Make sure your new baby starts off with healthy food and treats. It all starts now. Once you cultivate certain eating habits, it’s almost impossible to break them, especially with cats. It is not uncommon for a cat to get hooked on one food only. If that food is good food then you lucked out. If it is not good food, the conversion may be extremely difficult for you and your cat. When your dog doesn’t want to eat his breakfast or dinner, don’t let him persuade you to add something to the food or find something more desirable to eat. If he seems as healthy and happy as usual, chances are that he just isn’t hungry; his body doesn’t need the food. He will eat it later or the next day. Once you add something to the food, you will create a picky eater and possibly jeopardize his nutrition. In other words, once you’ve done your homework and selected the best food and treats for your pet, dog, or cat, be prepared to stand up to any challenge they may give you. Remember that the food and treats you select will help determine your pet’s fate. Make sure it is premium dog and/or cat food and treats.
Teach Boundaries. From the first day, determine where your pet can or cannot go and things you simply don’t want your pet doing. Pets are creatures of habit. Once they do something a few times, they tend to continue that behavior. Once you determine your boundaries, stick to them, even if they break your heart. Remember that what may seem cute now (chewing on pillows for example) will be disastrous later on! Realistically, many of the boundaries we set will be trial and error. Sometimes it takes bad behavior for us to take a look at a situation, declare it out of hand and make rules that will change it. Pets can get mighty creative in their curiosities and in their rebellions.
Housebreaking. Of course, there will be accidents; — however, the goal is to complete toilet training. Cats are easy. Bring your kitten to the cat box and put her in it. As long as she knows where the box is, toilet training will be accomplished. Dogs take their toilet habits more seriously, and so should you. There are many methods of toilet training but sticking to the same regimen is key and rewarding with a treat and or a kiss ensures success.
Obedience training = A well-trained dog. Summer obedience classes are fun. These necessary classes are given by humane societies, veterinarians, or trainers. They socialize dogs so that they get along with other dogs and people. They also teach the basics of good behavior and show you how to be the head of the household.
Pick a talented vet. Your veterinarian is critical to your new pet’s health. General check-ups, vaccines, flea control, and heartworm prevention must be taken seriously. Select a Veterinarian you feel comfortable with. Visit the veterinary hospital first. If the staff is friendly and the hospital smells good, you are on the right track. Ask to meet one of the veterinarians. If you both get along, then you probably found your pet a family doctor. Don’t select your veterinarian just based on location.