Sunday, January 24, 2010

The Fundamentals Of Exotic Pet Law

Posted By Bette J

No one wants to break any law. A law abiding citizen would first check the legality of the circumstances before getting an exotic pet. This actually takes some effort in finding out. One: it depends on the state where the owner lives. And two: it depends on the exotic animal that he is taking care of.

If you think just going online and checking it on the internet is the answer, you're mistaken. Sometimes, the information gathered on the web are already late and lacking in information. Sometimes, the local laws don’t apply on each state. It's just not consistent therefore, it's not dependable.

For an owner of an exotic pet, it is advised that he checks with the local government first. This could be the city, the town or the county. Ask a local humane society or the closest animal shelter.

So that you could provide the right habitat and right diet for your exotic pet, it's suggested that you consult your veterinarian. Sometimes health departments added regulations to the city laws that have already been imposed. Sometimes, the exotic pet is legal in your county, but then you have to double check if its legal in your state.

It may be a hassle to do this at first but then it's a necessity. If it so happens that your exotic pet isn’t legal where you reside, it might be taken away from you. Another issue that must be given attention to is that an exotic pet may be an endangered creature and bringing it to the mainland may not help in protecting their species, if it would only mean the animal would die later on.

Checking the legality of an exotic pet is also for the owners to not have conflict of interests with his neighbors. People may file a complaint against their possession of the exotic creature, so not only will this lead to the confiscation of the animal, it could also result in euthanasia.

If the creature is legally obtained, it would only result to the extinction of the animal. What's considered exotic is most of the time endangered. Check out the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora for more information.

To also protect your neighborhood, the states are concerned with regards to the animals that are brought in. Exotic creatures such as crocodiles and large cats are considered to be potentially harmful when not handled with care.

Generally, these exotic animals need special care (nutrition and living space.) These aren’t easily acquired by the owner and the consultation with a veterinarian is required.

Moving on from science regulations, the laws that concerned exotic creatures may come off as political as well. The law encompasses that the acquisition of exotic creatures require the owner to provide the proper care and diet to these creatures in order for them to no longer be endangered. If these are not met, then the animals may be confiscated and result in the heartbreak of the owner.

Source: http://bettes88.blogspot.com/2010/01/fundamentals-of-exotic-pet-law.html

Friday, January 1, 2010

Leash Train Your Cat - 7 Easy Steps

By Bonnie Dye

Most people think cats can't be trained to do tricks or walk on a leash, and that's simply not true. Look at any circus and you'll see the big cats literally jumping through hoops for their owners.

You'll want to start with the right equipment. It’s best to use a harness rather than just a collar, for two reasons. First, a cat can quickly and easily wiggle out of a collar – their heads are not much bigger than their necks. Second, a harness will protect your cat from injury, since part of the harness goes around the cat’s body, rather than just its neck. Choose a leash and harness made from lightweight nylon. Cats are easily weighed down even by the weight of the leash clip if it’s too heavy.

Here are 7 easy steps to leash training your cat:

NOTE: To easily restrain your cat, position the cat so it's standing, facing away from you, then put your arm around the front of its shoulders below the neck. Hold it gently backed up against you. No need for a lot of force. The cat may wiggle, but it'll mostly be convinced it can't get away, so it won't try.

1)Introduce the harness

While your cat is relaxed, slip the first loop of the harness over the cat's head and around its neck. The cat will wiggle a lot!

2)Re-introduce the harness (I know!)

If the cat gets away from you, stay relaxed and it will quickly calm down. After a minute or so, go pick up the harness and start again. Be prepared to restrain your cat this time, so it doesn't create a habit of running away.

3)Fasten the harness

Act quickly here. Fasten the harness then immediately let the cat go! It will run, squirm, and wiggle for 2 or 3 minutes before it lies down and tries to lick the harness off.

4)Attach the leash

When your pet stops, walk over, stroke and talk to it, then click the leash onto the harness, letting the leash hang loosely over the cat's back.

5)Bring out a toy

The average cat will immediately lay flat on the floor on its stomach with all four legs sprawled out. Have a toy ready – choose something on a string the cat likes to chase.

6)Play with leash attached

Your cat will play, quickly forgetting the weight on its back. After 2-3 minutes, let the cat rest with the leash still attached.

7)Remove the harness

Your cat now understands it can move around even while wearing a harness and leash. Unhook the leash, and after about 15 minutes, remove the harness.

Next day, put the harness on, let the cat go about its business, and after 15-20 minutes, remove the harness.

Third day, attach the harness and leash and keep hold of it with no pressure on the cat. Let your cat lead you around while it gets used to the slight weight it's feeling, then exert pressure on the leash to let the cat know you're taking the lead. If the cat resists, don't drag it. Encourage it toward you with a treat or a toy.

Most adult cats are prepared to go outside by the fourth day, and I once had a ten week old kitten who was ready on the first day after only about 45 minutes!

That’s really all there is to it! In a very short time you’ll be able to walk through the park with your cat prancing proudly beside you. They love showing off their personal grandeur, and will quickly learn to walk with head and tail held high.

About the Author: Bonnie Dye has raised, trained and cared for dogs and cats for over 30 years. She is the co-author of "What Your Pets Want You to Know". To get your free report, "Secrets to Happy and Obedient Pets" go to Free Pet Care Tipshttp://www.isnare.com/

Source:

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=449624&ca=Pets

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE

Posted By Bette J

This is the time of the year, we start to make those New Year's Resolutions. Most of us really do not keep them more than a week or two after making them. A few people are really set on keeping them and work very hard to do just that. Most of us just have trouble remembering the New Year that we must write on checks, letters and important paper work for work and home .

I hope everyone has a healthy and prosperuos New Year. Also, I hope everyone remembers their pets over the holidays. Safety is a big issue when it pertains to the playful pets. Dogs and cats alike are very curious about shiney objects that may be harmful to their health. Pease take the time to protect your treasured pet.

Happy New Year and drive carefully when returning from your trips.