The Best Way To Run With Your Dog

Proper run training for you and your most loyal companion. Few cultures on the planet treat their dogs like Americans, and more specifically, Coloradans. We buy expensive organic chow and tricked-out, joint-preserving doggie beds. Our four-legged friends accompany us to the office, coffee shop-and, perhaps most importantly, on training runs as our loyal pacers and are reminders of all things joyful and humble about the sport of running. Whether you’re preparing to adopt a dog or already have one who matches you stride for stride, it’s mutually beneficial to know how to run train properly with-and ultimately respect and protect-your favorite canine companion.

Puppy Love
Let’s start with puppies. If you’ve recently acquired a young dog or plan to do so (see sidebar on good running breeds), there are a few things to know when teaching your dog how to run with you. First, don’t even start running with your puppy until he or she is not a puppy. Veterinarian Tim Hackett, Chief of Staff-Small Animals at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Fort Collins, says seven months would be the earliest he would recommend a dog begin run training. Dogs must reach skeletal maturity first, which in giant breeds may not happen until up to 20 months, says Dr. Erick Egger, a professor of Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery at Colorado State. According to Elizabeth Simpson, who as owner of Boulder-based Tenderfoot Training sees the dogs of many athletes, “When a young pup’s muscles tire, they cannot support the skeletal system and now you are grinding bone against bone and doing damage.”

Enduro-Dog
Once your dog reaches skeletal maturity, best confirmed with a quick vet check-up, it’s time to start endurance training. Just like humans, dogs need to build up mileage progressively. “Treat your dog as you would a friend you are helping get started,” says Simpson. “Don’t ask too much and increase the time and difficulty only as he gets stronger.” Hackett, who runs three paved miles every other day with his dog with one longer trail run per week, suggests starting with a mile a week while assessing recovery, watching how quickly heart rate and breathing return to normal and monitoring how your dog’s feet are holding up. Pad wear is arguably the most common injury in dogs that run regularly. Elite runners might start run training by completing a full, fast-paced run, then picking up Fido for a comfy cool down, suggests Simpson. Of course basic training will also be helpful for a younger dog just getting used to running in a controlled environment. “A well-trained dog is far more fun to run with than an ill-mannered dog who runs off, lunges at people, chases dogs or cars, and forces you to stop every two seconds because he has to mark another tree,” says Simpson.

Basalt-based author of Canine Colorado, Cindy Hirschfeld, who runs with her three-year-old mutt Tansy, has found a loophole. “We haven’t been very successful at training her on leash. She zigzags back and forth, which is a pain in the rear when you’re trying to run in a straight line!” Compromise between dog and master is found at off-leash areas, such as a non-wilderness designated National Forest trails or voice-command-allowed trails within Boulder’s Open Space system.

Training Tips
As you continue to increase your dog’s mileage and pace, it’s important to remember a pet is always at your mercy regarding breaks, explains Hackett. “Your dog will run as long as you do, whether she’s exhausted or not, so don’t drag her on your marathon training run,” says Hirschfeld, who caps pooch-accompanied runs at 10 miles. Remember, too, that dogs don’t sweat like humans. They cool down through panting and disperse some heat through their feet. Neither of which are very efficient, Simpson points out.

Knowing your dog’s resting heart rate and respiratory rate so you can assess recovery is helpful, says Hackett. For example, a rapid heart and respiratory rate that doesn’t slow with rest is one of the first signs of heat exhaustion. Others include collapsing, altered consciousness or unresponsiveness, and high-pitched wheezing or gasping for breath. Taking frequent water breaks, choosing shady running routes and working out in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler are also important to your dog’s safety.

Hirschfeld taught her dogs to drink from a portable hydration pack and water bottles. Others prefer a collapsible nylon dog bowl. A diet rich in meat protein and digestible calcium with lots of micronutrients, good bacteria and enzymes will help your dog maintain a healthy body and endure rigorous workouts, says Simpson. According to Hackett, “High-energy foods are fine, but you will still need to watch weight to be sure calories in equal calories out.” Joint-easing supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin may be beneficial for older dogs. Be careful not to feed your dog for an hour before and after you run. A dog’s stomach acts as a holding tank during digestion, explains Simpson, and eating too close to exercise time can make your dog vulnerable to dangerous gastric torsion or bloat. Beyond endurance training, safety habits and diet tips, what’s most valuable is your relationship with your dog. “Running really takes up a small portion of your day and the rest of your time with your dog will be spent living a normal life,” says Simpson. “Your dog needs to be a good match for you and your lifestyle.” •

Tips for dog training

Dog training has different steps and methods. Important thing in dog training is to teach them command and control them. Training helps to develop skills and intelligence of a dog. Dog training can be given by yourself and your dog enjoys them most. This helps to build bond between dog and his master.

Dog training depends on the age and health condition of dog. Some breeds need more exercise and some needs simple tricks. Here are some tips for dog training.

Basic commands: During dog training, you need to control your dog and this can be done by teaching them basic command. Basic command includes command like run, sit, no, come and so on. Do not use different words for same command this will confuse your dog. For more effective techniques, teach command with body gestures or action.

Start with simple tricks: In dog training, you need to be patience and teach tricks step by step or one by one. Do not try to teach all tricks in one day and never punish harshly for not doing any tricks or action. This will create a fear in dog’s mind thinking on training.

Call by name: It is good technique to train your dog. Call its name and gradually it will understand when you call its name. While naming do not name them like Joe that will often confuse them with go.

Teach your dog to sit: Train your dog to sit whenever you tell them to do so. This will help to control your dog when some visitors come or when dog misbehaves.

Appreciation: Appreciation is must in training. Dog loves your appreciation during training. Appreciation is important when they does any action correct or rightly. Repeat the trick which they do wrongly but do not punish them harshly for doing wrong.

Behavior training: Behavior training is one of the important things in dog training. You need to train them where to do toilet and where to sleep and so on. Teaching them for three or four days will help them to understand and learn quickly.

Success and failure of dog training depends on the person and patience of person who teach them. Dog needs love and care. They love to play with their master and you need to spend more time with them. Dog training must be entertainment and enjoyment for both dog and you.

Keeping Your Puppy Happy

Is Your Puppy Content?

Dog owners often have misperceptions about what it takes to keep their puppy happy. It’s true that puppies are cute and adorable, often growing up to offer good companionship for their owner. However, it takes a lot of time and patience to train a puppy in order to ensure that it does develop into an excellent companion for the dog owner. Following the steps outlined in this article will benefit any dog owner who is avidly seeking answers to keep their new puppy happy, obedient, and content.

Regular Shampooing

Just as human beings like to feel fresh and clean, dogs and puppies do too. Regular shampooing and grooming of your canine friend will guarantee that his or her disposition will show sure signs of friendliness. Furthermore, weekly shampooing will make certain that your dogs coat will stay in a healthy condition, free from mosquitos, ticks, and fleas, as long as you use a good conditioning flea and tick dog shampoo. Most dogs enjoy getting a weekly bath, in fact they can’t wait to jump into the water. They frolick and play in it, but when it comes down to the scrub a dub, dub, they enjoy that process too. I would suppose the only negativity of giving your pooch his bath is how they shake afterwards. Unfortunately, this is unavoidable, so prepare for a splash of water yourself.

Daily Brushing

Brushing your puppy is without question one of the most important things you can do for him or her. This helps with keeping control of their shedding and also if you use a flea comb as well it will help in the prevention of an infestation of flea’s in your home. That is if you keep Cujo in-doors, the majority of the time. Some people keep their pooch outside, except for winter but nevertheless, the puppy still requires daily brushing. As with bathing your dog, they love to be brushed as well. It gives their coat a healthy sheen, and prevents excess knotting of their fur as well. Long haired dogs especially require brushing on a daily basis, unless your prepared to be cutting knots out of their fur. The more knots, the more chance of fleas to burrow down into their coats and cause an infestation.

Vaccinations and Regular Veterinarian Care

Fido has to go see his or her Vet at least three times a month, though some don’t take them more than twice a year. This can be considered acceptable as well, as long as your pooch is healthy and has his or her vaccinations kept up to date. Regular Veterinarian care can be expensive but it is essential for your doggy. You can now get animal insurance, just like health insurance for humans. This helps cut down on the cost that can sometimes grow excessive if you have a dog that becomes diabetic or is on a special diet regimen. Just pause and consider how you would treat your own body and take that into consideration when taking care of Fido. He deserves good care as well.

So, as is obvious, having a puppy in your family requires more than just simply playing fetch. You have to be willing to give your time and energy to him or her in all the noted aspects. By doing this your sure to have a devoted, and healthy companion for many years to come.•

German Shepherd Training Advice On The Very Best Age To Bring Home A New Puppy

Do individuals still think they need to get their fresh puppy home around the “mysterious” 49th day?

Typically, breeders who have been from their backyard and about the block are pretty educated. But first-time customers, especially, appear to possess this issue of being over-marinated in mythology. Or perhaps it’s just a matter of very good old B.S. confusing brains.

So exactly where did this mysterious “49 days and never a minute later” concept that spreads throughout a lot of brand-new puppy selling come from? The initial mention of it in common materials made an appearance in 1961. The final sentence in Chapter three of a book by Richard Wolters said, “…get and begin your dog at the proper time-seven weeks- that’s 49 days old.” And in an additional location within the same chapter, in bold italics for emphasis, no much less, Wolters said, “Purchase your puppy and get him or her home at the precise age of forty nine days!”

Quite possibly what prompted his imagination and caused his cosmic leap to “the particular age of forty-nine days” was a report that appeared in 1959 called, “The Relationship involving Delayed Socialization and Trainability in Guide Dogs.” This particular document proposed that guide dogs experienced the right amount of attachment to people to turn out to be guide dogs when the typical age at Parting from litter mates had not been less than seven weeks. Or maybe it was a report printed in 1961 named, “Crucial Periods in the Social Growth of Canines.” Or it might have been the guide printed in 1965 called, “Genetic makeup and the Social Behavior in the Dog.”

Wolters describes all these works within his guide, which means that he seemingly found the 49-day notion from their work in some manner. However nowhere in all their written and published work do they declare to acquire the pet dog at the “specific chronilogical age of 49 days.” Wolters apparently added two and 2 and came up with 49. Precisely what did they seriously uncover?

A particular finding quite important in the 49-day time period was basically that pups within a particular litter may easily be different in developmental age by a week in just about every direction, although are all born inside of one or two hours.

This signifies that by the point the pup actually reaches 49 days since entry into the world, it may be anywhere between 42 and fifty six days old developmentally, relative to all other puppies within the entire population of pups whelped on the very same day, even to puppies from the exact same litter. And it really is the neural, physiological and bodily development, not the precise chronological age not minutes elapsed since popping in to the world that’s crucial in the behavioral stability or deficiency of it in pups, and later on, in grown-up pet dogs.

7 weeks is only a chronological age, merely the amount of days. Developmentally, it is an average which says that naturally, 95 per cent of any populace of household k9s at 7 weeks following birth will likely be around six and 8 weeks old developmentally.

Examine any litter closely and fairly each and every week with regard to behaviour dissimilarities and you’ll notice astonishing variability. You may see a few pups that are precocial, a few delayed. Just what 1 puppy does at a given age, a few did 3 days in the past and others will not do until next week.

Thus a person can certainly see that this sad to say prevelant misconception, on better evaluation, bears significantly closer analysis. http://www.topschutzhundtraining.com/ will be especially interested in correct knowledge.•

Does Your Family Really Want a Dog?

Look at that adorable little face! Can anything warm your heart as quickly and completely as the tiny soft body of a puppy… any puppy? Their little bodies nuzzle right up to you. Their little eyes melt your heart in a second. Who doesn’t want a puppy? How wonderful they are; unconditional love, unlimited cuteness, too adorable for words.
This article was not intended to discourage you, but rather to help you prepare for this new addition and make sure this is the right decision for your family. There are several things to consider as your family discusses the possibility of getting a puppy.

1. The first thing is that every puppy becomes a dog within 1-2 years depending on the breed. You’ll have up to 2 years of puppydom and up to another 13 or so years of adult dog. So don’t think about how a puppy will affect the family. Think about how a DOG will affect the family; a much bigger, not quite so cute, likely not well-trained dog. So before you go looking for a puppy, spend some time with adult dogs of the breed you’ve chosen and see if you’re still interested.

2. The second thing to consider is the expense of having a dog. Costs will vary depending on the size, the breed, and the health of the dog. There’s the initial cost of your new pet. A truly responsible dog owner will NOT support puppy mills. Watch for future articles about puppy mills. It suffices to say that puppy mills exist only because people buy the puppies. No customers, no business, no more torturing and abusing dogs. So you’ll either get your puppy from a reliable breeder or from a rescue shelter. There will be a cost associated regardless of which you choose. Most rescue shelters charge approximately $500 regardless of the breed. Rescue shelters are non-profit. This fee pays for food and vet bills to spay or neuter our furry friends. Occasionally dogs require surgery or other medical attention. You can see that this figure is by no means an absolute. The purchase price from a breeder will vary depending on the breed of dog and the breeder.

So many of the costs are dependent on the decisions you make. Will you use a dog crate for house training or when no one is home? What sources will you use for training; books, videos, training lessons, a combination of all three? Will you provide your pet with just a bowl on the floor or a water fountain which constantly circulates the water ensuring your dog has fresh water at all times. You could spend up to $2,000 in your first year for basic essentials; licence, collar, dog walking leash (perhaps a couple of different kinds), water bowl, food bowl, food, toys, dog bed, grooming equipment, dog crate, gates and fences for the yard, vet bills (puppies need check-ups, dental checks and vaccinations just like your children did), flea treatments, heart worm medication, some dogs require professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, any behaviour training supplies.
After the first year, depending on your dogs’ health, you can expect to spend between $500 and $2,500 each year for basic maintenance; again this amount has a lot to do with the breed of dog you’ve chosen. This does not include additional carpet/furniture cleaning as a result of inevitable pet “accidents”. There is also the cost of replacing “doggie chewed” items like children’s toys, nic nacs, shoes, wallets, purses, pillows, bedding, and other items your dog naughtily entertained him/herself with. This also does not include medical emergencies like your dog eating chocolate, or aspirins, or other poisonous items, or any accidental injuries that may occur.

3. Next, examine your lifestyle. Dogs are incredibly social animals. Your dog, just like your children, will require large amounts of quality time. (No wonder people get their pets confused with their children. There are so many similarities.) It’s irresponsible to bring a dog into your family and then leave him/her alone for 10 hours every day. Think about how many hours will your pooch be left alone each day? Remember to include after school or work activities like baseball, soccer, hockey, karate, ballet, tennis, overtime work hours, etc. in your “away” time.

How many people are in the family? What age are your children? Toddlers or smaller children may not be a good combination with a larger, more aggressive dog.

Puppies have little bladders and need to go out about every 1 to 2 hours; adult dogs at least 3 times a day. That’s just a “potty” out.

Your dog will also need exercise. All dogs need exercise! Think in terms of 30 to 60 minutes each day for all dogs. Beyond that you need to take your specific pet into consideration for additional exercise needs. Ignoring this means that your dog will be bored and may start behaving badly. How much more exercise depends on the breed. Border Collies, Jack Russells, Doberman Pinschers, Labrador Retrievers, English Springer Spaniels, Boxers, Irish Setters, and Huskies, typically herding dogs to name a few require at least an hour of vigorous exercise at least twice each day.

Many dogs require mental stimulation in addition to the physical. This is playtime and training time and it’s equally important as physical exercise. Time… time… time. If you can’t commit to this for your dog, you will want to consider a breed that is less demanding. Shih Tzus, Pugs, Poodles, Basset Hounds, and Beagles require much less of an exercise commitment. Will your children be able to help you walk the dog each day? Will they be able to handle a large dog or perhaps a smaller dog would be more suited to your family? Or perhaps this isn’t the right time for a dog.

I cannot impress upon you enough how important it is to seriously consider these points before making a decision. Think of this as important a decision as having a baby. You can’t “try it out and see if it works”. If it doesn’t “oh well” and do away with it. It’s not fair to you or your family, and it’s not fair to the dog. Perhaps you’re reading this and logically thinking “She’s right. I don’t have the time, or the money.” But still your heart is yearning for a dog. There is a solution. Offer to babysit someone else’s dog while they go away on vacation. If that works out well, try fostering a dog. Fostering means that you will care for a “rescued” dog until a forever home can be found. Because this is a temporary situation, once your “charge” is placed, you can choose not to take any more, if you decide that having a dog is not the right thing for your family. This is a great way to “test the waters”; to see if your family is truly ready for the responsibility of having a dog. You’ll learn a lot about training and how to deal with dogs and at the same time you are offering a tremendous service to our wonderful canine companions.
Remember to hug your dog today.•

Dog Tricks: Where To Start

When it comes to teaching your dog new tricks this can be great fun for all involved. You can start off by doing something simple like weaving in and out of your legs or fetching some article by name or teaching your dog to shut a door.

There are a few people that find it is demeaning to the dog by teaching them tricks but I can assure you that dogs love learning and especially being appreciated and by learning to do something new it will cover both of these needs. Whatever you going to teach your dog both of you will benefit from the experience and it will be a time that you will learn more about each other.

Suggested Tricks could include:

• Close the door
• Roll over
• Catch
• Give a paw
• Open a box
• Find members of your family or toy by name
• Bark on command
• Weave through your legs
• Jump over objects
• Crawl under a low object or a chair

With any trick, split it into small sequences and teach each one a step at a time. If the task is complicated start with the last sequence first and then add the previous element to the beginning and build up from there. This method is called reverse chaining. It is excellent as it helps the dog learn as he always ends with the familiar part. Rather than waiting until the whole sequence is learnt reward every step for getting closer and closer to your goal. Each step you are asking a little more of your dog.

The use of clickers can work extremely well as you are able to reward your dog at the correct time even if he is still some distance away from his goal. While tricks can be fun they can also be a benefit to anyone that is disabled and not being able to pick something up off the ground or fetch some sort of aid to help the disabled person.

There are many people that are sight impaired that use seeing eye dogs that had started just like you are with simple to learn tricks and then graduated to more advanced training. The whole process should be imaginative, have a think of what your dog enjoys and develop this to include a whole collection of tricks.

The dog will enjoy learning something different and will certainly enjoy all of the praise in getting something right. All that is needed is a dose of persistence and time invested in her training and by doing this you will be rewarded. •

How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight

If your pet is overweight, you are not alone. Nearly 3 million dogs in the UK are thought to be obese, that’s over 40%.

Obesity can lead to straining of the joints, causing arthritis, as well as internal illnesses like diabetes, liver disease and heart disease in both dogs and cats as well as increasing the chance of respiratory, surgical and anaesthetic complications. In the worst case scenario, your pet being overweight can ultimately lead to its early death.

Most people overfeed their dogs out of love not cruelty, an extra treat seems like a nice way to reward your pet. However, many animal welfare organizations, veterinary bodies and individual experts see pet obesity as an extremely serious welfare issue because of its adverse impact on health, welfare and quality of life.

So how can you address this problem?

The first and obvious way is to look at what you feed your dog. Even just making some small changes can make a difference to your pet’s weight. Your vet or local pet supplies store will be able to advise you but brands of dog food (http://www.swellpets.co.uk/dog/dog-food-698.html)such as Royal Canin, Eukanuba and Arden Grange all have varieties designed to help your dog lose weight.

Cut down on the treats, especially left-overs from your dinner. Don’t give in to those pleading eyes! Provide two smaller meals at morning and night rather than one big one and bulk up with healthy fillers such as grated carrot or courgette. Make sure that you’re not over feeding- check with your vet if you are unsure how many calories your dog should be taking in.

Exercise is also vital, build up the fitness regime over a few weeks so that your dog becomes used to it. Make it fun, so take a stick or a ball and make your dog work for their supper. If your dog is elderly than regular short walks is better than one long one.

At the end of the day, your dog will know that you love them whether or not you give them treats. A stroke and a tummy rub at the end of the day when they’re snuggled up in their dog bed (http://www.swellpets.co.uk/dog/dog-beds-1123.html) is worth far more than junk food and you’ll be able to rest better knowing that you are doing what is right for your dog.•

 

Stop Your Cat From Spraying

When you spot your cat stand by a door or any other object at home, lifts its tail then urinates then you know that it is spraying on the door or object. Perhaps if you are a neophyte in the cat world, you do not know what spraying means. When a cat is new to a place, it is bound to make that place its territory by spraying. It is not a cat’s dilemma as not knowing its own litter box; rather, it sprays for marking a definite location. It is natural for them to spray and usually it is ordinarily done by cats outdoors. Yet, there are cat owners who complain about their cats spraying indoors. It could be troublesome for a home owner if a cat sprays inside the house. Do not worry too much as for every difficulty, there is a solution.

The reason why cats spray can either be one of the following: for marking a location, for calling a mate or for relieving stress.

A cat, just like other territorial type of animals, wants to mark its territory. In order to do this, it sprays a bit of urine on its territory. The smell of the cat’s urine will alert other cats and animals to get off its property. It is natural for cats to spray on things, so extend a little understanding towards your cat.

Pheromones are a substance that animals utilize to communicate. This substance is released with the urine sprayed by cats in heat. This hormone is similar to fingerprints because animals use this to identify the kind of creature that sprayed in the location. Often, this hormone is released when cats are in heat. The pheromones tell the other cats that it is searching for a mate. Other cats in heat are attracted towards the scent of the urine due to of the pheromones. This serves as an open invitation to get engaged in procreation. Later, you will get kittens in the house.

Getting rid of stress is another reason why cats spray. It could be stressful for a cat to find another of its kind in its territory. When it catches a glimpse of another animal, it also sprays. The spraying of urine allows the cat to release some of the built-up stress generated by seeing another creature in its territory.

The scent of cat’s urine can be odious. The problem is sometimes the cat sprays inside the house. The urine can stain furniture and leave foul odor. When your cat sprays, do something at once like shooing it away.

The most effective way to eradicate this spraying behavior is by neutering or spaying the cat. This applies to both male and female cats. The spraying activity will immediately stop after being neutered. Since a male cat will no longer mate after being neutered, it will get rid of its spraying. It is important to consider whether you do not want to breed your cat or otherwise because spaying or neutering is irreversible. Do not spay or neuter if you still wish to have kittens. Consider another option. It is best to ask for your vet’s opinion regarding spraying if you do not want to sterilize your cat.

Dog Health and Your Responsibilities

There are many advantages to owning a dog. It gives you loyalty and love. Yet so many people neglect its health as a way to return that love and affection.

Preventative dog health care goes a long way to ensuring that your friend stays healthy for years to come. If you decide to get one, then do him a favor and become educated on how to protect his health.

Dog health begins the very minute you take ownership of your canine companion. Before you even think about beginning puppy training you must make sure that you know what type of medication it takes to ensure its health.

Shots such as Distemper, Rabies, and Parvo are absolutely essential to a long and healthy life for your pet. There are other medications such as heart worm medicine and flea medicines that are important as well.

If you are unsure as to what is involved in dog health, check out dog forums for answers on some common questions. The best advice before buying or getting a pet is to do a thorough research to determine if having one is right for you.

There are some questions to ask yourself before you commit to owning a dog or any animal. The first is how much time do you have to devote to the pet? Do you have enough space to accommodate one? Is its health absolutely important to you? Do you have the money to devote to puppy training and to making sure that he or she receives regular veterinarian visits to ensure its proper health?

A dog is a big responsibility. If you are unsure of any of the above questions then now is the time to carefully ponder whether or not you are ready for a pet. Dogs cost money and this responsibility lies with the pet owner.

The puppy or dog is dependent on you for everything they need. This includes their emotional well-being as well. Humans and dogs are alike in that they need love and support. You, as the owner, must be that network of love and support for them.

Dog health is important to having a fully functioning family. Dog’s can bring many things to their owner. They bring love and unfailing loyalty. They deserve to have that returned to them by an owner that truly wants what is best for them.

How To Take Care of Your New Kitten

The first step toward having a good pet cat is choosing a healthy kitten. Visit a litter of kittens about two weeks before they are ready to leave their mother. They will be six weeks old. Ask permission to pick up the kittens and be very gentle when to do so. Make sure that a kitten has clear, bright eyes and a shiny, full coat. Check the skin under the fur for any problems such as sores, rashes or bald spots. You want to choose a kitten that has healthy skin.

Next, make sure that the kitten is neither too thin nor too fat. A kitten that is either all skin and bones or has a bloated belly is likely to have an infection. Do not select such a kitten. Also check the kitten’s nose and ears for any sign of discharge or infection.

While you are checking for signs of physical health, take note of the kitten’s temperament. Carry the kitten to another part of the room and watch how it behaves. Is it nervous or scared? Does it respond to gentle petting by growing calmer? You want a kitten that adjusts quickly to you. This is a sign it has been handled by the owners of the litter, which is important in preparing the kitten for living with people.

It is extremely important to start out with a friendly cat. A scratching, hissing or terribly frightened kitten will grow up to be a difficult cat at best. At worst, the kitten will never become a friendly, loving pet.

After you have chosen a kitten that you like, make arrangements to pick it up when it is ready to leave its mother (when it is about eight weeks old). A day or two after you get your new kitten, take it to a veterinarian (an animal doctor). The vet will give it the first in a series of shots to protect it against common cat diseases. Tell the vet if you intend to let the cat outdoors. If you do intend to let it out, the kitten may need a shot to protect it against rabies.

The vet will also examine the kitten for signs of disease. Bring along sample of the kitten’s dropping so that the doctor can check for worms.

If the vet gives you medicine for the kitten, make sure that you or one of your parents understands how to give medicine. Ask the vet or the vet’s assistant to show the proper method. Give the medicine to the kitten exactly as directed by the vet. Twice a day is not good enough if the kitten is supposed to get medicine three times a day.

Young kittens like to eat every few hours, about four times a day. At each meal, serve a saucer of fresh milk alongside a small dish of dry cat food. For one or two of the meals, mix in canned food (meat or fish). If the kitten gets diarrhea, switch to powdered milk. If the diarrhea continues, reduce the amount of milk and the number of meals at which it is served.

Kittens love occasional treats, such as fresh liver, kidney or cottage cheese. But dry cat food is the best thing for a steady diet. Keep treats to once or twice a week.

As the kitten grows older, you can gradually reduce the number of meals. At six months, two meals each day are adequate. At one year, one meal a day is all that is needed. If your cat pesters you for a second meal, give a little more than half of the one-meal portion twice a day. The size of portions is usually recommended on the cat food box.

For your new kitten, and later your adult cat, keep a bowl filled with fresh water all times.
Although your kitten will decide for itself where it will sleep, it might enjoy a soft, snug spot you prepare for it. A fluffy, clean hand towel folded and placed in a shoe box that sits on its side, could make an attractive bed for your kitten. But the kitten may just decide to perch itself on a chair instead.

You will have to help your kitten get used to using a litter box to go to the bathroom. Getting your cat used to a litter box is usually easy, because cats are naturally clean and like to bury their droppings. A litter box is nothing more than a shallow rectangular container. The easiest kind to use is made of soft plastic. Into this you pour cat litter, which is sold in stores. Cover the bottom of the litter box with about two inches of cat litter.

Take your kitten to its litter box as soon you bring it home. Sometimes that first visit is all is needed. But until you are sure that the kitten understands, take it there after each feeding.
Sometimes cats will not use a litter box if something about the particular brand of litter is not to their liking. Occasionally they will avoid the box if its location is not private enough. Try to solve these problems if the kitten does not use the litter box from the start.

About the only unpleasant task involved in owning a cat is cleaning the litter box every two or three days. If you do not clean it, the box will begin to smell.

Empty all the used litter into a paper or plastic bag and take it outside to the garbage. Then wash the litter box with soap and water. Put the newly filled box back in the same place, so that you do not upset your cat’s routine.

If you plan on allowing your cat to go to outside, you may decide to let it go to bathroom outdoors. In this case, do not provide a litter box. Instead, take your new kitten outdoors to a spot where there is a patch of dirt in which it can dig and burry. After a few days, the kitten will wait by the door to be let out. Some people even install little cat doors so that their pets can come and go as they please.

An outdoor cat should wear a collar with an identification tag on it. The tag should give that cat’s name as well as your name and address.