How to Maintain Your Love Affair ... With Your Dog Part Two - Assemble a Great Team

In part one we talked about forming good behavior traits early. Part two focuses on the types of people you want on your dog's 'team.'

Create a Good Team of Advisors

□ Find A Great Vet. One of the best ways to find a great vet is to ask for referrals from friends and neighbors. It is best to ask people whose relationship with their dog is similar to yours. The Humane Society of the US notes some other things to keep in mind would be the convenience: are their hours amenable to your schedule? Is it easy to get an appointment? Do they have an effective emergency system in case your dog slits her foot on a holiday? How many vets are in the practice? How about parking and space to load and unload your dog? If you have an unusual breed of dog, or one that is generally accepted as a 'difficult' breed (like a Pit-Bull, Chow Chow, etc) how comfortable are they handling your pet? Once you've narrowed down your list of vets, schedule an appointment to meet with the staff, take a tour of the facility and ask them for references from their clients.

□ Be a Good Vet Client. When you've found the right vet for you and your dog, it's important that you work hard to maintain the relationship. Know your dog. By understanding his personality and when "not right" is more than just a pulled muscle from an invigorating game of Frisbee? you can help your vet isolate and catch diseases such as Lyme Disease. If you are aware of the nuances of your pet's regular behavior, you will not spend more time than necessary calling or visiting your vet. Keep up to date on preventive care and keep your doctor in the loop if you are trying new or holistic care options. If you have an appointment, be sure to show up on time and make sure your dog is on a leash.

□ Find a Good Groomer. If your dog is of a particularly furry breed and prone to matting, or you are not comfortable setting aside regular 'home grooming' time, it's important for you to find and use a good professional groomer. You can find a groomer through referrals or through the National Dog Groomers Association of America. Before making your dog's first appointment, see if you can stop by and see their facility. During your tour reflect on the following questions. Is it well-lit? Does it smell and look clean? Are its holding cages adequately sized? How does the staff handle their current clients? Do they seem to act gently? Does the groomer keep updated medical and grooming history?

□ Be a Good Grooming Client. Prepare your dog for his trip to the groomers by continuing your in home 'handling' routine. If he's used to people touching his ears and paws, he will be less stressed when a stranger touches him in an unusual environment. Make sure that your dog is up to date on all his vaccinations and veterinary records. Prepare the groomer for your dog and make them aware of any particular needs he has ? if he is geriatric, tends toward nervousness, or if he has any chronic medical problems.

□ Find a Reliable Pet-Sitter. Because you will need to leave your pet at some time in your relationship, it's important that you have found a reliable person or company to care for your pet in your absence. You may be lucky enough to have family or a neighbor who is reliable and always available to care for your pet. However, if you are new to town and don't have any nearby people to call, you should take time to interview and find a reliable pet-sitting company. Ask your vet or neighbors for referrals and be sure to interview a few companies to make sure you have the right fit. Important questions include: are they bonded and insured? Do they have experience with your breed of dog? Do they have back-up plan in case of illness or emergency? If you travel frequently on short notice, it is also important to ask how far in advance you must book to guarantee service. Perhaps most important is to take notice of how they interact with your pet. A couple of places to search on-line for a professional pet-sitter are The National Association of Professional Pet-Sitters or Pet Sitters International.

□ Be a Good Pet-Sitting Client. Whenever possible, book with plenty of time to assure your place on the company's schedule. Many pet-care businesses are run by a single person who may book up early, so once you know your schedule, make an appointment for your pet's care. Be clear about your expectations, if you don't want your pet-sitter to give your pet treats, make it clear. Be sure your dog is up-to-date with all vaccinations and complete all required paperwork prior to your first appointment. You will be asked to provide all pertinent information regarding the health and medical history of your pet. Do not make it difficult for your pet-sitter to park or access your home ? have parking passes and keys ready for your sitter at the time of your initial interview.

Peggie Arvidson-Dailey is the founder of the Pet-Care Business Success University and the author of several articles, books and classes on running a successful home-based business. Go here: http://www.peggiespets.com/wst_page9.html to get your free copy of "243 Tips for Running a Successful Pet-Care Business."

---

Providing The Best Care For Your Goldfish

Goldfish care is critical for the health of your goldfish. Unfortunately, goldfish are very vulnerable to disease, with young goldfish even more so. Many new goldfish owners have watched their goldfish die in... Read More

Train Your Dog To Be Your Frisbee Playing Buddy

On the surface playing Frisbee with your dog may seem like just a bit of fun, but this activity actually holds other benefits as well.1. Certain breeds are accustomed to an active lifestyle,... Read More

Benny Comes Back!

This has been one of the most rewarding adventures I have ever volunteered to do. First, let me tell you just a little bit about my two dogs, a short little Bio on... Read More

How To Setup A Freshwater Tropical Fish Tank

This is an 11 step guide to setting up a freshwater aquarium in your home. Equipment you will need: Aquarium Aquarium gravel Aquarium filter Replacement filter media ... Read More

Correcting a Dog Behavior Problem - Jumping

The first thing to realize when you are training a dog is that he only does things that work. Therefore, when you are dealing with a dog behavior problem, the first thing you... Read More

Keeping Your Cat Healthy

Cats need only be provided with decent shelter, food and water and they will be quite healthy most of the time. Like any other living thing, however, they can get sick and can... Read More

Dogs & Kids: Happy Together

Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best can be the stuff of childhood dreams. At it's worst, it can be a source of heartache and pain and even injury. How... Read More

Garbage-Raiding Dogs: One Simple Solution to the Problem

Got a mischevious mutt on your hands? Then you may know this scenario. You walk in the door and your pal greets you with elated tail wagging, wiggling and sloppy doggy kisses. Then... Read More

4 Ways In Which You Can Show Your Dog How Much You Love Him

Do you have at least one framed photo of your dog somewhere in your house... or maybe in your wallet? Is your dog pretty darn close to being the very center of your... Read More

My Needs are Simple and Few!

My dear owner,Thank you once again for giving me shelter. (Lick, slurp, lick, slurp) Aside from food, shelter and love, my needs are simple and few! Since I am dependent upon you to... Read More

Syrian vs. Dwarf Hamsters, What Should I Get For My Family?

As pets go hamsters are fairly easy to take care of. Hamsters require no walking, are not particularly dirty or stinky, they are small and don't take up much space and are generally... Read More

Toby ? My Whirling Twirling Sheltie

Five years ago this August a funny little puppy came to live in our home.He was tiny, blue-gray and white colored coat, skinny tail that hurt when it hit you and the biggest... Read More

Does Your Dog Need Puppy Prozac?

Is your dog up to dirty no good again? Did he eat your socks? Knock your drink off the coffee table? Chew through your favorite vintage record album? Should you invest in Doggy... Read More

Help Your Dog Become a Good Canine Citizen

Is your dog a gentleman or lady? If so, you may be able to get an award to prove it from the American Kennel Club (AKC) through its Canine Good Citizen Program.This certification... Read More

Cold Weather Pet Care

As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, it's important to pay particular attention to our pets when they're outside. When temperatures get into the twenties and below, with whipping winds, pets... Read More

Westies Dogs ? Please Consider Adopting an Older Westie Dog

Everybody loves a baby animal and Westie puppies are adorable, but new dog purchasers often do not realize the commitment they are making when they bring a puppy home. For those want the... Read More

Chinchillas As Pets

You may wish to consider a chinchilla as a possible pet. They are of the rodent family, (but it doesn't seem that way).Also known as "chins" they have incredible velvety fir, and they... Read More

How To Get Your Pet To Strike The Pose: Tips For Photographing Your Pet

If you have ever tried to take a picture of your dog, you will realize how hard it is to capture the pups full personality and beauty in a photograph. Dogs aren't human,... Read More

Breeding Your Goldfish

If you are keen on breeding Goldfish, you should know that it's not an easy task. It will take a lot of patience, a lot of space in the tank and quite a... Read More

What You Should Know About Dog Health Care

Our dogs are now, more than ever, a very important part of our families. We care for them as we care for ourselves. That includes taking a greater interest in our dogs' health... Read More

Why the Heck Would You Have a Pet Snake (or lizard, crocodile, monitor, frog, turtle etc)?

This is a question that has been asked of me and a thousand (million?) other herp keepers. I think it's almost a case of once bitten, twice as determined. But seriously, it is... Read More

GPS Pet Tracking

If you have a dog or cat that is an escape artist with cross-country travel on its mind, you might want to consider a GPS pet--tracking device. The same technology that enables rangers... Read More

How To Find a Lost Cat

Losing your cat is a worrying experience, use these 'How to find a lost cat' steps, and try to stay calm. Remember that most lost cats have not run away from home, we... Read More

The Beauty of Boxer Dogs

Boxer dogs are an all around great breed, especially skilled in hunting and police work, and are always alert and vigilant, making for a very instinctive guard dog. Boxer dogs can bring you... Read More

Heartworms Alert - Know The Warning Signs To Save Your Pets Health!

Has your pet recently been coughing, eating less, or being more lethargic than usual? If so, it is possible that your pet is infected with heartworms and may need immediate help and attention.... Read More

Six Dog Training Tips to Modify Negative Behavior

Almost every dog owner will have to use some sort of behavior modification techniques at one time or another when training their prized pet. If you are able to 'get' why your dog... Read More

Natural Approaches to Dealing With Pesky Fleas

Problems with Commercial Flea Killers & TraditionalFlea Bite Treatments***Chemicals that act as poisons are strong enough tokill fleas, but the long term effects on pets areunknown, although they are probably not safe touse.... Read More

Puppy Training that is Safe for Your Puppy

Puppy training can and should begin the day you bring your puppy home, but only if it's approached in a safe manner for your puppy and his sensitivities. Housetraining your puppy can be... Read More

Clipper Experiments: A Tail in Two Parts

Poor Dog. Subjected to my most ambitious experiments, she still falls for the old line, "C'mon, Honey, it'll be FUN!" Grooming the Dog and Fun do not belong in the same sentence together.... Read More