Best products from r/aww

Apologies if I repeat things mentioned elsewhere. I'm looking at a sleeping, year old lab/border collie mix, so I still have a lot of this info fresh.

• I can't recommend The Art of Raising a Puppy (https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0316083275/) enough. Lots of good information in there and a ton of things you don't think about.
  
  
• Socialize the crap out of your puppy! People, dogs, puppies, kids, etc. Look for free and/or cheap puppy play times and go to them. Your pup needs to meet something like 50 to 200 other dogs in the first 16 weeks, might be way more.
  
  
• Not specifically called out in socializing, but exposure to all kinds of things. As mentioned, kids, other dogs, walk near play grounds, loud traffic, crowds, airports, etc. Yes, you will have to deal with "Oh my god! Can I please let your puppy?" And you are within your right to say "I'm sorry, but no." Be polite, but stern. Make sure your puppy sees people in all sorts of outfits. Coats, hats, etc. You don't want your dog to be afraid of things that are normal* things.
  
  
• Work on a meal/potty schedule! This will make sure accidents, which will happen, are less frequent. This is highly dependent on your schedule. Make sure you allow enough time for elimination after feeding.
  
  
• Crate training is amazing. You can verify that your pup won't get into things when you can't watch them. It also gives your dog a place that they can go when they just want to chill out. My dog is in his teenager phase and goes to his to listen to loud music and play guitar... ;)
  
  
• Finding a good trainer/class and sticking with it! We learned a lot from the 2x 6 week classes we took, and are actually looking to take some others. Click training is also nice.
  
  
• Patience. Puppies are going to pup. Let them learn. You don't need to be a helicopter parent, which you likely will be the first couple off-leash park trips. Just walk away, take a deep breath, remember you're training your future best friend and companion.
  
  Love the crap out of your dog! You are looking at a year and change that will not only define your dog for the rest of their life, but will be the hardest part of raising a dog. I've wanted to ring his little neck more times than I care to mention, but goddamn I love this dog and I'm pretty sure he likes me.
  
  Sorry for the wall of text. I typically lurk, but having gone (still going) through this, it's good to take a second and think about what worked, and what didn't.
  
  Good luck and I wish you both the best!

I would start with finding some local basic obedience or puppy classes. These are a fantastic place to start for a new dog owner. PetSmart and Petco classes are ok, but honestly their trainers aren't terribly experienced and while you could get a gem, you could also get a trainer than knows nothing.

Instead, try to find a trainer that is positive reinforcement based (sometimes trainers will advertise as "positive based" or "least adversive" or many other things - basically, instead of always punishing the dog, they're rewarding the dog for doing good things which is a much better system of dog training) and take some classes from them.

From that, you can get into dog sport classes. I personally, because of my location, actually do a lot of dog training classes online. Particularly through Fenzi Dog Sports Academy. They do have some disc dog classes occasionally, but also they have agility, nosework, obedience, and many other classes as well.

But certainly start with a basic obedience class as that will be a great foundation. If you need help with figuring out if a trainer might be good, try coming over to /r/dogs and asking there.

Oh, and if you're up for it, a fantastic book that I would recommend is "The Other End of the Leash" which is great in teaching people how dogs think and learn.

Ok, I can't lie: they do shed if not brushed regularly. However the shedding isn't nearly as much as a dog like a retriever or a husky. Their fur is very bunny like so it doesn't really show on furniture or clothing. The people who really complain about their shedding (after readings hundreds of Ragdoll forum pages!) are the ones that have 4, 5, even 6 of them! With one or two it's not that noticeable. I bought a furminator and it's godsend! It's the best when it comes to removing loose hair, you'll be amazed at how much hair comes out.
As for your allergies: I was very allergic to cat hair to the point where my face would look swollen if I entered a room with a cat. I found a product on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000S0L0M4/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00 It works great you can see people's reviews on how effective it is. In a few words it neutralizes the allergens. Another very important thing that I didn't know before getting a cat: It doesn't matter if you get a long or short hair cat because the major allergen that people react to doesn't come from their hair, it comes from their saliva. Some allergens also come from dead skin but the great majority comes from their saliva. Since every cat licks themselves several times a day, they pretty much have the allergens all over them, making it seem as if it's from the fur. So we could get a hairless cat and would still suffer from allergies. Trust me this product when applied about once a week REALLY works. As time goes by your body builds a little immunity to the allergen since you are constantly around it. I'm at a point now that I only have to apply the product once every 2-3 weeks.
Sorry for the long responses, I get very excited when talking about Raggies. They are truly loving, sweet, gentle creatures. The staff at our vet's office is always so surprised at how laid back they are, as cats can become very agitated and defensive when going to the vet.
Ok I'm really done talking about them now :) Good luck and feel free to ask anything!

Former veterinary nurse here. Everything you said is on point. As far as regular kitty maintenance, I cannot recommend a Litter Genie enough. It's definitely sold me on the concept, and if I ever have any babies, I'll definitely get one for them.

I will say though that timed feedings are a great idea if your cat will tolerate it, mostly because you end up knowing exactly how much kitty is eating. One of the first things to go when a cat is feeling unwell is their appetite, and they're notorious for masking symptoms until it's gotten bad. My sister has a cat in end-stage FIV right now for that very reason.

Oh, OP, by the way? If kitty is going to go outside AT ALL, you MUST do two things: parasite prevention and a microchip/FIV vaccine combo. Revolution is my personal favorite parasite prevention, as it's a monthly does and handles heartworms (yes, cats can get them), fleas, ticks, and most intestinal parasites. You have a ton of options, though. As for the FIV vaccine... Feline immunodeficiency virus behaves similarly to HIV/AIDS in humans. It's passed on through saliva, usually from deep bite wounds, as opposed to sharing a water bowl, but there is still some risk there. (This is probably how my sister's cat acquired the infection, as she spends a lot of time outside and has an ultra-nemesis cat that lives nearby.) The vaccine is effective, but it can cause a false positive result on a blood test. The only real solution is to have your kitty microchipped, which IMHO is something all kitties should have done. Here's the imaginary scenario which plays out all too often: Kitty is vaccinated for FIV but doesn't have a chip, gets picked up by animal control, get tested for FIV, and shows a false positive. Any cat that comes in the door with a positive FIV result is likely to be euthanized. However, the first thing anyone does these days is check for a microchip. If it's established that this cat has an owner, the medical workup will continue, but they can't just euthanize your cat anymore. It sucks and it sounds harsh, but it's the same thing as a puppy coming in with parvovirus.

As far as the rest of basic kitty care, a water fountain is definitely an excellent idea. We have one for our two cats and they L O V E it. It's cute and didn't cost very much, either. Here's a link: Catit Flower Fountain https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0146QXOB0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MWVmzbNH28CMW

This sounds ridiculous, but my cats learned to love their scratching posts because we would scratch them together. If one of them ever started to scratch the furniture, I'd go over to the Correct Scratcher™ and mimic scratching it, and they'd go bonkers running over to do it with me. It's pretty cute, tbh.

Things you need to know about your husky:

• They are extremely intelligent, but not necessarily obedient. They are independent in nature, and can often be motivated by treats--unless the alternative is something they desire more.
  
• They are escape artists. If left to their own devices outside, they will dig, climb, squeeze, and then they will run. And run, and run--it's ingrained in their nature, so this will be almost impossible to correct. You can prevent this by keeping them entertained, which will also keep them from being destructive (boredom motivates them to destroy and explore). Also, never let them outside of a fenced in area without a leash. It's possible to train them to come when you call most of the time, but should they see a squirrel, cat, deer, anything they want to chase, their training goes out the window. Don't let them outside within fenced in areas without supervision.
  
• They are high-maintenance dogs and need a lot of exercise. Right now, walks and games of tug-of-war will suffice. When he gets older (<1 year), runs. If you're out of shape, get a bike, and ride together using the walkydog leash. My husky -loves- to swim. We swim and kayak together every weekend during the summer. Get creative with your exercise--hike, swim, try different training courses--they love the mental exercise and breaking out of routine!
  
• Get a [furminator] (http://www.amazon.com/FURminator-Long-Hair-deShedding-Large/dp/B0040QQ07C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1342588841&sr=8-2&keywords=furminator) meant for long-haired dogs. Seriously. This will be one of your best investments. Other great investments that I've made have been [the Ruffwear life jacket] (http://www.amazon.com/Ruffwear-Float-Jacket-Currant-Medium/dp/B005OTYEMW/ref=sr_1_34?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1342588905&sr=1-34&keywords=life+jackets+for+dogs), [Plato's Salmon Strips treats] (http://www.amazon.com/Plato-Dog-Treats-Salmon-16-Ounce/dp/B000NVBVIQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1342588957&sr=1-1&keywords=Salmon+strips) (there is nothing Keno won't do for one of these, but they smell horrible--still worth it), [the walk dog leash] (http://www.amazon.com/Petego-Walky-Hands-Free-Bicycle-Leash/dp/B003OYIAW4/ref=pd_sim_petsupplies_1) for a bike, and [Kyjen's indestructible squeak toys] (http://www.amazon.com/Invincible-Gecko-4-Squeak-Blue/dp/B005CQARAA/ref=sr_1_25?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1342589219&sr=1-25&keywords=kyjen+dog+toys).
  
  Your puppy is disgustingly adorable. Seriously one of the cutest little holy terrors I've ever seen (and I say this fondly, because my adorable husky was a monster as a puppy). I hope you form a bond as strong as mine and Keno's, and that you enrich each other's lives!

I used to be terribly allergic to cats, but with a combination of drugs and anti-allergen products I hardly ever get any symptoms from my two cats. Some drugs work well for certain people and others don't work at all. You just have to try them until you find what works for you, but here are some of the common ones:

Loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra). These are newer antihistamines that are supposedly non-drowsy and last all day. I take cetirizine since loratadine doesn't seem to do anything for me and fexofenadine costs about twice as much.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine. These are older antihistamines that work differently than the three mentioned above. I find them to be much more effective, but they only last a few hours and make me sleepy. Useful if you get allergic before going to bed. Oh and here's a tip: if you're buying generic diphenhydramine, look in both the allergy section and the sleep-aid section. The same exact drug is sold as allergy relief and as a sleep-aid, and sometimes one is cheaper than the other.

Cromolyn nasal spray (NasalCrom). This drug works by preventing the release of histamine in the first place, so it's best when taken prior to cat exposure. For me, this is the most effective one since most of symptoms are in the nose. It's also safe to use in combination with other allergy medicines.

In addition to medication, there are products you can buy that reduce the amount of cat allergen in the home:

ADS Anti-allergen Spray can stain some fabrics, so they make a different formula that doesn't stain but requires more frequent application.

Allerpet C is a solution that you can apply to your cat to make her less allergenic.

And I'm sure there are many more. Brushing your cat regularly can reduce shedding, which should help with allergies since cats lick themselves and the Fel d 1 protein comes from the saliva. I recommend a FURminator.

If you are planning on getting a cat, you might want to look into the different cat breeds as some are less allergenic than others. I've also read that on average female cats and cats with lighter coloured fur tend to be less allergenic, although I'm not sure if this is definitively true.

And even if none of this works, I'd say that having cats is worth putting up with a few allergies!

Tollers are great. I have a Toller and a Newf, and while the Newf is far more loving and an all around better "people dog", I love my Toller for all her quirks.

Like /u/Phog91 said, Long trails and wide open fields combined with a Chuckit is the best thing you can do. The Newf strolls along with me while the Toller loses her mind running around, fetching.

Thank you for rescuing this beautiful pupper.

If you really want to know what breed(s) she is, the best thing to do would be to run a DNA test. Vets can only guess at the breed. Knowing the breed is also helpful in identifying possible hereditary diseases.

Also, considering her temperament and your lack of experience with pets, I highly recommend signing up for some training courses. Unwanted behaviors in dogs can get out of control quickly, especially if one does not know how to counter those behaviors correctly. It is a small investment up front that will greatly benefit the dog and your family in the long run.

Best of luck!

To Boomer: Grrr Woof Aroo!

I have the Pioneer Raindrop fountain (here) for $30 and I use these filters. I only need to replace the filter once every one to two months. Totally worth it because of how much the cats love it, and it gives me peace of mind knowing that it's helping them stay healthy.

Our first cat, Roger (whom I originally bought the fountain for), was terrified of it at first. A month went by before he finally had the courage to drink from it, and then he quickly adored it. Unfortunately he passed away, and we adopted two kittens. Simon and Chloe instantly loved it as soon as we brought them home. So there's a chance she may hate it at first, but running water is very natural and appealing to cats. I think she would grow to like a fountain very quickly. :)

I know warnings are like a broken record every time someone posts a picture of their new high maintenance breed puppy but here it goes anyways.

1. Aussies need a job. Get into some kind of sport. If you don't have time / money for special classes at least look into getting a Walky Dog to help burn of some energy. And don't forget to the Booties to protect the feetsies
   
   
2. Running / Walking will help burn energy but Aussies are smart. They need a lot of mental stimuli to keep them from getting bored and destroying your life.
   
   
3. Aussies tend to bond strongly to their own families and are generally wary of strangers. Proper socialization with other people and dogs is incredibly important.

Strongly recommend anyone with a Maine coon (and anyone who likes to help their purrkid out grooming) gets a furminator


I know they are a bit pricy, but They are the best things ever and worth their weight in gold. My mom has a Norwegian snow cat and it’s the most gigantic fluff ball ever and the furminator is a godsend

I also have a kitty that is a BIG boy and struggles a bit with weight due to living in a tiny NYC apartment. He has no interest in lasers at all, but I have had good luck with "dabird" feather toy (http://www.amazon.com/GoCat-Apart-Feather-Assorted-Colors/dp/B000F9JJJE) and mylar cat toys (http://www.amazon.com/MYLAR-Crinkle-Balls-Cat-Toys/dp/B00797NHFC). I switch him to Wellness CORE dry food and it has been wonderful! http://www.wellnesspetfood.com/recipes.aspx?pet=cat&ft=1

Ooo, getting a bit upset now are we?

I bet you've never picked up a dog training book in your life, what, because it's too hard? Don't have the time to learn the science of dogs? Bet you got one and just winged it cause, hey, how hard to could it be to raise a dog?

Here's one that I recommend to all of my friend's with dogs and after our talk, I feel like we've become close friends. The Art of Raising A Puppy

Dog training isn't some evil action that I feel you think it is. If you think about it, ever since dogs were domesticated, they've had to be trained in order to co-exist with humans. You do this a certain way for me, I give you food and love. It's a mutually beneficial relationship.

Sure you can just have one and let it live with you, no rules, all free willy. But eventually, your dog is going to do something you don't like. Now you can pass it off as dogs will be dogs but one of these day's your dog might do something that someone else doesn't like, and once you anger enough people or if the act is bad enough, it's going to affect you and you will be personally responsible. Remember, a dog without conflict, is a happy dog. What that means is if he behaves, people can only love him and there will never be a reason for anyone to be upset at him.

I really hope you learn how to raise a good dog, and if it ever comes to it, learn how to raise a good child. Don't go into it thinking you know everything. Do a little research, and read some books. You'll soon learn that there is a lot about dogs that you really don't know, and that's ok, it's a learning experience for both of you.

Hey! I had this same issue! My cat took up chewing on cords in order to motivate me when I tried to ignore her... so I had to replace several computer mice and headphones :(

I've FINALLY found a solution that prevents them from waking me up at 5am every morning! PLAY!

Seriously, play with your cat (we have great success with this thing) until they're panting right before bed. Then play immediately when you get up at normal time and feed them then.

I usually feed my cats around 7:30 am when I get up for work and again around 6pm when I am home from work. I play with them vigorously before each feeding session, and they've even come to expect it and enjoy it (they bring me the toy, for example).

It took about 10 days for it to REALLY kick in but oh my god it totally worked. It went from being woken up constantly starting around 5am to them sleeping with us soundly until my alarm goes off. It's a miracle.

I posted this earlier, maybe it will help you and /u/jlandfilms —

>My cat gave up on the other half of fetch for a while too. But I read somewhere that you should roll the ball torward them first, and it worked. :) We sort of play catch for a few minutes, and then she'll run after them and bring them back.

>Also, these splash balls were just $4 for 24 and they're her favorite, really easy for her to carry. She even has two favorites, one flattened out one that she brings when she wants cuddles, and one that she brings when she wants to play. :3

That is a very nice fountain... Bonus that I think it's pretty ascetically pleasing for humans also. I plan on upgrading soon to a porcelain one... For now my two cats like this one as well...
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Pet-Stainless-Fountain-Raindrop/dp/B0037NKDSG/ref=zg_bs_2975263011_2

I bought these two fountains for my cats who were sink/faucet drinkers up to that point (I've noticed that they drink more water now, which is a good thing!):

https://www.chewy.com/drinkwell-multi-tier-pet-fountain/dp/48096

https://www.amazon.com/Catit-43742-Flower-Fountain/dp/B0146QXOB0/ref=sr_1_2?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1500244627&sr=1-2&keywords=catit+flower+fountain

Just a head's up to pass along in case your friend decides to buy one of these fountains: be sure to buy some filters since you need to change those about once or twice a month, depending on your muni water's quality.

Here's a good bargain on those replacement filters:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CO1NY5A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You also need to clean the fountain every couple of weeks or so to get rid of any debris, cat hair, "slime" etc that accumulated over time.

It's very easy to play with cats without having to touch them. Toys like this, this, and a laser pointer are awesome at entertaining kitties.

I’ve gotten pretty close.

Buy a hammock. Not a one of the rope ones, the fabric ones. Make sure it’s one that is big enough to wrap around you when you get in. Then, grab a soft blanket and get in. Would suggest using a second one on the bottom as well, or have one big enough to wrap around you as the bottom isn’t insulated well. You’ll also want a pillow for lounging in it. If have a small bean bag one I like, but have also grabbed a throw pillow off the couch and used that.

Bought this one almost a year ago. Got it for $65 and had it inside all winter. Honestly it’s just as comfortable as my bed and I slept in it frequently. My sister came over while I was away for a week to feed my cat. She would dismiss herself from school (senior in high school, at 18 you can dismiss yourself) and go take naps in it.

Thanks Vegas.. another friend recommended that and you're right it definitely does help! I've also got one of these that helps a lot too:

Coastal Evolution W6110 Grooming Undercoat Rake with Rotating Teeth, Double Row https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0002DIRYG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_o-viyb839XKYG

> As far as the rest of basic kitty care, a water fountain is definitely an excellent idea. We have one for our two cats and they L O V E it. It's cute and didn't cost very much, either. Here's a link: Catit Flower Fountain https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0146QXOB0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MWVmzbNH28CMW

Seconding this, it was absolutely worth the purchase. Running water is much, much better than stagnant, and the filter keeps it clean. The basic water bowls I bought before would always get incredibly gross, but this thing has been wonderful for my cat.

I assume yours is a two-loop step in harness like this one?

If so, you can attach a sturdy keyring or carabiner to where the front-most horizontal strap goes through the between-the-legs strap, so you can attach the leash to the dog's chest instead of the back.

It's NOT as good as a purpose made front-clip harness like OP's dog has, and there is a risk of the dog being able to escape the harness if they do a serious tuna fish maneuver (though I've had dogs escape from step-ins even when top clipped), but I've walked a few dogs ghetto-front-clipped with this step-in kind of harness and it's much better than back-clipping for leash pullers.

If you're worried about slipping out, you can attach the leash to the collar via a safety strap, and put a sturdy keyring around the two D rings at the clasp just in case.

EDIT: As a dog walker who's used a LOT of different harnesses on different dogs, this style of harness is by far my favourite. There are loads of different brands that make basically the same thing so shop around, but it's a really good design for medium to large breeds.

There's a book called "Homer's Odyssey" - a true story written by the author who adopted a blind kitten. Too cute!

I have a cat with special needs and its very rewarding being able to be there for her. Though from what I understand, Bacon and Eggs likely won't need too much help getting around!

Oh shoot. But isn't my dog precious? Lol, but it was the wisdom panel from Amazon. Mars Veterinary Wisdom Panel 3.0 Breed Identification DNA Test Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EHX2BH0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_cXGpzbG1BR3ZF

> I respectfully disagree that hugging equates to slapping.

I never said that. This was just an example to show that you don't need a peer reviewed study for something to be understood. It could have been anything.

>They all reference a Dr. Stanley Coren, as does the article that you just posted, who is the author of the op-ed I was referencing.

Yes and the article I posted is written by an animal behaviorist who offers their own perspective. It isn't simply an article about the OpEd.

You are literally trying to discredit multiple experts on the matter with your personal experience with your dog. Dogs seeing hugs as a sign of dominance has been well established for decades. I learned about it in my college psych classes long before that article was published in 2016. Here's a 2002 book that references it.

I am envious of your ability to record video in the first place :P

If you want a good, cheap lens, the Canon 50mm f/1.8 II is a ton of fun, really good, and surprisingly inexpensive. It's pretty much a must have IMO. I also have a 55-250 that I don't use much but like to keep around for when I go to the zoo and whatnot.

Mildly obsessed with Maine Coons (understatement of the year). Worked at a vet clinic for cats for 9 years, 5 as a vet nurse, and we had some of the top Maine Coon breeders in NZ as our clients. It was the Maine Coon Fan Club whenever I was on reception!

Sounds like your scaredy cat has been abused systematically while in his kittenhood. He's scared of the sudden movements because those were the types of movement that hurt him before - you're fortunate the previous owners didn't stroke him before hurting him, or you'd have a whole new level of terror to deal with.

I can suggest interacting with him in ways that don't always involve his direct focus on you - try [Da Bird Cat Toy] (http://www.amazon.com/Da-Bird-Cat-Toy-Store/dp/B000F9JJJE) as a good way of having him occupied in a positive activity while you're around. It will also begin to desensitise him to your movement, because he's focusing on the toy so much. Start out with very minimal movement of your body for a few 'play sessions', then start moving your arms a bit wider, and a bit quicker, just keeping it within his comfort range. He shouldn't notice your movement too much, because he should be quite intent on the feathers. However, in the background of his mind, he'll realise that you're there and moving around a lot, and quite quickly, and nothing bad is happening. It will take him a while, but he will eventually come to terms with the fact that you are not going to hurt him.

Your other wee boy sounds so damn cute, and he'd probably enjoy Da Bird Cat Toy as well! I've got one for my Maine Coon and she goes positively wild for it!

Oh oh oh! By the way! GET ONE OF THESE http://www.amazon.com/GoCat-Apart-Feather-Assorted-Colors/dp/B000F9JJJE

Great for getting some of that spare energy out, and far out it's funny to watch them chase it.

When my wooly Mally is blowing her coat, it is a multi-step process. Step one is using a slicker brush like /u/blounsbury linked - that helps get rid of most of the loose fur. I then move on to a rake style undercoat brush, often in conjunction with a de-matting rake. That will get the bulk of the undercoat out. The second to last step is using a metal comb to make sure all of the undercoat "chunks" are out. The final step is going over with the slicker brush for the final time.

Understand that this is a multi-day event. While the sound of "blowing the coat" sounds like something that should just suddenly happen, it takes place over a week or so. I measure my Mally's fur output in cats. Day one is usually one cat-sized lump of fur. Day two is like three. By day 3 and 4, we're usually down to a cat a day.

My Shiba uses one brush for his entire grooming process when he's blowing his coat - The Furminator. It does zip for a wooly Malamute (even the long-haired version does nothing).

Try getting a de-furminator and brush him on a daily basis. They love that stuff and it helps with shedding as well. I have this one and it works wonders. I suggest buying it on Amazon because Petsmart will rip you off.

Way cute! Seriously, get a nice dog brush like the furminator. They shed like a mother f**ker.

Awwwwww. I just noticed your username! I feel the same way with two kitties that shed like it's going out of style. I have a Furminator that was recommended to me on Reddit by a professional cat groomer! That thing is seriously awesome!!!

Congrats! You brought me back 16 years ago when I brought a GS puppy for my 4 year old son. I read quite a few dog training books. None off them worked well. I then got a copy of this book from my local library.https://www.amazon.com/Art-Raising-Puppy-Revised/dp/0316083275 It's called the "The art of raising a puppy" by the monks of New Skete. It allowed me to get into the mind of my puppy. To make this short, I had a fantastically trained puppy who got even better as he got older. It took me about 15 to 20 minutes a day to train my dog. Find a copy of this book you will not be sorry. As for hair, brush every other day or so collect it and put it in a shoe box outside. Birds will come by and take it all for nests.

3 years ago I got my husky, and suddenly theres husky puppies popping up all over the neighborhood. Please know what your getting into with a Husky. They need at least 1 hour of full mental and physical exercise each day... simply expecting them to be a house-dog is just cruel to this particular breed.

Me? I have him pull a 3 wheeled trike in winter, a bike in autumn/spring, walks in summer, all 45 minutes long. One hour dog-park visits on weekends. Daily combing, 30 minutes of toy play every day I get home from work. He's broke two of these (never buying them again) and we've resorted to having simple heavy duty industrial bungee cords and a heavy duty harness.

Even after 3 years I don't understand him. He doesn't care for fetch, or understand the point of tug-of-war, he just looks at you funny when you throw something. He's crazy smart (knows how to open kitchen drawers, twist the front door knob, and knows how to unlock the gate to get into the living room).

My dog was in a fire at 6 weeks old when his parents & 5 brothers/sisters died... and has had severe territorial aggression (disturbed while sleeping can result in a deep bite to your foot or arm) issues we've never been able to address (even with behavioralists and medication). He's a big fan routines though.. which is great because I suck at them so we help each other out.

All in all, a husky is a lot of work, it's a relationship built on respect rather than "I am the master, you are the pet." You get an amazing friend that is beyond just being a dog. Huskies are independent, have strong personalities, and can tell when your having a stressful day so they'll always be there for you when you need them.

I had the same reaction, but the cop has this thermometer in his other hand. Looks like he knew what he was doing.

Lots of exercise. Whether it's ball chasing or running alongside you while you run/bicycle/skateboard whatever. Exercise isn't the same as playing or just going for a walk.

I could also thoroughly recommend the book The Other End of the Leash. It's a fantastic resource.

They like to drink running water because it is more likely to be fresh. Also, they tend to not drink out of bowls near their food source because in the wild the water would have been contaminated. Get one of these and the cat will be in heaven.

http://www.amazon.com/pet-supplies/dp/B00063446M

I've had great luck with this fountain. Well made, quiet, adjustable flow and the filters are inexpensive. http://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Drinkwell-Platinum-Pet-Fountain/dp/B000L3XYZ4

Noses, man. And follow the sound of the kibble being poured in the bowl.

Also, close your eyes and move around a little. Carefully, obviously. You will probably be able to feel the different way the air moves when you're near a wall. And the different way the sounds you make come back to you. Now multiply by the acuity of a dog's senses and the fact that he doesn't have to worry about things like what the boss told him he needed to be sure to get done by Monday.

I read a great book about a blind cat, Homer's Odyssey. Caught bugs out of the air he did.

I tried treat balls similar to these:
meal ball
treat egg

He thought those were ok but he really loves when I put the treats somewhere he can put his whole arm in (I don't know why) like this:
mouse maze

He gets really into it and will dive bomb the maze and shove his arms as deep inside as he can. It slides around on the floor with him. The larger holes means some pieces come out very easily but enough get stuck/move around that he spends 20min+ trying to get every last piece out. He even uses his paws to cup pieces and lift them out.

I just posted above you, but you might want to try something like this. I had the same issues with my cat and this has worked really well for us.

http://www.amazon.com/Petsafe-SlimCat-Meal-Dispensing-Blue/dp/B0018CG40O#

I was thinking about getting this lens. Would that make a good Nifty Fifty? Relatively cheap? And when you say prime lens does that mean one that just doesn't zoom? Prime = Fixed?

When I first adopted my cat, she got really sick, vomited foam, and started to act lethargic. I called the vet and he said that she was probably dehydrated - that she had probably learned to stay away from standing water during her days as a stray, and to turn the tap on and see if she'd drink.

I couldn't coax her out from under the table to bring her to the sink, so I crawled under there with her and slowly poured water from one bowl into another as she slowly lapped from the stream between them. After an hour of that, she stood up and crawled into my lap. Best buds ever since :)

I bought one of these the next day, and she loves it!

Cute! My husband was pretty allergic to cats when we picked up our first cat. My vet recommended Allerpet. It's a liquid that you apply topically to your cat one every day for about two weeks (you just slick them down with a dampened cloth), and it keeps their dandruff, the part most people are allergic to, from iterating you.

This really helped my husband and now we have added two more cats to our household without issue. As long as the cats don't sit on his face, he doesn't have many problems anymore. In fact, since having the cats for 8+ years, we don't even need it anymore as I think he has built up some tolerance.

If you have a cat that stalks the water faucet, I suggest getting a water fountain. I bought one for my cat and he absolutely loves it. As an added bonus he no longer begs for me to turn the faucet on and he drinks more now than he ever did before.

My cats have this fountain. It's great! It bubbles at the top.

if he has energy to chew he might not be getting enough exercise. longer walks and more play time.

if you have a yard and he is into "fetch" get a [chuck-it] (http://www.amazon.com/Chuckit-Ball-Launcher-Colors-Vary/dp/B00006IX59/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342583169&sr=8-1&keywords=chuck+it) No more picking up the slobbery ball with your hand!

Like most things in my home, amazon

Also,
Chewy has it if you don't like Amazon.
I use them for a lot of pet supplies and they are great.

Get an easy walk harness by premier. It will resolve that. My wife who barely tops 5' can walk ours with out problem.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/PREMIER-Easy-Walk-Harness-LARGE/dp/B0009ZBKG4/ref=tag_stp_s2_edpp_url/278-9582196-0140445

Confession: I bought my cats a fountain so they always have a supply of moving water. They really seem to love it!

> http://www.amazon.com/Chuckit-Classic-Launcher-Colors-Vary/dp/B00006IX59

If your dogs are anything like mine, the extra $5 for the one with the comfortable handle (instead of hard plastic) is a no-brainer... plus it throws a bit farther!

The cat might appreciate a water fountain; it's a lot more appealing to many cats than drinking out of a bowl. Considering how many cats get kidney failure, anything that will help them drink more water is a good thing!

Get her something like this, which drops a treat but requires your cat to actively work for it.

Yea, most bolws with flowing water will do it. I like this one though, personal favorite, because its customizable for your cats preference. Its the one I have for my little dude. It's just a bit pricey.

Catit Flower Fountain https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0146QXOB0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_QgEJzbH45NY16

You should get one of these. We use one and it works pretty well.
http://www.amazon.com/Drinkwell-D2VVI-RE-DWVVI-RE-Platinum-Fountain/dp/B000L3XYZ4

This is the model that I own and my cats love it.

I got my cats one of these a couple years ago. It's awesome. There's a little filter in in (since city water is kinda gross, at least in my building), and it holds a lot of water, which means during times like the hot summer we just had, I can go to work or away for a day or two without being worried about my cats water supply.

I also have one I bought off Amazon and it is absolutely amazing.

She might like something like this

I have the Drinkwell Original I ordered from Amazon. Its only $30 and I'm happy with it. It took a couple days for our cat to get used to it but now he is fine with it.

I'll assume you're referring to how the closer part of the image is blurry and not directions on how to involve a puppy :) This is known as a shallow depth of field, which is common on lenses with large apertures. As a related example, when you see a portrait with the background all blurry but the subject in focus, it's known as bokeh. This was likely taken with a "prime lens", ie. one with a fixed length, and doesn't have a zoom feature. The cheapest way to get a shot like this would be to use an SLR and such a lens. For example, Canon has a 50mm f/1.8 lens for about $100 on Amazon.

That's my wonderful boyfriend, wearing my hoodie, and throwing the ball for them with a ChuckIt. (We have a big backyard.)

My Mom's cat loves this thing.

https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Drinkwell-Platinum-Pet-Fountain/dp/B000L3XYZ4

This is the one we use. He's had it for a couple of months and it's still in good shape considering he abuses it and sends it flying across the room constantly, and it was like 8$. Plus it has adjustable holes so you can make it easier while they learn to use it then harder after and it works with different kibble sizes.

Loose leash walking

No Pull harnesses are also a good tool to use while training.


Barking at strangers - she has a whole series of videos about barking at different stimuli you may want to check out too.

They don't always have them because it's like a close out site. But they usually have them for under $100. Amazon has them too

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004YJCP7O/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1466433647&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=vivere+hammock&dpPl=1&dpID=411wF2HIBfL&ref=plSrch

Widsom Panel is $80, and I was very pleased.

You guys should read the book Homer's Odyssey about the blind cat who ends up being a complete boss. It's a good story, especially if you like cats.

I find the ones with spinning pins work much better, such as https://www.amazon.com/Evolution-Double-Undercoat-Rake-Rotating/dp/B0002DIRYG/

get one of these, some tennis balls, and get ready to never stop til they drop...

Everyone who is getting a puppy should buy their book, The Art of Raising a Puppy.

Seriously, everyone. It's a recipe for friendly, obedient dogs.

We use easy walk harnesses, they hook in front. We don't get pulled around like a dogsled now.

Similar idea: my cat eats all of his dry food out of a treat ball like this. Not sure if it would help with the multi-cat problem, but it does slow him down and it gives him something to do while I'm away at work.

I feel you, cat-owner-bro.

But think like you were, also, a feral killer feline beast: Why would you drink water from a well when you could drink it from a river? Running water it's safer to drink from.


Making a long story short: http://www.amazon.com/pet-supplies/dp/B00063446M

> point me to some resources

• /r/Dogtraining
  
• Dog Behavior
  
• /r/Dogtraining/wiki/books
  
• /r/Dogtraining/wiki/index
  
• Dog Training Basics
  
  The Culture Clash and The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs (from the wiki/books link) would probably be really good choices if you're trying to learn how dogs "work", and the "Dog Behavior" link has a lot of information on specific problems.

You can buy a DNA kit off Amazon to find out what he is. Here is a link to the kit. Click Here

Nifty fifty.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-1-8-Camera-Lens/dp/B00007E7JU

ta-da!

https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Drinkwell-Original-Pet-Fountain/dp/B00063446M/ref=pd_day0_199_2?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00063446M&pd_rd_r=WZARN2Y6KR6C9BYE072D&pd_rd_w=uINke&pd_rd_wg=BUcU4&psc=1&refRID=WZARN2Y6KR6C9BYE072D

or a water fountain.https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Drinkwell-Platinum-Pet-Fountain/dp/B000L3XYZ4/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1486485202&sr=8-2-fkmr2&keywords=dog+water+foun

I got this one a few months ago. It looks dope. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0037NKDSG?pc_redir=1412054906&robot_redir=1

WalkyDog + a padded chest harness (for your dog's safety).

It will change your life

I prefer this one. Catit Flower Fountain https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0146QXOB0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_BbDJzbYYCVG53

about $80. https://www.amazon.com/Mars-Veterinary-Wisdom-Panel-Identification/dp/B01EHX2BH0

Relevant

I use a shampoo called Allerpet. It's available on amazon. I'm not one to praise products, but this is a miracle product. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000S0L0M4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486641321&sr=8-1&keywords=allerpet&dpPl=1&dpID=31UO6m8AJxL&ref=plSrch

I used the shampoo when the cats were kittens, and now I just use the wetting stuff. Really changed my life and my son's.

I'm extremely allergic to cats. We used this stuff http://www.amazon.com/Allerpet-Cats-People-Allergic-Ounces/dp/B000S0L0M4 when we got our cats, and it worked wonders. After a few months of using it, we were able to slow down and eventually stop using it, and I had built up a resistance to our cats' dander.

I still get clogged up like crazy with other people's cats, but around our house it wasn't a problem (cats are both deceased now - this was about 18 years ago).

http://www.amazon.com/Chuckit-Classic-Launcher-Colors-Vary/dp/B00006IX59

no bending over to pick up and throw it much further.

Cute as hell. Needs to be furminated.

^^Former ^^Ragdoll ^^Owner.

You need this in your life:
Da Bird Interactive Feather Cat toy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000F9JJJE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_bh8Jwb3CAJZF3

we've had cats before and nothing prepared us for our furry terrorist. Walls, sofas, curtains, carpets - all torn or damaged. Fingers and arms bleeding. Children running scared. she is tiny but she makes her presence known.

We give her a lot of love and she is much softer than when she was a kitten but she needs constant play with the feather cat toy and lots of high places to sleep/skulk/plot.

I don't think they can be indoor cats as someone would quickly end up murdered.