs usually love playing fetch no matter how young or old they are! However do not over exert them or make them dog tired!

During the summer season avoid taking them for walks in the heat. Try taking them out in the early morning and evenings so that they don’t get heated up and they will get exhausted too quickly. Extreme climates also take a toll on the health of the older dogs. During winters make sure that there are extra blankets to tuck them in at night. The older dogs will find extreme cold climates excruciatingly troublesome if they are suffering from joint pains already. Pay close attention to them as they might be prone to the regular ailments like cold and fever. Although these are regular ailments they will affect them drastically. And sometimes these ailments may be an indication of other ailments too.

Your pets are no longer little anymore however that doesn’t mean you stop loving them. All these steps will help you and your canine enjoy each other’s company for longer periods. The most important of all is to regularly take your pets to the vet, atleast twice in a year because if there is any issue, it will be detected and solved at the earliest. The vet will be a better option than to wait for physical changes to be noticed by our naked eyes.

‘Cherish all your happy moments, they make a fine cushion for old age’ was rightly phrased by Christopher Morley. Your canines may not be very active and may not be enthusiastic as they were as puppies. But their love for you has only been multiplied by heaps and bounds. As the owner of this loving creature its only justified if you could reciprocate it with love and care for your canine in his old age. They may limp a little, have a slower rate of wagging their tail and even their face licks may have reduced but the relationship you both will be an unbreakable bond. People didn’t just come up with the phrase ‘Old is Gold’; of course they has a dog!

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‘Babies are bits of stardust blown from the hand of God!’ and I bet we all couldn’t agree more. The birth of a child is the best thing that can happen to one’s life. Getting a new born into the world makes your life complete and you will give your all to nurture the little life that is now yours to mould. But if you already have a pet that has been your little baby for a couple of years may not be as welcoming and warm to the idea of the baby. There are a few things you need to take care of before bringing your new born home.

Now days newly married couples opt for dogs or cats to nurture for a couple of years before considering having a child of their own. They usually do this to test their skills as parents or for the sole purpose of having a pet. These pets also enjoy the undivided attention that they get and love being pampered! They love for you to pet them, the occasional tummy rubs and sloppy kisses too! However, sometimes they aren’t very welcoming when it comes to sharing their home with newborns and toddlers.

You may be rest assured that your dog is very loving towards kids and your cat doesn’t scratch them in the face. However, in such cases the toddler is there only for a short span of time. These pets have a default level of patience when it comes to kids. Seldom do you find a dog snapping at a kid for pulling his tail or for nudging his ears! When a baby is brought home, they are seen as a threat sometimes and as an invasion of their territory. So its necessary at times to help them change their perspective about the newborns.

The most common thing you could is to invite your friends who have toddlers over. You can even offer your valuable services to your friend as a baby sitter. The kids will be with you for longer periods so you will actually get a hold of their moods and so will your pets. See how your cat or dog reacts to toddlers being around. Usually there isn’t a problem but if your pet happens to be the extremely jealous kind then you will probably have to do a thing or two more to ensure that feeling of jealousy is dispersed completely.

A few weeks before your baby arrives, you could play baby noises at regular intervals and let your pets get accustomed to it. Also you can leave a few baby stuff around like baby powder, towels, etc and teach your pets that they are off access. Pets love playing with things lying around the house so teach them to differentiate between the baby things and the others. Because your dog might have a squeaky ball and your baby might have a squeaky duck, this might confuse your canine a little and he might think that the toy is his property! So inorder to avoid such havoc its preferable that you keep you baby toys in the baby room and make the baby room inaccessible to your pets. After your baby is born, get the towel which has your baby’s scent so that the pets wont be too excited on your baby’s arrival. Let them get the scent of your baby thoroughly, maybe a couple of days to let them get used to the baby’s scent. This makes your baby’s homecoming easier and more welcoming. The pets will be very observant for a couple days as there is a new member in their family. And eventually wil get around to it and become more accepting about the presence of a new family member.

It is quiet natural, once you baby arrives home he/she will have all your attention. The late night cries and diaper change runs will be taxing. This is when the pets get neglected out and might not feel at home. This is usually when they might act out and their jealously might turn into spite. Usually your pets will lay low and not eat their food at regular intervals. Their appetite might go low. They will vent out their frustration by tearing papers. If you find a chewed furniture or a nibbled heel you will know why!

Animals are loving creatures and the domesticated pets are even more caring and loving. They however will be alert when their territory is compromised. So try to find a balance between the baby and your pets. Do not neglect your pet all together as the implications to that would be more adverse! Always find time for those belly rubs and sloppy kisses. Once your baby is done with the intial vaccines you can slowly introduce your pets to your baby. The pets will be as welcoming and loving to the new addition in the family as it with the other toddlers. It sometimes will take a little more time but soon enough you will find your pets being more protective of the baby than yourself!

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Remember those days when the sound that you woke up to was the chirping of the birds and not your screeching alarm clock? Well I had one of those rare moments this morning and was woken up to the melody of the chirpy little sparrows! As a child, I’ve literally grown up with these puny little birds fluttering around to glory. However, there has been a landslide decline in the number of sparrows around the world.

Sparrows have over a hundreds of varieties. The most common variety is perhaps the house sparrow. They are tiny and have a round chest with the feathers tapering towards the tail. They are very agile due to their body structure and can fly away almost instantly.  The male sparrows have a blackish patch near their eye area followed by a white patch along the neck which can easily pass off as a bib! Whereas the female sparrows are just a monotone of a dusty beige color with a back feather or two. The house sparrows are living with the human habitation for over 10,000 years now and are one of the most loved birds.

The sparrows have lived amicably with the human habitation and were whole heartedly welcomed in the earlier days. The sparrows used to find a nook or corner to build its little nest. The nest usually consisted of twigs, branches and even dried leaves. People would feed them too and treat them as a family member. Times change and so do people. The people have now become intolerant towards the birds dwelling in their ventilators and are even agitated if a frivolous nook of their window is taken up by these little birds. They end up shooing the birds and worst case scenario even breaking the eggs. Trust me only humans are capable of this humanity.

The number of these house sparrows has decreased drastically. They are now being called an almost extinct species. Their number has been deteriorating and the urbanization is one of the most important factors. The high rises and sky scrapers have wrecked a lot of nests and the sparrows have been at the receiving end. Also another factor is the use of pesticides. The pesticide infested worms are usually eaten by the sparrow and have ended up bereft of life.  These birds have done nothing to deserve this plight and we can do our bit to save these sparrows.

A lot of measures have been undertaken to save this humble bird. The state of Delhi has even adopted the house sparrow as its state bird. They have tried to put the limelight on the decline on the number of sparrows. They have also created awareness as to how to save these almost extinct birds. The state of Delhi has undertaken this issue seriously and so must we! Hanging out bird shelters made out of cardboard can serve as a home for these little birds. If you don’t want to sweat it, just a ‘matka’ or earthen pot should do the trick. Make a hole in the matka and hang it outside your window and this will make a wonderful place for them to dwell.

Sparrows are usually very timid and shy. They are very introvert and get intimidated by the crows and pigeons. The bigger birds are usually out to get the sparrows nest. The sight of crows preying on the sparrow’s egg isn’t a rare sight. Once they get accustomed to the matkas and bird shelters they will eventually create a habitat there. You can also make bird feeders. They can be just a few grains stacked up in a small bowl; or you could use your creativity and make bird feeders from the waste like plastic bottles, empty cans, etc. During the summer season, a bowl of water can help them. They can probably drink the water and use it to bathe to cool off the summer heat.

Also a day has been dedicated for sparrows exclusively. The 20^th of March is celebrated as World Sparrow Day. On this day the people all over the world are dedicated to conserve the sparrow in the biodiversity of the bird’s species.  It’s also a day to get the attention towards the conservation of the sparrows and to keep a count of them.  NGOs have undertaken the preservation of this species seriously too. They have distributed box- nests to a lot of people to hang at their windows in order to shelter these little birds. You can also grow plants in your garden or backyards. This will attract the sparrows. Also be tolerant towards them rather than shooing them away.  You can give them little morsels of food; even leftovers are accepted with hungry beaks!

Sparrows are the most lovable among wild birds. They have lived with humans in perfect harmony and have never been a nuisance per say.  They have been a victim of intolerance and apathy. If we keep this up we will only be able to read about them in poems of Shakespeare and Google pictures of them to the future generation! Hope they are not immortalized in the sands of time. If you don’t pay heed to this situation there will never be this cheerful bird to warm your heart with its chirpiness!

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Every time when see a Pedigree commercial or any other TV show with the huge golden furry balls that makes you want to hug and cuddle them all day long. A golden ball of fur is an apt simile to describe a Golden Retriever! The Golden Retriever is one of the most intelligent and lovable dog amongst all the other breed dogs. So what is the thing that when we see a Golden Retriever we can’t help but say ‘Aww’; here is a 101 about Golden Retrievers!

Golden Retrievers are natives of Scotland and were bred there in the mid-19^th century. They have then found itself in various parts of America, England, Canada, etc. These dogs are considered in the ‘Large’ dogs’ category and weight around an average of 40 Kgs. They are very active and love retrieving things. Along with the color of their coat and their habit of retrieving they have been named as ‘Golden Retrievers’. In the earlier days they were the best companions for hunters. They used to retrieve the birds that had been shot down by the hunters.

Golden Retrievers have an average height of around 13 inches and live up to 12years. They have two coats of fur. The inner coat keeps them warm and the outer coat assists them to swim efficiently. They do have a lot of shedding issues especially in the summer season. There is not a garment in your closet you will find without a golden hair on it. This makes grooming or regular combing of the fur a must in case of this breed. The regular combing ensures that the false hair is entangled in the tooth of the comb rather than the pockets of your clothes! They are born swimmers and can swim swiftly and are very agile. They are a dog who love the outdoors unequivocally and love running around. They have a peculiar habit of sniffing anything and everything.  They can thus wander off in the process. Hence they need to be confined within boundaries.

These dogs are the most loved and favored pet. They have a very patient and amicable temperament. They have a high tolerance towards humans and other animals. They have very high tolerance towards toddlers. Hence, you will never find a Golden Retriever snapping at a toddler who is probably pulling his tail, ears or even sleeping on him. They are very loving and will do anything to gain attention. Unlike most dogs that become lethargic after the adolescent stage; Golden Retrievers on the contrary are very active or maybe sometimes even hyper-active. This will keep you on your toes and they do require that kind of exercise to keep them fit and healthy.

Golden Retrievers are very intelligent and highly trainable. Although they have a very short span of attention, they have a tendency to understand and act according to the situation it is in. you will never find a Golden Retriever dancing around barking when there is someone who is not well in your house. It will always be the silent companion and will probably be lying down next to who is sick. This caring nature of Golden Retrievers makes them useful as guide dogs as well. They are trained to help blind people to do their daily chores without much hindrance. They make amazing companions for people who are depressed and have incurable ailments. They always manage to bring a smile and hope for such people.

So if you’re planning to get a Golden Retriever, you should be mentally prepared to be physically active. As a puppy they are usually while with a little fur. They are very active as puppies and you should make the most of this time to train them efficiently. Since they are intelligent, they learn and grasp quickly. Their original color sets in after two years. In between this time you will find the fur going from beige to dark golden color eventually. They are extremely understanding and are very loving. They however don’t make a good watch dogs for the same reason. They would be probably wagging their tail to the robber rather than shooing him away. They have a tendency to be very passive around new people and will never be aggressive. Although they don’t make good watch dogs, they are very alert and vigilant. Any anomaly in the environment they are the first to raise an alarm. Like a coin is two sided, so does the Golden Retriever have a flipside. When tempted or lurked into an adverse situation, you will find that the hair on their back stands and they will not back down a fight.

Dogs are believed to leave paw prints in our hearts forever. And Golden Retrievers just have a way of engraving them deeper. They are truly selfless and are over-flowing with unconditional love. There is not a day that goes by when I come home and don’t find my three year old golden retriever super happy and elated just to have me come home. He is my best friend and has truly taught me so many wonderful life lessons; he continues to teach me now too! The bond we have is an unbreakable thread. His intelligence appalls me and his understanding melts my heart away. The journey of life is definitely sweet with a dog but it is the sweetest with a Golden Retriever!

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The days we go to work and have a long never ending day. All we look forward is getting home and sitting on the couch of our home sweet home. The best part would be welcomed with a particular dance your little dog has specially choreographed for you  and the never ending doggy saliva all over your face. Your dog has to be literally pushed away from giving those sloppy kisses. No matter how much we love it, the question is, is it really hygienic? Is it harmful?

Now let us understand first why animals usually lick. When we get hurt, our first reaction would be to cry as a child atleast. Although we become more tolerant to the pain as we grow up and refrain from crying! And we make sure that our wounds are kept clean because that would cause further infection and lead to graver problems. Similarly animals also take to licking as their first instinct when they get hurt or a wound is causing them a lot of pain. It is also done to keep their wound clean. Especially this is noticed in dogs and cats because when they lick we know something is wrong! So this is basically how they would cater to a wound had they been out in the wild on their own.

There has been a lot of myth and commotion about the dog having healing powers in its saliva. Actually if that would be true all of us would have been getting our wounds treated with the licking of a dog rather than visiting the doctor! Although the dog’s mouth is antimicrobial which means that is much hygienic than our own hands. Dogs have certain enzyme and proteins that acts as a anaerobic bacteria keeping the mouth area clean and it also helps healing certain kinds of wounds not the major ones! If you’ve ever noticed or experienced a dog always licks your wound if you have any. This is them just acting according to their instinct and licking is a saving grace for them. And since they are just full of unconditional love, they do the same for your wounds.

On the contrary, there is also another bacteria that is present called the Pastrurella, which acts as a vector for transmitting diseases onto other animals or even humans. There are many vector borne diseases that are spread through this bacteria. This might make you realize why treating wounds with a dog’s saliva aren’t such a good idea. There have even several been cases where the licking of the wounds by dogs has worsened the condition of the wounds. If the wound is fresh and deep, keep it off limits from the dog. Also if the dog has an injury, try telling him a firm ‘No’ when he tries to lick his wounds. And you cant hope for better sense to prevail in them because inspite of telling them ‘No’ it is their nature to lick. That is how they have been programmed to do for eons of years.

Dogs are attracted to the privates of the other dogs; rather that is how they greet each other when they meet for the first time. It is usually very embarrassing for us as dog owners to witness this, but smelling and licking of the privates are how they recognize each other. The theory or logic behind this mortifying habit is simple and straightforward. They do so because the privates are places where the scent of the dog is concentrated most at! The scent would have a suggestion about how the other dog is, friendly or not so friendly! So basically their friendship depends on how their individual privates smell! I mean who are we to judge but this is how it is! It is uncanny and indigestible at the start then you start to over look it. Also a lot of dogs are very delighted to have a lick of feces or garbage. Sometimes they know what to eat and what not to. They are very careful about their stomach and the food they ingest. Since feces and garbage are technically organic so it is alright, so don’t fret. Also this happens when you use the muzzle or the mouth guard every time you take your dog for a walk. The new found freedom will also lead to eating absurd things and eventually will stop doing so.

So much of bacteria involved, with the licking of wounds and privates of itself and others. And at the end of the day you still look forward to those sloppy kisses. Don’t be grossed out! Although it does all this, its mouth is still relatively clean and a few sloppy kisses will do more good than harm. Honestly, even I don’t know how to resist these sloppy kisses. It is like a battle between the heart and mind; the arch rivals since eternity. But at the end the when it actually comes down to heart and mind, the mind will tell you what is good and smart and the heart will tell you what your going to do anyways!

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The little puppy has now come home. The little life will be your companion and responsibility. The puppy is like a small infant who has to be molded and brought up in the right way. The only difference here is that the puppy doesn’t understand the human language and thus with a lot of patience and care needs to be taught the right from wrong.

The puppy needs to be firstly given a couple of puppy shots by a vet. The vet will also provide syrups to add to calcium to its food intake. This needs to be given at least till the puppy is a year old. In case of big canines, strong bones are a must to balance out its body weight. So these medicines in the form of syrup need to be either mixed with milk or the puppy food. Also it is extremely important for the puppy to get its timely nutrition adequately. This will help the puppy to develop into a strong and healthy dog in the future.

The first few weeks just let the puppy ease up and get accustomed to the house and the family members. This is a subtle way of saying that the puppy will pee and poop in places it wishes to do so. This can be a little tiring and makes you even want to second guess as to why you had to take up an additional role when you’re already finding it difficult to deal with your life crisis. But trust me, it’s worth it!

It’s a gradual procedure to potty train your puppy. Use the cloth that you wipe the pee with and keep it in the toilet or terrace where the puppy could pee in the house. Once it gets the smell from the cloth the dog will make sure that it has its pee spot intact. Similarly with the pooping part but however it takes longer for them to get accustomed to pooping in one place. Every time you see them going round and round in a particular stop it is a sign they are about to poop. Instead of scrubbing the floor and picking up the poop, you can put a newspaper when it crouches to poop. It’s not advisable to take puppies to gardens at least till they are six months old as they may contract diseases quickly due to their low immunity system. Try taking them for walks below your building at times that suit your schedule. And make sure you put a mouth guard for your puppy. The puppies are usually tempted to eat rubbish and you don’t want them falling ill. Make sure you stick to the similar time everyday and eventually it becomes a habit.

The feeding habits also may vary in the initial few weeks. The puppy may feel lonely a couple of days and may just stick to drinking water. But don’t fret or eat your heart out in the bargain at such incidences. Its quiet normal to do so! Eventually the food intake begins. The vet usually suggests the food to be given to the puppy. The puppy foods are suggested because they are wholesome and give the puppy an all round development. Also foods like boiled eggs, curd rice and milk can also be a part of the routine diet

Training them is another work you have to do in the first few months. Especially because they are teething and have a tendency to rip apart your beautiful furniture and expensive stilettos. The trick of training them is by using firm but affirmative orders and also a little treat never hurts anybody! They usually understand signs better than words, so make sure you use the same word for the action you expect your puppy to do. Its not difficult but you do need to invest some great amount of time and make sure you repeat the drill of using words every day.

When your puppy is chewing on something, use your words and be firm. Say a ‘No’ firm so that the puppy understands from your tone that whatever they are doing isn’t acceptable. If they don’t understand initially stop them from doing it by saying a firm ‘No’. Making them learn tricks like sit, stand, shake hands or paw needs a little bit of treat. Although bribing is a bad thing but it works like a charm and puppies do get motivated. It is important that you acknowledge every little accomplishment and effort put in by the puppy by rubbing his neck or forehead and calling them a good puppy!

The puppies have a lot of irritation when they undergo teething so make sure you have adequate chewable toys for it to nibble upon. Chew sticks are also pretty good although they may take a whole week to chew on it. A more natural substitute would be the tender coconut shell. They enjoy chewing on something so huge and juicy. It also keeps them active and keeps their focus off the home appliances and furniture.

The puppy takes a few weeks to get accustomed to their new surroundings. However, they are fast learners and the willingness to train them would help them learn ever faster. Everybody has a different home environment with a puppy with a different nature. At the end its all a matter of learning through trial and error. I don’t believe in professional trainers because they use some pretty strenuous methods to teach the puppies. Also they are expensive and the puppies become used to the trainers giving commands. So when you try to do the exact same thing as the trainer, you will be surprised to find a little less enthusiasm in doing the tricks.

The more time you spend with your puppy, more is the growth of the bond that you both will share. Its really surprising the things you will also learn in the process of nurturing this little bundle of joy who has nothing but unconditional love to offer. And the world could definitely use some love!

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The things that you first notice about India are its capacious beauty and serenity. And another thing that you cannot be oblivious to is the aboriginal dog of India called the ‘Pariah’. It has also acquired the name INDog. The Pariah is a breed of dogs who have been inhabitants of the Indian subcontinent for eons of years now.

Once you are out on the streets of India, irrespective of which state or city you are in, no matter which nook and corner you are in, the Pariah is a sight you cannot miss. The mostly thin and lanky canines have an average height of 20 inches. They are found in various colors. Some have a monotonous color whereas some have spots of a different color to give them a handsome look.  They also look very different from normal pedigree dogs and yet have a unique stupefaction about them. Their gleamy eyes like any other dog can melt your heart.

They have a very vigilant temperament and are very cautious. They are very domesticated dogs. However, they have been misinterpreted since ages to come. They have been branded as aggressive, non-vigilant and unstable breed of dog. This often has led to people wasting a lot of money in buying pedigree dogs which sometimes lack a lot of qualities the Pariah possesses. The greatest part about them is that you can adopt them at the corner near your house.

The Pariah dogs have been man’s friend since a long time. In the rural villages, where people are not aware of purebreds and pedigree dogs, have the good old Pariah dog as their pet. They are low maintenance dogs and are the most loyal. They are very smart and have known to keep the robbers at bay. They are very adaptable, friendly and learn tricks really quickly. Unfortunately in the urban parts, they are looked down upon. The condition of the Pariah has been very apathetic and callous. You may find some dogs very healthy and robust whereas there might be skinny and pus oozing out from their back dogs also living in the same lane. The health of the Pariah dog is on the decline and they have no one to care.

It is definitely the survival of the fittest like Darvin has quoted. The population of the Pariah has been exploding by every fortnight. People’s attitude towards them is also very grief stricken. The Pariah dogs have been a victim of a lot man’s bad attitude and this has also led to them being aggressive for their own survival. For example, they have been pelted at with stones and have been always been the amusement of kids when their tails have been tied to a lit cracker!

They have been thus been branded as a menace to humanity. Despite all this, times have definitely changed and so has the mentality of people. The dog lovers have voiced the disappointments and there have been doing something for these poor little mutts. They government too have taken the task of neutering and spaying the stray dogs. This way the population explosion is curbed. Animal lovers have made sure that there are ramifications for people who are intolerant and contemptuous. A lot of shelter homes and animal lover’s group have been involved in making the life of the Pariah dog less miserable.

There are a lot of helpline numbers available to help these Pariahs. There are mobile ambulances to take care of dogs that have been injured and have transportation issues. A lot of veterinary doctors have been considerate to cure the Pariah dogs for free. The people have also opened their minds to broader ideas and have started welcoming the Pariah dogs as a member of their family. The Pariahs are now being adopted more frequently than ever. You don’t have to think twice about whether the temperature is too hot or cold, whether you need to get expensive dog foods or accessories. The Pariah dogs are handsome naturally and are very adaptable irrespective of the weather.

I’ve had first-hand experiences with these adorable mutts. The ones that live below my building are my adopted dogs. I do feed them and get a wag in return. They give me company when I go to a nearby store. Sometimes their joy knows no bounds and they want to jump and hug me. It’s adorable but I do get a few stink eyes too. But that’s inevitable. Nevertheless, they are a few dog lovers who take care and feed the strays in the vicinity. The Pariah dogs are one of a kind and truly are a gem of a breed. They are better than most purebreds and are very loving.

Mark Twain has wisely said that if you take a dog which is starving and you make him prosperous, he will not bite you; this is the primary difference of a dog and a man. You’ll never know unless you have tried to know them. Its time to change the way we think, if we already haven’t. The Pariah too needs the same love and care as any other purebreds. If you’re planning to adopt do consider a Pariah! They are the big joys in little packages!

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The very frequent question people keep asking each other is whether one is a dog or a cat lover. The world is thus separated into two major halves of the cat lovers on one side and the dog lover on the other. Seldom do you find people on neutral grounds. There is always this virtual comparison between cats and dogs as to who is better.  But something we fail to understand is that they are both two very different kinds of animals and their individuality is very appealing to different kinds of people.

If you ask a dog lover what is the best thing about their canine they would be probably be on the never ending rant about the unconditional love, true loyalty, discipline, their ‘puppy eyes’ et al. however, you can’t say the same things about the feline line.  You’d probably be able to say a word or two in acclamation.  There is a phrase which says that a cat will never get attached to you like a dog and I couldn’t disagree more.

If you have ever experienced an encounter with a cat, you will agree with me when I say they way they carry themselves with those incandescent eyes that will just make your heart melt in the wink of an eye. The cat is the most docile of the feline family. They have an attitude that only few can handle. They have an edge personality which is always been a matter of awe for me. They sure are fluffy and you would want to cuddle but what makes them so lovable is their nature and gracefulness.

We fail to understand the nature of a cat and thus have interpreted their behavior in a wrong way. The cat is also attached to you and equally loves you. But the behavior of your cat depends solely on how you treat her. If you love her and care for her, she will do the same for you. However, if you ignore her and don’t give her your undivided attention everyday for a few minutes, she will be ignorant and unapologetic about it as well. They literally live by the idiom, “As you sow so shall you reap!” In order to avoid this debacle, always spend time with your pet cat. Make her feel loved and cared for. Do talk to her and make her feel special. They do enjoy this attention and will pour you with the same kind of attention.

Cats are considered as the cleanest animal and also fiercely independent. The independent part is just concoction. The cat has the ability to take care of itself when not cared for and looked after.  When compared to dogs, cats do not have a lot to be taken care of but that doesn’t mean you completely ignore them. They do love your company and attention. Cats have a very short span of attention so keeping them occupied is the main thing. Also have toys that they can knead and play with.  Cats urinate and paw on things to mark their territory. Their paws do release a scent and that helps cats to know their territory. You must have noticed that once your cat climbs onto your lap, she will first paw your lap and knead it for sometimes and then sleep. Although, it might hurt sometimes and give you a tingle they are just calling it dibs on your lap!

Cats communicate with the humans with the ‘meow’ sound. You will never find your cat communicating with the other cats using its vocals. It has its slender tail to talk to other cats. They are also one of the most jealous animals. If you get a second cat, your first cat will be very hostile to the new feline in the block. So make sure you give all you pet cats equal amount of attention and make them feel loved. Purring is another form of communication. It shows that the cat is agony and sheer pain. So you know it’s time to visit the vet when there is a lot of purring. Cats also eagerly wait for you to come home. If you have fixed office hours, she will be right there at the doorstep to welcome you. Rubbing your leg, swishing its tail and giving a low noise are signs that the cat is being affectionate. They also will playfully scratch you, this doesn’t hurt. They might even nib on your fingers with their ivories. However, do not fret this is just a playing gesture.

Understanding a cat’s behavior is solely by paying attention. If you do, then there is nothing that will stop you from falling in love with such a bewitching charisma. Everything you instill in the kitten will be rendered once she grows up. They do understand your feelings and will share a strong bond with you. There will be pangs of jealous and bittersweet anger but there will always be that love beneath the fluffy fur. Learn to build the communication bridge between your feline and you. When she does something which is undesirable nudge her with a firm ‘No’.  They are great teachers. So help them help you! Felines are one of the greatest companions since ages ago. Mark Twain has wisely said,’ of all God’s creatures, there is only one that cannot be made slave of the leash. That one is the cat!’

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When you plan on bringing home a canine it is without a shadow of doubt that most of us would opt for a puppy.  But how many of us have considered adopting an adult dog? Yes, you heard me right an adult dog! It’s really time to break the tradition of adopting only puppies and here’s why…

Most of us are under the preconceived notion that the only reason an adult dog is given up is because of his bad health or behavior. The reason of giving up dogs can be due to financial crisis and the owner feels that he cannot take care of his dog anymore. Sometimes the family may have to relocate and it isn’t feasible to take the dog along is also one of the few reasons the adult dogs are put up for adoption. Seldom do you find adult dogs which are put up for bad behavior or health problems. And bad behavior was not the dogs fault but of the owners lack of interest to inculcate good mannerism.

We should always keep one thing in our mind that the adult dogs also once belonged to a family and was loved and cared dearly for. Now you might wonder that the dog might not be able to relocate, this is just a myth. Adult dogs can also relocate their homes and are not much different that getting a puppy. On the contrary, the initial training that you have to put so much of efforts into etiquette and your chances of coming home to pee and poops is avoided here. Under the most rare circumstances will you find an adult dog not have the basic etiquette.

The main thing you actually need to look into is the background of the adult dog. You should gather as much as information about the dogs from the shelter or the home you are planning to adopt from. Even the smallest and irrelevant information might be handy when it comes to adult dogs. They do take time in adjusting to a new environment and may tend to be laid back. It is important that you try to recreate an environment that it is familiar with and then gradually make little changes that eventually will lead you to the kind of environment that is in your home.  Eating habits are the ones that tend to get most affected and gets lost in translation. Have an idea of what are the dog’s favorite foods and not so favorite ones. Try changing the food habits by giving the dog a four day training period. First give 100% of its old. On the second day give 75% of the old and 25% of the new food. On the third day give a 50% of both the foods. On the fourth day give a 25% of old food and 75% of the new food and henceforth you can continue giving the new food. This is the basic rule in changing a pet’s diet.

The other things which might be helpful knowing would be the temperament; as in its behavior with other animals, children, when left alone at home and does it sleep peacefully in the night.  An insight of any past trauma that the dog might have faced may help you know your dog better. It’s a common faux pas that the adult dogs cannot be renamed. But in order to have a fresh start for both the dog and yourself, you should try renaming the dog. Try to find a name which does not rhyme with the previous one because the phonetics maybe the same and cause some confusion. Puppies have a very short attention span unlike adult dogs who will listen eagerly and attentively. So make it a point to use treats and make eye contact as you introduce the dog to his new name. It’s not impossible but yes it will take some constructive amount of time. No matter how tempted you are try not to call him by his former name, it will defeat the whole purpose of renaming him.

You must be pondering as to why an adult dog should still be preferred to a puppy. The adult dogs have already lost a home and will thus be loyal to you and will be affectionate irrevocably. Usually a puppy may outweigh or undermine your expectations but when it comes to an adult dog you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. Mostly the dogs are house trained so it is familiar with at least the very basic commands which is more than sufficient. You can also teach the adult dog new tricks. It’s really fascinating to see how quick learners they actually are!

Older dogs are in need of homes desperately rather than puppies. The option of euthanizing the adult dog is prevalent. Most shelter homes have their hands full and find it difficult to cater to the adult dogs. You could be saving a life and give them a loving home that they deserve. Their loyalty and comradeship is not questionable. They can fit into your lifestyle if given a chance. Everybody should have a second chance and these homeless canines deserve one too. So what are you waiting for?? Your unconditional love is in the shelter next door!

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