Home | Author Archives: hcrotsley (page 2)

Author Archives: hcrotsley

Feed Subscription
avatar
Currently an owner of 3 dogs and 2 cats, I’ve gained a plethora of pet-related experience over the years. I strive to provide the best home I can for my little terrors, and you’ll read all about our trials and tribulations as I continue down the rewarding yet rocky road of pet parenthood.

Other posts by

What kind of crate should you buy for your dog?

So you’ve decided to start crate training your dog. Congratulations! You’ve taken the first step towards creating a safe haven in your home where your dog can have a place to rest and feel safe during uncertain times or when they are unsupervised.

The first obvious step to crate training is to purchase a dog crate, however there are so many choices on the market, where do you start? The first thing you’ll want to consider is the adult size of your dog. Sometimes you won’t know the adult size of your dog, say if you have adopted a mutt. In this case you’ll have to make your best guess at the adult size you think your dog will grow to be (I’ve been wrong all three times, good luck!). If you have a purebred, they’re all generally the same size range, so choosing the right size crate is simpler.
Read More »

Top Five DOs and DON’Ts of Crate Training

Crate Training Gone Wrong

Read my full Crate Training Guide on That Pet Place

Welcome back, Pet Blog Readers! I’ve missed you!

We’ve been spending a lot of time focused on crate training and how to crate train your dog recently. Why have we been so focused on it? Crate training, if that is the route you are planning to go, is a long process and you must have dedication and commitment and stick to the training in order for it to work properly. You don’t want your dog to dread the crate – you want them to love it and look forward to their alone time or a place for solace. The only way that will happen is if you follow our guide and only move at a pace that your dog is comfortable with.

To summarize and simplify our crate training series, I put together my list of the top 5 things you should do when you are crate training and the top 5 things to avoid while crate training. Good luck!

 

 

Top 5 “Dos” of Crate Training

  • DO exercise your pet before crating
  • DO place the crate in a quiet corner of a frequently used room
  • DO make their crate comfortable and inviting
  • DO provide appropriate toys and treats in the crate [only if your pup can be trusted with toys while unsupervised – use your judgement]
  • DO choose a crate that will be the appropriate size when your pup grows up

Top 5 “Don’ts” of Crate Training

  • DON’T use the crate for punishment
  • DON’T force your dog into the crate
  • DON’T leave dogs in the crate for a long periods of time
  • DON’T let children or adults tease your crated dog
  • DON’T rush the crate training process

If you’re looking for more information on how to crate train your dog, check out my full crate training guide on thatpetplace.com. You’ll find specific details on each step of the crate training process and some of the commonly encountered problems and how to deal with them.

If you’re just starting the crate training process be sure to leave us a comment and let us know if our guides have helped you. We’d also love to know what kinds of problems you’re running into while trying to crate train your dog. Leave us a comment and we will consult with our experts to try to come up with a solution to help.
Read More »

Top 3 Crate Training Questions, Answered

Continuing our series on crate training, this segment will answer some of the top questions we get when people are considering crate training their dogs or puppies. Our previous posts included why you should consider crate training and the three main steps for crate training your dog. Hopefully by now you know that crate trained dogs don’t view their crates as punishment, but as a refuge in a world that is constantly changing around them. You also know that crate training can be a slow process. That leads us to our first question:

How Long Will Crate Training Take?

The answer to this very common question is “It depends.” It depends on your dog’s age, temperament, personality, and any past experiences they may have had in a crate.

It is very important not to rush the process of crate training. Take your time and only proceed when your dog is comfortable with the last step in the training process. If you move too fast, your dog may become anxious or fearful of the crate. The purpose of your dog’s crate is to provide a safe, comfortable environment where your dog can retreat to if they are anxious, scared, or there is too much excitement in the house.

The crate should always be a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment, which is why you should never use the crate as a tool for punishing bad behavior. Make sure to provide plenty of treats, praise, fun toys, and love while you are crate training. Your dog will learn to enjoy time in the crate and will begin to use it on his own, without you asking him to go to his crate.

The second most common question we hear has to do with whining. Many puppies have this issue in particular and it can be heart wrenching to listen to. Lets talk about some steps to try if your dog is whining while they are inside their crate.

What do I do if my dog is whining?

You never want to let your dog out of the crate when they are whining. This only serves as a “reward” and they’ve now learned that whining will get them out of the crate. Consider first that your puppy may be whining because he needs to go to the bathroom. Calmly take him straight outside to do his business and return him to the crate without any stops along the way.
Read More »

3 Simple Steps to Crate Train Your Dog

3 easy steps for crate trainingCrate training your dog may seem like a daunting task. In our last post of this series we discussed the benefits associated with crate training. This time we’ll focus on simplifying the crate training process into three easy steps that anyone can follow. You, too can have a successfully crate trained dog who is happy to sleep in their crate and retreat there when life becomes hectic!

After you select your dog crate, the first step is to slowly introduce the new furniture to your dog.

Step 1: Introduce the crate

• Select your location and put a soft blanket or crate pad in the crate. Add a few favorite toys and chews. Please note: do not provide chews and toys if you dog is a heavy chewer or is not trusted with chews while unsupervised. Some dogs can destroy toys or chews and suffer from impactions or choke on the pieces.
• If your dog begins investigating the crate on his own, provide plenty of praise and treats for going near or in the crate on his own. You’ll want to stock up on training treats for this process!
• If he does not come to investigate on his own, sit by the crate and talk to him in soft, soothing tones. Call him over to you. Remember to give treats and praise each time he comes near the crate.
• Once he is comfortable being around the crate, begin to toss small treats just inside the door. Praise him each time he goes in to retrieve the treat.
• Eventually toss the treats farther back until he goes the whole way inside the crate. Lots of praise and love during this step. This is the part that may take the longest. Remember never to force him into the crate. You want him to choose to enter the crate on his own.

The key that many people disregard is that crate training does not happen overnight. Depending on your individual dog, this process could take weeks. You want to take it slow and only proceed once your dog is 100% comfortable with the previous step. If they begin to show reluctance or are clearly uncomfortable, slow your pace down and return to the previous step. Read More »

Why Should I Crate Train My Dog?

guideteaserCrate training can be a challenge for many pet parents. The first thing I often hear is that they feel bad leaving them in a crate while they are away instead of letting them have a place to roam and sleep on the couch. Crate training doesn’t have to be a negative thing, in fact, it should be your pet’s favorite place to be… that is if you’ve done your crate training the right way. This is the first of a series of posts about crate training, so lets start with the simplest question to answer: why should I crate train my puppy? P.S. if you can’t wait for the rest of the series of articles, I’ve written a comprehensive guide on crate training available on thatpetplace.com.

Does my dog need a crate?

Lets go back to a time before dogs evolved into, well, domesticated dogs. Wild dogs, foxes and wolves all have a den in the wild. They are all relatives and in the wild have many of the same behaviors. A den acts as a dog’s safe haven. It is a place to retreat to when they are frightened, feel threatened, where they go to eat, and where they raise their young.

In your home your pet’s crate becomes their den. If you follow the right steps the crate becomes your pet’s safe haven, retreat and home within their home.  Scared of thunderstorms? Lay in the crate and feel comforted. Too busy in the house with guests? Retreat to the crate for some rest and relaxation. Fearful that your sister is going to steal your bone? Take it into your crate and feel safe. You can see where I am going, right?
Read More »

Proper Pet Care 101: The Basic Necessities

Happy puppy

Hi Pet Blog Readers,

Please welcome Jordan with this comprehensive guide on pet care: its everything a new pet owner should know and research before bringing home your very first pet. Our pets are family and living creatures. They should be given the best care and attentiveness you have to offer. Good luck on your pet owning adventures and be sure to add anything you think needs to be added to this guide in the comments section!

——
Owning a pet is a huge responsibility, especially if you think about pet health. However, this responsibility also comes with a huge reward in the form of the adoration and love that your pet will show towards you. Wouldn’t you see yourself smiling foolishly whenever you see your dogs wagging their tails at you or your cats dozing off on your lap peacefully? It is like the best feeling in the world that you have made such animals feel safe and happy even if they can only express it in their cute gestures.

First Aid Kit

First Aid Kit ContentsOne of the first things that you need to do in order to ensure the safety of your pets is to have a pet first aid kit at home. You never know when your clever yet naughty animals will get into trouble so you better be ready to handle any crisis that will come your way. The kit should have the following things:

  • Cotton swabs and balls
  • Bandages and sterile gauze pads
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • First aid tape
  • Scissors
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Leash
  • Muzzle
  • Splint
  • Gloves
  • Eye wash
  • Antibacterial ointment
  • Mineral oil
  • Ice pack and hot pack
  • Buffered aspirin
  • Thermometer
  • A bottle of water
  • Veterinary documents
  • Book on pet first aid
  • Other drugs

Cleaning Up After Pets

Read More »

No Monkey Business – Caring for a Pet Monkey

Marcel from FriendsIf you’re as old as I am, you’ll probably remember that Ross from the TV show Friends had a capuchin monkey named Marcel early in the show’s infancy. Despite what the few episodes he appeared in showed, caring for a pet monkey is no simple task!

If you’re considering the purchase of a pet monkey, the first thing you’ll want to do is check on your state and city/county laws on the possession of non-human primates. There are 19 states (including New York and Pennsylvania) that outlaw the possession of monkeys. There are many other states that have partial bans or other requirements for the possession of monkeys as pets. Check out Pet Monkey Info for more information on the laws in your state.

Please welcome Jamal, our guest poster for the rest of this basic care guide on pet monkeys, as pet monkeys are beyond the scope of the pets the experts at That Pet Place. No matter what kind of pet you decide on, you should do a lot of research and talk with other pet owners in your area for advice before making any decision; doubly so for any exotic, uncommon wild creature in the U.S.

——

SQUIRREL MONKEYIt should be noted, that most of you are not cut out to be monkey owners. Now this is not slander on your ability as people, it is merely an observation that the average person does not have the time nor the commitment that is required to properly care for a monkey. A comparable example to a pet monkey is caring for a toddler an entire lifetime.

To the brave few who feel they are up to the task, I salute you and encourage that you read on.

Research

This short guide is a great start to obtaining the information that you would need to begin caring for your first pet monkey, but far from complete. You must do extensive research, scouring the internet and books, for all information you can gather. To take this one step further try reaching out to an actual monkey owner to see what methods they use which you feel will be transferable to your monkey. Do the majority of your research before obtaining your monkey as this could be as this could be the decision maker into whether or not you are up to caring for a monkey. Make sure to research the different breeds of monkeys before getting much farther into the process.
Read More »

Some cat grooming may be best left to the professionals

Hi Pet Blog Readers! I’m pleased to introduce a guest post by Rick Jacobsen in Phoenix, AZ. Rick has three grooming tasks in mind that might just be better left to the professionals. If you’re in the Lancaster, PA area, stop by grooming center, That Groom Room, for a consultation and meet our resident groomers who will pamper your pets with a day at the “spa”!
—-

Cat in lapEven cat lovers acknowledge that they can be fussy creatures and depending on the breed, it can take a lot of effort to properly groom your cat. For example, trying to groom a Persian feline can be a real challenge and in most cases, it is best to leave unwilling participants in the hands of experts! Many cat owners are guilty of delaying the grooming process and this only serves to make things worse, as their pets can suffer from matted hair and it may also be the case where certain medical conditions go unnoticed, because you did not recognize the symptoms. Below, we take a quick look at what a professional cat grooming service can do for you and your beloved pet. Here are my top 3 grooming tasks that should be left to the professionals.
Read More »

Is a ferret the right pet for your home?

ferretFerrets, they’re cute, mischievous, and small. If you’re looking for a pet and not up to the challenge of a cat or a dog, is a ferret the right pet for you? Like any pet, a ferret is going to mean extra money for food and care and requires time to care for the animal. Please welcome today’s guest poster, Catherine Daniels, with a few things to consider before heading to That Fish Place – That Pet Place to adopt your first ferret!

What to Consider Before Getting a Pet Ferret

One of the rookie mistakes all first time pet owners commit is not considering whether this pet is suitable for them, whether they will be able to take care of them, and whether they truly wish to enrich their life with a pet or if they’re just a novelty item. In such cases, people who thoroughly research their pet of choice and take the time to consider all angles of the decision often find that they aren’t ready for a pet. When new pet owners don’t take the time to make this important decision, unwanted animals often are neglected or given up by the family. With a more unusual pet, like a ferret, seriously considering whether you should adopt one or not is more important than ever. So, here are some things that you need to consider before you decide to get a pet ferret.
Read More »

Is a Vet just a Vet? Top Services You Didn’t Know Your Vet Provided

not going to the vet!Everyone has a vet that they see regular for unexpected illnesses and regular exams for their furry family members, but did you know that your veterinary clinic might provide these additional services for caring for your pets? Cutting back on the number of places your dog goes for services can help alleviate their stress, turn the vet into a more positive trip than usual, and can help them socialize (an important part of overall wellness).

If you are a pet parent, you are probably already aware of how important your dog’s or cat’s health to you. Your pet is  like a family member to you, so you may want to be sure that your best buddy receives a high quality and proper health care services. It is important to find right veterinary hospital for your furry friends.

Whether you have just adopted a new pet and you need them to bring them in for vaccinations as well as proper checkup, or you require bringing your pet to an animal doctor for any kind of medical emergency, these veterinarian hospitals delivers variety of services. As these services vary from one place to the other, one will find some type of common services offered at veterinary hospitals. The varieties of services offered at different veterinary clinic are as follows:

Exams and vaccinations:

vetPreventative medicines such as vaccines are a great way to keep you pets healthy as well as free from various unwanted diseases and parasites. Most of the veterinarians advise that the pets should be examined at least once a year. During this examination one can discuss any of the doubts or concerns that one have about the pet with the vets. Also you can discuss about the pet’s dental needs, exercise needs as well as issues regarding what type of diet would be appropriate for the pet’s health. Also the veterinarian would be pleased to give you advice on the proper vaccinations. [Many veterinarians recommend a checkup every 6 months for senior pets – so be sure to schedule your senior pet’s checkup today!]

Behavior counseling:

If your pet is not obedient and behaves disobediently for any of the reason, your veterinarian can help you with that matter. Veteran can guide you what is the cause of this behavior and also he/she may be able to conduct an examination for resolving the cause of the problem. [Most behavioral issues do not need to be treated by a veterinarian, but rather a trainer using positive reinforcement can show you how to improve your pets behavior: from barking problems to housetraining issues. Some behavioral issues require medications from your veterinarian. Your trainer will be able to tell you if medication may ease severe anxiety or if inappropriate chewing/elimination is occurring due to illness so that you can get treated by your vet.]

Boarding:

If in certain situation you plan to go somewhere out of the town for a long period of time, you can board your pet at a veterinary hospital where they can be taken care of. Majority of these clinics have their separate boarding places for the pets and especially for cats and dogs. The pet would be able to fully enjoy the exercise as well as fun along with other pets and toys and feeding every day. The technical clinic staff of animal professionals will more often tend to dogs or cats for their special required needs.
Read More »

Scroll To Top