Do You Understand Your Cat's Verbal Communication?

When we hear a cat meowing, what is the first thing that comes in one's mind?

Your cat is hungry! This would be a wrong answer!

Excess meowing for your cat can mean a number of things. Are they having discomfort, medical problems, are they bored, or does your cat want to spend time with you. Of
course, they could be hungry or have learned this habit. When the cat is verbalizing, ignore them, when they are quiet then reward them. This will let your cat know this
is a good behavior. Giving in when your cat is noisy will contribute to bad behavior and unsatisfied relationship for both cat and owner.

First, you will need to get your cat to learn when it is appropriate to meow, when they really need something. A content cat will find many things to occupied it self
with. This will mean your cat will do less meowing.

A good thing to remember about your cat, they will not exercise by themselves. Set up a playtime and area to spend with your cat. Strings, ball, catnip items, or simple home made items that your cat will love. This will help develop a good behavior, for the times that you are away, busy or do not have time to spend with your cat. Make sure the time you spend with your cat is around the same time of day. A good time is when you come home from work or your busy day that you will want to relax. It is known that cats can help ones blood pressure and help you to relax.

Purring is a way a cat is telling you they maybe content. Nevertheless, beware not all purring at times are good purrs. Cats will purr if they are ill, sick, or dying. Pay close attention to your cat if it is purring your cat can use purring as a warning when sick; to let other animals know they are a threat to them.

If your cat stops purring another thing you will want to be concerned is your cat may be sick with a virus or some other thing could be wrong. This is the time that you should be seeking a veterinarian to have your cat examined for any thing that may be wrong with your cat. In some cases, when cats get older they may stop purring or maybe the purring is so soft that you are unable to hear them purr.

Emotions can also be part of a behavior in your cat. In many cases, we are unable to recognize emotions Fear, grief, compassion, jealousy, just to name a few. These emotions are real to us and real to your cat fear of hurt or maybe intimated by another animal. Grief, if a cat loses it owner they will grief just as we do losing a love one. Compassion, cats have compassion of other cats. Jealousy if your cat has
to start sharing owner, home, toys, eating and watering dishes. Here are some things that we need to take in consideration when trying to train a cat. Emotions with these emotions you will not be able to train your cat. Emotions will also cause a cat
to have excessive meowing, that you will not be able to train.

We need to remember when training a cat for meowing restively is why they are having continued meowing. Are they hurt, ill or is it a behavior. Are we giving the proper attention that a cat needs? The cat's emotions are they satisfied with where they are, whom they are with, and what they are doing. Training a cat is not easy, it does take time and patience, just like children we need to teach them the good behavior and ignore the bad ones.

Remember to reward your cat today for being good. Take time with your cat and teach them how to play with toys and items that they are allowed to play with. Feed those
healthy snacks and food. Get toys that they will play with.

However, most of all be kind and hug your cat today!

How You Can Train Your Cat To Be Groomed

Grooming for a cat should be done on a daily basis for proper care (nutrition & well being) of your cat. In addition, with the proper care, your cat will stay healthy.

Brushing, combing, clipping nails, and cleaning ears, are grooming that needs to be done. By doing basic grooming on a regular basis will help in prevention with scratching furniture, and hairball management.

Hairball management can be managed using different products that can help with the hairball for the cat. Do not confuse this to substitute for this part of the grooming. Learn more about these products at your favorite pet store or internet site.

When training your cat for grooming, one of the first things you will want done, is to have the cat to be able to relax in your lap. By petting your cat gently on the head and then you will want to pet him down the back and continue till you see that your cat is comfortable with you petting him in the areas that you will be grooming. This is very true as my black cat, Sirius Black, will only allow me to groom him after about 30 minutes of relaxing in my lap. By then, he will be so drowsy and normally allow me to cut his nails easily. Next, you will want to press gently on the paw pads to look at the nails, you will want to work on checking the ears. When you have achieved all these things, this is the time to introduce the brush by letting him check the brush out. Carefully start to brush him from the back to the front until you see your cat being comfortable with the brush. Remember a cat's skin is sensitive and you will want to take real gentle precaution when grooming.

Training your cat to be comb will be the same step you have taken to be able to brush your cat. Be gentle, cats hair is easily matted, snarled, and skin sensitive. If you using precaution with doing the combing and you cause pain to your cat, they may not let you do this. Brushing a cat's hair is very important, also with long hair cats combing needs to be done. With combing it helps get out the lose hair, and will make a nice looking fur for the cat. If you find that your cat sheds hair easily, take a look at the diet that you are giving him. Could it be that you are feeding him scraps and leftovers from the dinner table? If yes, why not feed him commercial cat food/biscuits as they are rich in the essential vitamins and minerals greatly needed by your cat. Another reason the cat sheds heavily could also be that there is still shampoo residue trapped in between the coat during bathing. These residue will harden and when it happens, the cat will try to scratch himself excessively thus resulting in heavy shedding.

Clipping nails, if you have never clipped your cat's nails, please talk to a veterinarian, a local groomers, search articles about it, read books, and be very careful when you are cutting them. One thing to practice is having some one with you to help with this, so if the cat tries to move you have reinforcements. When cutting a cat's nail, toward the paw is a pink area called the "quick" that you do not want to clip. This will be very painful for the cat and a visit to the vet quickly. Make sure when doing this that the cat is very comfortable with you touching its paws. Talk to him when cutting the nails to reassure it is fine and soon will be done. If your cat seems annoyed with cutting their nails, stop, and try later. If you are very comfortable with cutting the nails yourself, do ensure that you have an antibacterial powder that has blood clotting agent handy in the house in case of any accidents. If you are unable to do this, cat groomers trained to cut nails can do this for you and most time very inexpensive, a lot less then a vet bill.

Cleaning your cat's ears is another basic grooming process, as in the first part of the article, makes sure the cat is comfortable with the touching of their ears. Once you know that you are able to touch your cat's ears, now is the time to clean.

First, drip some ear cleaning lotion into the ear canal, using the tips of your fingers, just gently massage the ear until you can see that the ear wax begins to soften. Use soft facial cotton for this part, gently at first rub the facial cotton around the out side of the ear working your way to the inside to be able to clean the ear. If at any time the cat resist, stop redirect the cat and then continue until you can successfully clean the ears.

Grooming your cat is also caring for your pet and on top of that it is a great way to interact with your pet, for healthy relationships.

Search out more information on training your pet, tools to help with the training and caring for your pet. Check out books, pet stores, search on the internet there are great articles, ideas, and suggestions on training your pet. One way of training may not work but some one else may have different approach. Not all cats train the same, just as we do not teach the same. Happy training!

Are You A Dog Whisperer?

Yet another interesting article that I stumbled upon while doing a research on the net. It is so good I'm so inspired to become one. Do read on....

Dog Whisperer definition as stated on wordspy.com

Dog Whisperer: A person who has, or claims to have, a natural ability to relate to or connect with dogs.

What Is A Dog Whisperer?

A dog whisperer is somebody who has developed a high level of awareness and understanding of the mind and natural instincts of the canine species. This allows human and dog to form a deep connection free of the many constraints humans normally put in the way.

Because us humans and our dogs are a different species we often encounter difficulties in communicating effectively with each other. We can't just sit down with them and have a conversation over a nice cup of coffee, like we would with our human friends. But what can we do? We'll get into that a little later, but you could say that being a dog whisperer means that you have broken down these barriers of communication and have developed a very real form of two way communication with dogs. A dog whisperer realigns his/her methods of communication so that it matches up with and is relevant to dogs.

What do think this Cocker Spaniel is dreaming about?

Unfortunately the majority of human-dog relationships in this world are one way, lopsided affairs. It's usually us humans endlessly issuing commands or reprimanding our dogs, seemingly oblivious to what our dogs are actually feeling and trying to communicate to us. Look at it this way - think of a very dominant, overbearing person you have come across in your own life (in my case it was a boss I had a few years back). This person probably doesn't care much for how you are feeling and what your thoughts are. They just want to get their message across to you and tell you off when you don't reach their standards. When you do try to do or say something they fail to acknowledge your attempts or simply ignore you. How do you feel? frustrated.., helpless.. and probably much worse. I believe many of our dogs live in this type of restrictive environment every day. Our dogs are constantly reaching out and trying to communicate with their human family, but somehow it seems to go unnoticed or at least misinterpreted.

The thing is our dogs are continually speaking to us in their language. They communicate with us (and each other) through various means using energy, body language, scent, facial expression, the movement of ears and tail, overall posture and voice (barking, growling). As you can see, most of these signals or expressions are non verbal where's humans communicate in a mainly verbal manner. What a dog whisperer does is acknowledge the difference between human and dog. A dog whisperer takes a step back, shuts up, observes and understands these gestures our dogs continue to express to us. When you do this you can't help but form a deep connection with your dog as you will understand his wants and needs and therefore can respond in a manner which is appropriate to the situation, and is expected by your dog. You are communicating, your dog to you, and you to your dog - instead of merely issuing and enforcing an order and having your dog "do something for you".

When we are in this position of understanding our dogs it's only logical that we are better placed to address their problems and shape their behavior. A dog whisperer treats a dog as a dog, not as a fluffy four legged human. They respect a dog for what it is and work with mother nature and the natural instincts of the canine species. Sadly most dogs aren't afforded this same respect and level of understanding. Many well intentioned "dog lovers" smother their dogs with affection and the best of everything (toys, treats, fancy beds etc.) but this is not what dogs actually crave. A dog whisperer will provide the species specific, very real needs of the dog so they can live a fulfilling, peaceful, happy and well balanced life.

Picture this all too common scenario. You arrive home from a hard day at the office to find that your beloved dog has once again chewed up the cushions that were nicely decorating the sofa. You're angry. In a raised voice you swear at him/her and tell him how disappointed you are. You then throw your shoe at him as you bend down to pick up the mess. As you are blowing off steam your dog is avoiding you, head down low, eyes looking up almost sheepishly, with tail firmly tucked between his hind legs. At this point many dog owners look at their dog and say "look at the little bugger, he knows what he's done wrong, just look at how guilty he looks". This is the wrong conclusion to make. Your dog doesn't think like that (like a human) and he doesn't have a clue what you are rambling on about. He makes no connection between the chewed up cushions and your mood. Dogs live in the present moment, so what he is picking up on and reacting to is your angry energy, raised voice and threatening body language. He may have also learned what the consequences are when you arrive home in this type of mood - he was probably waiting for the shoe to come his way! This scenario is an example of how us humans and our dogs view the very same situation from an entirely different perspective. Dog whispering is about understanding and recognizing that these differences exist, then acting accordingly.



Who Is The Dog Whisperer?

Many dog trainers and dog behaviorists around the world have attached the "Dog Whisperer" tag to their names. The most prominant ones are Cesar Millan who has a great TV series "Dog Whisperer" on the National Geographic Channel, Paul Owens who has a brilliant book and DVD titled "The Dog Whisperer - a compassionate, nonviolent approach to dog training". Then there is John Richardson from Australia whose book "The Dog Whisperer" is also a beauty. You'll probably find someone who practices dog whispering in your area too.

How Do You Integrate Dog Whispering Techniques Into Dog Training?

When you open up the lines of communication with your dog, it can't help but impact on the entire relationship and bond you share. The advantage of utilizing dog whispering techniques in your training is that you create an environment where your dog chooses to work with you and doesn't feel intimidated or forced to perform under the threat of violence. Dog whispering in a training context is motivational, non violent and based on repetition and positive reinforcement. In many ways it replicates how dogs interact with each other, working with mother nature and with the natural instincts and drives of the dog. It's a give and take process, just like any functional, working relationship. In practical terms a dog whisperer uses observation skills, watches, listens, identifies, interprets and develops an understanding of the dogs actions, feelings and needs. He/she also uses energy, voice in a soft tone, subtle movements (body language) and scent - in a consistent, reliable manner. You can be sure that the dogs involved will be studying and picking up on all of these gestures, regardless of how subtle they may appear to be.

Can Anyone Be A Dog Whisperer?

Yes. Like anything there will be some people who are better at dog whispering than others. It certainly can be learned though. Dog Whispering is not hocus pocus or voodoo, it is there for anybody to see/do if you just take the time and effort. You can start right now by really studying your own dog, watching other dogs interact with each other at the park and if possible, monitoring a skilled dog trainer at work. If you are interested in learning more about dog whispering, dog psychology and how to apply it in your dog training I'd highly recommend "Cesar's Way Book" The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems. If you read this book and watch the lessons in Cesar's DVD, Mastering Leadership DVD Series Vol. 1, People Training for Dogs - DVD (NTSC format for US & Canada) you will have all the tools you need to become a dog whisperer. Another good resource for people wishing to learn how to think and act like a dog whisperer is by watching Cesar Millan stars in the hit TV show Dog Whisperer now airing on the National Geographic Channel.

How Dogs Benefit Children - By Shannon Emmanuel, Copyright: 2005

I was browsing the web looking for interesting articles about benefits of having pets in a household and I stumbled upon the following article written by Shannon Emmanuel. Shannon Emmanuel is a freelance writer and researcher. Her recent book "Choose The Best Dog For Your Child" is now available in the market and you can purchase it from many leading bookstores in town. For those who worry too much about having pets because you are either pregnant or have small children at home, do read on. This article can easily put all your fears to rest..... Happy reading.



Thinking of getting a dog? You know your child wants a dog to play with but did you know that the love and companionship of a dog can have long lasting effects going far beyond their ability to entertain and amuse?

The current research into dog assisted therapy has turned the humble pet dog into an emotional, educational and physical resource. Everything from autism to reading ability has been tested with the use of therapy dogs. Excellent programs exist that have demonstrated a link between the interaction with dogs and improved social and reading skills.

It makes sense that even healthy children may experience benefits from owning a dog. What are some ways dogs affect children emotionally, socially and physically?

Can Your Dog Teach Your Child to Read?

A program was started that introduced the concept of children reading to dogs. The idea was that the child would be calmed by the presence of the dog as well as stimulated by the contact without the pressures of reading to a teacher or a peer.

The children loved the experience and the program creators noted that reading skills, including stuttering, improved. While not all reading problems can be corrected with a dog's company it is certainly a matter of interest to parents.

Owning a Dog Can REDUCE Allergies

Several pediatric experts have disowned the theory that early exposure to pets is a prime cause of allergies in children. In fact, the PAWSitive Interaction organization arranged a summit that included information suggesting exposure to pets by pregnant women and babies born into households with two or more pets actually had less allergies to the pets and other allergens than children not exposed.



Dogs Improve Social and Emotional Well-being

Anyone who has owned a dog can attest to the relaxing effects of owning a pet. Studies have shown that petting an animal can reduce anxiety and tension. The companionship of a dog can also help children build self-esteem and ease social interactions.

Dogs provide non-judgmental company and unwavering loyalty. To young children facing a world in which they are struggling to find their place a dog can help them develop a sense of themselves while also decreasing feelings of loneliness and encouraging empathy.

Physical Benefits for Children with Dogs

While physical therapies and assistance programs commonly incorporate dogs even healthy children can benefit physically from owning a dog.

Dogs demand a certain amount of physical play and care. Children may be more motivated to be physically active when they are with a dog than without.



While dogs cannot be the only answer to serious conditions, owning a dog can surely provide many benefits to your child when wisely selected and trained to compliment the family's lifestyle and the child's personality. Having a devoted dog in the home can contribute to a parent's efforts to raise their child into a caring and balanced adult.

Easy Tips For House Breaking Your Puppy - By Dy Witt

If you are lucky enough to get a 7-week-old puppy, there is no excuse for any bad habits to develop over his lifetime. Puppies learn INSTANTLY when they are that young, and if you use the proper training methods, gentle but consistent, he will behave like an angel his whole life through.


The most important training, of course, is housebreaking. Boys are easier than girls because exploring outside is their favorite thing. They just cannot get enough of all the new smells out there!

The main key to housebreaking is watching. Watch your puppy AND the clock. Once every hour is not too often on a day he is active and the weather is good. The younger the pup, the more often he needs to go out, mostly because he is growing so fast. He must drink more water to fuel his metabolism than he does as an adult. Also, since he eats three or four times a day, you know what that means.


Watch him for subtle changes. If he is happily chewing his toy, and gets up suddenly with his nose to the floor, move quickly! He is ready to squat! If he has had a nice nap, get him out of his crate and outside right away. If he has just had a good grooming, it stimulates his circulation and guess what? Time to go out again. And of course after a meal, watch him extra close.

Things to remember:

Do not punish him for mistakes. They are YOUR fault. Every time you take him out he will go, and praise praise and praise! Happy face, laughter, happy noises! He loves your happy face. When he makes a mistake, your frown and your face turned away from him is all the punishment he needs. He will get the point.

He is learning English, you must use the same phrases over and over. "Good go potty!" "Hafta go potty?" "Wanna go potty?" He can learn in one afternoon that "go potty" means a jaunt outside and your happy face. Whatever phrase you choose, stick with it.

I cannot recommend strongly enough getting a crate. They truly help with all phases of his training. They make him more secure, provide him with his very own private space and a place for him to hide his favorite toys and chewies. This is even more important if you have other adult dogs in the house.

Be consistent, always be kind and gentle, and be patient as he learns your language, and your puppy will always look forward to his training sessions. Dogs love to work!



About the Author:
Dy Witt has shown, bred and trained standard poodles for 25 years. To read free articles, more about her dog and puppy training techniques and her new ebook, visit: www.DogTraining15MinsADay.com

How to Train Your Cat

To all cat owners, I would like to share with you a few tips
on how to train your cats. They are simply great and easy to
follow. Good luck.

The market is flooded with all different types of aids for
training a cat. From simple little things to very large
expensive items, there are sprays to keep cats off furniture
to large housing for cats, to a simple leash to help with
training a cat.

Let us take a look at some of the training tools that
can be helpful in training.

A simple lightweight leash is a good idea. The leash can
be used for many purposes when training. Letting the cat
outside is a time that is suitable to use a leash to train
the cat to stay in the yard.

Use a leash to take a walk, or a ride in a car. Cats need
exercise and using a leash when walking is a perfect way
to get a cat to walk with you and not run off or walk ahead
of you. When walking the cat you want the cat to walk
with you.

Train the cat, to learn that they are not the leader while
walking but that you are. This will make the walk more
enjoyable for both you and the cat.

Another good tool to use when training a cat is scat mat.
By using a mat with training it can serve the purpose
of not allowing the cat on a particular area.


Scat mats send out pulses of static electricity to let the
cat know they are not supposed to be on that item. There
are many different sizes, colors, even clear ones so that
the cat can see the area.

The mats are battery operated with no real electricity
running through them, which makes them safe to use
with your cat. You can also purchase scat mats to connect
to each other if you have larger areas you want to cover.

Dummy scat mats do not have a pulse or static electricity
going though them. These are for after the cat has been
trained as just a reminder to stay off a certain area.

Another great tool for train a cat is catnip. Cats love
the scent of catnip. Transneptalactone is a substance found
in a plant used for catnip. Catnip scent is close to the
urine of female cats. Male cats are usually more intrigued
with catnip than female cats.

Catnip comes in different forms for training for cats.
Toys filled with catnip may attract the cat to play
with them. Catnip also comes in sprays designed to spray
areas that will help the cat to learn a behavior. Such as
spraying around the cat litter to let the cat know that is
where they should go.

For fun play, they have catnip in bubble form. Just like
the kind the children play with. It is made of safe
ingredients so it will not harm your cat. Blow bubbles
and the cat will enjoy pawing at them and they will also
enjoy the scent of it.


Catnip also comes in ground dry form so that you can rub
it on your hands to let the scent fill the air for the cat.
You can also purchase catnip seed, which you can plant
inside or outside of your home.

Is your cat pouncing on items thinking that it is a mouse?
By nature, a cat will do this for the purpose of killing.
There are many different play mice out on the market. From
simple little stuffed ones to ones that have catnip in them
to large ones that can be wound up and let go for a fun game
of chase and capture.

Remember in training that the cat has natural instincts to do
things. We need to fulfill them to have a happy healthy cat.

Healthy rewards for the cat is another tool when training
the cat. Many different treats can be provided for a reward
for the cat. There are vitamins that are natural to give
the cat. This is a good idea, as you know that they are
getting the vitamins for strong healthy bones, fur, and
body.

When looking for a good healthy snack, simple little
biscuits are a good choice. Alternatively, if you are a good
baker there are recipes or prepackaged treat mix you may
purchase and bake for your cat. Get the kids and everyone
involved in making snacks for your cat and it can become
a great family togetherness project.

Have patience with your cat while they are learning, and at
the same time you are learning more about them. So remember
to have fun while training your cat because this way, you will
get much more positive results from your happy, furry,
four legged babies...